It was the first model in the "GF" line, which is primarily distinguished from the other Lumix G cameras by the lack of an integrated electronic viewfinder.

It has the same 12.1 megapixel sensor as the DMC-G1, 1280 × 720 HD recording in AVCHD Lite format, an optional hot-shoe mounted electronic viewfinder, and a 3-inch LCD with 460,000 dots.

This model in the Lumix range was claimed by Panasonic[1] as the world's smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash capability.

It offers most of the features of the larger G1, including high speed contrast detect autofocus and an identical sensor.

Many enthusiasts decried the move away from the GF1's button driven interface and the omission of the top control dial in the GF2 and subsequent models.