Advice needed for next purchase

I am about to come into some money that I want to invest in improving the quality of my images. My budget will be about $1000, and maybe $1200 maximum.  I'm not a pro, just an enthusiast that likes to take pictures.

I currently have the following equipment:

Panasonic G5 camera

14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom

45-175mm f/4-5.6 power zoom

100-300mm f/4-5.6 long tele zoom

25mm f/1.4 PanaLeica fast prime

45mm f/2.8 PanaLeica macro (which I also use for some portraits and as a short tele).

I shoot sometimes in jpeg, sometimes in RAW, depending on how much time I want to dedicate to post-processing with Silkypix (I've never tried Lightroom).  Shooting in jpeg does require more time in preparation/camera settings/pre-processing, but less time in post.  The G5 allows me to preset 4 custom modes to save time, and I'm not above using some of the "scene modes" or "creative modes" that come with the camera.  You can look at my gallery to see the kinds of things I shoot, but it's a bit of everything.  I do about 40% of my shooting with the standard zoom, 25% with the 25mm, and about even with the rest of the lenses.  I don't have another camera body.

My choices to improve my equipment would be:

1) get the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 and replace my 14-45mm (get 2/3 of a stop better on the wide end, better OIS);

2) get the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 and replace my 45-175mm (get 2 stops better at 100mm);

3) get the GX7 to obtain IBIS for the 25mm prime, plus a better sensor (1 stop better, maybe?) better viewfinder, better processing engine, and wi-fi (don't know how much I'd use the wi-fi, honestly, and I may miss the grip and ergonomics on the G5);

4) save my money, and then get the LUMIX G7 (or whatever) when it comes out.

I will appreciate your advice and comments.  Remember I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, so the only person I have to please is myself.

Cheers,

Torogoz

Torogoz wrote:

I am about to come into some money that I want to invest in improving the quality of my images. My budget will be about $1000, and maybe $1200 maximum. I'm not a pro, just an enthusiast that likes to take pictures.

[snip equipment]

I shoot sometimes in jpeg, sometimes in RAW, depending on how much time I want to dedicate to post-processing with Silkypix (I've never tried Lightroom). Shooting in jpeg does require more time in preparation/camera settings/pre-processing, but less time in post. The G5 allows me to preset 4 custom modes to save time, and I'm not above using some of the "scene modes" or "creative modes" that come with the camera. You can look at my gallery to see the kinds of things I shoot, but it's a bit of everything. I do about 40% of my shooting with the standard zoom, 25% with the 25mm, and about even with the rest of the lenses. I don't have another camera body.

My choices to improve my equipment would be:

1) get the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 and replace my 14-45mm (get 2/3 of a stop better on the wide end, better OIS);

2) get the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 and replace my 45-175mm (get 2 stops better at 100mm);

3) get the GX7 to obtain IBIS for the 25mm prime, plus a better sensor (1 stop better, maybe?) better viewfinder, better processing engine, and wi-fi (don't know how much I'd use the wi-fi, honestly, and I may miss the grip and ergonomics on the G5);

4) save my money, and then get the LUMIX G7 (or whatever) when it comes out.

I will appreciate your advice and comments. Remember I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, so the only person I have to please is myself.

What do you mean "improve the quality of my images"?

What size prints do you require?  Because with that range of equipment, I would suspect that there is something wrong with your technique rather than the equipment.

I have used (and still use) a Panasonic G1 and recently a OMD E-M5, and I have had no difficulty getting prints up to 24" x 20" - from a good image - and good means noc camera shake and proper exposure. I got the OMD for low light stuff where the noise on the G1 obtruded.

So please explain your technique and types of images rather than going on about how much to spend!!

Mike

Thank you, jalywol.  Much appreciated.

Whatever you do go with, keep in mind that you're not on just the Panasonic system, but the Micro four thirds system. You don't have to restrict yourself to one brand of gear. Olympus lenses work well on Panasonic cameras and vice versa.

You have decent lenses and a good camera, so why not consider a flash? going manual flash is cheap.

Idea is somewhat based off pictures in your profile.

