Panasonic GX1 and LVF2

[arad85]

Anyone got or tried this combination? Precious few reviews out there but the ones I've found mention the EVF is very small so not easy to see details. I'm used to largeish viewfinders (5D2 and 7D) so wouldn't want to go to something small (like you get on the xxxD range for example). At £200 for the EVF this isn't something I want to buy if it's not going to be a good purchase. Unfortunately, I can't find any local camera shops close with one in stock to really test the thing out.

 

[rickyp]

I use that combination and find it very good (a big improvement on the GF1+LVF1). The viewfinder is small compared to that on a large SLR (D300/D700 are the only comparisons I have available) but it's perfectly usable and the resolution is good. I've found it very useful in bright sunlight where the lcd screen really isn't great for either composing or reviewing photos.

It is expensive but you'd probably be able to sell it on without losing too much if you decided it wasn't for you (or just order it online and return it).

 

[arad85]

Thanks. Whilst I know it might be difficult, can you quantify small?

 

[rickyp]

Ummm, I'd say it "feels" about 2/3 of the size but if you've tried a D700 then you will know that the viewfinder on that is very good so it's not really a fair comparison and I certainly enjoy using the LVF2. The main thing for me was that the resolution is pretty high so unlike the LVF1 you get a pretty decent representation of the final image.

If you have access to a G3 then the viewfinder seems very similar (possibly even the same), you might have more luck finding a nearby store that has a G3 as I know the LVF2 is a pain to track down.

 

[arad85]

If you have access to a G3 then the viewfinder seems very similar (possibly even the same), you might have more luck finding a nearby store that has a G3 as I know the LVF2 is a pain to track down.

Aha! Good bit of info there - thanks.

 

[Dave in Wales]

I have a G3, being a lover of new toys I considered changing to a GX1 and LVF2.

IMVHO it's a no brainer, the G3 is basically the same animal under the bonnet, has a LVF built in, IQ is the same and a fraction of the price of a GX1+LVF2....:shrug:

Decided to stick with me G3.

 

[Willo]

IMVHO it's a no brainer, the G3 is basically the same animal under the bonnet, has a LVF built in, IQ is the same and a fraction of the price of a GX1+LVF2....:shrug:

The same could have been said about the G1 and the GF1, more people brought the GF1. Why? Probably becuase it looks better and less like a DSLR, add the 20mm and it's one of the best street cameras that can be easily put into a jacket pocket.

Between the G3 and GX1 I would still go for the GX1. It feels much better in the hand and it's made from better materials. With the G3 it feels at little cheap, the rear dail especially.

 

[arad85]

IMVHO it's a no brainer, the G3 is basically the same animal under the bonnet, has a LVF built in, IQ is the same and a fraction of the price of a GX1+LVF2....:shrug:

I went with the GX1 as with a pancake lens, it is pocketable. I didn't want the DSLR viewfinder hump on the camera for most of the time.

 

[rickyp]

Have to agree, I much prefer the GX1 (which I use) over the G3 (which my missus uses). The G3 feels plasticky and is always going to be bigger than the GX1, whereas the GX1 feels like a quality bit of kit and you have the option of attaching the viewfinder or not. It does cost more but in the grand scheme of things it's not a huge difference when I expect to use it heavily for 2-3 years.