The Lumix G6 Is Announced - Same Sensor as G5...

 

Image Source: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_G6/

 

I read an introductory hands-on review of the new Lumix G6 today.

 

(Click Here) to read it for yourselft on cameralabs.com

 

According to this article, the G6 is about the same size as the G5, and questionably, at least by me, it shares the same sensor with the G5. I am still shooting the previous series of Lumix Micro 4/3 cameras, the G3 and GX1. From what I can tell, the G5 is not enough of an improvement to justify upgrading. Again, according to this article, the G5/G6 sensor is based on the GH2 sensor. Well, the GH3 is already out and getting much better reviews than the G5. Why would they not use the GH3 sensor in the G6? This will keep me from purchasing the G6 as well.

 

Again, I'm waiting for the announcement of a GX2 (or something else). I sure hope the next camera designed primarily for stills (the GH3 is ostensibly a high end video camera) will have the very latest sensor technology. We all know that noise is the enemy of the small Micro 4/3 sensor, and still photographers need the latest technologies as much as videographers.

 

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43rumors Posts Olympus and Panasonic Roadmap in Micro 4/3 for 2013

 

Roadmap Source: http://www.43rumors.com/olympuspanasonic-2013-roadmap-sketch/

 

I don't usually give much thought to the sites that publish rumors about the camera industry. However, I have found 43rumors to be reasonably accurate, and they usually know when the rumor is likely to be incorrect.

 

This post is a little more fun than most on the rumor sites. The roadmap above shows what 43rumors thinks is coming in the Micro 4/3 arena from market leaders Panasonic and Olympus in this calendar year (and maybe a little later).

 

The fun thing is, you can vote on which three items on the roadmap interest you most, and see what the total voting results are so far.

 

(Click Here) to go to 43rumors.com and place your vote.

 

This tells me that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX2 isn't coming out anytime soon. I don't know what to think of the G7 coming out soon. The G5 was not very impressive to me. If the G7 has the GH3 sensor (or better), I may be interested, as long as the body doesn't grow too much in size from the G3. A "pro" grade Lumix may be interesting as well, but I have a feeling it'll be Nikon DSLR size, just to prove it's pro equipment. Finally, a 42.5mm f1.2 lens could be fun. Of course, characteristically, I'm focused on Panasonic more than Olympus. The OM-D is already a huge win for Olympus, and I'm sure it only gets better.

 

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Now Here's A Rumor That I Hope Is True - Lumix DMC-GX2 Will Have GH3 Sensor!

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

Image Source: shop.panasonic.com

 
I have pretty much decided to ship a model in the Panasonic Lumix G series - the new DMC-G5. While I really like the ergonomic design better than my G3, there doesn't seem to be enough image quality improvement to justify the upgrade. Apparently, the G5 has about one stop better dynamic range than the G3, which would certainly be welcome, but it doesn't gain much in high iso performance.
 
The newly-announced DMC-GH3, the flagship Lumix that is also a high end video machine, promises much more. The new GH3 sensor is preliminarily reported to be much better at high iso settings. While I do like the idea of being able to shoot the highest quality video, especially in my live music project, the truth is that I'm currently just not a video guy. So, I'd love to have a still photography-targeted camera with the new GH3 sensor.
 
According to a post on m43blog.com, the rumors are saying that a new DMC-GX2, with the GH3 sensor, will be announced before the end of this year.
 
(Click Here) to read the post on m43blog.
 
I would really welcome this development. The GX series is a little different from the main G line, mainly in that it does not include an integral electronic viewfinder (EVF). The GF1 (predecessor to the GX1) and the GX1 both have optional add-on finders. They're expensive, and really take away from the small size and simple shape of the camera, but EVF is essential to me. I just can't shoot by framing on an LCD. This is why I chose the G3 over the GX1. I know that I will always have the EVF mounted, so I'd rather just have it built into the body.
 
In any case, I would seriously consider getting the GX2 and accessory EVF, if it indeed uses the GH3 sensor.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
If you can't wait, PLEASE order your GH3 here :).
 
 

Awesome Bird Shots With Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, Lumix 100-300 f4-5.6, and a Telescope

 

By FernandoBatista on mu-43.com

Shot with DMC-G5 and Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f54/bird-new-g5-image-heavy-33977/

 
FernandoBatista on mu-43.com has posted several amazingly sharp bird photos, all shot with the new Lumix DMC-G5. Some were shot with the Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6, others with an apochromatic telescope adapted to the Lumix body.
 
