A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
Looking for a camera that's smaller and lighter--and that still does everything the big boys do? Well, yeah, sure, but, c'mon, get real. Then, check out the Lumix DMC-GF2 Digital Micro Four Thirds Camera (Body) from Panasonic, the smallest and lightest (at time of release) interchangeable lens camera.
This Micro Four Thirds contender is 19% smaller and 7% lighter than its immediate predecessor, but still has a 12.1MP Live MOS sensor, is compatible with the full range of Micro Four Thirds lenses (including Panasonic's 3D 12.5mm f/12 lens), has dazzling 1920 x 1080 HD video--in short, the speed and customization of an SLR camera in highly portable form.
A bright 3" 460,000-dot LCD display for composition and review can also be used as a touch-screen for making and changing settings like focus and exposure--a touch on a human face, for instance, 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.
Despite its tiny size, the GF2 is packed with photo and video goodies. The My Color mode offers 7 preset imaging effects (such as Retro, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Silhouette, etc.), and also allows users to customize color, brightness, and saturation on the fly. The LUMIX GF2 can record 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. The body supports autofocus during video recording and Movie Program Mode allows for selective depth-of-field control.
Additional features of the DMC-GF2 include a built-in pop-up flash, contrast detection autofocus, integrated dust reduction technology, and high ISO 6400 sensitivity. A lens is not included.
| Camera Type | Digital Micro Four Thirds camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12.1MP |
| Sensor | Live MOS (17.3 x 13.0mm in 4:3 aspect ratio)) |
| Bit Depth | Not specified by manufacturer |
| File Formats |
Stills: JPEG, RAW Video: Quick Time Motion JPEG, AVCHD |
| File Size |
Stills: [4:3] 4000x3000(L)/2816x2112(M)/2048x1536(S)/1600x1200(When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Third System standard) [3:2] 4000x2672(L)/2816x1880(M)/2048x1360(S)/1600x1064(When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Third System standard) 16:9] 4000x2248(L)/2816x1584(M)/1920x1080(S)/1600x904(When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Third System standard) [1:1] 2992 x 2992 (L)/2112 x 2112 (M)/1504 x 1504 (S)/1440x1440(When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Third System standard) AVCHD: NTSC:[Full HD] 1920×1080, 60i (sensor output is 30p) (FSH:17Mbps, FH:13Mbps) [HD] 1280 x 720, 60p (sensor output is 30p)(SH:17Mbps, H:13Mbps) PAL: [Full HD] 1920×1080, 50i (sensor output is 25p) (FSH:17Mbps, FH:13Mbps) [HD] 1280 x 720, 50p (sensor output is 25p)(SH:17Mbps, H:13Mbps) Motion JPEG: [4:3] QVGA : 320 x 240, 30fps / VGA : 640 x 480, 30fps [16:9] WVGA : 848 x 480, 30fps [HD] 1280 x 720, 30fps |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Creative Color Modes | Eight preset effects - Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette, plus Custom mode |
| Film Modes | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Movie Modes | Portrait / Soft Skin / Scenery / Architecture / Sports / Flower / Food / Objects / Low-light / Party / Sunset |
| Image Stabilization | Yes--Optical Image Stabilizer |
| Crop Factor | 2x |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | N/A |
| Zoom | N/A |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focus Type | Contrast AF system |
| Focus Range | N/A |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | N/A |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-6400 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 - 60 sec, bulb |
| Metering | Intelligent Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, Flash, Custom, Color Temperature, with Blue/amber bias, Magenta/green bias adjustments and color temperature settings of 2500-10000K in 100K increments |
| Mirror Lock-Up | N/A |
| Burst Capability | H: 3.2 frames/sec, M: 2.6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View) |
| Self Timer | 10sec, 3 images/ 2sec / 10sec |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Remote Control | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | 36' (11 m) |
| External Flash Connection | Hotshoe |
| Dedicated Flash System | TTL Auto with FL220/FL360/FL500(Optional) |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/160 sec |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Still Images per GB | Not specified by manufacturer |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Recording Formats | Motion JPEG, AVCHD |
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 HD 50i/60i, 1280 x 720 HD @60i Motion JPEG, 1280 x 720 HD @60p AVCHD, 320 x 240, 640 x 480, and 848 x 480 |
| Video Clip Length |
AVCHD with picture quality set to [FSH]: Approx. 60 min with H-FS014042 / Approx. 70 min with H-H014 Motion Jpeg with picture quality set to [HD]: Approx. 65 min with H-FS014042 / Approx. 75 min with H-H014 |
| Audio Recording | Stereo with video |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Viewfinder Coverage | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Display | 3" Touch-Screen LCD |
| Multi-Channel Playback | Yes |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, A/V, Mini-HDMI (Type-C) |
| System & Software Requirements | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Operating Temperature: 32-104°F/0-40°C |
