"Panasonic G series" Owners Thread

Like me, I am pondering as to wether or not to keep my G3 or buy a 40D. I like the compactness of the Panny but also love the range of lenses the Canon has and the best bit for me, the ovf.

I really liked my 40d and if I wanted a viewfinder desperately then I would choose that over a g3 (or any other EVF).

I sort of want to start getting more serious about my photography and get into doing it professionally.
So I would like everyone to join me in this can of worm opening -
panasonic gh2 vs canon 60d vs 5d vintage edition.
I'm aware that gh2 is the smallest and has the best video. but I'm looking for universal solution - maybe weddings, portraits, fashion. I'll probably keep the hexar + film scanner for light weight. but if the gh2 is great I might think about selling it.

my gh1 takes stunning videos but I find the images a bit too soulless :(
5d is fine but high iso isn't great plus it doesn't have auto iso.
60d - I like it, apart from small things like - although it's comfy it's too big for discreet shooting. live view AF is pants and video is good but not as good as gh2.
BUT - for the 60d I could get the super sweet 17-55mm usm as panasonic lacks high end zooms. I love primes but for events etc, I would feel more comfortable with one zoom.

Rightly or wrongly the general public still expect a pro photographer to be armed with a huge DSLR and lenses :shrug:

The 5d with a 24-70 f2.8 would be the ideal workhorse
 
The best solution would be to have two cameras. A 5D for the higher ISO and thin DoF stuff and a MFT for portability, movie making, low ISO and deeper DoF in low light.

I have dumped my pentax DSLR as m43 is good enough for my needs. If I needed a DSLR a FF would be the obvious choice as it there is less overlap in the current abilities of the 2 systems. A lot of opinions on the merits of a DLSR are actually down to sensor size. Unless you are willing to go FF you don't get the full benefit.
 
bl0at3r said:
The noise is definitely improved on the newer body, on the gf1 I was disappointed with anything over 1600 - on the gx1 3200 is perfectly usable and 6400 is still just about ok.

Add to the improved noise with other things like the higher megapixel, faster autofocus and general improvements in handling, video and little features and it is a worthy successor to the gf1.

Would I upgrade from a gf1? Yes, but if you long for a viewfinder then no stick with a dslr :thumbs:

Thanks for the info, going to treat myself to a strap. Will think on the GX1 too!
 
bl0at3r said:
Rightly or wrongly the general public still expect a pro photographer to be armed with a huge DSLR and lenses :shrug:

I'm not sure that's the case, to be honest it's only us photographers that discuss and worry about merits of CSC vs DSLR. I don't think joe public could care less :)
 
I ditched APS-C and now only have MFT and a 5D.

Ideally I would like at least a 5d for serious stuff and then something smaller, but I don't even know if I'm going to leave my hexar, to raise maximum funds for one system.

I don't know how can you compare mft and 35mm . 35mm to me seems mostly miles ahead. mft is only good with great lenses and small dynamic range.

just compared my gh1 to 600d , although I didn't like anything about it , plasticky, bulky etc, etc. the IQ was better with better d-range and a bit higher iso capabilities.


obviously a good manual lens would sort a lot with the mft , but don't believe it would be too usable in events (although I really dislike doing such things, so will try to avoid them)
 
I'm not sure that's the case, to be honest it's only us photographers that discuss and worry about merits of CSC vs DSLR. I don't think joe public could care less :)

yup, maybe an odd distant relative to the client - show-off who has a 1d and has absolutely no idea how to use it.


I would not ever feel threatened if I had leica m9 + m9 b&w with some lenses . they too are small ! :D
 
Is a G3 and a 14mm a really good marriage? Trying to decide between keeping the G3 and buying a 14mm to go with it or selling the G3 and buying a 40D and a 50mm.
 
I'm not sure that's the case, to be honest it's only us photographers that discuss and worry about merits of CSC vs DSLR. I don't think joe public could care less :)

Put the grip on the OM-D an a lot of photographers wouldn't realise it wasn't a DSLR :) :)
 
Is a G3 and a 14mm a really good marriage? Trying to decide between keeping the G3 and buying a 14mm to go with it or selling the G3 and buying a 40D and a 50mm.

