chrisso
Established
Not much discussion of this model.
Is it simply that most of you have chosen a GF1, G1 or Olympus?
I'm interested in hearing more about the GH-1 if anyone has looked at it.
Is it simply that most of you have chosen a GF1, G1 or Olympus?
I'm interested in hearing more about the GH-1 if anyone has looked at it.
mrisney
Well-known
I won't talk about optics and IQ so much, that type of opinion can be initiated without me droning on, just go on Flickr and search for GH1, you will form your own opinion, I don't think there is that much difference in IQ between GF1, G1 and GH1, supposedly the GH1 has the best dynamic range and most capable ISO of the M43 family - it's sensor is also 14 megs, although 12 megs of it only gets used because of the ratios that it can adjust to (16:9 for HD for example, or even 1:1 or square, as well as 4:3) . Overall it's very good, the auto focus is OK, I wouldn't take it to a basketball game or a sporting event, it's not that type of camera.
It reminds me of the Olympus OM, smaller than the usual SLR. I got it, because I wanted to try HD, and I thought a separate view finder sounded like a P.I.T.A.
The ability to use adapters on legacy lenses (M Mount,FD, Zuiko, etc.) - I spent about 6 months playing with different lenses, until coming to the conclusion that the aspheric Panasonic Lumix are actually superior, probably due to the image correction software that is part of the CPU/firmware, which can identify the lens, and correct for flaws or distortion - no legacy lens is going to integrate like that with a Panasonic Lumix G, like their own lenses are engineered for - plus the 20mm 1.7 and the 7-14mm, are so small and dainty, but very, very sharp - you won't be disappointed with either one of those lenses .. instant micro four thirds classics.
But back to the GH1, it's still the flagship micro four thirds camera. I think most on this forum prefer rangefinders, so the GF1, or the EP-2 are probably the more popular cameras. It's my only digital camera, I like it because of it's size, even with it's hump - its smaller than a Canon Rebel, its close to a Canon G11, and that was the other camera I was considering, but the GH1 is just cooler.
I am not a pro, so I would have a hard time debating about spending 5-7K on a Canon 5D MKII, or a Nikon D700 setup, with a 35mm 1.4, 50mm, and a portrait-y 85mm - your standard trio of lenses in a kit. I can't write that cost off as a business expense, it's a hobby for me. Digital rot makes these cameras obsolete and useless in a 4-5 year span. So at the $1400 price point, I was drawn to a Panasonic G Lumix, which lets me play in the digital world without spending the price of a used Ducatti.
I don't think you will be disappointed, although I am keeping my eye on upcoming M43 rangefinders - check http://www.43rumors.com/, for rumors and possible launches. So I may upgrade to a potential GF2 or the next generation Olympus M43, but because of it's size, I will probably stay with M43 as a platform. I have found that shooting compelling HD is an art in itself, and the time it takes to edit, soundtrack, and think out - even a 1 minute piece, takes alot of thought and energy, otherwise litter YouTube with HD of your cat, lol, I do! So shooting images, I have come back to, so in that sense, do I really need HD ? Probably not, but it's fun to have, when I do want to catch something random, and the video captured on my IPhone 3GS is crap.
If you like the Olympus OM-4, you will probably like the GH1, a smaller DLSR type body, with HD, and the Lumix lenses are really, really good. Remember, buy a system - not for it's body, but for it's lenses
Panasonic is really behind this format, so unlike my Contax G2, or my Mamiya 6, I doubt Micro Four thirds will be abandoned, its a nice system to have, and enjoy the evolution. It has a lot of energy and attention. Recommend.
It reminds me of the Olympus OM, smaller than the usual SLR. I got it, because I wanted to try HD, and I thought a separate view finder sounded like a P.I.T.A.
The ability to use adapters on legacy lenses (M Mount,FD, Zuiko, etc.) - I spent about 6 months playing with different lenses, until coming to the conclusion that the aspheric Panasonic Lumix are actually superior, probably due to the image correction software that is part of the CPU/firmware, which can identify the lens, and correct for flaws or distortion - no legacy lens is going to integrate like that with a Panasonic Lumix G, like their own lenses are engineered for - plus the 20mm 1.7 and the 7-14mm, are so small and dainty, but very, very sharp - you won't be disappointed with either one of those lenses .. instant micro four thirds classics.
But back to the GH1, it's still the flagship micro four thirds camera. I think most on this forum prefer rangefinders, so the GF1, or the EP-2 are probably the more popular cameras. It's my only digital camera, I like it because of it's size, even with it's hump - its smaller than a Canon Rebel, its close to a Canon G11, and that was the other camera I was considering, but the GH1 is just cooler.
I am not a pro, so I would have a hard time debating about spending 5-7K on a Canon 5D MKII, or a Nikon D700 setup, with a 35mm 1.4, 50mm, and a portrait-y 85mm - your standard trio of lenses in a kit. I can't write that cost off as a business expense, it's a hobby for me. Digital rot makes these cameras obsolete and useless in a 4-5 year span. So at the $1400 price point, I was drawn to a Panasonic G Lumix, which lets me play in the digital world without spending the price of a used Ducatti.
I don't think you will be disappointed, although I am keeping my eye on upcoming M43 rangefinders - check http://www.43rumors.com/, for rumors and possible launches. So I may upgrade to a potential GF2 or the next generation Olympus M43, but because of it's size, I will probably stay with M43 as a platform. I have found that shooting compelling HD is an art in itself, and the time it takes to edit, soundtrack, and think out - even a 1 minute piece, takes alot of thought and energy, otherwise litter YouTube with HD of your cat, lol, I do! So shooting images, I have come back to, so in that sense, do I really need HD ? Probably not, but it's fun to have, when I do want to catch something random, and the video captured on my IPhone 3GS is crap.
If you like the Olympus OM-4, you will probably like the GH1, a smaller DLSR type body, with HD, and the Lumix lenses are really, really good. Remember, buy a system - not for it's body, but for it's lenses
Panasonic is really behind this format, so unlike my Contax G2, or my Mamiya 6, I doubt Micro Four thirds will be abandoned, its a nice system to have, and enjoy the evolution. It has a lot of energy and attention. Recommend.
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chrisso
Established
Thanks.
Yes I'm interested in the video (HD) aspect as a bonus.
The sound is a little more flexible on the GH1 than the GF1 I think.
A GF2 sounds a good prospect, but I have no idea how far that is away.
All my other cameras are rangefinder, so I was actually interested in a change of pace.
Yes I'm interested in the video (HD) aspect as a bonus.
The sound is a little more flexible on the GH1 than the GF1 I think.
A GF2 sounds a good prospect, but I have no idea how far that is away.
All my other cameras are rangefinder, so I was actually interested in a change of pace.