Sponsored by Nuffnang.
This post includes:
- Review of Panasonic Lumix G2
- Photos from my first week using the camera
- Competition: Win a Panasonic Lumix G2 camera
I was very excited when Nuffnang invited me to take part in a promotion for the new Panasonic Lumix G2 camera.*
I’ve been researching and thinking about a new camera for close to 12 months but haven’t been able to make my mind up: stay with compact/point-and-shoot or make the jump to DSLR?
I’ve been taking photographs for over five years and don’t mind admitting that I don’t have advanced technical knowledge about photography. Up to now, I’ve only ever used compact digital cameras – my very first, the Canon Ixus V (2005 – 2007) and my trusty Panasonic Lumix TZ3 (2007 – 2010). I’ve favoured compact cameras for their small size mainly because:
- I can carry a compact camera easily wherever I go, in my backpack , in my handbag or on my belt.
- I can take photos in restaurants without being noticed – ninja food blogging!
While the small size and stealth of the compact camera has suited my needs for the most part, low light photography is one of my biggest frustrations and is increasingly a problem as restaurants continue to favour dim lighting in their dining rooms. My TZ3 takes fantastic shots in good lighting conditions but struggles to focus in low light. Its flash is much too bright, creating over-exposed, unusable images. We’ve eaten magnificent meals at restaurants which I haven’t posted here at the blog because it was simply too dark to take photos that would be worth sharing with anyone. DSLR cameras have larger sensors than compact cameras and therefore better imaging capabilities – they perform better in low light situations. But I’ve been reluctant to make the jump to DSLR because of its significantly larger size and more complex operation.
Review
Enter the Panasonic Lumix G2. It’s the perfect compromise between point-and-shoot and DSLR.
The Lumix G2 uses the Micro Four Thirds system, which is a standard created by Olympus and Panasonic. What you get with Micro Four Thirds is an interchangeable lens camera that is bigger than a compact camera but a lot smaller than a DSLR camera. The Micro Four Thirds camera’s sensor is not as big as a standard DSLR’s, but it is bigger than a compact camera’s sensor, so you get DSLR-like advantages – superior image quality and better low light capability – without the bulk of a DSLR.
More info about the Micro Four Thirds system at the Panasonic website
The Lumix G2 includes manual controls so advanced users can tweak settings to their heart’s content, but the auto settings also mean you don’t need to be an expert to use it right away. There’s even an Intelligent Auto (iA) mode which chooses all the settings for you. I haven’t used iA mode though – I’ve been having too much fun experimenting with the controls and settings, using a combination of auto and manual settings. I think this will be the perfect camera for me to use as I learn more about photography.
The camera has a live view LCD screen as well as an electronic viewfinder. The LCD screen is very cool – it’s also a touchscreen and it swivels 180 degrees forward or 90 degrees towards you so you can take photos at high or low angles more easily. The swivel screen makes self-portraits easy too. I haven’t found the touch screen to be that responsive to my touch – I guess I’m used to my iPod Touch, which is very responsive. I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it.
The Lumix G2 shoots HD movies too, but I haven’t had the chance to try that feature out yet.
The camera shoots RAW or jpg or you can even choose both. I’ve never worked with RAW image files before but I plan to learn.
The Panasonic Lumix G2 is a 12.1 megapixel camera. RRP is AU$1299 for the standard pack with one kit lens (14-42mm) or AU$1599 for the twin lens pack, which is great value as it includes the 14-42mm lens as well as a zoom lens (45-200mm). The Panasonic Lumix G2 is available in three colours: black, blue and red.
Read more about the Lumix G2 at the Panasonic Australia Lumix website.
After a week of using the camera, here are my impressions:
- I’ve discovered I much prefer using the electronic viewfinder instead of the LCD screen to compose my shots. Sounds corny, but I feel more like a photographer using the viewfinder. :) My previous camera, the TZ3, didn’t have a viewfinder. The camera has an eye sensor that automatically switches to the electronic viewfinder when you place your eye close to the viewfinder and switches the LCD screen off, but I have been using the camera with the LCD closed anyway.
- I really like the build quality of the camera. It’s solid and sturdy and although I have small hands, the grip is very comfortable to hold and I love how the camera feels in my hands as I use it. If it was a car, I’d say it has “superb handling”. :)
- I definitely won’t be able to take stealth food photos with the G2. The act of taking photos with the G2 is more obvious due to its size and my peering through the electronic viewfinder and the size of the camera – it’s not a large camera by any means, but it’s definitely bigger than my old camera. But given how much fun I’m having using it and how great the photos look, so far I think the trade-off is worth it. I’ve bought myself a great little camera bag (Tarmac brand) which fits the camera with the kit lens attached and enough space to carry spare batteries, memory cards, notebook and pen. I can wear the case using the shoulder strap or fit it into my backpack.
- I love it! I’m not getting rid of my TZ3 right away, but the Lumix G2 will be my everyday camera from now on. My sister Juji had a play with it on the weekend and has told me she now plans to buy one herself!
Photos from my first week using the Panasonic Lumix G2 camera
All photos below were taken with:
- the kit lens that came with the camera
- ISO 400 unless stated otherwise
- auto white balance
- the flash set to off.
For this post, I tried to take photographs in different lighting conditions, at different times of day and of typical subjects you’d see here at the blog.
My first photos were of dinner! Meatloaf and green beans, taken in the kitchen at 6:41pm. Most of my food photos are taken indoors, often in less than ideal lighting conditions, so to test the camera in low light, I left the down lights switched off in the kitchen. I did adjust the brightness of the resulting photo but was very impressed by the camera’s ability to focus in low light and the resulting sharpness of the shot.
Portrait of Billy Lee, taken indoors at 7:17pm. Still testing the camera’s low light abilities, I took this photo in the living room with the overhead light switched off. Billy Lee was watching TV when I took this photo. I didn’t use portrait or night portrait mode so was pleased with how this photo turned out. I haven’t been able to take a decent photo of Pixel yet – she doesn’t like the new camera at all and leaves or looks away as soon as I point the camera at her.
Fruit bowl, taken indoors at 7:15pm using macro food mode, again with the kitchen down lights off. I love the detail captured in the shot, especially the hairs on the kiwi fruit.
Our Chinese home delivery Szechuan tofu (ma po tofu), taken indoors in the kitchen with the down lights on, at 6:58pm. I’ve taken photos of ma po tofu over the years and this is probably my favourite of the lot.
Homegrown capsicums, taken outdoors at 7:50am, ISO 200.
Homegrown red capsicum, taken outdoors at 8:05am using macro flower mode, ISO 200. With macro flower mode, you get grid lines on the LCD screen or in the electronic viewfinder (whichever you’re using). I found the grid very handy for composing this shot.
Gourmet bacon and egg Turkish roll, taken indoors at The Coffee Club, Carousel Shopping Centre at 10:12am, ISO 320. My review of The Coffee Club, including more photos, will be coming up soon.
Pork and vegetable dumplings, taken indoors in our kitchen with natural light at 11:49am, ISO 400. They were meaty and delicious, by the way! There’ll be a post featuring the dumplings soon!
Sunset, taken at 5:17pm outdoors using sunset scene mode at ISO 160. I was standing outside Sizzler in Riverton when I saw the beautiful sky.
Tapas plate, taken indoors in High Road Hotel in Riverton at 6:19pm using macro food mode at ISO 400. I’m very excited – usable photographs in a dimly lit restaurant! My TZ3 would have struggled in those lighting conditions. I have since taken more restaurant photos in low light, and they’ve turned out fantastic – those photos/posts are coming up soon.
What do you think? So far, I’ve been really happy with the photos. I still have a lot to learn about the camera’s controls and functions. I’m looking forward to getting better at using the camera and hopefully taking even better photos.
