Hello all, first post here!

I am currently a Nikon d700 shooter. I'm primarily a hobbiest now since I no longer have time for such else due to my wife's business and my day job. As such, I find myself not using my d700 as much as I used to.

I would use this as a walk around camera, and taking pics of my kids when I don't want to lug the big dog.

Anyways, the other day I ran into someone with a gf3 and was amazed at its size. I really hadn't ever looked at any mirrorless cameras before and never realized how small they were. I had a Canon s95 for a bit but never used it much due to its slow focus and difficult mechanics so i sold it. But after checking out this gf3 it got me to thinking that maybe this is the way I need to go to be happy with a sidekick for my d700.

I think I've narrowed down to the gx1 or g3. I don't live anywhere really close to check these out myself though. I've read a few comparisons but wanted to get some personal user feedback between these two. (Or anything else I should look at) I'll probably just start out with the kit zoom and a prime.

Thoughts?

I have a G3 and I LOVE it. I came from a Nikon D50 which I really loved and still have but was looking to upgrade but wasn't really impressed by nikons offerings in this price range. Finally decided to pull the trigger on the G3 and I'm glad I did. It's so much easier to bring around with me and was quite a step up in IQ compared to my D50( understandable since its older technology).

I too was trying to decide between the G3 and GX1. In the end the efv and articulating screen made me go for the G3.

Do you mean G1X (Canon) or GX1 (Panasonic)?

IMHO, the G1X is already dead wih the announcement of the EOS-M.

The G3 and GX1 are fantastic, and the m43 lenses definitely set the standard for mirrorless.

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Either one would be a great choice. If you don't need an EVF than the GX1 is a fantastic deal right now (check out the deals section) @ $399. It has tons of features and a current sensor with a nice small, but sturdy feel. It is a real pleasure to use and produces great results. With a 20mm Panasonic lens it is somewhat pocketable (jacket) and can shoot in low light with great results. I have the 25mm, which is larger, and I find it is still very easy to carry along with me on a night on the town. Nothing against any other m4/3 camera but I feel like the GX1 is the best overall body for the money right now. Easy user interface and it performs very well. This coming from someone who only had a film camera previously and didn't shoot too much.

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Meant the Penny Gx1. Fixed my initial post.

I read some issues about the 12-42 lens. Should I stay away from that?

I've owned both. To me, the G3 was close to what I wanted, feature-wise, but was not right (for me, anyway) ergonomically. Had they put the GX1's grip on the G3, I would likely still have it now. However, that said, there are other things about the G1 that I prefer: (1) better build quality gives it a very solid feel, (2) more direct control buttons, which the G3 always seemed short of by one or two, (3) touch tab, which adds two more "buttons" for direct control, and (4) the LVF-2 is removable. The last one wouldn't be a big deal if the G3's viewfinder didn't stick out the back as much as it does. All built-in Panny viewfinders are this way. You may scrunch your nose a little less (never really had a problem), but compared to the E-M5 or most DSLRs, it is a less streamline design.

If the grip on the G3 agrees with you, then you can't go wrong with either choice.

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Olympus E-M5, 45mm f/1.8
Lumix 14mm f/2.5, 20mm f/1.7, 45mm f/2.8 (Leica), 14-42mm X, 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6, 45-175mm X
Minolta MD 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/2, 135mm f/2.8

IQ is effectively the same, so it boils down to your preferences in features. Personally, I find I need to have an eye level VF. So the G3 was an easy pick for me at the time (didn't bother waiting for the GX1). The fully articulating screen was a nice bonus as well. Cost was considerably better for my wallet, too.

If I didn't have a care for the EVF, I'd get the GX1 in a heartbeat.

The G3 is a great camera at an awesome price. But I hope you don't think it's GF3 sized?

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Olympus E-M5, Sony A65, lenses.

Have you compared them on Camera Size Comparison

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Panasonic G3 & GX1

Yes, I'm aware the g3 and gx1 are bigger. But they are still tiny compared to normal slrs.

Nickleon that compare chart is awesome, thanks!