Uriel said:
followed the thread for a few pages... some points anyone who wants to make a purchase can consider:
-the exposure time and shutter speed options available for the camera... many dSLRs have a limit at one or two minutes, which is very limiting for many techniques of photography
-the interface - check out how many button clicks till you can delete an image, and other such operations. This may seem like a small factor, cumulatively, this makes your battery last longer.
-Have in mind where and how you are going to use the dSLR. It is a bulky piece of equipment, and the lenses are a long time investment. You cannot switch to another company, and another set of lenses without considerable investment again. dSLRs are not suitable for all situations, (eg: indoors at a social event after evening or maneuvering the camera outside the window of a moving vehicle). There are threads on TE explaining this clearly. Basically, unless you go on outings specifically for photography, the cameras are not too great.
-Settle service agreements whenever possible, as the lenses do need regular servicing.
1. Maximum exposure time across all DSLRs is the same -
all of them have a BULB mode which lets you keep the shutter open for however long you want (1hr or whatever).
2. Good point about the interface, but honestly unless you move up to a Nikon D90+ or Canon 50D+ camera with 2 dials and dedicated custom buttons, the rest are almost the same.
3. Disagree. In fact, indoor at a social event is where a dSLR really shines. You can easily shoot at ISO 1600-3200 with fast lenses and get great shots without using ugly flash. You can strap the camera on to your hand and put it out of a moving window, shoot upside down...do whatever you want.
4. Lenses need regular servicing? :-/ I'd say, a camera sensor needs servicing due to dust, but that can be done at home as well. Plus, I don't know of many lens service agreements.
Yes, DSLRs are bulky...but they give you image quality which beats any compact camera on the planet.
-Guevara- said:
What is the general consensus on the Panasonic Lumix GF1
- If you want a small camera which gives you
almost everything that a DSLR can provide, it is a wonderful choice.
- It gives you a very nice screen, EVF choice, is very compact with the 20mm f1.7 lens, great in lowlight, AF is fast enough (faster than Oly EP-1), takes 720p videos and is in general everything I'd want from a compact camera.
- I've been thinking of buying one for a long time now, except that the price is too high ($1000 with 20mm f1.7 lens).
- To me, the only reason to buy an Olympus/Panasonic is micro 4/3rds. I see myself picking up one next year for sure.
@blufox: The GF1 is a great camera, and has an amazing support base for the future as well. Look up the stats.
Cheers!
Payne