Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

So today, I got my hands on a Panasonic Lumix GF2. And thought I'd share with some who are interested in getting one themselves. If your reading this, you've probably already read the specifications and details of the camera itself. But I'll write a little brief summary of its main features, for Kicks Sake.

The Panasonic Lumix GF2, runs the (Mirrorless) Micro Four Thirds System with Interchangeable Lenses. It features 12.1 megapixels, 3-inch Touch LCD, HD movie of 1920 x 1080, 3.2fps Continuous shooting, 23-AutoFocus System, ISO sensitivity of 100 - 6400 and built-in flash. It weighs about 265grams and its Volume-metric Dimensions(H x W x D) are 67.8 x 112.8 x 32.8mm.

The GF2 is a new version of the previous GF1. But like many questions that have been brought up, Is it really an upgrade from the GF1? How's it compare with the other newer Micro Four Thirds and Mirrorless digital cameras??

From the first look at the GF2, it's comparatively smaller and more compact to the GF1. If you look at them side by side together, GF2 loses the mode dial buttons, which I think could mean life and death for some point-and-shoot users.(I myself prefer more control physically rather than having to maneuver the User Interface In and Out) A new "iAuto" button at the top of the GF2 does make it easy to go from any mode (ie. Manual) to Full Auto in an instant. With the Mode dial done away, its replaced with a built-in stereo microphone, and backed by the HD video 60i output, should give pretty excellent footage; AVCHD format.

If you take at look at the back of the GF2 comparing to the GF1, it has a lot less buttons to press than before. Which leads me to explain, its Touch Screen feature. A lot of the features you would normally press on the exterior, have been shoved inside, of the Touch Screen user interface. Selecting the different Modes (P / A / S / M / iA / SCN / C), White Balance Modes, ISO Selection, Single/Continuous/Timer Shots and AutoFocus Mode. Inside the AutoFocus Mode, you can choose from Face Detection, AF Tracking, 23-AREA tracking, and 1-AREA tracking. Since this is a Touch Screen, the GF2 allows you to use your finger tips to focus on the area from which you choose to focus and the dial button at your thumb lets you choose the size of your focus point. Another fun feature I find interesting is a Touch thumbnail button on the right side that allows you to capture a photo (while choosing your focus point) with a poke of a finger!

In other aspects, the GF2 doesn't seem to have a Flash exposure compensation like the GF1. But with the more flexible flash pop-up, it could be manually adjusted with your left hand to either flash upward, downward or tilt to your hearts desire. And due to the smaller compact size of the GF2, there isn't a remote release socket; (if it really mattered in the first place).

Lenses, the GF2 does come with a new revamped edition of Micro 4/3s Lenses. The new lenses are cute little things, that may look like your kids Christmas toys, but will have you digging deep into your pockets. The Lenses include your typical DSLR favorites, your Ultra Wide Angles, Single Focal Lengths, Macros, Fisheyes, and Telephoto Zooms Lenses. My personal favorite, the Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH. Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens.

To my evaluated conclusion, the Panasonic Lumix GF2 is either a Hit or Miss. If you love your iPhone like everyone else on the street does, than your most likely going to love the GF2. I'll admit, I've got sticky fingers, the Touch LCD gets a little un-responsive at times and I have to press one button a few times before I get what I want. But other than that, the image quality is about the same as the GF1 and jam packed into a smaller fun size for a bit less of a hassel to carry around. Also can't forget the HD movie quality you'd be shooting. Yes, because we all need FULL HD now(which is really a marketing scheme to get you to buy a pricy SD card)! For an middle class Interchangeable Lens Camera, between point-and-shoot Digital Cameras and Digital SLRs, It does feel a bit overpriced for what your getting. The price bracket will be between getting an entry level Digital SLR like a Canon 550D/Nikon D3100 with more options and lenses selection (and bulkier). But if you fancy the small compact Digital Camera size with miniturized Digital SLR Lenses play, than You've probably already decided on what suits your daily life more. This is just my own personal hands-on review of the GF2, if you'd like more information, check out other in-depth reviews.