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.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

New Lumix 14mm User's Results

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f38/pana-14-reasons-cheerful-25723/

Poster kevinparis on mu-43.com posted some results of a walk in Venice Beach, California with his new Lumix 14mm f2.5 lens. It seems that Kevin shoots a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 body.

(Click Here) to read the original post. Be sure to click through to the flickr set. It's got 17 more images to see.

He comments that he wasn't sure how this lens would work out for him. I can see that he's going to have some fun with this lens.

I really like the little 14mm f2.5. It is so small, carrying it along is basically like putting an extra filter or two in your bag. I thnk f2.5 is fast enough to be very useful, even for those tight interior space shots. It's a great companion to the 20mm f1.7 for an incredibly small 2-lens kit (especially with a DMC-GF1 or GX1 body). Unfortunately, since I always like a little more reach in my bag, I usually can't get by with just those two lenses. I carry the Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit, but if I really wanted to slim down my 3-lens kit, I would get the highly-celebrated Olympus 45mm f1.8. Those three lenses (Lumix 14, Lumix 20, and Olympus 45) would make quite the tiny, useful setup.

Anyway, my close friend James has just ordered his 14mm f2.5. I can't wait to see his results!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Another Jpeg Setting To Try

 

Here Comes the Sun by dixeyk on mu-43.com

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f43/panasonic-color-26171/

 
I have written in the past about my desire to find great jpeg settings for my Lumix DMC-G3. I normally shoot raw files, but would like to get the best jpegs out of my camera, to minimize the need to sit in front of a computer, post-processing images. Especially given my luck with home computers lately (another story).
 
Poster dixeyk on mu-43.com posted this image, and his settings.
 
(Click Here) to see dixeyk's post.
 
dixeyk uses the "My Film" setting on his Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, setting Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, and Noise Reduction all uniformly to a value of -2.
 
From dixeyk's single example, this looks pretty good to me.
 
I previously tried another user's suggested settings and found the result way too contrasty and saturated. So, for now, I just use the normal film setting, but am not totally satisfied with the result.
 
 
(Click Here) for my earlier post on jpeg settings. Note, again however, these didn't work out for me.
 
 
I'm leaving for a short trip this weekend. I'll give dixeyk's settings a try and report back.
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

The PhoBlographer Tests the Zeiss Planar 50mm f2 M Lens on Micro Four Thirds

 

Image Source: http://www.thephoblographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/P5112317_lr-1000.jpg

I read an interesting post about using the Zeiss Planar 50mm f2 (Leica M mount) lens on Micro Four-Thirds cameras.

(Click Here) to see the original post at www.thephoblographer.com

The author (Felix Esser) makes several important points. First, he says that while he's satisfied with the Zeiss lens performance on both the Olympus E-P1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, neither delivers a certain image quality that he sees using the same lens on the Leica M8. This is difficult to evaluate. Each M4/3 camera has so many settings, I find it a little hard to believe that one couldn't fiddle long enough and pretty much replicated the Leica's color, tone, and sharpness. The Micro 4/3 cameras have more recent sensor technology than the M8. The only differentiating thing I can think of is the lack of an IR filter on the M8 sensor, which is supposed to increase sharpness, but at the cost of color accuracy. I find with my M8 that the add-on UV/IR filters are absolutely necessary to achieve good color rendition, so I any benefit from not having the filter there must be lost.

I also found Felix's comments comparing the Olympus E-P1 and Lumix DMC-G1 of interest. It seems that he prefers the native jpeg output of the Olympus, but finds the Panasonic much easier to use with legacy manual focus lenses. This is mainly because of the increased resolution of the G1's electronic viewfinder (EVF). I bet he'd really like it if he tried the DMC-G3 or DMC-GH2.

Felix also provides a little information on the history of the Planar, which has always rivaled the Leica Summicron, both considered benchmarks for image quality in the normal lens range.

I don't have a 50mm Planar. I do have a Zeiss 25mm Biogon T f2.8, which should make a very nice 50mm equivalent on Micro 4/3. The 25mm Biogon is as well-recognized for image quality as the Planar. On my Leica M8, the Biogon makes a wonderful 35mm replacement (at ~33mm equivalent field of view).

However, I must admit, I rarely use the Biogon on M4/3. Why? A few reasons: 1) manual focus, 2) f2.8 (I prefer faster), 3) the existence of the Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4. The Summilux offers autofocus, 2 stops of increased speed, and excellent image quality. So, it's just a little hard to grab the Biogon and leave the Summilux behind.

