So That's Why Some of My Pictures Are Rotated The Wrong Way!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5, With In-Body Orientation Sensor

Image Source:

http://www.cameragearguide.com/7612/panasonic-announces-12-1mp-lumix-dmc-gf5-with-improved-ergonomics-touchscreen-and-iso-performance/

 
 
I have noticed that some of my "portrait orientation" pictures on the DMC-G3 are not rotated, while others are. I thought I noticed this occurring as a difference between by two G3 bodies. In fact, it turns out to be caused by the fact that in order to sense the camera orientation during imaging, the Lumix cameras (at least those prior to the DMC-GF5) rely on the sensors for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that are in the lens. So, if you're using a lens without OIS, your images won't be correctly oriented.
 
Here's the quote I found regarding this in a dpreview review of the Lumix 7-14mm f4 lens:
 
"One design quirk of the Panasonic G series is that the lens's image stabilization sensors are used to detect the camera's orientation, and mark images for rotation accordingly (as opposed to a conventional sensor mounted in the body). Obviously this can't work with lenses which don't have an OIS unit, such as the 7-14mm. This means that Panasonic owners will find all of their portrait-format pictures shot with this lens resolutely displaying the wrong way round."
 
(Click Here) if you are suffering from GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) as I am, and want to be convinced to buy the 7-14mm lens.



As far as orientation sensing goes, the newly-announced DMC-GF5 reportedly incorporates an orientation sensor into the body, giving you orientation sensing, no matt what lens you are using. This is according to a review on www.cameraguide.com.
 
(Click Here) to read the DMC-GF5 review in its entirety.
 
I was relieved to find that #1, I am not going crazy, and #2, there is not some hidden function setting somewhere on one of my G3s that was different from the other. It comes down to the fact that one camera had an OIS lens mounted, while the other did not.
 

DMC-365.blogspot.com



 
 
 

The Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 Super Zoom - User Reports

Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 Zoom Lens
Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/H-VS014140
 
Recently on mu-43.com, user Z-man posted an inquiry about practical impressions of the Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.7 zoom lens.
 
(Click Here) to see the post and numerous informed replies.
 
I have this lens, and offered this feedback:
 

I find the 14-140 useful, with some limitations.I used to have the 14-45 kit lens and the 45-200, both quite nice for what they are. I should say here that I found the 45-200 to be a step better in my hands than either the 14-45 or 14-140. It was tough to give up, until the 100-300 showed up.I prefer to shoot primes most of the time. However, when I travel, I usually want a lens that I can be sure will cover most circumstances, especially when I'm with family or friends who aren't primarily photographers. That is my most common use of the lens. I agree that it doesn't gather much light, so that's the biggest limitation there.My other big use is for a telephoto for travel. Sometimes the Pana-Leica 45mm Macro-Elmarit just doesn't have enough reach. The 14-140 works well in that situation as well. It is not the sharpest lens at the extreme long end, but sure isn't bad. For me, the 100-300 is a specialty lens, one that comes in handy for birds and nature, especially. I don't carry it on travel very often.So, in summary, I find the 14-140 is in my bag quite often. Second only to my primes.   I also forgot to mention that the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) works very well in my experience, though I have heard opinions that differ. Also, this lens is optimized to minimize noise during video capture - not important for me, but crucial for those who shoot a lot of video. DMC-365.blogspot.com

A Little Humor - Digital Review Looks at the Lumix DMC-LX5

This guy, Kai Wong, from digitalrev.com, really cracks me up.  He has done a series of funny videos,including this one, performing "durability testing" on popular DSLRs:

Video Source: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1tTBncIsm8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Here, Kai does a much less destructive evaluation of the Lumix DMC-LX5.  Now be forewarned, there's more humor than substance here, but if you have a few minutes, it's worth a look (and laugh).

 

 Video Source: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqqogOb73wc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Just a little humor for a Sunday morning.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

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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