Keep GF2 or get E-PM1 for an IBIS camera?

Jonathan F/2 · #1 September 1st, 2011, 03:27 PM

I've been tempted to get an E-PM1 mainly for IBIS (for low light still photography and use on my adapted lenses). I actually prefer less buttons for this type of camera, plus I think Olympus' GUI design is somewhat convoluted, so the less the better for me. I was thinking selling my GF2 body only and the E-PM1 kit lens. I'd still have the G3 as my main body and this camera will be used by my wife when I'm not using it. Plus it'd put my foot in both m43 camps.

E-PM1 Pros:
IBIS
Art Filters
Olympus jpeg processing

GF2 Pros:
Built-in pop-up flash
Touch screen
Shares same battery as my G3

What do you guys think, worth the trade?

Art · #2 September 1st, 2011, 03:49 PM

Just for IBIS, probably not but for Olympus colors - w/o a doubt (I used to have GF2, eek).

garfield_cz · #3 September 1st, 2011, 04:40 PM

Right out of the box GF2 is producing images in standard Panasonic fashion bit cold and definitely not for everyone

But don't give up it can be adjusted easily to your taste! Regarding colors I would recommend to stick with one tweaked WB letting the sun do the trick. Also contrast, sharpening, saturation and noise reduction could be customized for jpeg processing. Personally I don't care about jpg look much, because of RAW processing. However having such tweaked settings in many cases I am getting very similar jpegs to those produced by Lightroom RAW processing. In my humble opinion in-lens stabilization is better than IBIS, but good tripod is far better than any stabilization

Keep GF2, tweak it, enjoy it

Jonathan F/2 · #4 September 1st, 2011, 04:47 PM

My GF2 is already tweaked on WB and picture settings. They look pretty good out of box. I guess I may skip Olympus until they get a newer sensor, but I'm always tempted to pull the trigger! Darn it.

shnitz · #5 September 1st, 2011, 05:23 PM

Do you shoot in jpeg, or in RAW? I'm assuming that you shoot jpeg, since it's more of your snapshot camera and you don't want to deal with any post-processing, but I've been very happy with RAW on my G2. Great colors, and then any art filters and jpeg processor in-camera become obsolete, since I can just process using Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP, etc. Lightroom especially allows you to quickly output the files, if you want them in JPEG form, plus it provides non-destructive edits. Since you mention that you're also shooting a Nikon D700 and D3, Lightroom is a great product that speeds up your workflow, getting your images out to friends and customers quickly. While typing that, I know that it sounded like a shill, haha, but I really enjoy it. Aperture is a similar workflow editor, but it only works on Apple computers.

Personally, I'd stick with the GF2. I like the controls, and the built-in flash is handy. While IBIS is nice, it's not a deciding feature to switch for me. The E-PL3 seems that it will be a solid upgrade to it (seeing as how the E-P3 is getting gushed over), but not the PM1.

Jonathan F/2 · #6 September 1st, 2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnitz

Do you shoot in jpeg, or in RAW? I'm assuming that you shoot jpeg, since it's more of your snapshot camera and you don't want to deal with any post-processing, but I've been very happy with RAW on my G2. Great colors, and then any art filters and jpeg processor in-camera become obsolete, since I can just process using Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP, etc. Lightroom especially allows you to quickly output the files, if you want them in JPEG form, plus it provides non-destructive edits. Since you mention that you're also shooting a Nikon D700 and D3, Lightroom is a great product that speeds up your workflow, getting your images out to friends and customers quickly. While typing that, I know that it sounded like a shill, haha, but I really enjoy it. Aperture is a similar workflow editor, but it only works on Apple computers.

Personally, I'd stick with the GF2. I like the controls, and the built-in flash is handy. While IBIS is nice, it's not a deciding feature to switch for me. The E-PL3 seems that it will be a solid upgrade to it (seeing as how the E-P3 is getting gushed over), but not the PM1.

For the GF2, I shoot mostly jpeg. PP editing isn't a big deal for me, I stick to a Photoshop/Photo Mechanic workflow (it's the old school Sports Illustrated style, don't know if they still use it though). I tried the E-PL3, really nice camera, but since I already have a swivel screen body I want to keep my 2nd m43 camera simple. I feel bad, I haven't put any money in Olympus' pocket, it's just that there hasn't been an Olympus camera that fits my needs and price point yet, with the E-PM1 being the closest.

shnitz · #7 September 1st, 2011, 05:45 PM

Hang on to your money. I've been hit with upgrade-itis a lot as well. Enjoy your current cameras, and if anything invest in some fun new glass.

Biro · #8 September 4th, 2011, 09:02 PM

If you already have the GF2, there's no compelling reason for you to switch. However, if you had only the G3, the E-PM1 would probably make a great second micro four-thirds camera. You'd have IBIS when you need or want it and a choice of Panasonic or Olympus image processing. As an only camera, the E-PM1's lack of external controls might be an issue. But as a second body, I don't think it would be a problem at all. Still, in your specific case, I'd keep the GF2.

Sammyboy · #9 September 4th, 2011, 09:11 PM

Get the E-PM1, you only live life once.

Ned · #10 September 4th, 2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammyboy

Get the E-PM1, you only live life once.

Unless you're a cat.