Panasonic GF1 vs Samsung NX11: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In the early 2010s, mirrorless cameras were just beginning to shake up the photography world. Two entry-level mirrorless contenders from that era - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Samsung NX11 - embody the transition phase where traditional compact camera users considered stepping up to interchangeable lenses without lugging around a bulky DSLR. I’ve put these two through rigorous hands-on tests, diving deep into their capabilities across a variety of photographic disciplines. If you’re hunting for a classic mirrorless design or simply curious about the practical differences between these cameras, this comparison is designed to arm you with usable insights beyond spec sheets.

Let’s embark on this detailed journey, covering everything from physical ergonomics to sensor performance, autofocus, and real-world shooting scenarios.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size, Ergonomics, and User Interface

When I first held both cameras in my hands, the difference in design philosophies was immediately apparent.

The Panasonic GF1 embraces a rangefinder-style mirrorless aesthetic - sleek, compact, and wonderfully pocketable. Sporting a flat top plate and stripped-down controls, it’s reminiscent of a classic film camera. The Samsung NX11, however, takes after an SLR-style body, chunkier and more robust with a prominent hand grip that feels reassuring for photographers accustomed to DSLRs.

• Dimensions & Weight: The GF1 is notably smaller (119x71x36mm, 385g), making it highly portable for travel or street photography. The NX11, by comparison, measures 123x87x40mm and weighs a hefty 499g - not bulky by DSLR standards, but it demands extra space and presence.
• Build Quality: Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged construction. Both feel solid but light, suitable for cautious everyday use rather than harsh outdoor adventures.
• Grip and Handling: The Samsung’s dedicated grip provides better hold for extended shooting, particularly with heavier lenses. The Panasonic’s minimalist form factor means you’ll likely want to add a thumb rest or leather grip for comfort in long sessions.
• Button Layout and Controls: Panasonic’s GF1 opts for a minimalist control scheme, prioritizing simplicity, while Samsung offers a more traditional, DSLR-like button array.

Examining the top plates, the NX11 has a mode dial with more options (including smart flash and manual flash control), a dedicated exposure compensation dial, and a larger mode selector, suiting users who desire hands-on control. The GF1 simplifies with fewer dedicated buttons but does feature essentials such as shutter priority and aperture priority modes, appealing to those comfortable navigating menus for fine-tuning.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds vs APS-C

One of the most critical distinctions is sensor size and resolution, which directly impact image quality, bokeh characteristics, and low-light performance.

• Panasonic GF1 employs a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm²), with a 12MP resolution.
• Samsung NX11 sports an APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.4 x 15.6 mm (365.04 mm²), boasting 15MP resolution.

Using DxOMark scores as an initial technical benchmark: GF1 scores 54 overall, while the NX11 leads at 63, reflecting superior sensor design and image fidelity in the latter.

What does this mean for photographers?

• Dynamic Range: The NX11's larger sensor and newer processor (DRIM Engine) deliver a dynamic range of 10.8 stops - slightly better than the GF1’s 10.3. This gives the NX11 a better capacity to preserve highlight and shadow details, crucial in landscapes or high-contrast scenes.
• Color Depth: The NX11 offers 22.7 bits compared to 21.2 bits on the GF1, resulting in richer color gradations - particularly noticeable in portrait skin tones and nature photography.
• Low Light Sensitivity: Both peak at ISO 3200, but test results show the NX11 maintains image quality with less noise (ISO score 553 vs. 513 on the GF1). That fractional gain can be pivotal when shooting indoors or at dusk.

Though these differences aren’t night-and-day, the NX11’s APS-C sensor clearly edges out the GF1 for image quality, especially in demanding lighting.

Viewing and Composition: LCD and Viewfinder Differences

The experience of composing and reviewing images is equally essential, particularly in dynamic environments where quick feedback is critical.

Both cameras feature a fixed 3-inch screen, but there are some distinctions worth noting:

• The Panasonic GF1 uses a TFT wide-view LCD with 460k dots. It is bright and offers decent color reproduction, but it can feel a bit cramped and less sharp compared to modern LCDs.
• Samsung NX11 advances with a 614k dot Active Matrix OLED screen. This yields deeper blacks and richer colors - a definite advantage for previewing images and video capture.

A key advantage for the NX11 is the integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification. The GF1 offers no viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD. As any serious enthusiast will tell you, EVFs are game changers in bright conditions or fast-paced shooting where glare can hamper LCD visibility.

Samsung’s EVF excels in brightness and clarity, though by today’s standards, the resolution may feel modest. However, having the option to frame through a viewfinder offers better compositional precision and stability, especially when using longer lenses.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance in Real-World Use

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your success with wildlife or sports photography, where speed and accuracy are essential.

• Panasonic GF1 utilizes contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points and continuous AF modes. It also offers face detection, multi-area, and tracking AF capabilities.
• Samsung NX11 has 15 contrast-detection AF points and similar face detection but lacks AF tracking.

In my testing scenarios:

• The GF1 occasionally struggles to lock focus quickly in low contrast or fast-moving subjects, a limitation often inherent in early contrast-detection systems. However, it did perform admirably in static or slow-moving subjects like landscapes and portraits.
• Surprising to me, the NX11's AF was somewhat more consistent and slightly faster in decent light, although tracking moving subjects was more challenging without dedicated tracking AF algorithms.

Both cameras cap continuous shooting at about 3 frames per second, adequate for casual sports or wildlife but insufficient for professional fast-action photography.

Neither supports phase-detection AF, standard in today’s mirrorless models, meaning focusing speed and precision lag behind modern cameras - a factor to keep in mind for those focused on action genres.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Another crucial facet for long-term investment is the lens mount and availability of lenses.

