Mirrorless Panasonic vs Sony. GAS? (Page 2): If you are going to switch, buy the new gear and use that before selling what you have. A few years ago, (I forget his name

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If you are going to switch, buy the new gear and use that before selling what you have. A few years ago, (I forget his name - Trey ...) had a big article about how switched from Nikon to Sony. Following his advice, I bought a Sony NEX 5, NEX 7 and some lenses. I didn't like them at all. I sold them and went back to my Nikon DSLRs exclusively. Try some comparison sites.

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

scuff wrote:

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounce this off of. When I first was looking for a camera, almost a year ago, I really liked the Sony A7II in stores. So, I could just be pinning for the camera that was out of reach. But, now that it's on sale so much, I kinda want to sell everything and switch over.

I have the Panasonic G85. I love the size and weight of it. It's been great to just strap it to me and have it on hand at family events without it weighing me down at all. I also like to go hiking in the summer and take nature shots. Being a M4/3 system, both the body and lenses are lightweight and easy to hike with. But, I haven't been super pleased with the pictures I'm taking in low light. (And the sun is gone this time of the year. So, just about everything is low-light.) This camera goes pretty high with the ISO, but only about half of those settings are worth using. The grain just gets so bad after that. I have children. I need to be able to use high shutter speeds with them as they are constant movement.

That's my biggest reason for wanting to switch: I want to be able to take photos indoors and have them look somewhat decent. And the full frame sensor is tempting, if I'm completely honest. I like that it's not a touch screen. Since my cheek always seems to touch the screen and move my focus point at the most inoportune moments. And I looked at it again in store recently and the menu and buttons seem very intuitive to me. So, that shouldn't be a problem. I really have no desire to do video. So, the Pany seems to have all these features I don't use. But, then not the features i do want in being able to handle the low light. It seems to make more sense to get into a system that specializes in what I want to do, instead of giving me a bunch of things don't need. And Panasonic seems to like being all about videal. My biggest hesitation to switching is the size of those lenses- and the price of them, too! I've been able to get some pretty decent m43 lenses. It will take much longer to save up and get decent lenses wth the Sony. My frugal side isn't sure that's even a wise thing to do anyway at this point for our family. But, if I'm going to switch, now seems like a great time, with the sale, and before I get too deep into one system.

So, any thoughts or advice? Anything I haven't considered? Is this gear envy or have I found the limits of my camera? (I'm new enough that you could just tell me I'm doing it wrong!)

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounc... (show quote)

Could be gear envy....the thought of something 'new'...

Lenses will always be the primary factor in total weight of a camera, its just plain physics. Then there's the cost; lenses, especially like Sony, Canon,Nikon will cost. Then again it costs to engineer a quality lenses from all these optical companies. I'm biting the bullet and purchasing a Sony A7iii and yes, lenses do cost but there are excellent deals on some great quality non-OEM lenses like Sigma, Tamron, Samyang etc. Best of luck

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

scuff wrote:

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounce this off of. When I first was looking for a camera, almost a year ago, I really liked the Sony A7II in stores. So, I could just be pinning for the camera that was out of reach. But, now that it's on sale so much, I kinda want to sell everything and switch over.

I have the Panasonic G85. I love the size and weight of it. It's been great to just strap it to me and have it on hand at family events without it weighing me down at all. I also like to go hiking in the summer and take nature shots. Being a M4/3 system, both the body and lenses are lightweight and easy to hike with. But, I haven't been super pleased with the pictures I'm taking in low light. (And the sun is gone this time of the year. So, just about everything is low-light.) This camera goes pretty high with the ISO, but only about half of those settings are worth using. The grain just gets so bad after that. I have children. I need to be able to use high shutter speeds with them as they are constant movement.

That's my biggest reason for wanting to switch: I want to be able to take photos indoors and have them look somewhat decent. And the full frame sensor is tempting, if I'm completely honest. I like that it's not a touch screen. Since my cheek always seems to touch the screen and move my focus point at the most inoportune moments. And I looked at it again in store recently and the menu and buttons seem very intuitive to me. So, that shouldn't be a problem. I really have no desire to do video. So, the Pany seems to have all these features I don't use. But, then not the features i do want in being able to handle the low light. It seems to make more sense to get into a system that specializes in what I want to do, instead of giving me a bunch of things don't need. And Panasonic seems to like being all about videal. My biggest hesitation to switching is the size of those lenses- and the price of them, too! I've been able to get some pretty decent m43 lenses. It will take much longer to save up and get decent lenses wth the Sony. My frugal side isn't sure that's even a wise thing to do anyway at this point for our family. But, if I'm going to switch, now seems like a great time, with the sale, and before I get too deep into one system.

So, any thoughts or advice? Anything I haven't considered? Is this gear envy or have I found the limits of my camera? (I'm new enough that you could just tell me I'm doing it wrong!)

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounc... (show quote)

Go with the Panasonic if that is the choice you are giving us. Incredible quality photos (They make the Leica cameras) and give you the lightweight travel and carry system that is so desirable.
Best of both worlds, great quality of shots and equipment.

ggenova64

I just purchased the Sony A7 II. The camera deal of 2018!

