The new Panasonic Lumix GF1 looks like a pocket-sized point-and-shoot at 1.4-inches thick, but switch its lenses, and you’ve got a powerful pro-style SLR that fits snuggly in the pocket.
The guts behind the Lumix DMC-GF1 is a maximum aperture of f/1.7. This fast, bright lens is a mirrorless interchangeable lens is based on the Micro Four Thirds system. In essence, this technology enables smaller and lighter camera bodies and lenses by simplifying the convoluted optical path required by a conventional SLR. It even acts as a camcorder that continuously autofocuses.
The 12-Megapixal (with flash) Lumix GF1 incorporates an electronic viewfinder displaying live view (a real time representation of what the camera ‘sees’). The Leica-manufactured lens is only 23mm deep but with a very wide maximum aperture. What this means is that it lets in lots of light, which makes hand-held shooting in low light a lot easier, and also makes it very easy to blur the background on your portraits.
Buyers will love the GF1, especially if you’re used to cheaper compact or budget SLR. It’s fast, bright and sharp. The price of $900 could certainly deter compact owners looking for a fairly cheap upgrade, or SLR owners looking for a toting-cameral. If you can afford it with the pancake lens though, the Lumix DMC-GF1 is worth it. (www.panasonic.com)