• The Panasonic GF1 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, a joint standard between Panasonic and Olympus.
• The Samsung NX11 has the proprietary Samsung NX mount.

At launch, the GF1 enjoyed access to over 100 lenses, including excellent primes, zooms, and macro options from multiple manufacturers. This breadth is a considerable advantage; for instance, Olympus tends to release high-quality, compact primes favored by portrait and street photographers.

Samsung's ecosystem was smaller - about 32 lenses total - limiting creative and specialty lens options. The quality at the high end was decent, but users faced a narrower range of fast primes or specialty optics, which could be frustrating over time.

Lens availability influences not just versatility but also future proofing and resale value - areas where Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds leads hands down.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s examine how each camera fares across common photography styles, drawing from my field tests and comparative imagery.

Panasonic GF1 front Panasonic GF1 screen back Samsung NX11 screen back

Portrait Photography

• The GF1’s smaller sensor offers a cropped field and deeper depth of field making creamy bokeh harder but manageable with fast lenses. Skin tones are warm and pleasing but slightly less nuanced.
• The NX11’s APS-C sensor produces smoother background separation and more natural skin tone reproduction, aided by its superior dynamic range.

Both cameras support face detection AF, beneficial for portraits, but lack advanced eye detection AF seen in later models.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are king here. The NX11 pulls ahead due to its larger sensor and slightly higher resolution, producing files with more fine detail and shadow recovery. The GF1’s smaller sensor limits landscape enthusiasts, though with careful shooting and RAW development, impressive images remain possible.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, which constrains shooting prolonged in wet or dusty environments.

Wildlife and Sports

Limited burst speeds and contrast-detect AF limit either camera’s usability for fast action. The GF1 offers slightly better AF tracking modes; however, neither delivers the responsiveness required for professional wildlife photographers. The NX11’s larger sensor grants better ISO performance though, which can help when using telephoto lenses under low light.

Street Photography

This is the GF1’s natural hunting ground. Compact and discreet, it’s easy to carry all day unnoticed. The NX11’s bulkier body may draw unwanted attention or slow you down moving through crowded environments.

Macro Photography

Neither camera has built-in stabilization, and macro depends heavily on lens choice. The GF1 benefits from a wider array of compatible Macro Four Thirds lenses. Accurate focusing in macro is challenging for both due to contrast-detection AF but manageable with manual focus aids.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO noise levels and maximum ISO 3200 restrict ultra-low-light work. The NX11 edges out slightly thanks to better noise control but neither matches dedicated astro or full-frame cameras. Both lack specialized long exposure modes or bulb options beyond 60 seconds.

Video Capabilities

Both offer 720p HD video at 30fps but no 1080p or higher resolutions - modest by today’s standards. The GF1 records in AVCHD Lite, whereas NX11 uses H.264 encoding. Neither features microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control. Lack of in-body stabilization necessitates a tripod for smooth video.

Travel Photography

Here, the GF1’s compact size and lighter weight give it the upper hand, making it less intrusive and easier to carry alongside other gear. Battery life is similar (around 380-400 shots per charge), so no clear winner there.

Professional Workflow and Connectivity

For photographers tackling professional assignments or heavy post-processing workflows, factors such as file formats, connectivity, and reliability are essential.

Both cameras shoot in RAW, enabling greater post-capture flexibility.

Neither has built-in wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC. HDMI output is standard on both, allowing external monitors during video or tethered shooting.

Battery life is modest but respectable for the era, with manufactures' claimed ~380-400 shots per charge, depending on ISO and usage.

Robustness is similar - neither offers weather sealing or rugged features expected in professional bodies, though adequate light-duty reliability can be expected.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Panasonic GF1 retailed for about $400 body-only, making it a strong entry point into interchangeable lens cameras. The Samsung NX11 commanded a higher price around $625, which corresponded with its larger sensor and beefier build.

Today, the used market can offer both cameras at modest prices. However, considering the ecosystem advantages and ongoing support with Micro Four Thirds lenses, the GF1 presents a better value for budget-conscious buyers venturing into mirrorless systems.

Summarizing the Numbers: Overall Performance Ratings

For a quick summary, I compiled a performance scorecard based on sensor quality, autofocus, handling, and features.

Notice how the Samsung NX11 pulls ahead in sensor quality and dynamic range, but the Panasonic GF1 scores well for ergonomics and portability.

Further dissecting genre performances:

We see the GF1 excels in street and travel photography due to size, while the NX11 scores better for portraits and landscapes thanks to sensor advantages.

My Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

If you’re prioritizing compactness, street photography, or are budget-conscious with access to a broad Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, the Panasonic GF1 remains a compelling choice, combining classic styling with solid image quality for casual and enthusiast shooters.

On the other hand, if sensor performance, dynamic range, and a more robust grip with an electronic viewfinder are your major priorities - and you don’t mind a slightly heavier and more DSLR-like body - the Samsung NX11 will better serve portraitists, landscape photographers, or those willing to pay a premium upfront.

Neither camera is ideal for professional-level sports, wildlife, or video-focused workflows today, but they both offer charming entry points into mirrorless photography with differing paths.

Appendix: Camera Highlights Recap

Closing Thoughts

Having extensively tested both cameras in controlled settings and real-world shoots, I’m confident that your choice hinges predominantly on your photography style and priorities.

Choose the Panasonic GF1 if you want a nimble, stylish mirrorless camera with a flourishing lens lineup that’s ideal for everyday shooting, travel, and street photography.

Choose the Samsung NX11 if you desire better image quality from a larger APS-C sensor, don’t mind the bulk, and crave viewfinder composure, especially for portraits and landscapes.

Either way, these cameras reflect a fascinating era of mirrorless development and still hold charm for enthusiasts appreciating classic controls wrapped in early mirrorless innovation.

Happy shooting!