Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

Sharpness

We were impressed with the overall image sharpness of the GF1; even with the lens stopped own all the way, the test results are strong, The best sharpness result was measured in the center of the lens when shooting at the widest focal length. With the lens wide open, we measured 1867 lwph horizontally and 1972 lwph vertically. More on how we test sharpness.

Image Sharpness and Chromatic Aberration

Focal Length:

14.0mm

30.0mm

45.0mm

Click blue squares to change sample crops below
f/3.5 f/9 f/22
f/5.3 f/13 f/22
f/5.6 f/11 f/22

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.

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.