Panasonic G3

[OccamsRazor]

I'm an experienced photographer but probably more casual then serious but would like to change that with better gear. My current camera is a Canon S5 IS P&S which has suited me except for two main issues: 1st is high ISO, low light ability which is of course not very good due to the sensor size. It's a problem at anything over 200. 2nd, it has serious light flare from any scene with a spot source of light in it. Since I use it to photograph lab equipment, it's nearly useless as anything like an LED, etc will flare badly and blur out.

I decided not to go dSLR as size is pretty important, cost and my specific shooting needs doesn't justify it. My target is either translucent or mirrorless systems. Spent a lot of time looking at current technologies, makes/models, reviews, youtube vids, etc. This is my short list:

Need:

1. Small/light but not awkwardly so. The G3 is nearly identical in size to my Canon S5 IS but obviously that's the only comparison one can make between the camera classes.

2. Not really interested in the rangefinder/retro designs

3. Articulating LCD screen

4. High quality video HD 1080

5. Interchangable lenses

6. Good high iso, at least to 1600, quality as I wish/need to do low light photography indoors for equipment shoots.

7. Not super expensive - around 30-40k Baht with lens(es)

The Panasonic DMC-G3 is at the top of my list at the moment. Found at fotofile: Lumix G3 14-42mm and 45-200mm for 35,900. Also perhaps the LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 ASPH for indoor work.

Sony NEX-7 is a possiblity.

I like the Panasonic GH2 but price is getting out of hand for me. The advantage over the G3 is manual adjustment of video while the G3 only level adjust available.

Thoughts? I know Hughden is a Panasonic buff and I admire your photos so your input would also be appreciated.

[hughden]

The G3 is a fine camera. I didn't upgrade from my GF1 because:

1. I would liked to have more definable controls buttons available.

2. The body is a bit plastic compared to the GF1

3. The price in Thailand includes two lenses, one of which is the 45-200mm which I don't like (bought it and sold it and got the 100-300mm which is much better). AV Camera were prepared to do a deal with just the kit lens for 25,900 baht which is what I would go for if they are still offering that (ridiculous of Panasonic to introduce a new model and then hike the price with a two lens deal). I also find Khun Mana at AV Camera a nice guy to deal with and they have a lot of M4/3 gear in the shop.

4. While pondering the G3 I bought a Fuji X100, for no other reason than techno-lust!

Now there is the GX1 coming soon and in many ways it offers less than the G3 for more money; but those of us who love the GF1 (well, me at least) are attracted by the construction and the controls, although I would have liked the G3's internal viewfinder and articulated screen.

I did persuade a friend into getting the G3 (so I could play with it) and it is a fine machine with good IQ and the viewfinder is excellent.

The 20mm F1.7 is a classic must-have lens, to which I would now add the Olympus 45mm F1.8. I also covet the Olympus 12mm, but that is serious money.

The GH2 is a good but more expensive option, personally I don't like the form factor; but it is the best for video.

The NEX-7 looks like an amazing body; but the NEX lens choice is pretty feeble right now.

Just my personal opinion. Hope that helps.

[OccamsRazor]

Just my personal opinion. Hope that helps.

Thank you for your feedback. I had checked AV a couple of days ago and saw the same set and price as fotofile.net. I'm also not happy about the addition of a lens I'm not really interested in. Seems no body only options available. I live in Chiang Mai so can not go to AV Camera in person to see what they can do for me. Do you think they may be able to 'modify' the lens options if I contact them via website/e-mail?

[hughden]

Just my personal opinion. Hope that helps.

Thank you for your feedback. I had checked AV a couple of days ago and saw the same set and price as fotofile.net. I'm also not happy about the addition of a lens I'm not really interested in. Seems no body only options available. I live in Chiang Mai so can not go to AV Camera in person to see what they can do for me. Do you think they may be able to 'modify' the lens options if I contact them via website/e-mail?

That's what I did, and they quoted 25,900 with just the kit lens.

[OccamsRazor]

After doing a lot of reviews checking and dozens of user comments on the following camera and various lenses, this is what I'm now considering. The camera size is nearly identical to my Canon S5IS P&S.

Panasonic Lumix GH2 with 14-140 lens - $1099.00 at BH Photo

20mm f/1.7 lens - $345.00 BH Photo

100-300 mm lens - $500.00 BH Photo

Which comes to about 59,000 Baht through BH Photo. Both AV camera and fotofile in Thailand list it at 59,900 for body and 14-140 lens only which is a significant price difference, nearly twice as much as body and 14-140 lens at BH Photo.

My biggest concern is duties/taxes when it arrives. Any ideas as to what they may cost me? Any thoughs on the above choices?

[hughden]

After doing a lot of reviews checking and dozens of user comments on the following camera and various lenses, this is what I'm now considering. The camera size is nearly identical to my Canon S5IS P&S.

