G11 or GF1?

[I Simonius]

well Im sure it's been asked before but which to get? The G11 or panasonic GF1?

The biggest issue though may be that I need photoshop CS4 and/or Lightroom version 2x to support whatever I get as I am ona PPC Mac

[HaroldC3]

Is money an issue? Price would be my main reason for selecting the G11 over the GF1.

[I Simonius]

Is money an issue? Price would be my main reason for selecting the G11 over the GF1.

Theyrwe close enough in price for it not to be an issue - but it would be an issue if I had to buy a new Intel mac to upgrade to LR3 and CS5 to support the GF1, as I think the G11 is already supported
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.htmlah I see it is supported - so that isnt the biggest issue any more

I looked at the G11 in the shops and was really put off by the amount of shutter lag - single annoyance IMO:0

[Jack_C]

The GF-1 with the 20mm lens is a very special camera
just the right size and great RAW performance if 20mm (40) works for you.

I don't really like it with the 14-45 (too big) or using jpg (soft).

[hassiman]

I think that we are just on the cusp of the micro 4/3 era and by next year we will have options we can't even dream of now. I especially want to see the new technology of LCD viewfinder displays which should be out within the next 9 months which will make LCD viewfinders almost the same quality of a regular SLR. That being said I'm still trying to raise the money for an M9 body....

[eelnoraa]

GF1 is only a "go" with the pancake lens (20mm for now). With any zoom lens, it is not smaller than an entry level SLR, then it has not benefit at all, not even at price point. IQ wise, it would be more SLR like than P&S (G11) like, so it will be better.

To me, if money not an issue, I will pick GF1+20mm over G11, but I will pick T1i+kit over GF1+14-45zoom

[eelnoraa]

I think that we are just on the cusp of the micro 4/3 era and by next year we will have options we can't even dream of now. I especially want to see the new technology of LCD viewfinder displays which should be out within the next 9 months which will make LCD viewfinders almost the same quality of a regular SLR. That being said I'm still trying to raise the money for an M9 body....

It will take significantly longer than 9 monthes for that to happen.

[forno]

They are different cameras, you cant compare them IMO

One has interchangeable lenses and a bigger sensor

[I Simonius]

GF1 is only a "go" with the pancake lens (20mm for now). With any zoom lens, it is not smaller than an entry level SLR, then it has not benefit at all, not even at price point. IQ wise, it would be more SLR like than P&S (G11) like, so it will be better.

To me, if money not an issue, I will pick GF1+20mm over G11, but I will pick T1i+kit over GF1+14-45zoom


good points thanks;)

They are different cameras, you cant compare them IMO

One has interchangeable lenses and a bigger sensor

anything that I can get in my pocket is the same AFAIC;):D

[denncald]

good points thanks;)

anything that I can get in my pocket is the same AFAIC;):D

Get bigger pockets...

Dennis

[I Simonius]

Get bigger pockets...

Dennis

big enough for my 5Dmk2 with 70-200 you mean:rolleyes::lol::lol::lol:

[Lars Daniel]

I have been thinking the exact same question, but my conclusion is a Lumix LX3. GF1 with 20mm has been tempting, but I realized that I want something that is more pocketable and not as much money. At f/2 the LX3 is only a small step slower than the 20mm f/1.7, but it has IS.
It seems like an area of much development, so I´d rather put less money into a suplementary cam right now.

[I Simonius]

I have been thinking the exact same question, but my conclusion is a Lumix LX3. GF1 with 20mm has been tempting, but I realized that I want something that is more pocketable and not as much money. At f/2 the LX3 is only a small step slower than the 20mm f/1.7, but it has IS.
It seems like an area of much development, so I´d rather put less money into a suplementary cam right now.

you're right, the LX3 might be the way to go P&S-wise:D

[JeffreyG]

The GF-1 with the 20/1.7 is in another league than the LX3 or G11. It is about one stop better for noise control and 1.5 stops faster on the lens. That makes the camera a lot handier.