EDIT, 29 August 2010
See more photos taken using the Lumix G2 camera:
- Coffee Club, Cannington
- Dumplings
- Cat photos
- Junk food photos
- Family photos
- East Perth, morning and night
- Miss Maud Pastry House Carousel
- Dinner – chicken and mushroom-filled savoury pancakes
- Toast, East Perth 2
- Havana Restaurant and Bar, East Perth
My top tips for food blog photography
I’m no expert, but these things have worked for me while using the TZ3 and I plan to do the same with the Lumix G2.
- Make sure the subject of your photo (the food) is in focus. I cannot stress how important this is – blurry pictures do not make good food porn! But blurred backgrounds can look great, especially if there’s a lot of unrelated junk in the background and it’s not possible to move all the stuff out of the shot. That’s the situation I’m usually in when taking food photos at home.
- Take photos using natural light if possible and avoid using the camera flash. Since 2007, no photo featured on this blog was taken using the flash. Pre-2007 when I used my very first digital camera, a Canon Ixus V, I used the flash regularly because I didn’t know any better. ;) The Lumix G2 comes with a pop-up flash but you can also use a hot shoe flash with it. I don’t plan to use the G2’s flash very much at all though.
- If you have a macro setting on your camera (usually represented by a tulip icon), try using it when taking close-ups of food. This will really help with the focus issue. I like to focus in close on my subject (the food) with a very short depth of field, so the food is the star of the shot. The Lumix G2 includes four macro modes: food, flower, object and creative close-up, which allows you to adjust the degree of background blurring.
- Learn to keep your hands really still when taking photos. Some people use a tripod (I don’t). Most cameras/lenses these days (including the Lumix G2’s kit lens) have image stabilisation which also helps!
- Experiment with your camera settings and modes to work out what looks best in different lighting situations.
Competition: Win a Panasonic Lumix G2 camera
Thanks to Nuffnang and Panasonic, you could win a Panasonic Lumix G2 camera!
The prize
Panasonic Lumix G2 camera with the 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH kit lens, the same kit I’ve used to take the photographs featured in this post.
Competition closes
11:59 pm AEDST 3 September 2010. This competition is now closed.
Who can enter
Australian residents, aged 14 years and over. You may not enter if you are management, employees or contractors of the promoter (Nuffnang Australia) and other agencies, firms or companies associated with the Promotion (including suppliers of prize Panasonic), and their immediate families.
Visit the Nuffnang blog for the full terms and conditions.
How to enter
Leave a comment at this post in response to the question:
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Note: If you are entering the competition, please make it clear in your comment e.g. by including the question as well as your answer!
Please make sure you fill in the email address field when leaving a comment. Your email address will not be published but will be used to contact you if you win. Good luck! And feel free to ask any questions you have about the camera – I’ll do my best to answer!
*Thanks to the generosity of Panasonic, I get to keep the camera! And I have since purchased the Lumix 20mm f1.7 ASPH “pancake” lens, which fits perfectly in my new camera bag and makes the camera even more compact. Stay tuned for LOTS more photographs taken with the Lumix G2 and more about the pancake lens – I am having so much fun with this camera!
I'm TFP, a food blogger from Perth, Western Australia.
{ 152 comments… read them below or add one }
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
- Everyone knows a good photographer not only need good skills, but good tools too. With an excellent tool like the Lumix G2, I am very confident that my photography will reach a whole new dimension.
The pic of the sunset mode is beautiful! Currently, i am using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX10. It’s been with me for about 2 years and it’s great for macro-shots, easy to bring along and fits in my clutch but it’s flash can be too strong when turned on and during low-light events, the shots can turn out a little too dark and dull. (when i try not to use the flash). Currently, I am toying with the idea of a Nikon D90 as it has video-recording function or the Olympus Pen.
But looking @ ur photos, it seems that the Panasonic Lumix G2 will be able to counter all of the problems that i’ve mentioned & it also has video recording functions with touchscreen!
With the Panasonic Lumix G2, i believe i can quit worrying about the eventual turnout of my shots in any scenario and lighting, plus the colours are amazing. With touchscreen functions, it will also be useful that i dont have to squint my eyes in low-light situations to choose a certain photo-mode. :)
Have u tried the video functions? How’s the sound quality like? Does the mic pick up sound well? What’s the battery life like?
That said, how heavy is the Panasonic Lumix G2? I know it won’t fit into my clutch.. that’s for sure. :)
Rene,
I haven’t had a chance (nor anything interesting) to test out the video functions. I hope to do so soon though – will post video when I do, The battery life has been excellent. I bought a spare battery because I am paranoid about running out of battery but the very first battery lasted ages before I had to charge it. I’ve been very impressed with the battery life. The camera with 14-42mm kit lens, battery and memory card weigh a total of approx 593g (the camera body on its own is 371g). I don’t find it that heavy, I have been taking it with me to work everyday in my backpack just as I did my previous camera. It’s been a pretty seamless transition from the old camera to this one. :)
Thanks FP ~ 593g is REALLY light for a DSLR w all the works!
e Nikon D90 feels like it could be close to 1kg w the battery, SD card & lens.
Decisions, decisions!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’m quite sure with a camera of this quality I can stop worrying how my photographs will turn out and actually enjoy taking them again. No more struggling to find the right mode to pick up enough light for a decent photo or being forced to use the flash and getting over-exposed shots. Particularly, no more frustration at poor macro shots due to being forced to manually adjust the focus.
The Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer by enhancing the outcome of the photo with clear and crisp images of the item I am taking yet blurring the unnecessary background stuff!
Wow!! This is so exciting for you!!! And I’m so excited for those staying in Australia!! Too bad..this competition does not apply to me :( *sobs* otherwise, I’ll definitely take up the challenge to be the next TFP-wannabe! haha.. :P Looking forward to moreeeee restaurant food porn!! :D
Peky,
It’s been very exciting having a new camera to use. I definitely have more restaurant food porn coming up, the photos all taken using the new camera. I just can’t write the posts quickly enough!
Oh my that is an awesome camera, I can see already how much details it picks up compared to most point and click cameras. The lens blur of the backgrounds is brilliant, normally I would be having to do at least a little of that in photoshop. The sunset is stunning.
After years of playing with photos for brochures, promotions, annual reports and the like for clients, bosses etc, my eyes are struggling…It would be truly delightful to be able to point and click with an amazing camera like the Panasonic Lumix GS and enjoy the photos as they are without having to tweak them in photoshop…
We have just purchased the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 which is great for everyday use but I have just started card making and scrapbooking and want to set up a blog. The pictures I take with my current camera just do not make the grade as I often have to take them in low light conditions. The Lumix G2 would show my cards and scrapbooking pages EXACTLY how they should be shown.
TFP, you eat Kiwis with their skin on?? D:
Joe,
No, I don’t. :) I don’t actually like kiwi fruit and don’t eat them! Jac loves them – she ate the kiwis pictured. She cuts them into wedges (as you see in the photo) and then eats the flesh off the skins, and throws away the skins. Kind of like how some people eat mango, they leave the skin on and eat the flesh off it, then discard the skin.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
-Well considering I don’t own a camera of any description and let’s be frank even a disposable instamatic would be better than nothing right now. But in the Lumix G2 I see a worthy successor to the shaky crayon drawn memories that I have to pass off as “blurred memories” that is my current situation.
How would the lumix make me a better photographer?
By allowing me to explore digital photography instead of film and hopefully inspiring my very own food porn shots. I want to jump into the deep end of the porn industry ;)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Well, to begin with.. being a n00b-y food photographer on a student wage is tricky at the best of times. The Lumix G2 would give me that kick start to get my blog up and running without having to stress about dodgy looking photos…..what a lovely bit of machinery..
The Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer as it would be an upgrade from the point and shoot that I currently have. I have always desired a SLR camera but find it expensive and probably inconvenient for travel. The Lumix G2 would be a perfect compromise and I will be able to get great quality pictures with my amateur skills. The pictures that you posted looks so lovely, I wish I would be able to snap such professional looking pictures. I have also wanted a camera that is capable of producing clear pictures during low light and this seems like it does the job just fine!
