GH1 GH2 or GH1 for Low Light?

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ocm8

New member
I like this forum, lots and lots of info. Even though I think I got my camera targeted to get I want to ask a question thats more specific to one filming condition: LOW Light. I plan to buy a GH1 or GH2, I am amazed by it's results. Either way I also plan to get the 20mm with it additionally. I am starting to do more low light videos, and my Nikon is horrible with low light...

Back to the question though, which is better in low light: GH1 or GH2?

And is there anything better than these camera for the price or this the cream of the crop in the price bracket? I seen the GF1 but the GH2/1 is better right?
 
GH2 is better than GH1 in low light. Lots of the GH1s had specific problems with major noise at max iso, some cams worse than others and it's luck of the draw what kind you'll get. GH2s don't have that, also Max hacked ISO on GH1 is 3200, and on the GH2 is 12800.

BUT used GH1s are around $300-400 and GH2s are around $700. If price is a factor that matters and if you don't need 24fps a GF2/3 might be better since they also might have good low light, but not sure.
 
The GF series is going to be missing features the GH series has. Those I have had have been "close but no cigar" when going head to head with a GH. I wouldn't be afraid to use one for a C or D cam as they aren't junk, just not spot on.

The GH2 is better in low light. Along with the ISO already discussed, theirs the increased MP sensor and also the GH1 has white balance issues in low light. But as the last poster already stated, if budget is a consideration, don't be afraid of going GH1.

If it were me, and I was looking between these two and also getting the 20mm, I'd go a slightly different route. I'd go with the GH1 and skip the 20 and go with the Lumix 25mm and put my money in glass first. The 20 has slow focusing issues where the 25 has been vastly improved. Remember, you INVEST in glass but you BUY bodies. Any lens you purchase now should last through a number of bodies and many years. The body, not so much.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Thanks for all the info. How good is the Lumix kit lens? I also have a Nikon 55mm-200mm for zoom already, and a 18mm-55mm lens, think those will work good or bad?
 
For low light you'll want a nice prime lens. the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is fantastic. On my GH2 with the 20mm, the camera can get brighter than the scene looks to my eye.
 
ChipThome said:
The GF series is going to be missing features the GH series has. Those I have had have been "close but no cigar" when going head to head with a GH. I wouldn't be afraid to use one for a C or D cam as they aren't junk, just not spot on.

The GH2 is better in low light. Along with the ISO already discussed, theirs the increased MP sensor and also the GH1 has white balance issues in low light. But as the last poster already stated, if budget is a consideration, don't be afraid of going GH1.

If it were me, and I was looking between these two and also getting the 20mm, I'd go a slightly different route. I'd go with the GH1 and skip the 20 and go with the Lumix 25mm and put my money in glass first. The 20 has slow focusing issues where the 25 has been vastly improved. Remember, you INVEST in glass but you BUY bodies. Any lens you purchase now should last through a number of bodies and many years. The body, not so much.

Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...

+1 This is the right answer
 
ocm8 said:
Thanks for all the info. How good is the Lumix kit lens? I also have a Nikon 55mm-200mm for zoom already, and a 18mm-55mm lens, think those will work good or bad?
Click to expand...

There really is more than one kit lens for the GH2. You can get it with the 14-140mm, 14-42mm, 20mm, 14mm F2.5. I bought mine with the 14-140mm and it is ok for outdoor videos but absolutely useless for true low light videos.

I would get the 25mm F1.4 and the upcoming 35-100mm F2.8 lenses. If you need a wide angle then get the 12mm F2.0 or the 7-14mm for outdoor use.
 
As already said, the GH2 is the better option of the 2 for low light. For me, the GH1 can give useable video to 400, maybe 640 ISO, at a push. I would say the GH2 could go to 800/1600, without too much problem.

In good light and lower ISO, I'd say it's a fairly even match.
 
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