Quality & Size Options

The options here are generous, with four aspect ratio options, and three resolution settings for each.

There are two compression settings for JPEG images, fine and standard. Shooting RAW files is also supported, either on their own or with an attached fine or standard JPEG image.

Dynamic Range (5.31)

Dynamic range test results for the GF1 were slightly better than the Olympus E-P1, but neither camera excelled here. A wide dynamic range means you can take photos in high-contrast situations and maintain detail both in the very bright and very dark areas. The good news here is that the GF1 dynamic range doesn’t become severely impaired until you get past ISO 800. However, it starts out low even at the least demanding ISO settings.

To test dynamic range we photograph a Kodak stepchart across the full range of aperture settings, at each available ISO, and use Imatest software to analyze the resulting images. More on how we test dynamic range.

When set to ISO 200, both the GF1 and the E-P1 fared poorly here, but it’s interesting that the equally Micro Four Thirds Panasonic GH1 nearly matched the Nikon and Canon results.

Here are the comparative results for the cameras in our test group, again demonstrating that while sensor size is a factor, it’s not definitively linked to dynamic range performance, with the Canon T1i turning in mediocre numbers and the GH1 scoring very well here..

Image Stabilization (2.68)

Overall, the GF1 image stabilization system, using the kit zoom lens, was unimpressive. It produced marginal improvements at slow shutter speeds with high camera shake, but doesn’t measure up to the tested performance of other cameras, including its brand mate GH1.

To test image stabilization, we mount the camera in a custom-designed computer-controlled rig that produces controlled movement patterns. We run separate horizontal and vertical movement tests, each at both a high and low camera shake setting. By comparing the resolution of test images taken with the image stabilization system turned on with those taken with image stabilization off, we can determine the system’s effectiveness at reducing blur. More on how we test image stabilization.

The GF1 uses lens-based optical image stabilization — the kit zoom lens is stabilized, the kit pancake lens is not. The camera provides three image stabilization modes. Mode 1 employs the stabilization system at all times when the camera is in Record mode, while Mode 2 only uses the system when the shutter button is pressed. Mode 3 only affects up and down movements, allowing for smooth horizontal panning. Only the first mode is available when shooting video.

The image stabilization system has no noticeable effect on horizontal camera shake at low levels (about what you’d expect a two-handed, standing photographer to experience), and some slight advantage combating vertical shake.

In our tests undertaken under high shake conditions (which you might experience when shooting fast action, or when walking), horizontal shake is less of a problem when shooting at slower shutter speeds. Against vertical shake, the system actually makes matters worse at nearly all shutter speed settings.

Image Stabilization Comparison Table			Expand
	Low Shake IS Off	Low Shake IS On	High Shake IS Off	High Shake IS On
1/500
1/250
1/125
1/60
1/30
1/15
1/8

The GF1 image stabilization system produces disappointing results when stacked up against the other cameras in our comparison group.