My favourite camera cost £52...
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- This week I'm in Tuscany on my honeymoon with a chance to do some early morning street photography, and I'm reunited with one of my favourite cameras I've ever owned - an 11 year old Lumix that cost just over $60. This is off the back of my video where I was hunting for the perfect travel camera, and lots of you suggested I try this rather than the Sony A7C or the Fuji X100V I tried in that video.
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Well done you have literally single-handedly made the price of this camera go from £52 to £200-£500
Yep, just looked myself and the only 4 I can find are all over $400
@@theBaron001 absolute jokers init
absolute bonkers...
And with how good the photos are that he’s getting the price of an a74 is probably reducing too lol😂
Actually no, the camera itself was already much pricier than what's said here. it's just a fucking clickbait...
One reason I love these kinds of videos is that they remind me that not every photo has to be portfolio-worthy, it’s quite reassuring.
The results of this camera can still be portfolio-worthy though
Sure, but these were barely video-worthy, especially by James's usual standards.
@@hankroest6836 he's calling it his favorite camera -- think about it
UA-camrs have the power to take a $20 camera and make em sell for 20x that
Scalpers, not UA-camrs. They keep an eye on trends and when they see one, they go for it. Soon there is nothing left on the market and soon the market is flooded with 10x "deals".
You don't need the most expensive camera to take beautiful pictures, that's what I like about photography. Got myself a second hand Fujifilm x-a2 last week and absolutely love it.
Dont you mean Xa-2? Its a good camera too :)
@@sonyviva308 ..... I'm an idiot 😩 thanks for correcting me I keep getting the 2 mixed up haha
so true. I'm using my phone most of the time for pictures like that.
@@razorimages Big difference in price and the joy of using a camera that is cheap.
I bought a GX1 about ten years ago. It made it obvious to me that MFT had a great balance between size/weight and image quality. In the meantime, I think MFT has become so good that it outclasses a lot of APS-C cameras in the size/weight vs. image quality equation. I’ve been through several Canon crop sensor cameras and a 5D III, but I’m only using MFT today. I can see some pros might need FF camera, but I don’t. Thanks, James, and thank you Panasonic! 👏👏👏
The thought of a MFT is tempting sometimes, but assuming you want a EVF, the cameras really aren't lighter or even smaller than many FF mirrorless. Lots of FF primes well under 200 grams as well. I'm pretty excited to see Nikon's 26mm Z prime, not released yet, but it looks like a true pancake.
@@thephotoyak you’ll appreciate the size & weight advantage of MFT if you want to use wide aperture zooms and even prime lenses. Even if you buy an APS-C camera, if you want the best lenses they are mostly FF and dwarf MFT lenses that give similar framing and light transmission. The cameras are not much smaller, but the whole kit is.
Nice little camera. One of my favorite cameras is the Olympus OM-D E-M5. It's a 2012 camera, but like your Lumix, it doesn't feel old because it was so ahead of it's time. Sometimes I like to put a 14mm pancake lens on it, which let's it fit in a pocket, and leave my big full frame at home. When I bought it, it was going for around 200USD, but that was over a year ago, so probably cheaper now.
I have owned both and would personally go for EM5/EPL-5/GX7 because the 16MP sensor has 2 stops better DR. The problem with the GX1 is shutter shock.
That exact setup is what I used for off-camera strobe street photography back when the EM5 first came on the market. It was a match made in heaven. I still remember the first time I picked up that camera and marveled at how incredible it was. I've since sold my EM5 but with the 14mm pancake I took some of my best photos.
just got mine for £104 and a grip for £38, for a total setup of less than £250.
The GX1 is still a very capable little camera. For me the only real negatives are the low light performance (which is fine if you stick to black & white) and probably the lack of stabilisation (again that's not really an issue in good light). As an everyday, general purpose carry around, I love it.
7:54 is and 8:14 are my two favorite shots here. The "bird with window" shot because it's so dead simple and you can interpret alot in this image. The second shot as you perfectly caught that morning sun glow making me feel warm and comfy. I really like the mediterran style.
it's GX1 and as of 2024 it sells for twice as much and is not even available.
