Panasonic X zooms

These new very small, very light zooms from Panasonic certainly make sense as far as recent cameras such as the GF3 and the small Olympus Pens go. The 45-175mm is only 210g and that strikes me as a great lens to take out for a days landscape shooting.

Dpreview have a video here - http://vimeo.com/28155955 - of the power zoom function on the 14-42mm lens and it does seem very fiddly. This lens is probably far too "gadgety" for me, but I guess if you want a camera and zoom to put in your pocket that delivers great image quality then it will be available soon.

43Rumors have also shown an image of two "pro-spec" zooms.

 

http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-hot-panasonic-x-12-35-and-35-100mm-fast-zooms/ 

Nice to know that Panasonic are still interested in what might be described as the "serious" m4/3 market. Personally I'm hoping that the NEX-7 might persuade them to come out with a "serious" body as well as these lenses.

Despite my misgivings about its "halfway-house" handgrip, I must admit to being seriously impressed with the G3. I'm going to do a short review of it fairly soon. It is a seriously good camera and has a couple of brilliant featres in its pinpoint focus option and the fact that when manually focusing lenses you can have a small magnified section in the centre of the screen while keeping the normal view. Very useful.

I hope Panasonic do think again about this policy of constantly reducing the size of their cameras. I blew up a shot taken with the G3 plus the 25mm f/1.4 lens to the size of one of the Sony A77 images I converted and in terms of sharpness they looked pretty much the same. Certainly the images I'm getting off the G3 compare very favourably (and I certainly prefer them) with those I get from my NEX-C3 at low ISO's.

Update - there are now more details on the forthcoming "pro-spec" zooms.
http://www.43rumors.com/real-images-of-the-12-35mm-and-35-10mm-fast-x-zooms/

Is this as good as micro four thirds gets? Where does it go from here?

Panasonic GH2 20mm f/1.7

The question "Is this as good as micro four thirds gets?" is not meant in a negative way. The combination of the GH2 sensor and the 20mm and 45mm Panasonic lenses would be most peoples choices for the best quality in both camera and lenses.

Indeed I've certainly found this to be the case. By using top quality m-mount lenses, the Voigtlander 25mm and the Leica D 4/3 lenses, I have been able to get slightly sharper results from the GH2, but in terms of the system itself these two prime lenses give very satisfactory results.

Panasonic GH2 45mm f/2.8

There is however the question of where does it go from here? The GH2 has managed to combined more pixels with better high ISO performance, and I believe its the case that this ratio of MP's to noise will continue to improve. However there is always the question as to whether the choice of the smaller sensor is going ultimately to "loose out" in the long run to the APS-C size used by other manufacturers.

Panasonic GH2 20mm f/1.7  

In terms of what I've used, I see two different comparisons. Neither the Sony NEX or Samsung NX systems have so far proved to me that they are superior to m4/3. I've tried a NEX-5, an NX-10 and NX-100 and none of those cameras have persuaded me to give up my m4/3 cameras and lenses. However the Fuji X100 is a different proposition. The APS-C sensor in this camera produces stunning results. Quite simply, for me, the best non-full frame sensor I've ever used, both in terms of sharpness of results and high ISO performance. 

So while Panasonic and Olympus, look to me to be holding their own against Samsung and Sony (Though the rumoured 24MP sensor for the NEX, may change this significantly) the Fuji has indicated just how good the slightly bigger sensor can be.

Panasonic GH2 45mm f/2.8

So can m4/3 compete with this? Or should they even be trying? There are already indications that Panasonic and Olympus and indeed Sony are competing now in what might be called the "miniturisation market". Ever smaller cameras, trying to attract the lucrative "point and shoot" compact market. Again, only rumours but it seems both Panasonic and Olympus have smaller m4/3 cameras on the verge of being announced. 

However, they face a lot of competition and it could be argued that the particular uniqueness of the system is being lost.

Panasonic GH2 20mm f/1.7  

So have these companies finally decided that the best chance for profit is going down the small camera > upgrade path rather than the DSLR > high quality smaller lighter alternative one?

