My only hiccup when using the new 75mm lens, was that it sometimes slowed down a little when focusing.
Thought I should check this out further, and see how the lens performed on an Olympus body; so I borrowed Nik’s EM-5 for a few hours. This also provided the opportunity for a camera porn shot; don’t they look lovely together?:
Once I had finished ogling, I set about pointing the lens at things with both cameras, with the following conclusions:
I thought that maybe the lens would work differently if attached to the same make of body, but the Olympus EM-5 does not focus the lens faster than the Panasonic GX1. In fact, the GX1 seemed to be fractionally speedier; but as I have no idea how Nik has set up his focusing rules on the EM-5; we’ll call it a draw.
In good light, both cameras acquire focus at a speed which can be described as “instantaneous”, even though it cannot be. When used with modern M43 lenses, these most recent bodies from Olympus and Panasonic claim to be the fastest focusing cameras on the planet and I wouldn’t disagree.
In low light, “almost instantaneous” would be the appropriate phrase, unless you are moving from focusing on something close to something distant, or vice versa, in which case there is a slight pause as the lens moves to the new position for focusing. Is it slow enough to be an irritant? No, but it is noticeable and is not present if you use, for example, the 25mm Summilux.
I initially assumed the issue was to do with having to move a substantial piece of glass in the lens; but then this would be evident whatever the light level; so it must be something else.
Not something that I am going to worry about. Unlike many cameras I have used, the GX1 has an astonishing ability to lock focus in almost complete darkness; and if I have to wait a fraction of a second with the 75mm sometimes, it is not a problem. Also, unlike many cameras (are you listening Canon and Nikon?), Olympus and Panasonic do provide firmware updates for individual lenses to improve performance; so maybe the 75mm will get a boost at some point.
Postscript: DPreview have just published a little video comparing focus/shoot times between a Canon and a Panasonic G5. The Canon focus system is the same as that implemented in the wanky new EOS-M. The G5 system is probably a little slower than the GX1 or EM-5; but it totally destroys the Canon.
Comments 🔗
2012-08-16| Robin Parmar saysYou just pictured the two items I would most like to own but likely never will. Score one for gratuitous!
2012-08-16| Spanky saysYou can sell some of your organs to finance the purchasing of the two items. In all honesty I was in OM-D lust for awhile until I looked at the specs of the G3 and realized it was more-or-less the same camera without the IBIS. I can live without the IBIS and I now own 2 G3’s for less than the price of 1 OM-D. Now if a OM-D crosses my path for something on the reasonable price level I’ll likely purchase it.
2012-08-16| Spike saysWhen the OM-D was announced I was sure I would want one. One day of playing with it and I was happy to stay with my GX1. OM-D has amazing IBIS; but I much prefer the handling of the GX1 and the ability to pop up my viewfinder so I look down into it. And indeed the G3 has so much for much less money; G5 even more so. Next year there will be a “professional” OMD, I’ll wait and see what that looks like. But Robin, you deserve the 75mm!! Spanky, you don’t have any organs left to sell!
2012-08-16| Spanky saysLies! I am sure I could sell my intestinal track or something.
2012-08-16| TheSon saysThat Canon AF is appalling. My GF1 focuses faster than that and it doesn’t even have a battery in at the moment.
2012-08-31| Robbie saysNo the Panasonic G3 is not almost the same camera as the Olympus OM-D. The image quality of the OM-D is better, the screen and view finder are better, it can be configured better, it’s a great modular system with the optional grip, it’s weather sealed, it can do nine frames per second, the build quality is much better and it’s just a sexy camera. I probably forgot some things, but the OM-D definitely is the better of the two. No doubt about that. Try one, and you’ll be willing to give your G3 away for free and get an OM-D quick.
2012-08-31| Mike saysHa, the OM-D is a much better camera system. Everything about it breathes quality. You get what you pay for. No light weight cheap plastic feeling on the OM-D. The Olympus rocks! Especially in combination with the latest and greatest primes like the 12mm f/2, 25mm f/1.4 and the already legendary 75mm f/1.8 or the excellent Panasonic 12-35mm zoom lens.
2012-09-01| Grant saysAh-ha! Clearly you guys sell them…
2012-09-01| Spike saysPossible, but more likely they are part of the large body of people (which includes me), that reckon the OM-D is by far the best M43 camera you can buy.
2012-09-01| Grant saysWell, now I’m really confused, given your post below! Tell me what I should buy, an OM-D or a Panasonic, and if a Panasonic, which model? I’m heavily drawn to the OM-D having carted OM1’s around for decades before moving to a Nikon F60 which I can’t be bothered using now because it’s film, and so big. I want to go to digital, and I only want to do it once, so what do I do? I can get an OM-D here with a 14/42 for the equivalent of 850 British rustproof sterling. Your wise and avuncular opinion awaited with interest by both myself and Mr Visa!
2012-09-01| Grant saysActually, body only is 730 quid, and with a 12/50, 875 quid. It’s called not knowing your facts before you post!
2012-09-02| Spike saysI love the form factor of the GF1/GX1, and find the pop-up viewfinder very convenient for what I like to shoot (hookers, mainly). Plus, having recently “invested” in the GX1, I would need something greatly improved to upgrade so soon. But. the OMD is the best M43 camera on the market. The 14-42 lens is rather average, go with the 12-50 and you will be a very happy bunny.
2012-09-02| Grant saysThank you, done! I’ll report happy bunny or rabbit stew…
2012-10-08| Nano saysTechnically it is not a bug since it does not have piercing and siuckng mouth parts. It does belong to the Order Diptera. Without closeups of the feet, antennae, and wings I cannot get any more specific than that.
2012-10-09| Grant saysAhh, the sucking mouth parts. That’s my favourite bit…