I do love MPB! I spend far too much time on the sight but the beauty of MPB is you don't end up spending too much money. I often use the it to swap and test different kit. It's a joy!
Lovely shots, and a great demonstration of M43's strengths. Just returned from Italy myself (south rather than Tuscany) and as a first I left my G9 at home and took the GX85 instead. The 20mm spent a lot of time on the camera as a very good and very small option for carrying round most of the time, including taking to dinners where the G9 would have been too obtrusive.
Love the nostalgia of old equipment. My dad recently passed and as we're cleaning out the house, we're finding gems of old equipment, some of which I knew as a kid, others new-found treasures -- I now know where I got my camera obsession from -- my parents! The cleanout helped me realize I need to clear things out, and I sold a bunch of equipment to start anew (from Canon to Sony). A few things I kept, and will probably use again similar to how you are, but old and new, gives you great perspective.
The Lumix GX85 and 20mm/1.7 was my favorite travel and street combo for quite some time. I fell totally in love with 40mm FF equivalent because of it. For various reasons I left the MFT eco-system, but I now own several 40mm lenses and cameras with this equivalent focal length. Currently my most favorite travel and street camera is the Ricoh GR IIIx (APS-C, 40mm FF equivalent). Image quality is truly amazing and it literally fits in your pocket. I almost never leave my home without it.
After watching this I am interested in the GX85 and the 20 mm lens and both can be had for just over $500 used. I currently shoot with a Pentax K70 and a 35 F2.0 (50 mil equivalent). I like the idea of the Lumix been about 12 ounces lighter than my current setup but when I was talking to a friend he said if you are going for lighter and smaller you mights as well go for the Ricoh. My friend makes sense, the difference between the Lumix and my Pentax may not be enough to make it worth it. The Ricoh makes sense except for the price.
May I ask as to what your various reasons were for leaving MFT? I have that setup myself. Thanks
@@TheophilusCarlos I was very happy with my MFT equipment which at the end of the cycle included a G9 and GX9. But I also owned a (heavy) Nikon DSLR System. When the Z system was launched I had to make a choice. Stay within the versatile MFT or move on to the mirrorless Z Full Frame system. In the end IQ was the deciding factor and so I now use a Nikon Z7 and Z6II for more demanding photography and the pocketable GRIIIx for street. I also use a couple of analog film cameras in medium format and 35mm for more fun and style related stuff. It was the right choice for me and I am pretty happy with my setup now. It is leaner and more focused towards my body of work.
@@thephotochroma Thanks for sharing your experience.
Bought a Nikon 1 J3 with 10mm lens the other week. It’s ok, mostly bought to save back from that heavy camera bag. Pictures ok, for travel and throwing into the car. Good episode as always.
Damn I thought I had won 2 x sweat shirts, iPhone 13 Pro and another camera. There a scammer about!
I’ve come to realise that so much about consumer photography is about the experience when shooting. The fact that you can buy a used camera that is so much fun to use for such a small cost is a great way to combat gear fixation. I recently took out my Panasonic LX3 again and had a great time shooting with it. 99% of our image viewing is done on devices that can’t distinguish between a 9 mb image and a 20 mb image. For non pros I think the point is just keep shooting and learning no matter what the camera is. Great channel BTW.
This right here. I ended up on Sony due to the hype. Awesome cameras, especially for professionals. But I absolutely hated shooting on my A7iii, so much so that I stopped shooting for nearly 2 years. Sold all Sony gear and bought a Fuji X-T2 and what a game changer. So fun to shoot on and dirt cheap. One Sony lens paid for my "new" camera and 2 lenses.
@@bobbygreen9106 Totally. So many people have moved to Sony, but I just get no excitement from the little black boxes that they sell. I know it should be about the imagery, but I can’t do that. :)
I love the idea of an affordable camera producing beautiful photos. But the fact is the location, subject, lighting and compositions in this video would make most any camera produce good shots. Not criticizing but giving hope to those who don’t have expensive cameras.
