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GF1 owner on the fence about changing cameras

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alexacemyan

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I purchased a Panasonic GF1 + 20mm pancake combo the moment it was released in U.S. about 2 years ago and have been generally pretty happy. I use it for random snapshots and the occasional 'artistic' shots. Surprisingly I really haven't felt the need to change lenses or buy anything other than the 20mm since it works for 95% of what I usually feel like shooting. My few complaints about the system is no EVF, not the greatest dynamic range, so so ISO noise, and slightly bland colors. I'm going on a trip to Istanbul soon and am tempted to finally buy a few more lenses in case I want to shoot architecture, street photography, but am not sure if I should keep investing in M4/3 or jump the fence.

I've been really temped to purchase the Nex-7 based on the spec sheet of it, but as others mentioned, price is high and lenses are limited. On top of that , I hate the colors coming out of the camera and every single sample shot I've seen so far really fails to impress me.

The other camera that is tempting me is the Fujifilm X100, which seems to have almost everything I want, especially the great dynamic range, good high ISO noise, and most importantly beautiful colors! I worry a little about it since many say the firmware is still too clunky and eccentric to use. Obviously it isn't an interchangeable lens, but I'm not sure if I really need other focal lengths. Has any previous GF1 owners used a X100 and what are your impressions?

The E-P3 seems interesting but it doesn't feel like enough of a step up from my GF1. What do you guys think, it is better to hold off for another 6+ months with my trusty GF1 or are the benefits of those new cameras worth it? My ideal camera would be something with Fuji colors and interchangeable lenses.
 
Gx1 supposed to be announced very soon. Wait for reviews on that. Nex system is delayed anyway due to floods.
 
I think the X100 isn't a whole lot different than what you currently have.

Why not get a zoom lens? Or buy a new camera for $500 or less (epm-1 or gf3) and get a kit lens for free plus any other advances since the gf1.
 
FWIW, I have a lot of Nikons, D700, D80 and lots of lenses. A few weeks ago I purchased a GF1 with 14-45 lens, then added 20 mm and 45-200. I haven't touched the Nikons since acquiring the GF1. I'd get a zoom to add to your GF1 and you have a nice small complete lightweight travel kit, inconspicuous is the word.

--
Gene in Deep South Texas
http://www.pbase.com/lahuasteca/
 
The NEX7 does indeed look like an awesome camera, but there is one major problem: No equivalent to your 20mm f/1.7 pancake. There may or may not be E-mount equivalents to the other lenses you want either. M4/3 offers a lot of wide and ultrawide options.

The EP3 is an intriguing upgrade, but then there are the rumors about a new GF1 inspired Panasonic camera (called something like the GFX1) as well. It sounds like you understand the weaknesses of the GF1 well, and have no doubt learned how to shoot (or at least post-process) your way around them. If I were in your situation I would probably want to take the camera I'm already familiar with, but add a couple of lenses for more shooting options.

Of course I understand your reluctance to invest in more m4/3 lenses if there is a possibility you will purchase a Sony camera in the future, but first I would look at the lenses you are likely to purchase. As nice as the NEX7 looks, I know that Sony does not yet offer the lenses I regularly use with my GF1.

The X100 is also intriguing, but only if you like the field of view of the lens. My ideal travel kit for architecture and street photography would include the 20mm f/1.7, Olympus 9-18mm (or maybe one of the other ultrawide options), and the 45mm f/1.8 or perhaps another zoom/tele-zoom option for architectural details... like the 45-175mm X zoom if it's not too much lens to carry. At the very minimum I'd probably want the 20mm and 9-18mm.
 
sean000 said:
The NEX7 does indeed look like an awesome camera, but there is one major problem: No equivalent to your 20mm f/1.7 pancake.
Click to expand...
I think the Zeiss 24mm is pretty close? 36mm equiv compared to 40mm equiv. Athough the cost of a nex7 plus zeiss is prohibitive for sure.

I have to say i don't think 'color' from jpegs is that much of an issue, if tweaking in camera settings doesn't do it for you just spend some time in lightroom tweaking a setup you like and have it auto apply when you import your photo's.
 
Greetings,

IMHO, your questions illustrate a common error many make when they are about to go on a vacation and think they need a new camera. That is the worst time to get a new camera.

First off, are you a hobbyist or a professional photographer?

What kind of pics do you take?

Any you can post some here to show?

So, if as you say, you're generally happy with GF1+20mm, and use it only for random sapshots and the occassional "artistic" shots, a "better" camera will not necessarily help you make better pics.

RE: no EVF. You can always buy the DMW-LVF1. Complaint solved.

RE: dynamic range. Shoot RAW?

RE: slightly bland colors. Shot RAW, or JPEG Vivid or Dynamic.

