New (to me) camera question

ryan1mcq

ryan1mcq

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Ryan
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Hi all, i still new to the forum but have been away from photography for a while and i was not sure whether to post this in the Olympus or another section as im mentioning two brands.

I took up photography last December and loved it but i got super frustrated recently and done the unthinkable and sold all my gear on the strength of a temporary feeling and i am now looking to get another camera and start again at the end of the month. Ive always been an Olympus E-M1 mkii user but im now considering if the Lumix G9 would be worth a shot. My brother has one and shoots the same stuff as me and he loves it and gets great results with it.

I shoot a bit of Landscape, long exposure, plants/flowers/butterlies/bees and some architecture but my favorite is wildlife and birds, that being said im a stills guy and dont shoot video and I use single point autofocus with back button focus.

Reviews and videos always praise the G9 with the same big caveat, that being the autofocus, so my question is: as someone coming from an E-M1 mkii which has great phase detection autofocus, would i be disappointed with the G9 and be better just sticking to the Olympus eco system? Like i said, my brother gets great results from the G9 but its all hes ever known so he doesnt know the E-M1 mkii and i dont know the G9 lol.



Thanks ever so much for your time


Ryan


(y)
 
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ryan1mcq said:
Hi all, i still new to the forum but have been away from photography for a while and i was not sure whether to post this in the Olympus or another section as im mentioning two brands.

I took up photography last December and loved it but i got super frustrated recently and done the unthinkable and sold all my gear on the strength of a temporary feeling and i am now looking to get another camera and start again at the end of the month. Ive always been an Olympus E-M1 mkii user but im now considering if the Lumix G9 would be worth a shot. My brother has one and shoots the same stuff as me and he loves it and gets great results with it.

I shoot a bit of Landscape, long exposure, plants/flowers/butterlies/bees and some architecture but my favorite is wildlife and birds, that being said im a stills guy and dont shoot video at all so i dont use continuous autofocus. I use single point autofocus with back button focus.

Reviews and videos always praise the G9 with the same big caveat, that being the autofocus, so my question is: as someone coming from an E-M1 mkii which has great phase detection autofocus, would i be disappointed with the G9 and be better just sticking to the Olympus eco system? Like i said, my brother gets great results from the G9 but its all hes ever known so he doesnt know the E-M1 mkii and i dont know the G9 lol.



Thanks ever so much for your time


Ryan


(y)
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I sold my E-M1 ii and kept my G9, but I do not photograph anything fast moving such as wildlife or sports.
For static or slow constant moving targets the G9 AF is extremely fast and accurate.
It improved considerably with the release of firmware v2.4
Overall I much prefer it to the E-M1 ii and have no regrets whatsoever.
This video comparing the G9 to the newer E-M1 iii might be of interest to you
 
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Thanks for the reply. I seen that video on youtube as ive been watching loads but its compairing the E-M1 mk 3 against the G9 and i had the mk 2 (y)
 
ryan1mcq said:
Thanks for the reply. I seen that video on youtube as ive been watching loads but its compairing the E-M1 mk 3 against the G9 and i had the mk 2 (y)
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I also had the E-M1 iii for a short while, not that much different to the Mkii, same sensor and body.
Few more computational features and an AF point joystick, so the video is very relevant to the previous model you had.
The G9 compares well to the Mk iii so in theory would do even better against the older camera.
 
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If you have one MFT camera I think there has to be a compelling case for selling up and going to another MFT camera of about the same generation so I just wonder what it is that makes you want to change Ryan? I assume IQ will be more or less the same and your list of things you photograph doesn't seem too demanding so what the driving force to change?
 
tijuana taxi said:
I also had the E-M1 iii for a short while, not that much different to the Mkii, same sensor and body.
Few more computational features and an AF point joystick, so the video is very relevant to the previous model you had.
The G9 compares well to the Mk iii so in theory would do even better against the older camera.
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Brilliant, i didnt realise they were so similar thanks for that. I will give that video a watch!
 
woof woof said:
If you have one MFT camera I think there has to be a compelling case for selling up and going to another MFT camera of about the same generation so I just wonder what it is that makes you want to change Ryan? I assume IQ will be more or less the same and your list of things you photograph doesn't seem too demanding so what the driving force to change?
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Im not sure i do want to change to be honest but as i will be starting from scratch again with no gear at all just now i guess it was just to try something different and i like the fact i can use focus bracketing with non pro lenses on the G9. I was curious if getting a G9 would be considered a downgrade from an E-M1 mkii and would i notice it.
 
