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GF2 vs. GF3 as GH2 complement camera?

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Grisby

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I'd like to pick up a GF2 or GF3 to complement my GH2 for when portability is an issue and wonder which is the best choice. The GF2 is a good deal now at $399, the GF3 costs about 1/3 more so that is a bit of a factor. I'd get the 14mm kit lens but would probably mostly use my 20mm or 14-45mm. I prefer the GF2s boxy style but the GF3 is a little smaller, faster and supposedly has a bit better jpegs OOC.

I fine tune the WB on my GH2 to deliver pleasing jpeg color (I don't use RAW) but am having difficulty finding out if I can finely adjust the WB settings on the GF2 or GF3 and have them stick like on my GH2 in a similar way (advice from GF2/GF3 owners requested). If so, I'd likely be pleased with the jpegs from either camera.

Anything else I should consider?
--
Gris
 
...to pair with a GH2 as it is tiny and paired with the 20/1.7 becomes my "point-and-shoot" (esp. with the Oly JPEG engine, whcih makes post processing pretty simple as I generally like the jpegs, unlike with the GH2), it has in body IS so complements my primes and alternative lenses, GF2/3 don't share a battery with the GH2 so you'd have to carry a different charger anyway, the VF2 finder is much better than the EVF1 if you want a viewfinder and go for the GF2 (I had the GF1 + LVF1 and the finder sucked), my wife really likes it as it is small and doesn't have a bunch of external controls to confuse or accidentally bump and ruin shots, etc.

I sold the Oly kit lens as I already had the excellent 14-45 from the GF1 kit, which gives me the option of lens IS on the e-PM1 for video and other situations where that's preferable.
 
mpgxsvcd said:
I fail to see a difference in the GF2 vs. GF3 for image quality. The GX1 is the only compact m4/3s camera I would consider to complement my GH2.
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Click to expand...
I was thinking that too but I don't think the GX1 body only is worth twice the price of GF2 + 14mm lens. Maybe if there's a big price drop .....

--
Gris
 
darrellc said:
...to pair with a GH2 as it is tiny and paired with the 20/1.7 becomes my "point-and-shoot" (esp. with the Oly JPEG engine, whcih makes post processing pretty simple as I generally like the jpegs, unlike with the GH2), it has in body IS so complements my primes and alternative lenses, GF2/3 don't share a battery with the GH2 so you'd have to carry a different charger anyway, the VF2 finder is much better than the EVF1 if you want a viewfinder and go for the GF2 (I had the GF1 + LVF1 and the finder sucked), my wife really likes it as it is small and doesn't have a bunch of external controls to confuse or accidentally bump and ruin shots, etc.

I sold the Oly kit lens as I already had the excellent 14-45 from the GF1 kit, which gives me the option of lens IS on the e-PM1 for video and other situations where that's preferable.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the VF2 finder info, at this point I'd prefer to stay with Panny if GF2 or GF3's white balance can be fine tuned ala GH2.

--
Gris
 
Just to clarify, VF2 is the Oly viewfinder (works with e-pm1, not GF2), while the LVF1 is the Pany viewfinder that works with the GF2.

Just to push the E-PM1 a bit more, I don't see a downside to switching brands for your GH2 complement camera, except perhaps having to get familiar with the Oly menu system (that took maybe a week of shooting at most). And likewise, no advantage to sticking with Pany as you can't share batteries/chargers or other accessories.

If you're sticking with Pany and have the $, consider the GX1. The GF1/2/3 are all a step down in IQ from the GH2 (I've owned GF1/GF2).
 
darrellc said:
Just to clarify, VF2 is the Oly viewfinder (works with e-pm1, not GF2), while the LVF1 is the Pany viewfinder that works with the GF2.

Just to push the E-PM1 a bit more, I don't see a downside to switching brands for your GH2 complement camera, except perhaps having to get familiar with the Oly menu system (that took maybe a week of shooting at most). And likewise, no advantage to sticking with Pany as you can't share batteries/chargers or other accessories.

If you're sticking with Pany and have the $, consider the GX1. The GF1/2/3 are all a step down in IQ from the GH2 (I've owned GF1/GF2).
Click to expand...
Thanks, I can get the GF2 and GF3 with the 14mm kit lens and I prefer Pany unless there's something else really compelling. Maybe since you've owned the GF2 you could answer my main question on if you can fine tune the various WB settings on it?
--
Gris
 
Grisby said:
I fine tune the WB on my GH2 to deliver pleasing jpeg color (I don't use RAW) but am having difficulty finding out if I can finely adjust the WB settings on the GF2 or GF3 and have them stick like on my GH2 in a similar way (advice from GF2/GF3 owners requested). If so, I'd likely be pleased with the jpegs from either camera.
Click to expand...
I have both the GH2 and the GF3. Yes, the GF3 has the same adjustable white balance settings as the GH2. it also has excellent OOC JPG color (better than the GH2).