Personally I hope not. I hope that the E-P2 and GF1 don't become extinct lines. The fuss over the X100 (and it shows no signs of stopping) has indicated a tremendous interest and demand for a camera of this type. 

Though Fuji have obviously been affected by the recent disasters in terms of supply, they also admitted that they vastly underestimated the demand for their camera and hadn't made enough to fulfill pre-orders. Add in to this the fact that Voigtlander also underestimated how many people would want their 25mm f/0.95, and that is constantly in short supply, and the difficulties Leica had in their first year of making enough M9's to satisfy demand.

There is, I believe, a huge market for quality equipment. Smaller than the market for compacts certainly, but how big I guess nobody knows. Its certainly a market that tends to buy more gear and probably spends more money on it. 

I hope that m4/3 doesn't ignore this, to a large extent obviously because I'm part of it!, but also because I believe its an important part of the market. Not just because of its spending power but because its the most vocal, and the most likely to try new things (or in the case of some of the equipment I've mentioned - old things!) Panasonic and Olympus are in a prime position to take advantage of this. 

Its certainly going to be interesting to see what Olympus particularly come up with next. That will, I think, give us a very good idea as to where m4/3 is headed. We can then decide if its for us or not.

Panasonic GH2 45mm f/2.8

Making Panasonic colours more like Canon??

http://www.eoshd.com/content/599-Tips-and-tricks-for-making-Panasonic-look-more-like-Canon

Much as I like the EOSHD site and indeed I have it listed here as a site you might enjoy, this is a mysterious post. Trying to make the output from a Panasonic GH2 camera look more like that from a Canon DSLR is a jaw-dropping concept as far as I am concerned. My initial reaction was WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THAT!!!!! Andrew must be using very different Canon cameras to the ones I've used. 

I read with incredulity - 

"Panasonic's colour science is very technically correct but not as emotionally satisfying as Canon's, here's how to change that.

I've always preferred the more cinematic colour on Canon DSLRs. The 5D Mark II pleased me with it's vivid rich tones, the 7D gives a beautifully warm image, very cinematic and the 600D also does a better job with colour overall than the GH2."

Even more perplexing is his solution, which is to use the Nostalgic preset with a bit of tweaking. I looked at the date, and no it wasn't published on April 1st. So I guess he's serious. He is talking primarily about video and jpgs, but even so. Anyone who has read anything here will know that I bang on and on about Canon cameras and my opinion about what I see as dull, uninspiring colour.

It just goes to show how different peoples tastes and perceptions are. Have a look and see what you think. It is an excellent site, and this is only one in a series of excellent articles. 

Right now I'm off to try his suggestion - you never know!!!!

 

2011 Predictions

Its a new year, and time to make a few predictions for 2011. Total speculation, since I have no insider knowledge, and with a few fantasy / wish list items masquerading as "possibilities". One day this terrible weather, dull and cold, might disappear and I could actually get out and take some pictures. Writing about cameras is fun, but I'd rather be using them.

NIKON

For what seems like years there's been speculation about a D700 upgrade. Basically people want the D3X sensor in a D700 type body. There's rumours of a D800 or D900 doing this and I can see it happening. The D3X is 2 yrs + old and Nikon probably feel that they can "allow" that sensor, or something like it, into a more enthusiast level (cheaper) camera. It will of cause get bought by professionals, who are as reluctant to pay high prices as anybody else.

The D300 is also getting somewhat old. It seems obvious that the D7000 sensor will get added to a higher end body & we'll get an upgrade. D400?

A D4 is due also. I would imagine slightly more pixels - 16MP? - with better video and the same high ISO performance as the D3, maybe not as good as the D3S. 

The rumour about Nikon and mirrorless, is for a small, interchangeable camera with a sensor somewhere between a compact camera and m4/3. They will introduce it, probably because they feel they should, but their heart won't be in it. Despite rumours to the contrary DSLR's aren't going anywhere for a while. With companies like Samsung and Olympus dropping out out of that field, Nikon have even less competition than before. Systems like m4/3 are very popular in the far east but the huge US and European markets are much more DSLR orientated and likely to remain so for some time. The DSLR isn't dead and likely to remain the dominant camera in these markets for years to come.

