Panasonic GF1.

[alanS]

I posted this on another forum but as there are people here interested in micro 4/3...

Anyway! To Business!

I'm impressed, more so than I expected to be.

I ordered off the internet without handling or even seeing one as doing so would have meant a long drive into a city but as I already have an LX2 I thought that GF1 would be worth a gamble.

It is slightly larger than I thought it would be and it dwarfs my LX2 but is maybe just a little smaller than my Olympus Trip and definitely smaller than my Cononet and Bessa R.

The first thing I did was wade through the menu system and turn off anything I didn't understand, I also turned off the power save features and the automatic shot review and then I set the ISO to 100 and learnt how to set the aperture, the shutter and how to adjust the flash and format the card, I checked what the metering was set to and I disabled those annoying bleeps that digitals make and then I was away and shooting.

I haven't looked at the manual yet! It's that simple that you don't have to!

The camera handles really well. There's a wheel which allows adjustment of the aperture and shutter speed and there are buttons for ISO and white balance and so far I've only had to venture into the menu to adjust the flash and to format the card. The 20mm f1.7 lens is fast and although it does make a little noise it's hardly intrusive, it's hypersonic or ultrasonic or whatever they call it so manual focus is easy and there's a button to select manual or automatic focus on the camera body and when selecting manual focus the image enlarges so that accurate focus is easily possible.

The speed of operation is impressive and you can forget that you're using a "compact digital camera." Focus and metering are quick and although the shutter is noisier than I expected it's not so loud as to be a major worry.

I normally just shoot RAW but I set the camera to RAW+JPEG and fired off a few shots. The images seem to be essentially noise free at ISO 100 with noise creeping in towards ISO 400 but still acceptable if the image is not cropped too severely. I haven't tried the higher sensitivities but it's certainly looking good and I'm not too worried if the very highest settings are for emergency use only. My version of CS2 wouldn't open the RAW files but Rawtherapee would. I loaded the supplied Silkipix (I think that's what it's called) software and gave it a try and I was pleasantly surprised. They've changed the look of the thing since the days of my LX2 and it's better to use (although not as good as my all time favourite RAW processor, Raw Shooter Essentials) and I'll probably use it for my RAW processing. The only downside seems to be that it seems to be rather slow to convert and save to JPEG.

There is quite a bit of barrel distortion but this is automatically corrected in camera and Silkipix shows the corrected RAW image. I assume that it's possible to ditch the automatic correction but as it seems to make a very good job of it I think I'll just let it do what it does. Of course, sometimes a little distortion adds to an image so if distortion is what I want I'll have to either use Rawtherapee or find out how to disable the auto correction in Silkipix.

Another nice surprise was that the auto white balance seems to be very good under artificial light. With RAW this isn't a major thing but it's nice to see a digital camera making a good job of tungsten for once.

Overall the pictures seem to be well saturated and "punchy" whilst still retaining a natural look, there seems to be good detail and sharpness and so...all in all... I'm very impressed.

[Barney]

Alan, my GF1 arrived yesterday and I'm hoping to take a wander out at lunchtime to try it out properly. As you said, you don't need to read the manual but I had a flick through last night.

Just add, my first impressions are also very good. The screens is lovely and when manually focusing the auto zoom function is a real help. I doubt that this would work when using Novoflex adaptor though so it won't be there the time I would need it most i.e. when using my MF Nikkor 45mm.

One thing that will take some getting used to is the feel of the camera. It's obviously smaller than a DSLR but also a lot more slick and the finger grip is a mere ridge, so it doesn't feel anywhere near as secure in my hand as my Nikons do. I think I'll get a wrist strap ASAP for peace of mind. One thing I would like is a Leica style brown leather case of it so hpefully a third party manufacturer will spot the gap in the market and go for it. The Panasonic case looks a bit drab and is over £60.

I've not had chance to upload any pictures - I could be worng but I don't think that Lightroom can convert the RAW files yet - but I'll have a go tonight and post some.

