GF1

[alc217]

@eow
Very nice... I assume you used the 20mm for that?

 

[eow]

@eow
Very nice... I assume you used the 20mm for that?

use the 14-45 kit

 

[catola1010]

Hi,

Where is the cheapest GF1 in town?

Alan photo and Cathay is out of stock. Orient photo is selling $1200 wGST.

Thank you

still very expensive at $1200:thumbsd:

 

[TsQ]

@TsQ

The GF1 is slower (focus and shutter) compared to SLRs. So you need to think carefully about what you're going to use the GF1 for. At the end of the day, I find that it's a fun camera to carry around all the time and I get some great quality out of it... but it will never replace my dSLR (Nikon D80). The GF1 (and I've heard similar complaints about the EP-1) is too slow to even catch kids running around.

Thks for ur input.. thats a big no no to me.. as i 90% photo my kids only.. the reason i got a DSLR also becos of my kids.. haha..

nowadays parents will do anything for the kids..

 

[Ouverture]

@TsQ

The GF1 is slower (focus and shutter) compared to SLRs. So you need to think carefully about what you're going to use the GF1 for. At the end of the day, I find that it's a fun camera to carry around all the time and I get some great quality out of it... but it will never replace my dSLR (Nikon D80). The GF1 (and I've heard similar complaints about the EP-1) is too slow to even catch kids running around.

Video will be better to catch kids running around.

Even my fast AF A700 had hard time previously.

 

[TsQ]

Video will be better to catch kids running around.

Even my fast AF A700 had hard time previously.

I hv a Panasonic TM300 to cover the video part...

but now i wish for a still camera to hv video.. as there are really times u cannot hv time to swap... which is why i am considering aother camera from the 450D

previously was thinking GF1 or a canon 500D .. but seem GF1 is not so much of a SLR replacement so i think i am siding towards a 500D (or maybe a nikon D5000) since they hv 720P video recording

 

[Ouverture]

I hv a Panasonic TM300 to cover the video part...

but now i wish for a still camera to hv video.. as there are really times u cannot hv time to swap... which is why i am considering aother camera from the 450D

previously was thinking GF1 or a canon 500D .. but seem GF1 is not so much of a SLR replacement so i think i am siding towards a 500D (or maybe a nikon D5000) since they hv 720P video recording

I agree fully that with kids around, there's really not an option to carry 2 gadgets around, even with DSLR and PNS seems quite hassle and often missed opportunity to get that scene into either stills or videos.

I had used A700 and PNS together, but often I ended up taking mostly still photos as have no time to switch to PNS for video.

Now with GF1, yes, it may not be as fast as my A700, but it gets the job done quite well and quality is definitely better than PNS many times....

Also the dedicated video button is always available, meaning you can press it anytime without switching the dial and record video at any instance.

One important thing is when you are out for casual outing at shopping malls or just a stroll along the playground, often when you take out your DSLR, it will attract unnecessary attention from the public.

With GF1, it's more like PNS shape and size which more or less makes it easier for the public to be at ease...though it still attracts attention for it's UNIQUE camera....:sweat:

I have owned D90 before and capturing video is actually quite a hassle with manual focus. 500D can do AF but the AF motor is quite noisy....of course unless u pair it with expensive USM lenses...

GF1 video is almost as good as videocam....in fact, in AVCHD mode, it's excellent!

IMO, GF1 is definitely not a DSLR replacement but it is no doubt a very FAMILY oriented camera for fathers...
For photographers, a DSLR is still a must for optimal quality.

 

[alc217]

@Ouverture

When I was playing around with my GF1 over the past weekend, I had a really tough time catching my friend's kids running around Imperial Teo Chew @ Taka (not exactly the brightest of restaurants). Trying not to use flash to disturb other diners, I was cranking it up to ISO 800 (didn't want to introduce too much noise) in Shutter Priority (to make sure the shutter was fast enough), I either had blurred pics (i.e. shutter too slow), or I had missed the shot (kid moved too quickly). I didn't have my D80 with me, so no chance to compare response speed, but I never had this problem before in similar situations. Sounds like you have the right settings in place to catch your kids...