On lenses I'm no Nikon expert so I'm not going to attempt any predictions other than a new 24-70mm f/2.8 with VR.

CANON

A 1Ds Mk IV is due. Canon are currently behind Nikon in the MP race, so expect a pixel hike. The rumours are for a 32MP full frame sensor. Expect upgraded video also. I Imagine they will keep the same body shape.

At some point in the year a 600D is due, if Canon follow their usual timetable. However the 550D was such a well-specified camera its difficult to see where they can go. Would they add more MP's and make their low-end enthusiast camera have more than the 7D or 60D? I can't see that happening. So if no more MP's, there's not much point in upgrading. 

I can't see Canon only releasing one camera in the year, so will we see a 5D Mk III earlier than expected? If they follow the timetable it should be appearing at the end of the year, but maybe it will be announced late summer. I see this as a camera concentrating on video. My guess is that it will be the best specified video DSLR they can come up with. Slightly more MP's, maybe 25MP, to equal the D3X, articulated screen, raw output for video etc. 5D Mk II's are getting used to make movies and TV programmes so its logical to go in that direction.

My off the wall prediction is for some designed for video lenses for the continuous AF they will introduce in both the 1ds Mk III and 5D Mk III. How many and what type, I don't know, but I think Canon see themselves as the "inventors" of DSLR video and I think they are probably ticked off at people saying the Panasonic GH2 is a better camera for video. 2011 is the year they show the world that Canon is the leader in that field.

A mirrorless Canon? Everything I read and see tells me not. I don't think they believe in it and they are so far behind, they will have to get a lot of lenses on the market very quickly. The EIS system? Sounds total fantasy land me. A 22MP m4/3 size sensor, with ultra-fast small primes? Sounds great, and who wouldn't want it, but apart from the first rumour back in September everything has gone quiet. This obviously means it will announced next week!! 

SONY

OK, here's a real stick your neck prediction. Sony are a company that are big enough to try something daring and just shrug it off if it fails. They have a large range of DSLR's and will probably upgrade a few of them. They will also expand the NEX system and add more lenses, probably smaller than what they have. 

However I believe that the big news will come at the high end. I think they still want to be a player in the full-frame pro market. The A900 and A850 weren't the cameras to achieve this, so what do they do? I think they will go in another direction. My prediction is that they will go for a monster! A full-frame 32MP pellicle-mirror, EVF, full HD video with continous AF, raw output, hybrid stills / video camera. This will be an attempt to take out Nikon and Canon in one go, as they will price it at something like £3000. It will be their attempt to grab the pro / high end enthusiast market. It may also be a radical design, Sony have no qualms about that, and may look like the offspring of a DSLR and a video camera. They will also introduce a range of high-end video friendly lenses, designed with Zeiss, which will be phenomenally expensive.

So this is my (first) outrageous prediction for 2011. Read on for the second.

PANASONIC

The GH2 and GF1 are recently announced, so what will Panasonic announce? Well I see a 25mm f/1.4 and a "pro" zoom. Maybe the 12-75mm F/2.8 thats been talked about, which could explain the lack of a wide-angle prime so far. 

However, I see the big news as a collaboration with Leica on a GF1 follow-up. Despite both companies talking down their association, I see it as in both their interests to continue this. This camera will be primarily made by Panasonic, with design input from Leica. I believe it will have retro aspects but be modern. However in Leica tradition it will look uncluttered and simple. It will take the Panasonic EVF and have an optional optical viewfinder. To go with it there will a small number of Leica MF primes with a m4/3 mount. These will of course be very expensive and be outside of the current Panasonic range. 

So the second outrageous prediction, though I will admit this is bordering very closely on personal wish fulfillment!!

