wmc718

Thanks for your time Fred and Michael. I knew there was a new way, but I couldn't find it to save me!

Somehow, mine is set to "Critique Only." Check out my current posting: http://www.photo.net/photo/13182564

How To Turn Voting ON/OFF... anybody know how?

<p>IMHO, if it's a milk carton with a pinhole punched in it, and it makes you money, then it's a pro camera! ;o)</p>

Back in the day, when I used to shoot film, I too, much preferred medium format. So much easier to work with in the darkroom, and it would make such fine images. Just for kicks, I once shot an image on 35mm Ektar 25 and made a 16x20 print from it. Compared to my 16x20 MF prints, you truly couldn't tell the difference! Of course, you were limited to a very slow ISO with that film.

 

But yes, I loved MF, but it all just got too costly for me. And I must admit, I like the speed of using digital. I do understand what you are saying though.

I received my 1.7 from Amazon last month, and I'm in love with it! I assume Amazon is still offering them. The 1.7 and the 9-18 Oly are my two most favorite, and most used lenses. Absolutely perfect for shooting models!

RE: Donald Bryant

 

Donald, I can totally relate to your desires (and limitations) for an M9... but alas, I cannot afford it either. I don't really understand what you mean about the lack of IQ with m4/3? My G1 puts out images that blow me away all the time. Maybe you need to spend more time with one? Granted, if your photography includes machine-gun frame shooting and you finalize in poster-size prints, the G1/G2/GF1 would not be for you. But for other for other forms of photography, you just can't beat the portability, convenience, and outstanding IQ of the Lumix line.

<p><strong>Robert Budding</strong>, I loved your comment... gave me a good chuckle!<br>

<strong>Sue</strong>, Give the Lumix G1, G2, G10 and the GF1 a good hard look! Smaller, lighter, excellent lenses, and they won't break the bank. Lots of people have found this to be the way to go.<br>

If you insist on a larger camera, you just can't go wrong with the D90. Good luck! </p>

Hi Jon,

 

Thank you very much for the compliment! Yes, I know of a few photographers who are using the G1/GH1/G2 professionally as their sole camera. And, there's probably a lot more who are but don't admit it! There's also a lot of folks who have purchased the G series as their "second" camera, but more and more, their DSLR tank stays in the bag - or at home.

 

Doing the kind of work I do (models and landscapes) the G series is perfect. I'm almost always at ISO 100, I'm not taking blistering speed sequences, and I'm not enlarging the finals to billboard-size prints. Under those conditions, I don't think the G series can be beat... and like you say, the light, compact size is just frosting on the cake!

 

Enjoy you G1!

 

Best,

Michael

When I'm out on location, I like to travel very light. I have always used a Domke flap-over bag that I purchased in the 80s... a little frayed at the edges, but still going strong! Since I mostly shoot models, I bring the three lenses for my G1 that I use the most... an Oly 9-18, the kit zoom, which a pretty darn good little lens, and the 20mm pancake.

 

I can get all this stuff in my bag, along with dedicated flash, accessories, paperwork-etc. and it works great. I don't know what kind of shooting you do, or how mobile you need to be, but for my work, the Domke is just what the Dr. ordered.

Gerry,

 

Excellent post and article Gerry... I enjoyed it very much. It also served well to remind me to keep my "gear lust" in check, and to shoot for the job, not the brand.

 

I remember back in the film days (sound old, don't I?), I was at a wedding and watched the photographer struggle with his failing Hasselblad, and was so thankful that my good 'ol Mamiya never let me down or disapointed me, and got me through many a wedding and commercial shoot without a hitch. That was worth sooooooooooo much more than a name!

Sony sure didn't put much efffort into aesthetics with the NEX-3/5 cameras, did they? They kind of look like a black slab with a Gerber baby jar stuck to it. But then, for me, a camera is like a car, the styling has to attract me first. Once it has done that, I'll dig into the technicals. As an example, it's clear that Oly and Panny has the concept down, as the reuslts of the Pen and the G-series show a flair for design.

<p>Tommy,<br>

I have (and I know some other professionals and advanced amatuers) who have actually <em>replaced </em>their DSLRs with micro four-thirds. Of course, this highly depends on the kind of shooting you do. (If you're into high ISO, high-speed shooting and finalize in poster-size prints, the GF1 is probably not for you.) <br>

In short, yes, there are tons of available adaptors for the G1/G2/GF1 to accommodate various lens brands out there - including Leica. To my knowledge, the 1.7 pancake is the fastest current "wide ange" available, but I've read where there's more coming.<br>

I think if you'll read others comments about their experiences with the GF1, you will find that it is an extremely satisfying camera! Good Luck!</p>

<p>No, not all. I think the NX-10 probably falls more into this forum than the others by virtue of the fact that it's an EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera. It is also purported to be even smaller than the G1/G2. At this point, it has a rather limited lens availability, but they're working on that. From everything I've read, it's an excellent little camera. If I were buying today (I have a G1), it would be on my list of must see's before I made a purchase; although the G2 is a very tough competitor.</p>

<p>I did enjoy it Reed... thanks for sharing!</p>

<p>Devon, first of all, the NX-10 is not a micro four-thirds camera. It's the first small EVIL camera to utilize an APS-C sensor. I don't personally get super excited about that, as the APS-C just isn't that much larger than a m4/3rds sensor, but it can't hurt anything either.<br>

Go to here to get and excellent review of the camera: <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/samsungnx10/">http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/samsungnx10/</a><br>

