A few Panasonic G1 shots

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Archive 2008 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

mawz
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p.4 #1 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lotusm50 wrote:
get rid of the hand grip and phony prism bulge, and mount a pancake prime lens on the G1 and you might have something quite useful, compact and very portable.

I'm kinda hoping Panny will do a L1-alike m43 body. They went conventional on the design due to getting burned by the L1, the styling was controversial but the real reason it didn't sell is that like its Oly sibling, it just wasn't that capable for the cost, and justifying the price of the (Superb) Leica kit lens was also difficult.

The handgrip is a good thing on the G1, it makes for excellent handling, unlike the grip-less Oly E-4x0's which handle poorly. I'd rather have a grip if I'm going to get otherwise stuck with modern ergonomics (the Oly Altoids tin m43 mockup looks awful, all of the handling problems of the P&S world in one body with the poor grip surface, chicklet buttons and no VF)

Jan 02, 2009 at 02:39 AM

Jonas B
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p.4 #2 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lotusm50 wrote:
get rid of the hand grip and phony prism bulge, and mount a pancake prime lens on the G1 and you might have something quite useful, compact and very portable.

I don't know... The prism bulge isn't altogether phony as the electronic viewfinder has to be somewhere. The grip is practical. When there is a lens mounted to a camera a grip doesn't do much to lessen the portability.

I would like a grip that is a tad bigger but that is personal. No grip at all want me to wish for something to hold on.

What Panasonic should do, in my opinion, is move the front wheel. Now it is too easy to press it or turn it by mistake (and quickly release more lenses for everybody to get happy).

If we also can get a dedicated manual focusing button, open-source firmware, custom setting positions instead of scene modes on the mode dial, an advanced light metering mode, a pro series of lenses, a weather sealed model and... then all should be just fine.

Or nearly fine... now the battery and the 4/3 lens adapter both are too expensive. As is the remote release and so are probably the lenses gonna be as well.

Jan 02, 2009 at 02:54 AM

Lotusm50
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p.4 #3 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

But the grip makes it less portable, less compact, and less pocketable. As was pointed out, as it is it only marginally smaller than a small DSLR. We want qualtity in a "true" compact, not a somewhat reduced sized DSLR that isn't compact in the photographic sense of the word.

Sure it might handle a little better, but a compact is not about ultimate handling, but about pocketablity -- being able to have a camera where an SLR is not possible or practical. Leica M's, Contax T's, Ricoh GR1's, Leica Minilux's and CM's and similar compacts don't have big protruding grips on them. That didn't stop people from buying and using them and delivering excellent images from a minimal of volume and space. A hand grip like the one on the G1 is far from necessary or desired on a compact, in fact it almost defeats the purpose.

Jan 02, 2009 at 03:25 AM

d-intrigue
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p.4 #4 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lumping Contax T's, Ricoh GR1s and Miniluxes into this group is apples-oranges. Those are not interchangeable lens cameras. And Leica Ms are not really pocketable (and yes, lots of people use them with grips.)

Jan 02, 2009 at 03:29 AM

picnic
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p.4 #5 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

mawz wrote:
Lotusm50 wrote:
get rid of the hand grip and phony prism bulge, and mount a pancake prime lens on the G1 and you might have something quite useful, compact and very portable.

. I'd rather have a grip if I'm going to get otherwise stuck with modern ergonomics (the Oly Altoids tin m43 mockup looks awful, all of the handling problems of the P&S world in one body with the poor grip surface, chicklet buttons and no VF)

I agree about the grip. With the G9 the lack of grip was a minus, not a plus. Many of us added a very nice, but not very large (so not as helpful) grip addition made by Richard Francois (?). Having handled the G1 I feel its quite small and would be difficult to handle (ala some of the little P & S) without the grip.

Diane

Jan 02, 2009 at 03:30 AM

Jonas B
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p.4 #6 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lotusm50 wrote:
But the grip makes it less portable, less compact, and less pocketable. (...), in fact it almost defeats the purpose.

"We"? As I said, the grip doesn't make the camera bigger with a lens mounted to it.
The size and weight advantages comes with the possibility to use smaller and lighter lenses thanks to the short register distance.
The G1 is not a compact. It is an SLR-style EVIL. The Olympus mock-up is a micro4/3 compact with interchangeable lenses.

