Scope of supply:
Delivery is securely packed in a handy box in which the accessories can also be permanently housed. It includes the housing, the lens (14-42mm), a strap, the battery, the charging device, a stable and deep sun visor, a USB cable and a German manual and on CD the detailed user manual and software of Panasonic image processing for Operating Systems Windows and Macintosh. A memory card is as is now common not included and should be purchased directly. The Quick Start Guide is compact and concise, but also contains all the important information for the first use of the camera. For starters, it is sufficient and understandable. Since the camera but provides a rich feature set and various settings can be achieved in several ways, it is the further requirement, however, obligatory to refer to the PDF located on CD as a reference. Advanced users will find but possibly also on the clear menus directly to what you need.
Optics, processing:
The camera is compact and very easy. Visually, I really like through the matt black design. The processing is valuable and sensitive, the camera fits comfortably and securely in your hand. The good entry lens, made of sturdy metal and plastic, can be safely and easily attach. Here Panasonic has good quality and workmanship. The shoulder strap is easy to install and stable. The battery and the memory card can be used side by side at the bottom of a space-saving. The sun visor is also stable, at the optimum size and can be easily attached to the lens. The battery charger is compact and easy to transport even when traveling. The battery is simply inserted and connected the device to the power. The battery life is ideal for weekend trips or short trips. For a 7 day trip and about 390 photos I did not charge the battery. It should be noted that I have not made any video recordings and the small flash has been rarely used. However, I just often used the display and made here no energy savings. For the standard user here sufficient power is exercised over a spare battery you can of course think in longer trips. A retractable flash is integrated in the above case, however, lack a hot shoe for connecting external, high-quality flash units. On the back is the 3.0-inch HD high-resolution LCD display with touch function. The functionality and the pictures / videos are displayed razor sharp and in great color quality here. In addition, you will find on the back of a functional wheel with tip functions and 4 keys. On top of the housing are the on / off button, an automatic button, the shutter release button, a button for the video function as well as a mode dial for selecting the photo program. The arrangement is not clear and confused.
Furnishings:
The battery is half charged, the launch can begin immediately after inserting the battery and memory card. The adjustment of the basic information (date, time, etc.) is done quickly and the camera is now ready and the first photos are so fast.
Software:
The software of Panasonic offers just for the beginner a perfectly adequate performance, even for standard photo editor or first attempts it is useful. Worth mentioning is the compatibility with both larger standard operating systems (Windows & Mac). At higher demands of way is likely anyway lead to a software product of Adobe or Apple Company.
Target audience:
Target group of system cameras are usually predominantly migrating from simple compact cameras, who are interested in certain high end features and want to acquire any SLR. On the other hand, a system camera is a good alternative for the users of SLR cameras when a more compact design with good and fast photo quality is desired. This is in my opinion in principle in the present Panasonic Lumix, but says the high starting price, however. The lack of flash shoe could also be a negative criterion, because the camera is not equipped and suitable for desired extensions in this field.
Operation, features:
The operation of the camera is almost self-explanatory, well thought out and intuitive, in the point kudos to Panasonic. Even if you have otherwise worked with cameras from other manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon, the acclimatization and operation is easy. The different programs can be set via the upper dial. You can choose between an intelligent automatic mode (the camera detects the subject and ambient conditions and selects the settings completely independent), the Plus program (as before, however, the brightness and tone can be adjusted), Program AE, aperture and shutter-priority, Manual Exposure Mode, the panorama function (in triggering the camera is on a line moves from left to right and a panoramic image is created), creative programs (eg Night Portrait, Backlit Low, soft focus, recordings of moving pictures, sports photography, food, etc.). The selection of sub-functions or individual settings is made via the dial or directly from the touch panel. In summary it can be said: the settings have a clear structure on, however, are accessible in several ways, a few submenus lead to a simple operation, you learn easily. A look at the manual is fast unnecessary for the basic functions. Straight from the touch panel, however diverse adjustment and modification options are accessible, make the detailed instructions necessary. The display itself responds well and quickly and provides a variety of ads that confuse something just at the beginning, but provide a useful overview for acclimatization. However fast unintentional settings are also accessible via the sensitive display unfortunately possible. I have the camera do not always switched off when sightseeing by photographs and often unintentionally adjusted while wearing something (eg the white balance or color settings). Even if you realize this time, some time is needed to cancel the setting. The pure automatic programs provide good all-round results and are currently recommended for the beginner. Depending on desire and interest is to try and discover other programs. The creative programs I have tested extensively, much is gimmick and interesting to see, but for my photo inserts (mostly landscapes, cityscapes and portraits) superfluous. The programs to close-ups, portraits and night moving images provided well for my purposes. Settings of ISO sensitivity, white balance, color saturation, etc. are also possible. The display is vertically folded out. So are photos / videos possible in unfavorable positions. A self-portrait is thereby facilitated. The pity is that the mobility is given in only one direction. In addition, a Wi-Fi function is offered. This enables the direct display of media on a TV, sending to a tablet or PC and control the camera (such as pressing the shutter button) via smartphones or tablet. An interesting idea, no need for me as a purist, but according to need any help.
Fotos-, video results:
The image acquisition is controlled by a Live MOS sensor with 16 megapixels. The resolution is in my opinion ideal and match the sensor. More usually brings only on paper or promotional something. The image processor used in the camera offers an impressive speed, both during AF as well as sequential shots. The supplied lens has a focal length of 14-42mm and offers just for getting an optimum focal length range. The interaction with the sensor is very good. The camera provides very good results in low light conditions. Especially in large cathedrals with little light or candle light, the results have amazed me. The depth, color and mood are very realistic. Even large-format prints provide crisp, clear images. In the vicinity of the zoom lens, the quality is also decent. Here I have only a few situations manufactures lightweight blurs, depending on the light and camera shake. A small tripod would certainly offer good support here. In standard situations this is more likely to remain undetected and to experiment with the programs will produce good performance. Even the small flash is helpful and provides good support, at close range, it provides sharp and natural images (with portraits without red eyes). Unfortunately, the failure of connection possibilities external flashes, the camera is limited greatly. The potential is greatly limited. As image type you can also store RAW images in addition to various quality levels for jpg files. Subsequent professional image editing software with photo is so possible. What I also liked is the almost constant quality with increasing sensitivity. Up to ISO 800 the image result is nearly optimal, even at ISO 1600 is hardly a deterioration identify. In another area, the quality decreases only slowly.
The HD video camera also delivers good image results and sound in stereo quality. This surprised me positively. A spontaneous video is to be incorporated quickly and easily and the program functions can be made to a number of settings.
Conclusion:
As indicated in the introduction, my overall assessment is difficult. The Lumix GF6 is handy, compact, sophisticated and good to use. It offers easy and intuitive functionalities and surprised me with very good photo quality and enthusiastic. The programs offer a variety of scenes and creative programs that offer some good opportunities, but much is not necessary for every gimmick. Especially for the beginners the way in which photography or in the Image trying out is facilitated. The image quality should be more than adequate for most situations. Negative I see the poor extensibility, the one-sided swiveling display, make the easy way by the display maladjustments and especially the relatively high price. Here one should consider whether the good and quality system adapts to their own ideas and justifies the price. Would be worth considering whether
- In the price range a beginner SLR would no longer offer - the automatic support is usually a little less strong - or
- A high-quality compact camera would be more attractively priced or
- A more favorable system camera may not be sufficient also from the same manufacturer?
In the review I vacillate between three and four stars. Because of the price I choose three. Apart from this and the lack of expandability is here, however, before a great product.
