The GF1, released in 2009, was Panasonic's first compact M43 body and helped define the mirrorless market. Its 12.1MP Live MOS sensor sat in a flat, rangefinder-style chassis at 285g with no viewfinder, no IBIS, no 4K, and a fixed non-touch screen. It had no Wi-Fi and used a mini HDMI port. The GF1 was widely praised for its image quality relative to its size for the era but offers nothing today that later GF bodies didn't improve on. It has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GF2. At 285g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 253g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 48g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Cons
- No in-body image stabilisation
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2009-09 |
| Weight | 285g |
| Dimensions | 119 × 57.2 × 36.3mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fixed |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 12.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 12.1MP |
| Resolution | 4000 × 3000 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | No |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | mini |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | DMW-BLG10 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Panasonic Lumix GF1 have IBIS?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GF1 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the Panasonic Lumix GF1 weather sealed?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GF1 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GF1 shoot 4K video?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GF1 does not record 4K video.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GF1 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GF1 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Panasonic Lumix GF1 use?
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Panasonic Lumix GF1 weigh?
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 weighs 285g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Panasonic Lumix GF1 still worth buying?
The Panasonic Lumix GF1 has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GF2. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Panasonic Lumix GF1 remains a capable body, but the Panasonic Lumix GF2 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.