Leaving L-Mount

[Oíche]

The main issue is stability. And the OIS is very good on the 24-105.

Yip, on S5ii I can easily do 1sec with 24mm.

I keep forgetting to try HHHR or tripod HR, mainly because of moving subjects, I know there is 2 types of movement compensation but yet to try it.

Personally I find no sharpness problem with 24-105, only wide open at f4 at 105mm region did I find sharpness from the mid-edges/corners but I'd only be using longer focal length f4 for portraits and subject separation wanting bokeh so it doesn't matter.

The 24-105 is fantastic for bokeh, rendering and 3D pop. I now have an idea to go out and photograph an area of a local park where they are focussing on the 400 year old oak trees and cutting down all the over growth around them... Inspired by Paul's tree photo.

 

[RuleOfThirds]

Yip, on S5ii I can easily do 1sec with 24mm.

Tsssk, a can do 1 sec with 105

 

[Oíche]

Tsssk, a can do 1 sec with 105

Haven't tried that, if you can do it I can do 2 sec

 

[Markuswelder]

Maybe I'm mad, but sometimes I think I might go back to m43. Looking at old photos on Flickr, it's really impossible to differentiate shots from the S1R or the Olympus EM1.3!

Yeah, you're mad. Do you still have any m4/3 gear now? Go shoot a few frames in slightly difficult lighting conditions, PP them, & get back to us. You can get close, but it's a stack more time & effort to get there.
In saying that, I haven't shot with the G9mkII or GH7 yet, I downloaded some files out of the G9mkII, & they were easily the best m4/3 files I've played around with. But, for what & how I shoot, there's no size or weight advantage, so what's the point?

 

[Pete_W]

Yeah, you're mad. Do you still have any m4/3 gear now? Go shoot a few frames in slightly difficult lighting conditions, PP them, & get back to us. You can get close, but it's a stack more time & effort to get there.
In saying that, I haven't shot with the G9mkII or GH7 yet, I downloaded some files out of the G9mkII, & they were easily the best m4/3 files I've played around with. But, for what & how I shoot, there's no size or weight advantage, so what's the point?

I am not going back to m4/3. I liked the smaller models but with an S5M2 and an S9, I am all set.

 

[pdk42]

Yeah, you're mad. Do you still have any m4/3 gear now? Go shoot a few frames in slightly difficult lighting conditions, PP them, & get back to us. You can get close, but it's a stack more time & effort to get there.
In saying that, I haven't shot with the G9mkII or GH7 yet, I downloaded some files out of the G9mkII, & they were easily the best m4/3 files I've played around with. But, for what & how I shoot, there's no size or weight advantage, so what's the point?

Yeah, I know you’re right. But that 12-100 keeps tempting me! I wish the 28-200 were just a bit better than it actually is!

 

[ChrisM]

I have also been thinking about moving away. It seems to me that when you are not completely happy with the solution you have it is time to look. I am at a point when what I have is getting too heavy and / or it is time to spend some money to get lenses more appropriate for what I want.

I was going to go to WEX and have a look at M4/3 again but not sure that the weight saving is sufficient. I bought a 14-28 but there was a delay sending it out and I was already away by the time they sent it making it pointless (and my teddy was thrown) and that got returned by the courier unopened - and the plan was to get the 28-200 but Paul and other saying it was either soft or a fair day only lens put me off.

I know I'd regret it but considered buying a bridge camera earlier today - any one else get the Lumix FZ82D email from Panasonic today?

 

[dirk]

I do notice some difference; in particular, I've shot the same location (Monument Rocks) with the E-M1 II and the S5, and the S5 pics have... a clarity, I'm not sure how else to describe it, that the E-M1 pics lack. But it's not a huge difference.

That can have many reasons. Lighting, time of the day or of the year. lenses etc. But I saw this too on some images, but I never shot the same scene in the same minute with 2 different systems (I hate to make test photos). With MFT it all depends on the lenses you use. I have currently the EM1.3 and the G9 mk1. Both have 20MP. Both have pro and cons in the shape of the body and features. But you need excellent lenses to be able to compete with fullframe.

