Geoff Steven's Images of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Using DMC-GH2 and G3

Professional photographer Geoff Steven recently traveled to Vietnam to photograph World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay.  He traveled with the winner of a Lumix photography competition, and shot with the DMC-G3 and DMC-GH2.  I've included a couple of his images below:

 Image Source:  http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/ourplace/img/activity10/image04.jpg

 Image Source:  http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/ourplace/img/activity10/image02.jpg

(Click Here) to see the complete story and more images.

In order to capture a comprehensive set of images over a four day period, Geoff traveled the bay in a combination of a speed boat and a local slow boat, and climbed mountains and into caves.  I find it interesting to speculate how much more mobile he was as a result of using two excellent, small cameras, as opposed to full-sized DLSRs.  It is my opinion that Micro 4/3 equipment has just recently advanced to the point that one can feel confident in the ability to capture great images in a wide range of lighting situations, even on once-in-a-lifetime situations.

To see Geoff's website, (Click Here).

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Lumix DMC-G3 in Cyprus - Amazing Dynamic Range, Shot With Kit Lens

 

 

Look at the dynamic range in this shot! Wonderful!

 

 

The Tomb of the Kings, Paphos Cyprus

by Annie381 on flickr

Image Source: http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7149/6772722113_873f2c39f4.jpg

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, 14-42 f3.5-5.6

iso160, f4.5, 1/200 sec

This is a great testament to the G3 sensor, and the frequently-panned 14-42 kit lens. I have two of these lenses that came with my G3s, and have never tried either of them. Hmmm. Perhaps I should.

It is going to be tough to rival this shot anywhere, anytime, but especially Virginia in winter!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Get your G3 kit here:

 

 

Thoughts And Sample of Lumix DMC-GX1 at iso 12,800

 

 Image Source: http://www.pbase.com/phile/image/141224198/original.jpg

Lumix DMC-GX1 at iso12,800 by Robert Deutsch

In my earlier post about my decision to skip the DMC-GX1 in favor of the DMC-G3, I stated that it was hard for me to imagine that the ability of the GX1 to go to iso 12,800 was likely to be of use.  My thought (guess, conjecture) was that it couldn't produce reasonable noise performance at that setting.  Based on this sample by Robert Deutsch, I seem to be wrong.  

(Click here) to read Robert's post on dpreview.  It is worth reading the responses, some of which question our recent obsession with high iso performance.  Some even bring up the fact that you could never buy film with sensitivity approaching these levels; I find that argument irrelevant.  I know that I was very pleased to find that I can shoot my G3 at iso 6400, and used it to my advantage at a recent concert.

Acoustic Burgoo, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 100mm

iso6400, f4, 1/100 sec

So, I admit I judged the GX1 prematurely.  Obviously, it does okay at iso 12,800.  Thanks to Robert for showing his result.

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New Lumix Camera USA / Asia Catalogs Posted

 

 

                                                                    Image Source:  http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/g3/img/index/head.jpg

Panasonic has posted a beautiful series of catalogs and marketing material for their camera offerings in the US and Asia.

(Click Here) for the main page.

These are really well-done pieces, in my opinion.  I have looked at the DMC-G3 and DMC-LX5 catalogs pretty closely, as I own and use both.  Looking at the G3 catalog reminds me that I too easily get stuck in my ways, and neglect to learn all the features of my cameras.  For example, I really need to play with "Pinpoint AF" function, which allows you to indicate on the LCD the exact point in the image where you want to focus.  So far, I have not used the touch screen much at all. 

Of course, these catalogs also remind me of all of the optional accessories, flashes, and lenses available for the Lumix system.  Uh oh, I feel Gear Acquisition Syndrome coming on again...

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Night Shots - A Walk in Alexandria, Virginia

 I am on a business trip in Alexandria, Virginia.  I took a brief walk this evening, down King Street.  Here are a few photos I took.

 

 King Street, by Reed A. George

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

iso 3200, f1.4, 1/100 sec

It had just rained a little, which added a nice sheen to the street.  I made my way down to Tiffany's Tavern, a place I had heard of, but never been.  I stayed long enough to have a non-alcoholic Beck's beer (woohoo!), and hear a song or two.

