Panasonic G3 plus 14-42mm lens

[Stupar]

Hello people,

I'm looking for advice on the above body/lens combination.
I'm looking for something to use as part of my building RC models where I can take more detailed photos of the models I build.

I've been offered the above combo from a friend but wanted to get real world opinions first if I could.

Many thanks

 

[GreenNinja67]

I have that exact combo but mine is converted for infrared.

As long as you don't need true macro shots it'll do you well and for a kit zoom lens the 14-42 is brilliant. My copy is anyway.

Make sure you don't pay too much for the kit as they are a few years old now.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

The Panasonic G3 is now a fourteen year old design, so if a price is involved, it really shouldn't be a lot of money.

The good news is that the Panasonic M43 system is alive and going strong, so extra bits are readily available. The camera is a good middle of the road design and very good within its limits. The 14~42mm is also a very good general purpose lens and capable of providing images that are sharp enough for most purposes. A review of the G3 can be found here...

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcg3

If you want detailed close ups of small components, you'll want some way of focussing more closely than the unaided lens can manage. My preferred method is to fit extension tubes between the camera and the lens. Here is a typical good quality set ...

Micro Four Thirds Auto Extension Tube Set | SRB-Photographic.co.uk

The Micro Four Thirds Auto Extension Tube Set consists of two different sized extension tubes that fit a Micro Four Thirds camera and enable the lens to focus closer than its normal set-minimum focusing distance.

www.srb-photographic.co.uk

 

[Sangoma]

I have several G3s, including two converted to IR.

They are excellent cameras, and give better images than most 2 and 3 digit Canons.

The menu structure is still the same on the G9 (obviously in structure, not detail)

The 14-42 is sharp for a kit lens, and there are plenty of good priced lenses around.

As mentioned, they are not expensive, and even less expensive if you are patient, I'd say £150 for one with lens and a low shutter count is the absolute max (non of mine came close to that)

There is also the alternative of close up lenses that screw into the filter thread that give very good results. (technically not as good as extension tubes, but in practice quite OK)

 

[Stupar]

Thank you for the valuable advice so far.
I don't need true macro capabilities just the ability to see detailed close ups of chassis layouts/body details etc.

I currently use my phone but it's just a basic Samsung A15 so the camera lacks in the areas above as well as in general.

I can pick up the combo for £70 and it's virtually pristine condition so it seems like a no brainer, just wanted to touch base first before pulling the trigger.