(Click Here) to see them all.
 
I have really gotten some nice images with the 100-300mm Lumix lens. Sitting birds are one thing. Shooting them in flight, which really helps to make them look less like stuffed taxidermy models, is much harder. The Lumix lens' fast autofocus is pretty good, but it's definitely still not a high hit-rate endeavor.
 
 

Red-Wing Blackbird, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 275mm

iso400, f5.6, 1/80sec

 
This is about the best I've done on birds in flight with the Lumix 100-300:
 

Osprey in Flight, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 177mm

iso400, f8, 1/1250sec

I've actually done much better with a manual focus Nikkor 500mm f4 than with any autofocus lens. That said, I've spent a lot more time perfecting my technique with that lens, and matched with the superb Nikon D700 full-frame sensor, it's not really a fair comparison:

Ospreys in Flight, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor Ais 500mm f4 (manual focus)

iso500, f5.6, 1/1500 sec

I have this one enlarged to 12x18 on my wall, and the sharpness is remarkable. It's easy to tell these guys aren't stuffed!


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Some Sunrise Shots With the Lumix DMC-G5 by Phrenic on mu-43.com

 

This one was "de-fished," taken with a 7.5mm fisheye.

Image Source: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BYDkB2iBQ7WHlb6G63xv3O94fXWR_mmr40hSlUgxLBM?feat=e%20%20mbedwebsite

 
User phrenic on mu-43.com shared a series of sunrise shots with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. Most were shot with a Lumix 14-45mm kit lens. The one above with a fisheye. The image was "de-fished" in post-processing. Wonderful job!
 
(Click Here) to see the rest on mu-43.com
 
I'm glad to start seeing some images from the G5 show up online. I'm holding off on any body upgrades (I use the DMC-G3) until I've had a good look at the GH3, which was just announced last week. More on that later.
 
This is a quick and easy post today, as I'm attending my favorite music festival, Watermelon Park Fest, this weekend. A quick run home got me connected to the internet, but I'm heading back out for another day of fun! Lots of DMC-G3 (including some with my new Olympus 75mm f1.8!) and some Leica M9 images soon to come!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

So What About the New Panasonic DMC-G5?

Well, I've written a little about it, but have not invested in one.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5
Image Source: shop.panasonic.com
 
The SoundImagePlus blog is covering the G5 in an ongoing series (four installments so far).
 
(Click Here) to see SoundImagePlus' review series on the G5. There are some nice sample images there, as well.
 
Here's what I've learned so far:

• (+) Better grip than the DMC-G3, which is my current camera. Not surprising. The G3 is weak in this area. Can someone make a nice grip attachment for the G3?
• (-) Newly-redesigned menus (sigh). This would mean working through another long set of menus, and writing a new eBook to figure out how to set it up.
• (+/- no advantage) According to SoundImagePlus, essentially identical high iso performance to the G3 and GX1.
• (+) Electronic shutter mode for silent shutter release.
• (-) Different battery from the G3, which means carrying another charger.

So, here's where I am on this camera, at the moment. If I didn't already own the G3 (two, actually), would I buy the G5 instead? Yes.
 
Will I replace a G3 with a G5? No. There's just not enough improvement there to make the switch.
 
Of course, the buzz now is all about what the DMC-GH3, supposed to be announced this month, will bring. That may be a different story for me.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

How Well Does Micro 4/3 Format Work For Landscapes?

 

 

Landscape, by JohnW on getdpi.com

Image Source: http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/4-3rds-cameras/39861-m4-3-landscape-system.html

 

Garnet Lake, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 14-45mm kit lens at 14mm

iso 100, f8, 1/200 sec

 
NOTE: the original picture for this post, from JohnW on getdpi, is no longer available. So, I've substituted one of my own landscapes made with Micro 4/3 equipment.
 
Everyone knows that the tradeoff in Micro 4/3 camera gear is sensor size, which gives you awesome small form factor cameras and lenses in exchange for the small image format. This has been written about, and argued about, ad nauseum. In my opinion, Micro 4/3 cameras started out pretty good in the image quality department (my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 produced very nice images, and still does now in the hands of a friend), and have only gotten better. I'm pretty pleased with the Lumix DMC-G3 in terms of image quality and reasonably high iso situations. I understand the Olympus OM-D is even better. Maybe even better than the new products coming out from Panasonic. That last part is a little unclear, as the Lumix DMC-G5 has just come out, and the GH3 is anxiously awaited.
 
