what camera do you use?
photo by luisa brimble – shot in surry hills’ cat alley
Without doubt the question I’m asked most by readers is: “What camera do you use?” It seems a good time to talk about my little (yes, it’s very little) camera, considering I’ve got a new found love for it – it is the ultimate travel camera.
I have been taking photos with the Panasonic gf1 with 20mm 1.7 (pancake) lens for three years now. I could have upgraded many a time but I can never justify it. Why do I love it? Let me count the ways:
- it’s a really affordable camera. We bought the body and lens new for $600. Whilst you can’t buy the gf1 brand new anymore, I’ve seen a lot of listings on Gumtree and ebay. Expect to pay under $500 for a pre-loved body and lens.
- if there was an ideal camera for parenthood this would be it. It fits into my bag (even this little satchel), it’s not overly precious so I don’t have a problem taking it to the beach etc and because of its size I can easily wear it around my neck and carry Poet in the sling at the same time. I take it with me everywhere which means I take photos every day – I definitely wouldn’t do that with a heavier and more expensive model.
- it only weighs 500grams! – I just weighed it on my kitchen scales. Unlike some weighty cameras on the market this little gem ensures I’m not struggling to hold it up (my wrists are weak after years of breastfeeding). Ultimately, its size and weight has a huge affect on the way I take photos – I can easily walk, jump, squat and crouch with it and take better photos as a result.
- the subject isn’t intimated by it. This is debatable as the energy of the photographer has a big impact on the comfort of his/her subject. But generally, because the gf1 is so small you don’t feel as if you’re impinging on the subject’s personal space when your shooting; the subject isn’t daunted by a big camera and an intimidating lens.
- it’s easy to find your way around the manual settings. This, of course, takes practice and lots of it. But I’m proud to say that I can now take photos without having to pay attention to the settings; my fingers make the adjustments and I can focus on the subject and composition.
- it’s all about the lens. Yes, it really is. I’ve only ever used the pancake lens and have never wanted (or felt the need for) any other. I like to engage with my subject as I’m taking photos so zoom lenses have never really made sense for me.
- it takes good photos. Generally, yes, it does take good photos so regardless of your photography skills, you can rest assured that you’ll be happy with the results. But at the end of the day, a beautiful photo is the work of the photographer, not the camera.
As for cons, it’s not great in low light (it goes up to iso 3200 but the grain is definitely evident – fine for the web but not great for print). There’s a few other bloggers who shoot with the gf1 including Gaby and Imogen and I know they share my love of it.
If you have any camera/photography/editing questions I’m happy to answer them in the comments section.
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I very much wish I'd gotten one of these babies instead of my Canon 450D, just simply for the size…I have fallen back in love with my Canon after purchasing a Sigma 30mm 1.4 lens though – you are right it is ALL about the lens!
How to you find the sigma 30mm?
Hi Zara – I LOVE it. It really takes super clear photos (and I am definitely no professional photographer, so this is very handy!). Great for more detailed shots, and would be good for portraits too. If you have a look on my blog, all the photos are taken with that lens. I got it second hand of Ebay for about $300 I think.
I love taking photos but I feel myself rushing the shots as I am afraid that I will miss the moment. I also do not know a lot about shooting in manual but have picked up little tips from reading and talking to others in the past but would love to do a short course just to gain the basics. Would you have any suggestions of good courses on the Central Coast/Sydney/Newcastle. I have a Nikon D5000. Which I love but due to the size I probably dont use it as much as I could. Maybe I need to investigate a different Lens??
Don't get too caught up in missing moments – even the best photographers do it! Look into getting a prime lens for your Nikon…it will make a big difference x
Belinda, I did a basic intro to photography course at Hunter Region School of Photography, based in Mayfield in Newcastle. I have to admit, it was a bit dry, but it gave me a fantastic understanding of how my camera works and how to properly expose my shots using manual. From that perspective, it was worth every penny. Hope that helps 🙂
I never would have guessed! I figured you had the fanciest among fancy of cameras. I love all of your pictures!
It cracks me up how timely your posts have been for me lately! We only have a dslr and a crappy waterproof camera. I have been thinking about a new digital that will be more compact, take great photos and be easy for my husband to use also – I had pretty much decided on the Gf1. But I didnt' know you couldn't get it brand new anymore! Bah. I will have to check out ebay or see what other similar models are out there…
Melania, I had my heart set on a GF1 to replace my ancient Canon 30D but ended up going with a Sony Nex model. The ASP-C sensor sold me in the end. It takes stunning photos and cost a touch under $500. I am stoked with it.
I am often asked about my camera too – it's even smaller than yours, not even black, and can't even do manual settings. I am used to its quirks and usually manage to get the pictures I'd like – although perhaps something like this would be a good next step up for me, although I do dream of a specific canon. But you're so right about camera size when travelling. I wouldn't have got so many shots, especially teh candid/surreptitious ones, if I'd had a bigger fancier camera.. actually, looking at the picture, I think that J has this camera, thinking about it. Does it shoot in RAW format?
Hi G, yes, it does shoot RAW x
I'm always amazed at the stunning results you get from that little camera… it's such a gem (it's got a talented operator)!