Deanie1113

Here's another perspective. I feel I don't need to be locked in to only one system. I use both the Nikon and the Panasonic systems. I have a reasonably priced, small, and light Nikon D5500 with an 18-140 for portraits, landscapes, family functions, etc. and have been very happy with it. BUT I have the Panasonic GX8 with the 100-400 for wildlife and birds only -- when I know I need to zoom way in. You always know what you are going out shooting for. If I'm wanting to capture Thanksgiving Day with the family, it's the great unobtrusive, low-light performer little D5500 with a little flash. If I am heading to the nature reserve, I take my very lightweight Micro 4/3 with a lightweight but powerful zoom. Sometimes while hiking I take both -- hubby carries one and I carry the other. I grab the Nikon for pretty scenery, and when I spot a bird or deer, I grab the Panny. Do check out the Panasonic GX8 on Amazon right now, it's a great deal and smaller than the G9. Both cameras I've mentioned have a larger sensor than your GX85 so your noise levels should be an improvement.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The Sony is about 1.5 stops better in low light/high ISO situations. I would have two questions: is that advantage worth the extra size/weight/cost of the Sony? And can you achieve the improvement you need with faster lenses for less cost and lower weight than replacing your system? In low light/high ISO shooting, everything else being equal, a larger sensor = better performance (lower noise) - it’s always a compromise...

gwilliams6

scuff wrote:

They don't seem that different. The Sony is just a tad heavier. Those lenses make me nervous, though. With the crop factor on the M4/3, the equivalent FF Sony seems like it's much larger. Haven't seen them in person, though.

Sony has many compact ,lightweight and excellent fullframe lenses,like 28mm f2, 55mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8 and more. Just check it out. The A7II will be better in low light, pixel size and depth does make a difference between 4/3, APS-C and full frame. The Panasonics 4/3rds are quality cameras but even Panasonic is coming out with their own Fullframe mirrorless system in the spring. They recognize the image quality benefits of fullframe. I personally have the fullframe Sony A7III and A7RIII, and APS-C A6500, switching from Canon back in January 2017 after 40 years a pro Nikon and Canon user. The benefits and quality of FF mirrorless are real. IMHO get the A7II on sale now, but if you could afford it, the A7III is even better. Cheers

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If you need a camera with excellent performance beyond ISO 1600 perhaps a mirrorless camera is not what you need. I have seen excellent low light performance from mirrorless bodies but the files should be shot in RAW format and the exposure should be biased to the right of the histogram. In many cases a noise reducing software complements the performance.
You are right, the lenses for the Sony camera are going to be expensive especially those excellent Zeiss lenses. Olympus and Panasonic have some very nice and expensive professional lenses also.
If noise is something you will be confronting often then your camera should be a modern APS size or a full frame body. That also implies more expenses if you can afford them and selling what you have now. It could be a painful process!
Only you can take that decision.

gwilliams6

camerapapi wrote:

If you need a camera with excellent performance be... (show quote)

Camarapapi You are wrong, the Sony fullframe mirrorless cameras excell at image quality and low noise above ISO 1600 due to their excellent image sensors. You DO NOT have to buy expensive Zeiss or G-master glass. Sony makes excellent G and FE lenses that are affordable and many, many third-party lens makers make excellent and affordable E-mount lenses like the Tamron 28mm-75mm f2.8, and a host of lenses from Sigma, Samyang/Rokinon, Meile, Laowa and many more. Folks here should do their research before making false and misleading statements. I have and I own such gear.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

gwilliams6 wrote:

Camarapapi You are wrong, the Sony fullframe mirro... (show quote)

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

I love my Sony a7ii and a7iii, but the weight of the camera with my 24-105 zoom is more that I want. I shot many photos in Germany in September with my a7iii and the 24-105 lens, and I have not yet recovered from "tennis elbow" in my right elbow. Nevertheless, I love my camera and its results.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

scuff wrote:

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounce this off of. When I first was looking for a camera, almost a year ago, I really liked the Sony A7II in stores. So, I could just be pinning for the camera that was out of reach. But, now that it's on sale so much, I kinda want to sell everything and switch over.

I have the Panasonic G85. I love the size and weight of it. It's been great to just strap it to me and have it on hand at family events without it weighing me down at all. I also like to go hiking in the summer and take nature shots. Being a M4/3 system, both the body and lenses are lightweight and easy to hike with. But, I haven't been super pleased with the pictures I'm taking in low light. (And the sun is gone this time of the year. So, just about everything is low-light.) This camera goes pretty high with the ISO, but only about half of those settings are worth using. The grain just gets so bad after that. I have children. I need to be able to use high shutter speeds with them as they are constant movement.

