Frank Petronio
Well-known
Knowing these were both very popular cameras and that some of you have had both in sequence, how is using the GF-1 in the real world? Do you miss the G-1's viewfinder now that you go without it?
Also are there any ergonomic compromises between the two bodies? I love the G-1 in spite of it being almost too small control-wise. I know the GF-1 won't be any larger, but has anything shrunk too small? And does the mode dial still get easily moved by accident on the GF-1?
I'm thinking of returning to the Pany world now that the initial demand for the 20mm and GF-1 are over. I just want to decide which body to get.
I kind of like the red ones ;-)
Also are there any ergonomic compromises between the two bodies? I love the G-1 in spite of it being almost too small control-wise. I know the GF-1 won't be any larger, but has anything shrunk too small? And does the mode dial still get easily moved by accident on the GF-1?
I'm thinking of returning to the Pany world now that the initial demand for the 20mm and GF-1 are over. I just want to decide which body to get.
I kind of like the red ones ;-)
back alley
IMAGES
i have not handled a gf1 but just from looking at pics of them both, they seem pretty close in size except for the grip and the hump. personally i like a grip and usually put them on any camera i own and the hump doesn't bother me at all. i can fit the g1 with 20 easily into my winter coat pocket and it fits with the 14-45 & 45-200 in my 5xb bag, small and light.
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
The G1 shape is much easier to hold, and the GF1 is NOT covered in that wonderful grippy stuff the G1 is. Nothing on the GF1 has shrunk, though, except for the grip. Personally, I think the LCD on the GF1 is spectacular, and I have no trouble focusing on it, WITHOUT magnifying, EVEN with the Nokton 50/1.1 wide open! Out in bright sun, though, forget manual focusing--that's where the G1 is really useful. You will also prefer the G1 if you're using the 45-200 zoom, which is a little awkward on the GF1. I would love it if Richard Franiec made a GF1 grip, esp. one that covered up the dumbass silver line. You might also be a little surprised at how loud the shutter is--it's better damped on the G1.
In general, my m4/3 setup has been:
G1 for 45-200 zoom, Nokton 50/1.1, and Canon FD tilt shift
GF1 for 20/1.7 and Olympus Pen F lenses
The GF1 with 20/1.7 is a great pocketable combo, esp. for street or when hiking.
EDIT: oh, one other important thing! The new firmware update for the GF1 enables you to get in and out of magnified mode with ONE CLICK--just push the multi-mode dial on the back of the camera, bingo, you're there. Half-press the shutter to exit. This takes two clicks on the G1, at least for now.
In general, my m4/3 setup has been:
G1 for 45-200 zoom, Nokton 50/1.1, and Canon FD tilt shift
GF1 for 20/1.7 and Olympus Pen F lenses
The GF1 with 20/1.7 is a great pocketable combo, esp. for street or when hiking.
EDIT: oh, one other important thing! The new firmware update for the GF1 enables you to get in and out of magnified mode with ONE CLICK--just push the multi-mode dial on the back of the camera, bingo, you're there. Half-press the shutter to exit. This takes two clicks on the G1, at least for now.
JoeV
Thin Air, Bright Sun
I don't have the GF-1 to compare personal experience in actual use (only the G1), but if you suspect you'll be needing flash and/or an EVF for a significant amount of your shooting, the G1 ends up being a smaller, more integrated package than adding the external EVF to the GF-1.
But if I hadn't purchased a G1 a year ago, and had waited, I'd be tempted by the GF-1. But style is not my prime consideration; I have lots of old film cameras to decorate my shelf, that exude more style; functionality is my prime need in a working camera. I find the G1 to be universally practical in almost any shooting situation.
~Joe
But if I hadn't purchased a G1 a year ago, and had waited, I'd be tempted by the GF-1. But style is not my prime consideration; I have lots of old film cameras to decorate my shelf, that exude more style; functionality is my prime need in a working camera. I find the G1 to be universally practical in almost any shooting situation.
