Who's getting the GF-1?

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I'm selling a few things and have been considering getting an M8. But increasingly I'm thinking I will stick with my trusty R-D1 (and M film cameras of course), sell my little LX3, and pick up a Micro-Four-Thirds camera later this year. The GF-1 is very, very tempting. I stayed away from the E-P1 because of the reported slow autofocus, though I love the styling and in-body IS. And I stayed away from the G1 because of the form factor. But this new camera looks pretty damned good to me. And the add-on EVF, though DPReview seems a bit disappointed with it, is an added bonus. Plus, starting with the 20/1.7 and knowing that I could get a 7-14 (!!) eventually if I really liked it...what cool, compact wide rig that would be.

Is anyone here taking a deep breath and early-adopting? I was thinking I'd wait until the E-P2, but if this forum gives the GF-1 rave reviews I might not be able to hold out.
 
I don't understand why the GF-1 has no in-body IS. Panasonic is very good at this with its compacts, they ought to have been able to make it happen.

Then again, I don't complain that my M2 has no stabilization.
 
As I was recently corrected about the same Pany image stabilization (IS) issue, I should point out that their IS is in the lens even in the compacts. Apparently.
 
I have the Leica Dlux4 (Panny LX3) and I am tempted by the GF1 as I still pick up the P&S look on my Dlux4 photos. Its the best one I've owned but its still a P&S. Also the GF1 will allow me to use my M lenses albeit at 2x crop factor.

However, I think I need to sit this round out and wait till the next generation compact M4/3rds cameras come out. And see anyone if else jumps into the mix.
 
mackigator said:
As I was recently corrected about the same Pany image stabilization (IS) issue, I should point out that their IS is in the lens even in the compacts. Apparently.
Click to expand...

Oh, I didn't realize that! That's good. It's kind of a drag if I want to adapt M lenses, but I will mostly use those on the R-D1, to be honest, the way I do now.

How does the Pana kit zoom compare to the Olympus one?
 
As a G1 owner since last November, I am very intrigued by the GF1. The image quality of the G1 is excellent, I expect they will have made some additional improvements in IQ in the GF1, plus they added video. Being able to shoot video through fast (and vintage) glass is intriguing to me. It's not intriguing enough to spend $1500 on a GH1, but at the GF1 price, it is.

I don't believe the lower res EVF makes much of a difference. Just need a way to frame the shot, I'm not watching a BluRay movie on it. 😉
 
back alley said:
i am tempted but really like my g1, form factor and all. not sure i can afford both.

what i want is that 20/1.7!
Click to expand...

Back Alley what do you think about the micro 4/3 vs the RD1? I like the micro 4/3 concept but on paper it sounds to be about the same size as the RD1. And the RD1 makes such nice pictures... Do you find yourself using your G1 in place of the RD1 often?
 
BearCatCow said:
Back Alley what do you think about the micro 4/3 vs the RD1? I like the micro 4/3 concept but on paper it sounds to be about the same size as the RD1. And the RD1 makes such nice pictures... Do you find yourself using your G1 in place of the RD1 often?
Click to expand...

the g1 feels much smaller and lighter in my hand. i use the g1 when i want simple and easy, autofocus and the zoom lens. i use the rd1 more because i prefer the rf experience, manual focus and moving in close.
i could be happy with either if i had to but having both is perfect for me.
 
I've had an order in for the GF-1 since the official announcement. If it weren't for the strong Yen, I'd have one already, but the local Hong Kong prices seem better.

I had been following the micro four-thirds market closely when the leaks of the GF-1 came out. My buddies have been trying to get me to buy a G-1 for the longest time to mount my M39/M-mount lenses. I was intrigued by the EP-1, but when the specs and images of the GF-1 were leaked, I was hooked. It's sleeker and more retro-styled than the G-1 and has a better display than the already great EP-1. I think the GF-1 will be a much bigger seller than the G-1 and you can already see the second hand prices of the G-1 falling.

I don't really mind how long it takes for my name to come up, as I have my paycheck already allocated to various film cameras and lenses.
 
back alley said:
i might be interested in one of those fallen g1s 😉

i just don't understand the knocks against the g1 looks. the grip is great, it's small and light, the autofocus is near silent...
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input! Some knockers might find it not-their-style to hold something that looks like a DSLR, even if it's small.

In an universe without RD-1, I would get the GF1. But if I'm going to carry something that size around then the RF experience is pretty valuable for me. I could definitely appreciate the benefits of all the DSLR type convenience though.
 
photogdave said:
The 20 1.7 is going to sell for around $450 CDN or so. You'll save over $100 if you buy it with the GF1 body! 😉
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is almost certainly the way I'm going to do it.

I don't think the G1 is horribly ugly or anything--I DO own and use a DSLR, after all. But it bugs me that it didn't HAVE to look like that--they could have tried something new and unusual. The GF-1 seems more like the "native" shape of the technology.

Honestly, I don't mind using a screen to compose. Hold the camera six inches from your face vs. pressing it against your face. I prefer the latter, but it isn't a deal-breaker. If I get flush in the coming year though, and end up going with this system, I might well buy the EVF, too.
 
Hi,

I just picked up a GF1 here in Japan today. I'm looking to replace my R-D1s with this and from first impressions I think it'll do the job. Image quality is very good with the supplied 1.7/20mm lens and I'm hoping to pick up an M-mount adapter before I leave so will be looking to use this with my current lens.

First impressions; camera ergonomics are excellent - it's very comfortable in the hand. Personally I've found it odd going from an RF to something so hi-tech but I like that I can switch to aperture priority and only get an update on aperture setting when I twiddle the dial. Otherwise the screen is clean.

Might look at the viewfinder but can't see much point if focusing isn't made easier.

Anyway, soon as I have a few shots to show I'll upload.

Andy
 
I have a GF-1/20mm kit on order. It will be a companion to my G1, which I really enjoy using (but is currently at the service center in Elks Grove due to a loose strap lug).

Personally, I prefer the looks of the GF-1 to the E-P1. Just seems more business-like (to me). I will get the EVF when it's available to facilitate manual focusing with my assortment of Leica M lenses.

Everything I hear about the 20/1.7 is good and I think the 14-45 is going to be outstanding on the GF-1. It is one of the best "kit" zooms I've seen - fast, silent and sharp.
 
I still prefer my G1 to all of my other cameras: any film camera, R-D1, even medium format film. I'm not saying it's better - just a hell of alot of fun to use and acceptable or better image quality for me. I shopped around internationally and already have the 7mm-14mm zoom, and the tele-zoom, in addition, of course, to the kit zoom. I find all of the lenses to be excellent. This is just my subjective judgement. I don't perform tests. In fact, the Panny lenses are so good, I almost never feel the need to adapt my M-lenses to the system, although I have the adapters. The only time I do is if I want a faster lens, e.g. for theater shooting when it's fairly dark and I have to stop motion. I can hardly wait for the f1.7 20mm lens. Then I'll hardly ever have to use adapted lenses.

As for the other "G" models. I have no need for them. I have a Flip Mino-HD for video, in addition to my new iPod Nano with a video camera. I'll take better high ISO performance over video any day.

/T
 
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