Info needed on Panasonic G series.

[hillwalkinggirl]

I'm thinking of purchasing a Panasonic Micro 4/3 system. I'm not sure yet whether it will be a G1, G2 or most probably GF1.

The most expensive part of the purchase obviously would be the system lens. Can anyone help me on the following. Will the G series lens be interchangeable to all micro 4/3 systems. For example, if at a later date I wanted to get a body from another manufacturer would the micro 4/3 system lens still be useable out of the box or would I need to purchase adapters. I don't want to have a collection of lens that I wouldn't be able to use at a later date.

Help would be appreciated please as my anniversary money is now burning an hole in my pocket.

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Yes.
All m4/3rds lenses work properly on all m4/3rds bodies.

(One interesting thing to note is the G1 kit lens 14-45 is slightly better than the newer G2 kit lens 14-42.)

 

[Soulman]

All micro four thirds lens should be compatible with micro four thirds bodies, it's a standard the manufacturers jointly developed to assure this.

The good thing about m4/3 is that adapters allow the use of pretty much any lens you fancy...

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

Yes.
All m4/3rds lenses work properly on all m4/3rds bodies.

(One interesting thing to note is the G1 kit lens 14-45 is slightly better than the newer G2 kit lens 14-42.)

Many thanks for your quick reply. Now my next problem is to decide which body I want. I really like the fact that the GF1 is smaller and lighter, but anyone any experience of using the different models?

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

All micro four thirds lens should be compatible with micro four thirds bodies, it's a standard the manufacturers jointly developed to assure this.

The good thing about m4/3 is that adapters allow the use of pretty much any lens you fancy...

Thanks Des. I've got quite a few lens for my D80 but I probably wouldn't use them on the GF1 as the reason I would be buying it would be to use as a travel camera when I don't want to lump an heavy camera around. Also I've just had a look at the Novaflex adapters and they seem to be really expensive for what they are.

Now I've got to find a shop where I can view them as not many options here. Mathers looks a good place to buy from though.

 

[Willo]

I have the E-P1 and recently brought a second hand G1, as said by others all m4/3 lens will work with different m4/3 bodies, the only difference is Olympus add IS in the body whereas Panasonic add it in the lens. Not sure if this makes a difference to you but something to consider.

As for which body? Tough one, I like the E-P1 as it is discreet and great for an urban environment when you don’t want to be noticed. But the G1 does have a great EVF and practical swivel screen (I used to hate them but love them now). Pop into Currys and have a look at them as they normally have them on display, either one will be a great camera, in fact I was so impressed with the G1 I may switch completely to Panasonic unless Olympus really pull something special out of the bag.

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

I have the E-P1 and recently brought a second hand G1, as said by others all m4/3 lens will work with different m4/3 bodies, the only difference is Olympus add IS in the body whereas Panasonic add it in the lens. Not sure if this makes a difference to you but something to consider.

As for which body? Tough one, I like the E-P1 as it is discreet and great for an urban environment when you don’t want to be noticed. But the G1 does have a great EVF and practical swivel screen (I used to hate them but love them now). Pop into Currys and have a look at them as they normally have them on display, either one will be a great camera, in fact I was so impressed with the G1 I may switch completely to Panasonic unless Olympus really pull something special out of the bag.

Thanks Willo. Currys is a no no where we live as they have absolutely nothing. I tried Jessops in Swansea (60 miles away)the other day and they said they could get me one to view in 28 days - great. We do have a camera shop about 10 miles away, but I should feel a little embarrased about going there as I viewed my TZ10 there and then bought off the net. I could go in disguise though maybe.
Does the lens have a switch to turn off IS so that it could be used on a camera with IS in the body?

 

[Willo]

Does the lens have a switch to turn off IS so that it could be used on a camera with IS in the body?

Panny lenses do have an OIS off switch, but the new 14-42mm doesn't so it has to be switched off in body. I'm not sure if this going to be a future trend with Panny lenses.

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Our local camera shop, Wilkinson usually have a variety of models but nobody holds them all. I mean all the m4/3rds, which you should be shopping for, not just Panasonic.
The G1/G2/GH1 are not light : like mini-DSLRs but with excellent EVF and proper functioning. I think for 'travel' you might be better off with a GF1 or e-PL1/e-P1,e-P2 but out of these only the expensive e-P2 comes with add-on EVF as a package. I hear the EVF for the G10 and add-on EVF for the GF1 aren't as good as the e-P2 EVF or the G1/G2/GH1.
Complicated eh?