Anyway, one of the places where large format has always been king is in landscape photography. Ansel and his ilk carried 8"x10" or even larger cameras, films, and associated hardware (think BIG tripods) into the field to do their best work. So, how does Micro 4/3 fair in landscapes?
 
As usual, it's not black and white (pardon the pun). If you're printing wall-size, the bigger the format, the better. Unless, of course, it's so big that you can't carry it out to that pristine landscape that you want to capture. For those of us who print to 16"x20" or less, Micro 4/3 may just do the trick. Do we want better? Of course. Do we want to carry more and spend more? Well, not so clear.
 
(Click Here) to read a post on the subject by JohnW on getdpi.com. My personal opinion is that JohnW's image above is gorgeous. I see lots of subtle gray levels, smooth transitions, and high contrast in places where it matter.
 
Here's an example of a cropped panorama that I made with the DMC-G3:
 

Rural Virginia, by Reed A. George

Panasonic DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso 160, f8, 1/250 sec

 
I have printed this to 18" wide, and am reasonably happy with it. Yes, a larger format would have been better. As it is, I'm quite pleased with the result.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Speculation on the Leica M10 - to be Announced in September?

 

Leica M9

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/

 
Steve Huff has posted his information and speculations on what the much-expected Leica M10 will be like.
 
(Click Here) to read Steve's post.
 
There is also a poll at the bottom of the page. I'll admit that I voted "No," I wouldn't buy the camera described in the text.
 
Why is that? Well, a Leica M with electronic viewfinder (EVF), video capability, and speculated $9k-$10k price won't work for me. I have a great EVF camera in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, getting even better with the DMC-G5 or soon-to-be-announced DMC-GH3. I expect my Leica M to be a rangefinder, as much a part of Leica's once-innovative, now-established design history as possible.
 
One thing I really like about Steve's post - he thinks this will drive the price of used M9s up. Like the smug new homeowner, I have just purchased an M9 at a steal of a price. I am waiting for the Paypal eCheck to clear (another story on its own), and the mail.
 
So, I hope my faithful readers won't mind a new spike of Leica images and stories. I have decided that since Panasonic doesn't have a long history in still photography (or any film camera history), I'll follow their (still existing?) collaboration with Leica for that part of my photography. I have had M9 on the brain for a couple of years now. I'm very excited to get started with it.
 
But don't worry, I am still very engaged in Panasonic cameras. This may just change my timing a little, driven by cost. For example, I did decide to hold off on the Olympus 75mm f1.8 Micro 4/3 lens, even though I know it's going to be great. While my bank account recovers from the M9 purchase, I'll see if Panasonic has an analogous lens to introduce. I would like the 75mm lens even more if it were from Panasonic, and included OIS, for example.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

DMC-G5 Is Now Available in the USA

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: shop.panasonic.com

 

I see that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 is now available in the USA.

 

(Click Here) to read about the G5 at dpreview.com

 

(Click Here) to buy it at Kenmore Camera.

 

So where am I on this camera? Well, I'm not sure yet. It is the obvious upgrade to the DMC-G3, which is my standard kit. Is the upgrade worthwhile?

 

The G5 brings increased maximum iso setting (moving up from 6400 to 12800, like the GX1). However, what's not yet clear is whether the sensor is really up to it. I am looking forward to seeing how much better the new 16Mpixel G5 sensor is than the 15.8 Mpixel G3 at high iso.

 

Continuous shooting is increased to 6 frames per second (fps), above 4fps on the G3.

 

Two things that do matter to me are a better grip than the G3, and longer battery life. However, this means a different battery size. Therefore, keeping one G3 as a backup to the G5 is not a great plan; I would need to carry two different chargers when I travel.

 

Things I personally care less about include a higher resolution LCD display, more video options, and digital filters.

 

I think I'm going to wait and see if the rumored DMC-GH3 gets announced in September as expected.

 

If I have to go to a new battery anyway, I may want the really high quality video and audio features of the GH3 (including external stereo microphone jack). That could come to good use in my music project.