I couldn't live with just 50mm . so you need to think from that perspective. 28mm f2,8 canon isn't close to panasonic's 14mm . and costs more.

14mm is amazing , especially with video. in fact - I pretty much only use it on mine. sometimes I would like a 35mm equivalent.
 
I'm not sure that's the case, to be honest it's only us photographers that discuss and worry about merits of CSC vs DSLR. I don't think joe public could care less :)

yup, maybe an odd distant relative to the client - show-off who has a 1d and has absolutely no idea how to use it.


I would not ever feel threatened if I had leica m9 + m9 b&w with some lenses . they too are small ! :D

Thats why I said rightly or wrongly, it is to do with the perception - im pretty sure nobody is going to be happy spending however much on a wedding tog when he/she turns up with a camera that looks like a toy and is smaller than most of the dslr wielding wedding guests - regardless of what the finished work is like. Obviously once they see that they will be happy of course as m43 can churn out some amazing shots just like any other camera system in the right hands.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for using whatever camera gets the shots :thumbs:
 
Is a G3 and a 14mm a really good marriage? Trying to decide between keeping the G3 and buying a 14mm to go with it or selling the G3 and buying a 40D and a 50mm.

Don't forget the crop factor - 50mm on a 40d is 80mm equiv and may be a little close for a walkabout lens.

The 20mm panasonic is 40mm and much better for general walkabout.

I have a 35mm prime on my Nikon which is great for walkabout stuff and closer to the magical 50mm on a 35mm camera.
 
Thats why I said rightly or wrongly, it is to do with the perception - im pretty sure nobody is going to be happy spending however much on a wedding tog when he/she turns up with a camera that looks like a toy and is smaller than most of the dslr wielding wedding guests - regardless of what the finished work is like. Obviously once they see that they will be happy of course as m43 can churn out some amazing shots just like any other camera system in the right hands.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for using whatever camera gets the shots :thumbs:

Surprised maybe, but why shouldn't they be happy, they should have seen a portfolio before making there decision. The more discrete camera can be an advantage when taking photos of Aunty Betty.
 
I don't know how can you compare mft and 35mm . 35mm to me seems mostly miles ahead. mft is only good with great lenses and small dynamic range.

Upon getting a G1-14-42mm one of the first things I did was go out and shoot two identical shots, one with a 20D+50mm f1.4 and the other with the G1+14-42. The 20D shot is better, mostly because of the lens but honestly, after processing you have to look so closely to see any difference that really it just doesn't matter. Put a nice prime on MFT (and I have a nice prime) and the difference between MFT and APS-C or even FF at low to medium ISO's is minimal, IMVHO.
 
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Thats why I said rightly or wrongly, it is to do with the perception - im pretty sure nobody is going to be happy spending however much on a wedding tog when he/she turns up with a camera that looks like a toy and is smaller than most of the dslr wielding wedding guests - regardless of what the finished work is like. Obviously once they see that they will be happy of course as m43 can churn out some amazing shots just like any other camera system in the right hands.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for using whatever camera gets the shots :thumbs:


perception is a bitch that's for sure. but if you were to look really smart and confident with a oly om-d in your hands, everyone would give you way.
I'm certainly not worried about it too much though. it's just the dynamic range etc. if the om-d with kit lens is great I would be willing to spend 1000 on it but not 1200 or whatever it's priced at the moment. but getting 5d classic with lenses does seem easier and cheaper at the moment.
and the save every penny to get a rangefinder style setup . :D
 
It obviously depends what you're looking for in a telephoto, but I've found my 45-200 to be comparable to the 55-250 Canon I had in terms of build quality and performance.
I think that as its not my main lens and will only be used for certain things, its great value for money. I paid £160 for mine in the classifieds here (used and mint condition) and I'm happy with the lens I've got for the price, if that makes sense.

does that canon fit micro 4/3 as in panasonic
apologies for ignorance but i see on on ebay and it doesnt mention m4/3
just ef fitting???

make me aware, please
chears
geof
 
No, the Canon is a Canon fit lens, it's EF-S or EF fitting, can't remember which. I only mentioned it in reply to someone else's post.
It widely regarded as one of the best value for money budget lenses available because of its great quality and optics, but if you're not aware of the model it's not something you need to worry about.
 