I am sooo envious! Good Luck to all the Aussies who enter.
I purchased a Sony CyberShot in April and am loving it. The Lumix G2 seems to be a more advanced version of my camera. I think the pictures you took look fabulous. I really liked the pepper shots.
Cant believe you got the camera for free. I got a small Oreo Cheesecake Blizzard from Dairy Queen the other day and I was happy but I would have liked a free camera more.
As a photographer myself. I’m strictly canon. And maybe I’ll sound like an ass for saying this but I’ve come across plenty of photographers who feel like me and get annoyed when people buy bug fancy dslr cameras and it’s for stuff like their cats or dogs or small simple things. I just think about all the features people will never use and then ask myself why they don’t get point an shoots that can handle everyday photos (and they exist) it’s an artists thing.
Awesome giveaway!
Panasonic Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer because a good camera makes everything look good (even my cooking!)! I would also like to be able to take video which I can’t do with my current camera.
Excellent pics TFP, looking forward to this new era of drool worthy food porn.
Thanks, Megan. So am I!
How could it not make me a better photographer? My ixus is dying a painful death, my hands shake like crazy these days, so a better camera would only make this better for me and my blog readers!
Oh, if I could take photos that looked like that I would be as happy as the cat that got the cream ☺
The Lumix G2 certainly takes great photos……
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Considering that my last camera has a nasty scratch right across the lens and a new camera has been on my To Do List for oh… the last four years (!), a camera that can set up photos whilst I’m learning to tweak settings… Well, that will definitely make me a better photographer!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Oh my – with late nights and late meals – finding enough light to capture good photos of dinner has been a struggle this winter! But I love that this camera wokrs well in light – and it SURE WOULD make me a better photographer because of that!
I am looking forward to all your lovely bokeh-ridden photos so much. Hurry up already willya?
Must point out though:
” so you get DSLR-like advantages… without the bulk of a DSLR.”
There are quite a few other DSLRs that size – the G2 is an entry level DSLR much like the brands have that cater for similar needs.
I’m waiting for the day you pick up a mean, heavy pro SLR though. Now that you’re a photo geek there’s no going back :D
Carmen,
This might be the wrong forum for you to air your artistic grief. I must say now that I am very curious to see what your cat / dog / simple things pictures are like with your pro gear though! Send us a link?
The compact size of the Panasonic Lumix G2 makes it very portable and would allow me to capture natural shots of my family wherever we are. I wouldn’t have to worry about my photographic ability as the Panasonic Lumix G2 would take out the guess work for me, just leaving me with crisp, sharp and beautiful photo’s. Sounds like the perfect camera to have!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I take photos with my 4 year old phone , nuff said.
8)
Q: How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
A: A skilled musician is only as good as the quality of his/her instrument and this is certainly the same for photographers.
My photographic potential is limited and bounded by the capability of my current humble point and shoot but with Lumix G2, it is about to be unleashed.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’ve been taking photos of food that I cook for my little girl since she started solids 4 years ago. I’d like her childhood memories to both taste good and look good too on photos and I’m sure this new camera is going to do just that!
Q: How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
A: The low-light photography features! Most of my cooking is done after work, and down here in Tassie with the short winter days my photos are suffering with the lack of light in the evenings! I’m currently saving up for a Panasonic DMC-LX3, but the G2 would be even more amazing… I would love to have bokeh in my photos! :)
Because of my little one, I do my baking late at night. I’d be able to take pictures of my creations without them being ridiculously overexposed.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I have been using a Panasonic Lumix LX3 for two years and it is outstanding, but the Lumix G2 offers the advangage of interchangable lenses, touch screen operation and full time live view and all this in a form factor still compact enough to be carried to any bloggable event.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would replace my terrible 4 year old Sony point and shoot! It would not only make me a better photographer, especially with the great detail in the shots and light distribution, but it would make me a better cook! I’d want to cook more just so I could take photos of it! They are great shots, you can certainly tell the difference.
It also helps for struggling noobie photographers like myself, I like the convenience of point and shoot but learning how to adjust ISO settings and other manual functions is nice to be able to do eventually. It’s a great camera for the amateur to the awesome!
P.S great post TFP, I love seeing product reviews and you do such fantastic in depth write ups, exactly what we needed to know, so thank you :-)
How would the Lumix G2 make me a better photographer?
I am still mourning the loss of my Canon Ixus that I lost a while ago and while I have been hoping that it will turn up somewhere it has yet to reappear (with its SD card full of holiday snaps).
As I am without camera now winning the Lumix G2 will make me a photographer again (hopefully a better one!).
Oooh a camera competition, how exciting! You’re spreading the joy of food porn far and wide with this one!
Q. How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
A. I think the main differences for the better, largely noticeable to my nearest and dearest, would be the lack of forlorn looks and wistful sighs whenever someone around me pulls out their bigboy SLR, dwarfing my little light-hungry point’n’shoot. They may also appreciate a reduction in my monopolisation of choosing the restaurant tables at which we sit to maximise light exposure.
I’m excited at the prospect of having more control over my photographs, and being able to play against the focus. I love the shots that other bloggers are able to achieve with a sharp, crisp subject and warm, fuzzy ‘props’ in the background (like with your warm bacon & egg Turkish roll shot above – added bonus with the prop in this case being another tasty roll!).
Like many, most of my blog-worthy cooking/eating/baking occurs under the cover of darkness and the Lumix G2 would allow for crisp photos to be taken without having to wait until the following day to photograph leftover meals, or to photograph and finally get to eat my baking exploits.
Finally, it would make me a better photographer because I’d look like a better photographer.
Thanks TFP :)
How would the Lumix G2 make me a better photographer?
I drool over this camera….Have always wanted a camera that I can fiddle with and get great quality photos, but have not been keen on lugging a full sized DSLR!! This is right up my alley…great automatic features, plus I’d be the envy of the photography class I’d join to learn how to use it properly!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I would use the Lumix G2 to make my food photos more “delicious and edible” (by utilizing the camera and focusing on the “better” parts of my cooking) so when I send the high quality photos to my family and friends they would like to taste the abomination i made! Even though in their subconscious, they know the truth…..
The Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer by allowing me to capture, keep forever and share with overseas family members, my childrens’ lives with stunning clarity and gorgeous colour.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It won’t make me a better photographer, it is a better camera in terms of its software and technology than the Panasonic TZ 1, TZ 5 and TZ 7 cameras l currently own, okay l admit it l am a Panasonic camera tech junkie, by being better l mean it has more ability to capture the moment as it looked in my eye’s mind and won’t need touching up in Aperture 3 on my iMac before being uploaded to correct the lighting but that doesn’t mean to say it won’t be artistically improved upon by me before posting. Whilst still retaining some of the TZ ease of portability for use when and where the moment arises allowing me to add and enhance my digital camera image library beyond its current 40,000 content at higher image quality first time every time
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Wow, you sound just like me, I’m on my second compact digital camera & have been procrastinating over whether to make the jump or not to a DSLR too. Believe it or not I’ve also been looking at the Panasonic Lumix range! Love your photos, they are def clearer & the lighting looks greater than anything I have taken on my cameras which really reassures me that I need that new camera & soon, if only I could make up my mind. If you take a look at my blog & my photos you will see that for sure I will benefit from a new camera. Also my children are now 3 & 1 and I really want to get some better photos of them before they get much older & am convinced that the new camera would do it. Above all else, all of those settings give so much room to be creative that I can only dream of the fun I would have trying it all out, hopefully one day soon
How would the lumix make me a better photographer?
Put a camera in most people’s hand and watch the photographer in them come out, this would certainly be possible with a Lumix. The Lumix would give me the confidence in taking fantastic pictures knowing they will look awesome! You may have the creativity but you also need the tools to show it.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Well for a start i don’t have a camera; it broke years ago and i have just never had the time/money to buy a really good replacement.
