"Panasonic G series" Owners Thread

clicktor said:
Thanks for that Ronnus, how do you find not having an EVF though? I think I have decided on pretty much either a GF, G or GH. I want the GH2 but hearing that a GH3 might be out soon in the new year so might be worth waiting.
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To be honest, because the GF2 is so small and compact camera-shaped, it feels natural to use the screen to compose, but I still don't feel I get the camera as stable as a DSLR jammed against my face! ;)

I've been tempted to buy the add-on evf, but poor reviews and getting used to composing on the screen means I've all but given up on the idea :)
 
anthonys said:
There are a lot of reported problems with the in body IS on the Olympus cameras, I believe all but the E-P3s have problems reported at the moment. I prefer the Panasonic user interface, all Panasonics have metal frames and the GF series has metal body parts, plus the GFs and GX are made in Japan (not sure that makes much difference). I really bought the G3 as it had a built in EVF and had the latest 16MP sensor that had lower noise at higher ISO.

The Pens are considered to have better JPEG output and the E-P3 with an MSC lens has AF that's faster than a typical DSLR. I think the E-P3 is more responsive than my G3. I'd be hard pressed to pick between an E-P3 and GX1 if I were to buy one now as don't think I really need an EVF. I'd probably go with the later because of the improved sensor and more solid frame but I'd also probably wait and see if Olympus announce a new body early next year.
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After selling my GF1, I missed it ( not the only one though am I?) and looked out for another, but they were too pricey, so I bought an E-PL1 and now have a red E-PL2, never had a problem with IBIS but then again, I use my Lumix lenses on it with OIS, especially the 14-45. AF is easily as quick as my G2 and the jpegs are nicer. I never bother with raw.
I miss the thumbwheel that I had on the GF1 and have on the G2, but the Super Control Panel on the Olympus ( once you find in in the menus) is superb and I now don't miss the wheel.
I still love my G2 but the Oly is a real temptress, especially in her satin red clothing.....

Allan
 
Easy tiger.....sounds like a bucket of cold water is in order!! :-)
 
YaaaaaY!!!

Just booked my fight to Kazakhstan so now I have to decide what cameras to take and make sure the batteries are fully charged.
 
Not posted here in a long time but I am getting back into using my GF2 after taking it on a cycling holiday in the summer. I've started to love all the advantages of M4/3 size cameras all over again. This is despite buying a 1DmkIV recently.

Anyone checked this guy out http://www.flickr.com/photos/mountainbooktokyo/ He is making some seriously stunning shots with his GH2. I especially love the night time ones.
I thought M4/3s camera were not meant to compare with DSLRs for stills? I can't see anything in his photostream that I would have been significantly better if it had been taken using something like a 1DmkIV!
 
The other consideration when looking at the difference between the cameras with EVFs is that many of the newer models feature touch screen which give you (what I think) quicker access to features. I find that on my G3 it's sometimes easier to just use the screen so I can change AF or exposure points, then doesn't make sense to switch to the EVF to take the shot. This makes the models with EVFs less appealing if you use find the touch screen handy. The G3 also has the swivel screen though, and that's the main reason I'm debating whether to keep it, or sell and buy the GX1..
 
EMA747 said:
Not posted here in a long time but I am getting back into using my GF2 after taking it on a cycling holiday in the summer. I've started to love all the advantages of M4/3 size cameras all over again. This is despite buying a 1DmkIV recently.

Anyone checked this guy out http://www.flickr.com/photos/mountainbooktokyo/ He is making some seriously stunning shots with his GH2. I especially love the night time ones.
I thought M4/3s camera were not meant to compare with DSLRs for stills? I can't see anything in his photostream that I would have been significantly better if it had been taken using something like a 1DmkIV!
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Just looked through some of his stuff. It is amazing. Quite a lot of the pics were taken with a panasonic fx35! Some people have just got talent! Sarah
 
I am looking for a smaller body to complement my K-5. I went to Jessops/Jacobs yesterday and had a play with the GX-1, I have to say it is a very very nice camera to hold and use. Neither had the X lens so I can have a play with it but it looks like a great combo to take everywhere with me. I was thinking of getting it body only for £479 at SRS yesterday and just for the time being pair it with a s/h 20mm and wait for the s/h Xs to come down in price and buy one of those too.

At the moment though I am holding off for a mirrorless Pentax as the rumours are flying around left right and centre for new Pentaxes early next year and I already have a nice array of lenses for the K mount. If that does nto happen though I think the GX-1 is really really very tempting!
 
