Panasonic GF-1 Review in the Landscape

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Friday, 29 January 2010 14:26

Vanguard SBH-250 Ballhead

Do you want a compact 12mp system that almost rivals a 5D, fits in your pocket and produces knockout results? A landscape camera capable of truly remarkable images, with RAW output that will literally make you double take? A hiking companion without compromise? Bridging the gap at last, the GF-1 has me spellbound.

Panasonic GF-1 Review in the Landscape


The Kerrang (or Quirang as its more popularly known to those of us that didnt grow up on death metal) Panasonic GF-1 at f5.6, 24mm (48mm in 35mm terms) 1/100thsec, tripod mounted, 2sec timer.

To the Point (and shoot)
After my last article about the Canon G10 and Ricoh GX200, I was left somewhat disillusioned about the concept of compact cameras in my life. With excessive noise being the Achilles heel of these smaller sensor systems, they remain exactly where I had once left them, as convenient memory recorders, but nothing more. I must admit, the Olympus EP-1 and the new Panasonic GF-1 have had me intrigued since I first read the pre-release hype. Looking like the popular Lumix LX3 on steroids, the GF-1 exhibits all the traits of a pocket compact with slightly larger frame. It is part of a new breed of small cameras to take advantage of the 4/3’s sensor revolution. It has nine times more surface area than a compact camera sensor (which is still less than 16 times smaller than full frame) The 4/3’s sensor is over four times larger than the Canon G10 / G11, just one of the high volume rivals that it tries to wrong foot. In the box are the usual software and manuals to put straight into the loft, charger and battery. Then there is the dinky matchbox sized 14-45 lens. Attaching it to the body makes you feel somewhat boy-like. It’s lightweight and perhaps a little plastic, but with quality glass elements courtesy of that enticing Leica partnership, a building sense of possibility begins.


Conventional looks but quality build and the relief of SLR handling makes this feel very good from the start.

Superb Landscape Features

Now I can go on about the myriad of functions and features that the camera holds, but there are plenty of reviews out there to cover that. Here’s a quick bullet list of the handling points that seriously impressed me using the camera in the landscape –

Using a compact with manual focus and zoom rings is an utter relief. I can approach my landscapes with SLR working method.
The screen is bliss, almost like a profiled monitor. It is neutral looking and reviewed images produces realistic hues and saturation (many compacts over saturate and over brighten the LCD)
Display modes are well thought out, with a ‘simple view’, displaying aperture and shutter speed, which is often all you ever need in the landscape.
Aperture values go down to f22, just like a DSLR. (more on this below)
Quick change between AF and MF.
It has a killer feature - depth of field preview and a Live View zoom feature, just like my DSLRs. I can actually focus my landscapes hyperfocally without guesswork by using them in partnership.
In MF mode the camera jumps to magnified view as soon as the MF ring is turned, meaning perfect focusing every time.
Easy change between 2Sec timer, single shot and continuous modes.
Slightly squarer files from the 4/3 sensor starts to feel a bit like medium format.

Not so keen on –

Menu system looks dated, fonts look squished and misshapen. It's looks pretty boring to navigate through.
Thumb wheel needs to be bigger. Not easy to use with gloves.
My review model wasn’t red! They look very cool.
(not mentioning the weak flash as its a landscape article, but it is noted)


Sligachan - Taken at f16, 18mm (36mm in 35mm terms) 1/3secs, ISO100 and hyperfocally focused, (yes thats right, f16, not f8 where all other point and shoots stop), its as easy to be artistic with such a small camera, thanks to its uncomplicated DSLR handling.


Small build, SLR controls, Image Stabilisation. Lightweight, but the sharpness is just superb.

Lens Quality
After testing the lens to see where diffraction and softness occur, the 14-45 kit lens was very impressive. The usual home testshots of a field and stone wall showed the optimum aperture was f5.6. Tests shot at f8 were also excellent with the images almost non-distinguishable. Diffraction kicked in soon after. Images shot at f16 were slightly soft, but it was nice to find a sweet spot, again similar to many DSLR lenses of the same focal lengths. Diffraction issues can be compensated in RAW software with a midicum of extra sharpening.

Awesome Image Quality

Now this is where this camera simply blew me away. Online reviews and other magazines all agree that the JPEG output could do with some improvement and I agree, but for literally all landscape photographers, imagery is all about the RAW file at base ISO. I am excited to report the Panasonic GF-1 is a landscape killer; the images are absolutely stunning and I mean it.