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-560-Speedlight-Flash-Nikon/dp/B0079M711S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384724748&sr=8-1&keywords=yn-560+ii

You can use some cheap wireless triggers like these

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Speelights-extra-receiver/dp/B005IQRMN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384724784&sr=8-1&keywords=flash+trigger

Bounce the flash off the ceiling for nice indoor lighting, or use a diffuser and add some light to macros when on the move outside.

Another possibility is a close up lens which can let you get up closer for macro shots. Not all of them are poor quality. A raynox DCR-250 is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-DCR-250-Super-Macro-Snap-On/dp/B000A1SZ2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384725696&sr=8-1&keywords=raynox+dcr-250

Canon's close up lens also works well.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-250D-Close-up-A710IS-Cameras/dp/B000050M6M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384725741&sr=8-4&keywords=canon+close+up+lens

One more thing you can try for a pittance is a manual 50mm. Manual isn't for everyone, but I've grown fond of it.

e.g.
a canon FD 50mm F1.8 is <$20

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Manual-Focus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CA060104001970?r=FE

An adapter is also fairly cheap

http://www.amazon.com/RainbowImaging-Adapter-Olympus-Panasonic-DMC-GF1/dp/B003MDWG68/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384727147&sr=8-2&keywords=fd+to+micro+adapter

Together you can spend under $30 for a good cheap manual bright short tele.

You've numbered them correctly. Your G5 is servicable enough that I'd get the 12-35 as it covers more shots than not. After that, the 35-100 to maintain that IQ into the telephoto range. And finally, a new body. If it's still the GX7 to wish for by then, or whatever.

I have all three, and consider the 60mm to be the best deal available in this format. I use them, and my Pany and Oly lenses on cameras from both makers.

As for the OP, the advice given by a couple about focusing on photography before the hardware is good; if the OP really wants to spend money, a GH3 or EM-5 would be good choices for sensor upgrade, with the GH3 allowing for enhanced video capabilities in case that need should appear. The prices on both have been coming down recently. I have both and, considering what the OP said about ergonomics, the GH3 would be the choice here. Both are weathersealed, robust, with the GH3 having incredible battery life and an available grip.

beomagi wrote:

Whatever you do go with, keep in mind that you're not on just the Panasonic system, but the Micro four thirds system. You don't have to restrict yourself to one brand of gear. Olympus lenses work well on Panasonic cameras and vice versa.

You have decent lenses and a good camera, so why not consider a flash? going manual flash is cheap.

Idea is somewhat based off pictures in your profile.

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-560-Speedlight-Flash-Nikon/dp/B0079M711S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384724748&sr=8-1&keywords=yn-560+ii

You can use some cheap wireless triggers like these

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Speelights-extra-receiver/dp/B005IQRMN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384724784&sr=8-1&keywords=flash+trigger

Bounce the flash off the ceiling for nice indoor lighting, or use a diffuser and add some light to macros when on the move outside.

Another possibility is a close up lens which can let you get up closer for macro shots. Not all of them are poor quality. A raynox DCR-250 is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-DCR-250-Super-Macro-Snap-On/dp/B000A1SZ2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384725696&sr=8-1&keywords=raynox+dcr-250

Canon's close up lens also works well.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-250D-Close-up-A710IS-Cameras/dp/B000050M6M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384725741&sr=8-4&keywords=canon+close+up+lens

One more thing you can try for a pittance is a manual 50mm. Manual isn't for everyone, but I've grown fond of it.

e.g.
a canon FD 50mm F1.8 is <$20

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Manual-Focus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CA060104001970?r=FE

An adapter is also fairly cheap

http://www.amazon.com/RainbowImaging-Adapter-Olympus-Panasonic-DMC-GF1/dp/B003MDWG68/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384727147&sr=8-2&keywords=fd+to+micro+adapter

Together you can spend under $30 for a good cheap manual bright short tele.

Thank you very much for your suggestions!

I already have a TTL flash, and I am considering a wireless trigger.  Maybe, as you suggest, I should just get a wireless trigger, and wait for the next generation body to come out.  The gear I do already have is pretty good, just a little limited in low-light capability, so I could just save the money for now...

