http://www.mu-43.com/ For cross-brand comparisons by prospective ĩ4/3 camera buyers and others en Fri, 24 May 2013 06:23:32 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mu-43.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.mu-43.com/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/60p-video-46624/ Wed, 22 May 2013 18:39:49 GMT I'm thinking about buying a second body only for video but I really want the ability to shoot 60fps video for nice slow motions. As I see it at the moment, my choices would be:

• GH2
• GH3
• G6
• Wait to see the GX2 and E-M7

I currently own an OM-D (and my wife a E-PM2) and some nice lens (7.5mm, P20, O45, O75 and O12-50).

What do you think would be the best deal? WiFi control of the camera would be a plus. It will be mostly to do some hybrids portraits and weddings. ]]> This or That? Talanis http://www.mu-43.com/f51/60p-video-46624/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/pana-100-300-oly-75-300ii-46623/ Wed, 22 May 2013 18:24:21 GMT Hi all,

I'm looking for a 300mm zoom lens. The first 75-300 had not a good reputation but this MKII seems to be better and also less expensive.

Any thoughts? Has someone tried them both? ]]> This or That? elandel http://www.mu-43.com/f51/pana-100-300-oly-75-300ii-46623/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/sigma-19mm-30mm-46581/ Tue, 21 May 2013 18:49:06 GMT Hi all,

I have a little problem. I just bought a 15mm lens Bodycap and now want to get a Sigma prime because very affordable. Haven't shot with the 15mm yet but just wondering: which one to get as I already have the 15mm even if it is not top notch IQ?

I do landscapes and church interiors and general travel photography as I'm not a pro but an amateur.

For portraits (that I don't do much) I have my D700 and Nikon 85mm 1.8 on the way.

Could you please help on decision? ]]> This or That? elandel http://www.mu-43.com/f51/sigma-19mm-30mm-46581/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/what-best-micro-4-3-camera-stills-out-there-46552/ Tue, 21 May 2013 04:12:08 GMT Hi guys,

I'm an amateur and enthusiast photographer learning by myself and lots of books. Loving the m4/3 systems as I'm a backpacker and sometimes go backpacking for two months, 3 weeks, etc.

I have a recently bought panny gh3+voigtlander 25mm f 0.95 (loving this lens)+panny 7-14mm.

But I have read some commentaries about gh3 being great for video but not so great for stills.

I wanted to know what is the best micro four thirds camera in the market for stills? and why you consider it the best?

appreaciate any help/advice/info. ]]> This or That? cuervo.taylor http://www.mu-43.com/f51/what-best-micro-4-3-camera-stills-out-there-46552/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/best-way-get-oly-17mm-1-8-ep5-without-46524/ Mon, 20 May 2013 20:25:56 GMT I'm jonesing for a black Oly 17mm 1.8 lens. One member of this forum recommended that people looking for the new black one merely have to wait until mid-June when some (lots of) folks (perhaps) start selling the 17mm off their new E-P5 kits.

Do people think that is good advice? Sounds reasonable. Or should I buy the kit myself and sell off the camera and EVF? More hassle, it seems. Either way, I think I'll end up with a black 17mm for $325-$350.

Does anyone out there who ordered the E-P5 kit want to sell me the 17mm lens when it arrives? ]]> This or That? mbbinvt http://www.mu-43.com/f51/best-way-get-oly-17mm-1-8-ep5-without-46524/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/after-gx1-nothing-46167/ Tue, 14 May 2013 09:52:46 GMT Before I start: I am very fond of the GX1. A great user interface, very customizable, perfect size and well made.

I do however have one critic: no matter how much I try not to, highlights get clipped here and then. I'd really love some more DR. Now, I see Oly's EP5: very customizable, looks well made as the GX1, and has two (or three) nice additions: from what I understand a consistently better sensor (which I'd like to have), 1/8000 SS (which I might find useful), IS (better to have it than not I guess).

