Okay... I've reach the end of my analysis.

wiley · #1 February 21st, 2012, 09:26 PM

I have been looking over options to upgrade my existing MFT kit (which consists of a Panasonic GF1, 7-14mm f/4, and 20mm f/1.7). Originally, I was going to move to a GX1 and add the 45mm f/2.8 to the existing lens kit. Then I got looking at the Olympus E-P3 with the new 12mm f/2 and 45mm f/1.8. I've compared the sensor output (JPG, RAW, high and low ISO) on DPReview, weighed out the plusses and minuses, and even considered mixing it up (i.e. GX1 with some Olympus glass). I've gotten great output from my GF1 kit, and if I shoot RAW it appears that the GX1 has the edge over the E-P3 (although comparing the GF1 and E-P3 in RAW at ISO 1600, the E-P3 looked slightly better to me).

But here's the thing - I thing this has gone beyond the analysis (it's obvious that both cameras and potential optical kits are capable of great results)... it has turned emotional. I absolutely love the look of the E-P3 in silver with the 12mm f/2 or 45mm f/1.8 on the front (like this one: Olympus E-P3 12mm f/2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! ). I find it classically striking. The Olympus kit still has technical reasons to draw me in (like low-light street photography at 12mm with a two-full-stop advantage - without IBIS - over my 7-14mm). I can't believe it seems to have come down to this - the aesthetics of the camera itself.

Anyway, I don't think I've left any stones unturned in my technical comparison, but if anyone has something you think I might not have considered - or if you just want to reinforce my emotional response - feel free to share.

drewbot · #2 February 21st, 2012, 09:32 PM

Wait til the OM-D comes out. E-P3 prices will be sub $500 for sure.

Hikari · #3 February 21st, 2012, 09:32 PM

Look, this is not your job. Get a pretty camera you will have fun using. The difference is not worth beating yourself up about.

Don't worry, be happy.

P.S. We really buy the camera we think is cool, the justifications are just for the family CFO.

okinana · #4 February 21st, 2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewbot

Wait til the OM-D comes out. E-P3 prices will be sub $500 for sure.

I beg to disagree. The E-P3 is a fine camera. Even if the OM-D comes out, the price won't go down that fast. It will probably take a year or so before that happens...or even more.

Just my thought.

wiley · #5 February 21st, 2012, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikari

Look, this is not your job. Get a pretty camera you will have fun using. The difference is not worth beating yourself up about.

Don't worry, be happy.

P.S. We really buy the camera we think is cool, the justifications are just for the family CFO.

All very true - in fact, when I have a 'job' that includes photography, I usually have to use my Nikon hardware. But you're right - I'm trying not to beat myself up over it any more. That's why I came here

Grinch · #6 February 21st, 2012, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewbot

Wait til the OM-D comes out. E-P3 prices will be sub $500 for sure.

I think this is a pipe dream. Olympus is bringing out a DSLR style, where as the E-p's are pens and a different beast. Each will have its supporters, not everyone is gonna drop their pen, and run out and get the OMD. Plus the pen is proven, the OMD Is still yet to be tried and tested by the masses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, you might end up with egg on your face.

okinana · #7 February 21st, 2012, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grinch

I think this is a pipe dream. Olympus is bringing out a DSLR style, where as the E-p's are pens and a different beast. Each will have its supporters, not everyone is gonna drop their pen, and run out and get the OMD. Plus the pen is proven, the OMD Is still yet to be tried and tested by the masses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, you might end up with egg on your face.

+1 to that!

wiley · #8 February 21st, 2012, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grinch

I think this is a pipe dream. Olympus is bringing out a DSLR style, where as the E-p's are pens and a different beast. Each will have its supporters, not everyone is gonna drop their pen, and run out and get the OMD. Plus the pen is proven, the OMD Is still yet to be tried and tested by the masses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, you might end up with egg on your face.

My plan (if I make the switch to Olympus) was to **add** an OM-D to an E-P3

krugorg · #9 February 21st, 2012, 10:01 PM

I think the E-P3 is a great choice (I also love the looks of the GX1, though). The only thing I would say to keep in mind is that there are supposedly new PENs coming down the line after the OM-D release. I am guessing we won't see much about them until after we have all received our OM-Ds, but they said in a financial article that new versions were coming in the spring.

If you do decide to go for the E-P3 now, I would definitely recommend buying a mint used E-P3 here. I am not going to say they are going to plummet in value, but there are definitely more of them for sale post OM-D announcement and pricing has come down a bit.

I have a cosmetically challenged E-P3 that I decided is probably worth more to me than to someone else - I am going to use it as my more compact carry option when the OM-D arrives.

drewbot · #10 February 21st, 2012, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grinch

I think this is a pipe dream. Olympus is bringing out a DSLR style, where as the E-p's are pens and a different beast. Each will have its supporters, not everyone is gonna drop their pen, and run out and get the OMD. Plus the pen is proven, the OMD Is still yet to be tried and tested by the masses. Don't count your chickens before they hatch, you might end up with egg on your face.

You never know. On FM already I've seen an E-P3 go for $520, and for $600 with a VF2.