Panasonic Lumix GF2: More Capable, More Compact

Panasonic's Lumix GF2 is reportedly the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera with a built in flash.

It features a 12.1 MP, 17.3 x 13.0 mm, 4:3 Live MOS sensor and is compatible with Micro Four Thirds standard lenses, including Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12.

Very Compact

As a mirror-less DSLR, the GF2 is understandably more compact than traditional DSLRs, but even amongst mirror-less DSLRs it excels.

Olympus and Panasonic first introduced mirror-less or compact DSLR cameras in August 2008 based on the Four Thirds sensor standard. Called Micro Four Thirds, these cameras retained the 18 x 13.5 mm sensor of their traditional DSLR cameras, but dropped the mirror box assembly.

Compact DSLRs use contrast detection autofocus, which is slower than phase detection autofocus of traditional DSLRs facilitated by the mirror box assembly.

Panasonic's initial compact (G range) DSLR offering - G1, GH1, GF1 - gained widespread market acceptance following its launch.

he company announced the GH2 at Photokina 2010 in September.

The GH cameras are the flagship models of the G range, while the GF cameras are more compact and lighter.

Unlike GH models, the GF models feature minimal manual controls and ship without the Electronic View Finder, which is available as an optional snap on attachment.

The GF2 supersedes the GF1 and is smaller than its predecessor by approximately 19% and lighter by approximately 7%. It has a solid aluminum body.

Ease of Use

The GF2 does away with a lot of manual controls, including the main mode dial on top to shed weight. You control the camera using its touch sensitive, 3-inch, 460K LCD display and a newly- designed user interface.

You can set focus or release the shutter with a touch on the screen.

Once a user locks on a subject by touch, the GF2 tracks the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves – making it easy to take photos of moving subjects, like children playing.

The contrast AF system on the GF2 is slightly faster than the one on GF1, allowing for still frame rates of 3.2 per sec as compared to 3 earlier.

Users can choose from a wide range of AF (Auto Focus) modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking.

The camera's iA mode has an Intelligent Scene Selector; it automatically switches to the most suitable mode depending on what you touch on the LCD. For example, if you touch a human face it switches to the 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 the close-up mode.

Video

The LUMIX GF2 can record full HD 1920 x 1080 videos at 60i or smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60p in AVCHD. For those looking for better compatibility with computers, the LUMIX GF2 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and QVGA, VGA and WVGA.

It features stereo audio recording

The GF2 has a solid aluminum body, will be available in black, silver, white, and red models with the following kit options: DMC-GF2C – 14mm F2.5 Lens Kit and DMC-GF2K – 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit. The LUMIX GF2 will be available in January 2011 and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipment.

Press Release