I took a look at the Oly menus and they are a mess if compared to the Panasonic's, and I would not be that inclined to look at the EP5 if I saw something coming from Panasonic, but I'm not sure, so here's the question: in your opinion we can expect Panasonic to deliver something to match in the next year or so or I'd better think seriously about jumping ship?

thanks ]]> This or That? laser8 http://www.mu-43.com/f51/after-gx1-nothing-46167/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/recommendations-camera-budget-45999/ Sat, 11 May 2013 02:43:32 GMT okay, i have a few more bucks than i was expecting to have. i'm looking for a smallish (and definitely light) camera that i plan to carry around, and later on will probably be my backup camera as well as a carry around.

i'm looking for good low light performance, good (not necessarily fast) focus, a decent touchscreen or very good external buttons/dials, and either has an EVF or has a reasonably priced optional EVF. trying to keep it around $400, can stretch to around $500.

currently torn between getting another G3, E-PM2, E-PL5 (at the top of my price range) and maybe possibly a G5 (haven't held one, this might be too big for a carry around). i thought about an E-PM1, but i gather lower light isn't all that and the lack of touchscreen and buttons might make it a pain.

btw, the reason i sold the G3 is that it sometimes wouldn't focus on some closeups (not macros) no matter what i did unless i manually focused. ]]> This or That? pcake http://www.mu-43.com/f51/recommendations-camera-budget-45999/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/what-benefits-45964/ Fri, 10 May 2013 13:31:02 GMT of choosing the OMD or EP5 over something like a K30/K5ii, other than physical size? I'll be purchasing a new camera by the end of June and can't really decide which way to go. I'm currently using an E-PL1 with a few primes and the 40-150.

Any help is greatly appreciated. ]]> This or That? RickVaughn http://www.mu-43.com/f51/what-benefits-45964/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/samyang-fisheye-oly9-18-a-45957/ Fri, 10 May 2013 08:39:29 GMT which one is better? my lineup is pany 20, oly60 and 40-150. first option the fisheye is cheaper and i can always use photoshop to defish the images plus the oly 45 second option the just the 9-18... which one is better? my lineup is pany 20, oly60 and 40-150. first option the fisheye is cheaper and i can always use photoshop to defish the images plus the oly 45
second option the just the 9-18... ]]> This or That? weeowee http://www.mu-43.com/f51/samyang-fisheye-oly9-18-a-45957/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/travel-camera-e-m5-x100-xz-1-a-45904/ Thu, 09 May 2013 16:39:19 GMT I'm heading to Europe (Switzerland, France and England) and want to take along a lightweight, capable camera. I own the E-M5, with the following light-ish lenses: Oly 14-42, Oly 12-50, PL 14, PL 20, Oly 45.

I also own an XZ-1 with VF-2 viewfinder.

I'm looking for a lightweight way to have fun taking photos and get good shots that will end up in a photo album, a photobook and maybe a large-scale family calendar.

I'm leaning toward taking the E-M5 with the 12-50 for daytime walking around and the 20 for low-light situations.

Part of me is tempted to get an X100 or X100s before the trip. That would be smaller than the E-M5, but maybe not that much smaller and not as surefire. I might be just as well served to take the E-M5 with either the 14 or 20 as my walkaround lens, and maybe an extra lens or two that I could take with me or leave at the apartment, depending on the itinerary. One advantage to this approach is that I already own this gear!

I'm going to be hiking, taking trains, walking around cities--the usual European stuff.

What do you all think I would be best off taking? Pretend for a moment that money isn't too much of an object, since I figure I could always sell the X100(S?) when I got home.