It's great that you're here in Italy and the pictures are gorgeous! Tuscany is so full of cool photo opportunities... but to be fair, so it's most of Italy actually :D
Have a great honeymoon! :)
When I travel..given size for me matters a lot..I’m always carrying only 1 lens. Sony Zeiss 35mm prime 2.8. Great focal length and versatile..can do large landscape if needed by merging multiple shots..and it’s wide enough for everything else. But most importantly with my A7RIII body together it’s a fairly compact setup. I have a 24-70, 70-200 and a wide angle 14mm..but they never made it out for long trips. Too bulky for me
I have to say the Lumix 20mm f1.7 was always my favourite. It lived on my GX7 for may years and gave me great pleasure. I enjoyed your wonderful atmospheric pictures from Tuscany. Thanks for taking us along.
Really enjoy the mood and pace of these videos - the subject and content is a bonus. Thanks for making
6:35 if you start wanting a viewfinder, then the GX85 is a better option. The GX1 ends up a bit chunky with the EVF attached and the cost starts to approach the GX85 with a built in EVF. The GX85 also has DFD AF which really helps with the 20mm. Also IBIS and 4K video, which are kind of handy on a travel camera.
GX85 is definitely the spiritual successor of the GF1 and GX1
The GX-7 is a good one to consider too - the grip is amazing. I still use mine for that reason. I tried the GX85 on a long holiday in 2017, sold it shortly after having realised the 7 was better "for me".
I never thought that would be quite fun to photograph with a 13 years old digital camera !!
And giving a new perspective on old digital cameras !
Thanks for the great content :)
One of my favourite little cameras currently sitting at the bottom of my gear bag is a Lumix GX7 with that very same 20/f1.7. I must say as a Fuji shooter that little combo is a killer.
I'm still using my Fuji X100S as a travel camera and as much as I maybe should get an upgrade to the V, I still like the images from the S
@@jimmason8502 Nah, stick with it. I'm still using the original X100. It's far better than I need - I hold it back more than it hold me back...
That Lumix 20mm f/1.7 is my favourite MFT lens too. It's colours are gorgeous, it suits landscapes perfectly, and the low light performance is very handy. If I travel with only that lens and I want a wider shot I just take several in burst mode and stitch together a panorama afterwards. It only shows it's age with noisy and slow autofocus.
This is one of this camera brings back a lot of joy from pure photography, even with the sound.
Lovely to see the little LUMIX being showcased. If you’d gone for the LX100 you would have the same lovely grip, an evf and the flexibility of an 25-75mm equivalent lens. I take mine on holidays all the time with a Gobe ND kit, all in 43 mm, such a small package, but great results.
The LX100 would be a great camera if they didn't accumulate dust on the sensor that is impossible to clean. It can happen to all fixed-lens compact cameras, but it seems far more likely to happen on the LX100 than others.
@@StephenStrangways I’ve had mine 5 years, no dust on my sensor. Any telephoto lens can act like a bellows and suck in dust, but if you keep outside of the camera clean there’s less chance. The sensor is cleanable by Panasonic, or most 3rd party repairers.
"Old" Lumix cameras still rock! As cameras have gotten bigger, the little cameras have been passed by in favor of cell phones. But, my old (mint) Lumix GX1 is so much more spontaneous to capture a moment than my phone. Add modern editing software, old Lumix cameras like my G1 and GX1 bring back the feel of photography rather then just taking pictures. Note: I buy and sell with MPB. I'm always impressed when the offer more than their estimate for my trade in equipment after inspection!
I guessed it, it's also my absolute favourite lens, it has a beautiful character and one of the reasons keep using this system for photography.
This video came at the perfect time for me, been trying to find a 2nd camera for everyday/travel. This checks more boxes off then most else I’ve found.
I’m giving serious thought to going back to this exact setup for everyday carry.
just got my Dad a GF7 and was directly tempted to get myself one again, too. couldn't justify it though with two G81s and a G6 here.
8:14 such a simple but amazing looking photo! I love your Italy vids because I went to Italy quite often in the past.
Very David Attenborough-esq whispering at the beginning 😂
This has got to be one of the most photogenic places on Earth. There's literally a wonderful photo at every turn... every corner? Everywhere.