No, the Canon is a Canon fit lens, it's EF-S or EF fitting, can't remember which. I only mentioned it in reply to someone else's post.
It widely regarded as one of the best value for money budget lenses available because of its great quality and optics, but if you're not aware of the model it's not something you need to worry about.

ef-s only
 
Upon getting a G1-14-42mm one of the first things I did was go out and shoot two identical shots, one with a 20D+50mm f1.4 and the other with the G1+14-42. The 20D shot is better, mostly because of the lens but honestly, after processing you have to look so closely to see any difference that really it just doesn't matter. Put a nice prime on MFT (and I have a nice prime) and the difference between MFT and APS-C or even FF at low to medium ISO's is minimal, IMVHO.


yes, you do ! :D
 
Surprised maybe, but why shouldn't they be happy, they should have seen a portfolio before making there decision. The more discrete camera can be an advantage when taking photos of Aunty Betty.

Exactly, clients will obviously ask to see the portfolio, doubt they'd ask to see the camera that took the shots :nuts:

Interesting conversation, but I just don't buy it.
 
What you will possibly get is snotty comments from those on the periphery along the lines of "Is that what you're using. My camera's better than that" etc and it's so difficult to avoid saying "Really? But I'm the one they're paying."

Lonnnnng time since I shot a public event but as I remember it people will question everything, camera, tripod, where you shoot from, what you shoot, what you don't, everything.
 
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A page or so back earlier in this thread someone mentioned that Aldi are good for bargainous deals on camera bags. Well I popped in my local Aldi and found some.

I wanted something/anything pretty quick just as a small as possible so I could pop my Panasonic G2 into it, and then into other larger bags (rucksacks/her bag ;) ) when out and about. Also would be ideal if the bag could be taken out just on its own with a carry strap.

There were 3 main camera bags in there that I could see.

1: One was more of a satchel design (still black) and a single strap shoulder type. Would probably fit a DSLR and a couple of lenses. A bit big for what I wanted.

2: What I would describe as a small to medium sized camera pouch/bag. It had a divider in the main section to seperate camera and ? lens or whatever. I think the divider could be moved/modded. This could again probably fit a DSLR or a Panny G series cam with maybe 2 lenses.

3: The smallest pouch type bag they did. This is actually quite well made and very padded. It will take the G2 with 14-42 kit (with hood attached in reverse) if you lay the rear of the camera facing down inside the main compartment. You can then fit the 20mm prime in on top of the G2 hand grip in between the kit lens (whilst wrapped inside it's stock lens zip bag cloth thing.) There is literally only room to do that in the main compartment. If you fit JUST the 20mm prime on it, it can go in "properly" base facing down and I reckon maybe two other primes might go in.

It has loads of external options and side pocket bits. It has a handle on top to carry like a suitcase, two straps on the back to mount to something/anything else. It also came with an additional mini wallet type bag inside it which would fit smaller compact point and shoot cams as well or possibly a pen series cam and smart phone - I probably won't use that but hey. A shoulder length strap is included and can be mounted to the bag as well. All in all, alright for £9.99. Pics make it look cheap...that's because it is. :) In person it looks fine.

For me this is the ultimate in portable photoghraphy now with m43rds gear and a small bag like this. This is how cameras should be. Fun and as small as possible with no real burden to carry about. The more we carry them about, the more we use them when that moment creeps up.

Poor phone pics I know.







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bl0at3r said:
Thats why I said rightly or wrongly, it is to do with the perception - im pretty sure nobody is going to be happy spending however much on a wedding tog when he/she turns up with a camera that looks like a toy and is smaller than most of the dslr wielding wedding guests - regardless of what the finished work is like. Obviously once they see that they will be happy of course as m43 can churn out some amazing shots just like any other camera system in the right hands.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for using whatever camera gets the shots :thumbs:

Surely when hiring a wedding tog they are going off the pictures they have seen. I know for sure when I chose my tog for the wedding it was off his work/style after being recommended. No where in my mind was what camera does he use. He turned up with a lower spec camera than my brother in law and wifes uncle but I knew his work.

I've been asked to do many of weddings as people have seen my pictures yet I use a Sony a200.
 