Torogoz wrote:

I am about to come into some money that I want to invest in improving the quality of my images. My budget will be about $1000, and maybe $1200 maximum. I'm not a pro, just an enthusiast that likes to take pictures.

Your kit looks good. Buying more gear won't improve your images.

What do you feel needs improvement in your pictures? Work on that.

I second the recommendation for getting Lightroom and the Kelby book and learning to use it.

Best bang for your buck...

I suggest Lightroom (and shooting in RAW), and really spend some time to learn it. Learning how to post-process well can take your pictures from out-of-camera snapshots, to images that truly show what you saw, or what you want to convey to the viewer.

In addition to Lightroom, I use Photoshop Elements, primarily for its layers capabilities. There are certain things for which I find layers to be better or more efficient than LR4. You could also consider OnOne's software suite, which has layers capabilities, a number of other post-processing aids, and lots of helpful "pre-sets". Many photographers rely on the NIK software suite, as an alternative.

In terms of hard dollars, the cost will be less than a new lens. And the software (and the effort you put into learning it) will benefit ALL of your images -- not only in improving them post-shot, but, long-term, in helping you to "visualize" images before you make them.

You have a nice kit. If you can't decide what you want, perhaps the best suggestion is to sit on the money until you can.

Or don't buy any new gear? Buy a ticket somewhere, $1000 will get you pretty far.

Torogoz wrote:

beomagi wrote:

Whatever you do go with, keep in mind that you're not on just the Panasonic system, but the Micro four thirds system. You don't have to restrict yourself to one brand of gear. Olympus lenses work well on Panasonic cameras and vice versa.

You have decent lenses and a good camera, so why not consider a flash? going manual flash is cheap.

Idea is somewhat based off pictures in your profile.

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-560-Speedlight-Flash-Nikon/dp/B0079M711S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384724748&sr=8-1&keywords=yn-560+ii

You can use some cheap wireless triggers like these

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Speelights-extra-receiver/dp/B005IQRMN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384724784&sr=8-1&keywords=flash+trigger

Bounce the flash off the ceiling for nice indoor lighting, or use a diffuser and add some light to macros when on the move outside.

Another possibility is a close up lens which can let you get up closer for macro shots. Not all of them are poor quality. A raynox DCR-250 is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Raynox-DCR-250-Super-Macro-Snap-On/dp/B000A1SZ2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384725696&sr=8-1&keywords=raynox+dcr-250

Canon's close up lens also works well.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-250D-Close-up-A710IS-Cameras/dp/B000050M6M/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384725741&sr=8-4&keywords=canon+close+up+lens

One more thing you can try for a pittance is a manual 50mm. Manual isn't for everyone, but I've grown fond of it.

e.g.
a canon FD 50mm F1.8 is <$20

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-Manual-Focus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CA060104001970?r=FE

An adapter is also fairly cheap

http://www.amazon.com/RainbowImaging-Adapter-Olympus-Panasonic-DMC-GF1/dp/B003MDWG68/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384727147&sr=8-2&keywords=fd+to+micro+adapter

Together you can spend under $30 for a good cheap manual bright short tele.

Thank you very much for your suggestions!

I already have a TTL flash, and I am considering a wireless trigger. Maybe, as you suggest, I should just get a wireless trigger, and wait for the next generation body to come out. The gear I do already have is pretty good, just a little limited in low-light capability, so I could just save the money for now...

Just keep in mind most cheap wireless triggers will not support TTL. I'm still on my EP3 which is pretty much the same capability as your sensor. Fast lenses and flash are keeping me going till the year after next, when I plan to upgrade to a used em5 or the new OMD that's rumored to be "lower cost".

When you list your equipment, you don't mention Photoshop, a tripod, monopod, speedlights, strobes, wireless triggers, light modifiers, reflectors, light stands, light meter, color calibration tools, etc. You don't have Lightroom. You don't seem to have any of a number of accessories that could trigger a quantum increase in the quality of your photos. You don't mention books, seminars, videos, workshops, etc.

I suggest spending the majority of the money on something other than glass or a new body.