That's my biggest reason for wanting to switch: I want to be able to take photos indoors and have them look somewhat decent. And the full frame sensor is tempting, if I'm completely honest. I like that it's not a touch screen. Since my cheek always seems to touch the screen and move my focus point at the most inoportune moments. And I looked at it again in store recently and the menu and buttons seem very intuitive to me. So, that shouldn't be a problem. I really have no desire to do video. So, the Pany seems to have all these features I don't use. But, then not the features i do want in being able to handle the low light. It seems to make more sense to get into a system that specializes in what I want to do, instead of giving me a bunch of things don't need. And Panasonic seems to like being all about videal. My biggest hesitation to switching is the size of those lenses- and the price of them, too! I've been able to get some pretty decent m43 lenses. It will take much longer to save up and get decent lenses wth the Sony. My frugal side isn't sure that's even a wise thing to do anyway at this point for our family. But, if I'm going to switch, now seems like a great time, with the sale, and before I get too deep into one system.

So, any thoughts or advice? Anything I haven't considered? Is this gear envy or have I found the limits of my camera? (I'm new enough that you could just tell me I'm doing it wrong!)

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounc... (show quote)

The solution to your indoor light problem may be to learn how to use bounced flash. Most indoor subjects can be greatly enhanced by judicious use of flash. And it doesn't have to look like flash either. Just an example - a snapshot I took yesterday at my sister's: bounce flash. No harsh shadows, no blown highlights, and all the detail preserved.

(Download)

gwilliams6

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I love my Sony a7ii and a7iii, but the weight of the camera with my 24-105 zoom is more that I want. I shot many photos in Germany in September with my a7iii and the 24-105 lens, and I have not yet recovered from "tennis elbow" in my right elbow. Nevertheless, I love my camera and its results.

There are small, lightweight primes like the Sony 28mm f2, 55mm f1.8, and 85mm f1.8, and Tamrom 28-75mm f2.8 that all weigh less than the excellent Sony 24-105mm lens. BTW I travel with my 24-105mm f4 Sony lens and if that is heavy for you, try the Sigma Art 24-105mm f4, a real heavyweight, but excellent image quality like the Sony. The Sony doesn't seem heavy for me to use all day long. I do also own those lighter weight Sony Prime lenses. Cheers.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

scuff wrote:

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounce this off of. When I first was looking for a camera, almost a year ago, I really liked the Sony A7II in stores. So, I could just be pinning for the camera that was out of reach. But, now that it's on sale so much, I kinda want to sell everything and switch over.

I have the Panasonic G85. I love the size and weight of it. It's been great to just strap it to me and have it on hand at family events without it weighing me down at all. I also like to go hiking in the summer and take nature shots. Being a M4/3 system, both the body and lenses are lightweight and easy to hike with. But, I haven't been super pleased with the pictures I'm taking in low light. (And the sun is gone this time of the year. So, just about everything is low-light.) This camera goes pretty high with the ISO, but only about half of those settings are worth using. The grain just gets so bad after that. I have children. I need to be able to use high shutter speeds with them as they are constant movement.

That's my biggest reason for wanting to switch: I want to be able to take photos indoors and have them look somewhat decent. And the full frame sensor is tempting, if I'm completely honest. I like that it's not a touch screen. Since my cheek always seems to touch the screen and move my focus point at the most inoportune moments. And I looked at it again in store recently and the menu and buttons seem very intuitive to me. So, that shouldn't be a problem. I really have no desire to do video. So, the Pany seems to have all these features I don't use. But, then not the features i do want in being able to handle the low light. It seems to make more sense to get into a system that specializes in what I want to do, instead of giving me a bunch of things don't need. And Panasonic seems to like being all about videal. My biggest hesitation to switching is the size of those lenses- and the price of them, too! I've been able to get some pretty decent m43 lenses. It will take much longer to save up and get decent lenses with the Sony. My frugal side isn't sure that's even a wise thing to do anyway at this point for our family. But, if I'm going to switch, now seems like a great time, with the sale, and before I get too deep into one system.

So, any thoughts or advice? Anything I haven't considered? Is this gear envy or have I found the limits of my camera? (I'm new enough that you could just tell me I'm doing it wrong!)

I mostly lurk here, but could use someone to bounc... (show quote)

I seem to be going towards the Fuji X-Pro2 Range-Finder / Hybrid MILC Camera with a APS-C sensor, smaller, lighter than my Pentax APS-C sized cameras, and likely even higher IQ. In general, larger sensor and / or larger pixels, less noise, butter low light / high ISO use. I don't think with my arthritis I'll ever be able to use a FF. The Pentax K-1 / K-1ii body FF weighs in at 2.2 lbs! So it looks like I'll stick with 16 and / or 24 MP APS-C cameras.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

lamiaceae wrote:

I seem to be going towards the Fuji X-Pro2 Range-Finder / Hybrid MILC Camera with a APS-C sensor, smaller, lighter than my Pentax APS-C sized cameras, and likely even higher IQ. In general, larger sensor and / or larger pixels, less noise, butter low light / high ISO use. I don't think with my arthritis I'll ever be able to use a FF. The Pentax K-1 / K-1ii body FF weighs in at 2.2 lbs! So it looks like I'll stick with 16 and / or 24 MP APS-C cameras.

I think you’ll like the Fuji system. When I get to the point that my FF Canon system is beyond my capability to deal with the weight, I’ll be expanding my Fuji.