At a generic level, can you share your thoughts on this? (maybe kids were too close or surroundings were too dark.....)

Thanks.

 

[TsQ]

@Ouverture

When I was playing around with my GF1 over the past weekend, I had a really tough time catching my friend's kids running around Imperial Teo Chew @ Taka (not exactly the brightest of restaurants). Trying not to use flash to disturb other diners, I was cranking it up to ISO 800 (didn't want to introduce too much noise) in Shutter Priority (to make sure the shutter was fast enough), I either had blurred pics (i.e. shutter too slow), or I had missed the shot (kid moved too quickly). I didn't have my D80 with me, so no chance to compare response speed, but I never had this problem before in similar situations. Sounds like you have the right settings in place to catch your kids...

At a generic level, can you share your thoughts on this? (maybe kids were too close or surroundings were too dark.....)

Thanks.

ur GF1 using which lens?

 

[Ouverture]

@Ouverture

When I was playing around with my GF1 over the past weekend, I had a really tough time catching my friend's kids running around Imperial Teo Chew @ Taka (not exactly the brightest of restaurants). Trying not to use flash to disturb other diners, I was cranking it up to ISO 800 (didn't want to introduce too much noise) in Shutter Priority (to make sure the shutter was fast enough), I either had blurred pics (i.e. shutter too slow), or I had missed the shot (kid moved too quickly). I didn't have my D80 with me, so no chance to compare response speed, but I never had this problem before in similar situations. Sounds like you have the right settings in place to catch your kids...

At a generic level, can you share your thoughts on this? (maybe kids were too close or surroundings were too dark.....)

Thanks.

Actually with kids running around in low lit condition, even my A700 with prime lens at F1.4 may have hard time and needs to use bursting shot to get at least 2-3 sharp ones out of maybe 10.

I have both the pancake and 14-45 lenses. Actually both has their pros and cons. Pancake has ability to go to F1.7 but it's focusing speed is not as fast and AF motor is noticeable though still silent enough not to be detected during video. And it does not have IS, so have to ensure shutter speed is at least 1/30s or more to avoid handshake.

14-45 is quite fast in focusing, even in dim light, however, it's max aperture is only F3.5 at wide angle but it has IS so even at 1/20s or so still can get quite sharp pictures.

What I did when I am in low light condition, I use pancake at F2.0, ISO800 and I could get shutter of about 1/30s. The trick is actually to preamp the directions that the kids are running and point the cam in preparation. Use the continuous AF mode. Try not to use Dynamic or Vibrant mode as it will bring unnecessary noise. Standard is good enough, just bump up the saturation and sharpness by 1 level if you deem ok.

It really needs lots of practice in order to get some good sharp kids pictures.

If outdoor, 14-45 should be ok for fast moving kids.

I also find the AWB is quite cool to my liking, however, photoshop can fix that easily.

 

[kingfishers]

Yes, agreeable with u,it is really a very compact camera and shooting video is just a finger press and everything is on screen,just love it,having playing with my Dslr A 900 N A700 they are two different set up.:think:

 

[TsQ]

guess this camera is for those ppl who really dislike a DSLR size...

but for those who already got a DSLR, it seems to be more like letting fo a bit of performance for the sake of the smaller size GF1

i fear if i change to GF1.. and it does not satisfy what i need.. then its gonna be a waste in some way as i need to go back to a dslr

 

[eow]

@Ouverture

When I was playing around with my GF1 over the past weekend, I had a really tough time catching my friend's kids running around Imperial Teo Chew @ Taka (not exactly the brightest of restaurants). Trying not to use flash to disturb other diners, I was cranking it up to ISO 800 (didn't want to introduce too much noise) in Shutter Priority (to make sure the shutter was fast enough), I either had blurred pics (i.e. shutter too slow), or I had missed the shot (kid moved too quickly). I didn't have my D80 with me, so no chance to compare response speed, but I never had this problem before in similar situations. Sounds like you have the right settings in place to catch your kids...

