Panasonic Lumix G2

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skinttillpayday

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Hi,
I posted on here a few weeks ago as Im after buying my first camera. I've been into a photography shop and had a look at a fair few cameras. The Pentax k-r was within my price range and felt nice, although I didn't like that you can't see what your shooting on the screen. I really like the panasonic Lumix G2 that they have on at £499 this comes with a 14-42 lens.

What are your thoughts on this camera?

There was a comment on another thread that was some really beautiful pictures and somebody had commented 'that obviously wasn't taken with a Panasonic Lumix :lol:' have you any idea why? Are they not a great camera?
The guy in the shop sure did a good sales job on me but I really liked the small body on it, the handling of it feels great. I know nothing about photography so I guess one that looks/feels nice is a good place to start.

Your thoughts on this would be appreciated. :thumbs:
 
The DSLR will knock spots off it.. you can get a DSLR with live view within your budget, shop around for the canon 500D or go for the pentax KX which has live view.
 
"A DSLR will knock spots off it" . . . ?

Not sure that a fair statement, it depends what you want and where you want to go in photography? The Panasonic 'G range' are great camera if you want to stay with the two basic kit type lenses . . . or you want to buy loads of cheap, old heritage type lenses and play with adaptors and manual settings, a bit geeky at that end IMHO. They take great photographs, I use a G1 myself with a 14-45mm kit lens, I love it to bits, for its small, light and easy handling . . . its my go every where camera.

However, I also have a Nikon D5000 DSLR, that is my high days and special occasions camera. I am not a 'geek' but appreciate the subtle advantages of the DSLR, the 5000 in particular. Not least the range of lenses to choose from. Pentax do a live view, rear screen, in the 'KX' model.

This is where only you can decide . . . Step slightly off the beaten track with a micro 4/3'rds Panasonic, with its obvious comfort in your hands, or stick to the well trodden path of the DSLR?

. . . I remember you said you wanted to do birding? I think the G2 might come up short on lenses for that purpose, and if you want birds in flight, that would be a problem to? Children; either will do the job, although energetic kids may present the G2 focusing with problems, its not that quick. Views, wide angle landscapes might be a problem? Most landscape togs would consider 28mm not enough from the standard kit of the G2, others less dedicated may say just enough???? The Pentax will have a lens available that will go a lot wider, the same applies to birds, you will find one a lot longer.

Iancandler is right in suggesting caution . . . its where you want to be in a couple of years time???? . . . Sorry thats a bit of a sermon . . . :shrug:

CJS
 
Nah.. its no contest, I've done side by side tests myself, the DSLR comes out on top, the IQ of my lowly 500D is streets ahead of the panny I had.
 
iancandler said:
Nah.. its no contest, I've done side by side tests myself, the DSLR comes out on top, the IQ of my lowly 500D is streets ahead of the panny I had.
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What kind of side by side tests? Streets ahead in what way? At lower ISOs I very much doubt the IQ of the 500D is streets ahead.
 
Up to ISO 400 the m4/3 bodies do a superb job of resolving detail and the IQ is easily comparable, maybe even slightly ahead of the low end dslr cameras - especially with the 20mm pancake stuck on the front (even the 14-45 lens for that matter)
 
I've no idea what the previous message from bl0at3r means!

It sounds like you all think the Pentax is loads better, what a shame :) I'm trying to do the sensible thing and so my research before I buy but everytime I decide on one somebody gives me a negative on it.

Yes I would love to get wildlife shots, birds in particular. I want really good sharp images and i want a camera thats fast. I want to be able to buy the camera kit for less than £600 and I want the best I can get for my money.. but I still struggle to see the differences between any of them. even my trip into a camera shop left me feeling way out of my depth and not a clue what all the letters and numbers mean.
 
skinttillpayday said:
I've no idea what the previous message from bl0at3r means!
Click to expand...