The L-Mount lenses - even the cheaper ones - have a very high image quality. That is the advantage of modern lens design. You see the same with Nikon Z and with newer lenses in the Sony system.

The only video I've ever done was this one

That is a really nice video. I always expected the planes to crash

I haven't shot with the G9mkII

The G9 MKii is in my view too large for MFT. If it shall be a DSLR shape of camera fpr MFT, the Olympus EM 1 Mkiii has the best shape and grip I ever experiences in a camera. Better than the G9 Mk1. The file size of the G9mkii is huge. This alone turns me off. I will stick with EM1.3 and G9 Mk1. IQ is still excellent. Noo need for an upgrade (execpt a RF style camera).

Yeah, I know you’re right. But that 12-100 keeps tempting me! I wish the 28-200 were just a bit better than it actually is!

You know I was and am always a fan of MFT. The 12-100 would not be on my wish list. Too big, too heavy and bad aperture for tha FL range. But my use case is a different one.

I would avoid switching back and forth with systems, just because one lens is missing. It is only a question of time until your dream lens will be available for L-Mount.

@Jayneboo

Congratulation for your purchase. If the Sony is fitting your needs better, than it is the right decision. If you are still attracted by the L-Mount I would advise to keep the lenses and only sell the bodies. Lenses do not become bad. They hold their value and in case in 2 years time you want to switch back, you did not loose money.

When I was in Japan, I went to many different camera stores and there were all brands and all models laying around on table likes toys. You could grab them and try them out one after the other, compare them side by side. What I found out was that most fullframe brands make the bodies bigger and bigger. I was very diappointed. Even Nikon. I used to have the Nikon Z6. Great body. But the new Z6 mkiii is so big, it is very uncomfortable to hold it in your hand. Same with all other brands (except Sony A7c).

Even the new OM System OM1 mkii (MFT) is IMHO way too big. I would rather buy every 5 years a second hand EM1.3 instead in case mine gets broken.

 

[Markuswelder]

That can have many reasons. Lighting, time of the day or of the year. lenses etc. But I saw this too on some images, but I never shot the same scene in the same minute with 2 different systems (I hate to make test photos).

I have, I still own all my m4/3 gear, and the difference is real. It is absolutely there. For a single press of the shutter button shot, in any lighting condition, my S5 is hands down the nicest camera I've used. Colour, lack of noise, dynamic range, it's all there. In saying that, I've not shot Medium Format, or the latest Sony/Nikon cameras, so don't know how they fare. I do know even the smallest Fujifilm MF is a SIGNIFICANT step up in size/weight. Played with one in the shop a year or two back.
For me, the S5 is the Goldilocks camera. Just right.

 

[dirk]

I still have my SL2 so can legitimately post now and then (just need the thrall of the new toy to wear off a bit) and it's certainly the better body for some of my lenses.

If you are interested in, you can join our Sony sister community. Same software and usability like here:

Home - Sony Alpha Community

Welcome to the independent Sony Alpha Community! We are photo enthusiasts and professionals who share the love for photography/video in general and for the Sony Alpha system in particular. No matter whether you prefer the new Sony fullframe mirrorless system, the Sony APS-C system or one of the...

sonyalphacommunity.com

 

[pdk42]

When I first got the S5 I did a lot of back-to-back testing of it against the EM1.3 in landscape situations. For sure the S5 was better. And the S1R better again. But "better" is relative to the output medium. On Flickr 4000px (long side) uploads it's very hard to see the difference.

I did a post about the S5 vs the EM1.3 over on the UK e-group forum:

Panasonic S5 vs E-M1iii for landscapes - Olympus UK E-System User Group

Well, I decided to try out a Panasonic S5. I picked up a nice mint body on eBay for a good price and a copy of the 20-60 "kit lens" from MPB for a very reasonable £135. The lens arrived today so I got to pair it with the body and got out to take a few pics with the combo. I took the EM1.3 with...

www.e-group.uk.net

 

[RuleOfThirds]

@Jayneboo sometimes you come across a camera that ticks all your boxes, or at least a camera with minimal cons, to you. If it solves a “problem” or longing for you. Then go for it.