LEICA

See above. More S2 lenses - possibly an X2 announcement - dealing with all the criticisms of the X1. Some M-lens revamps. 

OLYMPUS

My initial thoughts on Olympus were "I haven't got a clue" On thinking about it more I came up with "I still haven't got a clue!" E-PL2, and E-P3 are obvious, with minor improvements. More lenses, including a 12mm prime. Apart from that I really can't see where they can go. They need something radical. A mirrorless vehicle for the 4/3 lens range is possible, but they don't want to hurt E-5 sales. Maybe a quiet year for Olympus.

PENTAX

I think they will build on the success of the K-5 and the 645D. A new mid-range camera is probably on the cards.

There are very strong rumours about a mirrorless camera. I think this may happen, and may be a vehicle for their existing range of small and pancake lenses. I don't think they will join m4/3 but will go their own way like Samsung and Sony. If they do announce something, and do remember Pentax aren't the fastest in this regard, then I think it will be an APS-C camera. I don't think it will be super small in order to accommodate their existing lenses, and may be designed to resemble their heritage cameras. Spotmatic or MZ series possibly?

SAMSUNG

We already know that its NX all the way. I see more cameras and lenses next year, with a Sony like strategy to include a camera at every conceivable price point. Maybe a new sensor with more MP's. A high-end compact could also appear.

FUJI


Fuji obviously have everything tied up with the X100. I see no more DSLR's from them. Everything depends on how good the X100 actually is and whether there is an appetite for this kind of retro styled compact in the mass market. If it remains a niche market then it may be heading for collectable status in a few years time. At its price point it has to be really good, otherwise it will sink without trace.

SIGMA


Is the SD1 with its 15MP (In real terms) Foveon sensor too late or is it going to blow everything else away. We will see. Probably neither. Always destined to be a niche product I think, though they do have an amazing lens range for it!!


I think 2011 will be the year that Sigma start producing lenses for the mirrorless / e.v.i.l systems. With the growth in this market, can they afford to ignore it? Maybe a few lenses to start with for m4/3 and Sony NEX.

RICOH


I assume we'll see more modules for the GXR. 




So there it is, my predictions for 2011. If these all come true, I'm off down the bookies for 2012!


David

Panasonic & m4/3 - where are they headed?

A thread has been started here:- http://www.flickr.com/groups/lumixlovers/discuss/72157625405830370/ by one of my friends from the flickr site. My response is quoted below.



"I am also concerned about the direction that Panasonic seem to be headed towards. The system with its well-specified cameras attracts all sorts of users and it is possible to use m4/3 for a variety of purposes and at a number of different levels. 


Those of us that use the cameras to earn our living are always looking for high quality lenses. While the 14mm, 20mm and 45mm are appreciated it seems a pity that I have to look elsewhere for my really fast primes. My recent purchases, the Voigtlander 25mm f0.95, 35mm f1.4 and 75mm f1.8 do an excellent job with my GH1 & GF1, but they are all manual focus lenses and for many situations AF is required. 


I realise that the system is only just over two years old, and in many ways still developing, but I was surprised that  fisheye and 3-D lenses were given priority over a fast wide-angle prime or fast portrait lens.


I was also surprised that the GF2 wasn't the upgraded GF1 that I was expecting, but a camera aimed at a different market. The GF1 is now a "orphaned" camera and seemingly abandoned in favour of a super compact. 


By starting the m4/3 system in the first place, with its interchangeable lenses and high specification, Panasonic raised expectations as to what the system could provide. Many of us championed its use and praised its virtues. We would like to see a continuation of that development and promise with the addition of lenses that take advantage of those virtues and take the system forward. 


There's no objection here to cameras like the GF2, but I'm certainly not alone in feeling that it should have been a different product line, with a different evolution. With the GH2 Panasonic have clearly shown that they can challenge the DSLR and many of us who are tired of carrying around heavy and bulky systems are encouraged by this. 


