Need some ideas about a M4/3 kit

[andreios]

Hello folks,
in last couple of weeks I got intrigued about plunging into the M4/3 system - as a tool for snapping around, scouting out locations to return to with larger cameras (MF but mostly LF). For some time I did this with 35mm film, but it is a bit tedious and it seems to me, that for such note taking a decent digital could serve better.
Talking of digital - I have a Canon G9 that I use for occasional children snapshots, but I somehow can't bring myself to use it outdoors - the optical viewfinder is horrid and I more than often can't see properly what is on the display. Therefore I was thinking about putting together a small kit of micro 4/3 body and a pair of lenses

I don't think I need the best/newest gig on the market, I was thinking about looking for a used GF1 or EP2 - do I gather right that these can take the accessory EVF? EVF is a must. Or shall I look at the G*/GH* series? Now, please, don't suggest my buying an OM-D - I don't want to put in that amount of money into this.

As for lenses, I know I would need the 20mm pancake from panasonic. But what next? I confess I am lost in all those lenses. Is there any a-bit-better-than-decent zoom or short tele that won't hurt my bank account?

Or would you in my situation look at something completely different? Am I missing something?

Let's talk!

[andreios]

Also, further questions - is any of M4/3 cameras better than others in occasional manual focusing?
As for manual aperture/shutter settings, I presume all of them offer these options..
And RAWs? Just curious..

[kdemas]

I have both the GF1 and the G1. Though I prefer the Gf1 for its superb build quality and compact size, the G1 might be a great choice for you. Inexpensive now it has an articulating screen in addition to a very good EVF which works well for manual focusing. The add-on EVF on the GF1 is low res and really only for framing.

As for RAW... I shoot it on both cameras and process in Lightroom with great success.

Good luck with your hunt!

Kent.

[porktaco]

get a g1. they're really great little cameras, and ergonomically very well sorted.

[andreios]

thanks! Checked the G1, looks good, I think I might like the grippier body of the G1 over the GF1. Now, what about the lenses? Any ideas about short tele lenses or decent zooms? Somehow I have a mistrust towards kit lenses...

[Lars Juhl Jensen]

You might want to consider one of the old Panasonic kit lenses, i.e. the 14-45mm. It is supposedly better than the current kit lenses from Panasonic and Olympus. Alternative, the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 is truly excellent and surprisingly cheap. Or buy an adapter and put on your favorite "nifty fifty" if you don't mind manual focusing.

[reala_fan]

If you get the G1 with the original 14-45mm (mega OIS switch, and metal mount) you WON'T be disappointed! It's a great lens. Get that and the 20mm pancake for low light and call it good.

.

[andreios]

Originally Posted by reala_fan

If you get the G1 with the original 14-45mm (mega OIS switch, and metal mount) you WON'T be disappointed! It's a great lens. Get that and the 20mm pancake for low light and call it good.

.

That sound's good to me!
Thank you all!

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

My number 1 "pick up on the way out kit" is a Panny G2 with the Olympus 45-150 plus an Oly EP1 with the 17mm and the optical finder. This all fits into a canvas bag that I paid £5 for in a charity shop. It's small, light and works every time. If you're keen on your eye level finder mode, I suggest comparing the G1 to the G2 before buying.

[rbelyell]

if you are concerned about lcd focusing and require an evf, like me, i caution about the panny evf. that is why i for a couple years used the oly ep2. its pocketable yet robust feeling. the evf is state of the art in any or no light. and now its cheap cheap cheap.

given the 20/1.7 as a must, i think the next choice really just depends on your FL preference as most of the native m4/3 primes are going to perform well. the panny zooms perform better than the oly zooms.
good luck
tony

[JoeV]

The G1 still remains a great camera, and an excellent introduction into m-4/3. I'm still using mine after four years of ownership. I have both the 14-45 and the 20, a great set of lenses. Now, my eye is on the G5, only because of enhanced image quality and video. But the ergonomics of the G1, it's swivel LCD and onboard EVF, are still state of the art. Panasonic did a lot of things right with the first m-4/3 camera.

