Panasonic DMC-GF2 Interchangeable-Lens Model: Small, Light, Touch Operation

Camera Review

Secaucus, NJ—Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GF2, the latest of its DSL Micro (DSLM) compact mirrorless cameras, is the company’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera—complete with a built-in flash.

The GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, and it is also compatible with Panasonic’s new 3D interchangeable lens, the Lumix G 12.5mm f/12, so users can take 3D photos. The camera features a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor that offers the image quality of a CCD sensor plus the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor.

“The Lumix GF2 is key in the Panasonic DSL Micro lineup, as it’s the smallest and lightest model we offer, while still offering superb image quality, which our consumers have come to expect from Lumix. Compared to the GF1, its predecessor, the GF2 has been reduced approximately 19 percent in size and approximately 7 percent in weight yet is still retains its signature built-in flash,” said Darin Pepple, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics. “We expect the Lumix GF2 to be an attractive model for consumers who want to step up to a more powerful camera that is easy to use, and a camera that is ‘future-proof’ with its 3D capabilities.”

The GF2 is designed for easy operation by consumers of any level, thanks to a new user interface that allows for the focus to be set, or shutter released, by touching the 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD. The touch-screen LCD, with a 460,000-dot-resolution, makes taking great photos intuitive. Once a user locks on a subject by touch, the GF2 tracks the subject with its AF-tracking function, even if the subject moves. Users can choose from a range of AF (autofocus) modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, face detection, and AF tracking.

Touch operation also shortens the time spent navigating menus. With the GF2’s Touch Q-menu, users can customize shortcuts with the most commonly used settings. Together with the simple button components, including dedicated buttons for video recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which light in-use, users can operate the camera intuitively.

For newbies, Panasonic’s intelligent scene selector in iA mode enables the camera to automatically switch to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to portrait mode, and a touch on the background or scenery switches to the scenery mode, while a touch on the subject close to the camera switches to close-up mode.

The Lumix GF2 records Full HD (high-definition) 1,920×1,080 videos at 60i as well as 1,280×720 movies at 60p in AVCHD. For those looking for better compatibility with computers, it also records HD Motion JPEG in 1,280×720 and QVGA, VGA and WVGA. A dedicated video record button starts video shooting, and sound is recorded with the stereo microphone for Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Panasonic’s iA mode extends to video recording with its optical image stabilizer, face detection, intelligent D-range control and intelligent scene selector.

Other key functions include the MF assist mode for manual focusing, where users can enlarge the subject by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the subject by dragging it on the screen; and the Peripheral Defocus mode in iA, where users can adjust the range of defocus by just moving the slider with a finger.

Also featured are: a dust-reduction system; an advanced noise reduction system that employs the 3D NR and CNR (chromatic noise reduction), so users can capture naturally balanced images, even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels; my color mode, which is integrated with the conventional film mode and offers eight preset effects (expressive, retro, pure, elegant, cinema, monochrome, dynamic art, silhouette, plus custom mode); a full-time live view function that lets users see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot; and 17 scene modes.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, with a solid aluminum body, will be available January 2011 in black, silver, white and red models in the following kit options: DMC-GF2C – 14mm f/2.5 lens kit; and DMC-GF2K – 14-42mm zoom lens kit. Pricing to be announced. panasonic.com