To switch or not to switch? (GF1)

RiCousins

RiCousins

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Richard
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Right, so I have a decision to make...do I or do I not jump ship and get a Panny GF1? :help:

My current kit consists of:
Sony A200
18-70 kit lens
75-300 kit lens
Tamron 90mm macro
HVL-F42AM flash

I love the camera. I think it was excellent value for money and have got some lovely pics out of it. There are, however a few things bothering me about it;

Firstly, there's the quality of the kit lenses. Although I didn't really notice it when I first got the camera (it was my first DSLR), I'm starting to notice that the kit lenses are a bit slow and, with regard to the 75-300 in particular, quite soft, especially at the long end. I do love the Tamron 90mm, but don't really find myself using it that much these days.

Secondly, the sheer size of the bloody thing! It means that I only really get to take it out when I plan to go out to take photos, rather than being able to take it everywhere, particularly now that I commute to London during the week.

So, in steps the GF1. It looks to be pretty much exactly what I'm after, and I think I've basically convinced myself already, but would like some input from people that already own one and live with it. My main concern is the lack of OVF, but to be honest I'm not sure how much this will actually bother me in practice, and I know that there is an EVF add-on available. Can anyone offer any insight on what it's like going from using an OVF to just relying on live view? Then there's also the image quality itself, stepping down from DSLR to Micro 4/3, although having looked at pictures posted on here it looks like it may actually be better than what I'm getting with the current gear.

If I were to sell my current kit (all in mint condition), I figure I can get around £250 for the A200 and 18-70, £150 for the 75-300, £150 for the flash and £250-300 for the Tamron. That would leave me with around £800-850 with which I should hopefully be able to get the GF1 with 20mm pancake and the Panasonic 45-200, give or take a few quid.

I know there are a fair few GF1 owners on here, so if anyone can offer their opinions as to how I'll fare with the GF1 as opposed to the A200, with regard to usability, practicality and image quality, I would be very grateful.

Cheers, Richard.
 
Hi Richard,

You have mentioned image quality - the GF1 certainly holds it own against the low to mid range DSLRs

Practicality - for me the Canon 40D and now I have a 7D are amazing cameras - but I was finding myself leaving them at home more & more, only really taking the camera out for a specific photo taking trip.

Having the GF1 and 20mm in the little case means it gets taken everywhere, and I am more likely to point it at people as it is far less obtrusive.

Usability -you've not mentioned the type of photographs you like to create - I'd say the GF1 is capable of about 80% of what a low-mid range DSLR is capable of.

The 20% it's not too good at being fast action like sports or motorsport (the LCD blacks out ever-so briefly between shots - making it difficult to pan and keep the subject in the shot) although it still manages 3fps and is no slouch. It also struggles a little with High ISO shots - upto ISO 800 is perfectly usable however.

The OVF vs LCD vs EVF thing will be down to preference - the GF1 LCD is superb, only suffering from direct bright sunlight. Some people on here have used the EVF and it seems to get mixed reviews. You're never going to beat an OVF but it only takes a few hours with the GF1 to get used to it.

Don't compare the Live View of a DSLR with the GF1 - Live view on most dslr (even the 7D) is clunky to say the least - the GF1 LCD view is more comparable to a compact camera live view - but it doesn't suffer the same shutter lag and sluggishness you get with a compact.

I'm blown away by how good the GF1 is, so much so, I am seriously considering selling my 7D.

Oh, and here are some of my GF1 shots on Flickr
 
Thanks for that Alan, really helpful advice. I mainly shoot wildlife (generally not fast-moving subjects though) and landscape, and now that I'm in London more I'd like to do more street photography, which I would feel more comfortable doing with a less conspicuous camera, as well as it being much easier to carry around. Now the question is...do I get it in silver or black?? :)
 
I've never owned a DSLR to compare to but I absolutely love my GF1. If you are worried about the lack of viewfinder you could look at the G1 which is meant to have a great one built in - though it's rumoured to be updated very soon.

It's the weight as much as the size that's great - you barely notice with it in a camera bag over your shoulder.
 
Look, you simply must buy a GF1.

I know of people who have actually died because they didn't buy one! You need one that much. :lol:
 
I discounted the RED one straight away - I did toy with a silver one, until I saw that most of the lenses are black - and the silver/black didn't look right IMHO
 
If you're going to get a different colour try and get a 'pimp' white one. :)

I just went with black as the safe option and because that's all that Mathers had.
 
i have had a nikon D300 a Canon 5DMk2 & a Canon 7D...the only one i would buy again instead of my GF1 is the 5D2....how's that for praise
 
Wait till the end of the month. Panny is rumored to be releasing a new mft. This will drive prices down saving you some dough.
 
It's widely reckoned to be a replacement for the G1 though, so might not make much difference to the price of the GF1. And there is £50 cashback available at the mo (not sure when it runs out).
 
I am selling all my D300 and 2.8 lenses to get the GF1, PQ is superb and you can take it everywhere!
 
Richie15 said:
I am selling all my D300 and 2.8 lenses to get the GF1, PQ is superb and you can take it everywhere!
Click to expand...

Really? You might regret that. Not that I am bashing the Panny at all. It would make more sense to have the D300 as a second body no?
 
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