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

Our local camera shop, Wilkinson usually have a variety of models but nobody holds them all. I mean all the m4/3rds, which you should be shopping for, not just Panasonic.
The G1/G2/GH1 are not light : like mini-DSLRs but with excellent EVF and proper functioning. I think for 'travel' you might be better off with a GF1 or e-PL1/e-P1,e-P2 but out of these only the expensive e-P2 comes with add-on EVF as a package. I hear the EVF for the G10 and add-on EVF for the GF1 aren't as good as the e-P2 EVF or the G1/G2/GH1.
Complicated eh?

Would I really need an EVF though? I have never found a problem viewing the LCD on either of my Panasonics, the FX400 or the TZ10. The screen seems to be very good in sunlight. On both of these cameras there is an option for the screen to automatically adjust for different light situations. Does anyone know if this is the same on the GF1 please?

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

Panny lenses do have an OIS off switch, but the new 14-42mm doesn't so it has to be switched off in body. I'm not sure if this going to be a future trend with Panny lenses.

Thank you Willo. Does the GF1 have a switch in the body? As the IS is in the lens I wouldn't have thought that there would be a switch on the body.

 

[Janice]

Yes you can have it to automatically adjust on the GF1 but I have to say there are times with the sun on the screen that I really couldn't see.

The EVF isnt fantastic as stated.. but when you have looked at the LVF and cant see a thing.. the EVF seems like a godsend. It has all the display info in it, a dioptre adjuster and a button to switch of the LVF,, saving batteries i expect.

 

[Janice]

Thank you Willo. Does the GF1 have a switch in the body? As the IS is in the lens I wouldn't have thought that there would be a switch on the body.

you are right Barbara... the 20mm f1.7 doesnt have IS.. so that is how you use it. nothing to switch off in body. jst the lenses that HAVE IS can be switched off on lens.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[Willo]

Thank you Willo. Does the GF1 have a switch in the body? As the IS is in the lens I wouldn't have thought that there would be a switch on the body.

You switch it off in the menu.

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

you are right Barbara... the 20mm f1.7 doesnt have IS.. so that is how you use it. nothing to switch off in body. jst the lenses that HAVE IS can be switched off on lens.

Hope that makes sense!

Thanks Janice. How do you find the GF1 compares to your DSLR. Some nice pics on your website. Which camera do you use the most now?

 

[Janice]

You switch it off in the menu.

In the menus is the option for IS.. if you are using a lens that has it, you can choose one of three choices as to how the IS works.


If you have a lens that doesnt have IS ie the 20mm f1.7, then the option for IS isnt available in the menu.. it is greyed out.

the only way to turn off on a lens with it.. is to switch it off on the lens.
With a lens without it you dont have to do anything.

 

[Janice]

Thanks Janice. How do you find the GF1 compares to your DSLR. Some nice pics on your website. Which camera do you use the most now?

Difficult one there, Barbara!

The photos on the website are all from a while back so were done with DSLR's mostly.

I havent updated it for ages!!

I adore the GF1. It is very capable, great for YOUR lifestyle, as light as a feather over your shoulder. Could walk for miles unlike a dslr with a long lens etc.

It makes you WANT to take photos, looking round for things to take them of, instead of just having a camera there in case you see something, if that makes sense.

i have kept a 40d as backup as I do the odd wedding and portrait and folks might think the GF1 is not capable for such things!!

I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to you at all.

 

[mid_gen]

I had an E-P1 for a few months and just couldn't live with using the rear LCD for composing. The G1 with a nice EVF and swivelling screen (don't knock it til you've used it in anger), is much more usable imo, and not a lot bigger than the GF1.

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

Difficult one there, Barbara!

The photos on the website are all from a while back so were done with DSLR's mostly.

I havent updated it for ages!!

I adore the GF1. It is very capable, great for YOUR lifestyle, as light as a feather over your shoulder. Could walk for miles unlike a dslr with a long lens etc.

It makes you WANT to take photos, looking round for things to take them of, instead of just having a camera there in case you see something, if that makes sense.

i have kept a 40d as backup as I do the odd wedding and portrait and folks might think the GF1 is not capable for such things!!

I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to you at all.

I agree with you Janice, unless you are toting a big DSLR for weddings, band photoshoots, etc no one takes you seriously, however when out walking there is nothing more painful than carrying a DSLR and big lens around.

