Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

601 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
portability (348)
performance (337)
usability (257)
lens (192)
image quality (184)

Negative
price (88)
viewfinder (51)
memory (3)
black level (1)
energy (1)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 601 reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The average rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. People really like the image quality and lens. The usability and performance also get good opinions. Some have doubts about the black level and energy efficiency. Opinions are divided on the zoom.

portability, performance, usability, lens, image quality

price, viewfinder, memory, energy, black level

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 91/100 = Excellent quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 601 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

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Features

portability
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performance
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usability
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lens
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image quality
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Showing 1 - 190 of 364 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (235)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 24 user reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.8/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.co.uk. Reviewers are impressed by the lens and size. The usability and performance also get good feedback. There are some less positive comments about the shutter and viewfinder. There are some mixed comments about the zoom.

portability, performance, usability, size, lens

price, low-light, flash, viewfinder, shutter

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

alaTest has collected and analyzed 156 user reviews of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.5/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.com. People really like the lens and image quality. The usability and portability are also appreciated. Opinions are divided on the price. Many are critical about the contrast.

performance, portability, usability, image quality, lens

contrast

95% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : DP Review (dpreview.com)

Expert Review

The compact design means inevitable compromises when compared to a 'full size' SLR, but the GF1 gets so much right that it's a real winner in our eyes. Great image quality, a well-rounded feature set and surprisingly zippy performance put it a little...

Superb resolution, excellent overall image quality up to ISO 1600, Stunning raw output, Reliable exposure and focus and generally reliable white balance, Excellent build quality & great screen, Surprisingly good handling, fun and easy to use, Very...

Dynamic range and high ISO output not quite as good as best in class (including Olympus E-P1), JPEG output nowhere near as good as it could be - shoot raw for best results, Default settings don't produce particularly appealing (JPEG) color, Flash is...

Apr, 2010

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Expert review by : PJ Jacobowitz (pcmag.com)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 offers a D-SLR experience in a body that's not much bigger than a superzoom camera.

More compact than a D-SLR. Fast focusing speeds. Extremely sharp images. 720p30 HD video capture. Built-in flash. HDMI port with CEC support.

Noisy images at ISO 1600 and higher. No optical viewfinder. No optical image stabilization with 20mm lens.

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Nov, 2009

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Tim Moynihan (pcworld.com)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

The slimmest Micro Four-Thirds System camera yet, the industrial-looking Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 ($900 in two kit variations as of 10/28/2009) is the most enticing non-DSLR we've seen to date. Purist and professional-level photographers may not like...

Great learning tool and/or DSLR replacement ; Compact size for an interchangeable-lens camera

No optical viewfinder ; Not as many lens options as a full DSLR ; Image exposure is a bit dark

With a compact frame, a pop-up flash, interchangeable lenses, HD video-shooting capabilities, and simple-but-versatile controls, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is an excellent alternative to an entry-level DSLR.

Nov, 2009

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Expert review by : Lori Grunin (cnet.com)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 review

It may lack the retro slick design of its main competitor, the Olympus E-P1 , but Panasonic gets it almost pitch perfect with the Lumix DMC-GF1, a jacket-pocket-size interchangeable-lens model with the feel and features that draw people to enthusiast...

Excellent photo quality and performance for its class; comfortable, streamlined design; interchangeable lenses.

EVF costs extra; can't use EVF and hot-shoe flash simultaneously.

The best interchangeable-lens compact we've see thus far, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 delivers great photo quality and performance in an enthusiast-friendly shooting experience. Like competitors, however, the lack of an optical viewfinder limits its...

Oct, 2009

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Expert review by : Josh Fate (steves-digicams.com)

Panasonic Lumix GF1 Review

The Panasonic Lumix GF1 features the performance, image quality and interchangeable lenses like a dSLR, but in a much smaller and easier to carry body. Click Here to read the entire conclusion.

dSLR image quality in a much more compact size; Smooth 720p HD video capture (AVCHD); Interchangeable lenses; Micro 4/3 system; Low noise at high ISO's ; Cons ; Previous model featured 1080p HD video; No EVF (available as an accessory); Far fewer...