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Well. MFT seems to be the camera for wildlife. You only have to look at the pictures here. Why don't you consider the OM1 mk2, in which case? It seems very much the flagship camera. I don't think I've heard anything bad about it.
 
Plain Nev said:
Well. MFT seems to be the camera for wildlife. You only have to look at the pictures here. Why don't you consider the OM1 mk2, in which case? It seems very much the flagship camera. I don't think I've heard anything bad about it.
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The thousand quid or more difference between them might be a factor to consider?
 
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Plain Nev said:
Well. MFT seems to be the camera for wildlife. You only have to look at the pictures here. Why don't you consider the OM1 mk2, in which case? It seems very much the flagship camera. I don't think I've heard anything bad about it.
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Budget is my main factor. I have been happy in the past with the E-M1 mkii and to be honest i think i would also be happy with the G9 as there isnt that much between them so was looking for G9 users input too.
 
ryan1mcq said:
Im not sure i do want to change to be honest but as i will be starting from scratch again with no gear at all just now i guess it was just to try something different and i like the fact i can use focus bracketing with non pro lenses on the G9. I was curious if getting a G9 would be considered a downgrade from an E-M1 mkii and would i notice it.
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If it wasn't for your interest in wildlife and birds I'd say go FF. Buying into MFT again is just more pf the same unless there's a compelling reason like some fantastic new feature or ability over what you've had in the past, APS-C doesn't seem worth it for me as you might as well stick with what you know unless there's that missing feature or ability, FF could be a step forward but the cost of lenses for wildlife or birds could be significant but I don't know for sure.

I don't have the newest MFT kit, just a GX80 and a GX9 but what I can tell you is that the IQ I get from my first generation Sony A7 is easily an improvement over what I can get from my MFT kit if I go looking for the differences. Actually you could take a look at Sony APS-C as there are plenty of bodies to choose from and the lens mount is shared with their FF cameras so you can use Sony and 3rd party FF lenses.

Good luck choosing.
 
woof woof said:
If it wasn't for your interest in wildlife and birds I'd say go FF. Buying into MFT again is just more pf the same unless there's a compelling reason like some fantastic new feature or ability over what you've had in the past, APS-C doesn't seem worth it for me as you might as well stick with what you know unless there's that missing feature or ability, FF could be a step forward but the cost of lenses for wildlife or birds could be significant but I don't know for sure.

I don't have the newest MFT kit, just a GX80 and a GX9 but what I can tell you is that the IQ I get from my first generation Sony A7 is easily an improvement over what I can get from my MFT kit if I go looking for the differences. Actually you could take a look at Sony APS-C as there are plenty of bodies to choose from and the lens mount is shared with their FF cameras so you can use Sony and 3rd party FF lenses.

Good luck choosing.
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Thank you. The main thing is budget, that aside i enjoy the eco system too.
 
I don't know about the Panny G9 but over time until the latest OM 1 mk2 IIRC the G9 was described as a video 'strong' body compared the Oly & OM that are ' stills' strong.

IMO the above, if it still holds true, would be a key purchase influence factor.

Now, don't forget to budget for a longer lens as you mentioned wildlife including birds. Though I own neither the 100-400mm OM lens gets decent user reviews with IIRC the MK2 version having a small but noticeable improvement over the original 'mk1 .

Best of luck with your return to photography, whatever you choose:)
 
Box Brownie said:
I don't know about the Panny G9 but over time until the latest OM 1 mk2 IIRC the G9 was described as a video 'strong' body compared the Oly & OM that are ' stills' strong.