EMA747 said:
I thought M4/3s camera were not meant to compare with DSLRs for stills? I can't see anything in his photostream that I would have been significantly better if it had been taken using something like a 1DmkIV!
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Ah, thats a secret all us M43 owners know about!

Allan
 
allanm said:
Ah, thats a secret all us M43 owners know about!

Allan
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I'm learning fast that small size and weight are worth a lot,especially when travelling. :)

I have to admit the thought did enter my mind to ditch the 1DmkIV and a whole load of L glass. Am I mad to even think about it? :shrug:
 
Not mad, I sold my D300 with 70-200vr and 17-55 f2.8 and only really miss the weight. There are a few occasions I miss a Dslr, but not enough to buy another.
Allan
 
allanm said:
Not mad, I sold my D300 with 70-200vr and 17-55 f2.8 and only really miss the weight. There are a few occasions I miss a Dslr, but not enough to buy another.
Allan
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Interesting......All my gear would fetch something like £4500-5000 so I could save a whole chunk in the process.

Aviation and sports are the two things I could see a DSLR being way better for than any M4/3. They are two things I really like shooting but if I am really honest with myself they amount to maybe a quarter of the pictures I take a year.

If you could have any M4/3 camera and it had to be your only camera then which would it be? I have a GF2 at the moment which is nice but not quite the IQ I am after (but nearly).
 
EMA747 said:
I'm learning fast that small size and weight are worth a lot,especially when travelling. :)

I have to admit the thought did enter my mind to ditch the 1DmkIV and a whole load of L glass. Am I mad to even think about it? :shrug:
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I had similar thoughts too, getting rid of my 5D2 and L glass.

Spent a day photographing on Dungeness recently, until I had drained my batteries on my 5D2. On the way home I stopped off at Hastings, it was getting really dark, but I had my G3 and 20mm on a gorillapod and fired off a load of 7 Exposure HDR's. Never had so much fun :)
 
Sold my D700, D300, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 and a whole heap of other lenses and gear to shift to a GF1. We now have a G3 and I might swap the GF! for a GX1 but I don't regret the move at all, freed up a load of cash and the massive size/weight reduction means the camera go pretty much everywhere with us. Saved me a nice chunk in insurance premiums as well! Very rarely miss the full SLR setup, I kept my Lee Filters so the only thing I really lose is low light but that doesn't really affect the type of photos I take.
 
Oh dear what have I started. It's got me questioning my whole photography equipment a needs.

For a long time a lack of a fulfilling job and now all but unemployed I have been telling myself I should look into work from photography. Hence the reasons I have invested in pro gear. Now I am starting to wonder if it's really what I want to do and if it's really a good idea in this economic climate. Even the established pros seems to be finding it harder and harder to make a living at it, how is a newcomer going to do it?!

If it wasn't for the above I guess I really have little need for anything other than a good M4/3 camera and some lenses. The pro gear is maybe more a want than a need. Did those of you who sold expensive DSLR gear to go M4/3 have to overcome this want vs need idea? I love nice new, expensive gear but do I really need it, I have a hard time convincing myself but deep down I think I don't need all the gear I have.
 
No idea why, but today for some reason, just decided I wanted a quality light weight camera to take out with me and landed at the lumix GF1. It seems to tick every box, and with the 20mm pancake lens to start, and then maybe if funds allow moving upto the 14-140. My d3100 is still to big really,so I tend not to take it out a lot.

I took my new Gopro hero2 out and was shooting some stills with that, but obviously the quality isn't great, so really liking the idea of the m4/3.
I've a lot to learn, as I've never used a m4/3 before, and have no idea what lenses I can use etc, but I've been reading and viewing lots of videos trying to swot up!
 
EMA747 said:
Oh dear what have I started. It's got me questioning my whole photography equipment a needs.

For a long time a lack of a fulfilling job and now all but unemployed I have been telling myself I should look into work from photography. Hence the reasons I have invested in pro gear. Now I am starting to wonder if it's really what I want to do and if it's really a good idea in this economic climate. Even the established pros seems to be finding it harder and harder to make a living at it, how is a newcomer going to do it?!

If it wasn't for the above I guess I really have little need for anything other than a good M4/3 camera and some lenses. The pro gear is maybe more a want than a need. Did those of you who sold expensive DSLR gear to go M4/3 have to overcome this want vs need idea? I love nice new, expensive gear but do I really need it, I have a hard time convincing myself but deep down I think I don't need all the gear I have.
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1DmkIV serious pro kit as you say. I'd have to say I'd find it hard to justify owning that gear without it providing some income. I had a bad enough time justifying the 5D2 and L glass for hobby use.

