Recent Reveiws on GF2

400There have been several recent reviews on the GF2 and its 14/2.5 lens which should be of interest to viewers such as those from Digital Camera Review and Phtoreview Australia. Links to these can be found in 43rumors.

I am surprised how little apparent interest has been shown on this forum to the GF2 subject inspite of its many advances as many apparently making up their minds to which camera they would even consider even before the camera is tested or available for use? Most reviews have been very positive with the special features and performance this GF2 camera brings to the scene and consider it to be the most capable m4/3 compact to date with exception only to the optional EVF.

Summarizing just some of the findings on GF2:
1. Smallest size of ILS with lens even smaller than NEX5
2. Fastest AF of compact m4/3 camera - 0.2-0.3sec
3. Only m4/3 or ILC compact with 1080iP HD video
4. Burst speed 3 fps+ with over 60 frames at highest resolution
5. Improved JPEGs and color because of new 3core processor
6. Fast AF also very accurate capable of tracking moving targets
7. Tiny 14mm/2.5 even w/o IS can be hand held shots down to 1/2 sec

8. Resolution on 14mm remains relatively high all the way to ISO3200 in raw and slightly lower in JPEG Noise remains low to ISO800 and unuseable at ISO 6400

9. While reviewers may still prefer GF1 controls they found the touch screen interface to be very well implimented and useful esp for selecting focus point

The recent release of pricing of GF2 in US indicates it will start at roughly the same price as the EPL2 with zoom and less than NEX5 or lower than most thought so the competition should really heat up. Already in Japan latest sales rankings indicate the GF2+GF1 camera now about equal to NEX5+NEX3 sales. From these sales rankings with GF1 coming back up it may be that Pany has decided to continue production GF1 longer before the GF3 arrives on scene?

Come on DPR viewers be a little more open minded and enjoy what these new products bring to our choices. Even a Pany fan like me likes what the new EPL2 also brings to the table and it also is tempting. Fortunately I have no m4/3 investment for now so can wait to see what the new GF3 or EP3 might be before chosing.

Just take a look at the new reviews on GF2 and you might be surprised at what you find.

That is what I see in many sample images from this camera but I have had a hard time to find this confirmed in the reviews I've looked through so far. Most of the reviewers have rather stated that ooc jpegs by GF2 is the same or close to that of GF1. Have I missed something?

safaridon said:

5. Improved JPEGs and color because of new 3core processor

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--
'Life is something that happens to you while you're making other plans'.
M. Millar

Boris Moscow said:

That is what I see in many sample images from this camera but I have had a hard time to find this confirmed in the reviews I've looked through so far. Most of the reviewers have rather stated that ooc jpegs by GF2 is the same or close to that of GF1. Have I missed something?

safaridon said:

5. Improved JPEGs and color because of new 3core processor

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-- You are correct to note that several have said the detail and resolution of the JPEGs is similar to that from the GF1 as one would expect but the defaults setting and brighter colors obviously better in the review pictures I've seen posted and the review comparisons showing various color options available. Some other reviews claiming an improvement in the JPEGs and color point to the new processor as the reason. I only referenced the two most recent reviews there are several others earlier.

The use of the new 3core processor in the GH2 is credited partly for its improved jpegs and colors and the GF2 uses the same 3core processor.

Sounds like you're planning on moving to the GF2, but are a little disturbed there's not much chatter about it on this forum. What am I missing?

--
...Bob, NYC

'Well, sometimes the magic works. . . Sometimes, it doesn't.' - Little Big Man

http://www.bobtullis.com

...that I'm pretty excited by the introduction. It sounds like it's shaping up to be a terrific compact camera. As soon as I can order one, I'm there. It will not "replace" my GF1, it will just be in addition to it - with the GF1 likely going to my wife.

--
Sam Bennett - http://www.swiftbennett.com

The more I think about it, the more I like it too. My three biggest concerns are size, image quality, and speed of operation (the cameras, not mine). I'm thinking that while it should be at least almost as good IQ wise as my e-pl1, it will be an improvement in the other two areas. The faster lens and AF light will probably speed up operation, and It looks like I could literally keep the body in one jeans pocket, and the lens in another.

I think I may pick up the GF2 with 14mm and a viewfinder once it's available.

safaridon said:

I am surprised how little apparent interest has been shown on this forum to the GF2 subject inspite of its many advances as many apparently making up their minds to which camera they would even consider even before the camera is tested or available for use?

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For the most part I think it's just that very, very few people actually have one.

And while some enthusiasts will like it, there's no denying that it's a more consumer-oriented product, so it may eventually get more sales than other models, and yet relatively little attention here.

Actually I am more likely to go for the GF3 or EP3 depending on what EVF options are, although the GF2 certainly is very attractive for various reasons. When the GF2 first was announced there was an outcry of how terrible this camera was with its dumbed down features etc and touch screen interface both from Pen fans and GF1 fans who wanted & expected something different discounting that there very likely is a GF3 to come soon as the upgrade from GF1. Now reviews and users are finding that the GF1 while very good for those moving up from P&S also has features which in several instances are better than the GF1.