| Weatherproofing | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Durability | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1010mAh) (Included), Battery Charger |
| Power Adapter | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.44 x 2.67 x 1.29" (11.28 x 6.78 x 3.28 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 9.35 oz (265g) body only |
Displaying reviews 1-3
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Digital Micro Four Thirds Camera (Body):
This is very compact and easy to use. I have been using SLRs since the film days and worried that the GF2 interface would not work for me, but after handling it for a few days, it's really grown on me. The high ISO noise is not as good as most DSLRs, but it's not too bad. I can get good pictures up to about ISO 800. I use it with the 20/1.7 and as long as the exposures are good, I have no problem with using it in low light situations.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Digital Micro Four Thirds Camera (Body):
I am a photo enthusiast who has been getting back into photography after a lengthy absence. I wanted to enter into the digital realm and get something more advanced than the standard point and shoot camera I've had for a few years. Initially I wanted to get an SLR, since I used to shoot film on an SLR years ago. But I found most of the decent SLRs a bit too expensive and bulky. The Micro 4/3 system really is a great marriage of the two worlds.
The picture quality is very nice; clean and sharp. I decided to buy just the body and I got the 20mm 1.7 Panasonic lens, which I think is great. One draw back I've come across is that sometimes my pics have been coming out a little bit blurry when I wouldn't expect them to. But I think that has more to do with me not shooting with the correct settings than with an actual problem with the camera. Also, my hands aren't the steadiest, so the camera may be overly sensitive to that.
I am still getting to know the camera, but I feel I am picking it up pretty quickly, as the DMC-GF2 is very intuitive. The controls on the back are laid out nicely and are easy to access. The menu system is really great. I was able to learn the bulk of it on my own as it is laid out in a very concise manner and there aren't tons of sub menus to deal with and remember. My only complaint about the physical controls is that when using the jog wheel to get into the mode to change the f stop and shutter speed, when you press the jog wheel in and the icon for SS comes up, you will be set up to change the f stop. Alternately, if you press the jog wheel and the f stop icon is displayed, when you try and change the setting it will default to the SS. So that control is backwards. Also, while it is cool to have a touch screen, you may be disappointed if you are currently using a smart phone. The touchscreen isn't as sensitive as you might think, so I've found it really isn't worth the hassle. And again, as well as the physical controls are laid out, once you learn the menus, you can move very quickly though them without the touchscreen.
The different shooting modes are pretty good where you have the option to make different functions a priority and the camera will pick up the slack on the rest. But I have had a mixed bag of results as I've found that the camera has a tendency to over expose the pics a little bit. Again, that may be down to me not having some other settings at an optimum, but it is something to be aware of.
My only other complaint is with the white balance. I don't feel the auto white balance is that great. It is hard to gauge what you might get. I've had good and bad results from it. So I tend to not use it. The other built in white balances are good, but not always in the setting it was intended for. For instance, I may use the cloudy setting if I am in more of a shaded area, instead of the shade setting and vice versa; conversely, the sunshine setting may also be sufficient. Also, if I am indoors and the lighting is adequate, or even on the brighter side, I may use the sunshine white balance. Maybe this is common with other cameras, and I just didn't expect it. So you should take my lower level of experience into consideration when reading my review. What I have tended to do is use the custom white balance and just make a slight correction as needed. I've set it up in a way that I feel works well in most settings. When I notice a shift, I may just make a few small adjustments and then start shooting.
All in all, I think the DMC-GF2 is a fantastic camera, and I've been having a lot of fun learning how to use it and I have been taking some great shots. I'd recommend it for a beginner as well as more seasoned photographers. One of my coworkers, who is a more advanced photographer, was really impressed with the camera, and I think he may be getting one, or at least another Micro 4/3 type of camera. I really feel you can't go wrong with this one.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Digital Micro Four Thirds Camera (Body):
After I fell on my GF1 skiing, I figured I'd have to replace it eventually. The new model (GF2) really is a lot nicer. The touch screen makes it easier to operate. The image quality is improved. I don't need any sharpening in PhotoShop. The thing is lighter and a little bit smaller too. Highly recommended. Also Panasonic has fabulous lenses for their micro 4/3 cameras. I have one of each.
Displaying reviews 1-3