I am interested in low light photography. Concerts, school assembly, etc. Is this the right camera and lens combination for me?
1034416
If you are taking the photos as a hobby or for family albums this is a great camera. But, if you are doing more serious reports, you may consider a higher MP camera, with normal (bigger) interchangeable lenses.
1034417
among the micro 4 3rds cameras this is a very good choice. The top olympus cameras are said by some to have better lens stabilization, but others contest this. With a fast lens like the Leica 1.4, 25mm you have a superb standard lens. with which you can easily shoot at 6400 iso. Of course a full frame camera like the SONY A7 or A7R will give much more low light capability.
1034418
That depends on how close you are to the stage (light source). The best camera in low light photography is the Sony A7S.
1034419
See my review "Assembling a Compact System". For low-light photography you need a camera with 1) a lens with a wide aperture, and 2) good image stabilization, and 3) good quality photos even at higher ISO settings. The 20mm f1.7 lens which comes as a kit with this camera is an excellent low-light lens, the Summilux 25mm f1.4 is even better. Compared to a zoom with a maximum aperture of F4, the 25mm f1.4 lets in 3 times as much light. But, you'll almost certainly also need a semi-telephoto, and the only appropriate semi-telephoto available for the Lumix is a Nocticron 45.2mm f1.2 (a superb low-light lens), which costs $1600 by itself. Do NOT buy a zoom lens if you want low-light capabilities. Lumix cameras have both in-body stabilization and in-lens stabilization---and will choose which is best for the situation, which is very much a plus. The Lumix has very good ISO performance, which is a plus. One solution to low-light is high-power flash. You can buy such flash units for this camera, but they are expensive and bigger than the camera. My suggestion is a Nikon DSLR (some models are cheaper than the Lumix). There is a wide range of appropriate low-light Nikon lenses available, and a wide range of flash systems available---and the sensors are larger, implying possible better ISO performance (but that probably depends on the particular model). Whatever camera you buy, I also strongly suggest considering a monopod, which can greatly extend your low-light capabilities. The Lumix is a great compact camera with impressive low-light capabilities (when matched with appropriate lenses). But if you do not specifically need a very compact camera, the Lumix is not the best choice for the kind of photography you describe.
1034420
It depends on your definition of low light and picture use. I love the results, I shot at a school musical (Les Miss) (GX7 + 20mm f1.7) with excellent results (I can send you originals for your review at your request). The BEST option for low light will be a large format camera with very bright lenses, (maybe a Hasselblad?). I don't like to set the ISO over 1600, but the camera goes up to 25000. What is your current camera?, what will you measure the results aganist? What is your budget?, What will the pictures be used for?
1429330
I think it would work great for that. The optics are amazing...I took it on a safari and got some amazing photos. The only concern I could potentially see you having is the stop if you are shooting indoors. They make one that opens up further, however it is nearly double the price. I don't typically shoot low light, so I can't give you any advice here. I found it to be a pretty incredible lens.
2260302
In that kind of environment, where you're standing in the dark but the kids on stage are lit, it performs very well. In fact, we had a concert at my church a couple weeks ago and I shot in those precise conditions... and the pictures turned out great! Oh... don't be afraid to bump your ISO, even up to 3200, and you should be fine. ヅ
1813604
I think it is your choice. If in really low light I would use manual focus because auto focus does not respond very well. Hope this helps you.
31101
i am pretty happy with the auto-focus mode, and that might adapt to the different lighting... additionally, I find it much easier to switch "scenes" on this one than my older S4 Coolpix. I have not tried anything indoors at concert type venues, so I can't give you a good answer on that.
208042
The lens is sufficient to take the pictures you want, but if it is really dark it won't work. Built in flash, but you should be able to take low light pictures with an external light source like a flashlight
2242945
Hello Mike, it is an f/4G so los light conditions will always be an issue. Having said this, I can tell you theta I love this lens. It is very fast in focus and extremely sharp. In dark enviroments such as weddings or concerts you may have to put up your iso setting a bit and get a little noise on your images but again, sharpnes will do the work and have a little noice images in dark enviroments sometimes is good. If you use flash you have no problem at all. I hope this helps a little on your choice.
423676
I have that same combo and I love it, awesome pics and very versatile for a all in one lens, and the best thing is that when I upgrade to an FX frame I already have the lens for it. Go for it !!
223904
I would say its better suited for photography. That particular lens is very slow. Unless you're outside or lighting the subject, you'll have to bump the ISO of the camera.
1966946
I ended up going for the Sigma. So far I'm pretty happy with it; focus seems OK on my T1i, and the lens seems quite well put together. Not getting dinged extra for a bag and a lens hood is nice too.
829679
Hi Rosie, This camera has a good low light capability. However, it still depends on the lens you are using. We recommend using lenses with large aperture opening. -Anthony
747240
It is depending on you expectations as was said earlier. If you are shooting the concert itself, I don't think this lens is for you. But if you shooting the lead singer with the band in the background and the lead singer is you subject, this maybe perfect. I say this because you have to keep in mind that the background will be blurred. I'm assuming that this is a small intimate concert where you have the table in the front and center. This will not work too well with a big name concert where you're 100 rows back. BTW I am going on the therory of this lens. I have not tried to use it for a concert myself. But the low light feature will blow you away. Good luck. It is depending on you expectations as was said earlier. If you are shooting the concert itself, I don't think this lens is for you. But if you shooting the lead singer with the band in the background and the lead singer is you subject, this maybe perfect. I say this because you have to keep in mind that the background will be blurred. I'm assuming that this is a small intimate concert where you have the table in the front and center. This will not work too well with a big name concert where you're 100 rows back. BTW I am going on the therory of this lens. I have not tried to use it for a... » Read More It is depending on you expectations as was said earlier. If you are shooting the concert itself, I don't think this lens is for you. But if you shooting the lead singer with the band in the background and the lead singer is you subject, this maybe perfect. I say this because you have to keep in mind that the background will be blurred. I'm assuming that this is a small intimate concert where you have the table in the front and center. This will not work too well with a big name concert where you're 100 rows back. BTW I am going on the therory of this lens. I have not tried to use it for a concert myself. But the low light feature will blow you away. Good luck. « Show Less
2058088
It is a lovely lens, but I cannot see it (or any lens) doing really well with low light and fast action. I use it for landscape photography, where things kindly hold still.
671656
This camera is great in low light if you use the flash. Without the flash the photo will come out a little dark. Trust me; you'll love this camera :)
1620737
I am very satisfied working in low-light conditions. How it will perform for you, is a guess, because I don't know which camera you would be putting it on. A lens will do what it is supposed to do when the camera meets or exceeds the lens' capabilities. On the Canon T1i, it does what I want it to. I'm sure it could be pushed to greater things, if attached to a more "high end" camera. I have panned a crowd, with only the stage lights burning, and gotten a satisfactory shot. Are there better lenses? Of course, but how "professional" do you have to be?
2120239
It will do well for portraits and close-up macro photography with enough light. I do like this lens for what it delivers for its price. It does hunt in low-light though, but if you know its application it is fine.
1908112
Low light performance is pretty marginal -- about a full stop more noise than is typical for its class. Otherwise, the camera is excellent -- quick, excellent viewfinder, plenty of external controls, very good image quality. The 16-50 2.8 is an unusually good kit lens.