Lumix G100 long term usage

[sermulis]

A bit of background first I am primarily a film shooter. I do enjoy using digital as a fun medium and the instant visual results.

My previous cameras were the

• Epson RD1 the best digital that I ever owned, unfortunately over years of use and abuse it finally ceased to function a few years ago
• Lumix GX 1, lots of fun, no viewfinder so it saw little use sold off quickly
• Olympus Pen F, definitely a GAS, rose coloured glasses buy to replace the Epson. I got sucked in by the advertised monochrome possibilities and front dial, but was disenchanted with the monochrome results though mor than happy with the colour results. Never got along with the camera eventually sold off after it sat idle for a year

I bought the Lumix G100 well after it's launch at a bargain price, the reviews were negative so the price became fantastic

The reason why I purchased the LumixG100 after research.

• Mono live view
• Big clear viewfinder and articulated screen, which is great to use when shooting portrait mode
• Small light and all the video settings can be easily ignored.

Using the camera.

• The cameras primary role is as a indicator to what settings I need when shooting film, basically to check the highlights don't get blown out and just as a indicator or possible results.
• Second use is to muck around, shoot ,enjoy, and post process to my hearts content.
• Initially I used some of my Leica and voigtlander lenses on the camera and found that once I set the camera for manual focusing needs a joy to use. I sold of my Leica mount gear and hit the small film camera trail.
• The lenses were replaced with the TTartisan 35mm and 23mm and used those exclusively ever since they are a great on the G100.
• Access to the buttons and dials once set for my usage are a breeze and is seamless. I generally shoot aperture preferred and the + and - gets a beating though shooting in P mode work just as well
• Manual focusing is great with focus peaking especially when using mono live view I use
• Viewfinder and articulated screen are great I have no problems with either.
• I tried using the OM 12-45mm. and OM 20mm f1.4 lenses but they didn't do the trick for me. A manual focusing only with a aperture ring 12-45mm Lumix would be great

Summing up I have really enjoyed using the G100.

Does it replace my Epson, well sort of but I have to post process to get those gritty files.

Does it replace the Pen F, sure does in a heart beat.

Does it replace my monochrome film shooting and printing no but it may if I got lazy.

 

[jonno35]

1. I took am a great fan of the G100d but on here the nay sayers are obsessed by the fact that it's not got IBIS.. I don't mind that because it keeps the camera small, which is why I bought it in the first place. I have hand held my 140 mm lens at 1/6 and 14mm at 1sec which is fine by my standards because for anything slower I would use the tripod that came with it. All the controls are there, I've recently had some great videos and stills of the kids school sports day.Whats not to like .Just go and enjoy using it. For some nothing less than full frame with a lens the size of a Bazooka is good enough. By the way my other camera is a G9.

--
I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure.

 

[jonno35]

One more thing, I wanted a small light weight, large EVF( which is important to me) camera which is ILC with good image quality. This will fit in my pocket with the 12-32 and I have a small holster for the 14-140.Great a little outfit for travel

.

 

[PLShooter]

Good write up! I'm also very impressed with my G100's performance, and never felt the lack of IBIS detrimental. I use Panasonic lenses exclusively and don't recall ever getting an OOF shot caused by the camera. While the kit lens is very small and great, the PL8-18 is my favorite. ;-)

 

[sermulis]

If I shot digital only my camera would most likely be FF and a used Leica had all the lenses etc, Instill have one mounted on a M2 that I rarely use.

I chose mft for its deep DOF/image quality combination as well as size as it accompanies my film cameras. I don't like to carry too much gear especially when I shoot medium format film.

The PEN F didn't fit my needs and not as user friendly when shooting monochrome as the G100 as well as having dials etc on the PEN F and a dismal software setup.

My favourite combinations are the Nikon 35Ti or the Contax T used with the G100.

I understand why there is no positive for the G100 it looks boring has no ibis not enough bells and whistles but it shoots with ease and the flies produced are as good as most mft cameras. Set the camera to P mode, set your aperture on the lens manually focus and compose as you go and press the shutter. Ibis is not necessary when shooting in the streets and markets, people sort of don't stand still just for your whims and needs. None of my film cameras have ibis etc.

I am glad that there are a few fans of the camera and enjoy using one, if they ever come out with a bright red one, now that would be great.

Thanks for the replies

 

[Tom Caldwell]

Well said.

I now have a G9II and a menagerie of other camera bodies. The G9II is when I need the heavy horsepower. It is a great camera in many ways. Worthy but expensive.

