Panasonic G2, GF1, GH1, ...?

[abcphoto]

Hi,

I am looking for advice on buying a MFT camera to upgrade from my old Canon G3 faithful warrior (see the kind of pictures I take http://picasaweb.google.com/adriana.compagnoni/Samples?feat=directlink ).

I don't understand the difference between the Panasonic MFT models, and I could use some help. I take pictures of nature and my young kids (that move a lot!). I don't care about a viewfinder, I use the LCD screen 99% of the time. I hope I am not evicted from this forum for that

I do care about size and weight, and I take 30' clips of the kids, but I don't need pro quality video.

Adriana

 

[gaius]

I do care about size and weight, and I take 30' clips of the kids, but I don't need pro quality video.

Then its between G2 and GF1. Go to camera store try them out and see which size & weight suit you better.

 

[everythingsablur]

Pretty straight forward.

G1 - Original m43 body. SLR-like design, no video.

GF1 - Smallest design. Rangefinder style body (EVF is optional add-on). Very good video modes (and hackable).

G10 - Replaces the G1, very similar but with lower resolution EVF, adds video mode.

G2 - Replaces G1, and higher model than the G10 with more features, such as touchscreen interface.

GH1 - Top of the line (but should be replaced by a GH2 later this year). Has a multi aspect sensor, best video support, and a very comprehensive lens. Heavy and expensive, but highly regarded.

 

[Fredrik Glckner]

Do you like to use the viewfinder on the Canon G3? Or do you use the LCD screen for composing pictures?

If you use the viewfinder, get the G2, or the GH1 is you want to spend more money.

If you like to use the LCD to compose pictures, you can get the GF1. However, if you want the fold-out-LCD, then you need the G2 or GH1.

http://m43photo.blogspot.com/

 

[Jim Boutilier]

From your list the GF1 is the most similar in size and style to your G3. With any zoom lens it will be quite a bit bigger though so the kit with 20mm prime is likely the best start.

All of the other options on your list are like small DSLRS and quite a bit larger and heavier.

You might also consider something like an Olympus EPL1 with 17mm prime but not sure that comes in a kit yet.

Finally if you were happy with your G3 and want a good compact camera with reasonable zoom and good video, consider a Canon g11.

--
Regards
Jim

 

[abcphoto]

From your list the GF1 is the most similar in size and style to your G3. With any zoom lens it will be quite a bit bigger though so the kit with 20mm prime is likely the best start.

I don't mind trading a bit of size for better image quality. I definitely do not want another compact.

You might also consider something like an Olympus EPL1 with 17mm prime but not sure that comes in a kit yet.

I read that Panasonic has the best speed. So I'll stay with that.

Finally if you were happy with your G3 and want a good compact camera with reasonable zoom and good video, consider a Canon g11.

I definitely want better image quality.

Thank you so much for your feedback.

Adriana

--
Regards
Jim

 

[abcphoto]

Do you like to use the viewfinder on the Canon G3? Or do you use the LCD screen for composing pictures?

If you use the viewfinder, get the G2, or the GH1 is you want to spend more money.

If you like to use the LCD to compose pictures, you can get the GF1. However, if you want the fold-out-LCD, then you need the G2 or GH1.

Yes, I use the LCD screen to compose pictures, and I prefer the fold-out LCD.

I think the G2 is the one for me.

Thank you for helping me choose.

Adriana

http://m43photo.blogspot.com/

 

[abcphoto]

Thank you all for your feedback. It help me decide in favor of the G2.

Adriana

 

[SuperGuy]

Thank you all for your feedback. It help me decide in favor of the G2.

Adriana

Don’t mean to confuse you but there has been some users opinion that there is a difference between the GH1 quality compared to the other G series cameras. I’ve ordered my GH1 and have declined a G2, hoping I’m getting the camera with the better sensor. I’ve used the GF1 while it’s perfectly adequate I do note there is some truth about the more limited DR. Whites do clip rather faster than my Canon DSLRs.

 

[TonyGamble]

"Thank you all for your feedback. It help me decide in favor of the G2.

Adriana"

Just to add some confusion.

If you did not want video you could buy two G1's for the same money - in the UK anyway.

Or a G1 and a second lens.

For still pix the G1 and the G2 are pretty well identical.

Tony