Sorry :shrug:

What I was trying to say is that whilst the G2 may appeal due to size and price, there are some photo subjects that it will easily produce stunning photos and others where it will struggle...

Some of the areas where you'll find the G2 struggles compared to a digital slr (canon, nikon, sony alpha etc) are lowlight/night shots, fast action like motorsport or fast moving wildlife like birds in flight.

Hope that clarifies :thumbs:
 
skinttillpayday said:
Yes I would love to get wildlife shots, birds in particular. I want really good sharp images and i want a camera thats fast.
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Maybe the Lumix G series cameras aren't for you then - tracking fast moving objects is one area where they struggle compared to a DSLR. There also isn't that many telephoto options - the 45-200mm lens doesn't focus very fast and is quite soft past about 140mm. There is a 100-300mm lens coming out soon.
 
skinttillpayday said:
Hi,
I posted on here a few weeks ago as Im after buying my first camera. I've been into a photography shop and had a look at a fair few cameras. The Pentax k-r was within my price range and felt nice, although I didn't like that you can't see what your shooting on the screen. I really like the panasonic Lumix G2 that they have on at £499 this comes with a 14-42 lens.

What are your thoughts on this camera?

There was a comment on another thread that was some really beautiful pictures and somebody had commented 'that obviously wasn't taken with a Panasonic Lumix :lol:' have you any idea why? Are they not a great camera?
The guy in the shop sure did a good sales job on me but I really liked the small body on it, the handling of it feels great. I know nothing about photography so I guess one that looks/feels nice is a good place to start.

Your thoughts on this would be appreciated. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Remember, the only difference between the G2 and the G1 is video and a touch screen display. If these arn't important or you, or you are on a budget consider the G1.
 
OK, Skinttillpayday, I see there is a problem, blinded with science . . . :thinking:

I have experience of the G1 (G2) and Nikon. I recon, with your experience, the G1 would be great for family shots, holiday, day out snapshots and general picture taking. Those that say how great the G1/2 camera is, have experience and can make a camera do a lot because of it. You have that experience hill to climb.

I dont know the Pentax Kx, however I would be willing to trust the reviews and general :thumbs: that users give it. The prices I can find:

http://www.bestcameras.co.uk/shop/a...f_Pentax_KX___Pentax_18-55___55-300_lens.html

£550 for a Kx + a Pentax 18-55 and 55-300, thats a standard every day lens in the 18-55 and a longer lens at 55-300 which is OK for birds on the garden bird table and general telephoto pictures, keep you happy for good while?

Going back to climbing that 'experience hill' . . . I'm going to bang the Nikon drum. I have personal experience of Nikons D5000, an entry level camera that will help you climb the 'hill'. Image quality, in my opinion is exceptional at this level, limited by lens quality only. The D5000 is a slightly detuned D90, the D90 being highly regarded as an A1 camera in its class.

The D5000 has simplified controls, making that learning hill less steep? However, despite its simplicity, as I have said, its image quality is as good as the D90. Have look here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0025KV8...de=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0025KV8Y0

£479 including an 18-55 kit lens. Extra with a Sigma 70-300mm long lens:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0012X61...de=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0012X61U2

At £179, not quit in budget but with a little saving???

So, Panasonic G2, you are limited, not because the camera is not good, it is excellent, but your inexperience will hold you back and for moving subjects, its probably a no-no?

The Pentax Kx, in my opinion ticks all the entry level boxes plus a bit! and comes in under budget, thats IMHO

The Nikon D5000, has the name, Image Quality, ticks the boxes, however it lacks a focus motor in the camera body and squeezes the budget a little if both lenses are purchased at the same time:naughty: Some see the requirement of 'S' lenses ('HSM' motorised lenses) as a drawback . . . personally at this level, I do not see it that way.

