Comments on: The Panasonic G1 – Part IV

By: Luis

Luis — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:50:08 +0000

I don’t think the 23-area autofocus matrix knows what you point at. In my experience, it just focuses at random stuff, and tells you “hey, these highlighted areas came out in focus.” I just use the 1-area focus mode, center the focus area, and focus hold. On tripod shots, however, I find that all I use is manual focus.

Thomas: you may want to give the Auto ISO a try. I just set the Auto ISO limit to 800 and use P mode, exposure compensation and program shift. Aperture priority should work as well, of course.

One thing that I didn’t notice you mentioning: live histogram in viewfinder. It sounds neat, but I find it’s a bit obstrusive (it could use being semi-transparent) and not as useful as it sounds (I’m pretty impressed with the metering on this camera).

By: Thomas Pindelski

Thomas Pindelski — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:37:31 +0000

Interesting you should mention that, Andy. I am no fan of these systems and, coincidentally, before reading your comment had changed the camera to central rectangle focusing with first pressure on the shutter button locking in focus. Your comment is spot on for this old fart who grew up setting just three things – shutter speed, aperture and focus. I think the new Pentax K7 has what you mention – the AE variant.

By: Andy K

Andy K — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:44:46 +0000

> Switch off all that ‘face detection’ garbage –
> I know what I’m pointing the camera at

But does the autofocus matrix “know” what you are pointing at. Or is the word “GLASS” really the most important thing in your florist grab shot. I am suggesting that “Face detection” may be Just Enough Automation when relying on autofocus in the same way many of us prefer Aperture Priority as Just Enough Automation.

It is my impression that cameras have become like fly-by-wire jet liners. The pilot no longer flies them – but only makes enough suggestions to the computer so that it can do a better job.

In a similar vein, sometimes I think I would like a programmed Aperture Priority – in which ISO is adjusted instead of the shutter at the slower shutter speeds.