Good luck!</p>

<p>Hi Jeff,<br>

If cost was not a factor, and I could only have one camera, it would be the Rolls Royce M9... perfect for what I do (landscapes, artistic work, and maybe a little street). Now, as one of your responants put it, back to reality! (Reality so sucks sometimes!) :o)<br>

I've been using a m4/3's G1 for the last several months, and I am so impressed with it. If you have to have high ISOs, it's not going to cut it for you. If you have to have high-burst action capability, it's probably not going to suit you. If you have to have poster-size prints, it probably won't cut it for you either. But, if you're like the majority of users out there, it will do you just fine, and you can still find new G1s in the $600 range. They will also take a boatload of lenses with adaptors. And, it's two pounds lighter than a straw hat... easy to haul around all day.<br>

To go one step further... if it has to be easily pocketable, go with the GF1 and the 1.7 pancake. Also get a zoom and stick it in your fanny pack. You just don't get a much better combo than that! You will be amazed at the quality! Slide on over to the four-thirds forum and ask some questions. You'll get an earfull! I know a few professionals (actually selling prints and making money) using their G1s! Remember, that ASP-C sensor is just not that much bigger than the 4/3s. <br>

I wouldn't at all mind having a D700 for my indoor (and close outdoor) work. But on the go, it will be the Lumix every time! Good luck!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Jeff,<br>

If cost was not a factor, and I could only have one camera, it would be the Rolls Royce M9... perfect for what I do (landscapes, artistic work, and maybe a little street). Now, as one of your responants put it, back to reality! (Reality so sucks sometimes!) :o)<br>

I've been using a m4/3's G1 for the last several months, and I am so impressed with it. If you have to have high ISOs, it's not going to cut it for you. If you have to have high-burst action capability, it's probably not going to suit you. If you have to have poster-size prints, it probably won't cut it for you either. But, if you're like the majority of users out there, it will do you just fine, and you can still find new G1s in the $600 range. They will also take a boatload of lenses with adaptors. And, it's two pounds lighter than a straw hat... easy to haul around all day.<br>

To go one step further... if it has to be easily pocketable, go with the GF1 and the 1.7 pancake. Also get a zoom and stick it in your fanny pack. You just don't get a much better combo than that! You will be amazed at the quality! Slide on over to the four-thirds forum and ask some questions. You'll get an earfull! I know a few professionals (actually selling prints and making money) using their G1s! Remember, that ASP-C sensor is just not that much bigger than the 4/3s. <br>

I wouldn't at all mind having a D700 for my indoor (and close outdoor) work. But on the go, it will be the Lumix every time! Good luck!</p>

<p> </p>

I purchased a new Vivitar 283 TTL flash for my G1. It swivels, bounces and does it all. Should be around $75 to $85 on most sites.

<p>Richard Snow, no, you didn't come off as condescending... no apology necessary. Your last sentence answered my question... it can be done. Thank you.<br>

And Scott Murphy, the D700 is a professional grade camera?! Really?! It's a good thing that folks like Gary Woodard and yourself are here to keep stupid people like me in line!</p>

Thank you all for your input. Gary Woodward, get your nose out of the air! Why do you assume I’m a P&S photographer? That’s just bit condescending! I’ve been shooting for 25 years and during the film days owned and operated my own studio.

I’ve already owned DSLRs along with a Lumix m4/3s G1! I asked this question only because I have never had the pleasure of having a D700 (or any other Nikon DSLR for that matter) in my hand, and wasn’t sure how the mechanics of the 51-point AF worked. Should take the time and drop by the camera store, I guess.

When I say Face Detection, it doesn’t have to be literal Face Detection per se’. As long as one can easily turn a wheel to focus whatever part of the subject (such as the eyes) he wants, that’s fine. Mark S, you kind of touched on it. Exactly what are the “excellent auto-focus capabilities of the D700” that you mention? Can you do with it what I just asked, without removing the camera from your face (if you’re using the VF)?

Wouter Willemse, you are correct sir… I believe we will see Auto-Face-Detection capabilities become more prevalent on all cameras – including all pro DSLRs. Anything to make things easier. I personally don’t like the focus and recompose method (even with a tripod), because if you’re using a shallow DOF, you can lose the eye and face focusing pretty easily--especially noticable when you print enalargments.

Thank you all too, for your input on lenses.

I'm thinking of purchasing a D700. One thing I insist on is excellent AF auto. face detection, as I don't usually like

the results of recomposing - especially hand held. Is there a way to set the camera so it will automatically detect

faces in a scene? Also, what do you recommend for a good, fast lens to encompass both portraits (head shots to

full lengths) and landscapes? Thanks for your suggestions!

<p>Did anyone else notice this? This new technology is cheaper and offers four times the performance as current sensors: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10032201quantumfilm.asp" target="_blank">http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10032201quantumfilm.asp</a> If the cost savings are that much, it could end the sensor-size wars. Might as well just go full-frame and be done with it. Be interesting to see how it unfolds!<br>

Your thoughts?</p>

<p>"But, but, Cannon is “Toyota” for me. Dull, steady, predictable. No excitement for me there at all - boring."<br>

Mike, how can you say that?! If you listen to the news at all (especially Public News Radio), you will see that Toyota has been giving some of its owners VERY EXCITING RIDES... some of which, right before they go off a cliff or crash into a wall! :o) :o) :o)<br>

No one, please, take that to infer that Canon has equally as exciting attributes!</p>

<p>Wow! That one (the leaf) jumps Godfrey... nice!</p>