Entry into M43 - Panny GX85 12-32

wembley1966 wrote:

New member here planning an entry into the world of small cameras and thinking M43.

I want to enter the world of small for travel and can get a Panny GX85 with the 12-32 brand new for $630.

Would this be a good entrance point for M43 to test the waters?

Yes.

Not been a video shooter but interested in the ibis 4k video option for travel. Like the idea of touchscreen, wifi capability and quality of the gx85.

After many years of being a telephoto shooter (graduating to a 400 f2.8 afs) I have been shooting UWA and the 14-24 is my fav Nikon lens.

But traveling quite a lot at the moment and like a grab shot camera as well as the occasional 'serious' imaging too and tired of dragging the DSLR. Have liked shooting the wife's D5300 and 18-140.

So this is what I'm looking at to start with:

GX85 with pancake 12-32 $630 new

The 12-32mm is a wonderful kit lens. It has some barrel distortion (that's easily corrected in PP) at the wide end, but it punches far, far, above its weight.

Oly 9-18 f4-5.3 M Zuiko $250 used (locally)

Decent wide lens. I never warmed to it myself, and both the Oly and Panasonic 7-14mm lenses are better, however they are much more expensive and a lot bigger.

possibly oly 17 f1.8 or pany equivalent for low light stuff if i can get used to such a small system and learning a whole new set-up.

As others have said, the 15mm f1.7 Panasonic would be the way to go. If you want to go wider, the 12mm f2.0 Oly is a gem, but it's expensive and you have to watch that you get a good copy.

If i like the M43 system would also add a panny or oly 12-35 or 12-40 f2.8 and maybe a 40-150 f2.8 (based on images i've seen that show an image quality I'd be happy to compare with my current equipment).

The Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 is an excellent lens that really adds punch to especially the 16MP sensor. The Oly is a great lens, with the only drawbacks that it is larger and more front heavy than the 12-35mm, and you can't take advantage of the Dual IS that Panasonic is using that combines body IBIS with the lens OIS. I've had both lenses, and I prefer using the 12-35mm on the smaller bodies, as the size does make a difference to me on them.

I would also suggest that you pick up the "plastic fantastic" Oly 40-150mm f 4-5.6 You can get it, when they have sales on it a few times a year, for $99, and it is a great lens. No, it's not going to best the pro versions, but it is one of those lenses that just consistently produces good output, in spite of its cheapness. Everyone who gets one is surprised by it (in a good way).

I'd also recommend the Panasonic 35-100mm f4-5.6. This is not the f 2.8 pro lens of that focal range (which, according to everyone, is a fantastic lens), but it is the diminutive version that is designed for portability. (The 12-32mm and this 35-100m were designed to match their GM1 and GM5 bodies, so they are truly tiny). This 35-100mm has surprisingly good contrast, edge performance, and low CA, and is quite sharp. If you are looking for small size for your travel kit, this is one you should consider.

Does this make sense and most importantly will someone who on a daily basis uses the D3s and 14-24mm be happy with the results knowing full well at probably 1/4 of the size and weight it will not be like for like.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind.

In terms of format differences:

1. M43 is not going to give you deep shadow recovery like you are used to. So, you can't be really sloppy about exposure settings, especially in darker situations. Keep your ISO as low as you can if optimal sharpness and detail are the goal. Also, highlights recover better than shadows with that sensor, from my own experience, so bear that in mind.
2. Similarly, M43 is not going to be the king of shallow DOF effects. Coming from a FF, getting used to that and the crop factor will take a little bit of time.

In terms of usage:

1. There are a lot functions of the camera that will be a bit different than you are used to (touch screen, constant live view, for instance). These are actually wonderful, and will spoil you, once you get accustomed to them. They make the photographic experience easy and very spontaneous.
2. Consult the board here about settings optimization. People on this board have a LOT of collective experience working with this format, so we can guide you if you run into something that you can't figure out.
3. Once you have experienced the joy of carrying a small, yet competent, system, don't be surprised to find yourself reaching for it more often and finding ways to leave the big gear home. M43 is very enjoyable to shoot with, and I personally find I do better work with it than larger gear because of this (YMMV).
4. Consider the long zooms if you want to get back into that aspect of photography. The PL 100-400mm is a heck of a lens, and on the crop sensor it gives you a 200-800mm equivalent focal range at only 2lbs. If you want a consumer grade zoom the 100-300mm mk II (not first gen) will do quite well for moderate use at just over 1lb and about $600, which is amazingly cheap for a long zoom.
5. And, last but not least: Try out the camera body first if you can. The only real weak spot to the GX85 is the EVF. Some people have a problem with it, some do not. (I found it difficult, but many others have zero problems with it) If you do, then you may want to look at the options that Oly has, or the GX8, or the G85 from Panasonic, both of which have very good EVFs (BTW, the GX8 and the Pen F have the newer 20mp sensor, which I find does better in a number of ways than the 16MP, although the 16MP is no slouch)
6. Enjoy!

-J