Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

GF2, the new compact with interchangeable lenses from Panasonic Panasonic enjoy the show of the photo to reveal the GF2, enclosure micro four thirds super compact.

The new compact with interchangeable lenses from Panasonic recently announced with great fanfare at the Salon of Photography in Paris: it is the GF2. Little brother GF1 (read review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1) released last year, he relies on him as a sensor micro 4 / 3 and a more compact design than the G / GH. Smaller and thinner than its predecessor, it relies on the technical basis of G2 (G2 read review) was released a few months ago.

Touch screen, full HD video

Besides the new 12 megapixel sensor that allows it to climb to 6400 ISO and shoot Full 1080i HD, the GF2 also incorporates touch screen G2. If you appreciate being able to focus the subject by pointing to the screen or take advantage of a simplified ergonomics (lots of buttons disappear) what really makes the difference is the anti-glare this new screen. The GF1 suffers from a slab of glass that quickly became unusable in bright light.

At a first meeting of grip at the Salon of Photography, the screen 460 000 pixels for 7.6 cm diagonal we felt accurate, well contrasted, responsive in the menus, but also almost insensitive to the neon and other spots. A real plus.

Venus Engine FHD

Pushing further the ISO that his grandfather, the GF2 incorporates the new Venus Engine image processor FHD able to film in 1080i HD, generate smart digital zoom (Smart zoom) and supports in new autofocus system, which would, according to Panasonic, twice as fast.

Flash, no microphone jack, optional viewfinder

Unlike NEX3 and NEX5, Pen E-P2 and Samsung NX100, the flash is here integrated into the command box, like the Pen E-PL1. A real plus when it comes to lead the shadows in broad daylight. But if the HDMI is the game, regret is the lack of microphone jack: if we know the qualities of mics from Panasonic, a small shotgun mic would have really turned into a full HD camcorder. As for the viewfinder, it is always optional.

If the technical details seem off, if the prototype unveiled at the photo was indeed usable and if the release date is announced for February, however it lacks an important information: the price. A price that will greatly affect the success of this product in competition with Sony NEX5 arch segment leader. Wait and see, so ...