The Best Deal in Micro Four Thirds

Amin Sabet · #1 November 14th, 2010, 06:41 PM

It's remarkable how much Panasonic got right in the very first Micro 4/3 camera, the Panasonic G1.

The G1 has the same sensor as most of the latest Micro 4/3 models such as the GF2 and E-P2. Since it has the same high-resolution electronic viewfinder as the G2, it is an ideal body for those looking to get a start with Micro 4/3 and adapted lenses.

The 14-45mm kit lens for the G1 is very strong, outperforming the lower cost (and slightly larger) 14-42mm lens which replaces it in the G2/G10/GF2/GH2 kits. The fact that used 14-45mm lenses continue to sell for $200+ makes this Amazon deal (IMO) the best value for money in Micro 4/3 today:

Note: The Panasonic G1 does not shoot video, and it does not have a touch screen.

Link: Panasonic G1 kit at Amazon

Source: 1001 Noisy Cameras

Narnian · #2 November 14th, 2010, 07:19 PM

What a great deal! Especially since the lens alone on Amazon is $330 and the G1 body is $380!

I just bought a used one a few weeks ago to go with my GF1 - and love it. It makes a great supplement to the GF1 for long and macro adapted lenses as the built-in viewfinder in much better than the add-on one for the GF1.

And the articulated LCD I though was a gimmick is actually very useful.

pjohngren · #3 November 14th, 2010, 07:48 PM

I totally agree with the above comments. I got mine from someone who bought the kit from Amazon, then split it up since he wanted the 14-45 lens and sold the body on eBay. This current price is definately a steal. I decided it had everything I wanted and didn't have the things I didn't want, like the touch screen. It is very easy to use, takes great images, and is the perfect companion to the GF1.

carpandean · #4 November 14th, 2010, 08:10 PM

Makes me wish that I had bought the GF1 with the 20mm. I would buy one of these right now for the 14-45mm and get the G1 for $70. Too bad they don't have a similar G1/20mm packages.

OzRay · #5 November 14th, 2010, 10:14 PM

Well, the E-PL1 is not badly priced either (especially compared to the GF1:

Cheers

Ray

apicius9 · #6 November 14th, 2010, 10:31 PM

I had planned on a GF1 as a second body but found out I need a viewfinder to enjoy it. With the G1 for that price, I get a complete camera for the price of the questionable viewfinder (after selling the lens). How could I have resisted? Just ordered one...

Stefan

shoturtle · #7 November 14th, 2010, 10:35 PM

epl-1 is not 399 at adorama when you add it to your shopping cart.

texascbx · #8 November 15th, 2010, 06:20 AM

Heck of a lot cheaper than when I bought mine. I'll be glad when they sell out so mine will be worth more.

At least mine is a Japanese model. Don't know if that matters really since my A33 is from China.

Streetshooter · #9 November 15th, 2010, 06:45 AM

Tex, if ya look, 1/2 your breakfast is from China.
Nothing wrong with that. I paid over $700.00 for the G1 kit.
This is a great deal. If I didn't have the lens, I'd jump on it.

bebrox · #10 November 15th, 2010, 11:21 AM

The G1 offers so much with EVF etc and plenty of useful buttons, the wheel at the front is where I prefer it as I am accustomed to making settings changes with my eye constantly to the EVF.

I would still buy the G1 over and above the GF1 and EPL1 for all of the buttons/dials and EVF.