I have one, and the lvf-2 viewfinder. The viewfinder improves the user experience a lot actually. Rotate it 90 degrees so that you’re looking down into it. Blocks out a lot of the ambient light and is also a steadier camera holding stance.
It’s because of the gx-1 that I’ve since bought the gx-85 and the g9 later.
Italian snakes: Grass snakes, Dice snakes, Water snakes, Green Whip snakes, Aesculapian snakes, Bulgarian Rat snakes, Smooth snakes, Southern Smooth snakes, Horseshoe Whipsnakes, and one venomous species, the European Asp (aka Aspic viper).
Just strolled upon this channel. I really enjoy just watching someone walk around and shoot then showing the edit. Really relaxing for some reason.
My favorite was a Gx7 with the 20mm 1.7. The size was small at it's time and having a tilting EVF meant that I could look down towards the floor but still take nice photos of people without intimidating them. Sad that I lost it in the Philippines back in 2015.
My first decent camera was a DJI Osmo Pocket (bought it used for a good price), I still use that puppy. It fits in the pocket, takes great video if you just need wide angle shots and it takes pretty good photos under specific circumstances.
My everyday setup is that same mk1 20mm lens on an Olympus E-M10. It's amazingly versatile for a prime. I should probably use it on my GX7 too, but I just prefer the ergonomics of the Olympus.
7:54 looks amazing!
Great minds named James think alike 😀 I just landed on exactly this same setup as a poor man's GRIIIx until I can afford one. Killer lens. Great little camera. 👍
Wow this camera looks amazing for the price, love the shot of the bird flying above the window!
Absolutely amazed that you are visiting Namibia ( My home country). Truly one of the best places for photography in Africa. We have found that just before you reach the town of Swakopmund to the lefthand side in the riverbed where MADMAX was filmed you also have plenty of opportunities.
Try a Lumix GM5 for tiny size AND viewfinder, I love mine ! It fits well with the 20mm F1.7 also ;-) Better ergonomic with the little metal Lumix dedicated grip added
I also have one a tiny GM5 and I love it. I use it mostly with the 20mm, but I always carry with that combo the Zuiko 45 1.8 and a Lumix 14mm. Probably the best relation between quality and size that I’ve ever tested.
A while ago I was browsing the MPB website, as you do, when I saw a Leica D Lux 6. After a quick check with the joint keeper of the purse I grabbed what might be my only chance to own a Leica. OK I know the internals are Lumix LX7 but the elegant body and the fast lens and yes, the red dot means it cost more than your little camera but it improved my still photography simply by being so small and convient. So much so that it is now a case of keys, money, bus pass and camera every time I go out.
It’s fun to go out with those tiny cameras for a change, I hold onto my Lumix TZ60 which has a Leica lens & viewfinder
Great camera. I used one before I got my daily driver Sony FX3
I once bought an used Olympus PEN E-P1 and I really enjoy travel photography with it, also in Italy. With 17mm, 45mm and a cheap 9mm bodycap lens ist was not always easy, but a lot of fun.
I have a Canon EOS M, the one from 2012, in red! Fantastic little camera, I’m hoping to get a newer M50 soon but I plan on keeping the M and pairing it with the canon 22mm f2.0 as a more pocket friendly everyday camera.
Love your narrative and sense of humor. Thanks for all of your valuable info. and enjoyed hearing about your first loved camera!
nice video man, i love your shots. checked out your work and it's beautiful. got the free preset and it makes all the difference. i love the look and will probably get the preset pack to have as a solid foundation. can't wait to use it on my road trip snaps. thanks!
Just found two of them below $100 here in Norway. Might have found my first camera for a new hobby i'm trying to pick up😁
I loved my GX-1, too. Still have it, though its sits in the drawer most of the time. My current favorite is a GX-9 that I purchased used (2 years ago) with a 150 shutter count (mint) for about $320 (w/kit lens). What a deal. However, between the GX-9 and the smartphone...not much room left for the GX-1 anymore. As for a backup body...I still have the trusty OLY EM-10 (mk I). At times, I switch up to the still capable G81. The beauty of M4/3...a plethora of conveniently-sized interchangeable lenses to tote around. Throw in a mix of vintage glass and I'm golden.
