Is the GF series getting worse?

jamesoliverstone

jamesoliverstone

Messages
2,145
Name
James
Edit My Images
No
Now, I may be well of course here, but is it me or is the GF1 the best of the GF series?

I love my GF1, especially the dial on top, the hotshot mount, the ease of use and the portability of it.

My dad however bought the GF2 when it was released, and I was sad to see the dial disappear and I found it harder to navigate the menus and choose settings easily. I find that chucking the camera from AV to TV or Manual and changing the aperture and shutter speed is just so much easier on the GF1.

Now the GF3 is here, and it looks like its been simplified again, and now from the pictures I have seen it looks like it has no hotshoe mount, and is aimed more at the beginner market...

I really thought when the GF1 was released that Panasonic were hitting the digital rangefinder style market perfectly, as the GF1 had all the stuff that a full-size DSLR has in a light, discreet and portable package.

I was looking forward to seeing where this model range was going, but it seems that Panasonic have ditched that idea altogether?

So, is it just me?
 
I'm inclined to agree with you on this... I have a GF1 which I love, with the 20 f1.7 it is a great 'pocket' camera. Last week I was shopping and had a play with both the GF2 and the GF3 - I was amazed by just how small the GF3 is. It's so small I couldn't work out how to hold it, there just wasn't enough room for my fingers. The lack of hot shoe and the tiny size are a real step backwards for me, clearly I am not the target marget for this camera (and I doubt that any GF1 user is). The GF2, although lacking in manual control, still feels nice in the hand and the touch screen seems responsive and easy to use. So I've taken the plunge and ordered one, I reckon with the Oly m43s kit zoom it will be a nice compact set up that will be ideal for when my wife wants to borrow a camera for a night out!
 
I had a serious look at the G line in general and decided not to turn to that system, it's too plastic too me they feel like toys. I would only ever get the GF1 'cause that felt beautiful to me but there's no use investing in a system for only one camera.

They've lost me to either Samsung or Sony. I've found the Samsung NX10 and 30mm pancake an absolutely perfect combo as it has the grippiness and ruggedness of a DSLR that I can handle, I'd only get it if I can't get the NEX 3 though.

but back on topic, the fact is that the GF is the big one for Panasonic, that should be their flagship model but they have truely messed up the line now. They GF1 was perfect bar a few improvements, but the GF2 and GF3 are just stupid in my opinion but obviously each to their own.
 
I agree, although I guess they weren't selling them enough to justify them?

I can only assume that it was lack of sales that forced them to re-think the model range and then aim them more at beginners than people that wanted full manual control etc...
 
jamesoliverstone said:
I agree, although I guess they weren't selling them enough to justify them?

I can only assume that it was lack of sales that forced them to re-think the model range and then aim them more at beginners than people that wanted full manual control etc...
Click to expand...

That seems to be the way the 3/4rds market in general has gone, the "revolution" of DSLR photographers moving down in size that many predicted hasnt really happened but alot of compact users are looking for upgrades.

Cutting down size makes alot more sense when alot of users will only be using a kit zoom and maybe a prime.
 
I loved the look of the G2 etc but couldn't get on with the EVF.
 
Its not only the gf line that has been 'dumb down' but the g line aswell IMHO. I love my g1 but would like an upgrade but not to the g3. I was looking on the rumors site and there is talk of a gf7.
 
After the X100 and the forthcoming X10.. I think I'll wait and see what Fujifilm will do in the CSC market.

There does seem to have been a dumbing down in some of these ranges as CSCs are re-pitched towards up-selling to compact users rather than as a pocket camera for DSLR users.
 
Sadly for some of us I strongly suspect that people who like manual controls, especially dials and buttons, are very much in the minority. The vast majority probably want a compact design with a touch screen and a nice microprocessor that works everything out and does it all for you. Look at it like that and the evolution from GF1 to GF3 might be a little easier to understand.

And yet again the discussion includes the view that real men have big hands and need a big heavy camera made of weight saving magnesium alloy, a contradiction in itself, festooned with knurled metal knobs. I've never understood this. Real men should value the use of suitable hi tec materials that are fit for purpose and operate with positivity and precision like the controls of some piece of high end electronic test gear operated by a engineer with dexterity and control befitting the task and the equipment :D
 
I had a GF1, I loved the layout and feel, I ended up switching to the G2 as I decided I could not do without an EVF and I liked having a swivel screen.

The G2 is nice, but no match for the look and feel of the GF1.

The progressive dumbing down of the GF series is a shame, but i can understand why Panasonic have done it.

Today my Mother bought herself a GF3, she fell in love with it, she did not plan on buying a new camera, she was just wondering around Jessops with me yesterday , and happened to see it on show with the 14mm pancake.

The GF3 is so tiny and very cute, not something I would base my buying decisions on, but for someone just looking for a high quality P&S, it has a lot going for it, I doubt my mother's will ever go out of IA mode, she will probably go on to buy the new X 14-42, assuming it is cute enough.

I think it will sell well to it's target market, though I hope panasonic will bring out a more suitable replacement for the GF1 at some point.
 
i have the GF2, and find it to be quite useable once menus have been explored and settings configured.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top