Panasonic DMC-GF2 Digital Camera with 14-42mm lens
- Average rating of 4.0 stars from 53 reviews.
- Released 14 years 8 months ago (Nov 2010).
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The DMC-GF2 is a SLR/ professional camera that Panasonic released in November 2010. This device in the Lumix series is projected as an interchangeable lens system camera that cames in a dramatically downsized successor to earlier Lumix models. In the paragraphs below, the reader will be able to get a summary of the technicalities of this model and get a good idea of what it can deliver. The reader will also get the essence of reviews from about 30 camera experts such as DigitalCameraInfo.com, Cnet, DigitalPhotographySchool and SlashGear who have thoroughly the model to pronounce their verdicts..
According to the manufacturer, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is the smallest and lightest ever camera with digital interchangeable lens system compliant with Micro Four Thirds standard, and built-in flash. Also, DMC-GF2 is claimed to be 19% smaller and 7% lighter compared to DMC-GF1. Panasonic adds that this model is easy to operate, and produces stills and videos of great picture quality. In the same breadth, the manufacturer reveals the camera's salient features as 12.1-megapixel high speed Live MOS sensor, high performance Venus Engine FHD, and upgraded resolution for HD movie capture.Panasonic nearly harps on the DMC-GF2's ease of operation, highlighting the touch control feature and the specifically designed GUI (Graphic User Interface). These enable the focus to be instantly set to the target simply by touching it on the large, 460,000-dot LCD while even letting go the shutter release. Further, intuitive operation is enabled by a customisable Touch Q-menu, simple button components, dedicated buttons for movie recording, and a flash that includes Intelligent Auto mode.
The manufacturer is particular to point out that the Venus Engine FHD and and the MOS sensor form a winning combination to the DMC-GF2. The former is said to feature great signal processing capabilities an advanced noise reduction system, Intelligent Resolution technology, all of which together result in well-balanced, finely detailed images and movies. With the latter, the manufacturer offers combined benefits - CCD sensor's superior image quality and CMOS sensor's lower power intake.
Yet another high point of the DMC-GF2 per the company is the upgraded resolution - full HD (1920 x 1080) movies and HD (1280 x 720) movies output by the image sensor and recorded at different NTSC/PAL combinations.
Panasonic lists some more features as the Lumix DMC-GF2's value additions
Nearly all the camera-testers opine that the Lumix DMC-GF2 delivers excellent image quality, and the model is sure to be best loved for the capability with which it does that. DigitalPhotographyReview, InfoSync, DigitalCameraInfo.com and About.com certify that the images are sharp, vibrant, clear, and quite consistent throughout the frame. DigitalCameraReview wishes for some improvement at higher ISO. ImagingResource faults the camera for slow shot-to-shot cycle times.
The GF2 will not become famous for its video mode, going by the few reviews by ImagingResource, PCMagazine and DigitalCameraReview. The video performance of this Lumix model gets some appreciationcourtesy the full HD video capture capability, and the variety of recording formats provided. GoodGearGuide cautions that action packed video will not come out well, only static videos for requirements like speeches and interviews will. Also the lack of manual controls in video shooting does not find favor from Cnet.
The touch-screen is quite enthusiastically welcomed by nearly all the camera experts. About.com and PCMagazine rather like the menu structure on the 3-inch, 460K dot LCD. Cnet has compared the touchscreen features of the DMC-GF2 with that of the predecessor, and finds a considerable change for the better. Other reviewers pronounce that display is responsive and the user interface as intuitive. The company's claim about the camera's ease of use is also verified correct by several experts like About.com and PCMagazine.
Reviewers are not at all happy with the below par battery life of the DMC-GF2. The Li-ion battery's power lasts for a mere 320 images.
It turns out that the AF feature has gone down well with reviewers. ImagingResource besides complimenting the dynamic range, notes that the good AF speed is a welcome improvement over the earlier model GF1. Shutter lag is found to be minimal, says PCMagazine, while CameraLabs commends the camera output at low ISO. However, PCMagazine comments that low light performance does not match well with other cameras of the class.
The jury's verdict is out, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 acquits itself as a small-sized SLR able to delivers great performance in its class. Its comfortable design and the slickly implemented touch-screen interface implementation also auger well for the model's performance in the market. Vibrant image output, superior focusing, and micro four thirds standard-based interchangeable lens system all contribute to the camera's desirability. The company-proclaimed video capabilities, and the camera's battery life however, fall dismally short of reviewers' expectations.
One of the stronger points in favor of the DMC-GF2 is the digital interchangeable lens (DIL) feature ultimately that gives as good image quality as a DSLR. Another, certainly, is its small size / light weight pocketable compactness. This model definitely cannot meet the demands of prosumers, but can surely be an asset for the above-average user. Its features make it difficult to cubbyhole the DMC-GF2, so the buyer will do well to check out at least two models in the market that provide as much value for money before actually favoring.
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Panasonic DMC-GF2 Digital Camera with 14-42mm lens