Bluegrass at Tiffany's Tavern, by Reed A. George

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

iso 3200, f1.4, 1/40 sec

 

On the way back to my hotel, The Majestic Cafe's blazing neon sign caught my eye.

The Majestic, by Reed A. George

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

iso 800, f4, 1/400 sec

And here's a little self-portrait of me in the hotel's courtyard.

Self Portrait, by Reed A. George

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

iso 400, f5.6, 0.8 sec 

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Raindrops and Bokeh - Panasonic-Leica 45mm Macro-Elmarit

A heavy overnight rain left these raindrops on the trees.  I love how the out of focus ones form an abstract curtain of light areas in the background.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso160, f5.6, 1/60 sec

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso160, f5.6, 1/40 sec

 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Panasonic-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit

iso160, f5.6, 1/30 sec

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Jazz, ETC - Local Barn Burners Play "Barns of Rose Hill" in Berryville, Virginia

On Saturday, February 11, I braved the cold weather to see an unusual concert at "Barns of Rose Hill" in Berryville, Virginia.  This venue was renovated from a couple of old barns in 2010.  This is how it looked in April of 2010:

 

Barns of Rose Hill, Pre-Renovation, April 2010, by Reed A. George

Leica M8, iso320, f11, 1/125 sec

 

It is now renovated, transformed into an excellent location for enjoying local music, with a combination of original materials and some modern finishes.  It has an excellent sound system, and professional stage lighting (more on that later).

 

The concert on Saturday night was an uncommon matching of sultry vocalist Jennifer Kirkland and guitarist Burt Carlson, who work together regularly, with local musicians Robert Gordon (on bass) and Danny Knicely, mandolinist.  

 

I had heard Burt play once in the past, on the celebration of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt's 100th birthday.   I have heard Danny play many times, mostly as part of Furnace Mountain, which is one of my favorite local bluegrass and old time music bands.  

 

"Jazz ETC" at Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville, VA,  

February 11, 2012, by Reed A. George

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

iso3200, f2, 1/160 sec

 

 As I mentioned above, the stage lights here are particularly challenging.  They are LEDs, and really make for some strange mixes of color, even though I kept my white balance fixed for tungsten.  I can only imagine what would have happened with auto white balance.  Some of the images came out so blue or purple that they were saturated in that channel, with essentially no light registering in other channels.  I had exactly the same phenomenon when I shot at a previous show here earlier in the year.

 

The music was what you may call an "eclectic mix," including everything from Leonard Cohen's "Dance Me to the End of Love," which was recently covered by Madeleine Peyroux, a tune by Louis Armstrong, another by the Carter Family, and "Can't Find My Way Home" by Blind Faith.  That pretty much covers some musical ground, doesn't it?

 

Jennifer Kirkland, Vocalist, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

iso6400, f4.7, 1/100 sec

 

Danny Knicely, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

iso6400, f4, 1/160 sec

  

 

 Danny Knicely, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

iso6400, f4, 1/125 sec

Robert Gordon, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

iso6400, f4, 1/100 sec 

Burt Carlson, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

iso6400, f4, 1/100 sec

 Danny Knicely and Bert Carlson, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6

iso6400, f4, 1/100 sec

This show had a little something for nearly every musical taste.  I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and don't think anyone left before the end, even though it was a cold night, and a winter storm was blowing through when we left.  I met several nice people, including a family from nearby Millwood, Virginia, and some locals from Berryville.  This venue really brings people together.  I am happy to be within an hour's drive, if not actually being a "local."

 Barns at Rose Hill Today, by Reed A. George

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

iso3200, f2, 1/160 sec

On my long drive home after the show, I couldn't help having "Can't Find My Way Home" playing in my head even though I had a different CD playing; the snow and wind were amazing.  Here's what it looked like through my windshield:

(Click Here) for the video

This was a very fun evening.  It is always nice when the band is approachable, and I got to talk with the members and thank them for a great show before taking off. This kind of music is one benefit of living in Northern Virginia.

I continue to marvel at the capability of the DMC-G3 at these very high iso settings.  Of course, there is some noise, but a modest amount of post-processing really brings it under control, especially when I shoot raw files.  I am quite pleased, other than the strange color balance, which I have not yet figured out how to improve.  That is the fault of the LED lights, not the camera.

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Another Photographer Shifting to the G3!