Ah, what does it matter? - we can't argue about taste after all...

Jan 02, 2009 at 03:36 AM

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p.4 #7 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Jonas B wrote:

"We"? As I said, the grip doesn't make the camera bigger with a lens mounted to it.
The size and weight advantages comes with the possibility to use smaller and lighter lenses thanks to the short register distance.
The G1 is not a compact. It is an SLR-style EVIL. The Olympus mock-up is a micro4/3 compact with interchangeable lenses.

Ah, what does it matter? - we can't argue about taste after all... ;)

I never thought it was aimed at 'pocketable'. Its just not--but I bet I can fit it into a bag (non-camera) as I do the G9 at times. I would think most of us are thinking small/not heavy as opposed to pocketable. I'm so looking forward to carrying almost nothing as far as weight goes (size too for that matter). What a joy it will be to get good IQ without a backache after a day of carrying camera/gear.

Diane

Jan 02, 2009 at 03:52 AM

Lotusm50
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p.4 #8 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Jonas B wrote:
Lotusm50 wrote:
But the grip makes it less portable, less compact, and less pocketable. (...), in fact it almost defeats the purpose.

"We"? As I said, the grip doesn't make the camera bigger with a lens mounted to it.
.

You missed my original point, it seems. As I originally said, with a pancake lens attached as well. Which, without the unnecessary grip makes it compact. The grip would indeed make the camera I suggested bigger -- and less portable, pocketable and stowable (and yes, a Leica M's is more pocketable and portable than this, especially with a collapsible 50mm attached).

The G1, as is, is not compact, it's small and bulky. You can take this format and make it truly compact. The G1 can exist on it's own right, I am not actually criticizing it. I was only suggesting a different camera for the format, one without the hand grip, without the top bulge and without the bulky zoom lens. Olympus has already shown an early prototype of such a camera for this format. It could indeed be like the list of film compacts I mentioned. They would not be "apples and oranges" with what I was suggesting, rather they would be more like "birds of a feather", and a unique and welcomed addition to the market.

...and "We" are many and "we" are indeed looking forward to such a camera.

Jan 02, 2009 at 04:10 AM

d-intrigue
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p.4 #9 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Olympus has shown a concept -- a machined block -- as opposed to a prototype.

I'm all for an Olympus Pen version of the µ4/3. Such a camera probably won't have an articulating LCD and other features.

Jan 02, 2009 at 04:19 AM

mawz
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p.4 #10 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lotusm50 wrote:
But the grip makes it less portable, less compact, and less pocketable. As was pointed out, as it is it only marginally smaller than a small DSLR. We want qualtity in a "true" compact, not a somewhat reduced sized DSLR that isn't compact in the photographic sense of the word.

Sure it might handle a little better, but a compact is not about ultimate handling, but about pocketablity -- being able to have a camera where an SLR is not possible or practical. Leica M's, Contax T's, Ricoh GR1's, Leica Minilux's and CM's and similar compacts don't have big protruding grips on them. That didn't stop people from buying and using them and delivering excellent images from a minimal of volume and space. A hand grip like the one on the G1 is far from necessary or desired on a compact, in fact it almost defeats the purpose.

Unfortunately the lack of a grip makes the handling awful. I've used many of the cameras you name, and in most cases the addition of a grip greatly increases handling. Also most of those old 35mm cameras are relatively thick by todays standards and have controls located to allow for reasonable handling without a grip (Something generally lacking with the current lot of gripless cameras, and the reason the G10 grew a grip among other things). The grip doesn't necessarily have to be as deep as the current G1's, but it does need to be there. A removable one like the old Nikon FA had would be an excellent compromise.

Note the grip will not make the camera less pocketable with a pancake mounted, it's of similar depth to the lens. And frankly, I don't give a damn about pocketability since I pocket a number of supposedly unpocketable cameras already. I can pocket my D40/CV40 combo (Big pockets are a major selling point on coats and cargo pants for me).