I was also considering getting a NEX-7, but the lack of E-mount lenses is not great for making a total switch. For now I'm going to stick with 5D2 and G3/G1, but I'm considering not investing in any more Canon gear just in case ;)
 
I too have been thinking about ditching my DSLR gear. Getting rid of (most of) my film cameras was a hard decision and I suppose getting rid of my canon DSLR's and lenses will be hard too. My Siggy 85mm f1.4, 150mm f2.8 and 12-24mm are much loved things and so far MFT can't come close to replecing them IMVHO.

I suppose the only thing stopping me is the lack of MFT lenses that interest me. I'd give the Nex 7 a look but the lenses look huge on the body and the choice is worse than with MFT.

I do think that DSLR's as we know them are going to be heading the way of the dinosaurs.
 
woof woof said:
I too have been thinking about ditching my DSLR gear. Getting rid of (most of) my film cameras was a hard decision and I suppose getting rid of my canon DSLR's and lenses will be hard too. My Siggy 85mm f1.4, 150mm f2.8 and 12-24mm are much loved things and so far MFT can't come close to replecing them IMVHO.

I suppose the only thing stopping me is the lack of MFT lenses that interest me. I'd give the Nex 7 a look but the lenses look huge on the body and the choice is worse than with MFT.

I do think that DSLR's as we know them are going to be heading the way of the dinosaurs.
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So it's not the IQ that's stopping you ditching the DSLR more just the lens selection? For me the lens line up would be fine but when it come to lenses each person has different wish lists.
 
I think that the IQ is fine, I have no complaints, I shoot RAW and they look good to me and even ISO 1600 is useable. I use 3200 on my 20D and 5D but then, I haven't got a f0.95 for those and I have for MFT :D

Hang on a mo...

5D, 20D and G1 shots...

1-2.jpg


2-2.jpg


3-1.jpg


I got the framing wrong on one but that's the only real difference in the pictures IMVHO, slight colour difference are down to lighting and processing and could be made the same.
 
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I have a GF1 20mm, 14-45, and 45-200 that just sits in the house doing nowt while I continue to hump all the heavy stuff around with me!.
Prior to a recent outing with a few buddies it was suggested to me by Janice that I should turn up with just my GF1 kit, the suggestion was a dare which I immediately scoffed at...sorry Janice ;) but I have been thinking since then that it is not such a bad idea after all and the next time I go out I am going to do just that!!.
 
Are we confined to direct fit Panasonic lenses unlike Canon/Nikon dslr fit Sigma, Tamron, etc. :shrug:
 
chrism_scotland said:
I'm seriously contemplating replacing my EP2 with one, although to replace the EP2 + VF2 viewfinder I'd probably be better just with the G3... decisions decisions!
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You're probably right. I put my G3 next to a GX1 with the attached EVF in Jacbos and the G3 was actually a bit smaller. The sales rep from Panasonic even agreed the G3 is a better option if you want an EVF. The EVF looked like it was pretty flimsy on the GX1, though you could tilt it which is a nice feature.

If you want an EVF I'd say the G3 is better out of the two though, it also gets the swivel screen. I'm considering selling my G3 to help fund a GX1 as I find I don't use the EVF much and without an EVF the GX1 is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket with pancake lens attached. The G3 just about fits but still a bit too bulky!
 
I like the idea of the Panasonic 'G' series cameras but its the EVF that would take some getting used to. Plus, i couldn't 'just use' the LCD to take shots. I like to look through a viewfinder and makes it more secure to hold the camera.

Is the G3 ar 'real' contender to a DSLR? What is low light work like with one?

Using the 550D in low light with the 50mm is awesome!
 
Galaxy66 said:
Are we confined to direct fit Panasonic lenses unlike Canon/Nikon dslr fit Sigma, Tamron, etc. :shrug:
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Not sure if you mean what lenses fit on µ4/3s but all the Panasonic and Olympus lenses fit natively (many highlights including 25mm 1.4 Panasonic, and 45mm 1.8 Olympus) as well as a few nice, fast lenses from Nokton, Samyang/Rokinon and SLR Magic.

There's also most adaptors available to use legacy lenses, although you lose AF.
 
intel86 said:
I like the idea of the Panasonic 'G' series cameras but its the EVF that would take some getting used to. Plus, i couldn't 'just use' the LCD to take shots. I like to look through a viewfinder and makes it more secure to hold the camera.

