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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Micro 4-3 Cameras - thoughts?
Gil Batzri, Photographer, Assistant
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Oakland | CA | USA | Posted: 2:10 AM on 07.02.10 |
->> I am thinking about purchasing a micro 4/3 mount camera as a carry around camera (the Mark II and it's infrastructure can ruin the casual nature of things sometimes)
I am planning to use it for some street photography and indoor photography, mainly personal use. I can't abide by the photo quality from most point and shoots, and my cameraphone is killing me.
I am looking at either the Olympus EP-1 or EP-2 (the one with the popup flash) unless I heard a good reason not to want the flash. or the Panasonic GF-1.
I am looking at getting the following with the body: kit lens 14-45mm f3.5-56 & 20mm f1.7 lens to start, and possibly the 45-200 lens later. I suspect it is very large for a body the size of the GF1/Pen Cameras.
The Panny has a free EVF deal running at Amazon now, so that sweetens the pot a bit.
The reviews I have read say the Panny is noticeably faster focusing then the Olympus, and that the UI on the Panasonic is better as well (less tortured).
My experience to this point has been primarily with Canon 1 series cameras and lenses, for sports, portraiture and landscape type work. mostly digital, but a smattering of film as well. I am looking for this camera to be a carry-around, because, as I said earlier the 1D is just too much sometimes.
I would love to hear your experiences with either of these bodies as relates to the quality of the images, exposure, low light work, build quality, ease of use, anything. I have not really used a point and shoot type camera (aside from my blackberry) for probably close to 10 years.
Thanks all for your time and thoughts!
Gil |
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Svein Ove Ekornesvaag, Photographer
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Aalesund | Møre og Romsdal | Norway | Posted: 12:44 PM on 07.02.10 |
| ->> I originally wantet to buy one, but after looking in the viewfinder I changed my mind immidiately. Just hate those EVFs. |
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Dianna Russell, Photographer
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 7:07 AM on 09.03.10 |
->> Gil, have you bought one yet?
I just looked at the Olympus E-P2 yesterday and think it looks like a great little camera. In fact I think my Canon G9 will be for sale soon.
There aren't too many reviews on the "2" yet.
I noticed on the Olympus website there will be some exciting new lenses and accessories in the Spring 2011. Lenses from Super Telephoto equiv. 400-600?, a macro lens, wide angle, and a fish eye.
Just playing with it in the store I thought shooting at 6400 through a window into a room with no lights looked fairly clean. The fact that it can shoot RAW and PhotoMechanic has just added support for RAW files from the E-P2 is great. It also shoots HD movies in stereo.
The size is just so appealing. The fact it has interchangeable lenses and you can set up to three remote flash units (without a commander) sounds like a winner as well. The detachable electronic viewfinder will be a must have too.
Will it replace my D300s? Hardly. It's not perfect, but it sure beats the point and shoots.
It is definitely on my list for October or November (There are some rumored rebates and goodies coming.)
http://tinyurl.com/ycvtkz5 |
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Robert Klein, Photographer
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South Easton | MA | USA | Posted: 9:20 AM on 09.03.10 |
| ->> I am also not a EVF fan and would love to see Canon or Nikon put out a digital rangefinder (Leicas are just way too expensive for what you get) with interchangeable lenses like the film cameras they used to make, but at a price in the G11 range. They certainly have the lenses in their stable to support such a move and while I truly love my G9, I also like looking through an optical view finder and seeing what I am hopefully getting. There is just something about looking at the back of a camera at the lcd screen for composing and focusing that just does not do it for me. |
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Kent Miller, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 10:23 AM on 09.03.10 |
->> I just picked up the EP2 and LOVE it. I did not like the feel of the 14-45.
I went with the 17 2.8 I have shot from 100 to 3200 and it gets a bit noisy when you get to 800. But it still looks great at 3200! Get the viewfinder. I wish I did. Now I am looking for it and everyone is backordered. I got the M-adapter for my Leica glass and it rocks! It's hard to focus but it looks amazing when you get it right. I just did a studio shoot and fired off a few shots with the pen and Leica 50 F2. I am happy to send you some files.
And the video is great too!!!!
Yep, I am sold. A super great carry around camera! |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 11:40 AM on 09.03.10 |
->> I've been using the Panasonic GH1 for over a year now and love it. Unless I'm doing an assignment its what I'm always shooting with.
The 7-14mm F4 is an amazing lens and basically performs just like my Nikon 14-24 does, sharp corner to corner, only its about 1/5th the size and weight.
14-45 is quite a nice sharp midrange zoom and so small you can literally carry it in a pocket.
The 20mm 1.7 weight only 3ounces and is about 1" thick. With the 2x crop its a very cool little 40mm equiv lens and its razor sharp even wide open.