Jan 02, 2009 at 04:30 AM

Jonas B
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p.4 #11 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lotusm50 wrote:

You missed my original point, it seems
(...)
The G1, as is, is not compact, it's small and bulky. You can take this format and make it truly compact. The G1 can exist on it's own right, I am not actually criticizing it. I was only suggesting a different camera for the format, one without the hand grip, without the top bulge and without the bulky zoom lens.
(...)
...and "We" are many and "we" are indeed looking forward to such a camera.

Then you are many and you are longing for the Olympus version of a micro4/3. I don't see a problem and reading my last post again tells me I'm not looking for a fight over this.

But you are right, I missed the point; when you said
get rid of the hand grip and phony prism bulge, and mount a pancake prime lens on the G1 and you might have something quite useful, compact and very portable.
a took that as something meant to change the next reincarnation of the G1.

I still don't see how the grip makes the camera hard to put in your pocket but part of that is probably me being dense. I have a G1 and find it a tad small, you have it or don't have it (doesn't matter) and find it too big. What can one say? regards, /Jonas

Jan 02, 2009 at 04:59 AM

Pavel
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p.4 #12 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Well my personal sentiments about pockatability, even if one desires to walk around forever with only one lens, the pancake 20 ... is that it still is not going to be pockatable - unless you want the girls to wonder!

It is simply not a pocketable camera candidate. The Oly version ... perhaps ... but then its a one lens wonder. Too close that way to something already here like the G10.

No it's the lens lineup that is coming (fingers crossed here) combined with the imager size that is the draw. The size is as minimal as can be for those two factors to be in the sweet spot and still be a serious shooters walkaround camera.

I plan to carry it in a lowpro pouch on a think tank "skin" belt. The little, and inconspicuous, pouch should be able to carry the body (sans lens) and two, perhaps three lenses along with filters really nicely. Almost as it it were not there. That is what is so rare and sooo nice about this new set of possibilities. But pocketable? I think that is stretching it too far. It's like wanting a eight person bmw mini. You kill the concept trying to make it all to all.

Jan 02, 2009 at 03:46 PM

picnic
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p.4 #13 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Pavel wrote:
I plan to carry it in a lowpro pouch on a think tank "skin" belt. The little, and inconspicuous, pouch should be able to carry the body (sans lens) and two, perhaps three lenses along with filters really nicely. Almost as it it were not there. That is what is so rare and sooo nice about this new set of possibilities. But pocketable? I think that is stretching it too far. It's like wanting a eight person bmw mini. You kill the concept trying to make it all to all.

LOL. I think people want too much--or perhaps something really different. I can't really imagine an interchangeable lens camera being smaller and really nice to shoot with. Perhaps Panasonic will come out with a fixed lens camera ala the F series and Oly will come out with the camera that looks like the mockup (which wouldn't suit me at all) which will be quite small, larger sensor but still no VF and once you put any lens on except pancake--simply not pocketable either.

Diane

Jan 02, 2009 at 04:16 PM

hhski
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p.4 #14 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

How about a retractable lens for the G1. How much is the 45-200 lens. I just got a 5D2 and for what I can sell the 40D I can get the G1. The G1 seems like a great compact option.

Jan 04, 2009 at 03:34 AM

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p.4 #15 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

I had a chance to play with both the lenses and they are exceptional for a zoom. The 14-45 is small. But the 45-200mm is really quite impressive (size and image quality). It's US $350 at the local Ritz camera store here.

The Olympus 7-14mm f4.0 is probably the only reason I am still hanging on to my E3. The weight of the E3 with 7-14mm f4.0 is less than a D700 with the 14-28mm f2.8.

Can't wait for Panasonic or Olympus to come out with a smaller version of the micro 4/3rds and the real trigger will be the 7-14mm f4.0 in micro 4/3rds format. A wide angle lens like that is reason enough to buy into the system. The wide zoom and the 20mm f1.7 will get me going on the micro 4/3rds

Jan 04, 2009 at 04:52 AM

Sam Bennett
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p.4 #16 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

I completely empathize with those wanting a "pocketable" Micro-4/3rds camera. I can see why some want the grip, and that's fine. But to really realize the potential of Micro-4/3rds, someone has to do a completely stripped-down version - perhaps with an add-on grip as an accessory.