‘A picture tells a thousand words’ however i think it is worth so much more. It can evoke the memory of an experience, a taste, a smell,old love, old friends, youthful dreams and aspirations, tears or joy, tears of sadness, a smile……..
I wonder if i am depriving my future self and family the pleasure of reliving these moments in time by letting them pass……….
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Whenever I take a photo with my old cheap camera, it always looks completely different to how i envisioned it and I feel with the Lumix G2 I would really be able to capture memories and moments how I saw and experienced them and remember them being. It’s the small details that matter and it’s these that evoke the deepest feelings and make you really remember the moment and relive it every time you look at a photograph. I hardly have any photos from the past 7 years because my family completely lost interest in taking photos that never did anything any justice.
Everything in life is beautiful. Whether it’s the smiling faces of your friends and family or just the beautiful nature scenery. I would really love to capture the moment and decorate my room with photos everywhere.
Looking at the photos in this post taken by the camera, the quality and focus is perfect and it would really help make me a better photographer because my camera takes forever to take (sometimes you will miss the moment if the camera takes too long and people get frustrated) and also the quality is very dodgy.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I currently use a point and shoot to do my photography – and although my camera has many manual settings (including focus) it’s just not the same. I’d love the chance to play around with an SLR again and really stretch and improve my abilities as a photographer while I work on trying new techniques.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I am generally the victim of the “you don’t need an SLR” comments from my family, but I blog, and would like to become a more successful blogger. I think that my photography equipment is really letting me down in being able to capture life as *I* see it, it always ends up slightly watered down, or muted. I want to see in my photos what it is that made me want to take the photo in the first place. Whether it’s the detail in a lace shawl that I’ve just knit, the sun streaming through leaves in the tree as the seasons change, or my almost 4 year old son’s sparkling, laughing eyes. With the photos that I’ve seen the Lumix G2 take, I really think that it will help me capture life vividly, and in real, living colour.
TFP! Now in HD! Loving every crisp detail in your pack of photos.
Cheers, John! And much more to come!
I think the Lumix would make me a better photographer because it would allow me to experiment with manual settings which my current point and click doesn’t do.
:)
OMG that’s so cool you get the camera for free. very noice! How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer? If I won this little gorgeous baby it would definitely help me to be a better photographer in obtaining depth of field and low lighting condition photos. i would be able to be more creative and take shots that my existing compact Canon Ixus 70 can’t handle now. :-)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I only ever used a point-and-shoot camera, and have always wanted to try out a DSLR. I’ve been getting a bit discouraged with many shots coming out overexposed or blurry..so this would be great! The complexity of it overwhelms me a bit too, but ohh the possibilities! It gets me reallly excited just thinking about it!
Btw TFP, your photos have always looked so professional, the way you can use a point-and-shoot is impressive! (same as many other bloggers!). And I can’t wait to see more.
Panasonic Lumix G2: How will the Panasonic Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I always wanted a DSLR which can take better and clearer pictures than normal compact cameras..But because of the size and price, i can never get one until panasonic released their Lumix G2 which is a smaller version of DSLR. I am a person who loves taking pictures but never get the chance to because i don’t have a good camera on me, so relying on the camera that comes in my mobile is just not good..I don’t take convincing pictures with my mobile camera nor my compact camera, I always wanted to learn how to take good pictures just like other blogger. I believe by using the Panasonic Lumix G2 i can definitely learn how to take good pictures and will make a good use out of it. I will definitely love the Panasonice Lumix G2 camera!:)
I have been taking photos for 8 years, took photo all through out highschool and am majoring in photography currently. There was no intention of targeting TFP just making a comment…like all of you :). However if you’re so eager to view my work please click on my name which will take you to my Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/itscarmennnn hope you enjoy.
carmen,
No worries, no offence taken on my part. I do agree that for many people there’s no need to spend loads of money on features they would never use/need. Like Jac would never need a computer with gamer’s specs as all she’d ever want to do is use Word, surf internet and write emails. :) But in my case this camera is perfect because I do want to learn more about photography while still being able to take reasonable pics using intelligent/auto functions (and of course, the image quality and low light capability are such an improvement too). Judging from the responses to the comp, there are quite a few people like me out there! :)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I am a huge sucker for electronics, and in terms of computers, storage media, music players and appliances, I find a way to get them. But I’ve never owned a camera, even though I love taking and shooting pictures.
So, there is NO way that this camera won’t make me a better photographer because I’ll be able to finally practice!
(I know I need practice, since I’ve had few days with a pretty great DSLR and a nifty fancy point-and-shoot, and they did a good job of correcting my not-so-mad skillz. Equipment that compensates for human error? Awesome.)
>How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would nicely fit in between my DSLR and the Panasonic Lumix TZ7 — for those occasion when a more sensitive camera is required, without being too bulky and heavy. The quality of colour rendition, low light capacity and high resolution of the G2 will no doubt cover very well various photographing conditions, so that no photographs will be missed being taken. — TT
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Because being a camera nerd and only having a film camera keeps me down in the dumps. With the Lumix G2, I don’t have to save up all the film til the end of the year when I visit Malaysia to get it developed. I can stop fretting if I did something silly to expose the film. I can FINALLY not be nervous at each picture shot because with the G2 I know for a fact that it will turn out beautiful and without a budget limit.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Someone told me that good ohotos are dependant on luck and a good camera-I’m not very lucky so I need a Lumix G2 :)
Being a student on a strict budget with a deep unfulfilled interest in Photography, the GM2 would assist me greatly as it would be a substantial upgrade from having to use my mobile phone’s not-so-great camera to explore my interest in Photography. I often spend hours learning about different types of Photography and never have the equipment to produce quality photos of my encounters with all the variants of photography. Hopefully the GM2 will assist me greatly in doing so.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Currently the best camera I have is on my phone. I have recently started my own blog, and it is so hard to take some good photo’s with my phone. I am really interested in photography, and the Lumix would definitely help me to play around! I have wanted to buy a camera, but I just can’t afford it!
How would the Lumix G2 make ME a better photographer?
It takes the guess work out, producing beautiful shots first go – so whilst I’m slowly reading the manual cover to cover and learning the ins and outs and tricks of the trades – I can still be clicking like crazy trying to capture every moment and experience … with magnificent results! (What I normally call my ‘happy accidents’) The joys and ease of ‘point and click’ with the style and power of DSLR – how can ANY photographer (novice or not) go wrong?
And on that note, like always after reading the many blurb and blogs on TFP’s page… I’m hungry and off to the kitchen!!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
By giving me a camera to work with, haha :)
that photo of the meatloaf is incredible!!!
you take amazing photos anyway, but wow!!!
i think it would make me a better photographer by allowing me to focus properly haha!!! no matter what i do, my pics always seem to come out unfocused, with or without my glasses :P
Oh SNAP, a camera that spins? *faints*
Geeky yes, my apologies. Now for your question, why would the Lumix G2 make me a better photographer?
Because it will order me (in a James Earl Jones type-voice) to stop messing around and FOCUS. Lame, yes. But the Lumix will provide inspiration like no other, and that’s what every photographer needs. Preferably with a James Earl Jones voiceover.
Fantasic responses so far guys! I’m so glad it’s not me who selects the winner, I wouldn’t know who to choose. :) Keep ‘em coming!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Oh where to start!!
The Fuji Finepiz Z digital camera I have currently, is rather crappy to be honest, plus I lost the USB! I have hardly taken any photos all year so my skills have all but gone to say the least. So having a beautiful Lumix G2, I would become the most awesome photographer ever!
I love taking photos of food in particular. I spend hours each week reading regular food blogs and looking for delicious pictures. If I had a Lumix G2 I could upload pictures like the best of them! I think I would have no choice but to really start an offical blog :)
Oh but I can dream :)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I am always missing those great shots of my kids because a large SLR is just too big for me to carry around in addition to all things kid-related in my mary poppins sized bag! The Lumix G2 is just what I am looking for in a powerful amazing camera that can truly be by my side when ever life’s moments need to be captured. After all, it’s the small things that count!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Better photos of delicious food by the Lumix G2 = a happier and better photographer.