I also picked up a GX1 with a dodgy LCD for dirt cheap and it was my purchase of 2022. The grip is the best I've ever held and that shutter noise is therapy. I did wonder if it was the 20mm 1.7 that was responsible for the magic but I stuck it on the GX80 and it didn't make me feel the same way.
An interesting feature that I came across by mistake is the ability to take photos while recording video. Settings are limited but something fun to play with, perhaps for stories/reels.
I bought my first film camera 53 years ago and have been taking photos as a hobby ever since. I remember shopping for the best camera I could afford. There were hundreds to chose from. Now there must be thousands of digital cameras to chose from. Then as now, nearly all cameras are capable of rendering high quality images. A $20 thrift store find can produce images similar the the latest $5000 camera and with the advantage of digital photo imaging, the differences can be virtually undetectable.
The real difference is in lenses, not cameras
Yep. I do most of my just-one-lens days with that 20/1.7. Love it. Did Mantua recently - and Verona regularly - with it on my E-P7.
i just love the ambience of him taking the photos
i use a gx7 and have for many years. got it from a used camera store and i also use the same pancake lens, plus the standard zoom lens and it's just delightful. the colours are really quite lovely
Hey, What a lovely thing to do, wander around a small Tuscany town as dawn is breaking taking some photos - and lovely photos at that - with a £50 camera !!
A photographers heaven !!
Hi James, sorry to ask, you may have done it before, but could you quickly sum up your talking head shots setup (you're shooting with your A7C, right?) I mean lense, key light, distance from your lense, color profile? That would be so so kind of you. I'm always amazed by your video image quailty. thanks James!
In the bottom of the description there's a link to his gear so based on that I would guess he is using the A7 IV for the talking head stuff with a Rode Wireless GO for audio.
*lense is not a word. I have made this mistake before. Confusing as it is lenses for plural and lens for singular 👍🏼
Where do all of you "guys" find these cameras for 52£?? Every photographer on UA-cam says "I got this for 45£....I got this for 70£....etc"....but they are always more than double those prices. Always.
Them talking about it increases demand which increases prices
Is there a setting to turn the focus beep off ?? If so … TURN IT OFF. 😊
This is like me and the 2008 Canon IXUS 980. Strictly JPG, and a lovely low-contrast black and white mode. Love it, too bad I don't use it a lot.
We are always happy to learn photography from dudes who have 300 cameras.
James, please do another streetphotography video with this camera. Enjoyed it so much.
I love the silver gf1 that I bought very cheaply a few years ago.
I have a similar love affair with the Fuji 35 1.4 and thought I should look at any small Fuji bodies to stick it on. Then realized my xe3 is probably about as small as it's going to get. I'll keep dreaming of an x100 type camera with a 50mm equivalent.
These photos are so beautifully edited too... love the one of the bird over the window at 7:56!
Last spring I purchased a Lumix GF2 ($40) and the Lumix 20mm 1.7 ($120) to video record a family wedding. Great little camera and continue to use it for low lit family outings and fast moving youngsters.
James you could genuinely be a presenter, or whatever you Brits call it, on a TV show.
Not sure about Tuscany, but I grew up in Italy and we definitely were warned about vipers.
Good luck!
I have the Panasonic GM1 with a couple of lenses, I picked it up for next to nothing a few years ago and never really used it. I might have give it a proper go after watching this 👍
The editing looks great, James. Lovely pictures.
I had a GX1. Great little shooter.
Lovely images - Particularly liked those that you posted on Instagram the other day.
Wanted to add a thank you, as recently purchased your Preset pack - Its only a starting position, but have found your presets have really helped me to understand Lightroom a lot better than what I have done of late, and as a result even older images (that I've given up on editing) have had life breathed back into them - and no... James didnt ask me to post this lol!
I used the 20mm on an Olympus EPL as well as a 12mm. Lost that one overboard. Went a bought the same lens and camera for the same reasons Brilliant ergonomics👍
Fun video. You hit it spot on with a travel camera - keep it simple and light!
Funny synchronicity... A month ago I realised that now I'm not always carrying around a DSLR+lens (> 1.7 kg), I'm using my iPhone as a camera, but that also means: limited zoom range.