RE: so so ISO noise. Do you use NR software?

RE: if you're tempted to buy a few more lenses. For architecture, street, etc. Look at the 7-14 UWA, 14-45, or etc.

But, you say you're not sure if you should keep investing in M4/3 or jump the fence.

You say you like the NEX-7 specs but don't like the NEX system. Why ask then?

And, you say you like the Fuji X100 but concerned about firmware . Ask in the Fuji X100 forum.

Is it that you don't really know what you want or need?

Or is just want vs. need?

Too much money burning a hole in your pocket? ;)

Change for the sake of change is never a good idea. One never really learns to get the most out of one's current camera.

But, good luck whatever you decide to do. :)
alexacemyan said:
I purchased a Panasonic GF1 + 20mm pancake combo the moment it was released in U.S. about 2 years ago and have been generally pretty happy. I use it for random snapshots and the occasional 'artistic' shots. Surprisingly I really haven't felt the need to change lenses or buy anything other than the 20mm since it works for 95% of what I usually feel like shooting. My few complaints about the system is no EVF, not the greatest dynamic range, so so ISO noise, and slightly bland colors. I'm going on a trip to Istanbul soon and am tempted to finally buy a few more lenses in case I want to shoot architecture, street photography, but am not sure if I should keep investing in M4/3 or jump the fence.

I've been really temped to purchase the Nex-7 based on the spec sheet of it, but as others mentioned, price is high and lenses are limited. On top of that , I hate the colors coming out of the camera and every single sample shot I've seen so far really fails to impress me.

The other camera that is tempting me is the Fujifilm X100, which seems to have almost everything I want, especially the great dynamic range, good high ISO noise, and most importantly beautiful colors! I worry a little about it since many say the firmware is still too clunky and eccentric to use. Obviously it isn't an interchangeable lens, but I'm not sure if I really need other focal lengths. Has any previous GF1 owners used a X100 and what are your impressions?

The E-P3 seems interesting but it doesn't feel like enough of a step up from my GF1. What do you guys think, it is better to hold off for another 6+ months with my trusty GF1 or are the benefits of those new cameras worth it? My ideal camera would be something with Fuji colors and interchangeable lenses.
Click to expand...
 
Hello,
I had the GF1 w/20mm f1.7 prior to getting the Fuji X100, a few thoughts;

1) While the X100 is better in many respects, dynamic range especially, it is on balance more a question of how you will use either camera, the X100 is a bit more effort in my view, not as comfortable to hold - for me - and somehow more demanding to use - note common use of ND for bright conditions and need to use Macro very often - sub 1m, where the GF1 would just shoot no fussing, additionally, I am extremely reluctant to hand the X100 to a stranger to ask for a family shot, no problem w/ GF1

2) Of course the x100 lens is great, images are comparable with Canon DSLR and Zeiss lens, - in my 20 day / limited experience w/ Zeiss - so the X100 takes fantastic shots and the EVF really is a game changer,

I sold my GF1 w/20 f1.7 a few weeks ago and am wondering if I made a mistake, tbd

If I had it to do again, I think I would hold onto the GF1 and wait for Fuji to revise the X100 > > X200??, depending on how they upgrade the menu and new features, make a decision then, have to believe that they will also increase production capacity to reduce stock shortages, tbd..

Best of Luck
 
Hang on to the GF1 and don't be fooled by all the smoke & mirrors of the competition they all have their own foibles that receive negative feedback.

My only concern is that your post implies you only do "point and shoot" photography so I suspect you are being lulled into buying what you think you need rather than what you actually use.

Perhaps time to consider what you actually use on a regular basis and if you feel the need to replace the GF1 then get something that meets your needs rather than buy something more expensive with features and benefits you will not use.

The GF1 does produce superb images with the 20mm and the quality of image stands up to many others including those you have mentioned.

















--
http://www.Ianskyphotosite.blogspot.com
 
Since you already have a camera that you seem to be mostly happy with, it is worth waiting. The next M4/3 models will have new sensors, and Fuji will be releasing their interchangeable-lens mirrorless.
 
Thanks for all the input everybody! As I said, I'm not a profesional photographer but greaty enjoy framing a good shot and spending time to get a photo right. I'll try posting a few photos down later today when I get home.

As for wanting a new camera, I guess I'm having the desire for something 'new and shiny'...which I know is a bad reason to upgrade. The GF1 has been a wonderful camera that has suited my needs very well but I guess there hasn't been enough advancements in the M43 lately to make me interested in upgrading my body. Hopefully that will change in the near future.

I really like the 20mm prime since images are just so incredibly sharp, even compared to a lot of higher end camera which seem a little blurry half the time. It seems that the olympus 45mm 1.8 has similar qualities, but I worry about lack of stabilization for the lens on the GF1.

