A new flame has come

· 935 words · 5 minute read

It was a difficult conversation with my wife.

You said it was love for life, she said with bewildered eyes.

I know, I replied, not daring to look at her.

You said this was all you would ever need.

I know.

Why, only yesterday you breathed “I love you”.

I know.

So, why? I just need to know.

Well, I just feel the need for a new experience.

A new experience!!??

Yes, well, younger, faster, more sexy.

Typical man….

Yes, today I went to Bangkok and came home with a Panasonic GX1, the younger, faster, sexier upgrade to the GF1. Report undoubtedly to follow.

Comments 🔗

2012-01-05 | Spacefruit says

But is it really better? (Does it matter?) I still want one, and I havent used my GF1 for a year. GH2 and X100 take all my time

2012-01-05 | Spike says

Just get one, and stick a limited edition black Contax 45mm on the front.

2012-01-05 | TheSon says

I still prefer the styling of the GF1 but my upgrade to the GX is inevitable, if purely for the superior noise performance.

2012-01-05 | genuinej says

I suspect you’ll soon become a GX addict.

2012-01-06 | Phuket Observer says

Is GX generally available now? I remember reading something about a delay because of the floods.

2012-01-06 | Spike says

It started to be available internationally mid-December as planned. Made in japan so no delays in production. Power Buy and AV Camera have the body only option at 20,900. Big Camera have a body with two lens option (including the not-crap 14mm pancake) for around 27,000.

2012-01-06 | Spike says

Yeah, the GX is a little more “industrial” in look and feel.

2012-01-06 | Bob says

The Big Camera here or in Bangkok? If BKK, where.

2012-01-06 | Spike says

Big Camera in Tukcom.

2012-01-06 | David says

How do you compare it with your X100? I also have a X100 and looking for an EVIL zoom camera. Was thinking of this one or the Nikon J1 (yeah, I know it, small sensor, but amazing AF speed)

2012-01-06 | Bob says

Was there a reason to buy in BKK? Better price perhaps?

2012-01-06 | Spike says

I was going to BKK anyway, and I like to support AV Camera because they are a real camera shop; plus the body only option in Power Buy was not available two days ago when I looked.

2012-01-06 | Bob says

So, given your earlier advice? GX1 or EPL-3? (Perhaps price here will be a factor…)

2012-01-06 | Spike says

If you are just going to shoot jpeg, then Olympus colours are the best, plus the EPL-3 has a fold-out screen which might be useful. If you are prepared to process RAW, then the Panasonic has the better ultimate IQ. The Panasonic is actually a much more featured camera than the GX1 (built in viewfinder and fold out screen) but is priced at more than 30K in Thailand because they stupidly bundle it with two lenses. Put all of them in your hands and go with what feels right, they will all take great photos. I can join you for the appraisal if you like, always enjoy helping people spend their cash!

2012-01-06 | Spike says

The X100 produces beautiful shots at high ISO; but for general handling and fun, the M4/2 is way better. The Nikon is getting mixed reviews. Indeed fast AF for moving objects, but no faster than the latest M4/3 for static subjects (The GX1 is almost instantaneous). Small sensor, feeble lens collection. I’ll go with the DigitalRev summary: “Mainly crap”. Come into the M4/3 light my child, you know you want to.

2012-01-08 | Phuket Observer says

GX1 bought - check GF1 sold on Craigslist - check Have to keep up with the Tennysons. :)

2012-01-08 | Spike says

Welcome to the club. “Sad Bunny” has also indulged, and bought the Voigtlander 25mm, and the The Ghost has just sent me a photo of his EPL-3 acquired today. It’s a disease.

2012-01-20 | Jock says

I bought the current missus the GF1 based on your recommendation from about a year ago … she loves it and takes almost as many photos as you spike … but of lesser quality probably due to the fact that they´re mostly party shots and she´s pissed … the GX1 can wait until they add the anti-alcohol-adjust-ometer

2012-01-21 | Dave says

If you have to choose between the following 2 new camera bundles

  1. Gf1 + 14-45 lens for € 290 or
  2. Gf2 + 14mm lens for €280

What would you do?

2012-01-21 | Spike says

The GF2 is a dumbed down version of the GF1. The 14mm is a nice lens, but the 14-45 that came with the GF1 is a very high quality (construction and IQ) zoom compared to the kit zooms that came later. GF1and 14-45!

2012-01-21 | Dave says

Ok, thanks. I am still in doubt which camera I will buy next to my beloved X100. I need some versatlity beside it. My shortlist is still GF1/GF2 (bevause of the low price), GX1 (obvious) and Nikon J1 (amazing design, build quality). By the way, is that some kid of carbon add-on on your GF1? Where did you buy it?

2012-01-21 | Spike says

$14 stick-on cover from Japan to cover up all the scratches! Dpreview have just published their Nikon 1 review, they are underwhelmed. The more I use the GX1, the more I like it; so fast and so easy to change settings while shooting. Planning my X100 comparison; but I already know the winner.