This is a better list than the product code numbers Panasonic have on their site.:)
Finishes 31st May.

DMC-GH2 Body Only £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-140mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 Body Only £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-200mm Lenses £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-175mm Lenses £50
DMC-GF3 + 14mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + X 14-42mm Lens (new lens kit) £50
DMC-GX1 Body Only £50
DMC-GX1 + X 14-42mm OIS Lens £50
Lumix G 8mm Lens £50
Lumix G 7-14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 12.5mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 20mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14-42mm Lens £50
Lumix G X 14-42mm Lens £50
Lumix G 25mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45mm Lens £25
Lumix G 14-140mm Lens £50
Lumix G X 45-175mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45-200mm Lens £50
Lumix G 100-300mm Lens £50
 
This is a better list than the product code numbers Panasonic have on their site.:)
Finishes 31st May.

DMC-GH2 Body Only £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-140mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 Body Only £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-200mm Lenses £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-175mm Lenses £50
DMC-GF3 + 14mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + X 14-42mm Lens (new lens kit) £50
DMC-GX1 Body Only £50
DMC-GX1 + X 14-42mm OIS Lens £50
Lumix G 8mm Lens £50
Lumix G 7-14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 12.5mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 20mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14-42mm Lens £50
Lumix G X 14-42mm Lens £50
Lumix G 25mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45mm Lens £25
Lumix G 14-140mm Lens £50
Lumix G X 45-175mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45-200mm Lens £50
Lumix G 100-300mm Lens £50

You missed the GX1 & 14-42 manual zoom
 
You missed the GX1 & 14-42 manual zoom

DMC-GH2 Body Only £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-140mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 Body Only £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-200mm Lenses £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-175mm Lenses £50
DMC-GF3 + 14mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + X 14-42mm Lens (new lens kit) £50
DMC-GX1 Body Only £50
DMC-GX1 + X 14-42mm OIS Lens £50
Lumix G 8mm Lens £50
Lumix G 7-14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 12.5mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 20mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14-42mm Len £50
Lumix G X 14-42mm Lens £50

Lumix G 25mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45mm Lens £25
Lumix G 14-140mm Lens £50
Lumix G X 45-175mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45-200mm Lens £50
Lumix G 100-300mm Lens £50

Did I:D

It is from UK Dgital website
 
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DMC-GH2 Body Only £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GH2 + 14-140mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 Body Only £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-200mm Lenses £50
DMC-G3 + 14-42mm / 45-175mm Lenses £50
DMC-GF3 + 14mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + 14-42mm Lens £50
DMC-GF3 + X 14-42mm Lens (new lens kit) £50
DMC-GX1 Body Only £50
DMC-GX1 + X 14-42mm OIS Lens £50

Lumix G 8mm Lens £50
Lumix G 7-14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 12.5mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14mm Lens £50
Lumix G 20mm Lens £50
Lumix G 14-42mm Len £50
Lumix G X 14-42mm Lens £50

Lumix G 25mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45mm Lens £25
Lumix G 14-140mm Lens £50
Lumix G X 45-175mm Lens £50
Lumix G 45-200mm Lens £50
Lumix G 100-300mm Lens £50

Did I:D

Yes you did - the gx1 & 14-42 manual zoom kit that I bought recently and applied for cashback for. :wave:

Mathers
 
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..
 
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This 50 quid cashback? Can you get it on the purchase of any item (on the list) no matter where it was bought? I thought it was only with participating retailers?

Thanks
 
The rumour site says that the G5 is being announced in a week or so. I'm hoping it'll be a rangefinder form a la X Pro 1 / Nex 7. I doubt it though.
 
This 50 quid cashback? Can you get it on the purchase of any item (on the list) no matter where it was bought? I thought it was only with participating retailers?

Thanks

It is only with participating dealers John, there is a list on Panasonic's site somewhere.
 
I am very curious as to what this g5 is going to be like! I look forward to seeing it when it actually appears for real, it also looks like the 12-35 f2.8 is coming too, also canon could well be releasing there csc soon too if the rumors can be believed which could also be m4/3!
 
If the new Canon is MFT I'll eat my shorts, and yours. It'll never happen IMVHO.
 
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