I would be interested in hearing others' opinions about this. For a normal lens, I don't see much reason to use anything other than the Pana-Leica 25mm Summilux on my M4/3 cameras.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 
 
 
 
 

New Voigtlander 17.5mm f0.95 Micro 4/3 Lens

Cameraquest, United States distributor for Cosina (aka Voigtlander) is now taking deposits for a new native Micro 4/3 mount 17mm f0.95 (super fast!) lens.
(Click Here) to see it on Cameraquest's website.
 

Image Source:
http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/02/06/voigtlander-announces-new-17-5mm-f0-95-lens-for-micro-four-thirds-35mm-equivalent/
 
At $1,249, you may want to make the $100 deposit, then get a loan for the remaining balance. Just kidding. This is a lens for people who love fast lenses (meaning it gathers a lot of light, and can basically take pictures in the dark). Those never come cheap. It is a manual focus lens.
 
At 17.5mm focal length, this lens will have an equivalent field of view that a 35mm focal length lens would on full-frame 35mm cameras. So, it makes me think of a Leica Summilux 35mm (which is an f1.4). The new Voigtlander lens gathers more than 2 times as much light, making it the fastest commercial 35mm equivalent lens I've ever seen.
 
(Click Here) to read a brief user review of the lens, used on a Lumix DMC-GH2, by Daisuki Photo. Note that the author used a 3X neutral density filter to bring the light levels down low enough to open the lens aperture up, very useful for this type of testing.
 
Also be sure to catch the author's note on how he likes the new Fuji XPro-1 versus his GH2. Interesting.
 
I have been thinking about trying a Voigtlander lens for Micro 4/3. They also have the Nokton 25mm f0.95 manual focus lens. But, I'm so happy with my Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4, which is has autofocus, that I just don't really need to look further. I use the Lumix 20mm f1.7 for a rough equivalent to 35mm, and am also pleased with it. So, I can't really see laying out this kind of money for a manual focus lens. They're both really specialty lenses in my opinion. If you really need that amazing light gathering capability, go for it. I don't think I do. I considered whether either would help my concert photography, which is normally pretty challenging light. But, manual focus would be a bigger disadvantage than the extra speed would be an advantage. In my opinion, of course.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

It's Springtime in the Audubon Garden in Charleston, South Carolina - Lumix 45-200mm f4-5.6

Poster isabel95 on mu-43.com posted this image of a male anole, signaling for a girlfriend in the Audubon Magnolia Plantation Garden, in Charleston, South Carolina.
 
(Click Here) for the original post.
 

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/isabel95/7094862123/

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Lumix 45-200mm f4-5.6

 
The Lumix 45-200mm lens was one of the very first Micro 4/3 lenses offered by Panasonic. It's range has been encroached (not fully in either case) by the newer 14-140mm f4-5.8 and the 100-300mm f4-5.6 lenses. I had the 45-200, and sold it when I got the two newer lenses. While the 100-300 is a superior lens for wildlife in my opinion, the 14-140 suffers a little in image quality as compared to the 45-200, especially at the longer focal lengths. I still have images from the 45-200 on my wall. That says something about the lens.
 

Goldfinch, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 45-200 f4-5.6

iso400, f5.6, 1/500 sec

 
Because of its age (only), the 45-200 is remarkably inexpensive these days. You can find it used for less than $200 if you look for a while. If you're considering this lens, I would say go for it. It is a perfect companion to the kit zoom, and would be my recommendation for a second zoom for anyone on a budget, but looking to expand their capabilities.
 
Notice, I said "second zoom." I would always recommend the awesome Lumix 20mm f1.7 as a second lens, but it's a prime (fixed focal length) lens. The combination of a kit lens (14-45 or 14-42), the 20mm f1.7, and the 45-200 would make a relatively inexpensive yet highly flexible kit. It was my Micro 4/3 kit for quite a while (with the DMC-G1 body).
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

Never Never - DMC-GH2 On Four Day Hike Through Tasmania!

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f56/never-never-23374/

 

I have cross-posted some of "nickthetasmaniac" 's work in the past. Tasmania is such an exotic place in my mind, and he goes to the coolest areas there.

 

This time, he went on a four day hike, ending up in a place called "Never Never." How cool is that?

