My new camera quandary (GF1, D90 or Leica?)

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MrNutt

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ok, this is the third time I've typed this (for some reason TP seems to log me out then lose my post! grr!)

I'm looking at taking the step over into digital, previously I've been using a collection of old Zenit cameras & compatible (all m42 except for a couple).

here's a couple of examples:

http://mrnutt.wordpress.com/2009/02/14/hofner-senator/

http://mrnutt.wordpress.com/2009/02/14/chef-starter/

The thing I love about my old russian tanks is the "lost in time" kind of effect the moldy old lenses give. I'd really like to be able to continue with that, and the lenses I have, I understand that adapters are available for the GF1 but am I likely to be disappointed by the results when hanging a digital camera off the back of the old glass?

Now last year I was planning on getting a D90, sadly my camera fund was rapidly depleted by an exploding washing machine and so now I've decided to hell with it and I'm flogging off my beloved old Garrard 301 on evilbay (260534860998), its looking like I'll have around £700.00 to spend and I'd like to get something that I'll get a lot of use out of, the GF1 appeals because its small and I've found the camera & 20mm lens for £650.00. Do you think I'd be better off sticking with the original plan of the D90, I know that I'm comparing tomatoes and eggs, and that I'd be losing portability if I did go for the D90, I'd be really interested to hear your opinion as to which I should go for!

last but not least, the Leica dlux4, I could pick one of those up for a bit less, do you think that could be a good third choice or is there better out there for the kind of thing I'd like to do?

comments, opinions and suggestions please!!
 
all great cameras for the money
obviously there is more long term versatility in the D90, wildlife, etc.
however, what do you shoot?
from the examples, you'd need a moderately wide, fast lens for which the 20mm will great
 
Yep - we need to know a bit about what you shoot to be able to advise on the gear you need.

Last one first - the Dlux4 is just an expensive Panasonic LX3 so save yourself a few bob. However you are likely to find that the inability to change lenses is restrictive if you have loads of cool old lenses waiting to be used.

Nikon (or any other "proper" DSLR) - will get you the best image quality out of the options you have specified. I guess you could use your old lenses with adaptors. Also you'll get the best range of new lenses so it will be the most flexible, best IQ option for you, but bulky and heavy relative to the other two options.

The GF1 is really interesting and something I'm looking at now. If you are after a small camera with very good (not quite DSLR quality) IQ, and interchangable lenses which are also quite small and portable, then it may be the answer for you. It'll also let you use other lenses with adaptors - as to the IQ of those you just have to have a play and see - worth a go though. If the old lenses are mouldy anyway it's unlikely you'll be losing much IQ! It's not like you're sticking a new f/0.95 Nokton on there is it?
 
thanks for the replies! yep most of the things I shoot would probably be covered by the 20mm and any other shenanigans I could probably make do with my old glass, that said I'd quite like to get into wildlife but thats a bit of a way off, for now I'd be happy with the kind of shots on my website :)
 
"If you are after a small camera with very good (not quite DSLR quality) IQ"

Not too sure about that. I think it actually has the sensor from a DSLR, also, have you seen what it can do?
 
Don't get the Leica D Lux4 as it is a Lumix LX3 with a Leica badge. Still a bloody good camera but £200ish more than the Lumix which is just about the same. i bought one and was not happy and it had a group of dead pixels also.

I can't comment on the Nikon but i can recommend the GF1, Great camera that i'm really happy with.
 
haha guilty as charged! I think I'm gonna go for one too, I'd like to get my hands on a white one, like hens teeth, probably just get the black though.
 
Glenn Surtees said:
I agree that the GF1 is a great little camera. I bought mine from Mathers but note that the 3-year warranty only applies if you buy in store, not online.
Click to expand...

They have to 'demonstrate' the camera to you to qualify for the 3yr Panny warranty.
Perhaps John Lewis can price match?? :thinking:
 
when removing camera from box, and during any such handling, be sure to ensure that only panasonic labeled white gloves are to be worn, the 3yr warranty is voided should the camera be used outside of the recommended hermetically sealed oxygen tent? What kind of essential instruction can only be demonstrated in person?

