People who consider Panasonic GF1 might consider Canon G11 as well. Even both cameras shares a very different features and price point, but there are alternative to bigger and heavier digital SLR camera.
Panasonic GF1 is a micro four thirds system. It has DSLR quality sensor (slightly smaller than regular DSLR). So image quality from GF1 will be better especially in details, dynamic range and performance in high ISO setting. Because the bigger sensor, it is a lot easier to get shallow depth of field, especially if you opt to get GF1 with Panasonic 20mm f/1.9 (equivalent to 40mm in full format) lens.
GF1 also has interchangeable lens option, so you can change the lens for various purpose for example for macro photography.
As you can see in the picture, GF1 is very small compared to typical DSLR camera. the dimension is: 119 mm x 71 mm x 36.3 mm (4.69 x 2.8 x 1.43 inches) without lens.
On the other hand, Canon G11 is an advanced compact camera. It is has fixed zoom lens that you can’t change in the future except attaching Canon compatible tele-converter to get more reach. The lens is quite versatile covering from wide angle 28mm to medium telephoto 140mm. It also has image stabilization.
Canon G11 also has swivel LCD screen which GF1 lacks, and has almost similar dimension of: 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.9 in). This dimension already include the built-in lens. So in practice GF1 kit will be bigger.
Because G11 has a small sensor, it is harder to achieve shallow depth of field effect, like DSLR camera. On the contrary, if you like big depth of field coverage in the image, using G11 will easier to achieve that. The small sensor camera also limit the image quality in high ISO and limited dynamic range (the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image).
The main advantage Canon G11 has is more compact in size (because you don’t have to carry lenses), swivel LCD screen and $300 cheaper.
While GF1 is superior in regard of image quality and flexibility of interchangeable lens. G11 provides portability and affordability.
Comparison Table: Panasonic GF1 vs Canon G11
Note: the lens focal length is the adjusted to the full format
| Name | MP | Lens | LCD | Price | Sensor |
| Canon G11 | 10 | 28-140mm f/2.8-5.9 IS | 2.7″, 460k Swivel | $499 | 1/1.7″ sensor |
| Panasonic GF1 | 12 | kit options:
40mm f/1.7 or interchangeable lenses |
3″ 460k fixed | $899 | 4/3 sensor |
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Your English isn’t really that good for professional-style writing.
Perhaps you could get somebody to help you with that a bit.
But the information is generally helpful….so good luck.
Steven, **** This is the internet, and a “blog,” to be precise. Whoever said this website was supposed to feature “professional-style writing?”
We need the information, not English.
Thank you for the information. Your writing style is honest and you’ve done great with it. All the best.
The English is good enough.
I understood the information very well.
Pls keep up the good work….. thank you!
Writing was perfect and the camera speaks for itself…not much to argue about here.