Big Difference between Micro 4/3 (GF-1) and M8.2?

[bherman]

All;

Sorry if this is a 'sticky' thread, maybe not, but I own a Lumix GF-1 with the 20mm F/1.7 'pancake' lens. I don't have any Leica equipment right now, but I'm on the fence as to whether or not I should pick up an M8.2.

I cannot afford an M9, but can pick up a mint M8.2 with 1-2 year warranty for around $3500.00US. Aside from the Leica glass etc, is there an appreciable difference in the image quality between the M8.2 and the Micro 4/3 GF-1?

Brad

 

[Kevin]

Brad, the M8.2 has a 1.33x crop sensor and is considerably larger than the 4/3 sensor.

For a given field of view (fov) and aperture, you will have considerably less depth of field (dof) using the leica over the panasonic.

For example, a 50mm field of view requires roughly a 38mm lens on the leica and a 25mm lens on a 4/3rds camera.

That 25mm lens on the lumix will have far greater dof at any given aperture than a 38mm lens on the leica would have.

 

[Sexymaru]

they are not of the same league.

 

[laptoprob]

As much as I like my Panny GF1, the thread title is the answer: "Big difference..." Big with a capital.
Sensor size, rangefinder/liveview, probably image quality. Very different beasts. Being able to phisically use various types of lenses on the GF1 doesn't mean you can get the same results as with the native system.
I am about to compare a variety of lenses on the GF1. And to try to note the key differences ofcourse.

 

[Fujitsu]

Aside from the Leica glass etc, is there an appreciable difference in the image quality between the M8.2 and the Micro 4/3 GF-1?

I dont think so. The advantage of the M8 is the optical finder. Considering reliability I have a feeling its worse than the GF1... (Yes, I owned the M8 and it had its occasional blackouts, oddities, etc.)

 

[squinza]

IMHO two huge differences are the sensor size and the focusing system

 

[laptoprob]

I decided to get into the GF1 when I could get the fantastic superwide zoom for a decent sum. 7-14 makes a fov of 14-28 on the GF1. A great range and the lens delivers great results. Can't compare to the M8 or M9 though, because I never held one. But this superwide zoom has partly eliminated the main disadvantage of the GF1: the crop factor.

 

[Andy Kibber]

Aside from the Leica glass etc, is there an appreciable difference in the image quality between the M8.2 and the Micro 4/3 GF-1?

The OP asked about image quality, not focusing system, viewfinder, etc.

 

[Tuolumne]

I've owned many cameras. My digital RF was an R-D1, not a Leica. I will give you some advice you will not listen to. Buying a Leica Mx.x will not make you a better photographer, nor will you take better photos with it. It will probably give you better technical results, though.

/T

 

[stkorn]

M8 will not improve your image quality, a good shot with either camera will look very, very good. Similarly a crap image with either camera will still look crap. I have used both and this has been my experience.

 

[count_zero]

I think it really depends on the type of work you plan on doing with the camera. If you even considering an M8 over an M9, then I have to assume your not pro because the cost of gear is tax deductible for you or your contractor so their is no point in buying used. Plus, unless your looking at doing HRO work in Afghanistan or Africa, etc.., I don't see much of a point in going with Leica other than that they are just really cool. On the other hand if your looking to have fun street shooting as a hobbyist, currently own some M mount lenses, and want to try digital. Then go with the EP-2 or GF-1. I don't know much about the GF-1, but the EP-1 can take a beating to some extent. Of course, if the LCD is damaged you're SOL, whereas the GF-1 has the EVF you can fall back to. The EP-2 EVF is at least 5x better than the GF-1 according to some. There are two roads with the DOF argument. Sure, it's not as thin, but on the other hand it is doubled so less shots out of focus when street shooting. Plus, smaller telephoto lenses. My gripe with m43 is that all of the lenses are over priced now. m43 was invented to reduce consumer cost, but the 20mm f1.7 is over $500, whereas a Nikon 50mm f1.8 is under $150. I expect prices to drop in the next year now that Samsung has the NX-10, and I'm sure Nikon and Canon will do a mirrorless soon too. Fiji is supposedly making a m43, who knows if that's really true or when it will be released.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

The M8 files are sharper, but ultimately the IQ is not THAT much better. 11x14 Prints from the two, hung next to each other, would likely be indistinguishable. The GF1 is also smaller and cheaper, and you can adapt all kinds of lenses to it, albeit with a heavy cropping penalty.

I have an M8 because I love Leicas and M-mount lenses, and love to manually focus. But if IQ is your only consideration, it isn't worth it. If you already have an M film rig that you're addicted to, it's absolutely worth it.

 

[shadowfox]

they are not of the same league.

I hope you're talking only about the price.

Because if you mean image quality, you'd have to come up with some obvious samples.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I'd go with this: if you are happy with the images created with the Pana/Lumix GF-1, then save yourself a lot of heartbreak and get it.

Personal taste trumps technical issues:you can make an excellent Americano with a $19.99 machine, and some can make some really bad espresso using a $10,000 machine.

It's all about the end-result. 😀

 

[kbg32]

I have both. The M8 produces superior files, not that the GF1 or G1 is a slouch, but the difference is clear when you get down to the nitty gritty and process RAW files. The M8 just produces files that are no comparison to the GF1. It really would be extremely hard to tell the difference by posting jpeg files here on RFF. As matter of fact, you couldn't possibly tell the difference. So why get the M8 or .2? Use one and you'll find out for yourself. The glass is superior, though the Lumix lenses are excellent unto themselves. It is really convenience and what you can afford and what you are looking for in the end.