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A minor evolution of the already-excellent DMC-GF1, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 doesn't feel like a revelation and isn't worth the expense for existing GF1 owners. But with great DSLR-level image quality, interchangeable lenses and compact dimensions on the score card, GF-series newbies can't go far wrong here. Though the aim here with the GF2 was to fashion a compact system camera that was both easier to use and swifter than its predecessor, that aim has only been partly realised. The use of controls both physical and touch screen based does make for faster access to key functions once you've got to grips with how the two entities work together, but requires a bit of inquisitive button pressing in the short term. In the final analysis, while the GF2 is an excellent camera in its own right, it doesn't feel as revolutionary as Panasonic's first attempt in the GF1. But if it draws a wider audience to Micro Four Thirds and its inherent benefits - smaller bodies and smaller lenses, yet results comparable (if not an exact match for) the DSLR 'big boys', then we're all for it. Read full review

Overall

9/10

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By Gavin Stoker
Reviewed 03 January 2011
Updated 19 May 2011

Price as reviewed

£456.99

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Awards

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 details

Image Quality: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Overall: 9/10

Pros & Cons

Pros

DSLR-quality images
Interchangeable lenses
Full-HD 1080p video capture
DSLR-quality images
DSLR-quality images

Cons

3D shots are low-res
Not worth upgrading over the GF1

Price as reviewed

£456.99

Manufacturer

Panasonic

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SpiderJacek

8:17 AM on 3 January, 2011

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Design score means Build score and Performance means Image Quality? :)

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haim

8:47 AM on 3 January, 2011

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I bought the GF1 about 6 months ago, so was kinda relieved (in a sad selfish sort of way) when the GF2 turned out to be more a re-focusing of the camera rather than an upgrade.

I know next to nothing about this stuff but have read a number of people were disappointed with the change to the new prime lens (pancake) as the 20mm that came with the GF1 was well regarded and the new supposedly somewhat of a step down in quality.

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Mircea

9:20 AM on 3 January, 2011

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Great review, but no full resolution samples? Also, we need crops to check out the ISO performance.

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RayHopper

10:19 AM on 3 January, 2011

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Thanks for the review, Gavin. As I asked your predecessor on several occasions, PLEASE tell us about the shutter noise on mirrorless cameras - they really should be completely silent by now. The Samsung NX100 is the quietest I've handled so far, whilst the Sony NEX's are the noisiest. I shan't upgrade my Canon G11 until near-silent shutters are available.

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Peter

6:12 PM on 3 January, 2011

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Does the 3d effect get reduced because the camera sensors are much closer together than a normal pair of eyes?

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piesforyou

6:34 PM on 3 January, 2011

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@Ray

Just curiosity - what's the problem with shutter noise?

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atomsmasher

12:44 AM on 4 January, 2011

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Gavin, great review. Full resolution crops in the review or links to the original jpeg files would be very helpful when evaluating image quality. Which lens was used for the test photos? Cheers

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Cliff

9:10 PM on 4 January, 2011

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Thanks for the comments. We have added an image quality score, and full res images will be in future reviews, which are being written as I type.

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Voldenuit

6:31 AM on 5 January, 2011

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Pretty spot-on assessment, although I think TR was a bit lenient with the final score.

The most egregious omission compared to the GF1 is the loss of the AEL button, making focus/exposure lock more of a chore than it needs to be. This is especially important in m43 with its limited dynamic range and tendency to clip highlights.

Another negative point is that the bundled 14/2.5 lens is fairly average, whereas the 20/1.7 was good enough reason to get the GF1 just for the lens.

But nitpicking aside, I do agree that m43 is still a credible alternative (though not necessarily replacement) to APS-C DSLRs. The portability alone is a great reason to get the system, and it still boasts a larger lens selection than, say, NEX. Also, the NEX, while theoretically able to drive some Alpha mount lenses (with adapter), is very slow to focus when doing so (slower than, say, the GF2 with most 4/3 lenses).

If you're shooting in low light, though, you probably want a Pentax K-5 or Nikon D7000.

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Matt G Baish

8:03 AM on 5 January, 2011

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@Ray Hopper

When I recently tried out the Sony NEX-3D my local Sony Centre I was amazed as how the shutter noise took me back to the days of `proper` cameras - for me it isn't a problem &, in fact, would be a desirable `feature`:)

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