Future of DSLR vs category killer

[John Frey]

Here is the link to the new and improved Panasonic GH2 replacement for the GH1 (just released today at Photokina)- big improvements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVnUeEdYQrI

John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.

Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore

[Bill Davis]

Not sure I’m buying this.

I can walk into a choice of pro photo stores in my city and pick from an array of 20-30 lens choices in EITHER Nikon or Canon glass. This includes special purpose glass I’m likely never to need to own, like fisheye and tilt-shift.

In each, I can put them on a camera and ALL the photometric and lens performance information on the web is gold. No “conversion factors” no focal length shifting, no compromises.

I don’t know of ANY shops that rent Lumix lenses. I don’t know how the geometry of 4/3rds relates to the single gold 35mm standard that’s existed for nearly 100 years worldwide.

This alone makes a Panasonic investment seem more than squirely – it seems like something for the part timer.

Admittedly, I could be TOTALLY wrong about this.

But I haven’t seen a working professional still photographer in the field carrying a Panasonice still camera EVER. And I haven’t seen a working videographer – even an INDUSTRIAL practitioner with one since the days of the AG-456.

Maybe theres something I don’t know. But that’s how I see it.

FCP since NAB 1999
creator: muti-track movies
http://www.starteditingnow.com

[John Frey]

Most of the people who share information on this forum are here for DSLR video, not still photography. Also, if you take the time to read some of the threads here, many members are long-time Panasonic video camera users – from lower end DV to Broadcast level HD. I have been in this business at all levels for 30 years, and have owned Hitachi, Ikegami, Sony, Canon, JVC and Panasonic cameras. And for the record, we do not use the Panasonic GH1 for still photography. Lighten up!

John D. Frey
25 Year owner/operator of two California-based production studios.

Digital West Video Productions of San Luis Obispo and Inland Images of Lake Elsinore

[Bill Davis]

John,

I don’t understand the “lighten up” comment.

I’m not arguing any kind of emotional point of view. Simply factual information as it appears to me.

Just as it’s insignificant whether a great piano player plays a Steinway, Bosendorfer, a Yamaha or a Baldwin – it’s in the same sense somewhat insignificant what tool a videographer chooses to use to make their content. Individuals are free to choose whatever suite THEIR production style.

And equally important, if the reader here is a novice and building a personal list of elements to consider BEFORE making their selection, it’s pretty hard to argue that the stuff I mentioned, like rental lens availability is NOT worthy of consideration for that class of user.

Micro 4/3rds is out there. It will compete on it’s own merits. As did the Canon approach to both still AND video capability. So far, It’s pretty inarguable that Canon is currently the safest choice since it’s DSLR for video ecosystem is so much larger than it’s competitors. And that’s all I’m saying.

Man, John Stewert is SO right. Too much “one of us must be RIGHT and all others are to be SHUNNED!” thinking going on.

In the SANE world he’s proposing, we CAN hold differing views without getting upset about it. OK?

FCP since NAB 1999
creator: muti-track movies
http://www.starteditingnow.com