I am addicted to taking photos of any mouthwatering delights I come across. With an excellent camera such as the Lumix G2, I would be ready to snap away at every scrumptious morsel and capture the delicate sauce dripping down my dessert at any moment without worrying about the lighting conditions or bad quality photos.
I can indulge all my fantasies about being a whimsical and curious foreign traveller armed with an impressive camera. They always appear so full of hope and inspiration. I can live out that fantasy right here in my own city without even having to board a plane! All I need is the camera in hand, a mind at the ready and a heart ready to engage. Living in the moment is difficult when you are so busy, but being given the opportunity to stop and think about the here and now is even more rewarding when the technology you are using feels pleasurable to the touch. The tools the Lumix G2 gives you provides you the opportunity to capture an imagined vision that really is magical.
I’ve loved photography since I was at school, but I miss the manipulation of SLRs- ‘point and shoot’ digital cameras are great, but it seems that the ability to manipulate the image depends on computer skills, not photography!
This camera seems like a great compromise- it’s compact (excellent for holiday food pics) but has the ability to change lenses and use my photography skills more. I’ll definitely be checking this out ;)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Because I would be inspired to take a lot more pictures (because I’d have an awesome camera) and in doing that I’d get more practice and become a better photographer, YAY! Also, it doesn’t hurt that the simple user friendly functions and automatic settings will contribute to a zero strike rate for bad photos! You can’t go wrong with a Lumix G2!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’m desperate to get into photography more (it’s my way of dealing with grief and loss – photographing beautiful things around me) but can’t afford to upgrade my digi camera to a decent one – nor convince the better half fund it!
The Lumix G2 looks like a perfect compromise because I think the “normal” DSLR’s are too big and bulky to carry around all the time but your average point & shoot digi camera isn’t advanced enough to get really good images.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?: I’m a photographer trying to make a career out of my passion for this art. Being able to get the support and features a Lumix G2 has to offer would greatly help me improve my photography and bring me closer to my dream of being a full time travel photographer.
It is not every day that you find a camera you would like to work with: but Lumix G2 seems to be an excellent match for my temperament to practice photography under challenging situations. I referred back to my colleagues: they said it would be a great opportunity to build off one’s hobby.
In the very last semester of my bachelor’s degree, during a recruitment session conducted for graduating students by the organization where I acquired my first job, individuals were asked: whom amongst the class mates would they most prefer to work with. Nine people in a row gave my name in response to that question. The recruiters hired me instantaneously: apparently, I used to make people feel the most comfortable and confident; discovering a new side of them with my steadfast and amusing style of taking pictures with just a point and shoot. I have still managed to hold onto that title with just the camera on my cell phone. I work hard and am even a harder pursuer of my passions for travel, people and food. I would simply love to have Lumix G2 as my partner in that pursuit.
what a nice surprise… I am looking into buying G2… and here you are having a competition to win one.. I shall try my luck.. :)
How would Lumix G2 make you a better photographer??
I was a given my first Lumix (DMC-FX8) by my dearest husband about 6 years ago… and its about to give up on me.. plus nobody produced a 512 MB SD card anymore! The camera literally lives in my handbag.. or glued to my hand..
With Lumix G2… I see a lot of potential… I am able to take beautiful and wonderful shots of food (as I am a foodblogger too!!)… nature and people too…taking impromptu shots on the spur of the moment. I could indulge in my passion for photography by upgrading to DSLR ..seeing and capturing moments thru the lens of a camera… minus the weight!!
DMC-FX8 has given me a lot of precious shots… with G2 in my hand… it’ll be tremendous.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
By providing me with the key tool I have thus far been lacking in my 10 years of serious interest in still life and portrait photograph – a worthy camera!
The more I learn about the Lumix G2, the more I’m tantalised by what I could achieve. Kurt Vonnegut once said that the simple act of creating something, anything, has a place in everyone’s – whether it’s singing in the shower or writing a six-line poem you never show to anyone else…
I agree with this with what’s referred to as gusto. For me, creating means capturing the things around me in the way that I see them. The Lumix G2 would help me do this like never before.
How would the Lumix G2 make ME a better photographer?
Well, I learned of this competition in the blog ‘the food pornographer’;
That got me thinking how good it would be
To have at my disposal this Panasonic beauty.
Packed in a body that is light and compact,
It will be so convenient to carry it around in my bag;
Whenever and wherever I so wish
It will be there to capture what I would otherwise miss..
Petite it may be
Yet it has the DSLR’s pack of goodies;
And with all the interchangeable lenses,
It will really fire up my creative juices!
The pioneering technology of the Micro Four Thirds
Ensures the photo quality is tip-top;
Live view or viewfinder, manual or auto,
Still or Movie: so flexible I won’t know where to stop!
With all the bells and whistles it can do,
I would definitely love to have one too!
Oh how I long to own you,
Such a beauty, the Lumix G2 !
I have been in the look out for great camera like this for over a year, finally a great camera with lots of functionality to make photos look as good as the professionals. To be honest, I have 0 knowledge if photography, but this camera will make me look like a pro so that I can brag more about my food photos. I hope to win so that my blog will get great photos it’s deserved ( lots of good camera as good as this is so expensive, simply not affordable but now Lumix have the answer)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I am currently using a point and click camera with no extra settings on it for my food photography. I have to set up my pictures in an overly bright atmosphere and then photoshop them to get anything decent enough to post. This camera would help me to get better quality photos and ultimately post more on my blog because I wouldn’t have to spend so much time fiddling with my pictures. Also, I have small hands like you, so this sounds like a great alternative to a bulky DSLR!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Just like yourself, I love my food. :) Unfortunately, the point and shoot does not do any justice in providing mouth watering shots and in low light, the flash tends to wash out a lot of the colour and flatten the textures. I am in the market to look for a compact SLR as sometimes pulling out a full sized DSLR at a restaurant just isn’t appropriate. I think the Panasonic Lumix G2 would be able to provide those great shots that I am after but yet be compact enough to be pulled out at any time for any occasion. :)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The Lumix G2 would be me a better photographer as the spirit of quality and functionality it embodies would inspire me to pay greater attention to detail invest greater effort in trying to produce more aesthetically pleasing photographs. Often I am discouraged from doing so, as my camera tends produce noisy and grainy photographs without flash.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I was fascinated by my dad’s old film camera and now my own trusty little happy snap is an extention of my right arm. Some people don’t understand my passion and they cringe when I whip out my camera to photograph something seemingly insignificant. It’s such a shame, as I think that the camera is one of the most amazing inventions and contributes so much to humankind. Judging from photos lovingly shot by pet owners like myself, they’re pretty important to the animal kingdom too :)
Every year, I come up with a topic and each day, I take a photo for it. My “365-days project” has taught me much and shown me so much more. It brings me excitement and inspiration. It makes me itch for the next item to ‘play’ with. It makes people see things that they wouldn’t otherwise have noticed. It makes people ’stop and see the flowers’, so to speak.
The Lumix G2 will take me and my project to the next level by allowing me to be more creative with my shots and get more technical with photography. The DSLR-like quality in a compact form is just the thing I need. I love the macro function on my current camera, but you know what, I want to love many, many more functions. I’ll read the manual from cover to cover, so that when the moment arrives, I can draw on my knowledge and the camera will do the rest effortlessly.
At the end of the day, I just want to freeze a moment in time and the Lumix G2 will help me to capture its life, colour and soul, in all its glory and give the moment the respect it truly deserves.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I currently use a Lumix TZ5, which is great for Travel Photography. I can just chuck it in my bag, and the 10x Optical Zoom and variety of different scene modes can help me get the shot in most situations.
However, as my photography improves, I’m starting to crave that extra level of control that only a fully manual camera can offer. Which is why I need the Lumix G2.