This pocket rocket and 14-45 lens will have you double taking back home on the computer. Tripod mounted and set to optimum apertures, sharpness is like nothing I have ever seen from a camera this compact. The RAW files are clean, neutral looking, with realistic colours, tone, exceptional clarity and the all important bite of micro contrast. It is the shadows that immediately set this camera apart from the compact market. They render darks and deep shadows just like a DSLR, unlike the messy blacks I am unfortunaltely used to from other point and shoots.

Comparing the files to a friends D300 (also 12mp) I was hard pushed to tell the difference I have to say. Noise is also a marked league above the G11 and similar rivals. After using the GF-1 for a quick shoot for a tripod review, I was literally in disbelief at ISO 1600, left enabled by mistake for the entire shoot. ISO100 – 400 are excellent, ISO 800 is also very usable but it is from here that the quality drops away.

My friend Tim and I began questioning the point of anything but this camera as the weapon of choice for long distance walks and mountain climbs. Its certainly not a compromise. If I was pushing myself to the limits high on a ridge, I am starting to think that the GF-1, 14-45 and a decent tripod system is all I would ever need.


Composition Collecting - Subtle colours and tones are realistic with the RAW files responding well to increases in exposure and other post production toning.

Continuity

After this initial revelation, I was using the camera to mirror every scene I took with a DLSR, just for the sheer joy of it. My working method became intuitive and I barely had to enter the cameras menus whatsoever for my basic landscape needs. What was funny was that I kept head butting the camera as I raised it to my eye, trying to look through the non existent viewfinder, that's how at home I felt.

The GF-1 is a true alternative to the DSLR and my creativity can run riot, in almost the same way. After my lacklustre feelings from the questionable mind set I covered in the ‘Pointless and Shoot’ article, the Panasonic GF-1 simply wipes the floor with anything I have tested in the same sphere. I haven’t been so positive about a compact system before. Finally a top quality, light weight landscape camera has been born. As a backup to a 21mp system or as a trip based on the walk than the photos (is there such a thing?) the GF-1 is a superb camera only held back by your own imagination.

Highly, HIGHLY Recommended.

**NEWS - taking hold of the Sigma 10-20 4/3s lens to continue the testing and imagery with super wides in Canada - watch this space.**

Park Cameras - Panasonic GF-1 with 14-45mm
DPReview - Panasonic GF1 indepth review


Classic Reflections - Taken at f5, 1/40th sec, with a handheld polariser. Simple to line up with the generous viewfinder and easy to pin point focus thanks to the enlargement zoom feature.

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Comments (25)

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Great review and photos!

Great review David. Glad you found something that you liked outside the DSLR range. I still love my G10 though, despite its limitations, as its a bit more packable than the micro 4/3 cameras. Although I'm very interested in the new smaller interchangeable lens models for backpacking. I think when more quality lenses are available for them, they'll start to become more popular. You've gotten some really beautiful shots with this camera. I can't wait to see more.

Kari Post , 29, Jan, 2010 | url

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Stunning photos from a compact camera, now that does make you think about all the gear you carry up hills when you could just stick that in your pocket. Hmmm..

Steven Gourlay , 29, Jan, 2010

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Thanks for posting that David. I have been using a G9 as a compact alternative to my DSLRs and have had numerous pics accepted by an agency's reasonably picky QC, but the limited window of usability is an irritation. The GF1 looks like it is going to be added to the bag. Were those tall ships photos from Falmouth? If so I was standing behind you :-) (See my website link)

Tony Collins , 30, Jan, 2010 | url

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Great job DC< that looks like a really worthwhile piece of kit...

Alister Benn , 31, Jan, 2010 | url

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Thanks for a great write-up and beautiful photos.

I wonder if you've also tried the E-P1? In terms of raw data, which you find awesome with the GF1, I wonder how the E-P1 would do? Also in terms of shadow detail.

Hans , 31, Jan, 2010

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Hi, great little review and lovely shots. I have recently purchased an E-P1 and have to say it's great to leave all the Canon gear and L series lenses at home and just take a tripod and the little Pen. I am just heading back home to Oz after a trip to Vegas and the UK and I couldn't imagine travelling with anything else. Cheers Mark

Mark Griffin , 31, Jan, 2010 | url

Nice photos. But isn't 90% of the success explained by DC and maybe only 10% the GF1?