Handling and response is a lot snappier too.

Finally, you can mount the 14-45 on it and hand it to your wife and she will think it is a P&S camera. My wife is a true green box - face detection shooter and she thinks the GF-1 is the best P&S she has ever seen.

[doremon313]

I was able to try both G11 and Gf1, i thought the quality was very similar, but for the price and size, I'd go for G11....actually I ended up getting s90 at the end.

quote=I Simonius;9149808]well Im sure it's been asked before but which to get? The G11 or panasonic GF1?

The biggest issue though may be that I need photoshop CS4 and/or Lightroom version 2x to support whatever I get as I am ona PPC Mac[/quote]

[tmwag]

For the price of a GF1...I'd just get a dslr. The G11 is sufficient
for my P&S needs

[funks]

I hope the price and availability craziness in regards to the Panasonic GF-1 ends soon. I'm definitely gonna buy one when the price hits mid 650's..

Coupled with that pancake 20mm f1.8 - it does take great pics (http://www.boxedlight.com/gf1/index.htm). I think it'll be great of parties and such (much easier to approach people to take candid pics when they don't think you are the "geek" carrying that big DSLR instead of enjoying the party).

[neuron]

For me it was a new lens or the gf-1. I already have a 30d and a 5d2, and well, they're huge comparatively. I also had a powershot s1000 and thought about the Canon compacts - the s90 and g11 specifically. They didn't move me as much as the gf-1. I went to look at them in-store and came home $900 bucks poorer.

My decision over a new lens (or even a new dslr body) is this is a camera I'll actually be carrying around with me and shooting. New glass, the kind that's fun to shoot with, on the other hand is often HEAVY. And both my xDx and xxD cameras scream "geek." Okay if you want to talk shop with other camera obsessives or in studio, but not social situations!

So it was $900 and a little break from Canon. For a lot of fun with a less scary camera (that takes great pictures once you grok its abilities) it's totally worth it. YMMV though.

I DO HATE THE MENU SYSTEM ON THE GF-1. WHOMEVER DESIGNED IT SHOULD BE SHOT OR AT LEAST PUBLICLY HUMILIATED. Canon's menus are genius comparatively. Good thing I don't duck into the menus that often!

edit: wow, that signature is old as hades. it'll need to get updated! ;>

[funks]

Seems like there's a new EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lanes) camera out from Samsung.

Looks like a competitor to the u4/3. Larger sensor (APS-C), Fast Contrast Detect AF (most likely accelerated via with lens support similar to the Panasonics), Electronic Viewfinder (high res, 921K dots, 100% coverage), AMOLED Display (612K dots, 3"), Interchangeable Lens, Full-Time Live View (no more mirror setup).

It also has a very small "PANCAKE" lens - 30 mm (30 * 1.5 = 45mm FOV equivalent), two zooms (18-55, and 50-200).

Samsung NX 10 (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/samsungnx10/page2.asp)

[funks]

GF1, vs Nikon D700 - Note: GF1 was using 20mm f1.7 pancake, the D700 on the other hand was using a Zeiss 50mm f1.4

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/7271/d700vsgf12.jpg

GF1 vs D700 Yosemite Smackdown (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=34126682)

GF1 w/ Pancake
http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p102313351-5.jpg

D700
http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p771049257-5.jpg

GF1 w/ Pancake
http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p946984017-5.jpg

D700
http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p814015006-5.jpg

[c2thew]

holy crap, the gf1 colors look very nice! more samples please! this is a very interesting comparison

[funks]

Check this thread out

GF1 vs D700 Yosemite Smackdown (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=34126682)

[funks]

Here's a link to the gallery.. (http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/p932588303/h6192d87#h6192d87)

[Gel]

The GF1, LX3, G11 are all very good. The LX3 gave my 40D a run for it's money too.

But I need a viewfinder, a real one. If the clip on one on the GF1 is like the one for the LX3 then it's not worth bothering with.

It's like looking at ooogly boogly world and I'm not from there.