At a generic level, can you share your thoughts on this? (maybe kids were too close or surroundings were too dark.....)

Thanks.

try to shoot using rear sync flash in shutter priority mode set with shutter speed to less than 1/6 sec and below.u will see multiple image of the kids running around. and yes the pic will still be relatively sharp some more

 

[Ouverture]

guess this camera is for those ppl who really dislike a DSLR size...

but for those who already got a DSLR, it seems to be more like letting fo a bit of performance for the sake of the smaller size GF1

i fear if i change to GF1.. and it does not satisfy what i need.. then its gonna be a waste in some way as i need to go back to a dslr

I guess many people will ask you the "magic question". "What in your DSLR that you find preventing you from taking pictures?"

If you can take the weight and size of the DSLR comfortably and can live with it, then better stick with your DSLR as GF1/EP1 is definitely not going to perform better or as good.

If you want something smaller in size but sacrifice some IQ and performance whilst able to take good AF videos, then GF1 is suitable.

The situation is like this, esp with kids:

1) If you know that you are definitely going to shoot some pictures with your family, then take DSLR out for best quality.

2) If you know you are going to take some photos and maybe videos while do not want to lug around a weight, then GF1/EP1.

3) If you do not know whether you are going to take any pictures, bring your PNS along.

 

[TsQ]

Ouverture : thks for ur view.. i quite agree..

if only i can hv the extra $$ to buy the GF1 without the need to sell off my DSLR.. then all problem solved..hahaha..

 

[anonymousnoises]

This makes a lot of sense. THANKS!

 

[alc217]

Thanks for all the input guys... Still trying to get used to the camera!

 

[wildcat]

@TsQ

The GF1 is slower (focus and shutter) compared to SLRs. So you need to think carefully about what you're going to use the GF1 for. At the end of the day, I find that it's a fun camera to carry around all the time and I get some great quality out of it... but it will never replace my dSLR (Nikon D80). The GF1 (and I've heard similar complaints about the EP-1) is too slow to even catch kids running around.

Interested to see what set up you have and the pix you took. Care to share (with EXIF details)?

 

[crealism]

I currently have a Lumix FX-36..was thinking of upgrading to a DSLR (possibly Nikon D3000) but out came the GF-1.

Should I get a GF-1 or Nikon D3000? The main reason why I wanna upgrade is due to better image quality..and the main thing attracting me to GF-1 is its size..but 1.2k is really steep for a student like me and D3000 is in about the same price range too. =\ Dilemma. (I'm a female so the bulkiness of a DSLR is a huge turn-off, plus I like to take pictures on nature hikes..landscapes..so it's really a dread to carry a DSLR around on backpack trips. But I'm afraid GF-1's quality is not comparable to a DSLR and I would be wasting priceless photo opportunities)

Should I:
1) Sell off my Lumix FX-36 and buy the GF-1 (Convenience of both DSLR + PnS)
or
2) Keep the Lumix FX-36, and get a D3000? (so I can have the convenience of a PnS when the D3000 is too troublesome)

 

[AxeLa]

I currently have a Lumix FX-36..was thinking of upgrading to a DSLR (possibly Nikon D3000) but out came the GF-1.

Should I get a GF-1 or Nikon D3000? The main reason why I wanna upgrade is due to better image quality..and the main thing attracting me to GF-1 is its size..but 1.2k is really steep for a student like me and D3000 is in about the same price range too. =\ Dilemma. (I'm a female so the bulkiness of a DSLR is a huge turn-off, plus I like to take pictures on nature hikes..landscapes..so it's really a dread to carry a DSLR around on backpack trips. But I'm afraid GF-1's quality is not comparable to a DSLR and I would be wasting priceless photo opportunities)

Should I:
1) Sell off my Lumix FX-36 and buy the GF-1 (Convenience of both DSLR + PnS)
or
2) Keep the Lumix FX-36, and get a D3000? (so I can have the convenience of a PnS when the D3000 is too troublesome)

Option 2 better, mine is GF 1 + D700 for pns and dslr.....shiokz..:thumbsup: