"Panasonic G series" Owners Thread

Janice said:
And also, and I know this is wrong, but I would feel a bit of a nerd taking the formal photos on a small camera like the G2.
I know the proof of the pudding etc., but I would feel even more self conscious than I do now!! :)
Click to expand...
I know what you mean Janice. Since selling off my Canon Pro gear I have been asked to do some shots for a local wildlife charity of some of their fundraising events. While I know the Panasonic camera are up to the job I don't feel comfortable saying I will do it with the little camera. That's despite the fact that it's not paid work.
 
rugeyes said:
i've got a G1 and am still really pleased with the original kit lens (14-45). .
Click to expand...
You should be pleased, it's widely believed to be the best and sharpest kit-zoom-lens in m4/3rds, bar none.
Mine even has better edges/corners than my 4/3rds 14-54MkI !
 
just saw em5 with 12-50mm preorder + free 2 grips for about 1100 gbp. hmm.. where could I get the monies quick ! :D although it'll probably drop down in few months. I need that combo :D
 
postcardcv said:
Well I've decided to go for it and move fully back to Canon so am selling up... I suspect I might miss some of it (especially the GF1 with 20 f1.7) so will no doubt continue to read the thread but won't be able to contribute any more photos.
Click to expand...

Wow, I love this thread, better than a soap opera. What's the reason Peter?
 
ShrubMonkey said:
Wow, I love this thread, better than a soap opera. What's the reason Peter?
Click to expand...

Money! I really enjoy the Panasonics as a lightweight option and I've been amazed that the performance of the G3 100-300, it is on a par with the 40D 100-400 in most situations. However now that spring is on the way I want to start carrying a macro again so I've started taking the Canon gear instead. So I was wanting buy a macro for the Panasonic (and the 45 f1.8) and the cost of running two systems (I'd want to double up a fair few lenses) was getting a bit much. Unfortunately there are some lens options that aren't there for the Panasonics (I like to have AF lenses) otherwise I would have considered going the other way. I might well regret selling it... especially the GF1 20 f1.7 combo, that will be hard to part with!
 
I think it's hard to run a both SLR and micro 4/3 setups unless you have very deep pockets or are happy to use one/other just for certain situations. I switched completely and don't miss my Nikon gear (D700, f2.8 trinity, etc) but the type of photography I enjoy and the situations I take photos in are a good match for micro 4/3.
 
I must admit I flip from thinking about dumping DSLR's to thinking about dumping MFT to wanting to dump them both and go for a completely new system :D I was hoping the new Fuji would suit me but the lack of dioptre adjustment puts me off as do the fly by wire no markings lenses. I'll try one if/when I can but what I've read so far doesn't fill me with hope.

I do enjoy photography and I try to go out every week, sometimes twice, but the hardware seems to be moving ever further away from what I want.
 
Last edited:
Interesting, I don't think of dumping any of my stuff, well apart from maybe my 100-400, so big and heavy, will use the 100-300 all the time.

But then the Nikon D800 looks nice ;)
 
Last edited:
I suppose it's just the thought of having kit and duplicated kit which I don't use often.

Canon 20D, 5D - 12-24mm, 20-35mm, 70-300mm, 20mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 50mm f2.5, 85mm f1.4, 150mm f2.8.

GF1, G1 - 14-42mm, 20mm f1.7, 25mm f0.95.

The good things about the DSLR kit are (all but one of) the lenses which have markings and are easy to use manually and the top notch IQ. The things that I like least are the size, weight and attention grabbing nature.

The things I like about MFT are the compact, light and more discrete packaging. I dislike the difficult to use manually Panny lenses, the slight lag between the real world and the display and the night vision destroying display/EVF although that last one is only rarely a problem but when it is it's a very annoying one. My biggest gripe is the Panny lenses but I've come to accept that my wants will never be met by Panny and that's the factor which makes me wonder if I should give up with Panny.
 
Starastin said:
thanks, but I was hoping for some input from current top end model users.

I have the GH1 atm and with 20mm f1.7 I think I could easily live with iso1600 using raw. although I would probably want to use 4000+ as well. seeing that the new models are very good in high iso was just wondering if someone is using them in full confidence in such situations.
Click to expand...