Plus I'll have a body that I can keep the lenses for when I upgrade :D

[agile_one]

The GF1 clip on viewfinder (DMW-LVF1) is an electronic viewfinder (evf), and the LX3 finder is optical and sized just for 24mm, while the GF1 evf covers all focal lengths. The GF1's evf is a scaled down version of the finder in the G1 and GH1 cameras - not as big an image nor quite as bright, but perfectly usable, and one heck of a lot better than trying to use the lcd in bright daylight.

[funks]

The GF1 clip on viewfinder (DMW-LVF1) is an electronic viewfinder (evf), and the LX3 finder is optical and sized just for 24mm, while the GF1 evf covers all focal lengths

Voigtlander also sells an 40mm optical viewfinder (matches the pancake 20mm in FOV). It's strictly a view port, so no info overlays like the EVF one. Sells for around 128$.

http://lifethroughleica.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/a1020054.jpg?w=654&h=437

More pics here.. (http://lifethroughleica.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/panasonic-gf-1-w-voigtlander-40mm-optical-viewfinder/)

[c2thew]

I've noticed that people like the exaggerated colors, especially the blues when it comes to purchasing pictures. sure a dslr captures what the image looks like, but consumers for the most part have become so used to pictures from their point and shoots that that is what they lean towards.

(ymmv)

[GSeries1]

I was able to try both G11 and Gf1, i thought the quality was very similar, but for the price and size, I'd go for G11....actually I ended up getting s90 at the end.

quote=I Simonius;9149808]
The biggest issue though may be that I need photoshop CS4 and/or Lightroom version 2x to support whatever I get as I am ona PPC Mac[/QUOTE]

Just use adobe's free DNG converter.

[jacobsen1]

^ that works but it gets very old after a while (I got sick of it with my 5Dii when I already had the newest version of their product, I was just waiting for them to support it).

GF1 w/ Pancake
http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p102313351-5.jpg

D700
http://mountainjoe.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p771049257-5.jpg


the D700 is clearly better, it can see through CLOUDS!!!! :lol:

Voigtlander also sells an 40mm optical viewfinder (matches the pancake 20mm in FOV). It's strictly a view port, so no info overlays like the EVF one. Sells for around 128$.

where can you buy them?

Anyway, we just picked up a GF1 which arrived Friday in the mail. It's a very interesting camera. We got the 20mm kit. To me it's a rebel replacement, NOT a P&S replacement. Not even with the pancake really. I've had a G9 and 10, D-lux3, LX3, and now a s90 as well. For me the rebel was the backup DSLR for more serious work (basically ISOs above 400) if my full time DSLR **** the bed (currently a D700). But even the LX3 and G series are a bit big for me for pocket use really. The GF1 is similar in height and width to the G series (which surprised me, search for it on flickr). But the depth with even the 20 is thicker by a lot. It'll be interesting to see what we do because we upgraded a XSi to make it smaller/lighter and to gain video. The T1i was the other consideration. The s90 slides in just about any pocket and gives you some great P&S performance.

The GF1 truly is an in between though. In size and performance. It's ISOs are slightly behind the XSi and easily above the s90. I can use 1600 on the GF1 though w/o a second thought, maybe it's because my brain is impressed thinking it's a P&S?

Oh, and if you want a smaller zoom for it, the beauty of M43 is any M43 lens works on any M43 body. So you can grab the Olympus 14-42mm kit which collapses over the panasonic kit. Yes you loose IS, but if size is your priority, the oly kit is 40mm, the pani 60, and the 20mm is 20mm thick... I'm excited for the 14mm pancake though, it with the 20mm pancake will be a wicked duo with both around 20mm thick. Then maybe pocket an old 50mm prime with an adapter (olympus M mounts are nice and small and cheap).

[funks]

where can you buy them?


Adorama I believe, some say it blocks the pop-up flash though.

[linh811]

price aside, there's no comparison.......

