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Full-Size Files: GXR versus GF-1

R0011586 (Medium)

Yesterday, we discussed the rationale behind the birth of the GXR system, namely, in short, optimising optical performance, creating a system covering both the compact camera and SLR markets, catering for the needs of a new generation of camera users and giving unlimited expandability to the system.

While these mission statements are somewhat philosophically distant, there is one basic and practical issue which lots of fellow photographers are musing: How does the GXR compare to the direct competitors? Pending the sale of Samsung's NX10, the direct competitor now is the MFT system.

GXR A12 vs GF-1 kit zoom lens

While I am penning my thoughts about the issue, hopefully to be published in the next post, let the images speak for themselves. No, we are not following the beaten track to pixel-peep the images for you. The meaning of tediously comparing these two systems for the IQ is not obvious to me. With the larger sensors, both systems can shot photos of a quality good enough to most users. Moreover, as different cameras have their own image characteristics, you will somehow prefer this camera's images to another's. It is more a matter of taste. So, no pixel-peeping for you.

That said, looking at the images at full-size or screen size gives you an impression of how you'd like them. And comparing them for the high ISO results, you know what to anticipate and whether you can use the camera to suit your photographic styles. Unless you are absolutely concerned about how the IQ of "the third leaf on the forth branch of the fifth tree in the grove at the hilly background some 200 metres away from the subject in the image" compare, check out the following photos to get an overall impression.

So, for that matter, the images are

- shot at ISO800 for the same scenes at roughly the same location; and - with roughly the same exposure combo (you can't use a standard combo anyway) and focal lengths.

Don't be fooled by the colour presented by the Jpegs because in-camera colour teawking is possible. RAW files offer you a truer IQ performance of the cameras.

Click here for full-size JPEGs --- Click here for full-size RAWs

This GXR field report is to be continued.

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