There are two reasons I haven't run out to get a G1 already - 1) There's no fast prime available yet 2) It is not significantly smaller than a compact dSLR such as the Nikon D60. To me it doesn't make sense to invest in another system unless it provides something significantly different than the one I'm already invested in. A truly compact Micro-4/3rds is what would get me to add that to my collection.

Jan 05, 2009 at 08:44 PM

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p.4 #17 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

I just got my G1 delivered, certainly not as small as my SD870IS but noticeably smaller than my 5D and the kit lens is about the size of the 50 1.4. I'm already impressed by the manual focus system, I like my EE-S in my 5D but this is just awesome. I'd like the major DSLR companies to get in on the swivel LCD thing bandwagon asap, would make liveview more versatile. I think is going to be a neat format system to keep an eye on, especially with all the adapters hitting the market.

Jan 05, 2009 at 08:53 PM

mawz
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p.4 #18 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Sam Bennett wrote:
I completely empathize with those wanting a "pocketable" Micro-4/3rds camera. I can see why some want the grip, and that's fine. But to really realize the potential of Micro-4/3rds, someone has to do a completely stripped-down version - perhaps with an add-on grip as an accessory.

There are two reasons I haven't run out to get a G1 already - 1) There's no fast prime available yet 2) It is not significantly smaller than a compact dSLR such as the Nikon D60. To me it doesn't make sense to invest in another system unless it provides something significantly different than the one I'm already invested in. A truly compact Micro-4/3rds is what would get me to add that to my collection.

1. Plenty of fast primes available in convertable mounts. Adaptors to M and LTM are shipping and at least one custom C mount adaptor is in the wild. There's a lack of native fast primes (with one promised, the 20/1.7) but that's likely to continue as Oly seems allergic to the concept (there's only a couple primes faster than f2 in 4/3rds, all are Sigma or PanaLeica)

2. The G1 is actually quite noticeably smaller than the D60 in terms of height and depth. Width is near identical. But the kit zoom on the g1 is about as deep as my CV 40 pancake is on the D40. Having handled the G1 and owning a D40, the difference is big enough to be noticeable.

Jan 05, 2009 at 08:54 PM

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p.4 #19 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

was this thread not about the images? Any raw files available?

Jan 05, 2009 at 09:06 PM

Sam Bennett
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p.4 #20 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

I understand about the conversions, which alone is a great reason to go for one - but again, in terms of compactness the 20/1.7 will likely be much more compact than an adapter + another lens. And I'm willing to bet that getting something in the 20/1.8-ish range is going to be a lot cheaper from Panasonic than going with another mount.

Jan 05, 2009 at 09:07 PM

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p.4 #21 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

why can't they make the horizontal grip optional and identical to the vertical grip? I mean, the body can be shipped with the grip, can function without the grip, with the grip attached to the right, or attached to the bottom. That way no matter what your usage habit, it is lighter than competitions.

Jan 06, 2009 at 11:26 PM

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p.4 #22 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

fe3836 wrote:
why can't they make the horizontal grip optional and identical to the vertical grip? I mean, the body can be shipped with the grip, can function without the grip, with the grip attached to the right, or attached to the bottom. That way no matter what your usage habit, it is lighter than competitions.

It is still only a pound with the 14-45. My G9 is 14 oz. That's small enough for me. I also have a 400D for 'small'---that's at least 2# with a light Canon mount lens (say the 28 f/1.8 or Tammy 17-35 f/2.8-4). I took my G9 with me when I went to handle the G1 several weeks ago--so similar in size but the G1 handled a bit better (and I have the Richard Francois?? grip on the G9). I hate shooting with the G9 with the awful OVF and sometimes impossible to see LCD. The G1 is such a welcome change for my 'small' cam--and I may find myself shooting more with it than my 5D. We'll see. Mine is due tomorrow.

Diane

Jan 06, 2009 at 11:59 PM

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p.4 #23 · A few Panasonic G1 shots

Lotusm50 wrote:
get rid of the hand grip and phony prism bulge, and mount a pancake prime lens on the G1 and you might have something quite useful, compact and very portable.

alas, the E-P1!!!! Talk about Olympus filling a product hole!!!

Jun 19, 2009 at 10:15 PM


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