Should I dump my EOS system for GF1?

I'm considering what a recent poster called the "unthinkable." Replacing my Canon system with a Panasonic system based around the GF1.

I'm curious if anyone has any input -- if I would regret this decision after I list everything on Ebay.

I have a very good amateur setup with my Canon system. But I don't lug it around that often. It takes up a whole backpack. The rule "the best camera is the one you have with you" makes me think I'd get more photos if I moved to a complete M43 system. I know some of the M43 lenses that I list below are not tiny, but they're small enough for me to put in a parka jacket (which I wear all the time in Alaska) and I can fit the GF1 body in my jacket as well. I can never do that with my 50D body.

I know I'd lose out when it comes to action photography, ultra low-light performance and ultra large prints. But I don't do any of those very often.

Here's what I have and what I'm considering replacing it with. When I compared going rates on EBay, it would be about a wash to sell my gear and buy new gear.

Canon 50D body replaced permanently with my GF1 .
Canon 10-20mm EF-S wide angle replaced with the 7-14mm Panasonic lens.
Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens replaced with the 14-140mm Panasonic lens .
Canon 35mm f/1.4L lens replaced with the Leica 25mm f/1.4 , plus adapter.

Thoughts? It seems like a better travel kit. Lighter. Possible to cram into my jacket. And I'd take parts of it out more often and get more shots.

If anyone is in the same boat, I'd be curious to hear from you.

Sell everything, but keep the 35L and buy a lighter zoom like the upcoming Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC. Get rid of your brick (50D) and buy a smaller and lighter dslr like the Rebel.

Since you're coming from a dslr with "L" lens, i can guarantee you will be very dissapointed with the GF1. If you want light, why not just get an LX3, S90 or G11 and keep your slr gears? Believe me, I had the LX3 and GF1 and there's about 10% difference in IQ.

Hi,

I've been going through exactly the same process and ultimately decided to make the move to the GF1 on the basis that my 'go to' camera for the last 8 months has been my LX3. My 20d and all the lovely lenses have sat in the cupboard and rarely come out to play.

I've literally just sold the camera body, 10-22mm lens, 30mm (Sigma), 17-85mm, 50mm f1.4 and 75-300mm plus all the extras (580 exII etc.) and I'm just in the process of sorting out my new kit.

So far I've got the GF1, 20mm f1.7 and Leica 50mm F2 (r-mount). I've just ordered the LVF and r-mount adapter, with plans to get the 14-140 for general walkabout (although I actually use primes far more - and love the 20mm).

For me it was all about convenience. I've been waiting for ages for a large sensor/interchangeable lens system, but the AF on the Olympus just didn't seem to cut it.

There's been some slating of the punchiness of the JPEGS, but what I have found with the LX3 is that Panasonic regularly provide really interesting firmware updates (white balance, 1:1 ratio etc) and seem to genuinely be trying to give us what we want, as well as fix problems. Every LX3 firmware upgrade is fun to play with (yes I'm keeping it) and I'm hoping they do the same with the GF1.

Just need to find a suitably retro leather case for it, like the one on my LX3....

Some questions I would ask myself is how much would I miss a great viewfinder, or really wide lenses, or really fast lenses, none of which are easily available on the GF1. Or you could have the GF1 with one or two lenses to supplement your present system with minor deletions (e.g., such as the super heavy lenses).

imagesmatter said:

Some questions I would ask myself is how much would I miss a great viewfinder, or really wide lenses, or really fast lenses, none of which are easily available on the GF1. Or you could have the GF1 with one or two lenses to supplement your present system with minor deletions (e.g., such as the super heavy lenses).

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the 7-14 seems pretty wide to me
--
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Fairbanks_AK said:

I know I'd lose out when it comes to action photography, ultra low-light performance and ultra large prints. But I don't do any of those very often.

Click to expand...

Actually, with the better m43 lenses you might not lose very much in the large prints side of things, see the DPR comparisons. The G1/GF1 have a very week anti-alias filter and get great resolution from their 12MP. Also, while AF performance is definitely well behind what a 50D can do the G cameras can do pretty amazing things with MF in low light using the EVF with 10x zoom.

Fairbanks_AK said:

Canon 50D body replaced permanently with my GF1 .

Click to expand...

I would strongly consider looking at a G1 if video is not important to you. For just a tiny bit more size and weight you get a very nice EVF and a wonderful articulating LCD (I've never had an articulating LCD before and now I'm hooked). And it costs less. In fact, you can pick up a new G1 w/14-45 for less than $650 new, probably around $600 if you look hard and use discounts like Bing Cashback. You can try it and then sell it if you don't like it a minimal loss. If you really want to put the kit you have listed here together and don't want the 14-45 then you can probably sell that lens for about $300 and walk away with the G1 body for less than $350!

Fairbanks_AK said:

Canon 10-20mm EF-S wide angle replaced with the 7-14mm Panasonic lens.

Click to expand...

