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Panasonic GF-1 Point and shoot

I love this little camera. Its a point and shoot but it has the micro 4/3 sensor (half size of full frame 35mm). The pancake 20mm 1.7 is the perfect companion to this camera. The field of view is like a 40mm lens on full 35mm format. Yes, you can swap lenses with other 4/3 system lenses. You can put an optical viewfinder on the hotshoe. They have an electronic finder for this cam, but I prefer the 'real' image from optics (no delay).

 Sugarloaf Mountain. GF-1 20mm 1.7

Its small enough to fit into a jacket pocket. It shoots 12mp. I've sold images from this camera to stock agencies and they don't even know its from a point and shoot! You can manually focus using the ring. Try that on a point and shoot.


I thought my 5d was close to perfect, but the size to quality ratio of the GF-1 is unbeatable. The shutter is pretty loud despite the fact that there is no mirror. One of the few drawbacks. Auto focus is very fast too. If you're a pro or serious amateur looking for a compact camera that gives you great images, this is it. It does movies too. see earlier post. 


Hiking around the woods is one of my favorite pastime. I look for things that are beautiful. This idea of beauty is very subjective, of course. 
Healthy red wood is more photogenic than a dead rotting log to most people. But to me, nature in all aspect follows the same rule that created the typical beauty that we know of. It is that rule, I admire. Some call it God, the Way, ancestors, nature or science. They are different names of the same thing, I think.


Whether we know it or not, we are subject to that same rule.  And in art of photography, I believe its putting that rule into visual context, using very constrained mechanical device with its own rules.  When we accept and master these rules, then we can be completely free. That's why I believe that when you create honest art, you are truly free. Its a lifelong journey. we have plenty of time.

It seems that in our society, we have a habit of separating science and the metaphysical/spiritual. Just because we can't measure it or replicate it does not mean it doesn't exist.

Oh yeah... This is a great little camera! I got sidetracked :) I think they have the GF-2 now. Which is the same as the GF-1 but smaller and with touch screen (for you iphone folks).They have a nice zoom lens for this too. But I think its too big and defeats the purpose of having a "compact" camera. Besides, I always like primes over zooms anyway.


Comments

  1. MimiMarch 9, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Ah the subtleness that I always admire. Love this subdued series that you have here. Say it to any scientists and they won't like it but I think science is just another form of religion. There's nothing absolute in science. Everything that has been proven is based on the known facts. And as you stated above, if something is not measurable (or unknown), doesnt mean it doesnt exist. Have a great day Dan!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 13, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Really enjoy the photos. Inspiring. Good luck in Japan! I love Panosonic P&S too. I might buy a GF2 if it ain't the end of the world.
    Wishing you all the best.

    ReplyDelete

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