filmguy123
Veteran
coutard / Deezid,
This is a relatively known issue and a common complaint. Some people don't have an eye for it, I suppose, but for those who do, here is what is semi common knowledge in the community:
Native electronic m43 glass has an electronic connection with the m43 body, and Panasonic is known to correct lens distortion electronically. This correction causes softness. To compensate, sharpening is applied. Many consumers cannot distinguish between this digital sharpening (contrast edge enhancement) vs detail resolving, so for many people without an eye for this, it's a non issue. Then of course, there is always the argument of taste - if someone likes it, is it bad? I'll leave the subjective vs objective nature of that for a more philosophical post.
More to your question, it has been found that taping over the electronic contacts on the lens removes this effect. Granted you lose iris and focus control as well, so it's no good as a functional solution, but it demonstrates the artificial distortion correction and sharpening that happens. It is not that Panasonic ignores the issue, its that the problem is a bit larger. Perhaps its kept hush hush because to offer a kill switch could be to highlight lens deficiencies. Who knows, but its there, and it's unlikely to change.
If you are seeing more aesthetically pleasing footage online, it is likely shot with non native glass (adapted), or non electronic native glass. I have had good luck with voigtlander lenses, or you could try adapting vintage glass (nikons, minolta), or modern glass if you prefer. Any of these will give better results. As others mentioned, others may correct this using other tools: physical diffusion filters, diffusion or subtle softening plug ins, etc.
And FWIW, you are far from alone on this issue, and many people have acknowledged it.
This is a relatively known issue and a common complaint. Some people don't have an eye for it, I suppose, but for those who do, here is what is semi common knowledge in the community:
Native electronic m43 glass has an electronic connection with the m43 body, and Panasonic is known to correct lens distortion electronically. This correction causes softness. To compensate, sharpening is applied. Many consumers cannot distinguish between this digital sharpening (contrast edge enhancement) vs detail resolving, so for many people without an eye for this, it's a non issue. Then of course, there is always the argument of taste - if someone likes it, is it bad? I'll leave the subjective vs objective nature of that for a more philosophical post.
More to your question, it has been found that taping over the electronic contacts on the lens removes this effect. Granted you lose iris and focus control as well, so it's no good as a functional solution, but it demonstrates the artificial distortion correction and sharpening that happens. It is not that Panasonic ignores the issue, its that the problem is a bit larger. Perhaps its kept hush hush because to offer a kill switch could be to highlight lens deficiencies. Who knows, but its there, and it's unlikely to change.
If you are seeing more aesthetically pleasing footage online, it is likely shot with non native glass (adapted), or non electronic native glass. I have had good luck with voigtlander lenses, or you could try adapting vintage glass (nikons, minolta), or modern glass if you prefer. Any of these will give better results. As others mentioned, others may correct this using other tools: physical diffusion filters, diffusion or subtle softening plug ins, etc.
And FWIW, you are far from alone on this issue, and many people have acknowledged it.