When m4/3 first appeared I saw a high-end, quality orientated system that could provide a very real alternative to the DSLR, for beginners, enthusiasts and professionals alike. I hope that there isn't a lowest common denominator approach beginning to surface in the face of competition from elsewhere. Panasonic held the high ground here and it is to be hoped that they don't abandon it in favour of what they see as a more populist approach, and loose many of the people who were so enthusiastic about the system in the first place, along the way."

Panasonic and Leica

If somebody had said to me a few years ago that in late 2010 I would be using Panasonic cameras and lenses and eagerly awaiting their latest release I would not have believed them. A microwave or TV perhaps, but a Camera?!!

So why am I now looking to a Japanese electronics giant for innovation, quality and usability in my equipment needs, rather than to the places I looked before, Nikon, Pentax & Canon?

In the article by Michael Reichmann on the Panasonic GH2 there are some interesting quotes.

"At Photokina in 2006 I had dinner with a senior executive in the photographic industry. We were talking about the historical market battle between Nikon and Canon. At one point he paused and said, "You know – the future doesn't belong to either of those two. The future of the photographic industry belongs to Sony and Panasonic. They get it. As far as I can tell, neither Canon nor Nikon do. They're simply putting higher resolution and cleaner sensors in the same old boring cameras. That's not just what the future of this industry is about. Wait – you'll see". 

"But, for anyone that's been seriously involved with photography for more than a couple of years, it finally dawns that now, more than a decade into the digital revolution, the differences that we saw – first between film and digital – and now between similarly specs brands, is often de minimus. This means that to make sense of our buying decisions we need to also include haptics and ergonomics. A camera that produces great image quality is desirable, but one that fights you every step of the way with poorly conceived controls and awkward user interface eventually just becomes a pain in the ass. If one is a Sunday photographer, then a lot of design faults can either be overlooked or can be lived with. But for the more serious photographer, and especially working pros and others who use their cameras daily to earn some or all of their living, bad designs simply can't be tolerated.

Which brings us to the Panasonic GH2 specifically, and the G series in particular. Unlike some of its competitors, Panasonic "gets" user interface from a photographer's perspective."

"At the risk of repeating myself, this is a photographer's camera. By this I mean that it was clearly designed by people who use cameras and understand their role as tools, not just by marketing and engineering types looking to win the spec and shelf appeal wars, even if it means that the camera's design is a dog's breakfast of poorly designed menus and awkwardly place controls."

There's nothing I would disagree with in any of that. 

On the 24th July 2001 there was an interesting announcement. Panasonic and Leica had joined forces to produce digital cameras. There was a phrase in the press announcement that said "Panasonic, is a minor player in the digital camera market" 

As we know this relationship went on to produce compact small sensor cameras, until Panasonic dipped their toes into the DSLR world with two "odd" cameras. First came the L1, and its Leica counterpart, the Digilux3. This was a retro styled brick of a camera that bore little similarity to the rest of the market. It had its charms but was not a big seller. Panasonic had chosen the 4/3 standard for its sensor, allowing the use of Olympus and other lenses on its product. The next camera was the L10, much more a conventional looking DSLR, but with little innovations such as an articulated screen. Again it wasn't a huge seller.

In addition to the cameras, Panasonic, in conjunction with Leica, produced a small (4) lens range. Two kit lenses for the L series cameras, a superzoom and a fast "standard" lens. Those who read here will know my enthusiasm for these lenses. I really don't know who made the decision to make these lenses to such a high standard, but the result was four of the best digital camera lenses ever made. No compromise in terms of quality, or size, weight and price either!! This decision made the camera / lens combinations very expensive, but also established Panasonic as a photographic company to be taken seriously.

It wouldn't have taken a overpaid business guru to come up with the realisation that their 4/3 excursions with Leica weren't going to make Panasonic a fortune, so a rethink was obviously necessary. From this we got m4/3.

Are the quotes from Michael Reichmann's article and the above connected? Not being a member of Panasonics inner sanctum, I can of course only speculate. But if as a "minor player in the digital market" you choose to enter into a partnership with probably the most respected camera company in the world, then this either shows serious intent or divine providence. 