 

Image Source: 

http://www.xdayv.com/2012/02/03/goodbye-gf/comment-page-1/#comment-28

I was just reading Dave Martinez's post about selling his DMC-GF1, in favor of the new DMC-G3.  He also switched to Lumix from Nikon, much as I did.

(Click Here) to read the whole post.

I am not quite ready to give up either Nikon or the GF1 completely, but I sure share his appreciation of the G3.  I look forward to hearing more about Dave's decision, and how it works out for him.

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Why Tyson Robichaud Chose the DMC-G3, As Did I

 

 Image Source: http://tysonrobichaudphotography.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/img_96661.jpg?w=680

 

I recently found Tyson Robichaud's excellent blog:

(click here)

 

Mr. Robichaud and I seem to think alike.  I have recently standardized my Micro 4/3 kit on two Lumix DMC-G3 bodies, after using a DMC-G1 and DMC-GF1 for a few happy years.  Tyson explains in very clear detail how he made the decision to replace his GF1 with a G3, rather than a GX1 or other manufacturer's camera.  I made the exact same decision, after similar analysis.

 

(click here) for Tyson's article about moving from the GF1 to the G3

 

Mr. Robichaud states that one of his main reasons for upgrading at all is high iso noise performance.  He finds (and demonstrates) a nearly full 2-stop improvement in noise when comparing the GF1 to the G3.  He states that iso1600 is "very useable."  I fully agree.  In fact, I have made decent images at iso6400, which was previously impossible.

 

Like me, he was tempted by low holiday prices on the excellent GH2, but decided to go with the G3 mainly for size reasons.

 

Contrary to frequent complaints by others, he finds the grip on the G3 to be about right.  I have no complaints in this area, either.

 

We also agree that some of the buttons on the back of the G3 are too small and low profile - especially the two very useful custom buttons.

 

Tyson finds that the long shutter noise reduction is very good.  I have not tried that, but his post will make me get to it.

 

It is always nice to find a great new blog like Tyson's.  It is also good to find someone who can affirm my logic and direction in choosing equipment!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Good Spot to Write a Blog - King Street Coffee

I am always looking for a good place to hang out and write.  I've got a new one to add to my list - King Street Coffee in Leesburg, Virginia.  

 

King Street Coffee, Leesburg, Virginia

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso160, f5, 1/160 sec

 

 

Located in an old house in historic Leesburg, the living room is a perfect place to hang out and read and write.  It's located at the corner of S. King and Royal Street, and here's the proof:

 

King Street Coffee, Leesburg, Virginia

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso160, f5, 1/160 sec

 

Reopened after a brief closing during the purchase from the previous owner, King Street has been open since September, 2010.  The coffee is locally brewed (by Winchester Coffee Roasters, Winchester, VA), and is great.  (Click Here) for Winchester Coffee Roaster's website.

 

They use an old-fashioned library card catalog system to organize their customer cards - buy ten cups of coffee, get one free!

 

Customer Card Catalog

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso400, f2, 1/25 sec

King Street also has a rotating artist's display.  Currently, there is some really cool work by artist Stephen Loya.  

 

(Click Here) to see Stephen's website.

 

Today's friendly barista, Abbie, was extremely shy about having her picture taken.  Thanks for giving permission, Abbie! 

King Street Coffee, Leesburg, Virginia

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso400, f2.5, 1/8 sec

So, if you're in this neck of the woods, drop by for a nice cup and a chat!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

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Chinese New Year - Year of the Dragon

I took my twin G3 kit to the Chinese New Year parade in DC's Chinatown yesterday (briefly).  A minor family emergency required me to leave early, but I got a few images I like.  All of these images are straight from the camera, unedited.  They were converted from raw to jpg in the upload process.

Dragon Masks, Year of the Dragon, 2012

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 at 58mm

iso400, f5.6, 1/640 sec

Here is a shot of the Chinatown Gate:

Chinatown Gate, Washington DC

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso400, f5.6, 1/400 sec

It was very crowded, even before the parade officially began.  I can only imagine that it got more so.  This boy's face and costume caught my eye:

Young Participant

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 at 114mm

iso800, f5.8, 1/500 sec

This photo is one of those tiny glimpses of time:

Dressed for the Festival

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso400, f4, 1/125 sec

 Happy New Year 2012!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7

iso160, f16, 1/13 sec

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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Where Are My Zeiss Lenses For Micro 4/3?