Thanks in advance for any opinions! ]]> This or That? mbbinvt http://www.mu-43.com/f51/travel-camera-e-m5-x100-xz-1-a-45904/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/canon-nikon-entry-level-micro-four-thirds-45870/ Thu, 09 May 2013 00:05:38 GMT My brother and his wife are considering moving up from a compact camera and are considering a DSLR. I have suggested a micro four thirds as an option, especially considering that my sister-in-law is most likely the more frequent user. I do not know the full range of these cameras. My question is in the entry level DSLR price range ($500-700) what are the micro four thirds cameras that might serve a similar purpose? My brother and his wife are considering moving up from a compact camera and are considering a DSLR. I have suggested a micro four thirds as an option, especially considering that my sister-in-law is most likely the more frequent user. I do not know the full range of these cameras. My question is in the entry level DSLR price range ($500-700) what are the micro four thirds cameras that might serve a similar purpose? ]]> This or That? dohearne http://www.mu-43.com/f51/canon-nikon-entry-level-micro-four-thirds-45870/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/cheapest-macro-option-45868/ Wed, 08 May 2013 22:49:51 GMT With 14, 25, and 75, I got most of the FOV covered. What would be the cheapest macro option? Legacy with adaptor or Raynox 250? Any help would be appreciated. With 14, 25, and 75, I got most of the FOV covered. What would be the cheapest macro option? Legacy with adaptor or Raynox 250?

Any help would be appreciated. ]]> This or That? thomastaesu http://www.mu-43.com/f51/cheapest-macro-option-45868/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/oly-panny-vf2-s-45787/ Tue, 07 May 2013 14:12:07 GMT I have been using my Oly VF2 for a few years now and really enjoy what it adds to my EP bodies.

I have recently bought a bargain GX1 which I really like.
I am considering adding the Panasonic LVF2, it's not an essential purchase more of a luxury but would certainly add to the enjoyment of using the GX1

Are they comparible in what they offer relating to image/viewing.

Thanks ]]> This or That? deckitout http://www.mu-43.com/f51/oly-panny-vf2-s-45787/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/300mm-panasonic-100-300-nice-300-prime-legacy-lens-45742/ Mon, 06 May 2013 19:09:35 GMT Hello, the "This or That" section in my favorite. So here I come with a doubt:

If you are especially interested in the 300mm, but seeing that prices are not really good for 300mm legacy primes...

would you buy a 100-300 Panasonic? Is that long end so soft?

Lightweight + IS + versatility VS quality... ]]> This or That? threebees http://www.mu-43.com/f51/300mm-panasonic-100-300-nice-300-prime-legacy-lens-45742/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/new-compact-camera-vs-new-lens-45714/ Mon, 06 May 2013 08:15:07 GMT So now I have raised enough money for my hobby and wish to purchase something new. I have an Olympus PEN E-PM1 w/ kit lens and either wish to buy a new lens or purchase a compact camera. The dilemma I have is that for general non-photography events I want to be able to take a camera with me in my pocket for when the opportunity arises.

Here are some of my choices:

Lenses

I can get these for approximately the same price (under $400)

• Olympus 17mm f/1.8 -the classic 35mm, fast focusing, versatile, clutch focus, too big to take everywhere with me (pockets wise, I don't wear jackets with zippable pockets)
• Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 - sharp, versatile, in the road between 35mm and 50mm, SLOW focusing
• Sigma 19mm f/2.8 - decent, cheap, not pocketable, slow start up and rattle, slow aperture
• Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 - good focusing, pocketable, maybe a bit too wide and not versatile enough, cheap
• Sigma 30mm f/2.8 - cheap, decent focus, slow start up and rattle, slow aperture
• Olympus 15mm f/8 - More like a toy
• Olympus 45mm f/1.8 - cheap, sharp, all rounder, not pocketable, may be too tight

Compact Cameras

I can get these for approximately the same price (under $400)

• Olympus XZ-2
• Olympus XZ-10
• Panasonic TZ40
• Panasonic LX7
• Canon S110

Any suggestions or help is appreciated. I can get Olympus prices so low because I know someone who can get it cheap for me.