The Panasonic relationship with Leica is still going, but only on the compact camera front, and now Leica with the X1 are moving into that area themselves. 

To me it looks like Panasonic have benefited from their association with Leica. I agree with Michael Reichmann that the Panasonic G series are cameras for photographers. Much as I love my E-P2 as an aesthetic object, my GH1 is a much easier camera to use, well thought-out and designed to take pictures, rather than look good. Whether I'm overstating the Leica influence, who knows, but I've never believed in co-incidence much.

Yesterday I went out with my GH1 fitted with the Leica D 14-50mm Vario-Elmar f3.8-5.6. This is the kit lens for the Panasonic L10. You'll be familiar by now with my rave reviews of these lenses and this is no exception. This is the slower, lighter and smaller (though marginally) 4/3 zoom of the three that Panasonic and Leica produced. However it may well be the best. In combination with the GH1 sensor the results were simply breathtaking. I've gone on (and on and on!) about the 14-150mm but I think the 14-50mm may be better. The results at 50mm are a whisker away from what I'm getting with the Olympus 50mm f/2 macro. I can still see a slight difference, but its very close. 

Panasonic used a scaled down L10 body design for m4/3 but came up with a different kit zoom, the 14-45mm. They would have done this for reasons of economy, size, weight and price. So there are now 2 orphaned cameras and 4 orphaned lenses languishing in the somewhat shrinking world of 4/3. Before they disappear from sight I'm planning to do a bit of small-scale collecting and have both cameras and all four lenses. The lenses will of course get used with my m4/3 cameras. They are chunky, bulky, unremarkable looking pieces of plastic and glass but they produce the some of the sharpest images I've ever seen, and to own all four may not be what I need but thats never stopped me before!

D 

Some indications as to where (m)4/3 might be going.

A couple of interesting interviews:-
http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-no-new-16-megapixel-sensor-for-the-panasonic-gf2/

http://www.biofos.com/esystem/q&a_terada.html

It seems that as was always probable, Olympus and Panasonic are going in different directions. Though from the second interview, trying to work out where Olympus are going is not easy, with a series of fairly non-committal answers. Though much of both of these interviews could be lost in translation.


Some things do emerge. Firstly the new Panasonic (16MP) sensor is seemingly reserved for the GH2 and won't be making it across to either other Panasonic models or indeed to Olympus. The current GH1 sensor isn't in any other camera either, so the pattern is repeated.


The second is that the future of 4/3 as opposed to m4/3 is uncertain. Who knows what will happen?





However there was the point made that lenses last longer than cameras. Fortunately many 4/3 lenses will work very well with m4/3 and at least have some kind of future there. 


Since my favourite lens is a 4/3 lens and I have a couple more bought S/H arriving today I have more than a passing interest in this. Neither the 4/3 or m4/3 mounts strike me as having the longevity of the Nikon F-Mount, Pentax K-Mount and Leica M-Mount, though there will always probably be adapters available. I would imagine that owners of some of the most expensive Zuiko 4/3 lens may be concerned as to what kind of cameras may be available for them in the future. Do they have to look after their E5 very carefully, or can they expect another model, whether a DSLR or some kind of m4/3 - 4/3 hybrid to appear a year or two down the line?


I've always been somewhat disappointed by the 4/3 cameras that Olympus have produced. They are usually well-designed but the sensors have always seemed to produce soft results to me. I would hope that they might be encouraged to take a radical approach to future developments. 


Would I be alone in thinking that a retro-styled small camera, in the shape of something like a Contax G series with a non-AA Kodak 14 or 16MP 4/3 sensor could be the way to go? Make it compatible with 4/3 and m4/3, which would probably mean its m4/3 with an adapter included. No new lens range needed, a home for all existing lenses and a niche market to aim at. Surely Olympus are aware that they are never going to compete with Nikon, Canon or even Sony in the DSLR market. If they aren't then there's no hope for them. Surely they also realise that people who choose Olympus, whether 4/3 or m4/3 are looking for something a little different. They really aren't looking for a Nikon or Canon substitute. They may also own a DSLR and are looking for a smaller, lighter system. 


