Sam Mallery
Well-known member
I'm a first time "DSLR" buyer, and I just quickly did a little "hands on" research. I went to B&H and played with the 60D, GH1 (because the 2 isn't here yet), and the D3100. I would have liked to try the D7000 as well.
As a token newb, I want too much from the camera I eventually buy. Of course I want really nice stills, 35mm-like video quality, a mic input, a large sensor, blah blah. But, since it's such a huge investment - and because the best photographic moments can happen at any time, anywhere, I want the camera to be small enough to travel with everyday. I want to make the habit of bringing it with me every day. So smaller is better in this sense.
The GH2 has stood out as a front runner in my mind for a while. It's smaller, it's got nice pancake lens options. The video is sweet and the stills look good. It can potentially be hacked someday by a talented and generous person who lives far away. All good stuff for my needs.
But, I just held a few competing cameras in my hands, and I can't deny my impressions here. The hands on test is by far the most important test in many ways. This is the camera you are going to be stuck with. If it feels right when you're finally physically united, that's more important than any research you're going to find online or otherwise.
I tried the 60D, D3100, and the GH1. I wish the D7000 was available to test out as well, even though I doubt I would ever buy a camera like this without an articulating screen.
After weeks of favoring the GH2, I have to say that the 60D felt the best in my hands, by far. That's not to say that it's going to feel just as good in your hands. This all comes down to personal preference. It's 100% personal.
I'm starting to accept the fact that a small camera isn't the ultimate goal for me. The larger 60D was just steadier in my hands, and what I saw on the screen looked and felt good. I really liked looking through the optical viewfinder too for stills.
I'm not finished shopping. I won't buy until late December. My mind isn't made up, and I definitely want to try out the GH2 before I pull the trigger.
I just thought I'd share...
As a token newb, I want too much from the camera I eventually buy. Of course I want really nice stills, 35mm-like video quality, a mic input, a large sensor, blah blah. But, since it's such a huge investment - and because the best photographic moments can happen at any time, anywhere, I want the camera to be small enough to travel with everyday. I want to make the habit of bringing it with me every day. So smaller is better in this sense.
The GH2 has stood out as a front runner in my mind for a while. It's smaller, it's got nice pancake lens options. The video is sweet and the stills look good. It can potentially be hacked someday by a talented and generous person who lives far away. All good stuff for my needs.
But, I just held a few competing cameras in my hands, and I can't deny my impressions here. The hands on test is by far the most important test in many ways. This is the camera you are going to be stuck with. If it feels right when you're finally physically united, that's more important than any research you're going to find online or otherwise.
I tried the 60D, D3100, and the GH1. I wish the D7000 was available to test out as well, even though I doubt I would ever buy a camera like this without an articulating screen.
After weeks of favoring the GH2, I have to say that the 60D felt the best in my hands, by far. That's not to say that it's going to feel just as good in your hands. This all comes down to personal preference. It's 100% personal.
I'm starting to accept the fact that a small camera isn't the ultimate goal for me. The larger 60D was just steadier in my hands, and what I saw on the screen looked and felt good. I really liked looking through the optical viewfinder too for stills.
I'm not finished shopping. I won't buy until late December. My mind isn't made up, and I definitely want to try out the GH2 before I pull the trigger.
I just thought I'd share...