Panasonic Lumix GF1 vs GF2 Comparison

I recently bought the Lumix GF2, after using the GF1 for about a year. Here is my comparison between the two cameras.

I prefer the Lumix GF series because of the size (The best camera is the one you bring, etc….), but after I had the GH2 a little while, the video performance of the GF1 (not hacked) was grainy in comparison. With the GF2 it’s less noise and the sound recording is much better. The low light video recording performance is especially improved.

I have always been very satisfied with the GF1 photo quality with RAW, and the GF2 is basically the same. I do miss the one Jpeg setting I really liked on the GF1, the B&W Dynamic which was great. Hope they bring the setting back in a firmware update (not likely) or a later camera.

Molde Landscape, GF2 jpeg, 14-140mm @95, f/10.0, 1/800

(Click images for larger version)

The camera is 19% smaller than the GF1, which feels more than I thought it would. The size can be very handy and easy to bring, but it feels too small with a bigger zoom lens. It works fine when I add the viewfinder though.

Molde Landscape, GF2 jpeg, 14-140mm @41, f/13.0, 1/640

I don’t miss the mode dial from the GF1 and the touch screen functions are nicely implemented, the touch to focus is also a nice addition. The GF2 is also much cheaper than the GF1 was on release.

Molde Landscape, GF2 jpeg, 8mm Fisheye, f/8.0, 1/500

I believe the iterative improvements to the GF2 were not what many expected it to be. Especially the use of the same sensor and the inclusion of a touch screen reminded many of their dislike for the NEX.

I think the improvements made a great camera even better, I even got a good friend of mine into the m43 format (he bought my GF1). So now I have one more photo discussion partner.