Even though the form factor for the Olympus PEN E-PM1 is quite compact I don't think it's suitable to being with me everywhere (yet). ]]> This or That? sammaritan12 http://www.mu-43.com/f51/new-compact-camera-vs-new-lens-45714/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/editing-programs-new-imac-45657/ Sun, 05 May 2013 13:47:18 GMT Hi, I am getting an iMac (i5 quad core, 8GB ram, graphic card with 512MB). I need suggestions on image editing software as well as video editing one. I do very light PP(mostly jpeg shooter), so can I get by with PS elements, Aperture, or LR without a serious editing software? Any help would be appreciated. Thanx. Hi, I am getting an iMac (i5 quad core, 8GB ram, graphic card with 512MB).

I need suggestions on image editing software as well as video editing one. I do very light PP(mostly jpeg shooter), so can I get by with PS elements, Aperture, or LR without a serious editing software?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanx. ]]> This or That? thomastaesu http://www.mu-43.com/f51/editing-programs-new-imac-45657/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/dont-knwo-what-do-45634/ Sat, 04 May 2013 22:34:05 GMT So im in a tuff spot and dont know what to do. My current lens are. oly 45mm 1.8 oly 17mm 2.8 ver.1, kit zoom 12-50, oly 75-300mm, oly 9-18. I find my self using the 45mm a lot for low light performance but were im using it is a little long on the focal length to use in tight spaces. and lately i been shooting a lot of band concerts locally trying to get practice and to one day make some nice side money off of it. I find myself a lot of the times wanting a zoom when im in the field because i cant adjusted my position to get a better shot(aka mosh pit right behind you). I recently in the last two weeks learned about the Panasonic 35-100 and 12-35 with constant ap. of 2.8. And im been thinking of almost selling all my current lens to get one of the Panasonic lens and get the other one when i get some money flowing. Frankly i am confused on what i should do. if i have missed anything or you have questions feel free to post so i can help you to help me.:thumbup: So im in a tuff spot and dont know what to do.

My current lens are. oly 45mm 1.8 oly 17mm 2.8 ver.1, kit zoom 12-50, oly 75-300mm, oly 9-18.

I find my self using the 45mm a lot for low light performance but were im using it is a little long on the focal length to use in tight spaces. and lately i been shooting a lot of band concerts locally trying to get practice and to one day make some nice side money off of it. I find myself a lot of the times wanting a zoom when im in the field because i cant adjusted my position to get a better shot(aka mosh pit right behind you). I recently in the last two weeks learned about the Panasonic 35-100 and 12-35 with constant ap. of 2.8. And im been thinking of almost selling all my current lens to get one of the Panasonic lens and get the other one when i get some money flowing. Frankly i am confused on what i should do. if i have missed anything or you have questions feel free to post so i can help you to help me.:thumbup: ]]> This or That? hitman21988 http://www.mu-43.com/f51/dont-knwo-what-do-45634/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/2nd-camera-45629/ Sat, 04 May 2013 21:02:51 GMT I'm looking for an inexpensive 2nd camera after my primary m4/3, something to throw in the bag without worrying too much about it. I have seen a refurbished Olympus XZ-1 and refurbished Olympus E-PL3 (body only) at about the same price. I would use the E-PL3 with the Panasonic 20 or maybe the 14-42 lens, so it would be bigger. Uses would basically be scenery and people.

Any suggestions? ]]> This or That? MacBook http://www.mu-43.com/f51/2nd-camera-45629/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/where-we-going-45620/ Sat, 04 May 2013 18:23:57 GMT I am the owner of an E-M5 which I use a lot and I have some concerns about where I am going. Rather rashly I sold an E5 to purchase the E-M5 and realised too late that I should have planned my move into M4/3 more wisely. Leaving aside the problems I have had using some of my 4/3 lenses with the E-M5 I am still hoping that I am going to be able to assemble a complete system using M4/3. However development seems to have slowed down a little which concerns me somewhat. So here are a few questions that someone, especially the manufacturers, may be able to answer: Is there any likelihood, in the foreseeable future, of seeing same brand extension tubes on the market, or same brand teleconverters, or same brand super-telephoto primes, or underwater housings? Is Olympus ever going to produce an E-Mx with a built-in flash? Bearing in mind the superb sensors in the latest offerings, when will photography of _*FAST*_-moving objects ever be a possibility? When will low-light AF be as reliable as it was with my E5? A lot of questions I know, but for me to see a way forward to stay with M4/3rds they are all fairly crucial. Thanks for reading this far! David I am the owner of an E-M5 which I use a lot and I have some concerns about where I am going. Rather rashly I sold an E5 to purchase the E-M5 and realised too late that I should have planned my move into M4/3 more wisely. Leaving aside the problems I have had using some of my 4/3 lenses with the E-M5 I am still hoping that I am going to be able to assemble a complete system using M4/3. However development seems to have slowed down a little which concerns me somewhat. So here are a few questions that someone, especially the manufacturers, may be able to answer:

