GF1 + 20mm vs GH1 + 20mm....need some advice please!

I have a GH1, I had a GF1 and I have an E-P2; if it's your only camera then I think it's a no-brainer to go with the GH1 unless you REALLY need the slightly smaller size of the GF1. And if you add the inferior (lower res) external EVF to the GF1 then it will be more expensive, taller and more fragile than the GH1. The GH1 fingergrip is far more comfortable especially with a large/heavy lens. The GH1 sensor is better, you'll get better low light performance and better resolution with different aspect ratios than the GF1. The articulating LCD is actually pretty handy (much more-so than I expected it would be). The GH1 can take much better video than the GF1 if you are into that.

If you really need a small camera and are willing to make those concessions, I'd consider the GF2 instead of the GF1.

If you are considering using manual focus lenses, then that makes the GH1 even more of a no-brainer; with the higher res built in EVF and substantial fingergrip, it is much better suited for manual focus (which opens up a lot of lens possibilities, most inexpensive, and is a lot of fun).

I think the GF1 (or moreso, the GF2) would be a good second camera for backup or to leave attached to a second lens if you are switching back and forth, but for a primary camera, unless you have really special needs, I think the GH1 is a much better choice.

Rob

nsta said:

Thanks once again Your help has been much appreciated,

Can you please post some pics with the GH1 + 20mm combo if you have any?

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here are four in this same thread.

nsta said:

Really keen to buy the GH1 now, i here even the new GF2 sensor is using the old GH1/G1 etc sensors and the GH1 sensor was quite revolutionary.

Kind Regards,

Click to expand...

--
Best regards,
Jeff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuikoarts
http://www.zuikoarts.com

jjholmes said:

nsta said:

Thanks once again Your help has been much appreciated,

Can you please post some pics with the GH1 + 20mm combo if you have any?

Click to expand...

here are four in this same thread.

Click to expand...

Sorry here is the link
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=37296473

jjholmes said:

jjholmes said:

Really keen to buy the GH1 now, i here even the new GF2 sensor is using the old GH1/G1 etc sensors and the GH1 sensor was quite revolutionary.

Kind Regards,

Click to expand...

--
Best regards,
Jeff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuikoarts
http://www.zuikoarts.com

Click to expand...

--
Best regards,
Jeff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuikoarts
http://www.zuikoarts.com

Thanks to all once again, your help is overwhelming

Is there much difference in terms of RAW vs JPG between the cameras? i saw the review on DP advising the GH1 had really good out of camera JPG IQ?

I'm going to the camera store tomorrow to have a feel for both tomorrow, and really compare the size differences for myself. Will definitely go for the GH1 if the size/weight isnt really all that different.

Is the GH1 heavier with the 20mm kitlens on it?

nsta said:

Thanks to all once again, your help is overwhelming

Is there much difference in terms of RAW vs JPG between the cameras? i saw the review on DP advising the GH1 had really good out of camera JPG IQ?

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I usually shoot RAW but I am spoiled by the JPEG output of my primary cameras from Olympus. I find the files need a little tweaking regardless of format, but that both are great.

nsta said:

I'm going to the camera store tomorrow to have a feel for both tomorrow, and really compare the size differences for myself. Will definitely go for the GH1 if the size/weight isnt really all that different.

Is the GH1 heavier with the 20mm kitlens on it?

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Camparativley speaking it is marginally heavier than the GF1 combo, then again the camera is slightly larger. Check the body only weights on this site and you will know the difference for certain.

--
Best regards,
Jeff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuikoarts
http://www.zuikoarts.com

Thanks, just out of curiousity, how much larger are RAW files as opposed to JPG, and why would most opt to always shoot in RAW format?

Just learning while i decide, coming from a P&S background...

Will be viewing both cameras tomorrow before making a decision....it seems i cant really go wrong with either from what people here are saying

Thanks

Raw files contain the original data, so they are much easier to manipulate. For example, if your white balance is off (sometimes I forget to change it from the last time I used the camera), it is a breeze to adjust in a Raw converter. Not true for a JPG. But Raw files are about twice as big as JPG files, running between 12 and 13 megs on average for the indoor Christmas shots I took last weekend. I shoot Raw + JPG and if I'm happy with the JPG files, I delete the Raw files. SilkyPix, the Raw converter supplied with Panasonic cameras, appears to do a nice job, but I'm definitely not skilled at using it very efficiently at this point. At least is included with the camera, unlike Nikon's Capture NX2, which is what I'm used to using.
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Good shooting,

GR
North Carolina

Thanks for all your help everyone.

I went into the store, and played around with both cameras.....The GF1 is a very nice small camera, but the GH1 with the 20mm is equally as small, maybe a slightly larger camera but in weight terms i could notice any difference.

Now the GH1 definitely looks like it would get more attention from the crowd as it looks alot more serious than the GF1, this is how i see it anyway, not that it bothers me. The tilting screen see,s like a very nice function to have, and the adjustment slider seems more in place on the GH1 than the GF1 it seems?

What about the GH1 sensor is actually better than the GF1? is it bigger, cause i didnt really see much of a difference there...

Kind Regards,

nsta said:

What about the GH1 sensor is actually better than the GF1? is it bigger, cause i didnt really see much of a difference there...

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Not that it is larger in still image capacity but the actual sensor is larger. It is larger to accomodate the wide aspect ratios of HD video and while the GF1 shoots HD video the GH1 is intended as a much "higher-end" video camera.

While the usable resolution is the same as the GF1 it is a larger sensor (therefore a different sensor) and produces what most consider better image quality. I think the real issue is the processing engine built into the GH1, it is said to be the real differentiator in quality.

From Camerlabs

"The GH1 accommodates these different aspect ratios without compromise by using a sensor that's physically slightly larger than the Four Thirds standard. When set to 4:3 mode, the active area matches the 17.3x13mm of other Four Thirds sensors, which means the GH1's 12.1 Megapixel resolution matches the pixel-pitch of the G1. When using wider aspect ratios though, the active area extends beyond the 17.3mm width to exploit additional pixels at the sides of the sensor. Note the GH1 also offers a 1:1 aspect ratio which records images with 2992x2992 pixels."

All that said, I am not sure the image quality is noticeable in daily use. It really boils down to form factor and usability in the form factor you desire.

nsta said:

Kind Regards,

Click to expand...

--
Best regards,
Jeff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuikoarts
http://www.zuikoarts.com