"Panasonic G series" Owners Thread

[delb0y]

Yes, you're right. The wandering itself wasn't a failure, and I'm sat here now pondering on what I learned - so actually it wasn't a total waste of an hour (in fact, very much the opposite), just a lack of any output that I care to keep.

There were two main points of "failure" that affected all the photos. Firstly, for the first time ever I thought I'd try aperture priority. From day one I've always been a manual shooter - but I keep reading about how AP is better for street work. However, the skies and whites were blown out in every photograph, and without an overt exposure compensation dial on the GX85 I was a bit stuck. It'll be back to manual in future, I think - it's so quick to change these settings that I'm probably best sticking with what I know. Also, my backgrounds were way too busy in all of the shots - partly poor composition and partly not taking advantage of the full range of the lens to blur the background when appropriate. I also think I missed a couple of shots because I was only using the 20mm. Had I taken longer lenses there were a few images to be had - but this is a self-imposed restriction whilst I try and work out where I'm out.

I did have a second look at the photos and with a bit of cropping made one shot reasonably acceptable, but it's still a bit of a "nothing" shot.

 

[Adamcski]

I often find that I want to get out with the camera but never really know what I am aim to capture. I end up coming home with 500 + images from an afternoon out somewhere. I will then sit and scan through them and realise that most are c@3p and should be deleted. I just see it as good practice though. I find I get better (for me better may still be rubbish for others) results if I try and think about what I'm going to try and capture with the camera.

It's even worse I find if I go for a walk around the same area as I've seen it already.

 

[Stephen L]

Yes, you're right. The wandering itself wasn't a failure, and I'm sat here now pondering on what I learned - so actually it wasn't a total waste of an hour (in fact, very much the opposite), just a lack of any output that I care to keep.

There were two main points of "failure" that affected all the photos. Firstly, for the first time ever I thought I'd try aperture priority. From day one I've always been a manual shooter - but I keep reading about how AP is better for street work. However, the skies and whites were blown out in every photograph, and without an overt exposure compensation dial on the GX85 I was a bit stuck. It'll be back to manual in future, I think - it's so quick to change these settings that I'm probably best sticking with what I know. Also, my backgrounds were way too busy in all of the shots - partly poor composition and partly not taking advantage of the full range of the lens to blur the background when appropriate. I also think I missed a couple of shots because I was only using the 20mm. Had I taken longer lenses there were a few images to be had - but this is a self-imposed restriction whilst I try and work out where I'm out.

I did have a second look at the photos and with a bit of cropping made one shot reasonably acceptable, but it's still a bit of a "nothing" shot.

View attachment 368495

Not a lot wrong with that, imo.

 

[Crotal Bell]

Yes, you're right. The wandering itself wasn't a failure, and I'm sat here now pondering on what I learned - so actually it wasn't a total waste of an hour (in fact, very much the opposite), just a lack of any output that I care to keep.

There were two main points of "failure" that affected all the photos. Firstly, for the first time ever I thought I'd try aperture priority. From day one I've always been a manual shooter - but I keep reading about how AP is better for street work. However, the skies and whites were blown out in every photograph, and without an overt exposure compensation dial on the GX85 I was a bit stuck. It'll be back to manual in future, I think - it's so quick to change these settings that I'm probably best sticking with what I know. Also, my backgrounds were way too busy in all of the shots - partly poor composition and partly not taking advantage of the full range of the lens to blur the background when appropriate. I also think I missed a couple of shots because I was only using the 20mm. Had I taken longer lenses there were a few images to be had - but this is a self-imposed restriction whilst I try and work out where I'm out.

I did have a second look at the photos and with a bit of cropping made one shot reasonably acceptable, but it's still a bit of a "nothing" shot.

View attachment 368495

I wouldn't say a nothing shot Derek, I really like that.
Three different characters all awaiting the bus in their coats and a sign suggesting a nice hot coffee, as if to say "I bet you fancy one of these right now"
They all seem focussed on something happening in the bus stop, an air of mystery to the picture too.

 

[d00d]

However, the skies and whites were blown out in every photograph, and without an overt exposure compensation dial on the GX85 I was a bit stuck.

