Panasonic intensifies that aggressive drive towards a truly compact design with the lumix gf2. Discussion of size is important in this market space, because in addition to image quality, this is where the battle lines are drawn. These lumix gf2 are designed to deliver the best image quality in the smallest volume. Technically, the lumix gf2 is similar to its predecessor, with the same 12.1-megapixel sensor, but Panasonic says its Venus Engine FHD processor will improve noise performance across the ISO range, which is important when going up against cameras featuring APS-C sensors.
In another side, Nikon has responded and developed nikon p500. Compared to lumix gf2, nikon p500 sports an ultra-wide-angle lens, starting at 22.5mm. It means less stepping back to get it all in. Many users of nikon p500 will do well to zoom in a bit for most photographs. Thanks to the inclusion of an additional zoom control on the side of the lens, which helps you remain a little more steady as you zoom all the way in to 810mm equivalent. That’s such a long zoom that though Vibration Reduction helps, it’s hard to keep on target without a steady hand. The speedy processor also enables a few special modes, including Easy Panorama and Backlighting/HDR modes. A continuous mode can capture up to five frames at eight frames per second, as well, making the nikon p500 a great choice for casual sports shooting. Video is another major feature of the nikon p500, it can record Full HD movies (1080p) with stereo sound. This nikon p500 even allows for macro shooting as close as 0.4 inches. Plus, it comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that lasts for approximately 220 pictures. Click here for more of nikon p500 best deals.
Size isn’t the only component to the story, what’s also interesting is what they had to do to achieve this size reduction, which includes moving many of the features that previously had a dial to the new touchscreen. The touchscreen features have been brought to the lumix gf2, and many new ones were created to replace features like the Mode dial. At the same time, Panasonic added higher resolution video to the lumix gf2, up to 1,920 x 1,080 at 60i in AVCHD compression. The lumix gf2 is packed with both trade-offs and benefits, and as such is likely to prove a bit divisive, with some photographers drawn by the advantages of its relatively compact body, and others concerned at the reduction in external controls. There’s a lot more to the story of lumix gf2, click here.
Here is a summary of lumix gf2 review from a satisfied customer:
Mirrorless is the Future
Let me start by saying I think traditional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) will be in serious decline over the next few years. With an electronic viewfinder and high speed contrast autofocus mirrorless cameras will match the performance of their traditional dslr counterparts at the same format size. They will also offer benefits that can’t be matched in a traditional dslr in terms of size, weight, and lens cost. The lens cost advantage comes from not being constrained to have light hit the sensor without distortion, as the distortion can be corrected digitally without any loss. The 14mm lens here is a perfect example. It is very small, light, and relatively cheap. With this lens if you took a picture of a rectangular grid and looked at the unprocessed raw file you’d see the grid lines bend in an arc, but you’ll never see that lens distortion because the processed raw files, in camera jpegs, and view screen automatically adjust and bring the distortion back to imperceptible. If size and weight of camera and lenses aren’t a factor for you then a traditional dslr from Canon or Nikon or one of the others may be a better choice for you.
The lumix gf2 is available in three different kit versions. The lumix gf2 kit includes a LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. zoom lens. In certain other markets, there’s also a double-lens kit including these lenses. The lumix gf2 shoots professional-quality full High Definition (HD) videos as well as handling still photography. 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. A dedicated video record button makes it easy to start shooting videos, and high quality sound is recorded with the stereo microphone for Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. Panasonic’s iA mode extends to video recording, with the following features: Face Detection, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Scene Selector.
The lumix gf2 has the following features and specifications:
- 12.1MP Resolution Live MOS Sensor
- 3″ LCD Display W/460,000-Dot Resolution
- 14-42mm Zoom Lens (28-84mm Equivalent)
- Accepts Micro Four Thirds Lenses
- Small, Light Interchangeable Lens Camera
- Accepts 3D Interchangeable Lens
- Built-In Flash
- Use Touch-Screen for Fast Operation
- HD Video at 1920×1080
- Easy to Use With iA Function
Click here to watch a video of lumix gf2 and get the exciting features
The lumix gf2 has the following Pros and cons:
Pros:
- Full HD movie
- Built-in stereo mic
- Very compact
- Very good AF speeds
- AF is live during video recording
- Excellent viewfinder accuracy
- Fast download speeds
cons:
- Orange and yellow shifted to green in JPEGs
- Demosaicing errors in fine detail such as hair
- Lowest NR setting
Conclusion:
The lumix gf2 is artistic not only in form, but also in function, as it provides an array of features that lets users capture true-to-life images while also creating their own expressive, beautiful images. The lumix gf2 features My Color mode which is integrated with the conventional Film mode. My Color mode offers a total of eight preset effects–Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette, plus Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness, saturation and contrast levels. Click here to get the exciting features of lumix gf2.