(important note: I am prone to bouts of random outpourings of idiocy)
 
A Nikon D90 or a GF1, what a decision. Compromise and get a G1:)

Brian.

PS. As an aside, I have a D200/ D300 plus a GF1 and I am thinking seriously of ditching the Nikon gear and getting the G1
 
you have a GF1 and your considering getting the G1 to replace your nikon kit? wouldn't you be better placed to get the viewfinder?
 
ok, I'm officially excited now, picking up a black GF1, 20mm lens and 16gb card for £699.00 tomorrow!
 
Here's a good reason to get a GF1, on the left is what I usually carry, on the right the GF1 with EVF and 14-45 lens :)

Not directly comparable in terms of focal length but I haven't bought the 45-200 yet!

IMG_0091.jpg
 
MrNutt said:
ok, I'm officially excited now, picking up a black GF1, 20mm lens and 16gb card for £699.00 tomorrow!
Click to expand...

Sweet! Let me know how you get on. Went to look at one today and it's pretty damn nice - considerably smaller/lighter than an SLR.

Wanted to look at the G1 as well but they didn't have any and the guy wasn't getting in any more in case they brought out a new version at one of the Expos in February.
 
Glenn Surtees said:
Here's a good reason to get a GF1, on the left is what I usually carry, on the right the GF1 with EVF and 14-45 lens :)

Not directly comparable in terms of focal length but I haven't bought the 45-200 yet!

IMG_0091.jpg
Click to expand...

That is a good enough reason to get rid of the grip and stick 85mm f/1.8 or any other prime (or small zoom like 17-40) when you want it small! GF1 doesn't look like a pocket camera to me, however close. In light of this and also the price I don't really see myself getting one.

Then there are issues with m4/3 lenses, incl 20mm - they have terrible distortions, that are silently fixed by camera processor and all major RAW converters. It may not look as bad, but doesn't sound too reassuring to me. Finally due to small 2x crop sensor, the lenses are best wide open, no matter how sharp they are.

There is also samsung nx 10 just out, which is a similar offering but with larger sensor. I would be interested to see some reviews from the academic point of view.
 
No Mr Knutt getting a viewfinder ( EVF) is rapidly diminishing as an option. The G1 would provide a better viewfinder and for using legacy lenses would make a nice combination. The GF1 in my opinion is best using fully dedicated lenses with appropriate optical viewfinders. In other words the G1 is providing the viewfinder for playing about. Then we can all hold our breath waiting for Panasonic to produce some more appropriate lenses...............fast primes..

I am prepared to change my mind and next week if the M62 is clear I will drive over to Mathers in Bolton. But I am not expecting to be impressed.


The GF1 is beginning to annoy me, it is such a good camera it deseves more investment and more direction.. I don't think Panasonic know exactly where they are going with the GF1 hence they are in danger of falling between two stools.

Durglas,

You might not like it but the reason the 20mm produces such oustanding results is because it is part of a package, the software being a part of the lens. My new car without the chips and software would be a heap of immovable scrap, a Eurofighter ditto, it's completely unflyable by a mere human, even your digital camera would be a useless heap of junk without software. And of course producing a non software assisted 20mm f1.7 distortion free lens would put it into the statosphere price wise. Every single review and user has raved about the 20mm, yes there is a problem..........they don't make the same spec primes to compliment it.

Brian.
 
GF1 doesn't look like a pocket camera to me, however close. In light of this and also the price I don't really see myself getting one.

Then there are issues with m4/3 lenses, incl 20mm - they have terrible distortions, that are silently fixed by camera processor and all major RAW converters.
Click to expand...

It's not a shirt or jeans pocket compact at all, or anywhere near it. The best you say for this camera is that it's small and light enough to be worn and forgotten or slipped into a hand/man bag. Which is good enough for me.

As for the "unseen" distortion. Worrying about that feels a little like not shooting negs as they are reversed if you don't print on the right sort of paper. ;)

It is far from the one size fits all solution that some might claim but a it is a great new option that will work for some.
 
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