The Lumix DMC-GF 2 is for both to respond to the goodwill afforded his predecessor, the critically acclaimed DMC-GF1, and brings enough originality to the Panasonic party leader in the recent pretenders to the crown. GF1 was the first interchangeable lens Panasonic compact hybrid DSLR with the size of a small monkey instead of a DSLR. And, although the retro charm of its co-development rivals for the mirror-less Micro Four Thirds system in the Olympus Pen E-P1 and E P2, the photos lacked was generally critical sharper and more color-rich, next side, like for like comparison.
On a practical level, Panasonic also had an integrated flash with GF1, something the Pen range omitted the introduction of E-PL1 at the beginning of last year. In the second half of 2010 we have also had Sony’s NEX-3, NEX-5, Samsung NX100 plus frame models as an alternative for those looking for DSLR-like control in compact form.
The GF 2 explained to the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens with a compact flash, first impressions are good at picking it up. Starting up a cold in one second by a rapid movement of the upper plate on / off switch, a response roughly similar to a starter DSLR, the GF 2 comes across as both an enhanced version of the high performance Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 Compact, and a more simplified – some say sophisticated – GF1 re-imagining of its predecessor.
Inevitably there are shared features and controls, but only up to a point. Integral Four Thirds Live MOS sensor, effective resolution is adopted and has remained the same, delivering the GF 2 photos in JPEG or RAW image format has a maximum count of 12.1 megapixels.
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Additionally, if you choose to opt for the compact 3D H-FT012 lens announced by its maker, available as a standalone purchase, MPO files can also be generated, but only viewed in their glory with the aid of a stereoscopic 3D -equipped TV or monitor. MPO and JPEG can conveniently be shot in tandem as a more visible back-up is a long time writing subtle and file numbers are the same but with a different extension. Although, of course, 3D images are naturally composed and framed in a different way to 2D, so the results do not always work equally well in both formats. Then there is the fact that because JPEGs are a lowly 1,600 x 1,200 pixels when the 3D view in use.
Current kit lens options for the GF 2 at launch, and we could a game, include the camera body plus image-stabilized 14-42mm zoom body with lens stabilized 14mm “pancake” for those who want a solution that actually presses pocket or a body with two lenses, with an increase incrementally in each phase.
That said, the least expensive set-up option is still about 200 less than the GF1 was at the launch, at $ 700 to the overall GF 2 plus starter option of 14-42mm zoom, equivalent to 28-84mm at 35mm terms because of the unique features of the Four Thirds sensor in use. There is no authority for anyone who thinks only purchase option to swap their GF1 GF 2 to even maintain the existing lenses, like the author clearly believes that it is not an option likely to be taken.
It is not only pleased that Panasonic is looking for the GF series’ appeal to expand. Although it sports the same comforting feeling heavyweight, mostly metal building, the new camera is officially 19 percent smaller than its predecessor, while seven percent lighter in general. Initial treatment will still seem a bit of a brick to anyone trading up from a slim pocket snapshot – especially the camera ideal audience. To conceal a GF this camera is available in different colors for the first time, not only the sophisticated black with our review sample, but also silver or red in the UK, white and pink abroad. The campaign starts here to see the really rather elegant white version is moved to the United Kingdom.
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Although the manufacturer is entitled to the GF 2 has grabbed an improvement over the GF1, we were a little disappointed to find that the soft bulge occurs when still quite small and skinny. Hold the camera in his right hand, there is barely enough room to wrap around your middle, as your thumb rests on a path to the rear, while the index finger hovers over the shutter.
Most striking of all changes to existing owners GF1, the fact that the recording program handy dial on the top plate has disappeared – but not quite. The options that now exist in the virtual world for the GF 2 offers touch screen control via the 3-inch, 460k-dot resolution rear panel LCD monitor, this screen also acts as a viewfinder in the expected absence of the additional optical or electronic viewfinder (EVF).
The latter is available as an optional extra, connected through the same accessory port on the GF1 introduced, which again directly above the LCD screen. Of an external flash can be further exploited, with the proviso that there is no room for both this and EFF at the same time. However, we found the screen to a skilled compositional tool, the size and brightness sufficient to check critical focus on the points of capture and review. That said, if we can put in a request for future generations it would be for an adjustable screen angle, as found on Canon PowerShot G12 EX1 and Samsung, to expand usability.
While the screen is impressively clear and the icons in it sensitive and respond immediately to any curious product, this would have been made bigger still on occasion. It is also clear that, apart from the need to view options, you will not actually meet the GF 2 the LCD screen as a touch screen at all if you do not want. This is because there are enough actual physical checks next to allow users to tab through to the impact functions and shooting options. To do this it would mean missing funky features like the ability to focus fire the shutter speed or prejudices by simply tapping your desired subject on the screen. With the screen Shutter mode is a bit too easy to fire off a shot by accident, however, as your fingers inevitably and accidentally lost on the screen when handling the camera.
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Conclusion
Although the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF 2 is a worthy successor to the existing and soon finished GF1, it is not the most direct, like-for-like replacement. This means that existing owners would want to hang the camera that they already have – particularly when the tactile nature of a solid physical recording dial value over a virtual screen-based equivalent. While it’s marketed as a direct replacement, we feel the two cameras could happily exist in tandem for a while.
In the final analysis, while the GF 2 is an excellent camera in its own right, it does not feel as revolutionary as the first attempt by Panasonic in GF1. But if it attracts a wider audience for Micro Four Thirds and the inherent advantages – smaller bodies and smaller lenses, but the results are similar (if not an exact match for) the DSLR ‘big boys’, we’re all for it.
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