My Ex Comp dial on my GX80/85 doesn't work well. So I've configured it to work on the front dial: push the rear dial turn the the front. Also (don't know if this is default) when I use Ex Comp, a little Bracketing icon appears top left of screen and I find myself using that more & more for street with sky ... maybe -2 or -3 for sky and 0 for everything else.

 

[woof woof]

I often find that I want to get out with the camera but never really know what I am aim to capture. I end up coming home with 500 + images from an afternoon out somewhere. I will then sit and scan through them and realise that most are c@3p and should be deleted. I just see it as good practice though. I find I get better (for me better may still be rubbish for others) results if I try and think about what I'm going to try and capture with the camera.

It's even worse I find if I go for a walk around the same area as I've seen it already.

If you enjoy the time out with a camera that in itself is enough for me. You don't have to come back with masterpieces

 

[Adamcski]

If you enjoy the time out with a camera that in itself is enough for me. You don't have to come back with masterpieces

That's good as I wouldn't consider any of my photos masterpieces lol

 

[woof woof]

Yes, you're right. The wandering itself wasn't a failure, and I'm sat here now pondering on what I learned - so actually it wasn't a total waste of an hour (in fact, very much the opposite), just a lack of any output that I care to keep.

There were two main points of "failure" that affected all the photos. Firstly, for the first time ever I thought I'd try aperture priority. From day one I've always been a manual shooter - but I keep reading about how AP is better for street work. However, the skies and whites were blown out in every photograph, and without an overt exposure compensation dial on the GX85 I was a bit stuck. It'll be back to manual in future, I think - it's so quick to change these settings that I'm probably best sticking with what I know. Also, my backgrounds were way too busy in all of the shots - partly poor composition and partly not taking advantage of the full range of the lens to blur the background when appropriate. I also think I missed a couple of shots because I was only using the 20mm. Had I taken longer lenses there were a few images to be had - but this is a self-imposed restriction whilst I try and work out where I'm out.

I did have a second look at the photos and with a bit of cropping made one shot reasonably acceptable, but it's still a bit of a "nothing" shot.

If this is the same as my GX80 in aperture priority the back dial does exposure compensation. Am I missing something?

 

[woof woof]

That's good as I wouldn't consider any of my photos masterpieces lol

Join the happy snappers club There's no pressure to produce masterpieces

 

[Adamcski]

Join the happy snappers club There's no pressure to produce masterpieces

We should get some t-shirts made up

 

[d00d]

I often find that I want to get out with the camera but never really know what I am aim to capture. I end up coming home with 500 + images from an afternoon out somewhere. I will then sit and scan through them and realise that most are c@3p and should be deleted. I just see it as good practice though. I find I get better (for me better may still be rubbish for others) results if I try and think about what I'm going to try and capture with the camera.

It's even worse I find if I go for a walk around the same area as I've seen it already.

This is happening to me a lot nowadays, not knowing what I want, not taking time and concentration on a certain theme/idea, so coming home with c@3p.

But ... look hard enough and you'll see the odd gem. They're probably the hardest ones process/edit, but worth it.

 

[delb0y]

If this is the same as my GX80 in aperture priority the back dial does exposure compensation. Am I missing something?

No - I was missing something. Until David mentioned above that you could push the rear dial in, I didn't even realise. I really should read the manual now this is likely to be my main camera.

 

[d00d]

If this is the same as my GX80 in aperture priority the back dial does exposure compensation. Am I missing something?

That's right. The rear dial does it, but not for everyone .... as I mentioned earlier.

 

[Crotal Bell]

My Ex Comp dial on my GX80/85 doesn't work well. So I've configured it to work on the front dial: push the rear dial turn the the front. Also (don't know if this is default) when I use Ex Comp, a little Bracketing icon appears top left of screen and I find myself using that more & more for street with sky ... maybe -2 or -3 for sky and 0 for everything else.

I noticed today that if I press exp comp button, one dial changes the grid at the bottom and the screen changes exposure, but the other one changes a small wheel in the top right of the screen and the image stays the same. Is this something else?

 

[Crotal Bell]

Happy Friday all, quick question.
When I use the 100-300mm Mega OIS on my G80, should I:
1. Turn the Mega OIS off as it doesn't work with the IBIS?
2. Turn the IBIS off as the lens OIS is better?
3. Leave them both on, they don't work together but it doesn't matter?