IMO the above, if it still holds true, would be a key purchase influence factor.

Now, don't forget to budget for a longer lens as you mentioned wildlife including birds. Though I own neither the 100-400mm OM lens gets decent user reviews with IIRC the MK2 version having a small but noticeable improvement over the original 'mk1 .

Best of luck with your return to photography, whatever you choose:)
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Thanks very much. Thats what ive always thought too, Lumix for video and Olympus for photos but seeing my brothers photo results with the G9 made me really question if its worth trying a new eco system or is it a case of better the devil you know :thinking:
 
Box Brownie said:
I don't know about the Panny G9 but over time until the latest OM 1 mk2 IIRC the G9 was described as a video 'strong' body compared the Oly & OM that are ' stills' strong.

IMO the above, if it still holds true, would be a key purchase influence factor.

Now, don't forget to budget for a longer lens as you mentioned wildlife including birds. Though I own neither the 100-400mm OM lens gets decent user reviews with IIRC the MK2 version having a small but noticeable improvement over the original 'mk1 .

Best of luck with your return to photography, whatever you choose:)
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The G9 was designed as primarily a stills camera, the video centric one was the GH5.
Just happened to have a very good video engine which made it superior to the Olympus offerings.
This was from DPR at the time
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is the brand's highest-end stills-oriented camera, sitting beside the video-oriented Lumix DC-GH5 at the top of the product lineup
 
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tijuana taxi said:
The G9 was designed as primarily a stills camera, the video centric one was the GH5.
Just happened to have a very good video engine which made it superior to the Olympus offerings
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Yeah this is what i gathered from reviews as well that they made the G9 more oriented toward stills which aslo contributed to my curiosity about getting one. Its a tough choice, try something new or stick with what you know. Im not a video shooter nor do i shoot birds in flight or fast moving subjects plus i can get dual IS with the G9 and regular Lumix lenses right? Where as if i want dual IS on Olympus i need a Pro lens and if i want to focus stack on Olympus dont i also need a pro lens? So i guess i'd love to know will the whole autofocus thing with the G9 not really be an issue?
 
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ryan1mcq said:
Yeah this is what i gathered from reviews as well that they made the G9 more oriented toward stills which aslo contributed to my curiosity about getting one. Its a tough choice, try something new or stick with what you know. Im not a video shooter nor do i shoot birds in flight or fast moving subjects plus i can get dual IS with the G9 and regular Lumix lenses right? Where as if i want dual IS on Olympus i need a Pro lens and if i want to focus stack on Olympus dont i also need a pro lens? So i guess i'd love to know will the whole autofocus thing with the G9 not really be an issue?
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Try your brothers camera and see what you think?
 
tijuana taxi said:
Try your brothers camera and see what you think?
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I actually reached out to a photographer in South Africa called Robbie Aspelling who has been ambassador for both Panasonic and Olympus and i just noticed i have a reply. Here is what he says and really puts my question to bed lol so thanks to you all for input i appreciate it so much and i hope to be able to contribute to the foruim when i get my next Olympus. :D:thinking:
 

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ryan1mcq said:
I actually reached out to a photographer in South Africa called Robbie Aspelling who has been ambassador for both Panasonic and Olympus and i just noticed i have a reply. Here is what he says and really puts my question to bed lol so thanks to you all for input i appreciate it so much and i hope to be able to contribute to the foruim when i get my next Olympus. :D:thinking:
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What a load of old cobblers.
I had the Panasonic 200/2.8 and it was the finest lens I have ever owned bar none.
No coincidence he is now an Olympus Ambassador, if you believe that well good luck to you.
 
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tijuana taxi said:
What a load of old cobblers.
I had the Panasonic 200/2.8 and it was the finest lens I have ever owned bar none.
No coincidence he is now an Olympus Ambassador, if you believe that well good luck to you.
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Im not saying i believe him, i know how good Panasionic lenses are and thats just his 2 cents for whatever its worth mate, i only asked about the body because thats all i was interested in, not the lenses.

