Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1K 12.1 MP Digital Camera - Black (Kit w/ ASPH 14-45mm Lens)

I like the small size; easy to carry. Nice viewfinder screen. I like that I can use my exiting Leica and CV lenses with an adapter. Seems like good quality construction and seems to be a popular model. Can shoot RAW photos and has many features (many of which I haven't yet mastered). Overall a relatively small investment in a digital camera.

This is the 2nd GF1 body I have purchased. Really enjoy using the GF1. With the Panasonic replacement not what I was hoping for it was time to search for a 2nd USA warranty body. Image quality with decent quality lens is good to excellent. I prefer the "old school" ergonomics of dials & buttons. Size is good compromise between the "P&S" Lumix LX2 and my ancient 35mm SLR gear. Fit and finish seems very solid.

Lacking an optical viewfinder or a built in electronic viewfinder were deficiencies I was hoping Panasonic would have dealt with in gen2. Mirror-less, relatively compact size apparently is preventing even a built in evf. Don't think technology exists yet for an optical viewfinder, mirror less, interchangeable lens system. The lcd monitor on the GF1 is hard to visualize under bright light conditions. Even after turning the monitor up to max and engaging the PowerLCD function this camera has a darker LCD than the LX2. Ended up having to purchase the LVF1. The lower resolution is a mute point when the real world resolution of the lcd monitor is poor due to glare & reflection. Personally I prefer to compose & shot viewing through a viewfinder vs. LCD screen. Quicker & steadier. Especially at longer focal lengths. Not sure if a firmware update can deal with this low powered lcd. Willing to loose some battery life for a LCD monitor that's functional under all but real extreme conditions.

A few other small niggles are the very small size of the strap lugs. Limits you to your options. For me too many "features". Anything that doesn't deal directly with fine tuning the image capture process under M,S or A-priority just "clutters" the system. The Scene options, facial, auto this & that...
The built in flash is about all you expect from a built in flash. Can be harsh & too direct. No diffuser or bounce option. Personally I would have preferred a built in evf instead of the flash and gone with an optional flash unit. For around the same price as the LVF1 you could purchase the DMW FL360 flash. I don't think a wireless remote is available for this camera. Tripod mounting can become an issue if you use any larger diameter lens without built in tripod socket. There is ~12mm from socket center to the front of the camera body. Limits you to ~1" qr plate. Panasonic sells an adapter.


Features such as customizing manually the WB is quick & easy. Broke out the white/grey card from storage. Manual focus aids whether manual on or auto engaged makes life much less complicated.

For LX2,3 & 5 users the transition from those cameras to the GF1 will be relatively smooth. Not close to the ideal mu43 format camera. For now for my personal needs it's the best out there.

I'll start with the size, most people looking at this camera are thinking an alternatve to the size of a standard DSLR or a higher quality compact camera. This is not a compact by any means it is probably twice the size of the average compact when using the 20mm pancake lens. That being said the image quality is better than any compact to manufactured date, and the manual user functions allow you to create the professional grade images admired by all photographers alike. The DSLR alternative customer will likely enjoy the weight savings and compact lens options (though more expensive than standard) A typical lens for the micro four-thirds camera is 30% smaller and lighter. I haven't noticed a significant weight savings in the body of the camera and the size of the body is smaller but in no way a significant enough size savings to eliminate a good case or designated bag to protect it. The video capability and the control navigations are as user friendly as any compact out there or as technical as any DSLR making it a great one camera replacement for the household with both end users. I love the technical aspets, my wife loves the simple use and amazing images she is able to capture making average photographers into superb ones.
I have only used the 20mm lens and while it limits the portraits and extended distance capability the image composition is superb with little to no distortion even when blown up to poster size prints.
If you are in the market for a great camera with simple HD video capability you would be hard pressed to find a better camera, it is comparable to the EP-1 from Pentax that all of the marketing is supporting, but this has a built in flash making low light images inside or outside at short range or situations with backlighting needing a forced flash possible. This in my mind makes it exponentially more functional that the EP-1. Both use the micro 4/3 system and will do wonders for expanding the selection of lens and hopefully drive cost down on the accessories, the GF-1 doesn't have aimage stabilization in the body it is in the designated lens where the EP-1 is in the body meaning any lens will function better for shakey hands or extreme telephoto legnths. I use the 20mm with no stabilization and have yet to miss a shot (granted at short focal legnth).

Bottom line: great camera ease of function infinite lens options, 720p HD video (mono sound), good battery life I have shot 400 images on a single charge and gone days on one charge with lots of use, fast recording speed next to no lag between shots with class 4 or better SDHC cards, great with the 20mm lens for low light indoor or outdoor shooting amazing resolution to even the smallest detail shots. Not a compact or pocket camera, lens are expensive.

I was looking for a backup camera to my Nikon D7000 for an Alaskan cruise. I looked at a variety of P&S and did not like the available features. I wanted better lens quality and RAW file capability in a compact package.

Compact System cameras are the wave of the future versus DSLRs. However, I did not want to spend the $800-$1500 for a new camera. After much research, I found there was a very high opinion of the Panasonic GF1. I was able to get the camera body, EV, 14-45mm lens for under $500 on eBay in near mint condition.

So far, I am very impressed. I was concerned about not having a viewfinder, but have found the live view to be fairly easy to use. I have not tried the EV yet, but will in bright sun conditions. Excellent IQ has been achieved on most of my pictures without a lot of work.

I am still learning my way with this camera. The menu system is different than the Nikon's and feels complicated right now. But I assume, I will learn this overtime.

Net, an excellent camera and I am impressed with the promise of future Compact System cameras.

The Panasonic Gf1 is a killer.. It is a lightweight, easy to use, full spectrum digital camera. It has the features of a full size DSLR but with half the weight and size of the smaller DSLRs. The kit lens is a very good lens. If you want more of a zoom you can pick up a 45-300mm for about $350 on EBay.

I was worried about low light noise or artifacts in the shadows.. absolutely no problem at lower or higher ISOs. Panasonic takes care of the noise and you lose very sharpness even at the high end. You will love this camera. I bought this one to play with and then planned to resell it but I can't let go. It is simply too good not to keep.