Optical Viewfinder to aid composition, manual focus fine-tuning, RAW format recording, compatability with a plethora of lenses, and the ability to record 720p video with external mic input are just a handful of the features which will greatly improve my work.
As a student who can’t afford to upgrade from a compact right now, the Panasonic Lumix G2 would completely change my life, not just my photography.
I reckon the Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer as currently I am shooting with my phone :)
Technology moves fast and my poor little 3MP compact has been crawling for years but finally bit the dust, quite literally when recording my mudbrick house build for prosterity.
The range of shots you have composed and recorded with the Lumix are astounding. The macro mode shoots superbly, the detail is crisp and the contrast sharp, even in the early morning natural light shots. It is easy to be impressed by shots when the camera has all the modes and aids tolet you make great photos easily, kowing what you see in your minds eye can be captured truly in the image.
With the expenses of building and kids I don’t see myself being able to spring for a camera anytime soon but I’ll keep my fingers crossed
Bratt
As a web designer that takes all my own client photos, having a camera that can quickly adapt from client to client, from outdoor to indoor, to portraits and action shots, often all in the same day, without me needing to flex my brain muscle would allow me to concentrate on the composition rather than all the camera settings, and from what I’ve read, the battery life on the G2 is outstanding, so more shots to choose from without worrying about dead battery.
Cheers,
Gavin
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Because with the Lumix G2, l would never take a photo of my partner kathy where her nose would look too big, her eyes wouldn’t look red when she is photographed drinking, would never take a photograph of her bad side as the G2 can’t take a bad photo and most importantly of all whatever she was wearing the G2 would never make her bum look fat
Mark
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I have two very active kids. Our old camera is rather slow and can’t catch them in action. The Lumix G2 would allow me to take crisp clear action shots of my two kids.
Ingrid
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would allow me to be more versatile with where and when I am taking my photographs in terms of lighting and environment. The Lumix G2 is easily adaptable to light and dark and maintains crisp and clear images with a large depth of field as well as a great macro lense. This means I can take photos for my food blog as well as landscape and action shots when I am out, rather than switch from camera to camera, knowing which is better for the environment, and the low light shots doesn’t have as much noise as my current camera.
I have found a lot of discrepancies between digital cameras and still haven’t been comfortable with the use of them since my switch from manual SLRs and this would be a great compromise, and allow me to build on the skills I have acquired and use them on a digital camera.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’m recently a new blogger and am currently shooting on a Lumix DMC LX-3. I love it. Only …. there is a certain something lacking. A certain something that would not be lacking should I win and be taking my photos with the Lumix G2! Since I’ve been a Mum (my 9 month old, Olive, is of course my favourite photo subject!) and had my blog, photography is becoming something of a passion and I would just love to be able to push my creative edge further with the bigger and better G2.
nice pics and review.
Ive had my eyes on a dslr camera for a while, but havent been able to take the plunge yet.
The small size would definitely be useful as id be able to slip it into my bag and take it with me everywhere… more photo opportunities, more practice, better photographer!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer because it would act as a stepping-stone to widening my knowledge of this amazing art form. At the moment, my knowledge is limited to what a modest point-and-shoot camera has to offer and I have long wished to learn much more.
Photography to me is about catching those moments and beauties in life that should be remembered forever. These moments are generally spontaneous and do not always occur in optimal positions. With my current camera, the beauty and mood can often be lost simply because the lighting isn’t right. The G2’s ability to take wonderful photos despite the lighting would definitely assist in my pursuit of becoming a better photographer.
Also, the unforgettable moments shared between family and friends often happens indoors when we gather together. Currently, the only option is to utilise the in-built flash resulting in a poor quality photograph or move to a window/outdoors where the natural light can compensate for what is missing indoors.
The manual abilities provided by the G2 would also be a benefit. I have placed much consideration on buying a DSLR camera in recent years and being able to use these manual features would definitely improve my current photography capability.
A point-and-shoot camera is enough to capture everyday moments and beauties, but it can’t capture everything. As a budding young photographer, I want to capture everything. Often I have been disappointed with the missed opportunities and wished that there weren’t so many limits from my camera that prevent the potential of a simply breathless scene being reproduced for later viewing.
There is much that the world has to offer and they are just waiting to be captured. With a Lumix G2, I could capture them.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Simple it would give me the ability to take photos, I don’t have a digital camera and I would love to take a Lumix G2 with me to the UK in October.
Give it up. Do it. Do it now…
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I would love to write bucket loads of reasons to win this prize … but I have an adorable destructive one year old who does not like me playing on the computer … it has taken me 2 days to type this!
He deserves better quality shots than those from my very old mobile :)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’m struggling to capture the true deliciousness of the food I’m eating!
My compact digital is limited… please bring on more manual functions for sharp food, real colours and blurry backgrounds for my facebook food albums =)
Sharing is caring! nom nom nom…
Thanks TFP!
How would the Lumix G2 make me a better photographer?
One word – clarity! My (oh okay, my partner’s) little Ricoh point-and-shoot camera is, sadly, crap. The “half-press for focus” button only works sometimes and there’s no other way to focus. At least 60% of my shots come out fuzzy, which equals a lot of wasted time (and some rather cold food as I persist in trying to get a few clear shots of a meal.)
A good quality camera would allow me to capture what I cook with clarity – to be able to see the tiny grains of ground spices in a curry, or the amazing crumbly texture of a good cake, or just to make the food look…well…pornier, would make me a better photographer and also a better food blogger.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I love taking macro shots so much,
flowers and bugs and things,
A Lumix G2 with 4 macro modes?
My fingers are itching to touch!
HD video included as well?
This is an added bonus
Birthdays, outings, concerts too,
Anytime I have a story to tell.
Great bokeh and low light shots?
these are things I dream of,
sounds to me like the Lumix G2
will make my photography ROCK!
Wow, I can’t believe this is a giveaway! So much excitement! :)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I have to admit that I love photography, but do not have access to a “proper” camera. I think macro shots are incredible and this camera looks like it would more than accomodate to that! Argh, it would be so amazing if I won something for once in my life.. even more amazing that it would be a camera, wheow!
How would the Panasonic Lumix G2 make me a better photographer?
Well TFP’s new photos have instantly proven to me that this camera is the one I am after! The way the G2 has been used to enhance the forground and blur the background has signifigantly improved TFP’s shots and I would love to have the function to do this so readily in a camera. There is nothing so glorious as photos of succulent food, and such a subject does require sharp and focussed close-ups, just like the G2 has allowed TFP to achieve. My own food-glamour photography skills are just developing – with the G2 I may even be able to achieve food porn!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would encourage me to snap a photo of anything interesting I see. The compact size would be perfect to carry around where ever I go and allow me to experiment with different styles and framing.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer? I must admit that such a gorgeous camera might be a complete waste on me! I take hundreds of photos almost daily just to have maybe one shot that I like or is worthy of using my 9c savings coupon on!!! The Lumix G2 will help me tell my stories – I know it will capture the beauty, love and energy that I see with my own eyes.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Because it churns out great ‘bokeh’ (blurred background) without the burden of carrying super big normal DSLR. It is also acting like double agent, point and shoot if you need to capture spontaneous moment, and sophisticated enough to bring photography skill to the next level.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The only way to get better is to take more photos! The size of the G2 is a definitely plus point so I can take it everywhere with me for all photo opportunities!
I can capture beautiful images with the Lumix g2 and it will show people the way I see the world.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I would love the opportunity to experiment with photography using the Lumix G2. My camera has its limitations and that became apparent on my recent overseas trip to Thailand. My gorgeous dog would also be captured better if I had a great camera!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
This
Helps
Everything!
Forget
Overexposed
Out-of-focus
Dim-lit
Photographs,
Old
Rough
Negatives,
Or
Grainy
Results!
A
Pansonic
Helps
Ensure
Realistic,
Crisp,
Outstanding
Material!