Is there any likelihood, in the foreseeable future, of seeing same brand extension tubes on the market, or same brand teleconverters, or same brand super-telephoto primes, or underwater housings? Is Olympus ever going to produce an E-Mx with a built-in flash?

Bearing in mind the superb sensors in the latest offerings, when will photography of FAST-moving objects ever be a possibility? When will low-light AF be as reliable as it was with my E5?

A lot of questions I know, but for me to see a way forward to stay with M4/3rds they are all fairly crucial.

Thanks for reading this far!

David ]]> This or That? Rockinggoose http://www.mu-43.com/f51/where-we-going-45620/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/omd-sigma-dp1-merrill-comparative-print-size-45586/ Fri, 03 May 2013 15:05:07 GMT This subject has been covered a bit in prior threads, but I don't think my specific question has been answered. I am very happy with my OMD system, which routinely produces excellent quality in print sizes up to 16x20. I find that it fills the niche that used to be occupied by my medium format rangefinder system during the film era. I would like, however, the ability to sometimes print larger. This would be mostly landscapes, taken on a tripod at base ISO; essentially, the niche formerly occupied by 4x5. The Sigma DP1 Merrill seems promising for this use. The 28mm equivalent lens is my favorite focal length, the image quality is reputed to be incredible, and the handling and other shortcomings of the camera aren't very relevant in my planned application. My question is how much larger will I be able to print from the Merrill than from the OMD. I'd be interested in the views of anyone who has shot with and printed from both cameras. For example, how large can you print from the Merrill and get the same quality you would see from the OMD at 16x20?

Thanks. ]]> This or That? cmpatti http://www.mu-43.com/f51/omd-sigma-dp1-merrill-comparative-print-size-45586/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/panasonic-lumix-gh3-g6-45549/ Thu, 02 May 2013 11:47:48 GMT Hello again!

I am pretty satisfied with my Fujifilm X cameras for my photography needs but videography has become more and more important for me.

I recently started a YouTube channel where I upload videos and have got a little following already. I would like a videographic camera for my video needs.

I read that the Lumix G6 has recently come around the corner. With the addition of external mic port this seems like a good option.

My situation is this; I use exclusively Mac computers. And I read that the G6 only supports MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs. Mac likes H.264 more than mpg4.
I could of course use AVCHD in iMovie. But the H.264 seems more native for the Mac.

The good point of getting the G6 is the prize. I donīt need all those features of the GH3 as it can be to confusing with too many options too.

In the same time I feel that videography is getting more and more focus (over photography almost).

Could I as a growing enthusiast videographer going in the direction of "semipro" someday, be satisfied with the G6 or should I go all the way to GH3 to future proof my growing videography "business"?

Of course Final Cut is an investment I'm going towards as well.

Is the AVCHD a good format that will give me the quality that an enthusiast (aiming for semipro) will need?

Or do I need the added features of the GH3 with many more options?

The things that are good on both that I am going to need is of course the full manual control during video recording.

I am glad that I waited some as this gave the G6 option too before I take the plunge to the m43 world again... This time my m43 world will be mostly videographic.