I await to be enlightened by the wise people of the forum, with thanks.

 

[Adamcski]

Well I'm reading a book at the moment by a chap Michael Freeman called the photographer's eye and there are a few bits in there about the Bauhaus School of art and how they used to get students to complete tasks to see photography in different ways / challenge the norm, so I'm making some notes on these and will take a few challenges up to develop further

 

[delb0y]

Happy Friday all, quick question.
When I use the 100-300mm Mega OIS on my G80, should I:
1. Turn the Mega OIS off as it doesn't work with the IBIS?
2. Turn the IBIS off as the lens OIS is better?
3. Leave them both on, they don't work together but it doesn't matter?

I await to be enlightened by the wise people of the forum, with thanks.

I believe they work together, Keith. So leave them both on - when hand-held, anyway. If you're using a tripod I think it can be wise to turn the OIS off.

 

[Stephen L]

Happy Friday all, quick question.
When I use the 100-300mm Mega OIS on my G80, should I:
1. Turn the Mega OIS off as it doesn't work with the IBIS?
2. Turn the IBIS off as the lens OIS is better?
3. Leave them both on, they don't work together but it doesn't matter?

I await to be enlightened by the wise people of the forum, with thanks.

I think, but I am not sure, that turning off the lens OIS will also switch off the in-body stabilisation, regardless of whether the two work together.

 

[d00d]

I noticed today that if I press exp comp button, one dial changes the grid at the bottom and the screen changes exposure, but the other one changes a small wheel in the top right of the screen and the image stays the same. Is this something else?

I think slightly different camera models.

There is no Exp Comp button on the aforementioned GX80/85, but a wheel you push to activate that grid at the bottom of the screen, then turn to adjust ... but it does always work well. There's a way around it which, to me, is preferable: using the front wheel to adjust the +/-

 

[woof woof]

That's right. The rear dial does it, but not for everyone .... as I mentioned earlier.

Why doesn't it do it for everyone? Unless you have an iffy dial.

 

[d00d]

Happy Friday all, quick question.
When I use the 100-300mm Mega OIS on my G80, should I:
1. Turn the Mega OIS off as it doesn't work with the IBIS?
2. Turn the IBIS off as the lens OIS is better?
3. Leave them both on, they don't work together but it doesn't matter?

I await to be enlightened by the wise people of the forum, with thanks.

Leave it all on. I don't think you can break anything.

I believe they work together, Keith. So leave them both on - when hand-held, anyway. If you're using a tripod I think it can be wise to turn the OIS off.

is the correct answer.

 

[Crotal Bell]

I think, but I am not sure, that turning off the lens OIS will also switch off the in-body stabilisation, regardless of whether the two work together.

Interesting, I must investigate.

 

[Crotal Bell]

I think slightly different camera models.

There is no Exp Comp button on the aforementioned GX80/85, but a wheel you push to activate that grid at the bottom of the screen, then turn to adjust ... but it does always work well. There's a way around it which, to me, is preferable: using the front wheel to adjust the +/-

Forgive me I'm being a plonker. Of course it has.
And actually one of the reasons I am considering a GX90 which has the Exp Comp wheel, and a few more pixels than the G80.
I do love the DSLR style more though, but I guess you get use to it.

 

[d00d]

Why doesn't it do it for everyone?

It's not just me, lots have the same problem:

The wheel pushes fine to activate +/- but doesn't turn well. For swift, no nonsense, use the altogether more solid & responsive front dial to adjust.

 

[d00d]

Forgive me I'm being a plonker. Of course it has.
And actually one of the reasons I am considering a GX90 which has the Exp Comp wheel, and a few more pixels than the G80.
I do love the DSLR style more though, but I guess you get use to it.

I'm a rangefinder design man meself.

But I thought they had less wheels, knobs & buttons.

Panasonic cameras are brilliant, the best menu layout, with perfect shortcuts, and configurations.

 

[woof woof]

It's not just me, lots have the same problem:

The wheel pushes fine to activate +/- but doesn't turn well. For swift, no nonsense, use the altogether more solid & responsive front dial to adjust.

No problem here. Maybe some just have iffy dials.

 

[woof woof]

Forgive me I'm being a plonker. Of course it has.
And actually one of the reasons I am considering a GX90 which has the Exp Comp wheel, and a few more pixels than the G80.
I do love the DSLR style more though, but I guess you get use to it.

