I know they're more or less the same camera, but the thing that draws me to the G2 more than anything is the view finder and swivel screen.

I've been very happy with my GF1 (had it for about 1.5 years) but lately I've been wondering. With the GF1 I was paying a little more for its compact size, but then I don't think I've ever taken the camera anywhere without my kata bag, so why should size matter to me?

Has anyone been in the same predicament?

Or someone who's had both? Was the size that much different?

Would appreciate anyone else's opinions too.

(Oh and I'm new here, hi!)

I can tell you as a G1 user the fact that i have a swivel screen and a built in view finder that I can use at the same time as an accessory bounce flash or wireless trigger, makes all the difference to me. Awhile back I tried a GF2 with EVF for three days before the release of the GF3. I couldn't get past two things. The fact it didn't feel good in my big hands. And that I had to remove the VF to use a flash and compose at arms length instead of with a VF.
SO I purchased a used G1 instead. At the time I didn't think a swivel screen mattered but man do I use it often now. I cant imagine not having it. It's basically the same as a G2 with out the video and touch screen. And the separate SD card slot on the side makes changing cards easier for me , Since I leave my tripod adapter mounted all the time. But the G2 is a great upgrade in my opinion.

If you're happy with the IQ of the GF1, but not so happy with the ergonomics, I think you'll be quite happy with the G2. The swivel screen is very useful on occasion, and I think the G2 and GH2 have the best ergos of any m43 camera, including the much praised OMD.

Use both the GF-1 & G2. Regarding size there is a bit of a difference, but in terms of real world use not significant enough for me to notice. Pop the LVF-1 on GF-1 makes the G2 more "compact". G2 is my primary body. I need the evf for most my shots. Having a dedicated focus mode, tilt/swivel lcd are couple features I really like. The LVF-1 is a relatively low resolution evf. Probably the worst evf when compared to any other mu43 unit.

If you can, I would spend a little more and get a camera with the next generation processor, like GH2 or G3. The prices on both have come down recently in anticipation of even newer versions. I think it's worth it for the improved ISO performance, better JPEG processing and faster Auto focus.

I see what you mean about the SD card slot, a bit of nuisance. I've also read about the inferior EVF add-on for the GF-series.

I think with the GH2 size definitely becomes an issue. OMD? (Sorry, not familiar with many terms).

Never thought about that, I guess it would be less compact with the LVF-1 attached.

This is very tempting indeed! I mean, it sort of meets half-way between the G2 and the GF1 in terms of ergonomics, and the performance as you say is superior. But here's what bothers me about Panasonic:

When they introduced the GF-2 (Should of really have been called something else), they had removed more or less all manual controls from the GF-1, changed the design (slightly) and a few others here and there. Result: A camera not in the same league (ergonomically).

Now with the G3, although not as drastic as the GF transformation, has lost a bunch of manual controls:


Ahh! This drives me nuts! Some twerp was actually thinking "Hmmm, this camera has got the whole package, but I think I'll remove a few manual controls just for the sake of it".

Nevertheless it is still very appealing and it 25% smaller than the G2. But from what I've read, it doesn't have automatic LCD/EVF switching? Did the lumix team get hammered during the last few hours of designing this thing?

Not "just for the sake of it" and no one got hammered.. It's just because if they would've left the same controls that G2 had, there wouldn't be nearly as many GH2 sold. New G-camera had to be "dumbed down", otherwise who'd pay extra $250 for GH2 (except videographers)?

I have both too! I grabbed the G2 because I wanted an LVF and the price of the damn LVF1 was so high I couldnt see value in a low res atachment, that and the G2 body came on sale here locally for 269 bucks which was a steal for OZ. The sceen was not a primary reason to buy but man is it handy, I like to do sky shots and stuff where the camera points in funny angles, and I like to use my 5 dolla ebay remote shutter, its brilliant and works on both the GF1 and G2!

Oh and they share the same battery too!

I use the G2 most of the time now, its always in a bag, even fits in my smaller bag with the 14-45 on it, I am glad I got it rather than wait for something newer and higher spec, end of the day my photos look great, I have printed shots onto 10x12 and they look amazing, sharp and deep with lovely colours. I grabbed a 14-140 while they were on the sillyspecial of 450 bucks, the lens and G2 is better imho than me spending the same money on a G3 body. (which is hardly any smaller when you are holding it, just a different shape).

Now I am thinking of replacing the GF1 with a GX1 body, I reckon I would have the perfect kit then

This is taken with the G2 and 45-200 at full telephoto.

I agree with you, but the slight size difference does not seem like a bonus to me.. I have recently held a G3 and I feel the ergonomics of my G1 are way better, plus the G3 controls are worse and the loss of the eye sensor make me say that I would definitely never pay any of my money to get this camera. It is a down grade from my G1 I feel.

G1 http://www.mobiles-actus.com/photos/...lumix-g1-2.jpg

G2 http://it-cifra.com.ua/wp-content/up..._dmc-g2k_1.jpg

G3 http://neu-bei.foto-wolf-dresden.de/...rown_Bild3.jpg

I have no idea how to re-size theses images so i put them as links..