Did you find that you needed to get the EVF though? I keep seeing reports of people saying that they couldn't manage without one, and then complaining that the EVF was rubbish?

Which lens do you find to be the most useful. You seem to like shooting similar things to me as I notice you have most of the same lens for your DSLR?

Have you tried shooting flora and fauna with the GF1? Have you got any pics taken with it?

Sorry to ply you with so many questions Janice. I hope you don't mind.

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

I had an E-P1 for a few months and just couldn't live with using the rear LCD for composing. The G1 with a nice EVF and swivelling screen (don't knock it til you've used it in anger), is much more usable imo, and not a lot bigger than the GF1.

Thanks Chris, I would like to have the swivelling screen on the G1 but the extra weight would be a problem for me. I do a lot of mountain walking but also suffer from arthritic problems so need to keep the weight down.

 

[plymman]

I think a lot depends on two things - do you want to shoot video (forget the g1 if you do) and what lenses will you be considering? If you plan on having a longer zoom like the 45-200 or the 14-140 I'd advise the g1/g2 as both of these have a chunkier grip and make using these lenses more comfortable. I found both the ep1 and gf1 to be unbalanced and uncomfortable with a long lens.
The ep1 has the in body IS and has a more compact kit lens than the panasonic 14-42 and I would recommend this over the GF1, low light shots with the inbuilt IS and 20mm lens are fantastic with the EP1. So I'd suggest a G2 for video and long lenses or an EP1 if you only want a pancake or short zoom. I've tried all of them and have a G2 which I love (I downsized from a d90) but I'm also considering an ep1 so I can use my 20mm and have a pocket sized around town camera.

 

[Janice]

Did you find that you needed to get the EVF though? I keep seeing reports of people saying that they couldn't manage without one, and then complaining that the EVF was rubbish?

It isnt as good as the LVF. that cant be disputed. i think of it as somethijng to get out out of a tight spot brilliantly. expensive for part time use but I got it at the same time as the rest of it.

lens do you find to be the most useful. You seem to like shooting similar things to me as I notice you have most of the same lens for your DSLR?

i love them all for diff things. id make sure yu have the 14-45 first as it is wide enough for your landscapes (nearly) but the 20mm f1.7 is absolutely ace for arty stuff. its the one that will get you up and about and seeing new stuff in a differnt way.

you tried shooting flora and fauna with the GF1? Have you got any pics taken with it?

here are a few flowers on flickr.. look at this pic and then press the OLDER tab above to flick through a few more.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29320509@N07/4802288818/in/photostream/

and of course I dont mind!!

 

[Danny_Two]

The GF1 and the G1 don't differ that much in size, its only the view finder and grip which make the G1 bigger, the main body is pretty much the same.

If you find the G1 heavy you'll probably be better off with a camera phone.

 

[zoidberg]

Here's some flowers shot with the GF1







I love the GF1 + 20mm.
Nice and light, plus gets taken just about every where.

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

The GF1 and the G1 don't differ that much in size, its only the view finder and grip which make the G1 bigger, the main body is pretty much the same.

If you find the G1 heavy you'll probably be better off with a camera phone.

Believe me 100g extra weight is a lot when you're climbing a mountain, and I am talking about a decent alternative to my DSLR and not a toy camera.:nono:

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

Here's some flowers shot with the GF1







I love the GF1 + 20mm.
Nice and light, plus gets taken just about every where.

Thanks for sharing. Nice DOF with pancake lens.

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

It isnt as good as the LVF. that cant be disputed. i think of it as somethijng to get out out of a tight spot brilliantly. expensive for part time use but I got it at the same time as the rest of it.




i love them all for diff things. id make sure yu have the 14-45 first as it is wide enough for your landscapes (nearly) but the 20mm f1.7 is absolutely ace for arty stuff. its the one that will get you up and about and seeing new stuff in a differnt way.

here are a few flowers on flickr.. look at this pic and then press the OLDER tab above to flick through a few more.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29320509@N07/4802288818/in/photostream/

and of course I dont mind!!

Thanks for sharing Janice. Some nice shots there.

 

[magicaxeman]

Yes.
All m4/3rds lenses work properly on all m4/3rds bodies.

(One interesting thing to note is the G1 kit lens 14-45 is slightly better than the newer G2 kit lens 14-42.)

Some may require adaptors.