I looked at the GF2, GF3, and EPM1 when searching for a tiny camera to go with the GH2. I ended up with the GF3, and love it. It sits in my hand the best of all three cameras, and I have it set up to have all of the functions I used on the thumb wheel and function buttons so I do not have to menu dive or use the touch screen except on rare occasions. It also has very, very fast and responsive autofocus, and an excellent, bright LCD.

I was able to get a great deal on the GF3 kit over the holiday; you might want to check Panasonic Direct as they also had a special with the 14 mm lens. I am not sure if it is still available, but it is worth a look.

So, my vote is for the GF3, I love mine and I think it's the best choice for your requirements also.

-J
Grisby said:
Anything else I should consider?
--
Gris
Click to expand...
 
My wife LOVES the GF3 and so does my neighbor.

Also, the built-in flash is important because these cameras and the kit lenses are not great indoors in low light.

The pancake zoom is extra cool too. :)
 
jalywol said:
I was able to get a great deal on the GF3 kit over the holiday; you might want to check Panasonic Direct as they also had a special with the 14 mm lens. I am not sure if it is still available, but it is worth a look.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I checked and its too bad Panasonic is not offering the same great deal on the GF3 + 14mm kit (-$250) here in Canada as my choice would then be more easily made!

--
Gris
 
Rumors are the GF2 will be hacked any day now. When that happens tons of videofiles will own a GH2 and GF2.
 
fyi, during the holidays I saw the gf3+14-42 kit lens for $399.... at best buy of all places. So perhaps, if your timing is right you can get a similar deal.

regards,
Steve
 
B&H (other vendors too?) have $150-$200 off gx1 and a lens

I'd say gx1 and the 25mm f1.4
 
mpgxsvcd said:
I fail to see a difference in the GF2 vs. GF3 for image quality. The GX1 is the only compact m4/3s camera I would consider to complement my GH2.
Click to expand...
The GF3 does have minor improvements over the GF2.. better rendering of skin tones and slightly better IQ at high ISO's in JPG mode, as per the DPREVIEW review findings.
The GF3 is much cheaper and smaller than the GX1.
mpgxsvcd said:
--
GH2, GF1, & ZS3 Sample movies
http://www.youtube.com/user/mpgxsvcd#play/uploads

GH2 Setup Walk through
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROQbbiiO2I

http://vimeo.com/user442745

GH2 Pictures
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/4222674355/albums
Click to expand...
 
I got my GF3 with the kit lens for $349.99 at Target, of all places and a $75 gift card. You get 5% off further by having a Target Credit card. I sold the kit lens for $100 and got a great deal on the Leica F1.4 25mm. Total out of pocket was under $750
 
I got my GF3 with the kit lens for $349.99 at Target, of all places and a $75 gift card. You get 5% off further by having a Target Credit card. I sold the kit lens for $100 and got a great deal on the Leica F1.4 25mm. Total out of pocket was under $750

A NEX with similar quality lens, 35mm F1.8 Zeiss would have run me nearly $1,400+ or DOUBLE...
 
So out of curiosity, would you ever go back to a GF1? It would be used, but it would cost less (maybe not that much less) than a GF2 or a GF3. It would seem that the used price might drop with the advent of the GX1.

Does the EPM1, being the more modern camera trump them all (GF1, GF2, GF3)?
Thanks
darrellc said:
...to pair with a GH2 as it is tiny and paired with the 20/1.7 becomes my "point-and-shoot" (esp. with the Oly JPEG engine, whcih makes post processing pretty simple as I generally like the jpegs, unlike with the GH2), it has in body IS so complements my primes and alternative lenses, GF2/3 don't share a battery with the GH2 so you'd have to carry a different charger anyway, the VF2 finder is much better than the EVF1 if you want a viewfinder and go for the GF2 (I had the GF1 + LVF1 and the finder sucked), my wife really likes it as it is small and doesn't have a bunch of external controls to confuse or accidentally bump and ruin shots, etc.

I sold the Oly kit lens as I already had the excellent 14-45 from the GF1 kit, which gives me the option of lens IS on the e-PM1 for video and other situations where that's preferable.
Click to expand...
 
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