[I Simonius]

I am going for the GF1 almost certainly - and one of the reasons as silly as it sounds it due solely to the difference in shutter-lag/AF speed.

The G11 and S90 I tried in the shops, I have tried 3 times on each in 3 different shops so it wasnt just one particular specimen

I was really dismayed at the AF speed/shutter lag on the Canons, it is dreadful. Compared even to the GF1 which is not as fast as a DSLR but is still much much faster than the P&Ss.

I'd really love a pocketable P&S but I can't see then point if the *snap*shot you would be tryoing to take would be gone by the time the thing had focussed and fired

The GF1 on the other hand snaps into focus quickly and the shutter lag is minimal. Looks like Ima ü4/3rds convert
(ü=that's my attempt at putting the 'MU' or 'Mew' symbol:lol:)

[jacobsen1]

price aside, there's no comparison.......

that and fitting it into a pocket or a waterproof (pelican) case.

I am going for the GF1 almost certainly - and one of the reasons as silly as it sounds it due solely to the difference in shutter-lag/AF speed.


that's not a bad reason at all honestly, and one of the huge reasons I LOVE our GF1 right out of the gate. It's VERY responsive. It almost feels faster than the XSi did but maybe that's because my brain thinks it's a P&S and it's damn fast if you think of it that way. But owning a s90, it actually AFs reasonably quick... It's the shutter delay and blackout times that kill it. AFing both side by side there isn't a massive difference honestly (and both have face detect). But yeah, go to take a shot, and while the s90 is reasonably quick for a P&S, the GF1 blows it's doors off in the delay.

[GSeries1]

GF1
Shot to shot time (JPEG) *2 AF-S 0.7 seconds
Shot to shot time (RAW) *2 AF-S 0.8 seconds

G11
Shot to Shot Flash off, JPEG Fine 2.4 seconds
Shot to Shot Flash off, RAW + JPEG 2.9 seconds

G10
Shot to Shot Flash off, JPEG Super Fine 2.0
Shot to Shot Flash off, RAW + JPEG 2.5

G9
Shot to Shot Flash off, JPEG Super Fine 2.3 seconds
Shot to Shot Flash off, RAW + JPEG 3.0 seconds

(http://www.dpreview.com)

[jacobsen1]

^ that's only half the story though. How long does JUST the AF take, then how long until it actually takes the first image. I can wait around for the screen to come back, the file to write etc, but a delay for the very first image is what makes a lot of P&Ss so unusable. Obviously with the GF1's time so much shorter it's much faster.

[GSeries1]

^ that's only half the story though. How long does JUST the AF take, then how long until it actually takes the first image. I can wait around for the screen to come back, the file to write etc, but a delay for the very first image is what makes a lot of P&Ss so unusable. Obviously with the GF1's time so much shorter it's much faster.

It appears that in the scenario you speak of it will take the G11 somewhere between 1/10th and 3/10ths of a second longer depending on the lighting conditions. I suspect in outdoor light the difference would be indistinguishable. The GF1 is ready to go for the next shot much faster though.

Canon G11
Shutter Lag Full Autofocus 0.540 - 0.750 sec
Shutter Lag Prefocused 0.072 sec
Shot to Shot time 2.29 sec

GF1:
Shutter Lag Full Autofocus 0.409 sec
Shutter Lag Prefocused 0.072 sec
Shot to Shot time 0.70 sec

Information cited from http://www.imaging-resource.com

[jacobsen1]

s90:
Shutter Lag Full Autofocus 0.43 sec wide .049 sec tele
Shutter Lag Prefocused 0.088 sec
Shot to Shot time 2.43 sec jpeg 2.96 sec RAW

from your same source. Interesting, the GF1 seems a LOT faster than the s90, but by the numbers they seem closer. Maybe it's the longer blackout due to the shot to shot that tricks me?