The best lens i ever had was the first gen Panasonic Leica 100-400mm and it was absolutely fantastic and better than the Olympus 100-400mm i had before it. I cant afford another PL right now so i might end up getting the Lumix 100-300m with the Olympus body.
 
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ryan1mcq said:
Thank you. The main thing is budget, that aside i enjoy the eco system too.
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Budget wise you might well get a used A7II for around the same price as a used G9 but you'd need to look at the cost of lenses too and the focus performance of any possible alternative for wildlife and birds. Liking the eco system has to be a factor but I think that options around the same price as a MFT G9 are at least worth a look as you can perhaps improve on MFT IQ for the price, body wise at least.

Good luck choosing.
 
Out of interest I have just been "playing" with the panasonic G9 and the100-400mm first version lens @400mm
So this evening around 8.30pm and getting dark.So I set up a godox V860iii flashgun and hand held the Panasonic G9 with the godox X2T transmitter on the camera from 65ft (20 mtrs) away
I little help from an editing suit I managed this as a first time effort

it is nothing special as it was just a tryout experiment.


mmmm.jpg


before the edit attempt
xcv.JPG
 
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woof woof said:
Budget wise you might well get a used A7II for around the same price as a used G9 but you'd need to look at the cost of lenses too and the focus performance of any possible alternative for wildlife and birds. Liking the eco system has to be a factor but I think that options around the same price as a MFT G9 are at least worth a look as you can perhaps improve on MFT IQ for the price, body wise at least.

Good luck choosing.
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Actually been watching videos on the Sony A7 II this evening and it looks pretty tempting but ultimately i think im going to get another Olympus E-M1 mkII(y)
 
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Ryan
I have been shooting videos for more years than I can remember. it is different from taking stills . let me explain. With videos panning can become a problem with minor "stutters" If you don't follow the frame rate shutter speed ratio. You can look that up for yourself;). Next problem is avoiding videoing children even if you know the parents, best to get written permission first, theme parks and wild life sanctuaries can be a nightmare videoing without kids in them. Then comes the subject of sound! cameras have terrible built in microphone ,so best to use an extrnal one. Even then small ones can produce a "tinny" sound. Next is zooming in on a subject, nigh impossible without a lens change or hesitation when repositioning the hand on the lens.
Then of course come the subject of the camera overheating with a long video clip, something else to check up on first. yes I do use a camera for video.

My preferred method is a proper camcorder designed for the job , makes life a whole lot easier.

Then of course you would need an editing suite for videos.
,I use Adobe premier editing suite for this. now this is a completely different ball game. sititching clips together - titlels and ends- sound ,remember copywite if using someon elses music

A camera for videos is ok for something like this

View: https://youtu.be/AsHaLD5bJK0


but useless to do this with ,when a camcorder is far better

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAXCze22-9o
 
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realspeed said:
Ryan
I have been shooting videos for more years than I can remember. it is different from taking stills . let me explain. With videos panning can become a problem with minor "stutters" If you don't follow the frame rate shutter speed ratio. You can look that up for yourself;). Next problem is avoiding videoing children even if you know the parents, best to get written permission first, theme parks and wild life sanctuaries can be a nightmare videoing without kids in them. Then comes the subject of sound! cameras have terrible built in microphone ,so best to use an extrnal one. Even then small ones can produce a "tinny" sound. Next is zooming in on a subject, nigh impossible without a lens change or hesitation when repositioning the hand on the lens.
Then of course come the subject of the camera overheating with a long video clip, something else to check up on first. yes I do use a camera for video.

My preferred method is a proper camcorder designed for the job , makes life a whole lot easier.

