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

Panasonic at Focus on Imaging Show

Some pictures and video from the Panasonic stand at the Focus on Imaging show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Apologies for the shaking and the "focus-hunting"

Shot with a GF1 + 20mm f1.7

Click on the YouTube link to view in 720p HD.

The touch screen is actually better in reality than the description indicates.

As Phil commented

"I was initially sceptical about the touch screen but having seen a demo on Youtube I can see how it could be useful especially with the articulated screen, the ability to drag focus points and then fire the shutter with a tap has an appeal for me"

We'd pretty much go along with that.

Like the blue colour - its a darker blue with a slight purple tinge

which looks good.

The 14mm pancake is now f2.5. Maybe it can keep on evolving and magically turn into a 12mm f1.4.

Panasonic rep. indicated that G2 may start at same price point as G1

when that was introduced. So £600 + kit lens. Though he did say that

was a guess on his part.

There were lots of samples at the show, unfortunately most had no power.

The 100-300 zoom looked a bit smaller than we were expecting, at least when not extended. The fisheye looks really sexy!

Panasonic rep told us that the 14-42mm was created to lower the manufacturing costs of the G10 package to make it cheaper. The G10 felt very similar to G2 & G1 etc. It may be lighter but thats not obvious.

Leica 90mm f2.5 on a GF1. Very attractive but expensive combination.

These definitely looked finished - Panasonic rep had no idea when they would be

on sale.

Overall the Panasonic stand was extensive and very well stocked. The whole thing was very well presented. However it was fairly quiet. This may have been the time we were there but at the same time the Nikon and Canon stands were absolutely packed. At the whole show we only spotted two other photographers other than us carrying m4/3. Lots and lots of Canon and some Nikon.

We expected to have to wait to get to see the new cameras but it was surprisingly easy.

Finally - comment overheard from one Nikon owner to another, who was contemplating looking at the Panasonics. "Don't bother, you'll be disappointed by the results. Buy a new bag instead"

!!!!!!!

.

Just as a contrast - lenses for "real men" on the Canon stand.

D & B