I shoot with a Canon 5D Markiii and love every inch of it. I'm kind of used to it's size now (I too take my camera everywhere). I just need a camera bag that matches my outfits 😉 (I've got an ONA satchel on my Christmas wishlist!) xx
i love this little pocket rocket! i take it with my everywhere now, something i could never do with my canon x
Thankyou Thankyou. So helpful! Obviously I'm not the only one to notice your mad photo skills 🙂
I use a Canon EOS 60D. I got it for Christmas last year with a 50mm lens and it was my best gift EVER. I got a bigger lens for my birthday in August and I love it but usually use my 50mm. Mind you, I just got back from Scupture by the Sea and it was the zoom lens all the way! I love my camera. I'm a bit hopeless at taking it with me, though, so I like the idea of your Panasonic. x
Hi Jodi, some time ago you linked to a 'cheat sheet' for taking your camera on to manual if you can remember where that was I'd love the link again. Thank you! xx
Here it is! – http://livinginthestills.com/cheatsheet
Thank you Jodi. It is genius! Makes it so simple to understand x
Oh I suppose I should ask too, do you edit your photos much?
I don't do much in editing and sometimes I don't touch the photo at all. However, I use (and LOVE!) Lightroom. I import all my photos and then Lightroom files them all very neatly. It takes a while to get used to all the little tricks that can enhance your photos but if you're ever in doubt theres plenty of youtube advice out there. Lightroom has a free 30 day trial that you can download – I highly recommend it. As for the actual editing….less is always more. Sometimes I'll adjust the exposure, increase the whites (for a lighter image) or decrease the blacks (for a darker, moodier image). That's about all x
Oh yes, I second Lightroom! I use it to edit my photos (still to work out the filing system however!) and it is brilliant. I must need to upgrade to get the "whites" function – I still use LR2. What version you do you? That would be VERY handy for my nature photography.
Wow it's so tiny! Thanks for sharing! Some good food for thought as the main reason I don't bring out my DSLR is it's size a lot of times
Thanks for posting this. 🙂 It made me come to terms with the fact that I secretly wish I had bought a smaller camera. I recently splurged on a Nikon D3100 and although I love it so far, I do regret buying such a big camera. I was going back and forth between getting a mirrorless camera vs a DSLR and eventually just bought the Nikon I have since it was on sale. I also figured that I carry my iPhone everywhere and usually use that for quick photos on the go.
What a recommendation! Thank you! Your photos are beautiful, and you're modest, I am sure a lot of it is your talent! I love taking photos of my little one but lugging that SLR around is a pain, and doesn't often happen, you're right.
I use a Nikon 1 v1 and am really happy with the results, but I don't often take my camera out and about and tend to rely on my iPhone 5, which I'm also super impressed with. I generally don't edit any images taken on the Nikon (or feel the need to). I love your photos and and am keen to find out more about pancake lenses.
I use a GF1 too! And an LX5. Unfortunately with 2 screaming kids, it's much easier to whip out the iPhone. :/
So many people love taking photos on their phones but I absolutely detest it! Mind you I only have an iphone4 but still, I just have no time or passion for it. I'd much rather play with my camera and have a little more control over the image x
I've had my GF1 for a few years now, and I do love it. (My whole family loves them actually, with my sisters, dad and a few cousins also owning them – which makes family get-togethers look rather comical). Fabulous review of it, I'd have to agree with everything you wrote. Im x
I was just looking into getting a similar camera to yours. The GF3 version but with the 14mm pancake lens. It was interesting to read that you don't really use the long range zoom lens as I was torn as to whether I really needed the longer range or not. Have you heard much about the GF3 camera or do you suggest I look for a second hand GF1?
I would highly recommend searching for a 2nd hand gf1 – the newer models aren't nearly as good as the 1st! x
I have found a factory refurbished (might have been a display model) GF1 on 2ndsworld.com.au for $350 or so. It's now in my hot little hands and, as a bonus, accidentally came with the 20mm lens instead of the 14-45mm. So now I'm just hoping to get a refund on the new 20mm lens that I purchased! Fingers crossed.
It has been quite seamless for me to put the GF1 straight to Manual and get going. I'm hoping that, for my husband, it will also be an easy camera to pick up and take beautiful photos with. My main reasons for purchasing were to have something more portable/inconspicuous than my DSLR as well as something for my husband to use in the current absence of a compact, digital camera, one that I know will take beautiful photos. I did a heap of research and just couldn't find a product that seemed to match the combination of GF1's manual options and 20mm lens beauty. A very affordable option considering I was able to get the body and lens together (in the end!). Thanks for all your information and thought sharing on this little gem, Jodi.
Unlike some weighty cameras on the market this little gem ensures I'm not … http://www.facebook.com/pages/Die-beliebtesten-Produkte/441522239331748
Hi Jodie, just wondering if you’re still using this camera or if you’ve moved onto something else? I have a Canon 60D DSLR and it’s big and heavy! I love it but think I’d also like something small and light for everyday snaps, and this seems great but worried if it’s a little outdated now? Cheers 🙂