Then of course you would need an editing suite for videos.
,I use Adobe premier editing suite for this. now this is a completely different ball game. sititching clips together - titlels and ends- sound ,remember copywite if using someon elses music

A camera for videos is ok for something like this

View: https://youtu.be/AsHaLD5bJK0


but useless to do this with ,when a camcrder is far better

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAXCze22-9o
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I appreciate your reply Bazza but i think you may have misread my posts. Im a stills guys and i shoot landscapes, long exposure and perched birds/wildlife. I was looking for a new body for stills only, i do not shoot video at all. After thinking on it all day today i have decided im going to get another Olympus E-M1 mkII since im already familiar with it and the lenses and i know i can get decent results with it :giggle:(y)
 
Ryan

Thank you for the like.
If i can add a couple of thing such as image stablisation especially when videoing either with a camera or camcorder and i have usesd several different ones in the last 15 years (making videos for myself). For picture quality and image stablisation when videoing I find he panasonic G9 or G9ii with added lens stabliation is far superior than other makes that hype this to sell. That spanish dance video was with the Pana G9 and 12-60mm kit lens. the microphone I use now is one made by Azden who I doubt you have ever heard of . it is the Azden SMX-30V, not cheap but i got for several reason
1 = it does stereo and or directional by turn of a dial or a mix of both
2= the audio cable is detachable, I had one that wasn't and got damaged, result scrapped a good microphone
3= Power it can work of 2xAA batteres- camcorder/camera battery - auto switch off with either.
4= Superb sound and cheaper than the sony equivilant which takes a 9v battery
5= recording distance in directional mode amazing
6= adding a deadcat ( windcheater) makes a wold of differenc in a windy condition
7= no need for two microphones , one for directional and anotherfor stereo

Not the cheapest but then again not the most expensive SLRHUT for around £250

My camcorder is a pro camcorder the Panason HC-X1500 with the extra handle for the 2x XLR sound output ports. I also added a bluetooth dongle to the out sound port on the camcorder so I can do my own sound check with using bluetooth headphones. that is allowing for sound lag of course

then there is the question of tripods and repote shutter and flash equipment
Here I prefer the Manfrotto befree tripod with the fluid head . it reduces down to only a few inches when folded back on itself but tall enough to be comfortably usaable. then the ropcker on off switch to go no the handle and a remote shutter trigger and receiver to complet the equipment





in windy conditions

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHG_4Wj4tt0

About the worst conditions to record sound but very accurate
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3i0Rc6vPZk
 
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As a long term Olympus user I can state that budget wise your probably best going for a OM1 mk1 as it’s not far behind the mkii in performance.
Also I did have a G9 thinking it would be a better option ( on paper anyway ) but in practice it lasted less than two weeks and then returned ..
 
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the black fox said:
As a long term Olympus user I can state that budget wise your probably best going for a OM1 mk1 as it’s not far behind the mki in performance.
Also I did have a G9 thinking it would be a better option ( on paper anyway ) but in practice it lasted less than two weeks and then returned ..
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It took me even less time to realise how much better my G9 was than an E-M1 iii which was swiftly returned.
Just goes to show just how subjective camera choice is, not something you can decide upon from comments on a forum.
 
tijuana taxi said:
It took me even less time to realise how much better my G9 was than an E-M1 iii which was swiftly returned.
Just goes to show just how subjective camera choice is, not something you can decide upon from comments on a forum.
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Have to agree.
Have tried to us Olympus several times, but they never feel right, and to me the menu is a nightmare compared to the G9 (or any Panasonic, they are all about the same)

I get better results with the G9 + 100-400 than I have with any other similar setup, due to many factors, many of them as you say subjective.

What really surprised me was its performance in very low light, for more than a year, I didn't even try it, keeping a Canon FF for just that. After I tried it, I gave the Canon and all lenses to my daughter :)
 
tijuana taxi said:
Just goes to show just how subjective camera choice is, not something you can decide upon from comments on a forum.
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I agree with this completely: there's no such things as a "better" camera.

There's only the camera that suits you and allows you to capture the images that you want. You can only discover the "right camera for you" with time and practice and even then, what suits you today may no longer be what you need in a year or two.
 
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