Panasonic DMC GF2 Review | 108 Data compared

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is highlighted as a highly compact, modernized mirrorless camera featuring a lightweight aluminum body, a responsive 3-inch touchscreen, and fast contrast-detection autofocus. Key improvements include Full HD 1080i video recording with built-in stereo microphones, though the design sacrifices physical controls like a mode dial for a simplified, menu-driven interface. Performance, however, is constrained by an aging 12.1-megapixel sensor that produces aggressive JPEG noise at high ISO levels and offers limited dynamic range compared to contemporary competitors. Additionally, the camera lacks in-body image stabilization and an external microphone input, limiting its utility for professional videography, according to the analysis at DPReview and dpreview.com.

The COMPUTER BILD review awards the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 a "good" rating of 1.9, praising it as a highly capable and exceptionally compact mirrorless system camera tailored for ambitious hobby photographers. The review highlights several notable advantages, including its lightweight, ultra-portable design and an intuitive user interface powered by a fixed touchscreen that easily accommodates beginners. Its overall performance sees major updates from the previous model, achieving a fast burst rate of up to 3.7 frames per second. Furthermore, despite retaining a 12-megapixel sensor, the chip quality and image processing provide enhanced detail, high contrast, and true-to-life color reproduction with virtually zero visible noise. Video capabilities are also strong, supporting 1080i high-definition recording with Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo sound, matching the quality of standalone camcorders. However, the review points out clear drawbacks that prospective buyers should consider. The primary disadvantage of this streamlined, smaller chassis is the total lack of a built-in viewfinder; users must buy a costly electronic plug-in viewfinder accessory priced at 229 Euros if they prefer eye-level framing. Additionally, unlike some of its sister models, the 3-inch...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is a highly compact, lightweight system camera tailored primarily for users upgrading from point-and-shoot cameras. Weighing just 315 grams, its design mirrors a standard compact camera and fits easily into a jacket pocket when paired with a slim pancake lens. The camera introduces a fresh, touchscreen-oriented interface that removes traditional dials like the mode wheel, allowing quick navigation for casual shooting, though it can become tedious when constantly altering specific manual settings like exposure compensation or burst modes. Key practical features include an integrated pop-up flash, Full-HD video recording at 25 fps with stereo sound, a "Quick Menu" customizable with ten frequent functions, and an "Ai" button for fully automatic shooting. In terms of performance, the camera yields mixed results, showing distinct strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side (pros), it delivers impressive daylight photos with high resolution (1,369 line pairs) and 71% detail retention, features a responsive touchscreen that supports touch-to-focus shooting, and offers a burst mode speed of up to 2.8 JPEG frames per second. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks (cons), particularly its...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is a highly compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera featuring a 12-megapixel sensor and a new dual-control concept that utilizes a 3-inch touchscreen alongside physical buttons. Designed to appeal to casual users upgrading from compact point-and-shoots, it stands out for its improved Full HD video recording (1920 x 1080 pixels) in the efficient AVCHD format, complete with stereo sound, wind reduction, and an active level meter. Its responsive performance is highlighted by a fast contrast autofocus system (0.38 to 0.49 seconds) and an unlimited continuous shooting mode at 2.8 frames per second. Furthermore, its aluminum body comes in four color choices (black, silver, red, and white) and benefits from the market's extensive selection of compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses. However, the GF2 introduces several trade-offs, particularly due to the elimination of the mode dial and the AF/AE-lock button to achieve its downsized form factor. While the touchscreen adds menu flexibility, it also leads to accidental setting changes when handled carelessly. In terms of image quality, it lags behind its direct rival, the Olympus E-PL2, at lower...

The Panasonic Lumix GF2 is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system camera that features a compact metal body and a 12-megapixel sensor, carrying forward the premium build quality of its predecessor, the GF1. It introduces high-definition video recording in 1080p at 25 frames per second with stereo sound, providing a significant boost in sharpness over the previous generation. A major physical transformation is the shift toward a touch-screen-oriented control layout, making the camera noticeably sleeker and flatter. While the camera offers high mobility and fits easily into large pockets, the image quality and noise performance at standard settings remain largely identical to the older model, though the software extends sensitivity up to ISO 6400. The reviewer highlights several distinct pros and cons regarding the camera's new interface and ergonomics. On the positive side, the addition of a dedicated "Intelligent Auto" (iA) button near the shutter makes it highly beginner-friendly, and the inclusion of a built-in flash gives it a competitive edge over similar compact systems. However, multiple design trade-offs are noted: the removal of the physical mode dial forces users...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is highlighted as an exceptionally compact and portable mirrorless camera, featuring a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a responsive 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD display. Its primary advantages include excellent portability for street photography, effective tracking autofocus, and intuitive handling. However, the review notes significant performance limitations, with the camera ranking low in its class for image quality, especially in low-light conditions. It also suffers from slow overall speed performance, making it a less ideal choice for specialized photography compared to modern alternatives.