But when the process of making the image is as much interest as the image itself the G100 offers sweet and simple and rewarding because it is easy to think a bit and feel that our personal skill has actually had something to do with the final capture.

The G100 is one of those cameras that encourages us to develop camera-use skills. It makes all the basic things necessary for good calculated photography easy to use.

It is also affordable camera body, rewarding to those already experienced, not complex to come to understand for new users.

As a long term fan of the GeM series this is as close to an update for the GM5 as we might ever see. The G100/D is much larger physically of course it does add a larger evf, a still current 20mp sensor, a minimal grip, an articulated lcd for those who choose to either ignore its hinge or to revel in its articulation. And all the other little improvements that have accumulated since the GeM series was conceived. Things like a sweet front wheel and a rear control wheel that does not seem to have a mind of its own like that of the GM1.

My only regret was that it took me quite a while to see past the V-Log promotion and buy one to test and make sure that it was a perfectly good stills camera as well. It passed that test.

 

[sermulis]

My only regret was that it took me quite a while to see past the V-Log promotion and buy one to test and make sure that it was a perfectly good stills camera as wel

Most have dismissed the camera, I figured that the V-Log stuff etc was just software added to a bare bones camera as the case with most cameras. I had the advantage of still shooting film, using zone and manual focusing so it was easy to see through the bells and whistles. Most buy cameras these days from a digital perspective not a film shooting base.

I looked at the GM when I bought the PEN F and in hindsight I should have bought the GX9 which was out when I was buying. Never mind I survived living in the Olympus ghetto. The GM was just too small and I wanted a change from small viewfinders.

The only auto lens that I would consider is the Lumix 15mm as it has an aperture ring. I don't miss the +and - dial it is easier with the buttons as is locking the exposure, all very accessible on the G100.
I managed a sneak peak at the Leica D-Lux 8 year looks good but has the same show pony feel like the Pen F

 

[Vermont3133]

We all have different needs with cameras [obviously] but i find the G100 works well as a second, carried body, to my EM1ii.

Biggest plus is the size and weight...with a small lens it can fit in the side pocket of a smallish sling bag.

With the PL 12-60mm mounted it is still a modestly sized kit.

Very nice IQ and a good EVF [if you view through the centre ....version one]

Things I don't particularly like:

Average build quality and features.

Wonky LCD screen [Would also rather a flip screen but that's my thing]

Cramped grip where lenses wider that the mount scrape against my fingers.

Lack of customisability.

Lack of Arca Swiss tripod plates.

Lack of IBIS is not a problem for me.

 

[sermulis]

Never had a drama with the viewfinder mi G100 comes from the first batch made, small cameras are always cramp with larger lenses, that's why I ditched the idea of the 12-45 and 20mm lenses
It's a cheap, simple and boring looking stills camera and that's it strength

 

[mmartel]

Folks, the image quality from the G100 is not just very good. It's very, very good. It's better than my G9. Really. Look at this ISO 6400 comparison.

You and everyone else on the planet would guess it's the G9 on the left, wouldn't you? Nope — G100 left, G9 right. 1/30 s f4 with the PL15mm @ ISO 6400 and manual WB 3000K.

I mean, too good to be true, right? Gotta be some RAW cooking here. Except the same difference is evident even at ISO 800 (with a +2 EV stop push given to both).

Once again, G100 left, G9 right.

What the actual $#%@?

I mean, what else is there to say except bravo, Panasonic, bravo!

This has never been discovered because it was never put through DPReview's Studio Comparison test because ... well... we know. They tested it as a vlogger camera that would not be of the slightest interest to stills photographers.

And no one has cared enough to capture test results and send them to BClaff yet for the G100 to bring this phenomena to light.

It pains me greatly that I can't get along with the rear dial to the point I feel compelled to part with it. I'm simply cursed when it comes to Panasonic rear dial issues. :-x

Maybe I'll try running Claff's tests before I part with my copy as a final tribute to this greatly underappreciated photographic overachiever.

 

[jonno35]

Folks, the image quality from the G100 is not just very good. It's very, very good. It's better than my G9. Really. Look at this ISO 6400 comparison.

You and everyone else on the planet would guess it's the G9 on the left, wouldn't you? Nope — G100 left, G9 right. 1/30 s f4 with the PL15mm @ ISO 6400 and manual WB 3000K.

I mean, too good to be true, right? Gotta be some RAW cooking here. Except the same difference is evident even at ISO 800 (with a +2 EV stop push given to both).

Once again, G100 left, G9 right.

What the actual $#%@?

I mean, what else is there to say except bravo, Panasonic, bravo!

