A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Panasonic GF1 Comparison Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was officially introduced in September 2009 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.

camera

Is the Panasonic GF1 a good camera? The GF1 has a Camera Elo of 1246. This rating puts the GF1 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the GF1 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic GF1 is more than 14 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2009.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GF1
Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses
12 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
720/30p Video
ISO 100 - 3 200
Viewfinder optional
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge
119 x 71 x 36 mm, 385 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

ad

Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Panasonic GF1 vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Panasonic GF1 vs credit card front
GF1 versus credit card top view
GF1 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic GF1 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-P1 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Jun 2009 799ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 799ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic GF1 was launched in the US market at a price of $749. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

logo
Check GF1 offers at
ebay.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Panasonic GF1 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic GF1 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Panasonic GF1 sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
2.
 
Olympus E-P1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.453655
3.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
4.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
5.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
6.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
7.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
8.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
9.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
10.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
11.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The GF1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the GF1 can use is 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic GF1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Olympus E-P1none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
4.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One convenient feature of the GF1 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

ad

Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus E-P1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
4.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
padding

Further information on the features and operation of the GF1 can be found in the free online Panasonic GF1 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.

ad

Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the GF1 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

scroll hint
Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-P1..+..66/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2009 799ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 799ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check GF1 offers at
ebay.com

Panasonic GF1 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the GF1.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Panasonic GF1?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic GF1 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Panasonic equipped the GF1 with the Venus HD image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic GF1?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200.

Can the Panasonic GF1 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Panasonic provides the DMW-LVF1 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1?

Panasonic does not publish a shutter rating for the GF1. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Panasonic GF1?

Panasonic embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your GF1 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Panasonic GF1 shutter count page.

Does the Panasonic GF1 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Panasonic GF1 for flash photography?

The GF1's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Which battery does the Panasonic GF1 use?

The camera gets its power from the DMW-BLB13 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad
    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Panasonic GF1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2009
    Launch Price USD 749
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 000 x 3 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3 200 ISO
    Image Processor Venus HD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 54
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 513
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type DMW-BLB13 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)380 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 119 x 71 x 36 mm
    (4.7 x 2.8 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 385 g (13.6 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Panasonic GF1 Review