Hi All,

I am new to the forum and about to get my first camera. I have done exhaustive research and just need a push to pull the trigger on one of these cameras. I know both are great and I am sure I won't regret either, but I just want to make sure!

Uses: 99% of my pics are of my 20 month old son. I currently have a Panny FZ35 and frankly, it isn't doing the job these days. My son used to be such an easy subject but now he goes so quickly that I lose a majority of the shots.

I don't do much after the fact processing, with the exception of some minor tweaking in iPhoto. So, I shoot in JPEG.

I keep the camera pretty much in aperture priority 99% of the time.

Here is the clincher: I have been using the EVF exclusively since taking a few photog classes last year. So, does this really seal the deal on a G3?

Budget is about $750-800. I really want to get a 20mm, as well as a camera and a kit lens. This budget most likely puts the Oly VF out of reach, I assume.

Any swaying one way or the other would be appreciated!!

Meggie T

Your budget should allow you to purchase the E-PL2, VF-2 or VF-3, and Lumix 20mm f/1.7. You'll just have to shop around carefully and maybe buy some parts used. In fact, I just looked on Amazon and the G3 is selling for $120 more than the E-PL2, so that makes up for most of the purchase of a VF-2 or VF-3 right there.

One member had an E-PL2, VF-2, and Lumix 14mm f/2.5 for sale recently: http://www.mu-43.com/f17/e-pl2-kit-l...m-2-5-a-17855/
The body and lens are sold, but the VF-2 is still available for $180. That's about the same price as a new VF-3, but I would personally pick a used VF-2 over a new VF-3.

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Olympus E-3 | Olympus E-PL2 PEN | Olympus E-PM1 PEN | Zuiko ED 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD | Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 | Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 Macro | Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135mm f/2.8 | Konica Hexanon 50mm f/1.4 | Konica Hexanon 85mm f/1.8 | G.Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 | Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 Macro | Zuiko 25mm f/2.8 | KMZ Jupiter-3 50mm f/1.5 | E.Zuiko 200mm f/4 | Zuiko 75-150mm f/4 | Olympus EC-14 teleconverter | VF-2 and VF-3 Viewfinders | EMA-1 Mic Adapter | Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R speedlights

cyclopsphoto.ca

Thanks, Ned. I have been scouring the sites, including this forum, for a good deal. The EPL2 seems to be about $450 at this time. Maybe I should wait for a used one? Will keep an eye out!

Have you considered the E-PM1? I have both the E-PM1 and E-PL2, and you'll probably want the faster AF of the E-PM1. I use both the shoot my 16 month old baby, and the E-PM1 is much more responsive to chase little ones. I only use the E-PL2 now as a back-up, usually mounted to my 12mm f/2 for wide angle shots and my E-PM1 mounted to the 45mm 1.8.

The G3 is also nice, but for my needs I much prefer the Olympus bodies for kid shooting. I had a G3 and the Olympus metering won me over, especially if you're shooting in different lighting. The G3 does better high ISO though.

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Jonathan
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www.jonathanfriolo.com

Meggie, depending on where you're located,you may also want to check out the refurbished E-PL2 kits on the B&H Photo website. That's how I bought mine; very pleased with it!

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Chuck

Thank you for your input, Jonathan. Funny - I was just looking at the EPM1. My only issue is how small it is! I have fairly large hands and am concerned with handling. I saw a GF3 today and it was too small for me. I didn't find it comfortable, and it has a little bit of a grip. The EPM1 doesn't look like it has any grip. I am going to try and get to a store tomorrow without my son so I can take a little more time with the Oly options. I have held a G3, so I am comfortable with that option thus far.

Yeah the E-PL2 and G3 have a better grip. Many of us with the E-PM1 either use a Franiec grip, half cases with grips or our own custom solution! For the price/performance ratio, the E-PM1 is hard to beat!

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Jonathan
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www.jonathanfriolo.com

Thanks, Chuck. I am in San Francisco, so I couldn't go to B&H in person but I would feel comfortable ordering from them. I just took a look and the refurbished prices aren't that different from new! About a $50-75 difference, depending on color. But they do have a kit with the standard kit lens and a 40-150 for $479. Not sure if that is a good deal and not sure I need the 40-150. Hmmm...

Jonathan, that Franiec grip is cool! Thanks for sharing. I will keep that in mind.

All of the current Olympus m43 offerings are essentially repackaged E-P1 cameras, unlike Panasonic cameras (including the G3) that have better sensor and slightly more features. Out of the box, Olympus will produce better JPEGs, but if you set it up correctly, Panasonic will produce same quality images. Until Olympus comes out with a true "new" camera, I wouldn't even consider any of their current offerings.