Pixiq

Did you know that UK sales of mirror-less cameras (or EVIL cameras, or compact system cameras, or whatever you want to call a camera that doesn’t have a mirror but does have interchangeable lenses) more than doubled in December 2010 compared to sales in December 2009? People really seem to be loving the flexibility of interchangeable lenses on something slightly smaller than a dSLR. (Okay, they’re just a bit too evil for me, but that’s another story.) Panasonic were very proud to unveil the smallest and lightest mirror-less camera around, the GF2, which is an upgrade on the already popular GF1, but what do the reviewers think?

Overall, it would seem that the GF2′s image quality is on the shaky side when it comes to low-light, but it is small and light and for some people this is a reasonable trade-off. If you’re looking for a back-up for your dSLR, it might not be it; but if you want more flexibility when stepping up from a point-and-shoot, the GF2 could be a good place to start. Oh, and you probably don’t need to rush out and buy one if you’re a GF1 owner. But read on for the review highlights.

CNET UK says ‘The camera’s images aren’t quite as crisp as those achievable with a full-blown dSLR with a larger sensor and lens, but many will feel that the smaller dimensions of the GF2 are a fair trade-off.’ – Read the full review on CNET UK.

Digital Camera Review says ‘Panasonic wisely stuck to the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” philosophy, and there wasn’t anything broken on the GF1. The good image quality returns, continuous shooting rates are up a bit and the new touch screen/user interface is functional and mostly well thought-out.’ – Read the full review on Digital Camera Review.

PhotographyBlog says ‘Cheaper than the GF1 was on launch, the new DMC-GF2 takes Panasonic’s compact system cameras in a new direction, aiming to appeal to a wider base of users who are looking for DSLR-like results from a simpler and more compact design.’ – Read the full review on PhotographyBlog.

PhotoRadar says ‘If the Panasonic GF2′s image quality was assessed soley on the basis of the camera’s output in good light and at low sensitivity settings, it would garner a significantly higher score. However, the real world isn’t like the perfectly illuminated photographic studio and we must look at how the camera performs in the range of conditions in which an enthusiast or novice may wish to use it. Those who want a camera to record well lit landscapes encountered on holiday or when enjoying a bike ride will be pleased with the results.’ – Read the full review on PhotoRadar.

Pocket-lint says ‘Image quality is good for day-to-day shooting, though low-light use and high ISO settings will see it come unstuck when compared to the stiff competition out there. On the plus side the wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses see it win the versatility battle and the GF2 should easily be seen as one of the most complete and pocketable hybrid/compact system cameras to be released to date.’ – Read the full review on Pocket-lint.

T3 says ‘Our end impression is that an already excellent camera has been made smaller, faster and easier to use – if you’re happy navigating physical controls and virtual ones in tandem. Yet ultimately the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is a refinement rather than revolution in comparison with its predecessor.’ Read the full review on T3.

Wired says ‘How do you follow up on an almost perfect camera? If you’re Panasonic, and that camera is the mirrorless, lens-swapping GF1, then you forget about incremental updates and just ruin everything. The new GF2 tosses many things that were good in the compact, Micro Four Thirds GF1 in the name of miniaturization.’ – Read the full review on Wired.