Please help me here :) ]]> This or That? Ramirez http://www.mu-43.com/f51/panasonic-lumix-gh3-g6-45549/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/best-portrait-general-set-up-max-1500-euro-45459/ Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:33:03 GMT The budget as mentioned in the topic-title is fixed and really maxed out (I prefer to spend about €1250 to have some budget for some extra accessories, but those can wait if needed). I assume a 1:1 ration of € vs $ can be applied.

I would like to have a general set-up for holidays and family-pics and have some emphasis on portraits and groupshots (also in low-light). I also do some streetcandids, and look for details in urban environments.

Video is not important, only stills.

Used equipment is o.k. as well, however the 2nd hand market is not that big in Europe for m43-gear I noticed.

What should be included in the set-up:

- Main-camera with EVF
- backup-camera, maybe it is wise to have a smaller camera as backup and for travel
- Oly 45/1.8 (must have for me)
- allround-zoom (kitlens is ok)
- Telezoom is not important

I've already got some vintage lenses (Pentax smc a 50/1.7, SMC M 35/2.8, Takumar 55/2), main focus in the gear to buy is on native M43-lenses.

Of course I already have some options inmy mind, but I'm not mentioning them yet to get your ideas without only reacting on my suggestions.

So let me know, what would you do? ]]> This or That? mikekiwi http://www.mu-43.com/f51/best-portrait-general-set-up-max-1500-euro-45459/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/some-general-af-type-questions-45252/ Sat, 27 Apr 2013 07:02:09 GMT Hi,

at this moment I'm evaluating a come-back to M43. (I previously owned a E-PL1).

My current set-up is a Pentax K5 with a Sigma 17-70+Tamron 70-300. I just sold my backup-camera (Pentax K10D) and my studio-flashes to get a smaller (M43) backup camera. While reading about M43 maybe I sell the K5 as well and move entirely over to M43. Before I do that, I would like to ask you some questions of which I can't find a definitive answer myself.
I'm still in doubt about several different models and which one to buy, but will read the entire (!) forum first before posing any questions on which one to buy :rolleyes:

1. On the DSLR''s I have/had I was keen on having AF adjust to be able to correct back- or frontfocus (and needed it). On M43 camera's I don''t see this options and I read somewhere that this was due to the AF-system which is measuring on the sensor and thus focus is always OK. Is that correct?

2. my E-PL1 could control the FL36R flash from the camera (TTL) but as I can remember the internal flash always was visible in the images as well. Is this still the case on newer models? And can Panasonic camera's control a FL36R wireless as well (TTL)

3. In fact, I'm very satisfied with my K5, it's a great cam and along with the 17-70 from Sigma pretty versatile. Buying some better lenses is a problem however if you're on a tight budget. New lenses are a bit too expensive and 2nd hand for Pentax is hard to get (and overpriced as well as there are more buyers then sellers).
So a switch to a G5/6 or E-PL5 from the K5 would also be an option and then add a 20/1.7 and 45/1.8 (OM-D is maybe a bit too expensive for me when needing still a smaller backup and the 20+45).
Are there reasons to convince me to either keep or sell the K5 ? Just to help me make the decision?

(for samples of what I usually shoot, take a look at my website; although it is written in dutch you can get an idea from the blogposts and portfolio.)

Thanks for your input! ]]> This or That? mikekiwi http://www.mu-43.com/f51/some-general-af-type-questions-45252/ http://www.mu-43.com/f51/anyone-thinks-too-fast-45131/ Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:06:24 GMT I think Panasonic is updating its G or GF models too fast, buying at the frist 3 months, not much discount, buying at 3-6 months, more discount but you know it's going to drop, maybe just next week, buying at 6-9 months, great discount, almost the cheapest price you can get, but the new model is coming out.

Panasonic just make these model basically not much resale value, that just remind me the strategy from the Canon & Sony's low-end P&S all these years.

PS: I think peny and oly should build more lenses sooner not bodys. ]]> This or That? Halaking http://www.mu-43.com/f51/anyone-thinks-too-fast-45131/