So I got the Panasonic Lumix GF1 a little over 3 months ago. I think initial reviews are good but you don’t get the full picture of how you really like the camera until you live with it and shoot with it for an extended period of time.
In the 3 months I’ve had it, I’ve brought my GF1 to all different kinds of events; weddings, bike rides, football games. That brings me to my favorite aspect of the GF1, the size. The size of the GF1 + 20mm lens is just perfect for bringing around with you. I actually keep it in my laptop bag so I have it with me at all times. Sporting venues that ban SLRs don’t even blink when they see me walk in with the GF1. I’ve also bought the 45-200mm lens which is the size of a SLR kit lens. I can usually get that into games with no problem as well.
The build quality of the GF1 is another thing that I’m a big fan of. I brought the GF1 with me to go on a bike ride and take pictures. During the course of the ride I fell and the GF1 hit the pavement with me. There only ended up being two small cosmetic scratches on the corners but the camera itself still worked like a champ.
I’ve flirted with the idea of possibly ditching my whole Nikon outfit and use the GF1 exclusively but after using both, I can’t bring myself to do so. The two reasons being, the high noise levels above ISO800 and the quality of lenses available. Right now there is no zoom lens for the Micro Four Thirds system that has a 2.8 aperture throughout. Granted, the 20mm 1.7 is a nice low light lens, sometimes you need the length of a zoom as well. Keeping my Nikon setup allows me to shoot at high ISO and a wide open aperture that you just can’t get with the current GF1 system. I’m pretty sure the 4/3′s system sensors will improve in the future but right now it’s not quite there yet.
Overall I’m very happy with my purchase of the GF1. I’ve probably used it 90% of the time these past few months. If you are interested in breaking into photography and thinking about buying an SLR, I would definitely recommend you try out the Micro Four Thirds system first.