 

Nick uses the Lumix DMC-GH2, Nokton 25mm f0.95, Lumix 7-14mm f4, and Olympus 45mm f1.8.

 

You will definitely want to (Click Here) to see the whole post. There are several great pictures there.

 

They even ended up with a late summer (remember, Southern Hemisphere) snow! The picture of their camp looks mighty cold to me.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a Post to Keep Your Eye On - Lumix Macros

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f88/some-my-macro-shots-my-lumix-going-post-23297/

User StudioHeraBell on mu-43 started a new macro image post. Using a legacy Pentax macro lens and DMC-GH2, this looks like it could be interesting.

The image above is a closeup of tulip petals. I find it very attractive.

Macro is one of those types of photography you can do anywhere, any time. It's fun to play with lighting approaches, and make ordinary items seem anything but.

I have subscribed to the thread.

I did some macro photography of my own recently, of the new spring blossoms and flowers. I'll have to post some...

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

Big Snow in Yosemite - DMC-GH2, 20mm and 14-45mm Lumix Lenses

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f56/epic-yosemite-snowdump-weekend-23149/

User tanngrisnir3 on mu-43.com posted a great series of black and white images taken recently in Yosemite National Park, after a late season snow.

(Click Here) to see the Yosemite post on mu-43.com.

tanngrisnir3 regularly uses the 20mm f1.7 Lumix lens for landscapes, and has written about his experiences in the past.

(Click Here) to see tannsgrisnir3's post on using the 20mm f1.7 for landscapes.

My buddy Curtis Kautzer was in Yosemite during the storm, too, and took this shot (among other nice ones):

Yosemite, by Curtis Kautzer

Ansel Adams knew how to pick a location for nature photography, and Yosemite was certainly one of his favorites.

It looks like the East Coast is actually going to escape without a major snowstorm this year. I'm not sure it's a good thing, but mild weather usually doesn't make me too unhappy.

I am looking forward to a very photographic Spring 2012. Glad you are along for the ride!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Cross-Post from Aboud Dweck's "Everything Photo" Blog

 

Reed and Aboud at the DC Fish Market, by Aboud Dweck

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Aboud Dweck, author of the great photography blog

http://everything-foto.blogspot.com

 

and I went out for dim sum and a little shooting and catching up yesterday.

 

While Aboud shot his new Lumix DMC-GH2, I brought out my Rolleiflex T twin lens reflex and shot my first two rolls of film for 2012. Maybe that's why I look a little old and confused in the image above.

 

Aboud's post on his blog describes the minor differences in shooting 120 film with a TLR and modern digital photography with the GH2.

 

(Click Here) for Aboud's post.

 

I am praying that I have at least one great shot out of 16 or so I shot on the Rollei. More likely, I will simply prove that the expense and hassle of shooting film provides inferior results to the latest in digital technology. But, I must admit it was a blast to shoot that old camera again. And, you can't compare an EVF or LCD to the image on that ground glass in the Rolleiflex.

 

Thanks for a great day, Aboud. We'll have to get out again soon.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Master - DPReview Challenge Winning Image, Shot With DMC-GH2

 

Master by inorogNL

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, Lumix 20mm f1.7

This image of a painter in Paris won a recent dpreview challenge.

(Click Here) to see the photographer's post.

I think this is a wonderful shot. I like how the artist resembles his subjects. Very nicely done!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Aboud Dweck of Everything Photo Blog Adds Lumix to His Kit

 

Aboud Dweck of Everything Photo

Image Source: http://everything-foto.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-toy-panasonic-gh-2-chapter-1.html

 

My friend and fellow capital-area blogger, Aboud Dweck, has just added a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 to his camera bag. Aboud is a fine art photographer, and has no qualms carrying his Pentax 645D around to get those shots you can print at billboard size.

 

(Click Here) to go to Aboud's blog, Everything Photo.

 

Aboud is taking his new GH2 to New Orleans this weekend. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes with it!

 

I share Aboud's appreciation of simple cameras (and initial trepidation with all of the controls on the Lumix cameras). As with all things in life, I learn what I need, then slowly, very slowly, begin to learn the rest. For example, on my G3s, the lack of a sensor to let the camera know whether I am looking through the finder or using live view has never been a problem; I have yet to take a picture except using the finder. Of course, I am missing out on some nice features, but I will get to them.

 

Good luck in your trip, Aboud!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com