I've been to 'WEX' . . .

[CJS]

Here we are, the follow up from my post 'Your view' . . .

You views helped me think straight(ish?). So today we got things done earlier than expected, so, a trip to WEX seemed like a good idea 50 minite drive . . . They have a wheel chair lift now, Hazel was up for a trip out.

I have been having trouble visualising the size of the various cameras, 2.30pm we were drooling, like kids in a sweetie shop . . . First stop the Nikon D7100, then the assistant Steph', suggested a Canon G12, then I asked to see a Fuji X10. Frankly, after so many years with DSLR's they left me a little cool, for various reasons, but the one thing they all had in common was my big hands and now declining dexterity, they felt clumsy. Compacts so 'small' with loads of buttons is not the way to go for me. Simple point and shoot may be, but too many buttons, and still stuff hidden in menus?

I took the G1 with me as a comparison, it aint that big . . . My fourth option, I asked to try the 14-42mm Pro power zoom, its one third the size of the standard 14-45mm that I favour. Steph disappeared out the back muttering something to the affect, 'I'm not sure it works with an ancient G1'.

We counted the pins, eleven, smaller on the G3, but the position and spacing looked right. Carefully fitting the lens, perfect, reassuring feel as it bedded in with a dull click.

Hazel commented that I looked at home almost immediately, true, the combination felt like putting on a pair of well-worn and loved gloves. Below are a set of pictures I took, JPEG, straight from the camera set in 'P' mode. I have done nothing to them other than adjust the colour, Auto focus, 1/20th sec., shutter, f5.6 aperture I think?

They are test shots, the lens when power off is two thirds the length of the standard 14-45mm. The whole 'camera/lens' actually fitted in the pocket of the waist coat I was wearing, true, not unobtrusively, but I did not have to force it.

Selling the Nikon D90 seems like my best option and stick with the G1, which I must say is a handling dream, it may be old technology in some areas but I like it and that is all that really matters . . . ?

Any views on my conclusions, am I looking at the 'test' pictures through rose coloured glasses. Do I buy? . . . or sit it out with the standard 14-45mm until next year?

CJS

 

[wellyboot]

I think that those images looking pretty good!
I too have had a similar dilemma to you with weight being my main problem with a DSLR, and everything being too small on a compact for my hands with Rheumatoid Arthritis, as although I have small hands, I don't have the dexterity.
I have ended up going down the Panasonic route and I think it's the right one for me given my circumstances.
I do think that when you have physical health problems, photography is a bit of a compromise, and although I loved my Nikon D5100, with the longer lenses, I just couldn't cope with the weight.
It sounds like you were chuffed to bits with the power zoom, and it could be just the thing to get your mojo back.
Good luck with whatever you decide

 

[woof woof]

I think that the G1 produces nice natural looking shots and yours seem to fit that description, they look good to me.

 

[CJS]

A bit more investigation and sidways thinking, the Power zoom only weighs 95gs compared with 217gs for the standard 14-45mm lens. There is less cantilever style dead weight effect because of the very short extension, potentially offering more physical control in shooting mode. This, coupled with the anti-shake making poor light shots possible. The test pictures taken were at 1/20th with no evidence of movement, use of the animated screen on the G1 swung out side ways also helps, used at waist level as though it were a box camera, rather than the fixed screen, unstable 'arms out straight' method. The closed size for the power zoom is within a mm or so of the 20mm, f1.7 prime lens, makes even the G1 a 'compact package?'. All good news to the size and weight conscious photographer.

Dp review:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic_x_14-42_3p5-5p6/

Makes a lot of sence . . . Panasonic even say the new zoom can out perform the excelent standard 14-45mm lens.

All of little concern to the young, fit and healthy . . . . . . you wait till the years catch up . . .

CJS

PS, Ordered from 'WEX' £289.00, free delivery Friday . . . It gets better, there is £50 cash back to come off that!

 

[magicaxeman]

Sounds like you made the right decision for you CJS, the power zoom has clear advantages for you and the new zoom/G1 seems to be the package that suits you best and that's what matters at the end of the day.

Nice to see the shot of Hazel and I hope you have lots of fun with the new lens when it arrives.