The advice about color correcting sounds good and haven't really tried much of that other than changing white balance in Lightroom. Do you know any good color profiles to emulate olympus, fuji colors?
 
That's exactly how I feel about the X100. It seems to produce wonderful images but has a few issues for casual shooting. I love the idea of the OVF, the 12mp sensor, the manual dials, and a great lens. I used to have a Fuji F31FD a few years back and it was a great camera at the time....which is why I'm hoping Fuji releases a revised X100 or something mirrorless.

I guess it's pretty easy not to impulsively buy one since they are pretty much impossible to get a hang of these days ;)
 
fras23 said:
sean000 said:
The NEX7 does indeed look like an awesome camera, but there is one major problem: No equivalent to your 20mm f/1.7 pancake.
Click to expand...
I think the Zeiss 24mm is pretty close? 36mm equiv compared to 40mm equiv. Athough the cost of a nex7 plus zeiss is prohibitive for sure.
Click to expand...
The main problem is that the Zeiss is not a pancake... far from it in fact. Although this may not make a difference if size and weight are not issues... not to mention price.
fras23 said:
I have to say i don't think 'color' from jpegs is that much of an issue, if tweaking in camera settings doesn't do it for you just spend some time in lightroom tweaking a setup you like and have it auto apply when you import your photo's.
Click to expand...
I agree, although I shoot RAW.
 
Comparing $999 lens to $350 one 20mm is super bargain
sean000 said:
fras23 said:
sean000 said:
The NEX7 does indeed look like an awesome camera, but there is one major problem: No equivalent to your 20mm f/1.7 pancake.
Click to expand...
I think the Zeiss 24mm is pretty close? 36mm equiv compared to 40mm equiv. Athough the cost of a nex7 plus zeiss is prohibitive for sure.
Click to expand...
The main problem is that the Zeiss is not a pancake... far from it in fact. Although this may not make a difference if size and weight are not issues... not to mention price.
sean000 said:
I have to say i don't think 'color' from jpegs is that much of an issue, if tweaking in camera settings doesn't do it for you just spend some time in lightroom tweaking a setup you like and have it auto apply when you import your photo's.
Click to expand...
I agree, although I shoot RAW.
Click to expand...
 
Still my favorite camera, but I know what you mean about the but to get something new.

I just got the 45mm f1.8 lens, so if you're dying to spend some money, this would be the thing to get.

But I will be curious to see what this new Panny camera is all about.

SF Photo Gal
Canon 1DsIII & 5DII/Panasonic GH1-GF1-LX3
 
Using a G1 and a GF2 I'm looking to replace the G1 for
  • faster AF
  • better sensor
  • 2nd video system
  • multi aspect sensor
Possible available choices:
EP(L)3 has 2 of 4 but adds IBIS for 9-18mm & 20mm
G3 has 3/4
GH2 has 4/4

But nothing so exiting I currently need to spend money on.

Looking at Nikon 1 speed next Panasonic generation will have to be lightning fast.
 
I've been in a similar mindset to you except I have the E-PL1. The EP-3 is tempting - the tap to focus and shoot is very nice and fast. But it's not worth the $900 to me. I decided to stick with the E-PL1 until there's a camera that "compels" me to upgrade.

In the meatime, I scratched my GAS itch with the 45mm f1.8, which I'm impressed with.

So if I were you, I'd stay on that fence a while longer. Unless you have money to burn.
 
The x100 output is better for me than the gf1 20mm combo, but it's also much newer and more limited. Are you happy just shooting with the 20? Ever want to branch into other lengths?

How fast do you need af to be?

The x100 has spectacular color and a more interesting rendering..but it's not without quirks.

I'm debating eating another one but the sticky aperture issue may cause me to wait.

I agree the nex7 seems a bit flat so far, but the fuji was too! X100 jogs are EXCELLENT if you don't like processing raw much.
 
alexacemyan said:
As for wanting a new camera, I guess I'm having the desire for something 'new and shiny'...which I know is a bad reason to upgrade.
Click to expand...
If you have the money, it's a perfectly fine reason to upgrade.

--

North Carolina
 
I don't think changing for no other reason than just to change is bad. It's fun...it's a hobby...what's the problem. It may lead to a new interest in the hobby.

What about the GH2 - it will give you a video ability that you may enjoy trying out - a new challenge.

Also, check out the NEX5n. I have an m4/3 system, but also Sony, and the Sony sensor will respond to some of your concerns. Even an A35 is quite portable, especially when paired with the Sony 35 1.8 and 85 2.8 prime lense, which are really small and light. Keep you GF1 and 20mm - a great combo - but the Sony would give you new abilities (Panorama, for example).
 
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