[I Simonius]

guys - these fgigures are all very well but IRL , holding it in your hand it what counts for me, and to me the differences are very noticable. The Canon's were just really annoying, whereas the GF1 brought a smile

That's all it takes IMO;)

[jacobsen1]

I agree 100%, I was just pointing out it's not the shutter delay, but the shot to shot performance you're really responding to (as I am as well, it feels like my 5Dii did).

[GSeries1]

guys - these fgigures are all very well but IRL , holding it in your hand it what counts for me, and to me the differences are very noticable. The Canon's were just really annoying, whereas the GF1 brought a smile

That's all it takes IMO;)

Yeah. that's what the stats said... The GF1 is faster, especially shot to shot time.

[Helena]

In December I got a Panasonic G1 which (I'm told) has the same sensor as GF1. I also use a 5D with L primes, but G1, especially with 20/1.7, keeps impressing me and I leave 5D at home more and more often. 5D is better of course, but G1 is much better than any P&S I have ever used. It's a joy to use.

Here are photos taken with the 20mm. Some are basically test shots, but all are JPGs more or less straight from camera. I really like how this lens renders and think its bokeh is fine.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/4203313769_5313e79ebc_o_d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4279007717_3dc35aebc7_o_d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4174038881_0744d1c251_o_d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4279007715_5c305cb83e_o_d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/4175880107_61c129360f_o_d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4171514764_d61ef6fc6f_o_d.jpg

[jacobsen1]

^ love those first two!

[GSeries1]

Wow, very sharp considering all those photos were shot between f1.7 and f2

[Helena]

Thanks! :) Yes, the 20/1.7 is an awesome lens. Very sharp even at f/1.7.

The kit lens 14-45 is actually very good too, but for some reason I always prefer primes (with my Canon too). I really love the articulating screen. Too bad that the GF1 doesn't have one, but it'd make the camera larger which I guess is unwanted.

[GSeries1]

Thanks! :) Yes, the 20/1.7 is an
ways prefer primes (with my Canon too). I really love the articulating screen. Too bad that the GF1 doesn't have one, but it'd make the camera larger which I guess is unwanted.

Not a fan of twisty screens but a viewfinder would have been nice. I like to use a viewfinder and external flash at the same time. grrrr.

[I Simonius]

hate twisty screens
yach ptui

[10megapixel]

I wish my 1D had a swivel screen.

Actually, I'm really surprised Canon hasn't produced a DSLR with a swivel screen yet. I'll bet the Rebel ends up with one soon.

[alreadygone]

It appears that in the scenario you speak of it will take the G11 somewhere between 1/10th and 3/10ths of a second longer depending on the lighting conditions. I suspect in outdoor light the difference would be indistinguishable. The GF1 is ready to go for the next shot much faster though.

Canon G11
Shutter Lag Full Autofocus 0.540 - 0.750 sec
Shutter Lag Prefocused 0.072 sec
Shot to Shot time 2.29 sec

GF1:
Shutter Lag Full Autofocus 0.409 sec

The numbers don't add up. There must be a time between autofocus and shutter lag. Does the "quick shot" mode shorten the overall lag?

[jacobsen1]

hate twisty screens
yach ptui

add me to the list. if you want one, get one of these:
http://www.gadgetvenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flipbac.jpg

you can add it to any camera you want. It takes up less space than an LCD that actually moves, and the best part is you can have it and those of us that prefer camera w/o don't need the added size, weight or complexity.

[GSeries1]

The numbers don't add up. There must be a time between autofocus and shutter lag. Does the "quick shot" mode shorten the overall lag?

The numbers add up fine. The G11 has a shutter lag of 7/100's of a second and AF takes about 5 to 7/10ths of a second.

[alreadygone]

Canon G11
Shutter Lag Full Autofocus 0.540 - 0.750 sec
Shutter Lag Prefocused 0.072 sec
Shot to Shot time 2.29 sec

Please explain how 0.750 pluse 0.072 equals 2.29.

[funks]

For some people who prefer a camera having the EVF - it's too bad the G1 is not sold with the 20mm pancake as a combo.

