Love the camera - hate the output Locked

Richard Katris wrote:

Hi Jerry;

I find this interesting as I have been experimenting with a couple G9 mft for handling and AF issues more than quality issues. I shot an event couple weeks ago, and was having issues with my XT3....froze up on me about 6-8 times in 50 shots....had to pull battery and reinsert each time. Hoping new Firmware June28th release may make a difference in that.

As I had the MFT with me too, the bulk of 2000 shots that evening was shot with G9. Much of it with the 20mm f17 and the superzoom 14-140mm which I am pretty sure is not their sharpest knife in the drawer. I found most of the results OK however for the application. 11x14 max print size likely. Comparing the few shots I did take with the Fuji however, I did notice more sharpness and better DR. Also as I am used to dealing with the Fuji files, I found them easier to PP than the Pani files, though that is probably mainly a learning curve thing.

Today I did 8 foot distance shots with all the lenses from both systems similar FL for each format all with speedlight flash (Godox) so same flash different controllers. My perception was that the higher res/larger sensor gave a clear advantage to the Fuji output with all the lenses...so likely more a sensor limitation as opposed to lens. Almost all the Fuji lenses were very good, and equal at rendering fine type output at that distance. The Panasonic much less so.

Then I reviewed more of the photos from the event, and found really NO objections overall to the output from the MFT....so perception as opposed to pixel peeping, real life vs. technical comparison, and often the color out of camera was more pleasing on the Pani than the Fuji...all my lenses are calibrated in each body using Passport system, so most variables should be cancelled out re color. Most processing PS-CC though used C1 also on some.....

Detail however was a clear win to Fuji with every lens, Noise likewise at same ISO Fuji by about a stop. Ergo however for the G9 is phenomenal, best I have ever handled. Intuitive controls too. After 3+ years with the XT, I am almost more at ease with the Pani after one month.

Main reason I tried this experiment was animal tracking, and increased DOF of smaller sensor. Still very undecided which way I am going to end up going though. If I can get better acquisition of animals or animal eye on the Fuji it would be a simple decision. The IBIS in the Pani is addictive too....much more reliable than the H1, and on nonmoving subjects levels the playing field allowing slower shutter speeds and iso. The pixel shift and 6K photo mode both are interesting strengths of the MFT too. We do live in interesting times photographically.

That’s a really interesting perspective and I’m very glad you weighed into the discussion. FWIW, I’m quite familiar with your work and have admired it for years (and in fact have a couple of your photographs from years back).  Many years ago we were regular attendees to many of the shows that you participated in.  I’ll be interested to see which direction you decide to go.