-Joe

[Eric T]

The Panasonic G3 is a great buy with much better low light sensitivity than the G1. It also has the EVF built in and the articulating LCD. But as said above, you can't go wrong with the G1 or GF1.

[andreios]

Thanks, folks. yesterday I made an attempt to shoot some images with my Canon G9 - not that much enjoyable venture, I have to say - for one thing, I couldn't hold it steady in my hand.. There he G1 (or it's younger siblings) may have really an advantage for me because of the grip.
I'll keep my eye open, but it's not the first priority though on my "wish-shopping" list - the first place is reserved for a nice 5x7 field camera..

[andreios]

One more question - the difference between the GF1 and G1 is only in body shape / absence of viewfinder? I mean, is image quality that comes out of these two bodies same? Thank you

[kdemas]

Originally Posted by andreios

One more question - the difference between the GF1 and G1 is only in body shape / absence of viewfinder? I mean, is image quality that comes out of these two bodies same? Thank you

The G1 does not shoot video, the GF1 does. I think the GF1 is a hair more responsive but it's not really a factor.

[jmanivelle]

Originally Posted by kdemas

The G1 does not shoot video, the GF1 does. I think the GF1 is a hair more responsive but it's not really a factor.

Remember the articulating LCD, sooo useful, even for focusing .
But I hope to replace my GH1 with a better high ISO m4/3 camera.

[Dwig]

I too cast a vote for one of the G*/GH* models, though from what I've read the G3 might be the least desirable of the group (excessively small grip, etc. ... its interesting the Pany has returned to the slightly larger G1/G2 config with the G5).

I personally use a G1 with the original 14-45 (great lens), an adapted 5cm Summicron-DR, and an adapted Pentax-M 100mm f/4 macro. The latter performs only adequately (flare problems), but the other two are excellent. The G1's EVF works very well for manually focusing any of the 3 lenses along with the various others I've used experimentally (5cm Summarit f/1.5 & Pentax-M 50mm f/2). I much prefer the EVF to a rear LCD, but the articulated LCN on the G1 is very handy at times. Also, by fliping it to face toward the body it effective caps itself as protection against buttons, zippers, & nose grease.

As to which lenses you should get, I would lobby that if you intend to use this kit for exploratory shooting you should review the focal lengths you use in your MF & LF kits. You need lenses for the m43 kit that replicate the coverage of the lenses in your other kits.

[kuzano]

First, the rendering of image between the Panasonic bodies and the Olympus lens differs somewhat because the considerably different processing engines in spite of the same sensor. The GF1 and the Olympus E-PL1 came out within a couple of weeks of each other.

I began to hear some mutterings about a weaker AA filter in the Olympus E-PL1. I have had a long time hunger for a 4/3 or m4/3 camera that produced sharper OOC images.

I tested both the GF1 and the E-PL1. Considerable result differences. The E-PL1 stomped the GF1 on OOC image quality. That and the fact that the OLY had an edge for me considering the IBIS, compared to no Image Stabilization in the Panny bodies made my decision.

I was very impressed that I had finally reduced my Post Processing to a very small part of the process to keeper images.

Can't help on all the lens differences. I'm using the E-PL1 until the PEN with the new 16Mp sensor hits the streets... few months. I'm OK. I'd love to have the EM-5, but until people start selling them used, or prices come down...just not in the budget.

[andreios]

Thanks for your input, guys.
As for high ISO - I don't need that desperately - I need it mostly as a sketchbook for scouting locations for my landscape-ish work and for an occasional family snapshot.

Kuzano, thank you for your comparison with the E-PL1, interesting. Image stabilisation is a point though. However, I held the EP1 once in my hands and it was too tiny. Also, there would be the additional cost of the EVF (but that will be also with the GF1).
Anyway, bearing all this in mind, I'll look round for some good deals..
Thanks again to all.

[BigTam]

Do you know this site?

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Shows the deals available in D, A, CH. There is a sister site:

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