I Want to See A Planar on my Lumix WITHOUT

an Adapter!

Image Source: http://projecthree.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html

I recently found this announcement from almost a year ago, stating that Carl Zeiss had joined the Micro 4/3 standards group

 

(click here) to see the announcement at dpnow.com.

 

So where are the Zeiss lenses for Micro 4/3?  I would LOVE to see that happen.

 

I also found this very recent announcement about Tokina, Tamron, and Astrodesign joining up:

 

(click here).

 

So maybe we'll start to see even more world class lenses for Micro 4/3 in the near future!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Update:

Multiple helpful users on dpreview informed me of these Zeiss cine lenses already available in Micro 4/3:

 

(Click Here)

http://www.zeiss.com/compactprimes

 

These are large cine lenses, and reportedly multiple thousands of dollars.  Not exactly what I am looking for, but it does answer my question.

 

Thanks!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Results From New Lumix 45-175mm f4-5.6 Starting to Appear

 

 Image Source:  http://www.iflphoto.com/Other/Petals-2012/i-LBrRH96/0/X2/P1030642-X2.jpg

 

Poster OdzBodkinz on dpreview posted this and one other nice image, taken in his garage with the DMC-G3 and new power-zoom Lumix 45-175mm f4-5.6 lens.

 

(click here) to see the original post.

 

Here's a link to Panasonic's description of the lens:

 

 

 (click here)

 

I am having trouble seeing a reason to consider this lens, myself.  Before I bought the 14-140mm, I had the 45-200mm.  It was a great lens, and I can't imagine where the 45-175 would be better.  It has the same maximum aperture.  Apparently the new lens has aspheric elements, Power OIS (versus Mega OIS in the 45-200), and power zoom.  Power zoom does not attract me.  I did not see anything lacking in the 45-200 image quality, but I suppose aspheric lenses could always add something. The improvement to be expected from Power OIS is nebulous; Panasonic's description has a non-quantitative graph, which seems to indicate more images will be in focus.  Not too convincing for me.

 

I will stick with the good all-around 14-140, and the awesome 100-300 for the time being.

 

That said, the images I've seen from the 45-175 look quite good.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Lumix DMC-G3 Visits Croatia!

 I love seeing how a new camera model, especially one that I'm using, travels around the world to places I will likely never see in person.  This post is from user Solamente on dpreview.com, and shows four stunning images from Croatia, taken with the DMC-G3 and Lumix 14-140mm zoom.

 

(Click here) to see the rest.

 

                             

Image source:  

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=39882148&q=G3+Croatia&qf=m

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, 14-140 (@25 mm), ISO 800, 1/60 sec, f5, -1 EV

This looks like a very special place.  Solamente indicates they used the clarity slider in Lightroom to reduce the effect of the fog.  I would love to see the originals.  I can almost feel the humid chill in the air.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Photographing Fossils for the Calvert Marine Museum

I spent the weekend fighting off a cold and photographing the extensive fossil collection at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland.  As you will see below, my Lumix kit has not supplanted my Nikon D700 for this type of work.  I shoot the D700 tethered through Lightroom, and use the excellent Nikkor 60mm f2.8 AF-D Micro lens almost exclusively.

The two shots below, however, were taken with the Lumix DMC-G3 and 14mm f2.5.  You can see the Nikon inverted above the fossil.

John Nance and I, Photographing Fossils

Lumix DMC-G3, 14mm f2.5, iso160, f8, 1 sec

In order to get these shots, I set up the DMC-G3 with a remote shutter release, prefocused, and with a 10 second timer.  I then I triggered the DMC-G3, waited until I heard the shutter open (after the 10 second timer), then triggered the Nikon D700 remotely, to get the Nikon flashes to go.  I like the way they came out.

This is one of just me.  Same settings as above.

Did I mention that the museum's collection is extensive?  How does 40,000 samples sound?  We covered maybe 10% this weekend.  Good thing it's fun and interesting!

DMC-365.blogspot.com 

Featured Lumix Photograph from "and the bird took flight..." on flickr

I regularly peruse flickr and other sites for inspiring photographs.  It keeps me out of creative ruts.  Every once in a while, I come across something I feel I must share.