All the buzz about the Fuji X100 at Photokina and the column inches it created gives an idea as to what a market for this might be. We are all aware that Olympus don't do cheap. If we're going to have to pay Olympus prices for cameras and lenses why don't they give us something that looks and feels classy and takes terrific pictures? To keep on turning out underperforming, uninspiring DSLR clones isn't going to take them anywhere, is it? The Pens are terrific, a real blend of classic design and modern technology. The 4/3 format still has potential, but it needs a radical re-think, I believe. I'm a potential customer, but currently I'm just restricting my custom to picking up some of the wonderful 4/3 lenses that become available S/H to use on my m4/3 cameras, with a particular view to using them on the forthcoming GH2.


I suspect Olympus have no real plan for 4/3 because they probably have no real idea of how it will perform in terms of sales over the next few years. They aren't designing new lenses and they are probably not producing many new ones in their factories. How many are convertible to m4/3 is open to question and some of the "big boys" like the 14-35mm F2 need something substantial to carry them. Maybe the demise of 4/3 could have its benefits and lenses like the 14-35mm would suddenly become ridiculously cheap! 


However the demise of any system, particularly one that has such quality lenses as 4/3, is a narrowing of choice, and I for one would be disappointed if it disappeared. However sentiment and business don't mix well and if it goes it goes. Hopefully if it does my 14-150mm and other lenses will still be trundling away on the end of whatever I can fit them onto.


D

Panasonic 4/3

I've always had a fascination for the Panasonic 4/3 range. This consisted of two cameras, the L1 and L10 and four lenses made and designed in conjunction with Leica. The 14-150mm Zoom, 25mm f1.4 prime and two 14-50mm zooms, one f2.8-3.5 and the other f3.8-5.6. I've used an L1 and its Leica version the Digilux 3.





These are "bricks" of cameras. Only 7.5MP but capable of excellent results.


However I've always been more interested in the lenses.








In a recent post talking about the 14-150mm zoom- http://soundimageplus.blogspot.com/2010/10/zoom-that-breaks-rules.html I mentioned the 14-50mm f3.8-5.6 lens and that I knew virtually nothing about it. I've since tracked down a review of the lens and the L10 camera it was bundled with at:-
http://www.photozone.de/dslr_reviews/401_panasonic_lumix_dmc_l10 
where it got a good review. Then yesterday while having a look at the website of a second hand dealer I use I saw they had an L10 and this lens at a very good price, and realising the karma of the coincidence I am seriously considering trying it out. Assuming it hasn't been bought already expect to see some samples soon.


D

Panasonic Lumix GH2 announced

Its finally been announced. The GH2 has arrived.
Preview at Dpreview - http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonicdmcgh2/
Sample shot with 14mm f/2.5 lens - http://panasonic.jp/dc/gallery/sample/gh2/P1010175.JPG

So thats today taken care of, finding the UK dealer that will take my pre-order.


Lots of improvements on GH1.


Image sizes - 
4x3 is 4608 x 3456 16MP > 45MB
3x2 is 4752 x 3168 15MP > 43MB
16x9 is 4976 x 2800 14MP > 39MB
1x1 is 3456 x 3456 12MP > 34MB


I love shooting in 16 x 9 and now there will be just under 40MB of those. Makes the square option useful too.


Better video options, Better body grip (rather tasty silver and black finish too) Faster AF, Better screen, Higher maximum ISO, 5fps burst rate. 


Basically if you're looking for the closest that you can get to "Pro" m4/3 this is it. Panasonic have obviously taken note of how the GH1 has been used, and the fact that many of us have been using it as a work camera for both stills and video. They have upgraded accordingly. 


