Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5
Entry interchangeable-lens camera
One of the problems with this market segment is price -- especially at the entry level, they're still too darned expensive. At least for the holiday season, we've seen a few prices drop below $500, and this one has reached an unbeatable $350 on Amazon. With a nice touch-screen interface but better speed and performance than you'd get from most similarly priced point-and-shoots, this camera makes a great step-up option. (Note that the model pictured here has the power zoom lens; that combo delivers an even more point-and-shoot-like experience but isn't so deal-friendly.)
The good: Relatively compact for its class, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 delivers excellent performance and good-to-great photo quality.
The bad: The Power Zoom lens isn't great and there are some image-quality flaws in the JPEGs that might bother some people.
The bottom line: With capable, speedy performance, and a friendly but powerful interface, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 is a good choice for people looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot.
November 20, 2012 11:59 AM PST
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
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