The 7-14 is an amazing lens, every bit the equal and I'd venture even better than the 10-22 - though it is pricey. The G1+7-14 looks diminutive next to my 400D+10-22 and yet I think is outperforming the larger gear. And it goes wider too (14mm equiv. vs. 16mm). I love this lens. No filters is a bit of a bummer though. Keep your eye on the upcoming m43 9-18 from Olympus at the start of next year, probably cheaper and it does use a 52mm filter. I think I'll keep my 7-14 though.

Fairbanks_AK said:

Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens replaced with the 14-140mm Panasonic lens .

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I don't have experience with the 14-140 but it is considered one of the best super zooms out there. That said, it is a super zoom (10x) vs. the 24-105 being just a little over 4x and L glass to boot. I think you need to have your expectations properly aligned because I'm imagining there will definitely be some performance degradation in stepping from the 24-105L to the 14-140. I'm using the 14-45 and 45-200 because for my shooting (landscapes) changing lenses isn't a big deal, the pair actually costs less than the 14-140 and performs better. But of course now it is two lenses instead of one, but that 14-45 is amazingly light.

Fairbanks_AK said:

Canon 35mm f/1.4L lens replaced with the Leica 25mm f/1.4 , plus adapter.

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No experience, but be advised the constant complaint with m43 is "why so few fast primes?". If you don't mind losing AF and working in the short telephoto range there are many MF lenses that adapt easily to m43 that many folks love.

Fairbanks_AK said:

Thoughts? It seems like a better travel kit. Lighter. Possible to cram into my jacket. And I'd take parts of it out more often and get more shots.

If anyone is in the same boat, I'd be curious to hear from you.

Click to expand...

I haven't sold my APS-C stuff yet, but I'm just about to having come back from a photography trip using the G1/7-14/14-45/45-200 and being very impressed with the results. The difference between m43 and APS-C is quite small (1.25 factor) and so the trade off in high-ISO and dynamic range while there is small as well. The real crux is are you going to like the lenses - there aren't many to choose from!

The trade off in size and weight is a whole different story. My G1 kit is so small and it can use a much lighter tripod and ballhead as well. With the articulating LCD the need for an eye level tripod (still more weight for my 6'1" frame) really isn't necessary, working chest or waist level is a breeze. I like belt mounted gear, and I can fit the G1/7-14/14-45/45-200/20 and a Slik Sprint Pro tripod all on a 2" webbing belt and come in under 7 lbs. My APS-C kit came in close to 17 lbs and the tripod didn't fit on anything really. Obviously not a direct apples to apples comparison, but still a better than two to one trade on weight for what was a very small trade off in IQ for my kind of shooting. Talk so someone doing BIF (birds in flight) or sports and my G1 kit would probably only work as a door stop...

Anyway, if you can swing the money for a month I'd strongly recommend finding a deal on a G1 kit and trying it out. If you don't like it you can probably sell it and only be out $100 at the most - way less than the cost of reacquiring your APS-C gear! The 14-45 is a very good lens and should give you a good reference point for evaluating the rest of the system even if you end up selling that lens in the long run. The GF1 is running at a large premium to the G1 right now. Of course, if you actually want video then maybe my idea isn't so brilliant.
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Ken W

Rebel XT, XTi, Pany G1, LX3, FZ28, Fuji F30, and a lot of 35mm and 4x5 sitting in the closet...

depends on what you use it for. For family pic's GF 1 is fine. If you shoot weddings or do it for a living stay with 50D. I have a the 5d mkII and would not trade systems .
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frank d
I have a Nikon D3 & Canon 5d mkii & Panasonic GF 1
They get along just fine together.
http://www.pbase.com/frangee/photos_by_frangee

do not completely dump your Canon system. Consider selling the 50D to generate some cash. then buy either the G1 or GF1 with the basic 14-45 lens and buy one of the Rebel Series Canons (xs, xti, xsi or x1i). You may want to sell the 24-105L and replace it with a less expensive lens such as the Tamron 17-50 or the 28-135 Canon. Keep the 10-22.

If you are shooting kids, sports, wildlife etc, do not desert Canon completely. Try out the Pany and see if you like it (most do). There seems to be quite a few of us who have made Pany our second system with either keeping the current Canon or Nikon equipment or downsizing the other system.
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http://digitalphotonut.zenfolio.com/

I went back and noticed that you have the 35mm 1.4 L. if it were me, I would definitely sell that lens and replace it with the Canon 50mm 1.4 or save even more with the 50mm 1.8. Just the sale from the that lens alone may be enough to get you into a G1 or perhaps a GF1 with the basic kit lens. Obviously, you could fund some other equipment with my recommendation in the prior discussion, but again, do not completely dump Canon.
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http://digitalphotonut.zenfolio.com/

I sold a Nikon D40x and a load of lenses, I'm now much happier with my GF1 and now I have 2 lenses. The Pancake and the 14-45mm, they are wonderful and it's very much pocketable if you have the pancake lens on. Although I find carrying my LX3 even better for this but its not as good as the GF1 obviously.
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Regards, Marcus