I'm not a professional shooter, I currently have the GH1/2, GF1/3 and a D700 but I don't use the micro 4/3 for low light events like weddings as I find high iso a bit of a struggle. Before these two I used the DSLR 4/3 and again, low light was a challenge even with the superb 35-100mm F2. Clearly some people do get great results from micro 4/3 cameras in poor light and wedding photographers have been using cameras for many years before the current crop of decent high iso sensors.

The D700 though I'd say I can use with full confidence as its high iso performance is staggering and also the amount of latitude in its raw files is also impressive, I find I can push them further than I'd expect and get away with it.

That is just my own view though and not saying it isn't possible with micro 4/3, it's also no complaint against micro 4/3 either as I'm a big fan of the system.

John
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I'm not a professional shooter, I currently have the GH1/2, GF1/3 and a D700 but I don't use the micro 4/3 for low light events like weddings as I find high iso a bit of a struggle. Before these two I used the DSLR 4/3 and again, low light was a challenge even with the superb 35-100mm F2. Clearly some people do get great results from micro 4/3 cameras in poor light and wedding photographers have been using cameras for many years before the current crop of decent high iso sensors.

The D700 though I'd say I can use with full confidence as its high iso performance is staggering and also the amount of latitude in its raw files is also impressive, I find I can push them further than I'd expect and get away with it.

That is just my own view though and not saying it isn't possible with micro 4/3, it's also no complaint against micro 4/3 either as I'm a big fan of the system.

John
Click to expand...
Those are very valid points I think. I think M4/3 cameras are starting to really close the gap to pro level DSLRs in normal, well lit situations but they are still not good at covering all bases. I reckon it's only a matter of a couple of years or so before we see a M4/3 aimed at pros that can rival something like a D700/5D2. Just think of the benefits for travel and documentary photographers to name just one group if something like that is made.
 
First time posting in this topic :) Just sold my D700 and lenses as I don't use them enough to justify the price and bulk. Thinking of buying a GF1 with perhaps the 14 and 20mm lenses. Want to keep as small a kit as possible but still have a good camera. Obviously it won't be in the same league as the D700 but it wasn't being used enough.

Clarke
 
Tulipone said:
Is there sufficient difference between th 14mm and the 20mm to warrant buying both?
Click to expand...

Yes you have a point, I am not even sure which model to go for, GF2 or GF3, from reading about it seems to be slightly smaller in the GF3 model but are there are any other major differences to warrant buying the 3 over the 2?

Thanks
Clarke
 
clarkeg said:
Yes you have a point, I am not even sure which model to go for, GF2 or GF3, from reading about it seems to be slightly smaller in the GF3 model but are there are any other major differences to warrant buying the 3 over the 2?

Thanks
Clarke
Click to expand...
I'm sure someone else will point out further differences, but apart from the smaller body, the only other diff between 3 and 2 is the removal of the hot shoe on the GF3.

Also I own both the 14mm and 20mm, the biggest difference (apart from speed) is the 14mm being smaller, lighter and quieter in operation, so better suited to video. I like both tho, and can't see me selling the 14mm as its a great walkabout lens for me... I like wideangles :) But the 20mm is outstanding in low light. Not that the 14mm is awful in the dark, but the 20 is just better. If there was a 14mm f1.7 I'd be all over it!
 
Last edited:
So I might actually prefer the GF2 over the 3 as I would like to have the hot shoe for future additions. I would like to get my hands on them to see what they are like to hold, hopefully my local jessops will have some in stock.

Thanks
Clarke
 
clarkeg said:
So I might actually prefer the GF2 over the 3 as I would like to have the hot shoe for future additions. I would like to get my hands on them to see what they are like to hold, hopefully my local jessops will have some in stock.

Thanks
Clarke
Click to expand...
I thought I'd use the hotshoe more than I do, but its still nice to have... PC World have tended to have both in stock so might be worth a bash, also last time I was in john Lewis had the GF2 with 14mm for £270 recently, with a free genuine panny ever-ready case which retails at £60, bargain! :) The case greatly improves the grip of the camera, which is minimal.
 
ronnus said:
Will give this a go, ta for the tip ;) Can "better" be better quantified tho please? What specifically gets better post upgrade?
Click to expand...

the OIS is more stable, meaning you can shoot at lower shutter speeds.
 
