Panasonic GF1 Contemplation

[nerf09]

Good day!

I currently own a D60 with an 18 to 200mm lens...I am contemplating selling it for a Panasonic GF1 OR a Canon G11 and was wondering what your thoughts are on this ...My reason for selling is that I do not use my DSLR as much as I hoped as my old point and shoot b/c it is bulky ...I like to take pictures where ever I am all the time and like to have my camera on me....I cannot do this with the DSLR...I know I will be compromising some aspects of a DSLR...but when its collecting dust its not much use anyway...

Any opinions / thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Nerf09

[Sime]

I prefer the G series Canon as that's what I'm used to using (menus etc) and they're a good camera. But nothing can sell you on one or the other like going into a shop and taking some shots with one of each...

[inkista]

I was going through the same decision process, and came up with a completely different result: the Canon S90.

If I were dumping a dSLR system, though, I probably would, of those two choices, go for the Pentax K-x, E-PL1/GF-1, or the G11, depending on budget, and willingness to carry extra stuff.

The Pentax K-x is tiny. I always used to think that Olympus Es were the smallest of the dSLRs, but I messed about with a K-x at a Fry's the other day, and I gotta say it's the smallest dSLR I've ever handled. Smaller by far than the Canon dRebel line. You want compact in a dSLR--combined with Pentax's pancake lenses, I'd say that's the one. But it's still a dSLR, and not particularly pocketable.

Which is why we like the GF-1. But it's got a low-res EVF, it doesn't have in-body stabilization, and it's hecka expensive, and damn near impossible to find with the 20/1.7, which is the main reason you want the Panasonic and not the Oly. But Oly just came out with the E-PL1, which is $200 cheaper in the body, has a high-res EVF, in-body stabilization, and a PITA operating interface.

To me, the micro four-thirds system just isn't where I want it to be yet. It's close enough for a lot of folks, but I'm still waiting. Either for Panasonic to get stock levels up to where you aren't price gouged, and I can just buy the 20/1.7 to go on an Oly E-PL1, or to see if the GF-2 adds a better EVF. Or if Panasonic comes out with better pancakes and an APS-C sized EVIL. To me, the system's still too young. Multitudes would disagree with me.

Since I can wait a few years, and I'm keeping all my Canon gear, I then went looking at the S90/G11. And since I have a G9, the S90 became more and more the camera I was looking at. I wanted a small pocketable camera. The Gs aren't exactly that. The S90 gave me f/2 on the wide end of the lens. The G11 only f/2.8.

Yes, I would miss the flip-out screen, the flash hotshoe, the built-in ND filter, the ability to mount filters with an adapter ring, and the remote port of the G11, but as a tradeoff for the control ring on the front and the much smaller size--it was worth it to me. The S90 has the same sensor and processor as the G11--it also can shoot RAW without the CHDK and has the full PSAM modes, and goes to a 28mm equivalent on the wide end. And yeah, it does a good iso 800 and a usable iso 1600. In-camera JPEGs, it and the G11 can go up to 12800 iso, (but I wouldn't recommend it). It is a P&S that can do available light. The G11, being limited to f/2.8 at the wide end, is a little less capable in that area. Also, there's horrible barrel distortion at the wide end, which I kind of like, but tastes may vary, and you might want to rely on DPP or shooting JPEG to eliminate it.

I also didn't think the control ring would make much difference on the handling, but it's been a freaking revelation. I love it. I just wish the control ring on the back were as hearty and robust. For a lot of folks, the fiddliness of the back ring is a dealbreaker.
The G11's back ring is much better, but of course, it doesn't have the front ring.

[sinophilia]

If you want a short answer, go for the GF1 anytime! (or the E-P1, or the cheaper E-PL1, they're all great!)

The fact that you are contemplating a micro4/3 camera means that something attracts you to this format, and you would be terribly disappointed by a point-and-shoot, even a good one like the G11. Micro4/3 cameras are at least as good as an entry-level DSLR in image quality, sometimes better. With the GF1 you get considerable noise over ISO800, but lots of detail and a good dynamic range. If you're looking for portability, the GF1 with the 20mm pancake is a joy to take with you everywhere. I just put it in my purse or strap it around my neck and I feel cheerful. I rediscovered the joy of photography.

The very big problem with this format, is that you will probably end up spending much more money than you had planned, because you will get carried away and buy several other lenses, digital lenses but also old manual lenses and adpters. You will have lots of fun but your wallet may complain