G3 or EPL2? - Page 2

Jonathan F/2 · #11 January 19th, 2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VasManI

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.

Not true. The sensor is the same, but the latest gen Pens have better AF, faster art filters and rock solid AWB. Not might sound like much, but when all added up I'd much rather get a $399 E-PM1 than any other Pen camera. I came from the G3 to the E-PM1/E-PL2 and I didn't think the new sensor was all that great when other aspects of the camera were lacking (so-so metering, bland colors, etc).

crsnydertx · #12 January 19th, 2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VasManI

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.

I went the other way: I ditched the disappointing G3 in favor of the E-P3 and E-PM1. No regrets!

meggie t · #13 January 19th, 2012, 10:21 PM

Thanks everyone! I will definitely take a look at the Oly offerings tomorrow and see how they feel. Then to find a deal! I wish I had looked at all this before Christmas so I could get a good deal but oh well.

Art · #14 January 19th, 2012, 11:33 PM

I also have both E-PL2 and E-PM1. Unless you plan shooting with legacy lenses (MF), E-PM1 is much better choice in every way. Only two cons: bundled flash can't bounce unlike E-PL2's built-in flash and IBIS is unusable. Everything else is superb: dramatically improved AWB (this alone makes images look so much better), much faster AF (except with Panny 20 - no difference here), much faster art filter processing, fantastic 5.5fps burst mode with fast buffer clear up, better buid quality (all metal and slick), full HD video, better LCD quality (contrast ratio), significantly smaller and lighter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by meggie t

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.

meggie t · #15 January 19th, 2012, 11:37 PM

Wow, Art! Thanks for all that great info! I have been leaning more towards the EPL2 but I might have to reconsider. I don't have any legacy lenses. This is my first foray into "DSLR" territory. I am coming from a Panny FZ35.

I don't use flash much, if at all (I can't remember the last time I used it). I will be using the 20mm, so I guess that is a wash. Hopefully I can try them both out tomorrow and see how they feel.

Thanks again!

Promit · #16 January 20th, 2012, 01:43 AM

I definitely vote against the PL2, it's just not fast enough to get good, focused photos of a tiny kid running around. G3 or PM1...

xdayv · #17 January 20th, 2012, 03:02 AM

a lot of folks here like the E-PL2...

Bhupinder2002 · #18 January 20th, 2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xdayv

a lot of folks here like the E-PL2...

Hahahaah I am one of them ..I own this right since my childhood ...
Here is the proof Dave ..

See how happy I am with my EPL2 ..hahaahh

meggie t · #19 January 20th, 2012, 10:58 AM

Yes, I have noticed a lot of love for the PL2! Seems like a great camera.

Promit, thanks for your input. I am going to check put the PM1 today. Now that I looked at the grip options, definitely makes it more feasible for me.

meggie t · #20 January 20th, 2012, 05:54 PM

So just an update to let you know that I am more confused than ever! I went today and was able to hold/try out the EPM1, GF3 and G3. I wasn't able to hold an EPL2.

All I can say is INFORMATION OVERLOAD!!!! I am torn. I decided I can live without the VF if need be. But I can't decide if I can live without a built in flash, even though I can't remember the last time I used one. This will be my main camera.

Maybe I should decide by price?? Here are the stats:

EPL2 (used) - kit for $350; in like new condition
EPM1 - with 14-42mm kit for $448
GF3 - with 14mm and 14-42mm kit for $579
GF3 - with 14-42mm kit for $459
G3 - with 14-42mm kit for $579

The guy at Calumet said he would go for the GF3 with 14mm, but only if I start shooting RAW. If not, go with Oly - mind you, he only showed me an E3, which was nice but way out of budget.

With any of the above, I will be getting the 20mm. Ugh. I need to stop researching!!

Any thoughts appreciated!

Meggie T