I don't bother with the dedicated exp comp wheel on the GX9. I just use the top back dial.

One good thing about the GX9 is that you get exp comp and auto ISO in manual mode.

 

[d00d]

any P Mode fans here? Set your ISO, then toggle between A and S.

I like it when there's a moving subject: slow, not so slow. And you need to avoid too shallow a dof.

 

[Adamcski]

Not tried p mode. I typically use A or S with auto ISO on my Lumix cameras

 

[delb0y]

There is no Exp Comp button on the aforementioned GX80/85, but a wheel you push to activate that grid at the bottom of the screen, then turn to adjust ... but it does always work well. There's a way around it which, to me, is preferable: using the front wheel to adjust the +/-

Turns out mine is already configured this way - press the rear dial in to enter the Exp Comp world, and adjust using the front wheel. I never set this up, so I assume it was the previous owner. Seems to work well.

 

[d00d]

Not tried p mode. I typically use A or S with auto ISO on my Lumix cameras

You might want to try it. When you know you can get away with high ISO, go for it.

When you might need a fast shutter speed plus a wide DOF, you can just whizz your wheel to get test shots. It's kind of semi auto, weighing up a A against S.

 

[d00d]

Turns out mine is already configured this way - press the rear dial in to enter the Exp Comp world, and adjust using the front wheel. I never set this up, so I assume it was the previous owner. Seems to work well.

That's good!

Yes, I think the default setting is push then turn the rear wheel.

 

[woof woof]

Coffee in the park.

GX80 and 14mm f2.5.

Mrs WW complained that her hair looks grey. I think it's just how it's catching the light.

 

[Stephen L]

@Stephen L
When suitably positioned it gives access to the battery and the jacks too.
Think it was 15 or 20 quid from Jack The Hat, can't remember exactly.

View attachment 368068
View attachment 368069

Update to this - I bought one from Jack The Hat and it does fit perfectly. Thanks for your recommendatio.

 

[woof woof]

Just a little exercise in shadow boosting with the GX80. This was shot into the sun and glare exposing for the sky.

Boosting the shadows pretty much to the max and painting on some negative exposure comp to the sky and then raising the overall exposure.

This shows nothing as being blown, which I don't think can be really true It's not quite right but a bit more time and effort could well get better results.

 

[woof woof]

Another at the park. Getting a but chilly so the woolly hat went on.

GX80 and 14mm f2.5 at f2.5.

 

[delb0y]

This is another shot from the "kingfisher" session - a bit clichéd, but still fun. When I got to the canal I tried to turn on the G80 (the on-off switch is broken so I have to rely on a click of the shutter button to bring the camera to life) and I had the "Please turn camera off and then on again" error message. With no on-off switch this means taking the battery out. I did this and immediately got the error again. And again. And again. By this time the G80 almost went in the canal itself! But after that it performed flawlessly for the next 20 minutes. I just wish I knew what was causing it.

On the way home I liked the light on the church spire so I grabbed this one on the GX80 with the 12-35.



The GX80 is a lovely little camera, especially with a small prime lens (I'm going to try a walkaround soon with the 45mm 1.8 to see how that feels) but the EVF does let it down, although it's way better than the EVF I got used to in the G3 and it's way better than no EVF. I think the G80 EVF has spoiled me. I do like the touch-screen touch / focus / shoot option a lot on the GX80 (it's on the G80, too, but I tend not to use it on that body) - great for candid shots, when folks think you're just looking at the screen.

I do like these Lumix bodies, and keep looking at the G9, just worried it may be a little too big. I'd go down to Clifton cameras and try one, but I'm nervous I'd like it too much Although there is a deal on at the moment whereby you get a free 25mm prime if you buy a new G9 - but the cost would be twice what I've ever spent on a camera in my life. So for now I shall continue with the two bodies I have (well, three, actually - I also have the GM1 which is great when I'm out cycling. Alas... no EVF at all, on that one).

My first Lumix was the GF1, that was a little tank of a camera, and great with the 20mm 1.7. Incredible how far the range has come.

