Panasonic GF1

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Uhuru

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I'm in the market for a DSLR.

I am a complete novice and have only ever used point and shoot cameras. I've done a search on here about the GF1 and it seems to get the vote from quite a few of you. Having never handled a 'proper' DSLR, I need help in deciding what camera to get. The one and only reason I am drawn to the GF1 is it's portability. It doesn't seem much bigger than my current bridge compact which is a definite positive for me. I have been to Curry's recently and had a look at it, but to be honest seeing as I am totally clueless, that was a pretty pointless exercise.

So I guess in a roundabout fashion, what I'm trying to ask is would the GF1 be a suitable camera for a complete newby who is hoping to improve? if not, what would you recommend. I really need it to be fairly portable for when I am out and about on my bike.

Thank you.
 
Hi Uhuru, I've had my gf1 for a couple of weeks now and love it but as a newby I think you may be missing out more than a little by not taking the DSLR route (I use both types of cameras regularly).

The GF1 is truely portable and almost carry anywhere with the 20mm slightly wide standard lens, but only with this lens. Anything else will make the compact size effectively redundant.

My reccomendation is start on the lightweight dslr route with a 450d or 500d and experience the options of the long zoom for safari shots, the superb £80 50mm f1.8 lens for natural portraiture, the affordable 55-250mm is zoom and so on.

The gf1 is the cynical old pro's weekend camera, I love it but that's what I am!!
 
Thank you Phototuition.

That's all I really needed. Just someone to basically tell me what camera to get because at this point, for me they are all as good/bad as each other.

So I guess I shall be buying a Canon 450d.

I'm so excited. My first DSLR!!

Camera box is doing the Canon 450d with 18-55mm lens for £489.99.

I'm assumng the 18-55mm lens would be suitable for a novice?
 
Uhuru said:
Thank you Phototuition.

That's all I really needed. Just someone to basically tell me what camera to get because at this point, for me they are all as good/bad as each other.

So I guess I shall be buying a Canon 450d.

I'm so excited. My first DSLR!!

Camera box is doing the Canon 450d with 18-55mm lens for £489.99.

I'm assumng the 18-55mm lens would be suitable for a novice?
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before you buy from Camerabox ask them if it is a UK camera, most of their stuff is imported and so not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Anyway Comet are doing it for a tenner less -ignore the Calumet price above it, that's an error.
 
Thank you Flash.

Now, just another question...

There seems to be a lot of praise for the Nikon D90. I would be able to stretch to get this camera, but as a novice do you think that I may be biting off more than I can chew?
 
Uhuru said:
Thank you Flash.

Now, just another question...

There seems to be a lot of praise for the Nikon D90. I would be able to stretch to get this camera, but as a novice do you think that I may be biting off more than I can chew?
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My first DSLR was D80 (the forerunner to the D90) and I found it to be just right - your mileage may vary :)
 
Thank you.

I think I'll stick to the 450d and fingers crossed I don't regret it.

I hate choices! :lol:
 
Uhuru said:
There seems to be a lot of praise for the Nikon D90. I would be able to stretch to get this camera, but as a novice do you think that I may be biting off more than I can chew?
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Flash In The Pan said:
My first DSLR was D80 (the forerunner to the D90) and I found it to be just right - your mileage may vary :)
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My first DSLR was a D70 (forerunner to the D80 which was forerunner to the D90... :D)... ;) ... I loved it to bits but had upgraded to my D200 within the year... :cuckoo:

I would suggest, if you are convinced DSLR is the route to go that you go for the best quality camera/lens combination you can afford as you will only get the upgrade bug if you don't and will then want to change too soon... :shrug:

First tip though is to get into a shop and try them all for size once you have shortlisted... :suspect: ... they are all very different animals and you will need one that suits your hands and style as much as anything and as you may have it a while you need to be sure it is going to 'fit' and be comfortable for you... :thinking:

Jessops will generally be very helpful in this regard especially if you can find a staff member who knows his onions and once you have decided they will generally price match so you will get a good deal... ;) ... if there is one near you you can do a lot worse... :D


Good luck...



:p
 
Uhuru said:
Thank you.

I think I'll stick to the 450d and fingers crossed I don't regret it.

I hate choices! :lol:
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Best to go and actually try holding the various cameras, dont buy something based purely on specification. Have a look at the Sony dslrs too, they offer a lot for the money.
 
Thanks Venomator.

I hear what you are saying about getting round to Jessops and handling a few cameras. My issue is I've no idea what my style is and I wouldn't understand any of the technical jargon the sales person would no doubt spew. So I guess for me, I'll be taking a gamble on my first purchase, but I'm hoping it will produce far better results than my compact does at the moment. I realise I have a lot to learn and am willing to. :)
 
Uhuru said:
I hear what you are saying about getting round to Jessops and handling a few cameras. My issue is I've no idea what my style is and I wouldn't understand any of the technical jargon the sales person would no doubt spew. So I guess for me, I'll be taking a gamble on my first purchase, but I'm hoping it will produce far better results than my compact does at the moment. I realise I have a lot to learn and am willing to.
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You are welcome... :D

By style I actually meant in the holding/stance/position of taking a photograph rather than the style of photography... :shrug: ... you will be surprised how different they feel when you get them in your mitts... :eek: ... I really would advise you go and try before you buy, seriously... ;)

Jessops are used to dealing with all levels of customer and they should not try and blind you with science... :nono: ... you could always take someone along with you who maybe knows a bit... :shrug:

Results will come from experience and practice and more practice rather than the equipment you are using... ;) ... but still go for the best that you can afford but more importantly that you are comfortable handing... :D


AND... by the way... :welcome: to TP forae... :thumbs: ... I hope you enjoy your stay and learn from the many members here who are more than willing to share their knowledge and own experiences... :wave:




:p
 
Thank you for your time Venomator.