The increased pixel count is very useful to a stock photographer like me. It makes using the 16 x 9, 3 x 2 and even the 1 x 1 options a real alternative. All the other "go-faster" tweaks should hopefully prove to be equally useful. I suspect that this is the camera that finally takes me into non-DSLR territory on a permanent basis. With the work that I do, and having just given up shooting weddings, I can see the GH2 giving me pretty much everything I need. M4/3 started off as an "interesting concept", moved into "hey these cameras are really good" territory and may now be on the verge of  "why am I carrying this DSLR around anymore?" I'm already at this latter point and have been waiting somewhat impatiently for the confirmation of the internet rumours about the GH2. 


In terms of what I shoot on video, it should also prove to be an improvement. I'm not going to be shooting broadcast standard HD television programmes for the BBC, or make movies on it, so its perfectly adequate for my needs. To be honest the GH1 was fine anyway. The commercial video work I (we) do is geared towards websites, DVD's and presentations. The GH2 is going to handle that ease, as well as being much easier to use than the Canons I have at the moment. 


With the GH2 I will have access to the largest range of lenses possible. With adapters you can put virtually anything on to the front of a m4/3 camera. Panasonic have introduced two more lenses to their range today. A 14mm (28mm 135 equivalent) f/2.5 pancake lens that apparently weighs 55g and looks like a thick lens cap and a 100-300 Image stabilised zoom that weighs 10x as much as the pancake but gives a 135 equivalent of a 600mm f/5.6. Whether or not I consider these lenses is doubtful as I have a good selection of lenses for my m4/3 outfit including of course my M-Mounts. I will be getting the Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 as soon as I can get my hands on one.


All in all its pretty much what I was hoping for, and ticks lots of boxes for me. Its just a question of waiting till I can get my hands on one.


D

Light

All pictures - Panasonic GH1 Panasonic Leica 14-140mm zoom

In landscape photography light plays an important part. The current non-summer we are experiencing has meant that its been in short supply of late. These pictures with their dramatic bursts of sunlight against a dark stormy sky were a few seconds of magic in a mainly dull afternoon.





In the absence of good light, by which we usually mean sunlight, there are other alternatives available. A concentration on form, shape and texture and using flat dull conditions that give an even and uniform illumination can produce images that work well.  








By keeping pictures light, and by using Photoshop to boost contrast its possible to create images that take advantage of often unpromising conditions.








Unfortunately in the UK we get lots of time to practice these techniques.




STOP PRESS.


At the end of yet another dull grey day the sun came out with rich golden light. I raced to get a couple of shots. It really is living on scraps at the moment.

Photographers are idiots right?

Photographers are idiots right? We all want point and shoot don't we? Pressing the big button on the top is the limit of our photographic expertise, isn't it?


Well not according to Panasonic.


See:- http://www.dpreview.com/news/1007/10072108panasonicdmcfz100.asp for the ultimate in "point and shoot" sophistication. 

Fisheye Lenses

This is a video shot with a Panasonic GH1 and the new 8mm Fisheye lens. As per usual my reaction to fisheye lenses is a few seconds of "Oh thats interesting" followed by "Well thats enough of that" I've tried a few in my time, even bought a couple, but they never lasted long.

The question has been asked by many people, including myself, as to why Panasonic have spent their time developing and manufacturing a (very expensive) niche product when the photographic community who are seriously interested in m4/3 are clamouring for fast prime lenses.

How come we get the 8mm before the 14mm f2.5? Just how many of these do Panasonic think they will sell? Do they imagine that we'll all rush out and buy one of these and "bendy" distorted images will sweep the world?

Do companies take note of what gets discussed and requested on the internet? I assumed that they did. However how many of you have read posts by people saying that they can't live without an 8mm fisheye? I may have been missing something, but I haven't seen any. I've lost count of the numbers of posts I've seen saying how much people would love a 12mm f2 or 10mm f2.8 that has the same IQ as the 20mm f1.7. I'd certainly put myself on the list for that.

However we get the 8mm. It was always on the Panasonic roadmap, so we shouldn't be surprised. I'm just disappointed that Panasonic chose this as their next lens release. Maybe it will become the "must have" lens of 2010, though I somehow doubt it.

I would say however that the video is nicely shot.

D