Panasonic Lumix GH-1

[drummerman]

Further to my previous posting 'Nikon vs Canon' I've stumbled across this Lumix, to be released imminently.

It seems to solve all my problems ... manageable size and flexibility of a DSLR, most of all price, hopefully on par with the G1 when initial launch prices have subsided and the normal discounts apply.

I did some research into the previous G1 and image quality seemed universally to be praised due to the superb quality of the kit lenses. Moreover it seems to stand up well compared to some far more expensive DSLR's and lenses. More are being released imminently too, making lens choice painless unless I want real specialist options. Liveview too is much more useable than in any DSLR and even allows shutter speed pre-view. Not much not to like there!

The camera even records full HD with auto-focus option!! Even though that was never a requirement for me in a stills camera, having thought about it a bit more, it surely is a fantastic option to have and I now even find myself thinking if I really would want a camera without it ... There have been numerous occasions I'd wished I had a good camera with me and numerous occasions with a wish for a good camcorder plus it would probably look stunning on my new Pio Kuro.

There are a few negatives such as (relatively) slow 3 fps continous, average high ISO performance (on the G1 at least, perhaps the GH1 has improved that too, not unthinkable considering it's panasonic). The electronic viewfinder, as good as it seems to be, probably can't match a good optical one and finally, battery life is not outstanding though probably perfectly adequate with a spare in the pocket.

I have'nt held one so will do that asap but it seems to tick most of the right boxes. I probably get the body with both the wide to short-tele and the tele-zoom plus some accessories for the same price as a D300 body only.

It looks tempting but what are the thoughts of those of you with a lot of experience?

Thank you

[Mike.P®]

Have a look at Marks G1 thread to see some excellent pictures taken with the camera, I dont think much will change IQ wise just a few upgrades with the GH-1.

[drummerman]

Originally Posted by Mike.P®

Have a look at Marks G1 thread to see some excellent pictures taken with the camera, I dont think much will change IQ wise just a few upgrades with the GH-1.

Thank you Mike.P.

Some very good pics which just shows that imagination/timing is more important than expensive hardware.

I am genuinely impressed by that little camera with just a couple of caveats. I am also surprised it has'nt gained a larger following and even got negative comments according to Marks thread. There does'nt seem to be much enthusiasm for it on his thread or forums in general despite very good write-ups.

Perhaps some brand snobbery ala no N or C label or people simply regard a camera that does'nt weigh a ton as un-worthy?

I'll certainly check it out and its top of my list at the moment though I'm still considering the D90/D300 though at far greater cost and to be honest, that HD video function (without degradation of stills) has almost got me totally convinced of my next purchase

I am a bit concerned that the new kit lens has changed to a 14-140. I hope it is qualitative as good as the previous smaller one. They are just launching a tasty 7mm (14mm) super wide ... lovely!

[Mike.P®]

Originally Posted by drummerman

I am also surprised it has'nt gained a larger following and even got negative comments according to Marks thread. There does'nt seem to be much enthusiasm for it on his thread or forums in general despite very good write-ups.

Perhaps some brand snobbery ala no N or C label or people simply regard a camera that does'nt weigh a ton as un-worthy?

I think there is certainly a lot of brand loyalty on any forum and I myself have seen negative comments on here before regarding Pentax (my choice), Olympus and to a lesser degree (now that they have thrown millions at advertising) .. Sony.
I just cannot see why there is a need for it when all the brands are more than capable of taking decent pictures.

Personally I think the Panasonic looks a cracking little camera and produces excellent quality .. there is however a new Samsung system coming in the second half of the year (if you can wait that long) which really looks the business.

[senu]

Originally Posted by drummerman

Thank you Mike.P.
Some very good pics which just shows that imagination/timing is more important than expensive hardware.
I am genuinely impressed by that little camera with just a couple of caveats. I am also surprised it has'nt gained a larger following and even got negative comments according to Marks thread. There does'nt seem to be much enthusiasm for it on his thread or forums in general despite very good write-ups.

I guess the only way round that is that those who do have it, post pictures and say why they llike it

Perhaps some brand snobbery ala no N or C label or people simply regard a camera that does'nt weigh a ton as un-worthy?

Not so, but people tend to sing praises of what they have, sometimes that sounds like dismissing what they do not

I use Nikon and Canon but have used a Sony A 100 and have a Fuji " bridge".