[nuffi]

Please explain how 0.750 pluse 0.072 equals 2.29.


That 2.29 figure is the time it takes for the camera to finish processing and writing the image it too the last time you pressed the shutter and be ready to go next time you press the button again.

So.... if you want to get a sequence of shots, best you will do is something like 3 every 9 seconds with the G series.

Does that make sense?

[jacobsen1]

For some people who prefer a camera having the EVF - it's too bad the G1 is not sold with the 20mm pancake as a combo.

it's really too bad the 5Dii isn't sold with the 50mm 1.4 either.... :lol:
you can buy an add on EVF for the GF1 for $200.

[GSeries1]

That 2.29 figure is the time it takes for the camera to finish processing and writing the image it too the last time you pressed the shutter and be ready to go next time you press the button again.


Exactly...

[GSeries1]

Please explain how 0.750 pluse 0.072 equals 2.29.

I didn't realize that's what you were asking,,, see above post for answer.

[alreadygone]

Quote:
Originally Posted by alreadygone
Please explain how 0.750 pluse 0.072 equals 2.29.

I didn't realize that's what you were asking,,, see above post for answer.

[alreadygone]

Sorry, GSeries1. Point taken.

[Helena]

Oops. It seems like I somehow managed to delete part of my previous message. I have edited it now. This is what I meant to write:

Thanks! :) Yes, the 20/1.7 is an awesome lens. Very sharp even at f/1.7.

The kit lens 14-45 is actually very good too, but for some reason I always prefer primes (with my Canon too). I really love the articulating screen. Too bad that the GF1 doesn't have one, but it'd make the camera larger which I guess is unwanted.


Not a fan of twisty screens but a viewfinder would have been nice. I like to use a viewfinder and external flash at the same time. grrrr.

I'm surprised to hear that you and others don't like the articulating screens. May I ask why? I think they are absolutely wonderful. :) It's great for macros, for subjects low on the ground or high up, it helps keeping the camera level when you are on low ground and shoot something tall with a wide angle (since you can lift the camera over your head - otherwise if you're too low you may have to tilt the camera upwards to get the top of the building or whatever you're photographing) etc. etc..


For some people who prefer a camera having the EVF - it's too bad the G1 is not sold with the 20mm pancake as a combo.

I agree, or at least as body only. That's what I wanted too, but I ended up buying a kit (used) with both 14-45 and 20/1.7. I can always sell the zoom later.

[JeffreyG]

I'm surprised to hear that you and others don't like the articulating screens. May I ask why? I think they are absolutely wonderful. :) It's great for macros, for subjects low on the ground or high up, it helps keeping the camera level when you are on low ground and shoot something tall with a wide angle (since you can lift the camera over your head - otherwise if you're too low you may have to tilt the camera upwards to get the top of the building or whatever you're photographing) etc. etc..

It's a tactile thing. The articulating screen can never feel solid.

[I Simonius]

I wish my 1D had a swivel screen.

Actually, I'm really surprised Canon hasn't produced a DSLR with a swivel screen yet. I'll bet the Rebel ends up with one soon.

I want one witrh a swivel chair so I can sit down while snapping;):lol::lol::lol:

[I Simonius]

add me to the list. if you want one, get one of these:
http://www.gadgetvenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flipbac.jpg

you can add it to any camera you want. It takes up less space than an LCD that actually moves, and the best part is you can have it and those of us that prefer camera w/o don't need the added size, weight or complexity.

:lol::lol:

It's a tactile thing. The articulating screen can never feel solid.

exactly - at jus dunt feel roit do it?:D

[jacobsen1]

It's a tactile thing. The articulating screen can never feel solid.

exactly. Plus, it's less expensive. :)

[Helena]

It's a tactile thing. The articulating screen can never feel solid.

Aha, then I understand and agree. To be quite honest I don't really like the G1 body, but I do like its functions/features. The image quality has exceeded my expectations, but time will tell if I will grow to love G1 like I do the 5D. :)

The worst problem with G1 (and GF1, I presume) is the AWB. I have adjusted it towards green so daylight shots are usually really nice, but when the sun is setting or it's cloudy or foggy colors can get really wrong and I find them hard to correct.