Now with the emergence of the EPL2 I would have expected more of a dicussion on how it compares to the GF1 and GF2 for prospective users rather than only comparisons with the EPL1 which it replaces. Frequently there is a burst of posts after each released preview or review but there are long lapses afterward when this forum simply goes very dead with very few new threads or posts or new information for weeks on end. I frankly am interested in hearing and reading of every new m4/3 and ILS coming on the scene but often have to go to forums like 43rumors to get the first pictures or reviews or any new news or projections of what is to come.

OK, I hear ya better now.

I have dismissed it as old news. I decided I'd wait for a GF3 or EP3, and shelved the Gf2 thought completely. But THEN the more recent EPL2 caused me to reconsider the restraint.

I guess you are speaking to me. But I'm not looking to replace the EP2, which I've become quite attached to - at least, not until some new sensors arrive to the GF/EP scene. The smaller 2nd body is intended exclusively for MF hand-held, and the EPL2's simplicity of controls with a bit more ISO is basically all I'm looking for right now.

--
...Bob, NYC

'Well, sometimes the magic works. . . Sometimes, it doesn't.' - Little Big Man

http://www.bobtullis.com

safaridon said:

6. Fast AF also very accurate capable of tracking moving targets

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I'd like to see any reviews that have addressed AF tracking because if it indeed tracks reasonably well, that would be a major improvement over the GH1. Got any links to such reviews?

Some folks assert that contrast detect AF simply can't come close to phase detection AF for tracking, and while I don't know the technical differences well enough to have an opinion based on those technical differences, my real life experience testing my GH1 is that it can't compete with even entry level DSLR's for AF tracking. If the GF2 and GH2 can compete in AF tracking, that would be huge for me.
--

North Carolina

G Rash said:

safaridon said:

6. Fast AF also very accurate capable of tracking moving targets

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I'd like to see any reviews that have addressed AF tracking because if it indeed tracks reasonably well, that would be a major improvement over the GH1. Got any links to such reviews?

Some folks assert that contrast detect AF simply can't come close to phase detection AF for tracking, and while I don't know the technical differences well enough to have an opinion based on those technical differences, my real life experience testing my GH1 is that it can't compete with even entry level DSLR's for AF tracking. If the GF2 and GH2 can compete in AF tracking, that would be huge for me.

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-- Just take a look at the first review referenced at Digitalcamerareview.com linked in 43rumors.com and go to 2nd page on Performance. They have a number of pictures taken by GF2 capturing a train approaching camera at 30 mph and all tack sharp along with explanation.

"the GF2 is one the easier non-DSLR cameras to use while tracking moving subject. The GF2 proved to be pretty good at holding focus on subject including this sequence of local commuter train shooting at high speed continuous mode. Subjects moving across the foled of view are the easier exercise for a camera AF system to track than one approaching (as in this case) since the relative distance to camers changes more rapidly. The Gh2 handed the train pretty well with AF set on AF and there is also a tracking mode focus via touch screen to hold focus on the subject as it moves. The train was going at 30 mph."

No the GF2 is not perfect for this type of application as there will be a short blackout after first shot effecting real time panning. However the AF reportedly is plenty fast 3 fps+ for up to 60 continuous frames at highest resolution and AF is very fast and obviously accurate.

G Rash said:

Some folks assert that contrast detect AF simply can't come close to phase detection AF for tracking, and while I don't know the technical differences well enough to have an opinion based on those technical differences, my real life experience testing my GH1 is that it can't compete with even entry level DSLR's for AF tracking. If the GF2 and GH2 can compete in AF tracking, that would be huge for me.

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The problem is inherent to the differences between CDAF and PDAF. PDAF works by looking at phase - oversimplifying it a bit the AF sensor can tell by the looking at the AF area whether it needs to adjust backwards or forwards based on phase. CDAF doesn't have this benefit - it is only aware of something is sharp or not. If its not sharp, the only way it can tell whether it needs to go backwards or forwards is to refocus and check the contrast again. The GH2 (and apparently the GF2), the improvement comes from the camera making those decisions twice as quickly as it used to. The same problem is there, but it is being minimized by processing improvements.

Hope that helps...

--
Sam Bennett - http://www.swiftbennett.com

I've owned a GF-1 for about 2 months. One of the first things that I thought could use improvement was how the AF box is moved. The GF-2 touch screen looks wonderful for that.

I have the 20mm so the AF is good but noisy and a bit sluggish compared to my SLR primes. The zippiness of the 14mm is attractive. I'm not sure if the GF-2 actually focuses faster or if that is a function of the lenses? Perhaps it is -the GH-2 fast AF is attributed to the improved processing.

I'd still prefer a mode dial. If a mode dial can fit on my S90, it can surely fit on the GF-2! The other buttons and selectors are nice to have but are not as frequently used by me. I think the touch screen would be sufficent for those.

Anything to make the GF-1 size smaller is a benefit too.