Panasonic Lumix GH2 with 14-140 lens - $1099.00 at BH Photo

20mm f/1.7 lens - $345.00 BH Photo

100-300 mm lens - $500.00 BH Photo

Which comes to about 59,000 Baht through BH Photo. Both AV camera and fotofile in Thailand list it at 59,900 for body and 14-140 lens only which is a significant price difference, nearly twice as much as body and 14-140 lens at BH Photo.

My biggest concern is duties/taxes when it arrives. Any ideas as to what they may cost me? Any thoughs on the above choices?

4/3 Rumors were reporting a $699 deal on the GH2 with the 14-140 lens at BH Photo yesterday http://www.43rumors.com/next-gh2-superdeal-at-bhphoto/

I have bought cameras and lenses via the web (BH are very quick), I think the duty is about 5$ but can't be sure.

The GH2 is a very capable camera, good for stills and particularly good at video. The 14-140 is designed to be a provide a silent zoom for video and if you are not going to do video your money may be better spent elsewhere (unless you can get that BH deal which essentially gives you the lens for free).

The other two lenses are excellent.

[OccamsRazor]

The $699 is for the 14-42 kit lens which from my studies is not a very good lens while the 14-140 (1099.00 $300 off) is and especially for video. I do plan on doing video and one of the high ratings for the GH2 is for that but image quality also rated high. One of the top reasons for my interest in the GH2.

Just clarification on this point. I assume you mean better spent on a different lens as opposed to a different camera?

The 14-140 is designed to be a provide a silent zoom for video and if you are not going to do video your money may be better spent elsewhere

And again, thank you for your input especially having experience with BH. :jap:

[Familyonthemove]

Unless you can wait for the GH3, which may not be available 'till June/July next year, then I think you have the right option.

I have a G2 and I've been very pleased with it. I would ideally like a better range from the sensor (it suffers from some highlight clipping so you need to be careful with exposure) and also there's more noise at high ISO than a DSLR, but the image quality is generally very good and the handling is excellent.

I would like the improved sensor of the G3, but I would miss the control dials and the large hand grip of the G2. Hughden makes some great points about the G3 and they all make good sense to me. A GX1 would be nice, but add in the EVF and it's expensive. The lenses on the Nex series are huge - so why not just go for a DSLR, the Samsung NX 11 is nice, but limited lens choice, the Nikon One is a pointless compromise and the new Pentax interchangeable lens compact is a toy.

The lens choice is an interesting one and of course depends on intened use, but here's my personal view:

20mm f1.7 Lumix is a must. It's a great lens and I use it more than any other. Sharp and versatile, good for portrait and street, and the wide aperture prevents a need for high ISO and gives great control over DOF.

For portrait work you migh also look at the Olympus M.Zuiko 45 mm f 1.8. Small, light, good price, sharp and causes less distortion at close range than the 20mm as you stand further back when taking head and shoulder shots. Great bokeh as well.

I would also include the Lumix 45-200. it's had some average reviews, but I've been very happy with it. it can go from head and shoulders portrait to sports event telephoto, it is small and light considereing the range, inexpensive and it has OIS. I've heard comments about the sharpness - but look at the attached, how sharp do you need?

I rarely use the 14-42, but the new X series 14-42 pancake may be interesting.

If you can get a good deal on the GH2, I think you will be happy with it. But it's not the newest model, so you should not pay full price.

[hughden]

The $699 is for the 14-42 kit lens which from my studies is not a very good lens while the 14-140 (1099.00 $300 off) is and especially for video. I do plan on doing video and one of the high ratings for the GH2 is for that but image quality also rated high. One of the top reasons for my interest in the GH2.

Just clarification on this point. I assume you mean better spent on a different lens as opposed to a different camera?

The 14-140 is designed to be a provide a silent zoom for video and if you are not going to do video your money may be better spent elsewhere

And again, thank you for your input especially having experience with BH. :jap:

Yes I meant lens and not camera. My neigbour has the GH2 and I have played with it extensively; very good camera; I just personally prefer the smaller footprint of the GF1/GX1. But if you are wanting to do video too, then the GH2 is indeed the one to get.

I ordered a flash from BH and it arrived at my door three days after I ordered it!

I agree with Familyonthemove; when you fancy the a next lens, the latest 45mm F1.8 from Olympus is really great, especially at the price.

Another wonderful lens is the Voigtlander 25mm F0.95. Manual focus, but what a great tool to shoot with. And then of course you can bolt all manner of weird and wonderful legacy lenses using adapters.

The fun (and the potential expenditure) never stops with micro four thirds!

Edited December 7, 2011 by hughden

[hughden]

Just a shot taken with the Olympus 45mm. It's more bokeh than flower; but I do like the soft bokeh that this lens produces. Taken at F1.8.

[OccamsRazor]

Unless you can wait for the GH3, which may not be available 'till June/July next year, then I think you have the right option.

I had already been looking into that. The latest news I could find is that it probably won't be announced until Photokina in September next year.

If you can get a good deal on the GH2, I think you will be happy with it. But it's not the newest model, so you should not pay full price.