I can’t do what some forum members do, having multiple camera systems. Because of choice anxiety. Only my gr3 is so small I can always have it with me together with the S5ii if I want to. For example, 70-300 on the S5ii and gr3 in my jeanspocket for family pictures at the zoo.

I’m so happy with the combo I have now that I do not see myself changing systems soon. I’m even unsure if a fast 28 prime would trigger my gas. That 16-35 is darn good. A sensible weighted and priced 135/2.8 could.

Sometimes, just for a short moment, I think If I sell all the photogear I have, I can buy a Leica Q3. It’s not because of money, I can buy it tomorrow If I want, but then again I just can’t justify €5k+ for an extra hobby camera to myself, and even more problematic to my significant other.

 

[pdk42]

@Jayneboo
I can’t do what some forum members do, having multiple camera systems. Because of choice anxiety.

I'm 100% with you on this. I don't want multiple systems for precisely this "choice anxiety" reason.

I’m so happy with the combo I have now that I do not see myself changing systems soon. I’m even unsure if a fast 28 prime would trigger my gas. That 16-35 is darn good.

I'm very happy with my Panasonic bodies. They have great features, great usability/ergonomics, top-class sensors/IQ, and just perform really well. My issue is finding a lens combo that suits my needs - basically a two-lens, not-too-large combo that covers me from 16mm to 200mm. I don't need a wide max aperture; but I do need top-class IQ. I can't get that today in L-mount.

Sometimes, just for a short moment, I think If I sell all the photogear I have, I can buy a Leica Q3. It’s not because of money, I can buy it tomorrow If I want, but then again I just can’t justify €5k+ for an extra hobby camera to myself, and even more problematic to my significant other.

The Leica Q2 / Q3 intrigues me, but like you I can't justify this sort of money.

 

[xaviergut]

The Leica Q2 / Q3 intrigues me

There is a rumor about a Leica Q3 with a 43mm f/2 APO lens...

Rumors: Leica to announce a new Q3 camera with a fixed 43mm f/2 APO lens - Leica Rumors

Leica is rumored to announce a new Q3 camera with a fixed 43mm f/2 APO lens. The actual focal length is not yet 100% confirmed, but it will be very close to 40mm. The official announcement is expected before the end of the year (2024). This rumor also raises the question: what about the Leica […]

leicarumors.com

 

[RuleOfThirds]

There is a rumor about a Leica Q3 with a 43mm f/2 APO lens...

I had the Ricoh g3x first, and I had to force myself to use it. That was part of my reasoning as well, to get me out of my comfort zone. I got fantastic results with it. But eventually l sold it, too much out of my comfort zone, and got the regular GR3.

 

[CharlesH]

I can’t do what some forum members do, having multiple camera systems. Because of choice anxiety.

Yes, that would be me.

The way I deal with the anxiety is to now and then re-evaluate the cameras I have, and maybe reprioritize. I just went through that process with my Sony a6700 aps-c camera. I had mentioned in a post quite a while ago that I was divorcing the a6700 as my small carry around camera, in favor of the S9. I've had quite a bit of experience with the S9 now, including a nice trip to Rome, and feel I'm in a good place to compare it to the a6700. Surprisingly the a6700 fared well, and it is back in good standing.

Here is where the a6700 stood out:
1. Smaller and lighter, with the Sigma 18-50mm asp-c lens. This is important for me.
2. It has a viewfinder, not a great viewfinder but a viewfinder nevertheless.
3. It has 14 bit RAW. (The S9's 12 bit RAW bit me a few times.)
4 It has a mechanical shutter. (So it can do flash photography.)
5. It runs full frame 4K60p video, which I tend to do more than I used to.
6. It has All-I video formats.
7. Geotagging stays on and runs all the time.
8. It has a headphone jack. This is useful from time to time.
9. It has a hotshoe, which I can use a flash or for a hotshoe mic.
10. It has gyro data based video stabilization (with post processing). This really does work well; not as convenient as the S9's great stabilization, but better if you take the time to post process.
11. I had had issues with the Sony 70-350mm asp-c lens, where I just could not get sharp telephoto pictures. This is a main thing that turned me off with the a6700. And it killed any dream I had of replacing my m43 gear with aps-c gear. Well, I finally discovered that this lens doesn't like AF-C focusing, but it really does love AF-S focusing. I now have some of my best telephoto pictures, taken with this lens.

