If you’ve been able to get your hands on one of these, consider yourself lucky. After driving to most every electronic store I knew of and still not being able to get a hands-on feel for this new camera, I decided to take the plunge and make my order on Amazon. Now, after using it on a recent excursion to Ireland, I wonder why I ever hesitated. Hold on for a quick dive into the micro 4/3rds camera experience. (Scattered around are some sample images–minor adjustments done in LR.)
20mm, f/1.7 -- Shallow dof, smooth blurring. Minimum Focus Distance: 0.66' (0.2m)
Since deciding to become a “pro” photographer specializing in weddings and portraits some years back, I have always been keenly aware of industry developments in the photographic field. Primarily I kept my ear to the ground to what the big players like Canon and Nikon were doing. I made the financial commitment to Nikon, but both were leading the pack in new developments. Somehow, amidst all the hustle and bustle, I had been ignoring the 4/3rds movement that was starting by the likes of Olympus and Panasonic. I had come across various announcements and brushed them off for another low-end product that couldn’t compete with my high-end gear. But, as a frequent traveler, who also likes packing light, my wife and I have been in the market for a more compact camera, but we’re also spoiled with our DSLRs. I felt I was between a rock and a hard place. I couldn’t bear the thought of pushing the shutter release button, then counting to 10 as my perfect composure fell apart before my eyes and then seeing my camera finally flash. Then looking at the final image in all its grainy glory and wishing I had lugged my heavy D700 and lens assortment along just for that missed shot.
Enter the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. Before our recent excursion to Ireland, my brother was debating on whether to buy one of my older Nikon bodies (D200) or spring for one of the new micro 4/3rds mirror-less cameras. I gave him my two cents but he went for the Panasonic and brought it along. Fortunately for me, this meant I had less gear to lug around. For those not familiar with this type of camera, a little explanation is in order.
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