Previous model featured 1080p HD video; No EVF (available as an accessory); Far fewer lenses available than most dSLR cameras ; Bottom Line ; The Panasonic Lumix GF1 features the performance, image quality and interchangeable lenses like a dSLR, but in...

The Panasonic Lumix GF1 features the performance, image quality and interchangeable lenses like a dSLR, but in a much smaller and easier to carry body.

Jan, 2010

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Expert review by : Review Crew (reviewboard.com)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Digital Camera Review

It may lack the retro slick design of its main competitor, the Olympus E-P1, but Panasonic gets it almost pitch perfect with the Lumix DMC-GF1, a jacket-pocket-size interchangeable-lens model with ...

May, 2010

Partner Source

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Expert review by (letsgodigital.org)

Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 review

Micro Four Thirds is booming. Manufacturers like Panasonic regularly announce new products and accessories for the unique DSLR-alternative; the Micro Four Thirds System. At the time the system was first announced, expectations certainly ran high with...

At the time of writing, there are only two truly compact Micro Four Thirds System cameras available. Both are similar when it comes to functions and dimensions. Olympus and Panasonic are the promoters and developers of the Micro Four Thirds system, and...

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Expert review by : Mark Goldstein (photographyblog.com)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review

The new Panasonic DMC-GF1 is the latest Micro Four Thirds camera, following in the footsteps of the electronic giant's G1 and GH1 models. Unlike those two cameras, which have a distinct DSLR look and feel, the Panasonic GF1 is smaller and lighter,...

The Panasonic DMC-GF1 is a natural evolution of the Micro Four Thirds format, offering similar functionality to the G1 and GH1 models in a smaller and lighter body. The GF1 isn't perfect, but it is one of my favourite cameras of 2009. The DMC-GF1 isn't...

Oct, 2009

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Expert review by : Jeff Keller (dcresource.com)

Lumix DMC-GF1

, which has a compact, retro-styled body that is a lot closer to what many people expected in the first place. Unfortunately, that camera was plagued by slow autofocus, no built-in flash, and the lack of a viewfinder (with the exception of the one...

Very good photo quality: low noise until highest ISOs, minimal highlight clipping or purple fringing ; Interchangeable lenses in a (relatively) compact body ; 3-inch, high resolution LCD with great outdoor visibility ; First-rate live view experience:...

Some redeye and highlight clipping ; Movies created with AVCHD Lite codec are difficult to share and edit; frame rate isn't true 60 fps; Motion JPEG movies have huge file sizes, limited recording time ; Unremarkable continuous shooting mode ; Flash...

It's safe to say that you can't get a better endorsement than having a reviewer buying the camera they are writing about. The GF1 isn't my main digital SLR -- I have a D300s for my high ISO image quality, wide lens selection, and quick continuous...

Nov, 2010

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Expert review by : Ed Lau (futurelooks)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Micro Four Thirds Camera

To be honest, when Micro Four Thirds format was announced, I couldn't really see the point. Sure, the cameras were slightly smaller but not by much. If you ...

Excellent image quality, especially in RAW ; Comparatively easy to use, clearly labeled buttons and simple menu navigation ; Great rear LCD image quality with useful digital zoom manual focus mode ; High build quality, solid feel to constuction ;...

No in-body image stabilization ; Still very limited lens and accessory selection ; Slightly expensive, especially considering the $135US optional electronic viewfinder ; Disappointing JPEG output. Shoot RAW whenever possible

The GF1 uses SD card storage and you'll probably want to invest in a big one (or better yet, several medium sized cards) as full-sized JPEGs are roughly 5-6MB each and RAW files are in the 15MB range.

Aug, 2010

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