By: Camera House Resident Photographer
Submitted: 23 May 11, 2:53PM
This incredibly small compact pro delivers a micro four thirds interchangeable lens system, touch screen controls, Full HD video, 3D capability and a built-in flash... What more could you need?
Armed with 12.1 megapixel Live Mos sensor with Live View, this camera is ready when you are. While more advanced users may not be too fond of the touch screen controls (as it makes some more advanced features less accessible) novice shooters will enjoy the quick adjustment of exposure, white balance and shutter speed. Focus is set simply by touching your subject on screen. A dedicated button for intelligent Auto (iA) makes it quick and easy to select different shooting and scene modes (17 in total) and another dedicated button allows you to record HD movies.
Viewing and framing your shots can be done via the 3 inch LCD screen or you can purchase an optional Live View Finder for fulltime live view function.
Home movies will look and sound a treat as they are recorded in full 1920x1080p and feature Dolby Digital sound. Plus you can save any individual frame as a still if you like. Viewing your HD masterpiece is easy – simply plug in via the HDMI output for plug and play ease.
This kit bundles the GF2 comes with a 14-40mm zoom lens (28-84mm equivalent) which is suitable for a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscape to portrait. The lens system features excellent contrast at entire zoom range and the inclusion of aspherical lens elements improves optical performance by minimizing distortion, even at the 28mm wide end. The lens also incorporates Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), which makes it easier to shoot sharp clear shots even in low-lit situations by eliminating handshake.
With its minimum focus distance of 30 cm even at full zoom, the new lens provides a maximum photographic magnification of 0.32x (35mm equivalent). Seven aperture blades provide a lovely bokeh even when shooting in wide aperture.
Good: Full 1920x1080p HD recording. Slim and lightweight (just 285g). Compatible with a range of lenses. Touch screen controls (though some users may not like this). Easy to use. iA system for fast scene selection.
Bad: NO HDMI cable included. Touch screen may prove irksome to more advanced shooters.