Panasonic Lumix GF7 - Value meets quality

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Panasonic has been a leading pioneer in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera market ever since it released the world’s first CSC back in 2008. One of its most successful models to date has been the GF6 – a compact and stylish entrylevel camera boasting an attractive price-tag.
Panasonic is updating the 2-year-old GF6 with the GF7, which sports a signifi cantly different look owing to its retro-styling, leather-touch grip and more chiselled body.

At the heart of the camera is a 16MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor, the same size as the ones found in all Panasonic and Olympus CSC models. However, it’s not exactly the same sensor as the one found in its predecessor. In fact, the GF7 inherits the more advanced GX7’s sensor, as well as its Venue Engine image processor.

Main features

On the back of the camera there’s a 3in 1040k-dot touchscreen, which is an identical size and resolution to the one on the GF6. The screen tilts upwards for easier shot composition at lower angles and, when tilted to the full 180°, the image flips for shooting selfies. With the LCD in this position, the camera switches to Self Shot Mode, which brings up a range of on-screen options, including Soft Skin, Slimming Mode, and various trigger options. Unfortunately, the GF7’s screen doesn’t tilt downwards as it did on the GF6. The display is clear in bright daylight, though it’s still a mystery as to why Panasonic is fitting 3:2 format LCD units into cameras with 4:3 sensors, as it means users don’t get the benefit of the entire screen area when composing shots.
The camera’s native ISO range is 200-25,600, which is slightly wider than that on the GF6, and it’s now possible to expand ISO to 100 if desired. Low light performance is impressive, with no significant digital noise up to ISO 1600, and fairly minimal noise up to 6400. Above this, noise becomes an issue. The GF7’s lens comes with image stabilisation, further aiding low light photography. The camera’s 23-area contrast AF system includes a Low-Light Mode for dark conditions, including the night sky. In both bright and dark areas, we found the GF7 locks focus almost instantly, and its Face/Eye Detection works well. There’s also AF tracking for subjects moving around within the frame, and touch AF in stills and video mode.
Camera settings, including shutter, zoom, focus, and aperture, can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet using the built-in Wi-Fi, which allows for easy image transfer. Though NFC has been removed from this model, Wi-Fi connections are very fast. Video functionality is similar to its predecessor, though the GF7 can manage Full HD at 60fps for smooth 2x slow-mo. There are also Time Lapse and Stop Motion Animation features.
Anyone shooting fast-moving subjects will welcome the maximum shooting speed of 5.8fps for seven RAW files, up from 4.2fps on the GF6. There’s also a 40fps burst option using the camera’s electronic shutter. The camera comes with 22 creative filter options, seven Picture Control modes, a Creative Panorama function and an Intelligent Auto mode for beginners. Battery life is 230 shots, down from 330 on the GF6.

Handling

Though not the smallest camera in Panasonic’s G line-up, the GF7 is still very compact and can slide easily into a jacket pocket. This is aided by its 12-32mm kit lens that will retract to just 23mm, unlike the 14-42mm kit lens on the GF6. This is great for portability, but it means users have a slightly shorter focal range. Despite being small and light, the camera feels comfortable and well-balanced in the hand, though it’s a shame the grip has been removed from the front of the body. Button layout is very similar to its predecessor, with a thumb dial on the rear, a mode dial on the top-plate and ample direct access controls for changing settings without using the menu. I would have liked to see a dedicated ISO button, though the Function button, which is preset by default to control Wi-Fi, can be used.

Verdict

For the money, this is a great little camera that offers image quality beyond what you’d expect from an entry-level CSC. It’s fair to say that there isn’t a better quality CSC on the market at this price point. However, the camera isn’t without criticism, most notably because it’s lost some of the functionality of the GF6, including a fl ip-down screen and a finger grip. In addition, the kit lens has a smaller focal range and battery life is much shorter. There have been several upgrades too, including a faster frame burst, more advanced video and, of course, the high quality sensor. Overall, the GF7 is a well-priced entry-level CSC with plenty of features for beginner users. For £429, this camera is highly recommended. 
Specs
Camera: Panasonic GF7
Lens: 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 O.I.S.
Effective resolution: 16MP
Sensor: 17.3x13mm Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
Processor: Venus Engine
LCD: 3in 1040k-dot touch/tilt
EVF: No
AF: 23-area contrast detect
ISO: 200-25,600 (expands to 100)
Shooting speed: 5.8fps
Min focus distance: 20cm
Video: Full HD (1080p) at 60fps
Other features: Wi-Fi,7 Picture Control modes, 22 Creative Control modes, time-lapse mode, stop motion animation mode, Self Shot Mode, panorama shot, function button
Battery life: 230 shots
Card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Size (WxHxD): 107x65x33mm
Weight: 266g



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