The price difference between the GH2 and G3 with the same lens choices is only around 3000 Baht. Seems for only 3000 Baht I'm getting a lot more camera?

[hughden]

The price difference between the GH2 and G3 with the same lens choices is only around 3000 Baht. Seems for only 3000 Baht I'm getting a lot more camera?

Yes; especially if you want to do video.

[Familyonthemove]

Yes, I agree. The GH2 also has the additional manual control dials and I find the larger handgrip of the G2 (similar body shape to the GH2) a benefit when using longer lenses.

The G3 is lighter and smaller, so it depends on if this is important to you, but none of the Micro 4/3 cameras will really fit in a pocket, so if you are going to carry a small camera bag anyway, the samller size of the G3 is not a real world advantage.

But ...... One small extra thing to consider is that the new X lenses from Panasonic are not fully compattible with the GH2 (or G2) - so if think you may want any of the new X lenses then this may be a consideration? The new lenses will work with the GH2, but there's some extra features that may not be supported. I don't think I'd like the powered zoom of the latest X lenses (though I've not tried one) so this would not worry me, but it may be worth considering?

[OccamsRazor]

But ...... One small extra thing to consider is that the new X lenses from Panasonic are not fully compattible with the GH2 (or G2) - so if think you may want any of the new X lenses then this may be a consideration?

Just reading through the DPReview forums plus announcement from Panasonic that a new firmware release just came out for the GH2. It is supposed to include support for the new X-lenses. Don't think it is an issue for me anyway, the lenses that you guys recommended look really good. Checked out the Olympus 45mm f1.8 and looks outstanding. Sample photos you could count the pores in the skin.

Also, several hacks out there that make significant improvements in the GH2 both low light and video sample rates. So looks like it is quite flexible for enhancing it.

Edited December 8, 2011 by OccamsRazor

[OccamsRazor]

I've finally made my decision and it is on its way to me now.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 W/14-140mm

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm lens

Vello Wireless Timer Remote Panasonic (Intervalometer)

UV Protection filters for all lenses

The GH2 with 14-140 lens about 30,000 Baht. The lens alone bought separate is 21,000 Baht so 9,000 for the body seems good. Yes, I realize kit packages are cheaper then separate - still, the GH3 may not be out until the end of next year so have plenty of time to learn the system.

Should keep me busy for a while.

[hughden]

I've finally made my decision and it is on its way to me now.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 W/14-140mm

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm lens

Vello Wireless Timer Remote Panasonic (Intervalometer)

UV Protection filters for all lenses

The GH2 with 14-140 lens about 30,000 Baht. The lens alone bought separate is 21,000 Baht so 9,000 for the body seems good. Yes, I realize kit packages are cheaper then separate - still, the GH3 may not be out until the end of next year so have plenty of time to learn the system.

Should keep me busy for a while.

Congratulations!

[tw25rw]

I've finally made my decision and it is on its way to me now.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 W/14-140mm

Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm lens

Vello Wireless Timer Remote Panasonic (Intervalometer)

UV Protection filters for all lenses

The GH2 with 14-140 lens about 30,000 Baht. The lens alone bought separate is 21,000 Baht so 9,000 for the body seems good. Yes, I realize kit packages are cheaper then separate - still, the GH3 may not be out until the end of next year so have plenty of time to learn the system.

Should keep me busy for a while.

As long as it's not a problem that the Olympus lens doesn't have image stabilisation built in.

[OccamsRazor]

As long as it's not a problem that the Olympus lens doesn't have image stabilisation built in.

Yep, already aware. Just means I have to be more conscientious of my time/f stop settings. Being a f1.8 probably will only be a minor issue except in low light and need to push the iso up a bit to keep a reasonable shutter time.

[OccamsRazor]

Everything arrived today. Ordered from the US and it made it through customs with no charges at all. Happily surprised. Guess the manual is the first thing to look at.

[Familyonthemove]

Everything arrived today. Ordered from the US and it made it through customs with no charges at all. Happily surprised. Guess the manual is the first thing to look at.

If all else fails - read the manual!

How are you liking the new kit?

[OccamsRazor]

If all else fails - read the manual!

Still reading it, incredible number of options on it. Have downloaded some nice tips on the GH2

How are you liking the new kit?

Getting past the frustration stage now due to the many variables. White balance is main target to get working right in different lighting conditions. Outdoors, spot on, indoors at night - not there yet.

[hughden]

Indoors lighting is so variable it is hard to find a WB setting that will work consistently. Personally, I use AWB all the time, shoot RAW, and tweak in Lightroom if it needs it.

[OccamsRazor]

Indoors lighting is so variable it is hard to find a WB setting that will work consistently. Personally, I use AWB all the time, shoot RAW, and tweak in Lightroom if it needs it.

Will give that a try. I have Lightroom, Panasonic SilkyPix (comes with the camera) and Adobe Photoshop CS5 RAW to play with it.

BTW - Strangely, the video mode seems to handle all the different light conditions with very good balance. Not sure what the difference is.

Edited January 18, 2012 by OccamsRazor