So I looked around and bought a second hand Lumix DMC-TZ6 (EUR 20, including charger, SD card and case !) with Leica lens.
So much fun for casual pics, hardly larger than a phone, but 12x optical zoom
I bought this camera and the Panny GF3 at the same time back in the day . Both were amazing cameras for their time . I recently found a basically unused GF3 with a 14 - 42 kit lens for $30 Canadian money ( lens is worth way way more ) . Rekindling the love affair . Old cameras are kind of fun . We got so spoiled ! ! !
You might consider getting the more up to date version, the GX9. It's also compact, uses a 20MP sensor, and it has a viewfinder plus a really useful exposure adjustment dial on top. In fact, I much prefer using it to my G9 (which feels bulky and too clunky in comparison, plus it lacks the GX9's exposure adjustment - weird move, Panasonic). I bought a great little stick-on grip for it via Amazon, and that made the GX9 even more comfortable/enjoyable to take with me. Anyway, delightful location and a solid video as usual. Ciao, James.
Love the new setting and the dark tee shirt! A big improvement. Anyway, if there was a complete catastrophric nuclear annihilation, I would grab my Olympus Tough 4. Great photos, amazing underwater videos and bombproof! Incredible battery life too. And it's red! I will never sell it. Cheers!
Gorgeous place and images James. I left mft having never tried the 20mm and often think about getting a cheap Olympus or Panasonic body like this just to use that lens!
I do use an old Olympus pen with this 20mm lens, and have come to love this focal length for street photos
I just bought a Canon EOS-M from MPB. Still a fantastic camera 12 years on.
Had/have a GH1/2/3 for video back in the day. Well now I direct and don’t film so much but I do like that 20mm pancake and my 7-14mm so I just picked up a GM1 to shoot around with. Its honestly too small, but I kind of love that.
We have enough old Lumix fans here to form our own annual convention. I've put a lot of miles on my GX8+20mm and didn't even realize the GX models were rocking it that far back. In 2010 I was shooting a LX3 which is a classic in its own right. Everyone here seems to miss their old setup. I don't sell my cameras, I archive them in my own museum of old tech,.however I do miss that LX3 as my toddler daughter dropped it and its light was extinguished forever.
Good video. Thanks.
I have a GX1, with the messed up rear screen. I used it occasionally, but now I use a Pana GM1 as my small camera. The GX1 is like a bigger GM1. Thanks. toronto canada.
Similar reasons I bought an old Canon M10 to take out with me from MPB. I've got an R5 to do the heavy work but the M10 is very handy for scratching the photography itch when I'm out and about.
Just realized you just uploaded this video! Wanted to say you are a great inspiration for me and I hope one day I can do as you traveling around with my camera and taking pictures for a living. Loved the pic at 7:53 btw.
Sneaking off to shoot on honeymoon. That’s brave 😂
Thanks, James
I still use my Olympus EPL-3 with a ZUIKO 17mm F/1.8 and even at 12MP, I still love shooting with it…Great video James…👍
I bought my 20mm in Amsterdam. I still love that lens. It’s been around. I paid around 220 dollars used. I have so many good images from it as it is great for street. Glad you like it too.
I look back on photos I took my GX1 and marvel at how good they were. That was the camera that started me questioning the value of Canon’s APS-C cameras. Now, I own LUMIX MFT and FF only. APS-C seems superfluous-IQ is not commensurate with the extra size and weight, but not as good as FF. Belated thanks for this video. 🙏
This is the first video I've watched of yours and I fell instantly in love with your personality and pictures! New subscriber!
Would love to see Panasonic release a new updated M4/3 camera with a new sensor in the same size as a GF1/GX1/GX85. Lovely cameras.
I've got a Lumix GX 80O and love it for the sheer pocketability of it.
Had the same set up and agree it’s a great kit.
About a year ago I'd mentioned that I'd also had this lens, and now you're making me wish I hadn't gotten rid of mine.
any small Lumix with PanaLeica 15mm Summilux f/1.7 is a perfect travel companion
My favorites epl1 with. 20mm and 45mm