New to 4/3 need advise

[helodad]

I sure you all have discuss this a hundred times. I cant decide on Oly PL2 or PAN GF2.... I'm new to 4/3 but not to DSLRS.. the most important feature to me will be Image quality. I like using RAW and haveing more control of the camera settings. I decided to sell my CANON T1i because I just did not have it with me when I wanted it. I am sure one of these will fit the bill. I leaning towards GF2 just because of the 2.5 kit lens, I like the (prime) Give me your thoughts and maybe more suggestions on other models.

 

[turbodieselvw]

Although I have not seen it, if you want something that is somewhat pocketable, then the GF2 would be it.

 

[Hyubie]

Hmmm.. I love my EPL1, and I have no idea about the Panasonic line, but I think the E-PL1 (and I suppose the E-PL2) is geared more towards those like me who just like JPEGs straight out of the camera, probably with minimal post-processing. Not that it doesn't allow you to shoot in RAW, it's just that the JPEGs are one of Oly's strengths. Plus, I don't suppose you'd have much use for the built-in Art Filters (which I enjoy), since you did say you shoot raw.

Another point that sold me on the E-PL1 is the built-in IS, thus I can use some other Canon lenses I own that have no IS. I haven't tried the lenses on the E-PL1 yet, but I love that I have that option.

In my opinion, I don't think the lens should be the major reason for your choice for the body since the m4/3 is a standard - I myself am planning to buy a Panny 20mm to go with my E-PL1.

 

[BillN]

just get a PL 20mm f1.7 and stick it on the front of an Oly EP1 and just use that

it's is what the M43 is good at

 

[BBW]

helodad, welcome!

Is there any chance you might be able to get to a camera store that carries both Panasonic and Olympus so that you can actually hold each one in your hands, and get a look at them in real life? That is the best thing to do, if possible.

Do you like viewfinders? The Olympus PEN electronic viewfinder is excellent.

 

[BillN]

electronic viewfinder - expensive piece of kit

 

[BBW]

It is, Bill but if one needs one, it is worth every penny. I tried the Panasonic version on my LX5 and immediately sent it back.

 

[helodad]

Are there any other 4/3 models in the $800 range that I would like. A big thing I like to do is shoot in low light is one model be better at this then the other?

 

[BBW]

Well, I'm thinking that this has to do with the lens more than the camera. You might want to read more about the various lenses and take a look at both the Olympus and Panasonic forums.

By the way, when you have the time please stop by the Welcomes and Introductions forum, helodad.

 

[turbodieselvw]

Hyubie is right. Olympus has in body IS whereas Panny does not. I wish Panny would build that into their body rather than just some of their lenses.

 

[kevinparis]

as regards image quality - I doubt there is a discernible difference between panasonic and olympus.

Pros for Olympus are

1) in body image stabilisation that works with any lens... even old manual focus lenses

2) I believe that the optional EVF of the Olympus is much better than the Panasonic one


personally if i had to buy today and had 800 bucks to spend then I would go E-PL2 and EVF... but then again if i wasn't in a rush I would wait a couple of months... the time is getting right for an e-p3.... no idea or inside knowledge on this.... just it seems it should appear soon

K

 

[Mellow]

Also, consider video. If you're into it, or think you might be into it, all reports are that the Panasonic is better.

But I really agree with the comment that you ought to consider the lens and camera semi-separate decisions. The beauty of m43 is that you can mix and match lenses, and there are lot of interesting ones available, from UWA to 600mm-equivalent zooms (many of which AF). If you want to shoot in low light I'd strongly recommend the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7--regardless of what camera you put it on. It's a fantastic lens on the E-PL1.

 

[helodad]

I think I’ll get EP1 or GF1 body only and place a good lenes on it..What do you all think?

 

[kevinparis]

as regards shooting in low light... well that means lots of things to lots of people... some people seem to expect the impossible of instant autofocus on running kids by candlelight - that aint gonna happen!!!

but a dark bar, the panasonic 20/1.7 on a original E-P1 can produce this


Henri lights up by kevinparis, on Flickr

or this in a kitchen

View attachment 157546
dog tired by kevinparis, on Flickr

or this at a dinner table

View attachment 157547
Something about Mary by kevinparis, on Flickr


K

 

[eyeguy]

I'm new to the whole photog world in general.

I was debating PL2 vs GF2 for a while as well and I am in the same boat as you.
I know I'll eventually want a pancake lens so the GF2 kit seemed a lot more attractive.

dpreview just review the GF2. A big factor for me was size as well, but it appears that the PL2 is only marginally bigger.
Panasonic DMC-GF2 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

owever, likeable and convenient though we found the GF2, it's up against the Olympus E-PL2 which produces consistently better JPEG images from essentially the same senso

Video comparison: [ame=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mWnEd7qITQ]YouTube - Panasonic GF2 vs Olympus E-PL2 - which is better?[/ame]

I think I am going to go with the PL2, but now I'm just waiting on a good deal to come around since I won't really need one until summer.