One of those "which camera?" threads...

The_Oakster

The_Oakster

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I currently have a Panasonic fz45 and have been looking at getting a DSLR. After going into my local camera shop and talking to the owner about what there is he has let me borrow for the weekend a Panasonic GH1 with a 14-140 lens.

Personally I prefer the feel and the weight. I prefer the manual zoom option. I like the little touches such as simply seeing the focal length on the lens. The lens is better for what I have been taking than the fixed lens on the fz45.

I know its another one of 'those threads' but I have searched online and I've searched on here but they tend to compare specifics such as a GH1 vs a 550d.

I would appreciate some advice on this camera's technical abilities, versatility and whether or not it is a sensible DSLR for a newcomer? (Budget of £700)
 
It will be for all types of shots until I get a flavour for a certain one. I have been taking portraits, landscapes, sunsets and I'm interested in macro.

I dont think that I'll be taking pictures of sports and video doesn't interest me. I dont think I'll be taking photographs of wildlife from further than within my own back garden.
 
I'm even more undecided now. So many reviews of the GH1 sum up saying that the 550d is an equivalent or better camera at a cheaper price.

With a maximum budget for body and lens of £700 is there a better option than the GH1?
 
Would it be best to get in the mainstreams of Canon or Nikon rather than the other brands then?
 
Cant go wrong with either Canon or Nikon. Better people on here to advise than me but the 2 Canons above are what i would look at.
 
The GH1 is a capable piece of kit but I think if you plan on getting into photography as a serious hobby then you'll be better of with a dslr. Have a look a camerapricebuster.co.uk for the latest deals, go and physically handle different cameras and while the majority here use canon or nikon, don't discount the likes of Sony or pentax. All modern dslr's are more than adequate for day to day stuff, it's the lenses you'll want to splash out on.
 
I take it you handled the other cameras on offer?

I tried handling the GF3 last weekend - very nice... almost got it as with a 20ukp adapter I can use the nikon lenses I already have.. :D missus said no though so. hmm :) no nice shiny gadget there!



As to buying a main brand, there are cheaper options on lenses (used) as there are more floating around, but if you like the gh1 then get it.

I believe there are adapters for other branded lenses although you may only get manual controls so the lenses may need to be old enough to have aperture controls as well as focus. That includes Leica mounts as they have some nice lenses (bit pricey though) or leica mounts but other branded (summilux?) which are also good. Have a search on the forum for posts, I think there are a few with pictures. Tobers Leica thread show some really nice pics from a leica with leica lenses.

If the shop owner is being nicely generous, see whether they'd let you borrow one or two other cameras to get a feel. At least then you can say the GH1 is the one for you.

Alternatively just get it... you know you want to. Practice with it and consider getting lenses or upgrading the whole thing 6 months to a year or so down the line. You'll have more of an idea what you prefer to shoot and can take your time deciding which route to go :)

Good Luck!
 
Well...

I went in the shop and came out with a 2nd hand D80 with the 18-135 kit lens and bought a f1.8 50mm too.

I decided to go with this one out of the others in the shop, new and old, mainly beacuse of money, but after talking through things with the shop owner and the ins and outs for the others this one fitted well.

Thanks for the advice anyhoo people.
 
Already am ;)
 
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