All in all I'm really excited about using this camera. I'm off to the States in a little under two weeks and I'm seriously thinking about leaving my Nikons behind and just taking the GF1. I think I'll err on the side of caution and take the D300 and a couple of zooms, but I've no doubt that I'll be taking most shots with the GF1.

[alanS]

So you're just using existing lenses then?

As I tend to like the wider and relatively fast lenses I just went for the 20mm kit but after using the camera and being so impressed I think that it can be a genuine smallish alternative to a DSLR so a zoom might be a possibility, especially with the viewfinder, I would have bought a viewfinder if they'd had one in stock, but they didn't. If I buy a zoom I think I'd definitely go for the viewfinder.

I'm amazed at how fast and responsive the camera is.

I think that this really is the camera that a lot of us have been waiting for. It could have an optical viewfinder, it could have lots of focus points...and of course it could be full frame! but I think that this is the best non SLR I've ever used.

Everyone should buy one!

Like you said, a nice case would be very nice. Mine is living in a small camcorder bag I got from ASDA at the mo.

I hope you enjoy the states, and get some good shots. I may be off to Italy in the spring and at least two cameras will be going with me, the GF1 may be one of them.

[Barney]

No, I got the 20mm lens too. I think that and the Nikkor 45mm with adaptor will make a good pair for the camera and don;t think that I'll be tempted by any more lenses as the zooms simply erode the key advanage of the GF1 i.e. it's compact nature.

I tried the EVF in a store and wasn't that impressed. Certainly I have no issue with shooting with the screen and the EVF offered me no advantage.

I think that you're right, this is a camera an awful lot of people have been waiting for. Indeed, on the Talk Photogrpahy website there are plenty who have sold their DLSR kits for a GF1. I don't see it as being a DSLR replacement, more a complimentary carry everywhere system.

[Barney]

I've uploaded a few test shots I took at lunchtime today. All were taken on aperture priority using matrix metering.

Clicky.

Nothing too inspiring photographically speaking, but I'm please with the way it dealt with some tricky lighting situations.

[zx9]

I love the shallow DOF at f/1.7, that you would not get with most small cameras. Count me as an impressed former sceptic........ anyone want a well abused G9.

[alanS]

The more I use this camera the more impressed I am with the picture quality. There are a few niggles, manual focus is a faff on and there seems to be too much turn on the ring, there are no lens markings so it's difficult hyperfocaling and it's difficult to move the focus point so I've been focusing and recomposing which isn't ideal. The picture quality is great though.

[Barney]

The more I use this camera the more impressed I am with the picture quality.

I agree, I plugged mine in to the tv today to see how good the video is. I must say it's superb, certainly more than good enough for my needs.

There are a few niggles, manual focus is a faff on and there seems to be too much turn on the ring, there are no lens markings so it's difficult hyperfocaling and it's difficult to move the focus point so I've been focusing and recomposing which isn't ideal.

I should be getting my Novoflex adaptor on Wednesday so it will be interesting to see how I fare with my Nikkor 45mm f:2.8.

The picture quality is great though.

Isn't it? Shame the user at this end isn't much cop!

[Zou]

For cases and nice straps it is hard to beat some of the stuff in Japan. http://www.camera-hirano.jp/ produces hand made cases to order but at nearly 20,000 yen they are notably dearer than the Panasonic items.

GF1 case on Hirano Camera's site, or You can order here in English through Japan Exposures.

Also look out for Artisan & Artist, some of their leather cases and straps really are beautiful. They mainly do Leica but have done some high end compacts including the LX3, so I wouldn't be surprised if something comes out soon enough.

[Barney]

Domo arigato gozaimasu Zou san!