[PubUltraStar]

A beta version of CHDK was recently released for the G11. This makes the camera very attractive if you want to run scripts, motion detection, longer exposures, etc... I'm sure everyone who has a G10 is chapped that the development on CHDK for their camera has been at a standstill. I was really contimplating hard getting a GF1 with the 20mm pancake lens, but now I'm thinking G11 and using the extra cash for accessories. Either way, they are both great cameras.

[joeyserver]

Sorry, what does CHDK mean? I'm seriously looking at buying the G11.

[GSeries1]

Sorry, what does CHDK mean? I'm seriously looking at buying the G11.

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/G11

[PubUltraStar]

CHDK stands for Canon hack development Kit, or something similar. Basically, it expands the functionality of your camera using a non-distructive firmware hack. It allows you to run scripts for Motion Detection (lightning shots), Intervelometer (time-lapse), Extended exposurses (Star Trails), and tons more. For example, the G11 allows for a 15 second exposure with the camera out of the box. Load CHDK, and you can have any exposure you want.

I actually bought my G11 today, and have the 1.00J firmware, and my initial testing looks good as my normal intervelometer script ran without issue.

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki

[hnr2802]

i have through the website.. but can seem understand how to load the CHDK.. can someone help me?

[PubUltraStar]

You have to download an application called CardTricks. You should be able to search the CHDK wiki for the link. You also have to have the alternative firmware from the site, which should be a file called DISKBOOT.BIN. Cardtricks will allow you to format the card and make it bootable, as well as copy the DISKBOOT.BIN file over. You have to have a 4GB card or less, unless you are using SDM (StereoData Maker) as your CHDK firmware. There is no current SDM for the G11, but it is much easier to use than straight CHDK. There are tons of newbie threads on the CHDK forum as well. Good Luck.

[I Simonius]

any application exist for decoding the Panasonic GF1 manual? It is utterly random. Seruiously - it is NOT LOGICAL OR ALPHABETICAL

e.g, want to look up 'auto bracketinG'? Guess whether it's under 'A' for Auto' or 'B' for 'bracketing'? Neither; you need to look under 'T'! Why? Because it's under "Taking pictures with autobracketing".

maybe we could learn to use it if everything started with 'Taking pictures with...." but nope, e.g here's another gem ..want to look up 'Flash'? It's under 'U" . NO really it is! 'U' for "Using Flash" NO joke - seriously.

There IS NO ALPHABETICAL ORGANISATION AT ALL to the manual. e.g. topics start with "s' for 'switching' (yeah -don't ask) then "O' for 'optional' then 'T' for 'taking pictures wiuth' then "C" for 'compensating' is followed by 3 'T's followed by by 'an 'S', then a 'T" then an "F" then 'A' then..well you've got the idea - it is UTTERLY random


I tried to find out where it explains how to format the SD card. I gave up. PLEASE panasonic, hire someone from Canon to show you how to write a manual ( and a menu system while you're at it.):(:evil::rolleyes:

[GSeries1]

e.g, want to look up 'auto bracketinG'? Guess whether it's under 'A' for Auto' or 'B' for 'bracketing'? Neither; you need to look under 'T'! Why? Because it's under "Taking pictures with autobracketing".
:lol::lol:

They probably made the instructions in Japanese and then got a bit lazy on the conversion.

[jacobsen1]

I tried to find out where it explains how to format the SD card. I gave up. PLEASE panasonic, hire someone from Canon to show you how to write a manual

I read the manual in the 2 days it took my camera to get here. If you read it -vs- look for things in it it works much better (yes it sucks). To format, go to the menu with the wrench on it, it's the last option.

Also, read the dpreview review again, they cover a lot of the settings/menus there.