Micro 4/3 may be all some people need, but you have to think it over carefully for yourself. I know I couldn't do it. (I mean, I could but I wouldn't be happy !) I've been thinking of replacing a portion of my kit, or rather, a subset of my shooting, with a GF1 kit. My own "crazy" (but not so crazy as dumping a whole DSLR setup) notion would be to replace my two fast midrange primes with a GF1, 20 & some short tele, but I'm not so convinced that I'm ready to sell the primes to pay for the GF1. I'd want to try it for a while before deciding to let go of the DSLR primes. But then I'd end up with GF1 & 20 to carry everywhere, a short tele (around 50mm) that I could carry easily for candids (in place of a mid-sized DSLR with 28 & 85mm lenses) ... then a DSLR kit with zooms (and one long tele) for sports, wildlife, scenics, any time I want the flexibility of a zoom and don't mind the tradeoffs (size, lack of LV, relatively loud shutter).

• Dennis

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Gallery at http://kingofthebeasts.smugmug.com

I have 5DII and E-P1. Use the E-P1 all the time and hardly use the 5DII at all now. However, no way I would sell the EOS kit. It is much better in a lot of ways including better image quality, faster shooting, nice big bright optical finder etc.
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http://www.virtualtraveller.org

Thanks for all the replies. I wasn't clear in my initial post. I just received the GF1. I am very impressed with the image quality.

I think I'll play with it for a week or so and make up my mind.

And one or two of you recommended selling my 35L only to generate some cash. If I sold parts of my canon system, that would be the last one to go. It's the best lens I've ever used.

Thanks again everyone.

Sell your 50D get anthing from the Xsi to the current.

Your lenses are small (to me anyways).

The biggest is the 24-105, attached to a xxxD model, with a rapid strap and you won't even notice it. If you want to bring the other two lens, put them in your coat pocket (winter) or buy a small camera bag just big enough to carry these two lenses.

I don't see why you would need a backpack. Maybe a slingbag if you want to carry all of them.

I think you will notice the drop in IQ due to the lenses. Wait until Olympus start making m4/3 HG level lenses and then you may want to re-examine switching over completely.

I am thinking the same with my Nikon kit, already have the 4/3 kit but need some additioanl lenses.

Sell
D2x
D60
18-55VR
18-200VR
50mm
17-55mm
80-200mm
SB800

Have
G1
GF-1
14-45mm
45-200mm
Metz 36AF4

Get
7-14mm
20mm
45mm

That gives me a very light complete kit.

Good question will I regret it, will have to see, have not decided yet.

Regards

Kevin

agree

Philip Harle said:

I have 5DII and E-P1. Use the E-P1 all the time and hardly use the 5DII at all now. However, no way I would sell the EOS kit. It is much better in a lot of ways including better image quality, faster shooting, nice big bright optical finder etc.
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http://www.virtualtraveller.org

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frank d
I have a Nikon D3 & Canon 5d mkii & Panasonic GF 1
They get along just fine together.
http://www.pbase.com/frangee/photos_by_frangee

I have it and some other R lenses and have been waiting for a good digital body to use them with. Can you post some images taken with the 50mm and your general comments on the lens with the Panasonic body? Thanks!

Sure, you can always buy another EOS system if you find it worth your while to return to Canon. All that would happen is that you'd spend some more money.

What I do, when I get interested in a different system, is buy in and slowly build up what I want there. And see whether i keep using the older gear. If I do, then the new system isn't 'taking over' the game, and a different balance is reached. If I stop using the old system, I sell it off after I've completely populated everything I need with the new system.

You lose less money and time that way.
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Godfrey
http://godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com

Godfreys approach is a sensible one & very similar to what I have done. Over a period of time I built up my m4/3 system & realised that I was using it almost all the time. At the same time I had DSLR's sitting collecting dust.

I then took the decision to sell what I wasn't using and use that money to invest in m4/3. I haven't regretted it one bit. I still have a DSLR for occasional work requirements but am using m4/3 for everything else. My back is certainly very grateful!

Godfrey said:

Sure, you can always buy another EOS system if you find it worth your while to return to Canon. All that would happen is that you'd spend some more money.

What I do, when I get interested in a different system, is buy in and slowly build up what I want there. And see whether i keep using the older gear. If I do, then the new system isn't 'taking over' the game, and a different balance is reached. If I stop using the old system, I sell it off after I've completely populated everything I need with the new system.

You lose less money and time that way.
--
Godfrey
http://godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com

Click to expand...

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http://web.me.com/davidmartynhughes/Site/Home.html

I've just recently moved from DSLR's (50D / E-30) and lenses to a GF1 with 17mm, 14-45, 45-200 and could not be happier.

I'm just taking so many photos now compared to when i had to take the DSLR's with me. Invariably they stayed at home as i did not want the photography to interfere with the 'outing'.

My advice........ Put the 50D in a cupboard for two weeks and shoot exclusivly with the GF1. If it covers your needs then you know its safe to sell the 50D. If you find that after the two weeks there are instances where the GF1 doesn't cut it (for you), then the 50D (or a smaller DSLR) is what you need.

Each to there own, and what works for one will not necessarily work for you.

Be happy

Chris
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