Is the G3 ar 'real' contender to a DSLR? What is low light work like with one?

Using the 550D in low light with the 50mm is awesome!
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G3 is meant to be pretty comparable to a 550D though it can't quite match it due to the slightly smaller sensor. It's debatable whether you can see the differences without pixel peeping though. I am comfortable shooting at 1600 ISO and will shoot at 3200 ISO in raw without problems. 6400+ ISO starts to introduce noise to the naked eye.

There are a lot of fast, sharp lenses available, look at some examples with any of these on flickr: Panasonic 20mm f1.7 pancake (40mm equiv.), Panasonic 25mm f1.4 (50mm equiv), Nokton 25mm f0.95 (50mm equiv) or Olympus 45mm f1.8 (90mm equiv) :thumbs:
 
So, if i were to move away from the 550D would the G3 be the right direction in terms of IQ etc? I know the 550D is not that bulky anyway just the G3 etc seem so pockitable
 
You're right, the 550D isn't exactly huge but the G3 is just that bit smaller. If you want even smaller the GX1, or the older GF2 are the next step down.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is 11% (13.6 mm) narrower and 14% (13.9 mm) shorter than Canon EOS Rebel T2i.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is 38% (28.6 mm) thinner than Canon EOS Rebel T2i.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 [382 g] weights 28% (148 grams) less than Canon EOS Rebel T2i [530 g] (*inc. batteries and memory card).

Check this site: http://camerasize.com/compare/#185,219

Pair it with the 20mm pancake lens and it's a pretty small package that should provide the same IQ as your Canon 95% of the time. You get an EVF instead of OVF but you gain a touch, swivel screen. DPreivew has a pretty exhaustive review of the camera.

I'm really happy with the lens and sensor performance, coming from entry level DSLRs, and appreciate the smaller size. I'm tempted to downsize even further now though (it's like an addiction) and probably look at selling my G3 after xmas for a GX1.

The G3 is going for good prices new now, a lot less than when it came out 6 months ago. The GF2 is even less (but uses the older 12mp sensor). Or if you're interested in a used one and in London [EDIT - keep an eye on the classified forum after xmas as I may just advertise mine ;) ]
 
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anthonys said:
You're right, the 550D isn't exactly huge but the G3 is just that bit smaller. If you want even smaller the GX1, or the older GF2 are the next step down.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is 11% (13.6 mm) narrower and 14% (13.9 mm) shorter than Canon EOS Rebel T2i.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is 38% (28.6 mm) thinner than Canon EOS Rebel T2i.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 [382 g] weights 28% (148 grams) less than Canon EOS Rebel T2i [530 g] (*inc. batteries and memory card).

Check this site: http://camerasize.com/compare/#185,219

Pair it with the 20mm pancake lens and it's a pretty small package that should provide the same IQ as your Canon 95% of the time. You get an EVF instead of OVF but you gain a touch, swivel screen. DPreivew has a pretty exhaustive review of the camera.

I'm really happy with the lens and sensor performance, coming from entry level DSLRs, and appreciate the smaller size. I'm tempted to downsize even further now though (it's like an addiction) and probably look at selling my G3 after xmas for a GX1.

The G3 is going for good prices new now, a lot less than when it came out 6 months ago. The GF2 is even less (but uses the older 12mp sensor). Or if you're interested in a used one and in London let me know, can meet you after xmas when I'd be ready to sell and compare it to your 550D.
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Yea, might be interested.
 
intel86 said:
I like the idea of the Panasonic 'G' series cameras but its the EVF that would take some getting used to. Plus, i couldn't 'just use' the LCD to take shots. I like to look through a viewfinder and makes it more secure to hold the camera.

Is the G3 ar 'real' contender to a DSLR? What is low light work like with one?

Using the 550D in low light with the 50mm is awesome!
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The EVF shouldn't take any getting used to apart frpm getting used to being able to see in gthe dark :D (if you have a fast lens) and having nice things like an in view histogram. You'll never ever blow a highlight again :D

If you want to shot in low light there's the 20mmf1.7 or Voigtlander 25mm f0.95 with which I can shoot at lower ISO than I can with my Canon kit and a f1.4 :D
 
I had a look at a G3 in Jessops today.

It looked much smaller than my G1 and I am tempted to see if I can sell both my GF1 and G1 and replece them both with just the one G3.
 
That size difference made the G3 a bit less appealing than my G1 so I didn't buy one.
Waiting for the next version ... hopefully with a much faster/bigger buffer too.
 
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