The Panasonic Lumix GH9II Gets Put Through Its Paces w/ an International Performer

Panasonic Lumix Leica Lens

Nicole and I have worked together many times. In fact, some of our early work went completely viral, and the photos kept popping up everywhere—it was like playing “whack-a-mole,” trying to get them taken down. That’s why full-sized images of this shoot won’t be available on Flickr. Nicole has performed all around the world in various roles such as a contortionist, aerialist, dancer, and model. It’s pretty awesome that she is appearing on the 43addict camera blog.

For this photoshoot, I was loaned the Panasonic Lumix GH9 II camera and the Leica 15mm f/1.7 lens by B&H in NY. This is the gear I used to create these photos. All images were shot in RAW format and then lightly edited in Photoshop.

 

Leica DG Summilux 15mm ISO 100 F/1.7 1/3200

I think this photo clearly demonstrates the nature of Micro Four Thirds sensors. It’s not going to deliver the same flavor as a full frame, but paired with Leica glass it renders quite nicely and yielded a sharp subject at 1.7 with leading line that’s bokehlicious.

Leica DG Summilux 15mm ISO 100 F/1.7 1/3200

When doing photography like this, it’s important to communicate clearly with your subject and to be aware of what’s happening around you beyond the viewfinder. For example, when I was shooting this image, I showed Nicole my composition and explained my idea, allowing her the space to bring it to life.

ISO 400 F2 1/60

This photo was taken under the rail bridge, and it was challenging for me to get in there with her. I think one advantage of MFT cameras is how light and small both the cameras and lenses are. When you’re working with performers in 90°F temperatures, you better be in good shape too (my neck did hurt the next day). Nicole and I had an amazing time taking photos together, and we’re planning another shoot on a rooftop after dark in a few months.

 

All photos by Scott Morvay of Vi Vante

Performer Nicole Winter

Photos cannot be used without our permission but feel free to share a link to this blog post.

Purchase this great affordable photo gear at B&H Photo.

Panasonic Lumix G9II

Leica 15mm DG Summilux F/1.7

 

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The Best Autofocus Video Settings for Recording People on the Panasonic Lumix Cameras Revealed


Setting up autofocus for video can be quite challenging. You get all ready to record your vlog or the talent and everything looks great, until you notice in post your camera is hunting for focus. It’s focused, on the eye, the tip of the nose, and oh no you hold up an object.

Are you ready for the cheat sheet, the cliffnotes, the goods?

  • Autofocus Set to Full Area
  • Human Detection
  • Eye/Face Detection
  • Continuous Focus

Beware of minimum focus distance. Meaning; do not get too close too the lens.

These settings will apply to most Panasonic Lumix Cameras. These exact settings are on the G9II.

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25mm Leica DG Summilux F/1.4 Horse Portrait Image Samples on the Panasonic G9II

For this lens and camera review B&H photo was so kind to loan the Lumix G9II and this lens Leica lens to me.

I showed up to my friend’s farm with just the Panasonic Lumix G9II with the Leica 25mm DG Summilux F/1.4 mounted. I went into the autofocus menu and set it to animal, with targeting on the eye.

Photographing Warmblood horses is not easy, especially when they’re over 17 hands tall. You have to pay attention so that you don’t get stepped on, avoid pulling anything out of your bag that could “spook” them, and refrain from annoying them by using strobes or flashes. One of the things that immediately distinguishes a professional horse portrait from an amateur one is the ears; they need to be in the forward position. While my friend was holding the horse, we played audio recordings of horses neighing from an app!

It’s always highly advisable to “put the money in the jukebox,” a term I coined with horses, meaning to give them treats before riding or asking them to work. Cici has some carrots and an apple. I was shooting at large apertures to achieve the Leica look, especially on a 4/3 camera where you’ll want to use larger apertures to achieve pronounced bokeh. I can tell you the 25mm Leica DG Summilux lens does give you the signature Leica look for hardly any money.

I photographed in RAW for optimal quality. Each photo will link to the 43 Addict Flickr page, where you can view them in full size. I plan to make an acrylic print of whichever photo my friend chooses. I’m actually impressed with the files from the 4/3 sensor.

I also have to give credit to the brightness of the LCD screen on the Lumix G9II. I realized as I walked back to the barn that I never even used the viewfinder. I think the LCD screen allowed me to manage many things at once: maintaining communication while working with our subject, having a higher level of situational awareness, and achieving superb compositions. After the shoot, Cici was rewarded with another apple, plus it was dinner time.

This setup past the test, but I’m not through yet…….. Follow the blog for more!

Links to B&H for the gear I used:

Panasonic Lumix G9II

Leica 25mm DG Summilux F/1.4

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July 4th Camera Deals Are Happening RIGHT NOW

Vi Vante Matador Leather Braided Camera Strap

Right now to July 7th; Save 25% off Vi Vante with Discount Code; “JULY424” Free Usa Shipping, discounted international; Vi Vante accepts apple pay, google pay, paypal, dollars, British pounds, Euros, and more.

Shop Vi Vante for cameras straps, bags, hardware.


Save on this Panasonic Lumix G F/1.7 Lens Reduced to $267.99

 

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Shop the B&H July 4th Deals Page

 

These are all of your July 4th Savings; Have a wonderful holiday!

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Review from a 1st Time Leica User; “Leica D-Lux 8 after 2 weeks.” From Ricoh to DLUX

From Ricoh to D-Lux 8 Smashpop shares his experience and insight in the D-Lux camera from a first time Leica owner. He even discusses the MFT sensor and was unaware that they’re still going strong!

See More about the D-Lux 8 at B&H Photo

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Leica D-Lux 8 | First Look with Nick Rains (Leica Camera Australia)

Great video by Nick Rains with gorgeous sample photos.

PREORDER NOW at B&H Photo

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