Great photos, but with perhaps most of the compliments accruing to the photographer and his skill with filters, polarizers, and tweeks of RAW files, no? I mean, the dynamic range in some of the shots is not what one expects to obtain naturally with any camera. Or perhaps better to say that almost any camera will suffice, if the photographer knows what he is doing. Or, equally said, even the best 4/3 or DSLR, won't yield results like yours, if used like the average P&S with no filters or TLC.

jmkoch , 01, Feb, 2010

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Three out of four of these images were point and shoot with no filters (expect the reflections which used a polariser hand held). The only complicated one was the third, with the tree, which ended up being an exposure blend.

Yes I have competant skills with cameras, filters and Photoshop, but what I am trying to demostrate is that the sharpness of the camera is exceptional and the RAW files are superb quality and workable to an incredibly good level, just like a DLSR (but certainly far from most point and shoot cameras). DPReview and other tech sites cater for charts and graphs which is why I included the links and didnt explore this avenue. Most users want to see what the camera is capable of.

All I want to show that in the right place, with the right skills the camera is capable of exceptional results. No compact I have used leaves me feeling so creative and I was thrilled about this. That was purely my intention.

David Clapp , 01, Feb, 2010

hyperfocal distance

Great set of photos!
I was wondering how you managed the hyperfocal distance as the lens does not have any markings ... try and error or do you have a special technique to guess the correct distance?
Thanks, Mike

Mike , 01, Feb, 2010

Hyperfocal Advice

Its easy, you can do this with most Live View enabled cameras. Lets look at the Sligachan shot above -

1. Set up the scene, auto focus on the mountain, then switch to Manual Focus. The lens is now focused on infinity. Set to f16 or any f-stop really, but lets say f16 as we are looking for maximum depth of field.
2. Enable Live View
3. Zoom into 10x (or whatever the maximum is)
4. Now stop the lens down with the DOF button and hold. The mountain will of course be in focus, but foreground may not be. If it isnt then you need to focus the lens hyperfocally.
5. Still with the DOF button depressed, turn focus ring so focal point moves slowly towards you. Keep looking at the mountain until it starts to lose focus and then correct so it's pin sharp. As soon as you let go of the DOF button the mountain will now be very out of focus, but dont worry about this as it will be brought back into focus hyperfocally when the image is taken.
6. Now examine the foreground focus by moving the 10x view to a rock or similar, using the arrow keys. Press the DOF button to check for focus. If the rock is out of focus you are too close and need to step back and recompose again. The rock will never be in-focus hyperfocally as you are too close. Step back and try again.
7. Press the shutter (2sec timer naturally)

This method works very well for macro as well.

I am going to write an article on hyperfocal distance, making your own scales, charts and how to focus it using Live View (more in depth than this quick method above, with examples) It's just finding the time... smilies/tongue.gif

David Clapp , 01, Feb, 2010

Just one detail

Have you noticed the lovely white (as usual) sheep at the bottom left corner in photo 1 (The Kerrang)?
I hope it wasn't added in PP... smilies/wink.gif

Nice review, valuable insights; thanks a lot.
E.

E. , 01, Feb, 2010

NEW Sigma 10-20 4/3s will continue the testing

**NEWS - taking hold of the Sigma 10-20 4/3s lens to continue the testing and imagery in Canada** I am not massively interested in the 20mm pancake lens, so I am testing this combo, possibly the smallest superwide landscape set up on the market? I do hope the lens matches up.

David Clapp , 02, Feb, 2010

Suggested tripod for GF1

Wow, what a great set of images that show what the GF1 can produce in the right hands!

I would like to know what tripod you would recommend for this camera (GF1), I am due to take a trip in Mar and would like to take a small but reliable tripod solely for GF1 use.

I would appreciate you suggestions on this.

Thanks again for a great set of stunning images.

Ian

Ian Lloyd-Graham , 02, Feb, 2010 | url

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I couldn't agree more with your thoughts. I've also been blown away with the raw file quality from the GF1 such that I use it in preference to my D90, unless I need to use a focal length not covered by the 3 m4/3 lens I own. I have bought an adaptor to allow Nikon glass to be used on the GF1 but haven't had the time to try it out.

David Wilson , 02, Feb, 2010

How about Panasonic 7-14mm?

Thanks for these very nice examples. Have you tried the Pany 7-14mm yet? In theory that would allow even higher quality images than the kitlens. Very expensive lens though and almost ever out of stock it seems.

Luc de Schepper , 02, Feb, 2010 | url

Sensor sizes

The 4/3rds sensor is actually slightly over 5 times the size of the Canon G11 sensor (225 sq mm versus 43 sq mm). To ease my own questions about these matters, I did a page showing sensor sizes of a bunch of cameras. It's at www.uscoles.com/sensorsandlenses.pdf if you have an interest.

