Author Topic: G3 Users, What Do Ya Think? (Read 1507 times)

Jason C · « **on:** January 25, 2012, 10:02:16 PM »

Dear G3 Users:

I use an E-P1, and I like it for it's decent IQ and it's quick control set for speedy Manual shooting work. However, I strongly dislike Live View focusing. Sure, I could go E-P2 w/an EVF, but the G3 has piqued my interest. Even though I was going to get out of M43, I took the lack of interest (and also not wanting to take a total bath in selling for pennies...) in my FS items to be a sign to stay with M43. No problem, I like the half frame, but I cannot stand LV focusing.

I've been scouring the web, reading archives and checking samples, but I'd like to hear from you G3 users about your likes/dislikes with it. Any words would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Jason C

asterinex · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2012, 11:05:24 PM »

Why not wait for the OM-D ?

voyager · « **Reply #2 on:** January 26, 2012, 12:31:17 AM »

The G3 is bigger than it looks.

javarob75 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:54:20 AM »

Quote from: Jason C on January 25, 2012, 10:02:16 PM

Dear G3 Users:

I use an E-P1, and I like it for it's decent IQ and it's quick control set for speedy Manual shooting work. However, I strongly dislike Live View focusing. Sure, I could go E-P2 w/an EVF, but the G3 has piqued my interest. Even though I was going to get out of M43, I took the lack of interest (and also not wanting to take a total bath in selling for pennies...) in my FS items to be a sign to stay with M43. No problem, I like the half frame, but I cannot stand LV focusing.

I've been scouring the web, reading archives and checking samples, but I'd like to hear from you G3 users about your likes/dislikes with it. Any words would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Jason C

Jason,
I am with you on the frustration with LV focusing. I, too, am looking at the G3 (after considering a switch to APS-C). I'm having a hard time deciding if it's the right camera for me, and Voyager's comment about size may eliminate one of my concerns. I will wait to see the new OM-D, especially the price, before committing to a new camera... With my limited budget, and my desperate desire to own the 45mm 1.8, I have a feeling I will stick with the plan to purchase the G3. This may even give me the funds left over to look at the 20mm 1.7 and the 14mm 2.5, instead of the 17mm 2.8 I currently shoot with. The G3/20mm could be a potent low light set up.

As silly as it may sound, there is another reason I like/dislike the G3. I love my e-p1 for its looks... retro beauty all the way. I like the G3 because it doesn't take the place of the e-p1 in that category... meaning I would still grab the Pen quite often to shoot with, especially if I didn't need the fast AF or EVF. On the other hand, I'm not a fan of the look of the G3, but it is functionally a superior camera.

It a tough choice, but I'm leaning towards the G3

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #4 on:** January 26, 2012, 09:23:04 AM »

One of the nice things about the Touch Screen on the G3, is that you can put it into "Touch to AF/Shoot". What that is, is that you can touch the LCD anywhere and the camera will AF, and shoot the image very fast. It also uses that spot to meter!. For low angle shoots, this very nice with T/S LCD folded out.

I find the G3 a fast DLR like camera. And the EVF has a fast refresh rate, so you won't see "Video Streaking" as with G1/2.

My only CON is that my thumb can drift on the ISO 4-way (top button), and this can result in an ISO change by accident at times.

lisandra · « **Reply #5 on:** January 26, 2012, 09:56:41 AM »

The touch screen can also be disabled, and my favorite, be set to choose an af point. That way I can jump from the 23 area (or whatever I'm using) to center point (or anywhere point) by just touching it. The iq is right up there with the gx1, super resolved (beyond any aps c except the a77) and noise control is indeed very good for half frame, right up there with aps c. Like jman noted in his blog, the extra resolution gives you wiggle room in post to match it to full frame if you know your post work. The evf is indeed very very good, the vf2 has the same resolution but its not as big. if youve used a 1d mk 3 or 4 you'll notice its almost as big. The refresh rate makes the evf keep up with live action almost perfect (unless there almost zero light), infinitely better then the ep1.

lisandra · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2012, 10:04:09 AM »

And if you click here you can see the ep3 next to a g3, you'll notice the pen is wider by 7 mm, the g3 being taller and wider only because of the vf.

http://camerasize.com/compare/#155,185

Spinyman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2012, 10:31:15 AM »

I have an EP-1, but haven't touched it since getting my G3.The poor resolving LCD and lack of an EVF ,and my collection of manual lenses,drove me to my current love,the G3.This EVF is so good, I don't need to use the excellent magnify features.And the autofocus for when I'm using native lenses is lightning quick as well.Maybe just a hair slower than the EP-3.I think the styling of the aluminum body is nice for a dslr look,certainly well made.The thing is very small though not so small that I have a problem with too small controls.It packs anywhere my Ep1 fits.The quality of it's output is undisputed.I think it is the most underrated bargain in micro.The upcoming OMD will cost,at least three times the price of the G3.The pany GX1 with EVF is twice the price.