However the deal breaker for me is high ISO. I'm not talking ISO 25K and up...I'm talking ISO 1600-3200. m43 is supposed to be big sensor, little camera. My expectation was the GF-1 would be trail slightly with my APS-C SLR. It does not. The GF-2 does not look like it improves in that department. Until then I enjoy the GF-1 for lightweight, low profile casual shooting. Replacing it with the GF-2 would be a waste of money for me without improving high ISO.

I was quite excited about the GF1 when it launched end of last year, but the lack of integrated VF was a bit of a letdown. Decided to continue shooting with my existing small DSLR and LX3 combo until the GF2 hit. I was hoping Panasonic would take the GF series further in the "enthusiast" direction, with features like an improved sensor (usable 1600 anyone?), integrated VF, or possibly IBIS (unlikely but it would have been nice).

Instead of getting any of those, Panasonic instead decided to remove the top dial and AE/AF lock (and other) buttons. Instead now iA gets its own dedicated, glowing, button right on the top plate next to the shutter release. These will turn out to be excellent decisions for selling the GF2 to consumers who just want one-button operation in a higher quality camera.

I'm sure you can make the GF2 work for you, but I decided the "improvements" weren't worth my time and bought a GF1 body and 20mm 1.4. It looks like at least some other users have taken the same path, as the supply of GF1 bodies at the recent discount pricing ($300) dried up and now the body and kit are back to their 2009 launch prices.

I would much prefer the mode dial of the GF1- but could live without it since I shoot mostly Ap. priority. But the loss of the AF lock button means no-go for me. I use that alot. Also use the remote release that is missing on GF2.

I'm not against the touch screen, It would be quicker to move AF box and to change ISO. Put the touch screen along with the GH2 sensor on a GF1 body and I would be happy. Throw in a new EVF and call it the GF3. (clip-on EVF fine with me)

The GF2 (and EPL1) would really not work for me, but I support having more options. It will be perfect for some.

Sam Bennett said:

The problem is inherent to the differences between CDAF and PDAF. PDAF works by looking at phase - oversimplifying it a bit the AF sensor can tell by the looking at the AF area whether it needs to adjust backwards or forwards based on phase. CDAF doesn't have this benefit - it is only aware of something is sharp or not. If its not sharp, the only way it can tell whether it needs to go backwards or forwards is to refocus and check the contrast again. The GH2 (and apparently the GF2), the improvement comes from the camera making those decisions twice as quickly as it used to. The same problem is there, but it is being minimized by processing improvements.

Hope that helps...

--
Sam Bennett - http://www.swiftbennett.com

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Thanks for clarifying the tech issues, Sam. I prefer to leave those to folks who know the details much better than I know them. I see from your galleries that you are somewhat in my neck of the woods. I was in Raleigh last week for work. I lived there many years ago when I was in college. Nice area.

--

North Carolina

G Rash said:

Sam Bennett said:

The problem is inherent to the differences between CDAF and PDAF. PDAF works by looking at phase - oversimplifying it a bit the AF sensor can tell by the looking at the AF area whether it needs to adjust backwards or forwards based on phase. CDAF doesn't have this benefit - it is only aware of something is sharp or not. If its not sharp, the only way it can tell whether it needs to go backwards or forwards is to refocus and check the contrast again. The GH2 (and apparently the GF2), the improvement comes from the camera making those decisions twice as quickly as it used to. The same problem is there, but it is being minimized by processing improvements.

Hope that helps...

--
Sam Bennett - http://www.swiftbennett.com

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Thanks for clarifying the tech issues, Sam. I prefer to leave those to folks who know the details much better than I know them.

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No problem!

G Rash said:

I see from your galleries that you are somewhat in my neck of the woods. I was in Raleigh last week for work. I lived there many years ago when I was in college. Nice area.

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Cool! My wife is an NC State alum, we live right down the street from the Farmer's Market. Let me know next time you're in town - we can go grab a beer, cup of coffee or whatever!

--
Sam Bennett - http://www.swiftbennett.com

shoooot said:

I would much prefer the mode dial of the GF1- but could live without it since I shoot mostly Ap. priority. But the loss of the AF lock button means no-go for me. I use that alot. Also use the remote release that is missing on GF2.

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I am pretty sure you can assign the "function" button as AE/AF Lock.

I see the GF2 series being the camera line that replaces my LX5 one day. The cameras are small, fit in a coat pocket (with pancake) and have good performance. One round of sensor updates and it's gonna be fantastic.

Touch screen is less of an issue than people think. I know people here love dials, as do I, but touch screen plus rear dial should be fine. Certainly it'll be better than the EPL1 interface for many. Touch screen also helps drive down price and size, so one has to consider that.

2011 is going to be a fun year in m43. EP3, G3, Oly G/GH style body, maybe a GP series from panny, and I suspect 5 or 6 new lenses. Pure speculation, but that's what I predict. Should be good.

Hoard your hobby money for the next six months.

--
SLOtographer
Panasonic G1, LX5

My GF2 (body only) has just arrived in the post today (ordered in from ebay for £440 in UK) - I'll have a play and post some images too. Plan on using it with my 7-14mm and 20mm Panny lenses. The size is fantastic.. it's so compact.