~Joe
Diane B
Member
I have both and sometimes carry both with 2 different lenses plus one or 2 extra. I carry the GF1 when I want small--generally when photography is not the main goal but still important as I don't do casual snaps often. I generally keep the 20 on the GF1--or carry a Konica 40 f1.8 or FD 50 with it. I have the accessory EVF--and though its no where the equal to the G1's, its quite usable even with MF lenses. I rarely use the very good LCD--mainly because I don't like to shoot that way.
I find both feel good in my hands though I admit the G1 grip suits me--I'm used to carrying a DSLR with grip/wrist-hand strap. There's nothing I don't like about the G1 (I've had it just about a year)--and the GF1 is very nicely thought out and I prefer the back controls/buttons a bit better than G1. Now that there is one button MF assist on GF1--that's a plus. Also--I never like a neck strap but have found that the GF1/20 (or even an MF lens) is unobtrusive and not uncomfortable to carry on an Optec Classic neckstrap--and so is nice for urban shooting with an extra lens in a pocket or very small bag.
If I could only have one m4/3rds body--it would be the G1 (or GH1) though. Still--I seem to be carrying the GF1 the most--but it really does depend on the day's goal.
Diane
I find both feel good in my hands though I admit the G1 grip suits me--I'm used to carrying a DSLR with grip/wrist-hand strap. There's nothing I don't like about the G1 (I've had it just about a year)--and the GF1 is very nicely thought out and I prefer the back controls/buttons a bit better than G1. Now that there is one button MF assist on GF1--that's a plus. Also--I never like a neck strap but have found that the GF1/20 (or even an MF lens) is unobtrusive and not uncomfortable to carry on an Optec Classic neckstrap--and so is nice for urban shooting with an extra lens in a pocket or very small bag.
If I could only have one m4/3rds body--it would be the G1 (or GH1) though. Still--I seem to be carrying the GF1 the most--but it really does depend on the day's goal.
Diane
Last edited:
The G1 has been my most enjoyable digital camera purchase, owned it since Nov. 08. I've spent lots of money over the years on the highest-end digitals so there has been plenty of experience with which to compare.
The E-P1, GF1, E-P2 all came out afterwards, but the G1 is still my choice. If I were to get another body the GH1 would be the only one I would consider. I *must* have an EVF and I use the swivel feature of the LCD all the time.
The E-P1, GF1, E-P2 all came out afterwards, but the G1 is still my choice. If I were to get another body the GH1 would be the only one I would consider. I *must* have an EVF and I use the swivel feature of the LCD all the time.
porktaco
Well-known
the g1 is a lovely device for so many reasons. i haven't used the gf-1 but i can vote in favor of of a g-1. i like having a viewfinder.
JCT
Established
Frank,
I've now gone to B&H *twice* with the intent of getting the GF1, but have backed out after directly comparing the G1 (that I currently have) to the GF1. My G1 is one of my favorite digital camera purchases ever-- just came back from a trip and carried it continually on a Gordy's wrist strap.
The major issue holding me back is that, like mabelsound, I almost never use the LCD on the G1. I have to say that the GF1 + 20mm is an enticing combo and the Gf1 feels great in the hand, but I haven't convinced myself that I wouldn't "need" to add the EVF-- at which point the compact advantage would be lost.
I may well pick up a GF1 body eventually, but the g1 really does the trick for me at present.
JT
I've now gone to B&H *twice* with the intent of getting the GF1, but have backed out after directly comparing the G1 (that I currently have) to the GF1. My G1 is one of my favorite digital camera purchases ever-- just came back from a trip and carried it continually on a Gordy's wrist strap.
The major issue holding me back is that, like mabelsound, I almost never use the LCD on the G1. I have to say that the GF1 + 20mm is an enticing combo and the Gf1 feels great in the hand, but I haven't convinced myself that I wouldn't "need" to add the EVF-- at which point the compact advantage would be lost.
I may well pick up a GF1 body eventually, but the g1 really does the trick for me at present.
JT