One of the things that lured me into photography was the expensive, shiny equipment. I guess we all know that the gear doesn’t make pictures, but merely records an image, and it’s ultimately up to the photographer to make compelling pictures. That said, I still have an interest in the equipment needed to help me making images and I’d like to describe the gear I use.
I used a Canon 20D for 3 years then upgraded to the 50D. Shortly afterwards I realised that carrying a heavy DSLR and heavy lenses around everywhere isn’t practical or fun. I also came to the conclusion that I really didn’t need something like the 50D for my type of photography. I sold all my Canon gear and entered the world of Micro 4/3rds and now own:
Panasonic GF1- Panasonic G2
- Lumix G 20mm f/1.7
- Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6
- Auto Revuenon 50mm f/1.8 (Pentax M42 screw mount)
- Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 (Pentax M42 screw mount)
- Optomax 200mm f/3.5 (Pentax M42 screw mount)
This a fantastic lightweight alternative to a DSLR which provides similar image quality.
Post Processing
I always shoot RAW and import and process in Lightroom 3 using a variety of techniques depending on what mood I’m in.
HI Allen!
I came to photography from the opposite direction Sharon and I started traveling five years ago. I started taking pics with a Canon 8 meg (6x) point +shoot. Last fall did Spain and Italy with an Lx3 where I learned about shooting wide. Had to – no zoom! Traded in the Lx3 for a Fz35. Great zoom but not that great in low light. Have considered an slr but I too question the weight. The GF1 with the pancake I’m sure is great. Add the two other lenses and are we not just carrying another camera bag? Is it that much lighter than the canon? Does the GF1 demand raw due to so,so jpegs? I’m wrestling between a GF1 and another Lx3. Any thoughts??!
Chris
Hi Chris,
When I carried my Canon 50D + lens the total weight was somewhere in the region of 1.2-1.3kg, so the GF1 + 14-45 zoom (which is my preferred lens for hiking) at a total of about 480g feels like nothing. When I’m out hiking or biking then photography is not top priority so the GF1 + 14-45 is all I carry (in a small holster case), I don’t bother with other lenses so don’t need a whole big camera bag. The pancake lens is even lighter so the total weight would be about 385g, but I personally prefer the versatility of the zoom for an extra 95g.
I’ve used compacts in the past but often been disappointed with the image quality, hence carrying an SLR everywhere. The Micro 4/3rds cameras herald a new era of small lightweight cameras that provide excellent image quality, and they work well in low light too, I’m happy up to ISO 800 though the higher you go with ISO the more accurate you need to be with exposure to prevent too much image noise.
Unfortunately I don’t have an answer regarding the GF1 jpegs because I’ve been shooting raw for a few years and have continued that with the GF1 – I have a comfortable raw workflow in place and ISO 100 raws out of the camera are very workable indeed and lots of details can be brought out of the shadow areas if need be.
As to GF1 or LX3? It’s a tough one – for me the GF1 is now my only camera – if I need it to be compact I take the 20mm pancake and if I need versatility I take the 14-45mm zoom. With the LX3 you don’t need to make that decision, it’s always compact, but you might miss the longer telephoto focal lengths occasionally. The other major difference of course is the sensor – in good light, at ISO 100, the difference between the two will be minimal, but in poor light when you’re pushing the ISO up to 400 then you’re going to start seeing a difference. It also depends on what you do with the images in the end – if you like to make big prints then the GF1 is going to have the advantage. The GF1 is an inbetween camera, it’s not big but it’s not small, if you want a truly compact camera then the GF1 is not for you – it won’t fit comfortably into a jacket pocket even with the pancake lens, but I find it ideal for my needs.
I hope this has been of some help, and good luck with your decision!
Hi Alan!
Somehow I missed this reply! I’m still quite new to the whole WordPress thing. Flicker I have seen but haven’t looked into yet. I’m on Facebook (my daughter, the same one who got me blogging, suggested I get on it. I joined not knowing anything about it! I seldom use it.) Anyway, my apologies for not responding to this sooner.
I can see I have a great deal to learn about post processing.
On another note, I too am a cyclist. I have a recumbent bicycle. They are very comfortable to ride although some people find them a bit “tricky” at first. It’s good to hear you spend time with your kids. Don’t forget your wife! (not that you do!)
The kids leave. Your wife is your life long partner.
Will let you know what I’m doing when I finally figure it out.
Thanks again.
Chris