Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens
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Product Description
The GF1 adopts the micro four thirds system standard, which was developed as an extended version of the four thirds system standard for digital camera systems. By using this standard and developing a camera body that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Lumix was able to achieve a dramatic reduction in both size and weight compared with conventional digital SLR cameras, to create a new-generation system camera that features full-time live view, high-speed, high-precision contrast AF, HD movie recording, and more. The GF1 is small enough to take anywhere yet sophisticated enough to take you as far into photography and movies as you want to go.The 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel live MOS sensor featured in the GF1 offers the best of both worlds the superior image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. This sensor is also advantageous for photo and movie recording with its high S/N, thanks to a circuit structure that is unaffected by the noise generated in each of the circuits. It results in clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity.The hybrid GF1 lets you take both high-quality photos and HD movies. You can shoot breathtaking HD movies in AVCHD Lite format (MPEG-4/H.264) backed by the high sound quality of Dolby Digital Creator. And you can record for a longer time without running out of memory because AVCHD Lite stores data more efficiently than Motion JPEG while maintaining stunning image clarity and detail. A dedicated "movie record" button on the top lets you instantly start recording movies while shooting photos, so you don't miss a second of the action.
Feature
- 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor; clear images even when taken at high ISO sensitivity
- Elegant, compact design; includes Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 aspherical lens
- Capture 1280 x 720 HD video in AVCHD Lite format for longer recording time
- Full-time Live View; new My Color mode
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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CustomerReviews
The best in its class.
Sold my Nikon D40 a while ago and got the GF1 pancake kit recently. I never have the habit to carry my D40 around for everyday chores only for special occasion but the GF1 changed that trend and has become my everyday camera that goes with me anywhere. The compactness of GF1 + pancake lens is incomparable it easily slip into my jacket without hassle. It has everything I need in one little package, the design, the image quality, the features, good battery life, video mode 720p. The pancake lens is good for almost every situation. The combination of the two make it a perfect pair. Now I'm a fan of Panasonic lumix.
One thing I wish for this camera is to have built in IS.
NOT the best point 'n shoot...
Make no mistake: This camera ROCKS! I won't bore you with what other reviewers has praised already, regarding this little miracle.
So I'll get to the point on WHAT MAY BE A NEGATIVE. This is not the best point 'n shoot for the price. If your only goal is to use a camera in low light with automatic settings most of the time, for HALF THE PRICE of the GF1, I suggest grabbing the CANON S90 or the PANASONIC LX3. Heck, YOU CAN BUY BOTH for the single price of the GF1, if you don't care about manual settings & lens replacements, that is...
Yes, of course the GF1 is also a great point n shoot. But as a point 'n shoot performer, it doesn't do anything better than the other cameras I mentioned above. Also note that the GF1 DOES NOT have in-camera image stabilization. The accompanied 20mm pancake lens doesn't have IS either. The Canon S90 & the LX3 has IS built-in.
Yes, I have all three cameras plus the Canon XSi. If Panasonic starts selling more lenses for this m-4/3rds... it's bye bye XSi.
Best point and shoot ever
As a point and shoot, this is the best I've seen. I don't have experience with the EP-1, which I understand is similar - but this is definitely the point and shoot to have to make a little better images that are normally possible.
I was shooting with the Leica R8 with its digital back, and its pretty bulky. This is much more portable. I got the adapter for the R lens as well, since its not looking good for Leica to come out with an R10. Using the R lenses is cumbersome, but works and if you have the patience, the results are... well, ok. You lose a lot on the conversion (2x, I believe), so my 180 becomes a 360...
This is not a Leica. The image quality is quite good, but at low light still leaves a lot to be desired. The video is awesome. Its so great to, with a point and shoot camera, just push a single button and its on, you are shooting HD video. The compression scheme is a problem, though. So far I was only able to use it with the software that came with the camera, which is horrible. I want to marry the videos to sound I capture with Cubase, and haven't been able to do that quite yet.
All and all, again, for point and shoot pics, this is the best. For high quality high def pics, not so, even with great lenses (woouldn't it be nice if Panasonic could do a full frame camera using the same format?). And for HD video, this is also pretty good, although it does not have the stabilizer.
A wonderful camera for a happy father
I bought this camera mainly to shoot pictures and video of my 1-year-old baby boy. So far, I have shot a couple thousands of pictures and a couple hundred video clips. My wife and I are very pleased with the performance of the camera.
What I like about this camera:
1. The size is compact enough to fit it into my jacket pocket or hang it around my neck for all day long. Every time I travel with my baby boy, I need to carry a lot of baby care stuffs with me. I need a camera lighter and smaller without creating too much burden.
2. The camera provides decent low light performance up to ISO 800 and ISO 1600 is still usable. My baby is still young and most time stays home. I, therefore, took lots of indoor pictures. The camera handles low light environments very well.
3. Shooting HD video give us plenty of fun. As far as I know, this is the only dSLR (except GH1) in the market that offers HD video feature with Auto Focus feature and limited but enough controls. Babies grows fast and they make lots of funny movements. I could not ask my baby to repeat a good movement when I miss one. The camera allows me to switch video mode easily when I catch the moment. It is nice to have both video and camera features in one machine.
4. The camera offers fast and accurate auto focus. Babies move constanly and hardly stay still. Occasionally, I missed a couple shots but most of time the camera gives pretty good results.
Of course, with the cost of $900, you can buy an entry level dSLR with cheaper price and better image quality due to the bigger sensor size as opposed to four-thirds standard. It all depends on what you need. I have no regrets with the purchase because it fulfills all my expectations.
Check the link below.
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You find some really good pictures and video clips taken by GF1
An excellent compromise
Sometimes it's a chore dragging along the Canon 5D Mark 2 with attached 24-70mm L lens.
I've been waiting for a "grab-and-go" small camera with DSLR-like image quality for a long time.
Panasonic has come to the rescue with the GF1. What a FUN camera!
PRO: Lightweight- no deadweight on your shoulder or around your neck, beautiful image quality from a small camera ( I shoot exclusively in RAW ), fast auto focus, great "pancake" f/1.7 fast lens companion (don't let the lack of OIS chase you away from this setup; my 24-70mm walking-around lens on the
5D2 doesn't have OIS and that's seldom a problem), noise isn't a consideration up to ISO 800 (if you'll consistently shoot high ISO than get NIK's Dfine 2.0 noise reduction software). Battery lasts a LONG time.
Between me and my wife, we have owned many small/point and shoot cameras (Canon SD1100, Canon G6,G9,G10,A650IS) and NONE were as enjoyable as the GF1 is.
CON: Optional EVF dull in comparison to the LCD screen or if you're spoiled by bright DSLR viewfinders,
Mono sound recording, LCD screen easily smudged since it's so big.
Really Right Stuff makes an L-plate for the GF1. Team that with a light monopod with quick release, and you have a VERY light weight combination to take along without dragging you down.
In the past, it was usually a disappointment for me to take a "small" camera along since image quality was always a compromise, so I stopped doing so. This GF1 may not be as great as my 5D2 DSLR, but I'm not disappointed with my images from my "small" camera any more. Don't miss this gem.
More Info: Best Buy Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 12.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with LUMIX G