DOP Reader Forum

We finally had a nice afternoon here in Southeast Massachusetts so I loaded up the G1(with 14-45 kit lens) and my 5D (with 24-105L lens) and went looking for pictures. My travels took me to a park that has a herring run going through it and a fallen down building with just its stone walls remaining.

I took several shots with both cameras, on a tripod (even remembered to turn off the IS on both lenses). One thing I found about the G1 that is very annoying is adjusting the f stop or shutter speed and ending up moving the exposure compensation around unless I pay close attention. Both cameras seem to need -2/3s of stop for compensation. No problem changing settings on the Canon. I'm now well aware of the hazard of adjustments on the G1 but it is still a nuisance; Panasonic needs to dedicate that front dial to f stop/shutter speed only and handle the exposure compensation differently.

Anyhow, the point of this post is that when I printed the same scene at 12x18, shot with both cameras, the results were almost identical. At a normal viewing distance there is no perceptible difference between the prints. Of course any photographer worth his or her salt will immediately bring the prints into nose length and there a slight improvement in resolution and DR is seen in the 5D version of the prints. The 5D and 24-105 set me back a little over $4,000 three years ago, the G1 was obtained for a mere $700. $3.300 worth of difference? Nope!

I don't know how large a print could be made from a G1 as my Epson 2200 maxes out with 13x19 paper. A 16x24 print would probably start showing some strain but it would be interesting to see a G1 print at that size.

Quote: Panasonic needs to dedicate that front dial to f stop/shutter speed only and handle the exposure compensation differently

Sorry Pete, but I've got to disagree with you on that point. So far, I really like the dual functionality of that front dial. But I wouldn't object to a little more in the way of optional customisation that would allow individual photographers to use that button as they see fit.

I was interested to see your comments about the enlargements. Over the years I've shot many photos. However, I could probably count on the fingers of one hand the number I've had printed - at any size. However, that changed recently when I've had some G1 12x8 enlargements printed and it's kinda given me the bug. But the cost of my "high street enlargements" is mounting and it would seem to make sense to look at buying my own photo-quality printer. Sigh...

1. I would like dual dials two (less error prone)

2. The answer to larger prints is not so easy. I often open up shadows quite a bit and here I likely would see the difference.

But then the G1 is nearly always with me.

Uwe

(03-17-2009 04:40 PM)VFTK Wrote: [ -> ]Sorry Pete, but I've got to disagree with you on that point.

However, that changed recently when I've had some G1 12x8 enlargements printed and it's kinda given me the bug. But the cost of my "high street enlargements" is mounting and it would seem to make sense to look at buying my own photo-quality printer. Sigh...

Gary,
It's trying to get that silly dial to move without putting too much pressure on it that gives me the trouble. You must have the right touch!

Making my own prints is part of the fun. Theoretically you should be able to save money as well, but, the cost of the printer, the ink, and trying all the different papers runs up the tab. So it's back to having fun! (and the occasional sale).

Quote:It's trying to get that silly dial to move without putting too much pressure on it that gives me the trouble. You must have the right touch!

I guess it must be to do with the way that you're holding the camera. I use the side of my middle finger to push the dial in and out and, typically, the tip of it to turn the dial. My middle finger is not heavily involved in supporting the camera, though it helps out when it's not busy pushing and clicking the dial. I reckon that using the front dial on the G1 is somewhat akin to using the scroll wheel on a typical computer mouse.

In spite of the investment costs in getting my own photo printer - and then the running costs - I am beginning to look a little more seriously at the idea of buying one. It will need to be able to print at least A4 prints, but not be so big as to be able to print A3 images. (Space for the printer is a limitation.)

(03-20-2009 12:18 PM)VFTK Wrote: [ -> ]My middle finger is not heavily involved in supporting the camera, though it helps out when it's not busy pushing and clicking the dial. I reckon that using the front dial on the G1 is somewhat akin to using the scroll wheel on a typical computer mouse.

Hm, yes I've been flailing away with my index finger. I'll give your approach a try. The dial on my camera is very stiff to move; might be an mfg defect?

(03-20-2009 12:18 PM)VFTK Wrote: [ -> ](Space for the printer is a limitation.)

The Epson 2880 has had good reviews. My ancient and venerable 2200 is about the same size and fits nicely on a not too big table. I tend to be very fussy with my prints so can't imagine sending them off for someone else to print.

(03-18-2009 08:14 AM)petes Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-17-2009 04:40 PM)VFTK Wrote: [ -> ]Sorry Pete, but I've got to disagree with you on that point.

However, that changed recently when I've had some G1 12x8 enlargements printed and it's kinda given me the bug. But the cost of my "high street enlargements" is mounting and it would seem to make sense to look at buying my own photo-quality printer. Sigh...

Gary,
It's trying to get that silly dial to move without putting too much pressure on it that gives me the trouble. You must have the right touch!

Making my own prints is part of the fun. Theoretically you should be able to save money as well, but, the cost of the printer, the ink, and trying all the different papers runs up the tab. So it's back to having fun! (and the occasional sale).

A 12x8 foot print is ONLY a 14x enlargement from a 10x8 negative


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