This is a review of the Kx, bit technical, but go to the 'conclusions and sample pages':
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxkx/

Review of the D5000, see conclusions and samples:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5000/

I have just had a quick gander at the new Nikon D3100, as far as the specification goes its as good as the 5000! but you loose the swivel screen, replacing it with a 3" viewing rear screen, the remainder seems the same or better, you may need to serch a bit to get the price, that Amazon price for the D5000 is a bit keen?

This is a previewof the D3100, it is so new dpd have not don a full review yet:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/Nikond3100/

£499 in 18-55 lens:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00403MA...de=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B00403MA4M

I hope this help . . . ? CJS
 
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Thank you all so much for being patient with me!!

I went for a walk yesterday with my compact and got some beautiful pictures of the beach with fabulous pinks and purples in the sky and reflecting off the water(I think they are anyway lol) but its a good job I took a lot of shots because only about 10% came out without a blur :thumbsdown:

tbh my budget doesn't matter all that much, I just thought I needed to put a cap on it somewhere lol - realistically I could spend up to around £1000 straight away or possibly more I'm not really sure. I just don't want to blindly walk into a shop with a grand in my pocket and get sold a camera for a grand when all I might need for now is a 500 quid one if that makes sense. (sales people tend to see me coming)
 
Here are a few of the nicer pics from yesterday:

DSC03598.jpg


DSC03608.jpg


DSC03408.jpg


DSC03478.jpg
 
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skinttillpayday said:
Thank you all so much for being patient with me!!

I went for a walk yesterday with my compact and got some beautiful pictures of the beach with fabulous pinks and purples in the sky and reflecting off the water(I think they are anyway lol) but its a good job I took a lot of shots because only about 10% came out without a blur :thumbsdown:

tbh my budget doesn't matter all that much, I just thought I needed to put a cap on it somewhere lol - realistically I could spend up to around £1000 straight away or possibly more I'm not really sure. I just don't want to blindly walk into a shop with a grand in my pocket and get sold a camera for a grand when all I might need for now is a 500 quid one if that makes sense. (sales people tend to see me coming)
Click to expand...


skinttillpayday said:
Here are a few of the nicer pics from yesterday:

DSC03598.jpg


DSC03608.jpg


DSC03408.jpg


DSC03478.jpg
Click to expand...

You are getting the 'tog urge' STPD . . . We have a little breathing space;)

I see the Pentax still as a bargin with two lenses . . . However, if you spread your finacial wings a little. A Nikon D90 is the way to go, you have a 'name', no constraints on future growth and a camera that will not disapoint on potential image quality. For many, a body that will never need upgrading . . . but can be added to for many years if so desired.

The D90-18-105mm kit will do you very nicely at around £700-£750'ish. The 18-105mm is a good starting point lens, it will get you out take pictures. As time goes on you will start to understand 'picture taking' and move from snap shot to quality images that will have the 'wow factor' . . . sometimes:lol:

By then it will be spring, you will be thinking, 'long lens . . . birds' and be back here asking for advise.

I'm biased, as a long time Nikon man, so others will have suggestion along a different rout, predictably via Canon?

Dont forget the Pentax STPD. Even the Canon camp will admit to the quality and regard with which the Nikon D90 has been held over the years. Nikon themselves are about to introduced a new model D7000, but have left the D90 in the range . . . I think, because it is such a good all round camera?


Off to walk, Hazel, Oliver the dog and take a few pictures along the shore line and around the local boat yard . . . :thumbs:
CJS

PS
By Way of encouragement STPD:

DogrwDSC03408.jpg


Hop you dont mind be medling with your pictures?
 
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The funny thing is, each and every camera mentioned here will do you fine!
All DSLRs (and I'm including the Lumix G1 & G2) from the last year or so are brilliant.
I'd recommend an Olympus e-600 kit for £300, just cos its a bargain and very nice for the ladies, although the Lumix G1/G2 is just as good but different.
(If you want a more capable camera that still works the way your compact cameras work then the Lumix G2 is probably the best for you at the moment.)
Other stuff gets bigger, sometimes heavier but they're all good. Sorry about that.
 
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