Pick up a few adapters for $20 or so on Ebay and you can then use some legacy glass. $20 or less for a Canon 50mm f1.4 FD (if you don't have one laying around somewhere) and you've got what works out to be a nice little portrait focal length.
I just love the whole concept. Really good quality sensor in a very small body, with a flip out LCD screen, and (on the GH1 at least), very nice EVF thats the same size as looking through a FF DSLR
Plus now with the firmware hack the GH1 does amazing HD footage at 1080 24P that easily rivals any DSLR and with much better ergonomics due to the flipout screen which I think really helps for video shooting.
Obviously your not going to shoot a football game with one of these m4/3's but for personal photography, or even some more casual reportage style assignments they can't be beat |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 11:51 AM on 09.03.10 |
->> Its also worth noting that while obviously a smaller 12meg 2x crop sensor isn't going to come close to a FF DSLR in terms of noise levels, that's honestly not such a bad thing.
I've found I quite enjoy setting the aspect ratio to square, setting it up to a slightly grainy ISO800, dynamic B/W setting and snapping away with the 20mm f1.7
Its not as clean as D3, doesn't have the resolution of a 5D mkII, but when did a "good" photo require ultra high resolution or clean iso 6400 ?
Its just like back in the day shooting a rangefinder. Small, light, looks like any other p&S people are used to seeing so pretty discrete and people don't really notice you like they would with a big DSLR.
You can just happily snap away and enjoy yourself walking around with it, just enjoy photography and capturing the moment. For most here, photography is more or less work, its how we support ourselves and our families. But it also was something that most of us here got into due to passion and enjoyment for the craft.
m4/3rd and a couple small lens is a great way to bring back a little of the enjoyment |
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Dianna Russell, Photographer
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 5:58 PM on 09.03.10 |
->> Kent, I'd love to see how the files look.
Jeff, I feel the same way about just having a camera to enjoy using and being discrete and unobtrusive.
I found something that would be fun to be involved in and I'd like to use this camera for that. Magnum photographer Alec Soth has an interesting project started on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/from-here-to-there/
I really need a kick in the pants to do something different. This looks like fun. |
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Gil Batzri, Photographer, Assistant
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Oakland | CA | USA | Posted: 2:33 AM on 09.06.10 |
->> Thanks for the great info and thoughts folks, I am going to be purchasing in the next month or so, Likely the EP2, kit lens, 20 and EVF thingy. Pending some handling at the shop, which I haven't managed to get to.
Please let me know what your thoughts, experiences are and thanks again!
gil |
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Chris Large, Photographer
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Okotoks | AB | Canada | Posted: 3:07 AM on 09.06.10 |
->> Maybe not exactly the image from the 4/3, but for the size of it, image quality ( RAW is great ) I use a Canon G-11 for my have with me all the time camera. Not great in low light but in normal day light the images are fantastic with a very low bulk / weight to the camera.
I've had shots from it ( or the G-10) make the final cut for the last dozen movies I've done.
Really good bang for the buck, optical (although not totally accurate) viewfinder, plus very easy to adjust exposure modes.
There can be the greatest picture in the world in front of you...but you don't have a camera.....that's what I like about the G-11 - it's so small and simple to have with you ....you might get a shot that makes it's all worth while.
C |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 8:10 AM on 09.06.10 |
->> Like Chris, I often carry a Canon G11. The quality of the files it produces are fantastic. A number of G11 shots I created while shooting a project for Bombardier Aerospace ended up being used along side the stuff shot with the "pro" gear.
The G11 fits easily in my cargo pant pockets. |
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Tim Snow, Photographer
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Montreal | Qc | Canada | Posted: 10:15 PM on 09.06.10 |
| ->> +1 for the G11. I bought one for my pop recently, and decided to take it with me when I climbed Camel's Hump in Vermont. I have now decided that it will come with me on every hike I take! The image quality is great, and you can't beat it's size. Check out http://bit.ly/bkrX0Z for a brief review I wrote on it. |
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PF Bentley, Photographer
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Planet Earth | HI | USA | Posted: 10:30 PM on 09.06.10 |
| ->> If your planning to by the GH1, wait until the end of the month when the GH2 is said to appear at Photokina. |
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Jacob Langston, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | | Posted: 10:54 PM on 09.06.10 |
->> I bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 + the 20mm lens recently and I am pretty happy with it.
Super light and low key.
Prices have come down also. |
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Dianna Russell, Photographer
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 8:48 PM on 09.07.10 |
->> Oh, boy. Just when I have my mind made up on the sweet little EP2 coming out in all black . . .
maybe Nikon will be on the bandwagon . . .
http://tinyurl.com/28alq38 |
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