Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Its body is smaller in every dimension than its predecessor's, making it very nearly as petite as the Sony NEX-5. In the process, though, it's shed a significant number of those external controls that until now have been the hallmark of the G series - most obviously the exposure mode dial, but also the drive-mode lever that sat beneath it, along with several of the buttons on the back.

GF2 gains Full HD movie recording capability (1080i at 60fps from 30p capture) that is supported by a stereo microphone on the top plate.On the photographic side the GF2 inherits the G2's ability to shoot at 2.6 fps while maintaining live view, along with its ISO 6400 maximum sensitivity, improved Auto ISO program and a dedicated iAuto button on the top plate. Meanwhile 3D fans will undoubtedly be delighted by its support for the H-FT012 lens.

Compared to the Panasonic DMC-GF1

The GF2 is, unusually for Panasonic's recent releases, substantially different in design from its predecessor. Here it is sporting the 14mm F2.5 pancake alongside the GF1 wearing the 20mm F1.7. The sleeker, simplified design is immediately apparent.

The loss of the mode dial (replaced by a stereo microphone on the top plate),the remolded grip and the closer integration of the hot shoe into the overall design all adds up to a cleaner, less boxy look. The GF2's 'Full HD' label signals the presence of its 1080i video mode.

The wealth of buttons that adorned the GF1's back has been simplified right down, and the restyled four-way controller gives a more 'compact-like' appearance. The blue tinge to the GF2's LCD screen signifies a small, but welcome change - the addition of an anti-reflective coating to aid shooting in bright sunlight.   

 

  Some major changes:

·                     Smaller and lighter body

·                     LCD screen now touch-sensitive, with added anti-reflective coating

·                     Fewer external controls (mode dial, drive mode lever, AEL and DOF preview buttons removed)

·                     Completely revamped, fully-customizable Quick Menu designed for touchscreen operation

·                     Built-in stereo microphone

·                     1080i 60fps full HD video (from 25p sensor output)

·                     Continuous shooting at 2.6fps with Live View

·                     Increased maximum sensitivity (ISO 6400)

·                     iAuto button on top plate

·                     Variable 'Defocus Control' in iAuto and 'My Color' modes, with live preview

·                     Full support for F-FT012 3D lens

·                     No remote release socket

·                     2nd curtain sync and flash exposure compensation no longer available

·                     New smaller DMW-BLD10 battery with slightly lower capacity (7.3Wh vs 9 Wh)

 Compared to the Olympus E-PL2

The GF2 is smaller than the E-PL2 in every dimension, but not by all that much. Olympus incorporates in-body image stabilization that works with all lenses. 

 Compared to the Sony NEX-5 and Samsung NX-100

Here it is with the 14mm F2.5 lens sitting between two of its direct competitors each kitted out with their respective wideangle pancakes, the Sony NEX-5 + 16mm F2.8 and Samsung NX100 + 20mm F2.8.

The GF2 is now one of the smallest cameras of its type, although it's still not as tiny as the NEX-5 despite having a smaller sensor than the Sony's APS-C chip. The key difference is in the body height, though, which reflects the GF2's hot shoe and built-in flash: features which are missing from the NEX. The NX100 doesn't have a flash either.