There is an age old adage, “the best photo is the one you take” and it’s simply true. Sometimes having all the flashest, biggest dSLR’s in the world is a disadvantage. A fantastically quick and small G2 would allow me to take a quickshooter around without the need for a camerabag and all the weight and inconvenience associated. Awesome pictures, (as your blog shows) and easy fast shooting, getting the picture that I could otherwise miss. That is the way the mago Lumix would help my photography.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
My friends tell me I’m ‘the girl with the camera eyes’, because everything I see, I see in terms of photos. With a Lumix G2, I could actually capture the images I see in more realistic terms and record them for everyone else to see. The best way to help explain the way you see the world to other people is to actually show them, and with a camera as good as this, that wouldn’t be a problem.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
So many reasons – would love an upgrade on our old and tired little camera.
Would love to be able to capture some beautiful clear and crisp photos of my 1 and 2 year old. So many precious memories to keep forever. thanks!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
- Because I don’t even have a camera!!! Even the terrible one on my phone doesn’t work any more. I’ve been looking to get into photography for a while, but haven’t been sure whether to go for a cheap point and shoot, or save up for something better. The G2 looks like a good in-between option, and I wouldn’t have to feel guilty about buying more photography magazines with the money I should be saving for a camera.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
At the moment I am just a happy snapper with my little automatic…with the Lumix G2 and the wonderful shots it takes I could turn my snaps into pictures that look like they were taken by a professional photographer.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The combination of both optical and in camera image stabilisation means more opportunities to take clear photographs in an incredible range of lighting conditions.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I love taking beautiful photos but am only using my phone camera right now. Higher resolution and better picture quality would be most helpful !
I am looking for a hobby and I think photography might be it. It looks like the Panasonic Lumix G2 would be a great camera to start with.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I have had a Lumix TZ-10 for almost 3 years now and take it everywhere I go. I love the compact size and ease of use. But all it has done is wet my appetite to be more creative with my photography. I want to move up to the next level, and an SLR was the obvious choice, but everything on the market was to big and complex. I still want the compact size and ease of use, but with the features of an SLR. So I was sold on Lumix G2 the first time I saw it. The G2 will allow me to focus on the creativity and not get distracted by the technology. The technology is there is you want it, but does not get in the way.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’ve been a happy snapper for a few years now, I used to have a piddly little 3MP camera, but I got frustrated with the quality of the photos when I started cropping them. Then I got a Fujifilm Finepix for my birthday a couple of years ago and WOW has it got some use! I use it for taking holiday snaps, family photos and literally thousands of photos for my foodie blog. I love my camera and don’t like to think about what would happen if it broke or I lost it :S
However, as my skills and knowledge have increased, I’ve found myself running up against barriers a lot. There are limits on how close my close-ups are, I have trouble getting clear photos in low light, colour washes out in bright light… etc… I”m also frustrated by the lack of options – there are very few settings I can change and the lens obviously doesn’t swap out either. I’m bursting full of ideas I want to try, but I just can’t do them with this camera.
If I won the Lumix G2, I would likely spend DAYS afterward fiddling with settings and taking test photos. Not only would it increase my skills and knowledge even further, I would finally have some solutions for all those limitations I have now! My new skills would show in my blog photos, my family would have to stand still for less time to get the perfect picture (because I’d get it in one!), and I would be so excited to take night photos. Finally, and not least of all, the enthusiasm and excitement from winning this camera would definitely spill over into my photos, I know I’d improve 100%!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The G2 would allow me to be a better photographer by allowing me to star in my very own food porn much easier than other cameras! The swivel screen will allow me to direct my self portrait porn shots as I sink my teeth into my medium rare steak or or lick my ice cream spoon clean. The possibilities seem endless and I’m getting far too excited just thinking of what I can pull off, eek!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
When using a point-and-shoot or phone to capture scenes or events that mean something to me, I am often disappointed with how the shots come out. Blurry, noisy pictures leave me feeling frustrated rather than warm and fuzzy! Having a Lumix G2 to use would give me the confidence and reassurance to actually invest in the effort of taking better photos, simply because I know that I will be able to look at them later and SMILE (not comfort eat!).
Meatloaf, the most hated of all loaves- NOT! <3 Meatloaf.
Having a Lumix G2 would simply give me the flexibility to turn happy snaps into art. My most hated annoyance at point and shoot cameras is the common lack of ability to truly set the exposure time. I'd be delighted to own a Lumix G2. Thanks for the comp opportunity!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I would take MORE photos, because with a professional looking camera like this one, I wouldn’t be as embarrassed taking photographs in public – whether it be a beautiful piece of street art, a gorgeous woman looking effortlessly stylish, or a plate of scrumptious-looking food – this camera would make me better simply because I’ll be inclined to use it as much as I possibly can. Plus, taking photos with a camera phone just makes me look like either a stalker, or worse, a tourist.
:D
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Over the past few years I have bought 2 digital cameras that I have been quite disappointed with. Promises of great photos in any light condition, sharp photos every time, etc lured me in but these features are never half as good as they promise to be.
After seeing the quality of the photos you have taken and with such ease as you described, I would be thrilled to own a Lumix G2. It would make me a better photographer simply by having such a great quality camera and if I were to own one, I would definately take that photography course I always wanted to take to ensure I get the most from the camera.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would help me look and feel the part of a photographer and inspire to take more interesting pics! :)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The softness of a baby’s hand, the freshness of home-grown peas,
The smile lines of my nanna, the stray kite in the air,
The Lumix G2 would allow me to capture all these,
With precision and artistic flair.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
My current Point&Shoot Canon IXUS 100IS was a wonderful and ever-so-grateful gift from my parents but I do fear it works rather below average in low lit places which evidently this camera has no problems with! Wanting to venture into street photography with a series of twists, a compact-like camera with DSLR-like features such as the Lumix G2 would be most appropriate for me as I prepare myself to launch into the world of DSLRs in the future, knowing that I am ready for one and am not getting one just because everyone else is getting one!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
As much as I like pointing and shooting with my current digital camera, I wish for more control over how the photos turn out. I envy the quality of photos coming from an SLR- it’s really noticeable! I want the freedom and ability to create artistic photos, by playing around with more than just lighting and composition. With the promise of better quality photos, especially in low light, I will put so much more of myself into my photographs. They will be pieces of art, rather than just records, the way I’d like them to be.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The Lumix would give me the technical edge
I’d be able to bid my old camera adieu.
I’d create food porn with a lowly sandwich
with the help of my trusty, brand spanking G2
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Looks professional, at a fraction of the cost of being professional.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would help me to take better food photos in micro mode. I am starting to blog my favorite restaurants too and hoping to take better photos to benefit readers. G2 is small enough to carry around, unlike the big Nikon/Canon brothers it doesn’t attract so much attention from restaurant owners and customers.
Good restaurants and delicious food are worth sharing!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer because I’ve been wanting to upgrade from a compact digital camera to a DSLR, but have been too afraid to not know how to use a DSLR to its full potential (that and the fact that they cost a bomb!). But the Lumix G2 seems like the perfect hybrid of a DSLR and a compact digital camera, so I can have the best of both words!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I’m always frustrated when I take photos with a fully automatic camera as I can’t adjust the settings to create the image I want. I don’t really like ‘touching up’ my photos too much afterwards either as I feel somehow like I’m cheating ;) so I really need to be able to adjust things when snapping the pic.
I think the G2 bridges the gap between the ’scary’ full DSLR cameras and the point-and-shoot type. I don’t want to have to deal with moving hundreds of dials and settings, but I want to be able to fiddle with things just a little.
The G2 is also lightweight, but still has the feel of a ‘real’ camera because of the viewfinder (gosh-they bring back memories!)
I’m particularly excited by the G2’s Peripheral Defocus Mode. I’ve always envied the bokeh effect and this sounds perfect for achieving that!
I’m the type of person who *loves* to read instruction manuals and I can just imagine whiling away many happy hours finding out about the G2’s endless array of features.
