Ok so last year I ditched my Fujifilm X-T3 for Canon’s EOS R with the main rational being a lack of lens options (as in virtually no third-party lenses at all).
Since then I’ve been out using the EOS R in the field and have come to some conclusions: -
· Image quality is great - very clean and crisp with nice colours
· Canon EF lenses with EF to RF adapter work very well with no problems
· Canon EF lenses are abundant so finding what I wanted wasn’t a problem
· Usability – as with all Canon cameras the EOS R was very easy to use
· Weight – with full-frame cameras you need full-frame lenses which unfortunately aren’t light
· Portability/Space – again with full-frame comes larger lenses which means more bag space which in turn means less bag space for other items
· Image Stabilization (IS) – unfortunately the EOS R doesn’t have IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization) so you have to rely on the IS of the lens which is ok but not as good as IBIS in other camera systems
So I’ve come to the conclusion that although I like a lot about Canon’s EOS R it is unfortunately not the right tool for the job for me, now that doesn’t mean it’s not right at all but for what I will be using my camera for the EOS R isn’t right for me.
So, what is right for me? Well I need a light portable system that I can carry around all day without it setting my back off so weight is a big factor. I’ve settled for the Panasonic Lumix G9, it has everything I need and a bit more as well. I already use a Panasonic Lumix G80 for video which I am very impressed with.
So why the Panasonic Lumix G9? It’s light, has 5 axis IBIS which works with the IS in the lens for very very good stabilization, lenses are small and lighter as well as being weather sealed, 4k video, dual UHS II SD card slots, very fast focus, rugged body so able to withstand the UK weather.
I need a system that is portable but also rugged enough to take up a mountain or out in the wind and rain. The Panasonic Lumix G9 fits that criteria. Next is image quality, the Panasonic Lumix G9 has a 20-megapixel micro 4/3rds sensor with no low-pass filter so images are very sharp. 20 megapixels is enough resolution for my needs, I publish my photos online as well as in the odd book and calendar but I don’t produce large prints (something you could put on your wall yes but not billboard size). My images are over 99% of the time seen on computer screens and mobile phones so again 20 megapixels is more than enough.
The Panasonic Lumix G9 is perfect for my next trip which is to North Wales and the Snowdonia National Park where I hope to walk all over Snowdonia itself. I’ll be able to take my Panasonic Lumix G80 along as well to shoot video and the whole setup will still weigh less than my previous setup with no second camera.
All that remains now is to pick up a carbon fibre tripod, a compass (got maps already), maybe a GPS navigator and the appropriate clothing to complete my preparations.