biglouis
Well-known member
Although this may seem a cynical marketing ploy, I just wanted to share my experiences and some photographs from a book that is being published this month - and for which I mainly used my Panasonic GX8 and associated lenses. I am not making any great claims for my photography but I will say that in terms of image quality the publisher is extremely happy with what I have provided, which is the important measure of success.
The Sugar House (the former and first HQ of the Co-operative Wholesale Society)
Panasonic GX8, Lumix Vario 2.8/12-35
At the beginning of the year - by a lucky happenstance I was offered a deal to produce 3 books for a small UK publisher called Amberley. All three of them are based on my knowledge of the Whitechapel area of East London (where I have worked and photographed for the last 12 years).
The first book is called "Whitechapel in 50 Buildings" and it aims to explain the history of Whitechapel by way of some of the wonderful and unique architecture it contains. I collaborated with a well know historian who wrote the text to most of the book (I chipped in on some buildings as I had accumulated more knowledge). The architecture in the book spans from the 15th to 21st centuries.
Trinity Green Alms Houses, Mile End Road
Panasonic GX8, Lumix Vario 2.8/12-35
At the commencement of the book I had bought a GX8 largely so I could benefit from the Leica DG 100-400 announced but not yet available. However, in the post-Xmas sales I got a good deal so I pulled the trigger. The camera came with the Lumix 12-35/2.8 as a kit and I thought of it as my 'second system' camera. It wasn't until I picked it up for a day to use around the streets of Whitechapel that I came to a realisation. Ergonomically, it was so much better to use than my Sony A7R and A7S cameras. It fit in my hands nicely, the controls were well placed, the menu system made sense, I loved the weight! When I processed the photos at home I was also staggered at the IQ from the Lumix 12-35/2.8. The results were so much better than most of my Sony FE glass (with the exception of the Loxia 35/2). I was so enthused I immediately went on eBay and bought myself a second hand Lumix 20/1.7 and Lumix Leica DG 45/2.8 and decided to stop using my Sony cameras (completely).
The Sugar House front door
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 20/1.7 first version
A few weeks later I reached a water shed. To complete the book I needed an UWA lens. I was very wary of investing in any more Sony FE glass whether it had the Zeiss brand or not. If I continued down the Sony path I would have to spend a lot on the Sony 16-35/4 knowing that most of the sample images I've seen are less than impressive (to me, at least). So, I took the plunge and committed myself to m43rds by purchasing the Olympus 7-14/2.8 Pro. I could not be happier with this piece of glass.
The magnificent Hawksmoor Christ Church Spitalfields
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 7-14/2.8 Pro
Finally, I decided I had to go the whole hog and get the 35-100/2.8 to fill out the range. All I can say is that this is one of the best lenses I have ever owned - period (and that includes my experiences with exotic Leica M glass).
Door Detail: Soup Kitchen For The Jewish Poor
Panasonic GX8, Lumix Vario 2.8/35-100
Members of this sub-forum already know this but don't let anyone tell you that m43rds are not professional cameras and lenses. Yes, they are not 'battle-field' ready (but I don't plan on covering any wars or Royal Weddings) but for the kind of urban landscape photography I do they offer a lightweight well-constructed body (in the GX8), with a superb range of optics (Panasonic and Olympus) and are more than capable of producing professional results.
The Royal London Hospital (old building, with the new one behind)
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 7-14/2.8 Pro
The Sugar House (the former and first HQ of the Co-operative Wholesale Society)
Panasonic GX8, Lumix Vario 2.8/12-35
At the beginning of the year - by a lucky happenstance I was offered a deal to produce 3 books for a small UK publisher called Amberley. All three of them are based on my knowledge of the Whitechapel area of East London (where I have worked and photographed for the last 12 years).
The first book is called "Whitechapel in 50 Buildings" and it aims to explain the history of Whitechapel by way of some of the wonderful and unique architecture it contains. I collaborated with a well know historian who wrote the text to most of the book (I chipped in on some buildings as I had accumulated more knowledge). The architecture in the book spans from the 15th to 21st centuries.
Trinity Green Alms Houses, Mile End Road
Panasonic GX8, Lumix Vario 2.8/12-35
At the commencement of the book I had bought a GX8 largely so I could benefit from the Leica DG 100-400 announced but not yet available. However, in the post-Xmas sales I got a good deal so I pulled the trigger. The camera came with the Lumix 12-35/2.8 as a kit and I thought of it as my 'second system' camera. It wasn't until I picked it up for a day to use around the streets of Whitechapel that I came to a realisation. Ergonomically, it was so much better to use than my Sony A7R and A7S cameras. It fit in my hands nicely, the controls were well placed, the menu system made sense, I loved the weight! When I processed the photos at home I was also staggered at the IQ from the Lumix 12-35/2.8. The results were so much better than most of my Sony FE glass (with the exception of the Loxia 35/2). I was so enthused I immediately went on eBay and bought myself a second hand Lumix 20/1.7 and Lumix Leica DG 45/2.8 and decided to stop using my Sony cameras (completely).
The Sugar House front door
Panasonic GX8, Lumix 20/1.7 first version
A few weeks later I reached a water shed. To complete the book I needed an UWA lens. I was very wary of investing in any more Sony FE glass whether it had the Zeiss brand or not. If I continued down the Sony path I would have to spend a lot on the Sony 16-35/4 knowing that most of the sample images I've seen are less than impressive (to me, at least). So, I took the plunge and committed myself to m43rds by purchasing the Olympus 7-14/2.8 Pro. I could not be happier with this piece of glass.
The magnificent Hawksmoor Christ Church Spitalfields
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 7-14/2.8 Pro
Finally, I decided I had to go the whole hog and get the 35-100/2.8 to fill out the range. All I can say is that this is one of the best lenses I have ever owned - period (and that includes my experiences with exotic Leica M glass).
Door Detail: Soup Kitchen For The Jewish Poor
Panasonic GX8, Lumix Vario 2.8/35-100
Members of this sub-forum already know this but don't let anyone tell you that m43rds are not professional cameras and lenses. Yes, they are not 'battle-field' ready (but I don't plan on covering any wars or Royal Weddings) but for the kind of urban landscape photography I do they offer a lightweight well-constructed body (in the GX8), with a superb range of optics (Panasonic and Olympus) and are more than capable of producing professional results.
The Royal London Hospital (old building, with the new one behind)
Panasonic GX8, Olympus 7-14/2.8 Pro