It would take my photography skills to the next level :)
How would the Lumix G2 make me a better photographer?
Looking at food pictures you have taken with the G2, including depth of detail, crispness of colour and true to life capture, there is no doubt in my mind that this camera will help improve my ability as a photographer and understanding of photography while I learn how to use its many features.
I know that the excitement felt while reading the G2 review will translate into the taking of better pictures and provide the encouragement to transcend my current photographic boundaries.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
“It’s not how big it is, it’s how you use it.”
No matter how big something is, or what its specifications are, it won’t make us better than we already are. That’s something I accept. However, with something like this, even the smallest man won’t fail to impress.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
For a start – I would have a camera.
Who doesn’t have a camera in this day and age you may ask – me!
Well, I did until my toddler took hold of my last Lumix and played with it…in the sandpit…and left it there…when it rained heavily overnight…only to be found when the dog had it by the strap and was running around the backyard with it and though it was a great game to have me chase after him. What could I say? Just sob.
And what did my husband have to say about this tragedy, “Well, you shouldn’t have left it where the baby could get it.” Yup, thanks for that tip.
Well, I HAVE leant my lesson and the Lumix G2 will not be leaving my side. I am so looking forward to becoming a full bottler photographer and getting back to capturing my little boy’s wonderful life moments. Thank you
I so miss being able to have photos of my son’s
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
“Fake It till you Make It” The Lumix G2 would help make my product and family photography look absolutely fantastic and make me look like I actually know what I’m doing around a camera. I would really love to learn how to take photos properly and do a short photography course but I’ll need an amazing camera to do this and the Lumix G2 has the auto settings to get me by until I learn how to use the manual settings! P.S. I love Lumix cameras – I’ve borrowed my Dad’s camera a couple of times and it’s the best!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Apparently us men are bad at multi-tasking. Jjust ask the boss ummm my wife.
The Panasonic Lumix G2 looks like minimal effort for a maximum result. The easy- to- use functions will surely make me a better photographer. If this camera can’t do it, no camera can…
Photographing our new baby has become a hobby of mine. This camera not only has an image stabilisation function (for the baby that never seems to stop moving around) but it has the capability to produce images suitable for enlarging (because we’ve only got about ten frames up of our baby on each wall and are afraid it’s too bare ha!)
But most importantly, this camera has even bigger potential: It will maybe stop marriage arguments brought on by me making my family pose for at least ten minutes for the perfect shot while I muck around with all the settings on our current camera. This leads to the wife grimly smiling (read: yelling) ‘how long do you expect me and your ten month old to smile exactly dear?’ This then leads to her promptly heading out to one of those terrible shopping centre photographers to get the picture I apparently haven’t gotten just quite right yet! ;)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
I am currently shooting pictures from my old camera phone and the Panasonic Lumix G2 will make me a better photographer by its straightforward point-to-shoot features that’s kind to beginner’s like me who is keen to learn to take beautiful WA landscape pictures, its nature, low-light night scenes, lovely bokehs from food to people and my best favourite shots of macro photography – just like those you see in glossy magazine covers and in TFP!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
it would take my skills from mediocre to brilliant :)
How would the Lumix G2 make me a better phtographer?
I suffer from depression and anxiety, which makes it exceptionally hard for me to get out of the house…it usually results in panic attacks. One thing that has helped me get outof the house is my photography. I live next to a bird sanctury but to date, have not had a chance to take a camera down there! While I love my collection of vintage film cameras, I don’t use them as much as I should (well, I don’t use them at all anymore, which is sad) becuase I cannot afford to get the film developed. My Dad who passed away five years ago was a photographer and it would be great to finally get a digital camera to follow in his footsteps.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Looking for a camera that is not too bulky for me to always carry around, with
Unsurpassed image quality and ease of use to capture my desired image and sound:
Micro Four Thirds system is definitely the answer to my prayer I’ve found.
It is smaller than a DSLR but full of punches and kicks, and with
X-tra bells and whistles that will make taking fine photographs a breeze
G2 from Panasonic is the best no doubt, and I would like
2 own one right from the start!
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
The Lumix G2 would help me out, cos it wouldnt weigh me down when im out ‘n about.
I could Lu-mix it up, in the light or in the dark!
They would be great pics of the kids at the park!
The Lumix G2 would make me a better photographer, just like that chick, the food pornographer!!
I am entering the competition
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
Having this camera would make me a better photographer because I am not one at the moment due to not having a camera :-)
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would allow spontaneity. With a Panasonic Lumix G2, I could capture an image whenever inspiration strikes. To obtain a good photo with my five year old point and shoot camera, the weather must be fine, the room must have large windows, and it can’t be too early or late in the day – a lot of missed opportunities! A new camera would mean I could stop worrying about the conditions and truly focus on the food (I’m a food blogger).
Thanks for entering! This competition is now closed.
What happens now? See the terms and conditions (PDF 38.7KB) at the Nuffnang site.
How would the Lumix G2 make you a better photographer?
It would make me a better photographer because mine got stolen thus making me less of a photographer :-(
Just dropped by your site, cos i remembered i loved your photos, and i’m currently camera shopping.
Enjoying your blog as ever :)
1. Would you recommend this camera to anyone or only to pro/semi-pro photographers?
2. I am a rookie photographer. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to buy a good camera. Could you give me some tips on photography itself and on how to pick a good camera?
By the way, I love your site. I find it incredible that you apparently eat *anything*.
Akira,
Sorry for the delay in replying.
1. The Intelligent Auto setting makes using this camera very easy if you don’t know how to manipulate manual controls. I must confess to still using Intelligent Auto despite my intentions to learn more about the manual controls. I’m not a pro/semi-pro photographer- yet I find this camera really good to use.
2. My tips in the post for food blog photography can be applied to general photography. The two biggest tips I have are to make sure your image is in focus and to avoid using the flash if at all possible. I prefer to not use flash but instead use Adobe Lightroom to tweak the brightness/contrast of photos. But if the lighting conditions are truly terrible I won’t be able to salvage the photos, despite my best efforts.
When choosing a camera, I would read reviews and forums to get a good sense of strengths and weaknesses of cameras I am interested in. Think about what you will use the camera for and what will be most important. For me, for example, I wanted a camera that would take good shots in low light and was not too bulky as I carry it around with me everywhere. Good battery life was another consideration for me. There are lots of sites where you can learn more about cameras and photography. My favourites are Digital Photography School http://www.digital-photography-school.com/ and Digital Photography Review http://dpreview.com/
I also get ideas by looking at photos on Flickr.com – so many great ideas for subjects, composition etc. Not to copy people’s work, of course, but to think about things differently. Always so interesting to see what others do with their cameras, even more interesting when it’s exactly the same model!
Thanks! :) I would really consider you a semi-pro. Or at least you’re not an amateur/rookie, count on that. I might get a camera like yours, once I get more confident with photography. :B
No worries. I guess I don’t like using the “pro” word to describe myself as I don’t know much about the theory of photography. I’d like to learn photography properly someday, if I get time. I just do what I do.
I’d struggle to explain what I do in technical terms – couldn’t talk in terms of aperture and exposure time and stuff like that. :)
I have a lumix and I can’t get anything like the results you do in poor light and I know the camera can do it, have you got any advice…? Love your photos :)
Hi joanna,
I do try to maximise lighting conditions wherever possible (always better to take photos that are as good as possible, saves time and work needing to edit them later) – but it’s not always possible, of course.
Most of my low light photos are taken in restaurants and are not good enough to use straight out of the camera without editing. I now use Adobe Lightroom to crop photos, edit brightness and contrast and remove grainy-ness.
There’s no saving truly terrible photos in Lightroom though – my skills in photo editing are not so advanced! While I tweak brightness and contrast and crop photos, I can’t put things in that aren’t there or remove things that are “in the way”. So composition is very important despite being able to edit the pics afterwards.
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