Introduction

The Panasonic GF2 is one of the most hotly anticipated Micro Four-Thirds cameras to hit the market since the format's inception in 2008. Fans of the well-received Panasonic GF1 have been eagerly awaiting Panasonic's update, but the GF2 is largely a successor in name only. Offering a beginner-friendly button layout, a new 3'' touch screen interface, and an Intelligent Auto button right on top of the camera, the GF2 is a camera that feels more like a point-and-shoot with interchangeable lenses than a slimmed-down DSLR.

Still, with subtle improvements to image quality over the GF1 and a bevy of customizable options, the GF2 is no slouch. It can be a very capable camera when put in the right hands—whether those hands are that of an amateur stepping up in quality or an enthusiast stepping down in size.

The Panasonic GF2 is available in pink, white, silver, red and the black you see pictured here. It will be available at an MSRP of $499 body-only, $599 with the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, or $699 with the 14mm f/2.5 lens that we tested with.