 

So, if you want that G5 right away - it's at Kenmore! Get it while it's in stock. I'll wait a while.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 
 
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Well, Is It Sexy? Thoughts On the "X-Factor" And Camera Designs

 

New Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-G5KK

 
I have been sorely tempted with some great deals on used Leica M9s recently, almost to the point of giving in. Now that's a sexy camera. In fact, it's hard for me to come up with any other reason for wanting it. I have a Leica M8 that I am fond of, but use much less than my Lumix DMC-G3s.
 
In tussling with myself over whether to buy an M9, which even at a great used price is super expensive, I took my M8 out this morning, after a long hiatus. The M8 is also a very sexy camera and I had a blast shooting it today. The images were truly no better than I got last weekend with my DMC-G3. The M9 would get me a full-frame sensor, and moderately better high iso performance. That's it. And, the M9's 2.5X the cost of the M8.
 
I have built my Leica lens set pretty well around the cropped sensor of the M8, with a 25mm Zeiss Biogon (33mm equivalent full-frame), old 35mm Summilux (47mm equivalent), and Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 (100mm equivalent) as the main kit. All of these work great on the M8. So, full-frame doesn't mean much.
 
Better high iso performance is meaningful. But, to be honest, my DMC-G3 has far better high iso performance than I could expect from the M9.
 
Again, it's the sexy factor, the "x-factor" that attracts me to the M9.
 
I read a post on dpreview.com that discusses this very thing.
 
(Click Here) to read the post on dpreview.
 
This post talks about how the Panasonic camera designs are great technically, but rather pedestrian in style. In some ways, I do agree, even though it's obvious how much I like Panasonic. The G3 sure doesn't feel like a Leica in my hands. But, as I've said, in many ways it outperforms.
 
The post also talks about how the Olympus OM-D has the x-factor. I can see that - the retro styling is very nice. But, still not like a Leica, in my opinion.
 
I sort of see this like comparing a Toyota and a Porsche. Obviously, Panasonic is the Toyota analog, Leica the Porsche analog. I own a Toyota, and have owned two Porsches in my life. I rely on the Toyota now, and don't own a Porsche. The Toyota is definitely more reliable, economical, and reasonable; I still miss my Porsche.
 
Toyota makes some performance cars - the Supra twin turbo is a performance legend. I'm sure it's also reliable. So, maybe the right solution is a Panasonic camera with the right styling and features to be both reliable and exciting.
 

And How About This Toyota? Panasonic - Make Us A Camera That FEELS Like This

Image Source: http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/30000-toyota-sports-car-for-2012-20110302-1be0b.html

 
Is the DMC-G5 that camera? It looks pretty good to me. The grip will add a lot of feel, compared to the G3. If the sensor is as good or better than the Olympus OM-D, that will be great. It will never be a Leica, but it may just have some x-factor to it.
 
I think Panasonic could learn something of design by looking at the Leicas, and at the Fujifilm XPro-1. Fujifilm certainly put some x-factor into that design (closely modeled on the Leica).
 
I was thinking about what I'd like to try out in Micro 4/3 gear in the near future as I considered a great deal on a Leica M9. I figured out that I could buy a DMC-G5, Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens, Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, add in a new DMC-GH3 body when it's available (maybe that will be the sexy one?), and still spend less on these (all new) than I would on a single Leica M9 body only, USED!
 
So, I'll keep my Leica M8 for times when I just need that feel, but I won't upgrade to the M9.
 
I still miss my Porsche.
 
Panasonic, please try to build some x-factor into your upcoming designs. We'll be willing to pay for it, I promise.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Lest You Think I'm Asleep at the Wheel... Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Image Source: http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/slrs/panasonic_dmcg5

 
Yes, I have seen the announcement(s) of the new G5. Yes, it looks interesting. Just don't want anyone to think I'm not paying attention.
 
At this point, I will remain quiet on this camera, until I have a chance to learn more. For now, I will rely on the excellent information source, dpreview.com.
 
(Click Here) to see what dpreview knows about the new DMC-G5
 
I find it interesting how it's being market as the mid-level Micro 4/3 solution. I can certainly see how it's higher than the GF series. I suppose they mean it's lower than the GH series (which is due for a GH3 announcement). At any rate, this camera has a good chance of replacing at least one of my DMC-G3s in coming months, especially if the new sensor really is better, as is being preliminarily reported.
 
Looks like writing a new eBook may be in my near future... Or at least an update to the G3 eBook posted here on DMC-365.
 
Stay tuned!
 
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