Spinyman · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2012, 10:43:16 AM »

Javarob73,
I don't think it's silly to love the style of the pen cameras.It is what keeps me from selling my EP-1.It sits on my desk and brings me a smile whenever I look at it.It's iconic design has carried Olympus for,what three years now.But the G3 has really grown on me because of it's no nonsense design and complete functionality.If you need and use a good EVF all the time like I do,you can't go wrong with the G3.

Jason C · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2012, 11:04:55 AM »

Strong G3 support, that is nice to hear. I may just put off saving for my 85L and purchase a G3. Of course, that mean I will need to get another lens or two...

Jason C

Jason C · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2012, 11:53:51 AM »

I like being able to make fast shutter/aperture changes; how will I be affected with a G3?

Jason C

Spinyman · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:12:51 PM »

In an instant,with the thumb wheel while your looking through the evf.

Jason C · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2012, 05:41:40 PM »

Well, it looks like I'll take the bath on the E-P1 and list it for sale again, I am convinced to replace it with a G3. Crap, now I'll have to save for an Oly 45/1.8...85L takes a back seat again.

Jason C

lisandra · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2012, 06:03:20 PM »

Quote from: spinyman on January 26, 2012, 02:12:51 PM

In an instant,with the thumb wheel while your looking through the evf.

its one of the things I absolutely love about panasonic bodies, press the thumb wheel and it switches from aperture to ev comp in a mode. In m mode it switches between aperture and shutter speed. WHY CANT SONY MAKE IT THIS EASY?WHYYYYY? Anyway, be aware that the g3 does not have an eye sensor so you have to press a button to use the vf. Not a dealbreaker but worth knowing. Be sure not to write off the touch screen as a gimmick, its reeeally useful when you get to know how to navigate, you can make changes in 3 or 4 parameters in literally less than 5 seconds, where it will take you about 45 seconds to do them via buttons. The 85L is one of those things you have to be patient about, youll get there, but little by little

Jason C · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2012, 08:16:06 PM »

I think I'll get a lot of use out of the G3, and complicated changes are no problem as long as I shoot a lot. I come from a Canon 1D, 1Ds and a 1DMKII, where changing the iso is a two-button operation. As long as important functions are not buried in a menu system, I'm good.

I am bummed about the lack of an AF/AE lock button, this is my preferred shooting method. Hopefully I can assign this task to an available button.

Thanks everyone!

Jason C

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2012, 08:39:16 PM »

Quote from: Jason C on January 27, 2012, 08:16:06 PM

I think I'll get a lot of use out of the G3, and complicated changes are no problem as long as I shoot a lot. I come from a Canon 1D, 1Ds and a 1DMKII, where changing the iso is a two-button operation. As long as important functions are not buried in a menu system, I'm good.

I am bummed about the lack of an AF/AE lock button, this is my preferred shooting method. Hopefully I can assign this task to an available button.

Thanks everyone!

Jason C

You can make the Fn1 or Fn2 to have that function. or a variation also. I use Fn2 for Exposure Lock Only (Spot metering use)

Jason C · « **Reply #16 on:** January 28, 2012, 05:34:08 PM »

[Monty Burns]Excellent![/Monty Burns]

Jason C

javarob75 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 11, 2012, 07:44:53 PM »

I have read that skin tones are a little off with the G3... anyone know if this is the case? And if so, is there an easy fix? I really don't want to spend my time color-correcting skin tones if I get one...

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2012, 08:46:43 PM »

I have the WB set to +1A and +1M, they are a little cold to my taste. But, not a huge concern. Most people tweak the WB grid to their taste.

lisandra · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2012, 09:20:41 PM »

+2 ambar +1 magenta

Author Topic: G3 Users, What Do Ya Think? (Read 1507 times)

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