FWIW The Lumix looks good , Marks thread has show it more than skin deep too, and Flickr will show you lots of work done with it but it struggles with the sheer marketing of the other brands

[senu]

Originally Posted by Mike.P®

I think there is certainly a lot of brand loyalty on any forum

Far less on here than say "DP..."

..and I myself have seen negative comments on here before regarding Pentax (my choice), Olympus and to a lesser degree (now that they have thrown millions at advertising) .. Sony.

Any comments on the Pentax were mainly due to the perceived shortage of lenses/ Flash ( ect) choices for Pentax mount and in addition with Sony , a fear that Sony might not commt to thee DSLR market gieven their track record and histrory with less profitable ventured
Olympus did go down the lonely road with thier 4/3rds system TBF.

There is a perception that brands ( Pentax Oly) were perhaps less keen on keeping the market becase they always seemed more keen to promote thier compacts, giving up ( as it were) competing in the DSLR market. This lack of "push" is just as responsible as any CorN fancboyism. Yhis is what I think is Panasonics "problem"
Panasonic have no problem selling HDTVs , Camcorders, Blu Ray players ect

I just cannot see why there is a need for it when all the brands are more than capable of taking decent pictures.

That is absolutely true but logic does go out of the window when it comes to kit...
Also Ive attempted to explain a bt of marketing influence above. It isnt just the "brand loyalty" thing

[ryart]

Another for Marks thread from me; very useful and many lovely pictures to look at as well. I am certainly thinking of going for the GH-1 if it is not too expensive. Long gone are the days when I needed pictures to look good as wall sized enlargements for exhibition backdrops.

It looks to be a good balance of size/weight/quality for my current and foreseeable needs. I really don't want to lug around heavier than necessary kit just to glow with the knowledge that it is the best, but not able to see the difference under my practical viewing conditions.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the new lenses are like as they should make for an ideal two lens travel outfit, with the HD video being a very handy addition.

[f6cvalkyrie]

Hi,

I am a happy G1 user, and would certainly not hesitate to recommend this little camera ! Some of my pictures are in Marks thread, if they are not as good as you expect, that's ME to blame, not the camera.

What I like about it : light weight, excellent kit lenses 14-45 and 45-200
and the lovely possibilities to shoot with vintage and other exotic lenses through the adaptor range

What I do not like ???? Nothing, in fact

c u
Rafael

[andrew markwort]

Perhaps some brand snobbery ala no N or C label or people simply regard a camera that does'nt weigh a ton as un-worthy?

Truly you are on the road to enlightenment, young padawan.

[springtide]

Still haven't managed to see one of these 'in the flesh' yet, so still find it hard to judge how big or small this camera is. I would love a small fully functional compact style camera but one that is big on quality. It would be interesting to see how the size compares to something like a G9/G10.

The styling looks a bit 'bridge' which personally I would like to see a more Rangefinder style camera in the Micro 4/3's, with a number of fast pancake type primes to keep the body+lens combo as small as possible. The Oly concept on Engadget looked very up my street (Olympus drops jaws with retro Micro Four Thirds concept) but not sure when this will come about or what the specs will be (or how much it will cost!)

I'm also one of those people interested in the HD Video. I know these style cameras are not as good as a dedicated videocam, but I would be willing to give up on quality/handeling, for camera that gets used more often because I carry it around with me all the time.

[Mike.P®]

Originally Posted by springtide

The Oly concept on Engadget looked very up my street (Olympus drops jaws with retro Micro Four Thirds concept) but not sure when this will come about or what the specs will be (or how much it will cost!)

What a cracking looking bit of kit.

[drummerman]

Does anyone know when the GH1 will be available?

[mark1000]

Originally Posted by drummerman

Does anyone know when the GH1 will be available?

April 24 in Japan, sometime shortly after that for the rest of the world...

Mark.

[LFC_SL]

Well I'm interested in the four thirds concept

The G9 is not pocketable - I wear jeans 99% of the time so can attest to that , so if I have the G9 in my bag all the time anyway, I would not mind a minor step up in size for image quality

[drummerman]

Originally Posted by mark1000

April 24 in Japan, sometime shortly after that for the rest of the world...

Mark.

Thanks