Image Source:http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7022/6635799317_b787e11145.jpg

  210/365 by flickr user "and the bird took flight..."

Lumix DMC-G3, 20mm, iso200

f4.2, 1/8 sec

This photograph really caught my eye.  Flickr user "and the bird took flight..." has real creative genius.  You owe it to yourself to take a look at how she is using the Lumix G3 to express it.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Super DMC-G3 User Tips Thread on dpreview.com

Image Source: Panasonic

http://shop.panasonic.com/dotAsset/1b37230b-19c7-46ef-8f25-c26c03bdf59d.jpg

User Phototransformations at dpreview has started a new thread to collect useful user tips for the new DMC-G3:

(click here)

source:  http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=40291102

He is asking for others to contribute.  I think this will be a very good resource for us G3 users going forward!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Old Stone House at Manassas National Battlefield

The sunrise reflecting off of the windows in the Old Stone House at Manassas battlefield was too attractive to drive by.  The house is located right in the middle of the American Civil War Battlefield, here in Manassas, Virginia. 

Sunrise at the Old Stone House, Manassas National Battlefield, Virginia

Lumix DMC-G3, 20mm f1.7 lens, iso 400 f6.3, 1/125 sec

Closeup of Window, Old Stone House, Manassas National Battlefield, Virginia

Lumix DMC-G3, 20mm f1.7 lens, iso 400 f6.3, 1/320 sec

 

 

There were two major battles here, approximately one year apart (1861-1862).  They are referred to as First and Second Manassas by the South, or First and Second Bull Run by the North, who preferred to call battles by the names of nearby rivers.  

 

The Old Stone House was a battlefield hospital in both battles, and sustained significant damage in the war.  There are inscriptions in some of the walls, written by wounded soldiers.

 

Even though I have visited this site many times, on this visit I discovered something new - a cannonball embedded in the exterior brick wall.

 

Cannonball placed in exterior wall of the Old Stone House

Lumix DMC-G3, 20mm f1.7 lens, iso 160 f1.7, 1/2500 sec

 

Apparently, when the house was rebuilt at some point after the war, perhaps after 1912, the cannonball was placed in the wall where it actually sustained a hit during the battle.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stone_House,_Manassas_National_Battlefield_Park#The_Stone_House_Today

 

Here is an HDR shot of the interior, through a rear window:

 

Sunrise Illuminates the Interior of Old Stone House,

Manassas National Battlefield, Manassas, Virginia

Lumix DMC-G3, 20mm f1.7 lens, iso 400 f6.3, HDR composite of three images

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Surprising Low Noise Performance From the DMC-G3 at High iso (6400)

I used my G3 at iso6400 at a concert.  This was necessary to be able to use my Lumix 100-300 mm, f4.0-5.6 Mega OIS lens.  Not exactly a low-light lens, I was worried about having to use the camera at maximum iso.

Melissa Wright of the Acoustic Burgoo

Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300 f4.0-5.6 Mega OIS Lens at 100mm

iso6400, f4.0, 1/100 sec

Lightroom settings:  Sharpening 12,1.0,25,39

Luminance NR 11, Color NR 25

This first image (above) shows how it looks with a little Lightroom adjustment of sharpness and noise reduction (NR).

Jam - Jake and the Burtones, Hot Seats, Acoustic Burgoo

Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300 f4.0-5.6 Mega OIS Lens at 100mm

iso6400, f4.0, 1/100 sec

Lightroom settings:  Sharpening, Luminance and Color NR all ZERO!

This second image shows the performance with no adjustments, right out of the camera.

I am amazed, completely blown away by the performance of this camera at iso6400!  

Interestingly, I forgot to reset my image quality settings after playing around trying to learn the camera's controls before the concert.  As a result, both images were shot only as jpegs, no raw files involved.  There are more images on my flickr account here:

(click here).

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Lumix G3 in 16:9 Format

Here is an image showing the 16:9 format (image length:width ratio) option in the Lumix DMC-G3. I took it outside the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.  I felt that the subject called for the semi-panoramic picture format.

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

iso 200, f4.5, 1/125 sec

I also found myself wishing for an assisted multi-image full panorama feature on the G3.  Sure, I can always make them in Lightroom, but I would have used an in-camera feature here.

DMC-365.blogspot.com