Derek

 

[Sangoma]

This is another shot from the "kingfisher" session - a bit clichéd, but still fun. When I got to the canal I tried to turn on the G80 (the on-off switch is broken so I have to rely on a click of the shutter button to bring the camera to life) and I had the "Please turn camera off and then on again" error message. With no on-off switch this means taking the battery out. I did this and immediately got the error again. And again. And again. By this time the G80 almost went in the canal itself! But after that it performed flawlessly for the next 20 minutes. I just wish I knew what was causing it.
View attachment 369150
On the way home I liked the light on the church spire so I grabbed this one on the GX80 with the 12-35.

View attachment 369152

The GX80 is a lovely little camera, especially with a small prime lens (I'm going to try a walkaround soon with the 45mm 1.8 to see how that feels) but the EVF does let it down, although it's way better than the EVF I got used to in the G3 and it's way better than no EVF. I think the G80 EVF has spoiled me. I do like the touch-screen touch / focus / shoot option a lot on the GX80 (it's on the G80, too, but I tend not to use it on that body) - great for candid shots, when folks think you're just looking at the screen.

I do like these Lumix bodies, and keep looking at the G9, just worried it may be a little too big. I'd go down to Clifton cameras and try one, but I'm nervous I'd like it too much Although there is a deal on at the moment whereby you get a free 25mm prime if you buy a new G9 - but the cost would be twice what I've ever spent on a camera in my life. So for now I shall continue with the two bodies I have (well, three, actually - I also have the GM1 which is great when I'm out cycling. Alas... no EVF at all, on that one).

My first Lumix was the GF1, that was a little tank of a camera, and great with the 20mm 1.7. Incredible how far the range has come.

Derek

You can see the exact size difference here https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/panasonic-g80-vs-panasonic-g9

In reality, it doesn't feel any bigger in use, the grip is better which I think helps.

Here are three (very poor) photos of the two together I just took to show them as you would see them. I put a 12-60 lens on both




There is a difference in weight though, the G9 is 905g and the G80 is 737g. (as shown above with the 12-60 lenses) I haven't found it heavy, except after very long use with the 100-400 lens with no monopod or tripod.

 

[woof woof]

This is another shot from the "kingfisher" session - a bit clichéd, but still fun. When I got to the canal I tried to turn on the G80 (the on-off switch is broken so I have to rely on a click of the shutter button to bring the camera to life) and I had the "Please turn camera off and then on again" error message. With no on-off switch this means taking the battery out. I did this and immediately got the error again. And again. And again. By this time the G80 almost went in the canal itself! But after that it performed flawlessly for the next 20 minutes. I just wish I knew what was causing it.
View attachment 369150
On the way home I liked the light on the church spire so I grabbed this one on the GX80 with the 12-35.

View attachment 369152

The GX80 is a lovely little camera, especially with a small prime lens (I'm going to try a walkaround soon with the 45mm 1.8 to see how that feels) but the EVF does let it down, although it's way better than the EVF I got used to in the G3 and it's way better than no EVF. I think the G80 EVF has spoiled me. I do like the touch-screen touch / focus / shoot option a lot on the GX80 (it's on the G80, too, but I tend not to use it on that body) - great for candid shots, when folks think you're just looking at the screen.

I do like these Lumix bodies, and keep looking at the G9, just worried it may be a little too big. I'd go down to Clifton cameras and try one, but I'm nervous I'd like it too much Although there is a deal on at the moment whereby you get a free 25mm prime if you buy a new G9 - but the cost would be twice what I've ever spent on a camera in my life. So for now I shall continue with the two bodies I have (well, three, actually - I also have the GM1 which is great when I'm out cycling. Alas... no EVF at all, on that one).

My first Lumix was the GF1, that was a little tank of a camera, and great with the 20mm 1.7. Incredible how far the range has come.

Derek

Have a look at the G100. It's small and light and the evf is very nice. Only downsides I can se are the lack of a second top of camera control dial and that is a big issue for me, the lack of in body IS which I don't really care about and the mechanical shutter maximum speed which I don't don't find to be an issue, it is very quiet in mechanical shutter mode though. It is small and light and with a nice evf and that almost makes up for the shortcomings.

 

[Stephen L]

Strange light this afternoon between rainstorms. Taken from the footbridge at the end of our street, G9 and Lumix 12-60 f3.5/5.6

River Ribble in Autumn by Stephen Lee, on Flickr