My Panasonic Lumix GF1 has given up the ghost :(

Very strange problem - it doesn't seem to be able to metre light correctly... If I use it on auto in daylight it massively over-exposes. Even set to F20 1/4,000 secconds it overexposes in dull light.

Underground it's even wierder... A light-painting photo works fine - but try and do a silhouette style shot of somebody lighting forwards and it seems to pick up no light at all. All very strange

Would appreciate recommendations for what to replace it with!

Contenders are:

Panasonic Lumix GF3 / GF5. The GF5 (apart from 1 extra MP) doesn't seem to offer much that justifies the extra price over the GF3.

One of the higher-end Canon Powershots - I really liked the look of Brakeman's new GX1 - excellent build quality, EOS style DIGIC sensor and no hanging around processing RAWs.

In favour of the Panasonic - smaller, less buttons (fewer places to get mud in it), I've already got 1 Micro 4/3 lens and prefer not having a lens that retracts into the camera body (mud again)

In favour of the Canon - much faster, flip-out screen

Anybody got any recommendations?

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One thing that might tip the balance in the Canon's favour is the ability to add extra functions using CHDK. You'd need to check what's possible on that particular model, but more are being added all the time.

Shame about the GF1. The over-exposure sounds like a sticking aperture, but that wouldn't account for the odd effect underground.
Have you tried percussive maintenance?

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Camera insurance :thumbsup: Send it off and get it fixed. your GF1 gives superb pics 🙂

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Camera insurance :thumbsup: Send it off and get it fixed. your GF1 gives superb pics :)

I don't think I could claim... the screen cover is cracked and it's soooo caked in mud!

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I can't fault my Panasonic FT2 and since Simon begged for a photo taken off it for the calender it seems to have other supporters.

Big advantage is its the size of a fag packet, fully waterproof and has no extendable lens to gunge up. Good above and below ground (60 Second open for light painting) and alway's with me when I need it.

Then again, some like dragging huge tacklesacks with enormous pelicases around with them to get the extra 5%that a camera three times the price and size can offer.

Absolutely agree that it would be nice to have changable lenses but they bring their own problems in the underground environment.

Good enough for me.

Canon G11, a top camera which produces good pics. In fact any of the G series Canons are good. The G9 has a bigger processor i think.

DP

Canon G11, a top camera which produces good pics. In fact any of the G series Canons are good. The G9 has a bigger processor i think.

DP

Therein is the quandry! To ditch the Micro 4/3 format in favour of a Canon or to stick with Panasonic because I've already got one len.... 😢

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Say you dropped it and its happened since then :thumbsup:

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I think the Lumix LX 7 might turn out to work well, but it doesn't fit the retractable lens criteria.

The levelling bar across the display is a fabulous feature for underground photography. Probably.

All I need to do now is to get underground to test it out...

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I think the Lumix LX 7 might turn out to work well, but it doesn't fit the retractable lens criteria.

The levelling bar across the display is a fabulous feature for underground photography. Probably.

All I need to do now is to get underground to test it out...

GF3 has that I think...

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NEX-5's are now very cheap. Add an adaptor, and chuck just about any Manual lens you feel like onto it. Just make sure You have the adaptor for the lens mount you want to use. Usually about a tenner on ebay for an adaptor.

As soon as I have the cash (After I get they Samyang 14mm), I'm getting one, reserved for underground only.

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In favour of the Panasonic - smaller, less buttons (fewer places to get mud in it), I've already got 1 Micro 4/3 lens and prefer not having a lens that retracts into the camera body (mud again)

In favour of the Canon - much faster, flip-out screen

Anybody got any recommendations?

Looking at the cameras that were being used underground last weekend, i thought the canon looked very vulnerable to mud- both a retractable lens, and a nice fragile rotating screen struck me as bad ideas for underground!

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In favour of the Panasonic - smaller, less buttons (fewer places to get mud in it), I've already got 1 Micro 4/3 lens and prefer not having a lens that retracts into the camera body (mud again)

In favour of the Canon - much faster, flip-out screen

Anybody got any recommendations?

Looking at the cameras that were being used underground last weekend, i thought the canon looked very vulnerable to mud- both a retractable lens, and a nice fragile rotating screen struck me as bad ideas for underground!

The retractable lens is always a possible weak spot on these semi compacts,but you need to be reasonably careful where & how you use them, these days the lens mechanisms are tougher than the old stuff, my Lumix LX 3 has lasted well & done 3 years underground without a mark, so, I'm hoping the Canon will do too.

The fold out screen can be useful when you need to take a photo at a daft angle but I ususally just leave it flat on the back.

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After a few more oddities with the GF1 I've bitten the bullet and gone for a GX1 - mostly because it uses the same lenses and I've already got one.

Came from Camera Centre UK - the place you recommended Brakeman - very good price, thanks for the suggestion :thumbup:

Fingers crossed this one lasts longer!

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