And the S9 stood out in some areas:
1. It is full frame, with more dynamic range and less high ISO noise.
2. It has a waveform monitor, a big deal to me when filming HDR video. With Sony I need to use zebras, a second best solution.
3. It has 6K open gate video, also a big deal.
4. Video stabilization without any post processing is as good as it gets.
5. It has the high resolution mode.
6. It has the convenient LUT system. I have not used this much.

Other factors:
1. I tend to prefer Panasonic color to Sony color, although they are both awfully good anymore.
2. I prefer Panasonic's user interface and handling to Sonys.
3. The Lumix 28-200mm lens is unique, and a benefit for the S9.
4. The a6700 can also use Sony's full frame lenses. I have the FE 4/PZ 16-35mm which is especially nice with the a6700 for video.
5. In terms of filming a6700 video with multiple cameras, my Sony A1 color matches the a6700.
6. Sony has Clear Image zoom, which is like the S9's Crop Zoom. That is, it has and added 1.5X variable zoom when shooting 4K. The S9 implementation is nicer, but the a6700 version is okay.

The bottom line, the a6700 slid to the front as my carry around camera. A pending question, can it displace my m43 gear?

 

[Pete_W]

I can’t do what some forum members do, having multiple camera systems. Because of choice anxiety.

I had choice anxiety when I owned two different format cameras - the S5M2 and the GX85. I kept the GX85 as my easy-to-carry camera but the lower IQ of m4/3 always made me feel anxious and want to take the S5M2.

Now that the GX85 is gone and I have an S9 instead, the anxiety is gone. Now I just pick whichever size is best suited for the job knowing that the IQ will be much the same.

 

[dirk]

I kept the GX85 as my easy-to-carry camera but the lower IQ of m4/3 always made me feel anxious and want to take the S5M2.

But this is an unfair comparison. The GX85 had only 16MP vs. 24 of the S5ii plus the sensor design is a lot older.

Even the GX9 is better in image quality than the GX85. It has 20MP and a newer sensor design.

The G9 has 20MP too, but the image quality of the G9 is even better than of the GX9, because the G9 uses a different, better engine.

I did not try yet the G9mkii.

If you want to be fair, you would need to compare the S5/S5ii with either the G9 or G9ii or Olympus EM1.3

 

[RuleOfThirds]

My last m43 where also gx80 and a g80, same sensor. G9 was way too big and gx9 was affected by shuttershock. Panasonic even made delays in the menu to combat it.

Almost went with the G9, but then found out that Fuji was about same size and weight as the g9 + panaleica 12-60. After opening my first pictures with an X-T30 + 18-55, I was sold. And the m43 stuff was sold in a week. Liked the Panaleica 15/1.7 a lot, and the Lumix 100-300ii.

Since then haven’t looked at m43 again. I do wish for a new l-mount dx body. I think I can handle same mount bodies.

I contemplated hard to return to Nikon z5, z6ii and z7ii(but got the S5ii instead). Just because a Nikon sale had ended, and Panasonic came with theirs. But didn’t like the Nikon 35/1.8 sample images and reviews, and was torn between the z24-200 and the z24-120. Without discounts they were so expensive. And the storage.

I think I made the right choice.

 

[Pete_W]

But this is an unfair comparison. The GX85 had only 16MP vs. 24 of the S5ii plus the sensor design is a lot older.

Even the GX9 is better in image quality than the GX85. It has 20MP and a newer sensor design.

The G9 has 20MP too, but the image quality of the G9 is even better than of the GX9, because the G9 uses a different, better engine.

I did not try yet the G9mkii.

If you want to be fair, you would need to compare the S5/S5ii with either the G9 or G9ii or Olympus EM1.3

I had a G95 at the same time as my GX85 and having the one mount was good. And I really liked the GX85.

But the deficiencies of the m4/3 format were much more apparent, e.g. in low light and high contrast scenes. So trading the GX85 for an S9 made sense for me. It gets me back to one mount, one large and one small body, better IQ.