X

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 (photos)

With a single exception, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 has a great design and touch-screen user interface.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
34211902_OVR.png
1 of 4 Sarah Tew/CNET

Compact

Though not as small as Sony's NEX-5, the GF2 is a comfortable "compact" size for those of us who like a little more heft to our cameras. It also feels a little more balanced when equipped with a longer lens.
34211902_TP.JPG
2 of 4 Sarah Tew/CNET

Top controls

Among the sparse features atop the camera are a a decent stereo microphone, albeit one that lacks separation, a dedicated video record button, and a quick-access button for intelligent auto mode. While I'm a big fan of the dedicated video-record buttons, I don't like the feel of this one; it's flush with the top surface and a bit hard to find just by touch.
34211902_BK.JPG
3 of 4 Sarah Tew/CNET

Interface

As with the GH2, I really like the way Panasonic has integrated a set of direct-access controls with the touch screen. Most of the important settings can be accessed directly via buttons--ISO sensitivity, focus area mode, white balance, and drive mode. Panasonic doesn't make you scroll through the menus via the touch screen--a smart move, since that usually requires a level of precision for which these small displays are unsuited.
34211899_DT1_540.jpg
4 of 4 Sarah Tew/CNET

Touch-screen interface

The combination of direct-access buttons and big virtual buttons, so that you can use each when appropriate, makes Panasonic's touch-screen interface one of my favorites. It works most seamlessly if you use two hands, though (operating the buttons with your right thumb and navigating the screens with your left thumb, almost as if you're texting). You can also program the Q.Menu/Fn button to go directly to any other specific setting that's in the Q.Menu (top).

That said, my main frustration with the interface remains that you can't lock the AF area to prevent it from moving when you accidentally touch the center of the screen. I had to readjust it back to center between almost every shot because of this--an immensely frustrating exercise. (The second screen from the top shows the dynamic-tracking autofocus area, which doesn't have this problem.)

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos