EP-1 w/ viewfinder & Flash OR GF1

[SS32]

Right now, the EP-1 can be had with a viewfinder and the FL-14 for around the same price as a GF1 with the pancake lens. I've been researching all day and still cannot come to a decision. The lack of a built in flash and image stabilization sways me toward the GF1, but considering I can get a viewfinder AND a flash with the EP-1 makes it that much more enticing. I need to make a decision tomorrow. I'm leaving for Europe at the end of next week and don't want to lug my DSLR around, plus my P&S died in January and I've been wanting to replace it with a M43. Anyone have some words of wisdom for me?

 

[bilzmale]

With the E-P1 it will be flash OR viewfinder - not both.

 

[hmpws]

E-P1 has in-body IS, whereas GF1 doesn't. I was pretty happy with using the GF1 with 20mm pancake. Focusing and composing with the high-res LCD was pretty easy.

Though I have decided to swap it out for a E-PL1 instead. Providing you don't need remote release or 1/4000s shutter speed, it has flash (GN7), possibility of using the OVF or EVF and also in-body IS. I feel that the latter features are especially indispensable if you ever manual focus with legacy lenses.

 

[SS32]

With the E-P1 it will be flash OR viewfinder - not both.

What I meant is that it ships with the viewfinder and flash.

 

[DDG]

It seems to me that the GF1+pancake lens+EVF would be the more flexible setup unless you don't intend to add any more lenses.

 

[SS32]

Yes, that would be the best, but also way over my budget. I ended up ordering the EP-1 with a viewfinder and pancake for $600, not a bad price at all IMO.

 

[DDG]

You're right, that's a great price. I hope you have a fantastic time in Europe with it.