[spinno]

nice test shots Barney. As someone who has been quietly watching I am impressed by the way m4/3 is going.
Again if other manufacturers are going to be joining in the fun we could end up back with a universal mount again...M42 anyone

[Zou]

I had a very brief play with one (I was asked to take someone's photo and it was their camera, so no chance for an extended go) yesterday. It was with the Panasonic zoom lens. Felt very solid, well weighted, and well made. I can imagine that with the 20mm lens and an optical 40mm finder (Cosina do one) I could quite enjoy using it. I do think that (as has been noted by others) a focus distance scale in the same vein as the shutter speed/aperture display along the bottom of the LCD would be an essential firmware upgrade. I may just have to have a longer play in a shop, but then I want to try the EP-2 too.

[alanS]

My LX2 has an on screen manual focus scale so Panasonic do know how to do it.

One of my biggest gripes is the focus point. You can move it about on the screen but you lose the other functions of the direction buttons and I'd like a home position too as anal me wants to get it back smack in the centre once I've stopped fiddling.

A my menu option where I could put the few options I need would be nice too.

I don't want to give the impression that it's al bad new because it isn't, it's a fantastic camera and it's very close to being exactly what I've waited for for years.

[nspur]

it's very close to being exactly what I've waited for for years.

It would be exactly what I have wanted for years if it had an articulated screen hinged at the bottom (not the left hand side like the G1). Perhaps the GF2 will have one of these.

[Barney]

it's very close to being exactly what I've waited for for years.

It would be exactly what I have wanted for years if it had an articulated screen hinged at the bottom (not the left hand side like the G1). Perhaps the GF2 will have one of these.

It will be exactly what I was looking for when Panasonic include a distance scale in the next firmware update.

I don't know, there really is no pleasing some people is there?

[Still_Togging_Along]

Excellent little camera, have the std zoom, 20mm and just added the LVF, which though not as good as my DSLR (E-3) being able to use this waist-level style, is a useful feature. My only niggle, (minor!) would be getting used to the 'multi-function' button on the back and I think it would be better if this 'rotate & press' type button was not so close to the edge of the camera body. I'm tempted to buy the 4/3rds adaptor, but I want to see some reviews comparing the optics which have the same focal lengths. I have heard rumours that the 7-14 m4/3rds is not as good as the 4/3rds version distortion-wise, but hearsay is a very poor substitute to a decent side by side lens test.

[dachs]

I've uploaded a few test shots

Nothing too inspiring photographically speaking,

A chum has just got one, for a small package they're most impressive.

Very difficult to judge on screen, even the largest sized shot versions are obviously re-sized for uploading. But, my impression is that the sharpness, while adequate, is not up there with a tops prime lens. The memorial poppies, for example, I'd expect to clearly read the 'we will remember them' card from a £eica 35mm slide scanned at high res via a dedicated film scanner. On yours, you can make out the writing but not easily.

On the other hand, considerably less money and faff with the Lumix, and the tones, colour hit and general appearance are top drawer. And, as to my comment above, I'm sure medium format users would be laughing at me......

[P_Stoddart]

A chum has just got one, for a small package they're most impressive.

Very difficult to judge on screen, even the largest sized shot versions are obviously re-sized for uploading. But, my impression is that the sharpness, while adequate, is not up there with a tops prime lens. The memorial poppies, for example, I'd expect to clearly read the 'we will remember them' card from a £eica 35mm slide scanned at high res via a dedicated film scanner. On yours, you can make out the writing but not easily.

On the other hand, considerably less money and faff with the Lumix, and the tones, colour hit and general appearance are top drawer. And, as to my comment above, I'm sure medium format users would be laughing at me......

Hate to tell you but this thread is quite old. It was started in 2009. When the GF1 was launched.

If you are aware I apologise.

[dachs]

Hate to tell you but this thread is quite old. It was started in 2009. When the GF1 was launched.

If you are aware I apologise.

No problem; it was very late at night no I wasn't aware (I rarely know what date I am in!) so no, thanks for pointing that out - I am obviously a long way behind. Not a new feeling! still a good bit of kit though

[0lybacker]

Very easy, in the haste to read, post and move on, not to spot the dates, etc.

My view is that the AP site is a bit of a mess and not at all well laid out. I think I have only recently discovered the What's New? button and some other features still elude me and, it would appear, others!