I will take your advice and hop along to Jessops.

I shall report back on what I eventually get.:D

Thank you too for the welcome. The forum seems to have a wealth of information and expertise and I'm glad I've found it.:)
 
I do like the GF1, but for the money and size I think Id still pick the G1. Only around 10mm bigger all round and with a (very good) built in lcd viewfinder.

Just my 2p worth.
 
Danny_Two said:
I do like the GF1, but for the money and size I think Id still pick the G1. Only around 10mm bigger all round and with a (very good) built in lcd viewfinder.

Just my 2p worth.
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One of the reasons I bought the GF-1 was the fact that unlike the G1 it doesn't look like a DSLR and so doesn't attract as much unwanted attention.
 
Sorry to hijack this thread, but no one responded to my thread...I'm in a simlar position to Uhuru.

Nikon D3000 or Panasonic Lumix G1?

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Hi all,

Looking to buy a new camera, and want something better than a point and shoot. I've done a lot of reading and come to the conclusion that a one of the above cameras would be suitable for me. Just wanted some advise from people who own one of these...hopefully I'm on the right lines with my choices and can choose one soon. Also considered the GF1 but the price tag is putting me off.

I'm not really looking to get into photography as a hobby (yet) but want to take better quality photos of the kids and holidays etc...then if I get the bug upgrade to something better. Any thoughts?
 
ashp65 said:
Sorry to hijack this thread, but no one responded to my thread...I'm in a simlar position to Uhuru.

Nikon D3000 or Panasonic Lumix G1?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all,

Looking to buy a new camera, and want something better than a point and shoot. I've done a lot of reading and come to the conclusion that a one of the above cameras would be suitable for me. Just wanted some advise from people who own one of these...hopefully I'm on the right lines with my choices and can choose one soon. Also considered the GF1 but the price tag is putting me off.

I'm not really looking to get into photography as a hobby (yet) but want to take better quality photos of the kids and holidays etc...then if I get the bug upgrade to something better. Any thoughts?
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Im a G1 user and the more I think of it the more I know I made the right choice. It was between the G1 and the EP1 for me (no GF1 at the time), its small size and weight was what first attracted me and the many good reviews. It's easy to use, loads of options and very well laid out.

There is a lack of lens choice, which can be either good or bad, depends how you see it, and all the Panasonic micro 4/3's lenses seem to be well regarded (expensive though).
You can get the G1 with the 14-45 kit lens for £440 in most places, so don't pay the £490 high street prices.
 
Just an update.

I bit the bullet and bought a Canon 450D from Jessops. :):):)

It comes with the 18-55 kit and I also bought a Tamron 70-300. The sales guy tells me that this should be sufficient for a newbie.

You guys were right! Handling the camera before you buy it is really important. I found the 450D comfortable to handle. I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ8 and it isn't too disimilar in the way it handles. On the other hand I didn't like the 'feel' of the GF1. It just didn't feel substantial enough. For me, I think part of the excitement is that I am moving on to DSLR and I guess I want to feel like I am handling a DSLR. With the GF1, it felt like a compact with a lens attached.
Not dissing the GF1 at all, as I'm sure it is technically a fantastic camera, but just not for me at the moment. I guess for those of you that have been using DSLR for a while, it is a sensible choice. I would feel like I am missing out on something.

Now about my new Canon 450D :D:D:D:D:D

I flashed my best smile and fluttered my eyelids and managed to get a good deal. So as well as the lens, I have a good quality camera bag, UVfilter, 8GB memeory card, lens cleaning pen, multi card reader,a voucher for a photo book. and a discount on the extended warranty for the camera and lens.:)

Now all I need to do is learn to actually use the camera.:eek:
 
Uhuru said:
I flashed my best smile and fluttered my eyelids and managed to get a good deal. So as well as the lens, I have a good quality camera bag, UVfilter, 8GB memeory card, lens cleaning pen, multi card reader,a voucher for a photo book. and a discount on the extended warranty for the camera and lens.:)

Now all I need to do is learn to actually use the camera.:eek:
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Good for you. The 450D is a great camera capable of some lovely pics. Just out of interest, how much did you get your deal for, all in?

Also, I wanted to say how I've been quite amazed, having read the other GF-1 thread currently live here on TP, not simply at how many seasoned hobbyists/pros seem to be jumping at the GF-1 as a secondary, "cynical old pro's weekend camera", but how many are selling their DSLR kit to get one! I mean, steady on, chaps! It does look like a winner of the lightweight and inconspicuous variety, but to fully replace the versatility of a DSLR outfit??! It does have it's appeal, sure, but I would still want the best of both worlds!

;)
 
can recommend you get a copy of "Understading Exposure" by Brian Whathisname. Well worth it, unless you allready have it, in which case ignore me.
 
Nifkin said:
Good for you. The 450D is a great camera capable of some lovely pics. Just out of interest, how much did you get your deal for, all in
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£674 all in. :)

zoidberg said:
can recommend you get a copy of "Understading Exposure" by Brian Whathisname. Well worth it, unless you allready have it, in which case ignore me.
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Will do.

What's his second name?
 
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