Just about to pull the trigger - GX7, 20mm, 45mm

Chris DA wrote:

Len_Gee wrote:

Congrats on your new GX7 / GM1, and lenses.

which camera will be your "go to" camera? GX7 or GM1?

do you intend to carry two (or three) cameras at the same time on assignment?

We're going to go with the GX7 in the first instance, and probably only go with the GM1 if:

1. Find that theres times we would rather have the LX3 with us for size issues

The LX7 is pretty cheap these days. Maybe worth a look?

2. They release a GM1 12-32 35-100 super kit making it a no-brainer.

Theres still no definite word on when the 35-100mm will be released. Later in the year most likely, but there's supposed to be some sort of Panasonic announcement in February, so maybe, hopefully, sooner?

If we find we don't have an issue with the GX7 size, that's the point of difficult decisions on what zoom combinations to get! 14-42pz + 45-150, or 14-140 mk2, or alternatively go with 35-100 2.8. Or even just 75mm. But lets leave that until later!!!!!!

The size of the GX7 is very good, certainly not as small as the GM1, but still quite compact. The grip and tilting EVF are excellent.

The 14-42mm PZ is overpriced for what it is and it's image quality. Yes, it's compact, but only when the camera is off. (I had one briefly and returned it.) For $100 (or more) less, the 14-42mm II is a much better lens. But if you're considering a GM1, I'd hold off on a shorter zoom and just share the GM1 kit 12-32mm. It's supposedly the best kit lens of all M4/3 kit lenses. The 12mm end is certainly compelling.

The 45-150mm is very good for the price ($200 +/-). It's size, weight, focus speed and image quality are all excellent. The 14-140mm II is more than 3x the price and not as good within the same range. Sure, it's handy having a 10x zoom, but if you've got two cameras and a bunch of lenses, why bother? For the same amount of dough, you can get the 14-42mm II, 45-150mm and most of an Oly 45mm. That seems a much better deal to me.

NoahTheTruest wrote:

Pierre Bodilis wrote:

That's my micro 4/3 set up, exactly. I got the GX7 + 20mm kit, and I added the 45mm later. Both lens a nice, although the 20mm could have a faster AF.

The GX7 is pretty nice as well, I just wish the shutter was quieter (the eshutter is very nice, but almost unusable during the night, as it gives fairly unreliable results).

Just curious, what makes the e-shutter unusable at night? I have the GH3 and haven't noticed any issues with the e-shutter but I don't recall ever using it in low light.

The only real problem with the electronic shutter can be with artificial lights like fluorescents and some LEDs which will show some pretty severe banding. If you're not sure about the type of light source, switch to mechanical shutter..

Pierre Bodilis wrote:

That's my micro 4/3 set up, exactly. I got the GX7 + 20mm kit, and I added the 45mm later. Both lens a nice, although the 20mm could have a faster AF.

The GX7 is pretty nice as well, I just wish the shutter was quieter (the eshutter is very nice, but almost unusable during the night, as it gives fairly unreliable results).

The mechanical shutter does make a weird zip noise, but it's actual not too loud when someone else is shooting with it. It only seems loud when I'm using it. Although, after shooting in silent mode the majority of the time ANY shutter sounds pretty loud.

jeffharris wrote:

The only real problem with the electronic shutter can be with artificial lights like fluorescents and some LEDs which will show some pretty severe banding. If you're not sure about the type of light source, switch to mechanical shutter..

I haven't used the e-shutter extensively, only when I really want to be quiet.  My understanding is that its weaknesses include:

1.  banding under artificial lights;

2.  slow readout/exposure down the sensor (I think 1/10 second on the GX7?  I don't know if the GM1 is faster), so if you shoot a moving subject (under any lighting) it can be wavy/distorted;

3.  ISO limit;

4.  flash sync limit;

5.  long exposure limit.

I'm not sure if there are others.  Benefits are silence and it eliminates any "shutter shock."

brentbrent wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

The only real problem with the electronic shutter can be with artificial lights like fluorescents and some LEDs which will show some pretty severe banding. If you're not sure about the type of light source, switch to mechanical shutter..

I haven't used the e-shutter extensively, only when I really want to be quiet. My understanding is that its weaknesses include:

1. banding under artificial lights;

2. slow readout/exposure down the sensor (I think 1/10 second on the GX7? I don't know if the GM1 is faster), so if you shoot a moving subject (under any lighting) it can be wavy/distorted;

3. ISO limit;

4. flash sync limit;

5. long exposure limit.

I'm not sure if there are others. Benefits are silence and it eliminates any "shutter shock."

About the only time I use the mechanical shutter is when I want to access the Extended ISO125. The rest of the time it's silent running for me.

I never use a flash. Because of my fast lenses, keep ISOs below 1600 (except on very rare occasions). I haven't had a chance to do any long exposures yet.

I did get one shot with the wavy image thing, but it was a windy day shooting with the 100-300mm at 300mm.

Silent mode in itself is plenty benefit!

brentbrent wrote:

3. ISO limit;

My GM1 will happily shoot at ISO 25600 with the electronic shutter.