Cheers, I'll give it a bash, not sure if I'll notice a diff but it's a free upgrade, so woo :)
 
ronnus said:
Cheers, I'll give it a bash, not sure if I'll notice a diff but it's a free upgrade, so woo :)
Click to expand...

You will notice a difference in the viewfinder, the image is 'locked' in place despite slight camera movement
 
congrats Simon !!!


as for gf1 + 14mm and 20mm .

I actually think it's worth having both of them . after all - one is like 28 on FF and other 40.
25mm would make more sense though . and I would actually have a look in gx1 if possible . gf1 is getting old now I think :(
 
Starastin said:
congrats Simon !!!

as for gf1 + 14mm and 20mm .

I actually think it's worth having both of them . after all - one is like 28 on FF and other 40.
25mm would make more sense though . and I would actually have a look in gx1 if possible . gf1 is getting old now I think :(
Click to expand...

Thank you ! I now need to figure out how to load images directly onto this thread - as well as how to use the camera lol
 
Starastin said:
congrats Simon !!!

as for gf1 + 14mm and 20mm .

I actually think it's worth having both of them . after all - one is like 28 on FF and other 40.
25mm would make more sense though . and I would actually have a look in gx1 if possible . gf1 is getting old now I think :(
Click to expand...

What is the difference between the gf and gx series?
 
Glenn Surtees said:
You will notice a difference in the viewfinder, the image is 'locked' in place despite slight camera movement
Click to expand...

I have no viewfinder, gf2 y'see ;) I do agree tho that with the camera in "show me the IS on screen" mode, there seems to be less movement :thumbs:
 
sgott said:
Do I take it out yet or just look at it a bit longer first :clap:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67286283@N06/6944162519/
Click to expand...

I love mine. I am slightly jealous about the power lens, so would recommend you just leave it in the box for a week or two without touching it.

Spending this on a camera is a considered purchase (for me at least). The only minor issue is that Aperture does not see the raw files and I had to buy PSE to use them. Apple will catch up at some point though.
 
Looking fwd to receiving a G3 and 100-300 I've just bought from postcardcv! Hoping the 100-300 lives up to the hype!
 
Lol just had a mad fit and ordered a GX1 plus 14-42 kit from amazon. Hope it's good :) it'll be strange coming from a D700.

Clarke
 
MJUK said:
Looking fwd to receiving a G3 and 100-300 I've just bought from postcardcv! Hoping the 100-300 lives up to the hype!
Click to expand...

I not sure whether to be relieved or sad that the 100-300 has gone. I wanted it bad and was doing really well to resist. Do me a favour and post some pictures to let me know what I'm missing when your new kit arrives. :'(
 
clarkeg said:
Lol just had a mad fit and ordered a GX1 plus 14-42 kit from amazon. Hope it's good :) it'll be strange coming from a D700.

Clarke
Click to expand...

Good choice, I would get the 20mm ordered soon as it's great as a walkabout lens. I sold all of my D700 gear and love my GX1 setup, I take a heap more photos than I used to and with a little one running around, it's great having such a compact setup whilst still getting great shots.
 
Tulipone said:
I not sure whether to be relieved or sad that the 100-300 has gone. I wanted it bad and was doing really well to resist. Do me a favour and post some pictures to let me know what I'm missing when your new kit arrives. :'(
Click to expand...

You'll love it, Peter was mad to get rid of it :)

Love my 100-300
 
Now got to sell my G2 before I'm in big trouble with the wife! I am hoping my images with the 100-300 will be good enough for public display on here!!
 
clarkeg said:
Lol just had a mad fit and ordered a GX1 plus 14-42 kit from amazon. Hope it's good :) it'll be strange coming from a D700.

Clarke
Click to expand...


good choice !

tbh - the new m4/3rds are quite good if you don't have high dyn.range in the scene and use low iso.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top