Great review, by the way. I have a Nikon D700 which I like a lot but which weighs a lot. It's an easy camera to leave at home.

Matt , 03, Feb, 2010 | url

Tripods, 7-14 and more...

Hello all.

Ian Lloyd-Graham- well literally any tripod setup will be more than capable for the job as the camera is so lightweight. I would suggest a ball head to start with as it makes composition and sponteneity far better. I have been ultra impressed with the high quality of the Vanguard range in particular and also the tripod legs which are exceptionally good. I would avoid the super light tripods as this will make the camera easily blown over on a windy Scottish hilltop. smilies/tongue.gif

Luc de Schepper - yes my thoughts exactly. Buying a 7-14mm is extravagent perhaps, thats why I thought a test using the Sigma 10-20 might be a good compromise as its under half the price. I will be posting another set of test results in March with this combo.

Matt - many thanks for the info, I hadnt seen that web page before.

David Clapp , 04, Feb, 2010

Viewfinder!!!

Hi there enjoyed the photos and journal on the GF-1.... my question is do you use A viewfinder or juat the LCD Screen Viewfinder ...

thanx ....To,

Tom , 08, Feb, 2010

Amazing landscapes!

Wow, stunning landscapes! I look forward to having a good look round the site. And hearing about the 10-20 Sigma, which is news to me! How big is it?

Cass , 11, Feb, 2010 | url

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Tom - no I just used the screen, its more than enough with its generous size. I would like to give it a try, but its far from essential.

Cass - the Sigma 10-20 is smaller than the SLR version but not by much. Its also not that much lighter either, but as the 4/3 to m4/3 adapter is arriving tomorrow from Park Cameras (who are supplying all the equipment for all these tests) I have no idea of the balance and feel. Still its coming to Canada with me regardless

David Clapp , 11, Feb, 2010

Ah...

Ah, it's 4/3, not micro 4/3. Still, really interested to hear how it performs. I really like the 14-45 too, and have found the 45-200 to be way sharper than I was expecting for that kind of range of zoom. For longer lens, I've found the viewfinder a real advantage in stabilizing the camera, and in very bright sunlight. The viewing quality isn't great, but you soon get used to it - just a shame it's so expensive. I like the fact it's detachable. Gives the camera a modular feel. Small and light for street or evening stuff, and a bit bulkier for when you have the room. Have a great tine in Canada.

Cass , 11, Feb, 2010 | url

Super report!

Thanks for the taking the time to write this excellent review. It's just what I've been looking for - serious landscape pictures taken with the GF1.

I'm considering exactly the same kit for exactly the same reasons. I recently climbed up to the Old Man of Storr with a backpack full of 1DIII, L lenses and a tripod and it weighed a ton. On another trip to Kimmeridge I realised that I could have taken every shot with a GF1 rather than a weighty backpack full of pro-grade SLR kit. How much more it would be with just a small bag and a lightweight tripod.

With a couple of step-up rings, my Lee filters will be totally usable as well. Superb.

Andy , 12, Feb, 2010 | url

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My thoughts exactly Andy, lugging stuff up the Storr is fairly exhausting. I do now think that the super light low volume backpack is no longer a compromise on image quality. Agencies are extremely impressed to say the least.

If I wasnt shooting images for a living, the GF-1 would now be my camera of choice. More testing continues in Canada, the Sigma 4/3s lens and adapter is here.

David Clapp , 12, Feb, 2010

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I have the G1 which has a slight bulk and weight disadvantage over the GF1, but not by that much. I find the viewfinder and articulated screen compensate way beyond the weight difference. Not that I'm not tempted by the GF1, great results and a good article. Lens performance is very good with the help of Panasonic's clever in camera correction.

John , 27, Feb, 2010 | url

GF1 vs Prev gen FF.

Hi David,
Pretty impressive article and great photos also. I've just got back from climbing the Lanin Volcano with a full 5D (original) kit and tripod and must say it was a bit heavy. I'm preparing several short trips in the upcoming winter to high mountain refugees for some landscape shots and would like to go really light (70lts backpack and bivy style shelter). I'm doing landscape only.
Do you feel the GF1 could deliver similar in print quality as the original 5D with prime lenses, given great shooting care and the use of tripod and remote?
My main goal would be to come back with "commercially" viable raws and print up to 75x50 or 90x60 (centimeters).
I live in a "far from everything" location so don't have a chance to try it first, so I'm looking for reviews.
Thanks in advance,
Best regards,
Nicolas.

Nicolas Belokurov , 27, Feb, 2010 | url