This has never been discovered because it was never put through DPReview's Studio Comparison test because ... well... we know. They tested it as a vlogger camera that would not be of the slightest interest to stills photographers.

And no one has cared enough to capture test results and send them to BClaff yet for the G100 to bring this phenomena to light.

It pains me greatly that I can't get along with the rear dial to the point I feel compelled to part with it. I'm simply cursed when it comes to Panasonic rear dial issues. :-x

Maybe I'll try running Claff's tests before I part with my copy as a final tribute to this greatly underappreciated photographic overachiever.

Well done , I thought my G100d produced a nicer IQ than my G9 but didn't believe it. You've shown me it's not my imagination.

I knew you could come up with a sensible post if you put your mind to it.,.

--
I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure.

 

[mmartel]

Folks, the image quality from the G100 is not just very good. It's very, very good. It's better than my G9. Really. Look at this ISO 6400 comparison.

You and everyone else on the planet would guess it's the G9 on the left, wouldn't you? Nope — G100 left, G9 right. 1/30 s f4 with the PL15mm @ ISO 6400 and manual WB 3000K.

I mean, too good to be true, right? Gotta be some RAW cooking here. Except the same difference is evident even at ISO 800 (with a +2 EV stop push given to both).

Once again, G100 left, G9 right.

What the actual $#%@?

I mean, what else is there to say except bravo, Panasonic, bravo!

This has never been discovered because it was never put through DPReview's Studio Comparison test because ... well... we know. They tested it as a vlogger camera that would not be of the slightest interest to stills photographers.

And no one has cared enough to capture test results and send them to BClaff yet for the G100 to bring this phenomena to light.

It pains me greatly that I can't get along with the rear dial to the point I feel compelled to part with it. I'm simply cursed when it comes to Panasonic rear dial issues. :-x

Maybe I'll try running Claff's tests before I part with my copy as a final tribute to this greatly underappreciated photographic overachiever.

Well done , I thought my G100d produced a nicer IQ than my G9 but didn't believe it. You've shown me it's not my imagination.

I knew you could come up with a sensible post if you put your mind to it.,.

Zing! I earned that.

PS; The g100 doesn't have IBIS and lacks a full mechanical shutter.

 

[Keit ll]

1. I took am a great fan of the G100d but on here the nay sayers are obsessed by the fact that it's not got IBIS.. I don't mind that because it keeps the camera small, which is why I bought it in the first place. I have hand held my 140 mm lens at 1/6 and 14mm at 1sec which is fine by my standards because for anything slower I would use the tripod that came with it. All the controls are there, I've recently had some great videos and stills of the kids school sports day.Whats not to like .Just go and enjoy using it. For some nothing less than full frame with a lens the size of a Bazooka is good enough. By the way my other camera is a G9.

How does not having IBIS make this camera significantly smaller rather than cheaper?

 

[GrahamB52]

How does not having IBIS make this camera significantly smaller rather than cheaper?

Because the IBIS unit in a camera takes up space, no IBIS means less space required therefore camera can be made smaller.

 

[Isola Verde]

How does not having IBIS make this camera significantly smaller rather than cheaper?

Because the IBIS unit in a camera takes up space, no IBIS means less space required therefore camera can be made smaller.

Here's the comparison that stopped me getting the G100....

One ounce heavier, very slightly larger body with same 20MP-size sensor, a nicer set of control dials etc, but with 4.5 stop & 5 axis IBIS (and my preferred tilting screen) - as elaborated here...

Panasonic G100 vs Olympus E-M10 IV Detailed Comparison

Read our detailed comparison of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV to find out their strengths and weaknesses, and decide which one to choose.

cameradecision.com

Peter

--
Pictures...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/132932913@N02/albums

 

[Tom Caldwell]

I don't let sensors get in the way of enjoying my camera or I would not still be using my GM5. I think that the shutter/sensor combination might be modular and the same build has been used from the GM series through the GF7 and successors to end up in the G100.

The G100 of course has the 20mp sensor as we all know.

 

[Cafe Racer]

How does not having IBIS make this camera significantly smaller rather than cheaper?

Because the IBIS unit in a camera takes up space, no IBIS means less space required therefore camera can be made smaller.

 

[sermulis]

Time for me to move on there is nothing worthwhile in reference to the G100

 

[Tom Caldwell]

Time for me to move on there is nothing worthwhile in reference to the G100

Try again - maybe the responses will stay on subject next time?

 

[Promeneur]

Time for me to move on there is nothing worthwhile in reference to the G100

Try again - maybe the responses will stay on subject next time?

Why don't you just lock this thread instead of removing what people post?