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Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1
37
SCORE
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 12.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Standard HD video

Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1

General 37Optics 39Video Performance 47Features and Benefits 36Storage and Battery 21
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KEY FACTS
BrandPanasonic
ModelLumix DMC GF1
Released2009
Announcement date02/09/2009
Camera typeMirrorless

General 37

Brand
Panasonic
Model
Lumix DMC GF1
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
02/09/2009
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
119 x 71 x 36 mm
Camera weight
385 g

Optics 39

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
12.1 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4000 x 3000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.3
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Venus Engine HD
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
32003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
32003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
230300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 receives a score of 37/100 for its general specifications. This mirrorless camera, announced on September 2, 2009, and released the same year, had an original launch price of $570. Measuring 119 x 71 x 36mm and weighing 385g (0.85lbs), the GF1 is a compact and lightweight option. However, considering the advancements in camera technology since 2009, the GF1’s specifications may not be as competitive in today’s market. Despite this, it still stands as a reliable camera for those seeking a simple, user-friendly experience.

Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 Overview and Optics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 receives a score of 39/100 for its optics. This camera features a 12.1-megapixel resolution and a shooting speed of 3 frames per second. The GF1 is equipped with a CMOS sensor and a Venus Engine HD processor. Its DXOMARK sensor score is 54, and it has a Micro Four Thirds sensor size. The lens mount is also Micro 4/3, but the camera lacks image stabilization. Its aspect ratio stands at 4:3.

Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Lumix GF1 falls behind in terms of resolution and shooting speed. Modern cameras tend to have higher megapixel counts and faster shooting capabilities. The lack of image stabilization could also be a drawback for those looking to capture sharp, steady images. The Micro Four Thirds system, however, offers a wide range of lens compatibility, allowing users to adapt to various shooting scenarios.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 has some limitations in its optics performance compared to newer cameras on the market. Its lower resolution, shooting speed, and absence of image stabilization might not meet the demands of today’s photographers. Nonetheless, its Micro Four Thirds system allows for versatile lens options, providing some advantage in specific situations.

Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 Video Performance 47

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Standard HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1280 x 720
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
AVCHD,QuickTime Motion JPEG
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dmc gf1 video performance

The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 receives a video score of 47 out of 100. This camera offers a standard HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1280 x 720 pixels. It supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, providing smooth and clear footage. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality.

Comparing its video capabilities to current market standards, the GF1 falls behind, as many modern cameras now offer 4K resolution and advanced video features. While its 60fps frame rate is still relevant, the 720p resolution is outdated compared to cameras that provide 1080p or 4K resolution.

Considering the video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 may not be the best choice for users focused on high-quality video recording. It is essential to evaluate one’s specific needs and priorities when selecting a camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 Features and Benefits 36

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
4600001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dmc gf1 features and benefits

The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 scores 36/100 in the features category. The camera comes with a 3-inch screen, with a resolution of 460,000 dots. However, it does not have a touchscreen. It does have a flip screen, which is useful for different shooting angles. Unfortunately, the camera lacks GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities.

Comparing these features with current cameras on the market, the GF1 falls short in some key aspects. Many modern cameras come with touchscreens, higher resolution screens, and connectivity options such as GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. These features enhance user experience and provide added convenience for photographers.

Considering the GF1’s features, it is clear that the camera is not as advanced as some of its competitors in today’s market. While it does offer a flip screen, the absence of a touchscreen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth make it less appealing to users who prioritize these capabilities in a camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 Storage and Battery 21

Memory card
SD / SDHC / MMC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
DMW-BLB13
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
380 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dmc gf1 storage and battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 scores 21/100 for storage and battery, which is a low score compared to modern cameras. With only one memory card slot, it accepts SD, SDHC, and MMC cards. This limitation reduces its storage capacity and flexibility for users. The camera’s battery life is 380 shots, powered by a DMW-BLB13 battery. This battery life is relatively short in comparison to other cameras currently available. Additionally, the GF1 lacks USB charging, further limiting its convenience for users.

Considering these specifications, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1’s storage and battery performance is weak in today’s market. Its limited options for memory cards, short battery life, and lack of USB charging make it less desirable compared to more recent camera models.