Lumix G3

[pmac]

Thanks guys, all opinions/advice/criticisms are truly appreciated

[grimep]

I spent about 2 weeks going round and round in circles researching every camera there is out there, fell in love with the micro 4/3rds concept and the G3 is best of the Pannys. I've tried the Sony that wins all the tests on image quality (due to it having the largest sensor of a mirrorless) and I just dont like the fact it physically. I even considered superzooms/bridges, but they don't offer me any real advantages over my compacts. I concluded that Mirrorless Interchangeables are ok, but they're just a bit too wee, like DSLRs made for children. Kinda pricey too, once you factor in the essential 2 or 3 lenses. So really its a compromise over a proper DSLR.

Decided to keep going with my 6 year old compact...

[macvisual]

Can I ask what a 'bridge' camera is please? Might it be inbetween a compact camera and a full size dslr?

[ADPully]

The Lumix G3 and the Sony NEX5 are the main contenders. They are compared side by side here.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasoni...ny_Alpha_NEX-5
If you do like the feel of the Sony it may be a better bet because it does in theory beats the Lumix - Top level It has a 60% larger sensor but is more compact.
Drilling down 20% better IQ is the potential result and if you are cropping a lot this is is important.
But its a balancing act and better IQ is of no value if you are more often going miss the moment, also critical esp for birding or street photography is which of these cameras is quickest on the draw? The Lumix does have a viewfinder and less shutter lag and these should help capture more moments. If you are an exSLR person a viewfinder is going to be very intuitive to you and this may well be the compelling reason why the lumix is for you.

Regarding your idea of the 2x convertor whilst 1200mm sounds great but will limit as you. At F11 theres a quarter of the light going in as there is at f5.6 you will either have to up the ISO two stops from normal or settle on 1/4 of the shutter speed to get the correct exposure, most likely a tripod is going to be mandatory for a sharp snap.This could be workable for slow birds such as ducks and waders on a but less viable for that dartford warbler you have just flushed out of a bush.

Buying the camera on spec and blind is a risky business I do recommend that you find a decent independent dealer to help you decide.

[tkimages]

Buying the camera on spec and blind is a risky business I do recommend that you find a decent independent dealer to help you decide.

Top notch advice, you really do need to handle any camera you may think of buying. When I decided on adding a MFT camera to my stuff, it boiled down to the Olympus EPL2 or the Panasonic GF2. Half an hour in Jessops playing with both showed that, for me the, EPL2 was the one best suited for my needs.

- - - Updated - - -

Can I ask what a 'bridge' camera is please? Might it be inbetween a compact camera and a full size dslr?

Correct, most often with a non interchabgeable wide range zoom lens.

[pmac]

The Lumix G3 and the Sony NEX5 are the main contenders. They are compared side by side here.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasoni...ny_Alpha_NEX-5
If you do like the feel of the Sony it may be a better bet because it does in theory beats the Lumix - Top level It has a 60% larger sensor but is more compact.
Drilling down 20% better IQ is the potential result and if you are cropping a lot this is is important.
But its a balancing act and better IQ is of no value if you are more often going miss the moment, also critical esp for birding or street photography is which of these cameras is quickest on the draw? The Lumix does have a viewfinder and less shutter lag and these should help capture more moments. If you are an exSLR person a viewfinder is going to be very intuitive to you and this may well be the compelling reason why the lumix is for you.

Regarding your idea of the 2x convertor whilst 1200mm sounds great but will limit as you. At F11 theres a quarter of the light going in as there is at f5.6 you will either have to up the ISO two stops from normal or settle on 1/4 of the shutter speed to get the correct exposure, most likely a tripod is going to be mandatory for a sharp snap.This could be workable for slow birds such as ducks and waders on a but less viable for that dartford warbler you have just flushed out of a bush.

Buying the camera on spec and blind is a risky business I do recommend that you find a decent independent dealer to help you decide.

Thanks Andy, all good advice. The Sony sounded like a contender, until I read the review, no viewfinder I couldn't even consider a camera without a viewfinder.

You are quite right, of course, it would be crazy to buy on spec's & reviews. I will, no doubt, find a dealer close to me and try it "in the hand"

Cheers

[Rob]

I really couldn't get on with the G3 from an ergonomics perspective. A few photographers on here seem to get on well with it which is great and we are all different.

If you want to read more see here of my experience and thoughts on the camera. Owners may want to ignore this! http://wp.me/p1hetB-ce

The Fuji X-S1 looks good if you want a camera with a viewfinder and a decent range zoom.

Finally, I agree with the others when they say to get into a camera shop and have a feel of each of the cameras. Helps enormously.

Cheers,

Rob

[pmac]

Thanks Rob!

I've found a local dealer and hope to get there next weekend to try it out

[grimep]

This probably sounds like the stupidest advice ever given anywhere but, don't laugh... my local PC World has a large stock of cameras all on display where you can handle them to your heart's delight, without the hassle of sales people confusing you with their "opinions". I popped down to give all the micro 4/3rd Lumixes a good groping the other day. I soon realised that the camera I'd set my heart on after doing all the research was not the camera for me. So at the risk of losing all credibility.. can I recommend PC World!

[pmac]

Yep, that's a good idea, thank you!

[Barney]

John Lewis have a huge range on display that you handle.

[purplepleaser]

Hi Paul

I have a G3 with the kit lens and the 20mm prime, coming from a Canon 5d and some of the best lenses ever made it does feel like a toy. What I bought it for it will have to do for now. I have not pushed the camera at all, I am sure it would be good for birding with a long lens just the fnumber will be quite high so a tripod might be a must. I would have a look on the miro43thirds forum for some shots or on flickr to get some idea of the shots capable.

[pmac]

Thanks Lee, It is it's light weight, small size and decent range of (reasonably priced) lenses that attract me. I must have something portable to carry alongside the bins, 'scope and tripod (which can double up for camera too)

I've read a few reviews and the image quality seems acceptable. I am not looking for shots to publish, rather "record shots" of birds I have seen or found.

[purplepleaser]

Yes, I am tempted with the 100-300 just because its reasonably cheap and the image quality looks great 600mm for not much more than 600 quid. The size is great for me, especially the little prime, in time i will buy the power 14-42 zoom for the size.

Overall I am really chuffed with what the G3 can do.

[pmac]

Then add a 2x teleconverter and you have 1200mm lens. OK, as someone mentioned earlier it would be F11 min. but in bright conditions and ISO 800 it shouldn't be out of the question to get some reasonable results

[rockmeister]

Paul, like all things, I'm sure you'll adapt it to get the results you need. Digiscoping is a great idea if you simply want to produce a clear visual record of your birding list. Maybe just check with your telescope maker that they do an adaptor for the G3, and your away.

[pmac]

Would, if I could John, but I downsized my scope from a Leica to a Minox, for weight/size considerations and I don't think the Minox (good as it is, for it's size) will be up to digiscoping, unlike the Leica.

[rockmeister]

sorry, and you said that earlier in the thread too apologise!

[pmac]

[pmac]

Had a good play around with a G3 today. Feels well made and I didn't find it too small, for my hands anyway.

Got to say that I was impressed. Unfortunately they had no tele lenses to try, but I am hoping to get to do that in a week or so. Looking a likely buy, I think