[ken_vs_ryu]

5x sensor size

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg/550px-Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg.png

[I Simonius]

:lol::lol:

They probably made the instructions in Japanese and then got a bit lazy on the conversion.

I Think they probably translated it DIRECTLY form Japanese:rolleyes:

I read the manual in the 2 days it took my camera to get here. If you read it -vs- look for things in it it works much better (yes it sucks). To format, go to the menu with the wrench on it, it's the last option.

I bet you did nothing else!;);)

Also, read the dpreview review again, they cover a lot of the settings/menus there.

cheers I will:cool:

[I Simonius]

5x sensor size

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg/550px-Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg.png

so which is MICRO 4/3rds?
( and why did you post this?):confused:

[ken_vs_ryu]

so which is MICRO 4/3rds?
( and why did you post this?):confused:
four thirds in red is the gf1.

g11 is 1/1.7"

as in life, the bigger the better.

[GSeries1]

four thirds in red is the gf1.

g11 is 1/1.7"

as in life, the bigger the better.

except for girlfriends....

[I Simonius]

except for girlfriends....

Oh I don't know................;)
( dreams: Mmmm think I fancy a russian wheightlifter for a change;))

[wksoh]

I sold my G10 and bought a GF1 2 weeks ago.
The GF1 with 20mm is really nice.
Faster AF
Faster shutter (Sharper image) in low light.
Caps ISO at 400 in auto mode (instead of jumping to 800).
Have Bokeh!
Slightly bigger than G10 and twice the price.
The macro is superior in G10 as well as tele.

[craigeeez]

Resurecting this post as I'm thinking of getting a Panasonic GF1 to probably replace my G11. I just want a multi-lens system thats smaller than my 50D .....

Anybody here made this change ?

(Or G9/10/12 to GF1?)

Just wanting some honest feedback from people who have moved from one t'other.

Love the G11, but also would really enjoy the flexibility of GF1 with 20mm/1.7, 14-42 and possibly a telephoto .....

thoughts?

[denncald]

I've contemplated getting a GF1, but still don't want to go back to multiple lenses for weight and cost factors. However, you might find this comparison/review useful;

http://www.bythom.com/compactmirrorless.htm

Dennis

[tkbslc]

Do you want a single compact camera, or do you want to pack a small camera bag everywhere?

Do you need to have nice looking ISO 800-1600?

Do you need moderate subject isolation capabilities?

Do you want to spend $500 or $1000-1500?



Personally, I went with an S90 because if I was going to mess with multiple lenses and bring a camera bag, I'd rather have the "Real" dSLR.

[photogsam]

I made the change from G11 to EPL1 then to the GF1. I initially wanted a take everywhere camera which the G11 was, and it was a great camera no doupt about it, but the micro four thirds were interesting me, so I took the plunge and tried an EPL1 with the 14-40 which was lovely to use and superb image quality definately DSLR quality, my dissapointment with the EPL1 was only a maximum of 2000 shutter, and also no remote controller (for timelapse etc).

I have now moved from that to a GF1 which is absolutely superb!!! I kept the 14-40 lens because its collapsable and to me easily compact enough to carry around everywhere, (took it to universal studios in LA last november with the EPl1 and had no issues at all) but the 20mm F1.7 is such a stunningly good quality lens I think anyone that spent a day with a GF1 and 20mm F1.7 lens would be shocked.

The control on the back is really nice, dial wheel to change aperture, shutter (press it in which swaps to either aperture or shutter), everything is so very easy to change and quickly at your finger types, its very well designed. For me its the perfect little walk around camera to go with my 5D, and images certainly dont look out of place.

I mentioned in another post that Im so suprised people dont use these micro four thirds cameras more, they really are superb!!!

[JeffreyG]

I typically take my "wife's" GF-1 with me when I travel on business because I pack light and it is certainly not worth carrying a large SLR along on trips where I will spend most of my days in conference rooms.

Still - the GF-1 is small enough to carry for the occasional shot over dinner or whatnot. I find it more useful that the very small format compact cameras.