08-26-2011, 06:19 PM
[quote name='mst' timestamp='1314342642' post='11025']
However, personally I just don't like the idea of power zooming (but I don't do video, I understand it's a welcome feature for this kind of application). And it seems the older cameras (GF1, G1, GH1) won't be compatible, at least they are not yet on the list of cameras to receive the required firmware updates.
I also find it slightly odd that Panasonic obviously sees no need to attach a hood to some of their lenses ...
-- Markus
[/quote]
In particular for the new 14-42 the power zoom is starting to make sense to me. This is thing is getting really small and at some point a power zoom offers better handling than a zoom ring. For compacts it is now standard, even on more serious products like the Lumix LX5 and Canon G12 you don't read so many complaints that it should have a traditional zoom ring. Another aspect is the collapsible nature of that thing. I am using an E-P1 with the first collapsible m.zuiko 14-42 and I sometimes wish, it would extend automatically when switching it on or off, like it is standard with a compact. I also have a 40-150mm for that, which doesn't collapse and this just doesn't drive me nuts in the way the the 14-42 does. Would be interesting to have a play with the new 14-42mm and check the ergonomics. With the typical compact the zoom lever is typically placed in a neat position in the vicinity of the trigger button. Clearly not the case of that one with the zoom lever on the lens it becomes a two-hand affair.
I am with you in questioning the power zoom in the 45-175. (I am also not a video person <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> ) When Minolta and Pentax tried powerzoom on an SLR around 1990 it flopped. Rightly so I thought <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
Considering compatibility, dpreview just updated their website. They contacted Panasonic and Panasonic now claims it will work with any mFT- body.
However, personally I just don't like the idea of power zooming (but I don't do video, I understand it's a welcome feature for this kind of application). And it seems the older cameras (GF1, G1, GH1) won't be compatible, at least they are not yet on the list of cameras to receive the required firmware updates.
I also find it slightly odd that Panasonic obviously sees no need to attach a hood to some of their lenses ...
-- Markus
[/quote]
In particular for the new 14-42 the power zoom is starting to make sense to me. This is thing is getting really small and at some point a power zoom offers better handling than a zoom ring. For compacts it is now standard, even on more serious products like the Lumix LX5 and Canon G12 you don't read so many complaints that it should have a traditional zoom ring. Another aspect is the collapsible nature of that thing. I am using an E-P1 with the first collapsible m.zuiko 14-42 and I sometimes wish, it would extend automatically when switching it on or off, like it is standard with a compact. I also have a 40-150mm for that, which doesn't collapse and this just doesn't drive me nuts in the way the the 14-42 does. Would be interesting to have a play with the new 14-42mm and check the ergonomics. With the typical compact the zoom lever is typically placed in a neat position in the vicinity of the trigger button. Clearly not the case of that one with the zoom lever on the lens it becomes a two-hand affair.
I am with you in questioning the power zoom in the 45-175. (I am also not a video person <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> ) When Minolta and Pentax tried powerzoom on an SLR around 1990 it flopped. Rightly so I thought <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />Considering compatibility, dpreview just updated their website. They contacted Panasonic and Panasonic now claims it will work with any mFT- body.
enjoy