http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/ Engadget Comments for Panasonic's DMC-GF1 / GH1 / G1 firmware updates improve autofocus performance http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 11:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 11:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/People who want better image quality than a megazoom, in a camera about as small. ]]>Apr 21st 2010 11:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 11:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
Image quality of a DSLR without the size..

enough said. EVERY SINGLE person I know that has a DSLR wishes it was smaller and lighter.]]>Apr 21st 2010 11:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/No, but again, better image quality than any superzoom. The poor image quality of superzooms would be accentuated even more at that level of zoom. ]]>Apr 21st 2010 11:58AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
You should research the GH1 - I have one and I actually dumped my pro-sumer HMC-150 and strictly use the GH1. Its much like the Cannon 5DMKII for shooting video but has the advantage of full auto focus in video mode. If you would like to see some examples of the GH1's video you can see some samples on my site: www.tribalproductions.com

As far as the other models - yea I can see your point. But the main advantage the micro 4/3 system has over a point and shoot is interchangeable lenses. And the advantage it has over a bulky DSLR like a Cannon is size and cost.]]>Apr 21st 2010 12:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/lense_detail.html#45-200f40-56 that's a 90-400mm.

Some 4/3 lenses (which work):

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/fourthirds/single.html#04 600mm.

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/fourthirds/telephoto.html#06 180-500.
]]>Apr 21st 2010 12:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 12:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/These u4/3 cameras are the most compact cameras that provide excellent image quality while also containing most of the same feature set of the much larger dSLRs. They are perfect for hobbyist photographers, as a gateway camera to dSLR and an inbetween camera for those already with a P&S and a dSLR. They're still a niche product, but it's a steadily growing niche.

As for this update, I think my G1 just found it's new lens :)]]>Apr 21st 2010 12:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
4/3 cameras allow almost SLR quality photos (in good light) in a size that's almost pocket-able. Sure they're not a perfect replacement but for just going out and doing photography (rather than general snaps) they're great.

If I could afford an M9 with amazing glass then I would certainly go that route but the GF1 is 75% of the camera for a hell of a lot less money. GF1 + 20mm lens is great for general life.]]>Apr 21st 2010 12:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
These cameras are awesome for another reason too - their focal plane to lens mount distance is shorter than most systems thanks to not having a mirror, so you can easily get adapters for Leica M, Canon EF and FD, Nikon F, Sony / Maxxum, Contax, Pentax, Olympus 4/3rds lenses as well as cinema lenses (C mount). Combine that with good video performance and it's like having a more adaptable, compact Canon 5D Mk II in a rangefinder package.

I love my GF1...]]>Apr 21st 2010 1:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 2:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/May 10th 2010 11:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 11:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/Apr 21st 2010 12:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
Original:
"I had GH1 is a nice camera, but did sold it because it doesn't I dislike the 1080p mode."

Google Translate Dumbass->English Translation:
"[Sounds of drug use in background] I had the GH1 and it's a nice camera, but I sold it because I dislike the 1080P mode. [Drug use continues, commenter passes out]"]]>Apr 21st 2010 4:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
LOL!]]>Apr 29th 2010 1:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
I think about it in terms of the technology. The flopping-mirror SLR evolved during the century of film. But now that image sensors read out in real time (instead of having to be developed later), the mirror, and all the space it takes, noise it makes, and cost and weight it adds, is an anachronism for most purposes. Sure, EVF focus is not up to optical focus... yet... but the human-factors and user interface research is forging ahead to make it so in the future.

SOME kind of mirrorless, high quality format deserves a shot at developing this technology and being the progenitor of other, better, mirrorless formats in the future. Micro 4/3 looks like the best bet to be that first-generation winner, which is why so many of us are following it so eagerly (and looking forward to Father's Day in my case!).
]]>Apr 21st 2010 1:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/panasonics-dmc-gf1-gh1-g1-firmware-updates-improve-autofocu/
That said, Eddy Kilowatt is right in pointing out that a flipping mirror is an artifact of the film age, when there was no alternative to getting the mirror out of the way (or using a dust-prone semi-silvered mirror) to focus. And the mirror system must also be aligned so that what's in focus in the optical VF is actually in focus on the sensor. All that mechanical engineering, noise, grease, whatever, is bound to disappear as soon as more people get used to focusing on the EVF.

I use the 14-45 zoom and 75mm and 90mm Leica-mount lenses on the G-1 and find them very easy to focus accurately using the EVF, often using the X10 mode. The Leica lenses are much faster than the Panasonic alternatives in the equivalent focal lengths. Although they do require manual focusing, it's pretty easy to manually focus a 150mm or 180mm equivalent f:2 lens even without electronic magnification. ]]>Apr 21st 2010 1:52PM