Anyone know much about Cameras?

[Redwood]

Looking for a camera buff on the forum somewhere.

I'm thinking of buying a digital SLR, but don't want something too bulky, so was looking at the Panasonic GF1, and wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this camera?

I know there aren't many offerings in the M4/3 market, and from what I've read it seems better in most areas than the Olympus EP-1, apart from maybe the Image Stabilisation being in the lens and not the body.

Any budding David Bailey's can give there 2 cents?

Cheers

 

[Fyldewhite]

Hi, I'm hardly a camera buff but probably have always had a hankering to get into photography. I wanted the "professional" look and functionality but wanted portability too so decided against the bulk (and expense) of going the full DSLR route. I know this means compromises but as a relative beginner I feel I can live with those for a few years (a bit like not splashing out on forged Mizuno's when starting golf).

I researched it quite a bit and went for the Fujifilm S200EXR bridge camera. It was top of most review sites for the category, has a manual zoom, excellent battery life (up to 360 shots) and good build quality which is essential to me. Video capability isn't the best but that's not my priority. Second choice would have been the Panasonic Lumix FZ38 which has much better video but powered lens and reviews say not quite as good picture quality.

I've had the camera a few weeks now and must say I'm really impressed with the results so far. 12MP, 14.3x zoom, loads of shooting modes but full manual settings too. Looking forward to learning how to get the best out of it.

Obviously if you've already decided on the DSLR this isn't much use but I was thinking DSLR too before I did the research and found that the bridge camera actually ticked more boxes. I do quite a bit of walking/climbing though so the weight and bulk was an issue.

 

[drawboy]

Stick digital slr into u tube and watch as many reviews as you can handle, they are all on there.

 

[viscount17]

I followed the same route as Fyldewhite about a year or so earlier, I have the S100FS.
Truth is that except for not having to pack lenses (and the cost of them) you don't save much in bulk with these higher spec cameras. Really good camera (when you take the lens cap off) but not easy to trek round a course with.

 

[madandra]

Steve, you will forever bring a smile to my face.

 

[EaseNgrace]

I bought my first DSLR 2 years ago, I went for the Canon EOS 450D. It is an incredible piece of kit, very easy to get to grips with the settings and function and essentially getting top quality results is simple. It makes you feel like David Bailey even if you don't really know what you're doing like me.
I bought the camera with the standard 18-55 mm lens, this is great for everyday picture taking, landscapes, portraits etc. But this lens is very limited when it comes to close ups and zooming out. If you want to get the most out of a camera like this, you ideally have to purchase additional lenses.
Overall im glad I went for the DSLR, rater than one of these point and shoot with bells on jobbies.

 

[Redwood]

Thanks for the opinions guys.

I did plump for the panasonic GF1 (picked it up yesterday in London) so will be testing it out soon.

First impressions are very good. Nice camera in the hand, has a good weight to it and good finger grip. Size is good compared to DSLR's (it's like an old film camera size). Got it with the 14-45mm (equivalent of 28-90mm in 35mm cameras) lens, which should suit me for what I need but will no doubt be looking at other lenses soon!!!

 

[viscount17]

Steve, you will forever bring a smile to my face.

if I do nothing else in life I can die knowing that I brought a little joy to someone,

 

[bobmac]

Steve, you will forever bring a smile to my face.

if I do nothing else in life I can die knowing that I brought a little joy to someone,