Our local camera shop, Wilkinson usually have a variety of models but nobody holds them all. I mean all the m4/3rds, which you should be shopping for, not just Panasonic.
The G1/G2/GH1 are not light : like mini-DSLRs but with excellent EVF and proper functioning. I think for 'travel' you might be better off with a GF1 or e-PL1/e-P1,e-P2 but out of these only the expensive e-P2 comes with add-on EVF as a package. I hear the EVF for the G10 and add-on EVF for the GF1 aren't as good as the e-P2 EVF or the G1/G2/GH1.
Complicated eh?

The panny is VERY light, even with a 45-200 on it and thats from someone who struggles with camera weight.

They do suck in low light though, the focus system hates low light and hunts a lot, the evf is dim as a dim thing on a dark night.

To get an idea of focus, think back button live view focusing on a canon DSLR but a bit slower.

 

[vicmac]

the pics are stunning, but Im confused, Id also like a small(ish) camera that I can carry around with me, I was originally thinking about a Canon G11 but have started to consider the Panasonic Gf1, but seem to be getting mixed messages, yest the GF1 is more expensive but image quality must be better, if you have to attached evf then its starting to get bulky?

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

the pics are stunning, but Im confused, Id also like a small(ish) camera that I can carry around with me, I was originally thinking about a Canon G11 but have started to consider the Panasonic Gf1, but seem to be getting mixed messages, yest the GF1 is more expensive but image quality must be better, if you have to attached evf then its starting to get bulky?

I eventually decided to get the GF1 and must say that I am very happy with it. I wouldn't use it as a replacement for my D80 as I have lots of excellent lens for that and prefer it when there is no need to carry it. For a camera that you can actually carry comfortably the GF1 is great. Image quality is excellent, but it's just for more specialized things such as macro that my D80 with Sigma 105 excels at. I looked through the EVF at the shop and the resolution of the viewer is rubbish,so I don't think I would bother with one.

 

[CJS]

I eventually decided to get the GF1 and must say that I am very happy with it. I wouldn't use it as a replacement for my D80 as I have lots of excellent lens for that and prefer it when there is no need to carry it. For a camera that you can actually carry comfortably the GF1 is great. Image quality is excellent, but it's just for more specialized things such as macro that my D80 with Sigma 105 excels at. I looked through the EVF at the shop and the resolution of the viewer is rubbish,so I don't think I would bother with one.

Did you compare the EVF on the G1 to the 'ad on unit' of the GF1, like chalk and cheese, The G1 looks a little larger, but with the 20mm lens, there is actually very little in it. Only the eye piece that stick out of the back on the G1 makes it look ungainly, put the ad on EVF on the GF1 and I think it is more vulnerable?

However, which ever . . . the pics they are capable of taking are excellent, my problem is the numpty behind my G1 . . .

 

[hillwalkinggirl]

Did you compare the EVF on the G1 to the 'ad on unit' of the GF1, like chalk and cheese, The G1 looks a little larger, but with the 20mm lens, there is actually very little in it. Only the eye piece that stick out of the back on the G1 makes it look ungainly, put the ad on EVF on the GF1 and I think it is more vulnerable?

However, which ever . . . the pics they are capable of taking are excellent, my problem is the numpty behind my G1 . . .

No I didn't look at the G1 because I just wanted the smallest of the G cameras so size was a very important factor. I understand that the EVF on the G1 is better though. I shall try to manage on GF1 without the viewfinder as it was like looking through the bottom of a cloudy glass.

 

[CJS]

No I didn't look at the G1 because I just wanted the smallest of the G cameras so size was a very important factor. I understand that the EVF on the G1 is better though. I shall try to manage on GF1 without the viewfinder as it was like looking through the bottom of a cloudy glass.

I admit to using the swivel screen a lot on the G1 . . . something I vowed I would not do unless the shot required it, I have a minor mobility problem.

The 'ideal', in my book, would be; GF1 with a swivel screen, no need for an EVF, even when the sun shines the screen seems viewable . . . I still have a problem with GF1 + 14-45??? run a ruler over it, there is very little difference on the 'squared off' (ie., fit in a box), dimensions other than the area of the viewfinder 'which does poke out a bit' GF1 + 20mm

Reading the GF1 and G1 threads, one gets the impression that a number of original GF1 users have gone on to the G1? Reasons seem to be: swivel screen, EVF and use of the 14-45/45-200 lenses, size is not an issue in these cases one suspects.

I am finding my G1 taking over the roll my Nikon has held, not picked up the Nikon for a few weeks now . . . thats worrying . . .

CJS