First Impression
 

Ok I just got mine today!!!

And man I have lots to learn!

The stock 14mm-42mm lens is awful at anything other than 14mm, its just too slow for what I need (mostly wedding video) so good thing I have some better glass coming :)

The rear lcd is smaller than I thought it would be, really going to have to get a monitor for this one for good focus during video...

I have a Jag35 rig on the way (The Field Runner | Jag35.com) I will post pics and let you know how that works out when I get it... I might get a follow focus for it but we will see...

The video that I have taken so far is awesome; of course I’m comparing this to a HV30… but when I get my new glass should be able to produce some killer images!!

On a side note; all the still picture modes are terribly confusing to me haha… I guess that will come with time

Well I’m off to play some more!!

Re: First Impression
 

Welcome to our Cult. Once we're comfortable with you we'll teach you the secret handshake.

Yes, the menus/pic modes are maddening and the manual will only make it worse.

About the LCD, some find it useless, I don't but one thing everyone agrees upon is that the EVF is outstanding and won't let you down for focusing.

Re: First Impression
 

David, welcome to the club ;) To make your life easier - stick to the Creative Motion Picture mode on a dial and NEVER leave it! Otherwise you will get lost in a maze of menus/options...

Re: First Impression
 

Yes the GH2 can take VG video but to say its only compared to the HV cams is is a bit over the top
this guys films showed what they can do

Re: First Impression
 

If you shoot live events, you WILL want a monitor for your camera. LCD is very nice, but too small to use on the fly, at least for a significant period of time.

If you do weddings, it can be challenging, to say the least.

For a second camera a GH1 is absolutely perfect, IMO.

Re: First Impression
 

not that I only compared it to them, but thats what I use, so thats what I was saying there :)

Re: First Impression
 

Since there are folks who like the GH2 over their EX1s, and since the sensor of the GH2 is what, six times as large as the smaller Canon, it is no insult to the HV30 to think it will be inferior to the Panny. For documentary and staged shots, or any well lit venue, the HV30 is a fine camera. When the light drops, not so much. That is where the GH2 shines, provided you have a fast lens.

It is also it's biggest challenge for me, finding the right lenses.

Re: First Impression
 

Have you tried a vintage SMC Pentax 50mm f1.4? For a hundred bucks it's crazy good.

Re: First Impression
 

Really? Never heard of it Brian. First, thanks for the suggestion. Second, do you know how it stacks up to the equivalent Sigma 30mm 1.4 or Canon 30 1.4? But as you say, at $100, what a deal.

More importantly, does this become 100mm on the GH2? How would it be best used at a wedding, any thoughts?

I used the Sigma for Canon 30mm 1.4 (I guess that made it a 45mm) on my 40d and my photos were SO nice.

Have I asked enough questions? As you can see I'm clueless. I'm looking it up right now!

Re: First Impression
 

Yes, the Pentax SMC 50mm with the crop factor it will give you 100mm. It would be great for weddings because of the low light capability. Focusing is like Vermont Butter. Bokeh really nice. I like it better than my Olympus 14-52 2.8; better than any lens I've owned. Some compare it favorably to the legendary Zeis 28mm. The SMC has awesome contrast and punch. It's usually rated higher than the Canon 50mm 1.4.

For $100? Can't go wrong. It's all manual though, and needs a $9 ebay adapter.

Don't confuse it though with the Super Takamur 50mm 1.4 -- that's also a great lens but not quite up to the SMC.

Re: First Impression
 

Brian, yes for $100 it sounds amazing. I thought of more questions, but it comes back to $100, who cares?

Re: First Impression
 

all manual is more better anyway once you learn it... I hope that you wouldnt be searching for focus like a maniac!! I've seen some auto focus that if it were manual focus the operator would have had to been on drugs haha

Re: First Impression
 

Brian, I'm certain to order the Sigma for Canon 30mm 1.4, a favorite of mine from a couple of years ago.

How do I know which Pentax will work for GH2? Can you post a link for the adapter?

I've been looking for it, but don't know what I"m looking for, I've been on ebay, etc, but there are varieties that confuse me, and on amazon they cost $350 (probably worth every penny, but still).

Re: First Impression
 

David, after reviewing footage, I clearly need a monitor and to learn manual focus, no question.

Re: First Impression
 

You want the vintage SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.4. I believe they come in a screw and K mount. Mine is the K mount. So you'd want to locate the lens first, then once its secured, find the right mount. Don't get the mount first. They shouldn't be $350, you must be looking at more modern iterations. I think mine was $110. Though it's possible the GH2 craze has turned the market upside down.