subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I 6 July 2019
First, any flaws in focusing or shutter
speed will immediately be apparent,
so you need to step up and improve on
technique. I found myself using a tripod
more than I would regularly, even using
one on a photo reportage. This shift in
technique has let me unlock the full
potential from this amazing sensor. I
recently discovered the very clever and
user-friendly Uniqball head, which has
allowed me to set a level horizon quickly
and then get the full movement using
an inner ball head, while keeping
constantly level, meaning tripod use is
no longer a chore for me. Of course
in high-resolution mode a tripod is
essential as the camera needs to be
stationary during its multiple exposures.
You also need larger and faster
memory cards, ideally XQD, to take
advantage of the speedier buffer
clearance as well as downloading to a
computer. Then comes the question of
storage, so plan for larger storage and
backup drives. The final piece for a
perfectly completed puzzle is your
almost unusably soft when upgraded to
newer, higher resolution cameras.
The useful Sigma MC-21 body
adapter is now available, allowing a stop
gap for photographers with EF-mount
lenses. I’ve tried the adapter on both
Sigma- and Canon EF-mount lenses
and while it works smoothly and
accurately, it’s not a speedy solution and
doesn’t work in continuous AF. At the
time of writing there was no further
information on firmware updates, but it’s
worth noting the equivalent adapter for
Sony has been transformed by updates.
Panasonic is due to launch a
16-35mm f/4, 24-70mm f/2.8 and
70-200mm f/2.8 this year in addition
to the recent 1.4x and 2x teleconveters.
Next year will bring a super telephoto, a
macro and at least another fixed focal
length lens. Sigma will produce 10 fast
aperture Art lenses and one macro by
the end of this year too. The scheduled
lens line up for the L-Mount by the end
of 2020 from Panasonic, Sigma and
Leica will stand at 42. The only thing not
really catered for are smaller and lighter
lenses. As a street photographer, I’d
love a small 50mm lens, perhaps even
a pancake lens with an f/2 aperture.
The S1R will pull you up for lax
technique and magnify any mistakes.
However, improve your technique and
master your craft and it will reward you
with images that sing and deserve to
be printed, shared, framed and enjoyed.
For me, the S1R has shown its colours
during several months of shooting, even
on challenging assignments. It has
clearly justified its existence and kicked
out my last DSLR and claimed the
premium spot in my camera bag.computer. Depending on how much
work you do to your images, how
drastically you edit, or if you need to
work fast to meet deadlines, a machine
with some good credentials is needed.
My only real gripe is the lens and
body red dot mounting guides, which
aren’t visible when looking down on the
camera, as they’re on the bottom end
of the mount. It’s a strange design
decision and to help I’ve put a white
arrow near the lens mount, in line with
the lens’s white line as a guide.
The final food for thought is the range
of lenses. Lumix currently has three
S-series lenses available. In reality, most
photographers will be well served by
these, but for some, faster f/2.8 zooms
will be a must. Because of Panasonic’s
approach to its new system the lenses
are all designed to over resolve current
sensors, meaning that future larger
megapixel sensors will be catered for.
Anyone who had first-generation pro
lenses for Canon and Nikon will know
how their perfectly good lenses becameA 1939 Porsche Type 64.
This aluminium race car was built at
Reutter Works and is the oldest car
ever to wear the Porsche badge
Panasonic S Pro 50mm F1.4, 0.3sec at f/5, ISO 50Edmond swears
by using the
Lumix S1R with
a Uniqball head