Panasonic Lumix GF1 12.1MP Digital System Camera 14-45mm Lens Kit - Black

Fed up as I was of lugging about small back packs full of lenses, adapters, filters etc and wanting DSLR quality I settled on the GF1. This is a small ( although not compact ) camera that will just about fit in a pocket. As others have described its technical qualities I wont repeat them - they are however staggeringly good. The real advantage to the semi novice is the combination of easy point and shoot photography, DSLR quality and size. In a world of technology convergence the GF1 will meet almost all of your everyday needs. It is however not compromised by this convergence. Do shop around. Prices vary enormously. The cheapest `package' deal was found by bartering on Tottenham Court Rd, London. Cheaper than Amazon

I have had SLR's (film and digital) since 1972. I bought my GF1 about 6 months ago and I have just now sold my DSLR and all its lenses and accessories. I won't pretend that the GF1 can do *everything* a DSLR can, but no matter, I can't put the GF1 down.

I don't use the scene settings, just the Manual, Aperture priority and Shutter priority settings. Picture quality is very very good and the various controls give you a choice of jpeg rendering (saturation, sharpness, contrast, 4 kinds of b&w, etc etc) which can be used immediately. I record the raw files as well for large print needs, but I suspect I could do without.

I bought the GF1 with the 14-45mm zoom, a good quality lens, not very fast but then it is stabilised and the GF1 handles higher ISO's well. A good generalist lens, though obviously not a sports/wildlife combo.

I have just purchased an Olympus Zuiko 9-18mm super wide angle which I love; again it's a bit slow but that doesn't matter so much. I chose this over the Panasonic 7-14 primarily for cost reasons: the Zuiko cost me about 600, the Panasonic is well over 1,000. The size and quality of the Zuiko match the GF1 very well and the 9mm (18mm equivalent) is wide enough for me... Up to your purse and your need to go down to 7mm.

I have now ordered the electronic viewfinder. At first I thought I couldn't live without one, but have enjoyed the experience of using the screen; I will continue to use the screen for most shots, but there are instances where a viewfinder is better.

I haven't found any downsides from a photographic point of view; this is a system camera and a good one.

I do think Panasonic have gone overboard with prices of certain accessories, in particular the batteries, mains adapter and the (wired) remote, all of which will bring tears to your eyes. Other than that, you won't regret buying a GF1

As the technical data is listed here and the capabilities of this camera are very well tested at other places like dpreview i will only describe my personal impressions here.

This camera is placed somewhere between bridge, compact and FT-SLRs so the dimensions of this set are not really compact anymore, though it is still pocketable with larger jackets like my NorthFace outdoor jacket, but far away from APSC-SLRs with standard zoom, the weight is neither light nor heavy but tangible enough to keep a slow hand while shooting photos.

Even in my relative large hands, glove size 11, it is well balanced, smooth to handle and buttons / dials are well placed to be easily reached and manipulated.

Zoom goes smooth without remarkable backlash, buttons and dials, especially the shutter release, have a well defined action point and do lack of any kind like unprecise or unreliable action.

Lens hood goes tautly but though smooth and with a defined end stop.

The monitor is bright and crisp, also in bright environment, and i couldn't find any creak or squeak on the body or lens so far.

Though this camera is already well balanced and dimensioned it could make sense to attach the snug case, at least the bottom part of it, to make the handling and fun in large hands complete.

Taking pictures in real life this camera is miles ahead of the Canon G11, which i tested as well while the decision process buying a new camera, in a matter of speed.
The well going zoom lens and the AF speed makes you already take a photo while the G11 has just finished adjusting the right focal length by the rocker and starts to focus, in bright light and foremost in dark conditions.

Bottom line : This is by far the most enjoyable point and shoot camera with SLR genes and capabilities at view finder size that i have tried so far.

Not cheap but really worth the extra money to a compact and many beginner APSC-SLRs leaving enough space in your bag for other useful things, especially on trips.

Many thanks to amazon.co.uk for the very fast and reliable processing and shipping.