seablister
Member
Just ordered a GF-1 (thanks Monza) and need some quick advice on the basic extras... like half case, extra battery (panasonic brand req'd?), LCD protective film, neck strap/cord or wrist strap, memory card, etc.
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This battery actually does what they say and works with the new firmware that doesn't allow third-party battery use? If that's true I'll buy some spares as well!As for spare batteries... Panny batts are really costly and not necessary. This is a very good Panny replacement battery at a great price. I bought two and they work very well:
http://www.bestbatt.com/Panasonic_DMW_BLB13_Battery_p/bbblb13.htm
As for memory cards, you need a Class 6 SDHC for recording HD movies with the GF1. I find the Fuji 8GB Class 6 card to be very reasonably priced (compared to name brand competition) and performs flawlessly - with a lifetime guarantee. I see no need to spend more. I have six of them in our household for use in a GF1 and two ZS3's. Highly recommended.
http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Digital-Capacity-Memory-Card/dp/B001HL0G6E
On Diane's recommendation I bought the Panasonic EFV (which I learned the hard way is practically a necessity under certain bright sun circumstances). It arrived today and I love it!
photoSmart, yes, the battery works perfectly, as advertised, with the latest firmware. And bestbatt is an excellent and reliable company to work with. You will be pleased with these reasonably priced batteries for your GF1, GH1 G1.This battery actually does what they say and works with the new firmware that doesn't allow third-party battery use? If that's true I'll buy some spares as well!
Sweet! Thanks for the link!!photoSmart, yes, the battery works perfectly, as advertised, with the latest firmware. And bestbatt is an excellent and reliable company to work with. You will be pleased with these reasonably priced batteries for your GF1, GH1 G1.
Personally, I don't use a case as I prefer the camera and lenses in a small camera bag and often use the camera with an Arca-type base to go onto a ball head. I guess I've never felt the need for a case. But others like the case. So, I'd say wait until you've used the camera and if you feel the need for a case arises, get one then.Battery, screen protector & SDHC card ordered. Any more thoughts on cases? Use, don't use. How about protective filters?
Agreed - I haven't noticed any difference in image quality too. I'd definately recommend a UV filter for protection too, better having the £10-£20 filter damaged than a £200-£300 lens I'd recommend getting a multi coated one - usually more scratch resistant and reduce lense flare, perhaps Hoya's UV filters?Filters... I generally do use a UV filter to protect the front of the lens. And honestly, I haven't seen any noticible image degradation from doing so. I've compared with and without at 100% in Photoshop and see no difference. If there is a difference, I doubt it's something one would ever really notice and I like the protection for my front element. But others swear that such a filter reduces image quality. I just haven't seen that myself, but oh well.
this is of course making a tempting case for a GF-1 over my G1 ... especially if I go back more to EOS for the stuff I'm trying to do with the G1 now.On Diane's recommendation I bought the Panasonic EFV (which I learned the hard way is practically a necessity under certain bright sun circumstances). It arrived today and I love it!
seablister... what lens do you have coming with the GF1? If it's the 20 f/1.7, that's a wonderful lens for certain applications. But I believe a 14-45 is equally important, if not moreso, for general use. Sharp sharp sharp and a wonderfully versatile, if a bit slow, lens.Just ordered a GF-1 (thanks Monza) and need some quick advice on the basic extras... like half case, extra battery (panasonic brand req'd?), LCD protective film, neck strap/cord or wrist strap, memory card, etc.
I'll tell you next week. I've been shooting without a case since Sept. but I often carry the camera in my handbag with the 20 and have been using a wrap. I finally decided to add a case--and after looking at a lot of them on Ebay and elsewhere decided on the Panasonic case. I'll likely use the 1/2 case a lot of the time, but will have the lens case for protection in my bag. Improving the ergonomics just a bit (grip) is another reason for putting it in a 1/2 case for me but that's more a minor reason.Great advice. One other thing. Not in my hands for a couple of days, so I really don't know, but wondered about griping the body in your hand while you shoot. It seems like a smaller/thinner body might not be that easy to hold securely. Wondered if that was true and, if so, does a half case help the gripability. Don't think that's a word, but you get my drift.
With having both the G1 and GF1, it sounds like you use the GF1 primarily. Do you have the G1 more as a back up body, just when traveling?If I'm carrying the GF1 and one other lens, usually stick it in a Lowepro Terraclime 100--plenty of room for several lenses and some personal stuff. Sometimes the Domke FxB. If I'm traveling its second to the G1--in a Domke F6 with the lenses I need.
Diane