Can someone post a Micro Four-Thirds Summary of popular models?

[sygyzy]

I am interested in getting a M43 camera for travel and low-light photography. I want to get either an Olympus or Panasonic but I am really confused about the models. Could someone post a quick ranking of their offerings? Something like this would be appreciated:

Olympus
E-P3: Enthusiast Range, touch screen, 12MP. Higher quality LCD screen.
E-PL3: Supposedly lighter than E-P3 , non-touch tilty screen, 12MP
E-PM1: Mini, smallest form factor, external flash, 12MP

Notes like "Model A is newer than model B but gets rid of the hotshoe which means you can't add a flash" are helpful.

For instance, It looks like there's a great deal on the GF3 right now (basically $500 with $500 worth of included lenses) but I think the GF3, while being the newest body, is a step backwards in features.

 

[dougp]

Any reason to rule out the other manufacturers? Also, there's a site out there that let's you compare cameras side by side, but I can't remember it.

 

[Throckmorton]

The Panasonic G3 has a viewfinder. The one above it, can't remember the name, has a viewfinder too, and it has an oversize sensor that allows you to choose between 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios. The one below the G3 has no viewfinder. You can look them all up on DPReview for more details.

 

[Throckmorton]

http://snapsort.com/compare/Panasonic-G3-vs-Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-GH2

 

[sygyzy]

Hi guys, thanks for the help. I know I could look up each and every camera on Snapsort or DP Review but it's a lot more useful to me for someone to tell me practical differences like "oh the GH2 uses a different mounting system that is not compatible with any other M43 lens" rather than trying to find it in a 15 page review.

 

[mosco]

I ended up going with a panasonic G3, mainly because it has a viewfinder, built-in flash, and its relatively cheap. If I didn't want the the viewfinder, and cost wasn't an issue, I probably would have gone with an EP-3 because of its smaller size, faster autofocus, and the in body image stabilization.

On that note, I haven't heard great things about the Olympus IBIS, especially on the EPM1. Ex. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1041&thread=40050225

I would check out http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1041 because there is a lot of info out there. I love the G3, the only thing I wish it had was an in camera HDR mode, but I am not sure if even the olympus has it.

 

[randomlinh]

Panasonic lineup:
GF3: tiny. Touchscreen, fixed LCD, no EVF possibility, target: set and forget, but option to go manual. touchscreen controls not too bad actually. did I mention it's tiny?

GX1: GF1 follow up, lots of buttons. hotshoe. external EVF option. same sensor in G3 (in turn, similar to GH2 in IQ, but not the same). fixed LCD. metal buttons. higher build quality than GF3.

G3: A bit less buttons than GX1, but basically the same but adds built in EVF and articulating screen. arguably a tad below the GX1 in build.

GH2: Their current top end m43, multi-aspect ratio sensor, more buttons than G3, manual (and more) video options. The one to get if you plan on doing serious video.

 

[gorcorps]

So I'll just post this Q here as it's related enough. Would a micro 4/3 camera be a decent choice for somebody just getting started, and not sure about the hobby long term? Video isn't as important as the photos.

 

[Binky]

The primary advantage of M4/3 is size and weight. The lenses and body's aren't significantly cheaper than a starter DSLR, so cost is almost similar. You sacrifice a bit of quality and a bit of flexibility (less manual controls, etc.) to get the reduced size. The M4/3 stuff is also aimed more at consumers, so they are likely to have better video and play-filters than a similarly-priced DSLR.

Amazon and newegg recently had $300-$330 deals on the Panasonic GF2 with the 14-42mm lens. Sears and other sites currently have $250 deals on a similar "demo" EPL-1. It's hard to go wrong for these prices. Keep in mind that the good daily use lenses like the Panasonic 20mm are $300+. Even the 14-42mm lens makes these cameras reasonably large compared to a point-n-shoot.

 

[dougp]

Another thing to consider if you're looking at m4/3 camera's to break into photography is that their lenses aren't directly compatible with any DSLRs - so you'd end up buying all new lenses if you made the switch.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

why 4/3 when you can just get a nex-3/5?

 

[Throckmorton]

I dunno about the OP but to me the dealbreaker is that the NEX 3 and 5 don't have viewfinders.

 

[mosco]

I dunno about the OP but to me the dealbreaker is that the NEX 3 and 5 don't have viewfinders.

And if you want a viewfinder, you can't use a flash. Not to mention the pretty lame lenses on the nex line. Not to mention that even though the cameras are small, the lenses are still huge.

Having said that, you can't really go wrong either way.

 

[randomlinh]

Another thing to consider if you're looking at m4/3 camera's to break into photography is that their lenses aren't directly compatible with any DSLRs - so you'd end up buying all new lenses if you made the switch.

actually, m43 is the most compatible.. you can adapt nearly every lens out there to the system =) But, your point could be said for buying Nikon or Canon or Pentax. At least w/ m43, you have Panasonic and Oly, heh.

Though, I gather your point is there's no upgrade path to FF? Not sure if this is true for the OP, but a lot of folks who get entry level DSLRs stay there. They just wanted something better than their P&S. And I believe mirrorless will take that market away soon. The OP also mentioned travel.. my G3+12+20+45 take up little space, and weight less than the 5D alone, heh.

 

[sygyzy]

I have a DSLR an I am fine with the lenses not being compatible. I am happy to pick up one or two lenses for the M4/3. I want it for a travel/street camera so I don't have to carry a boatload of equipment with me on trips.

 

[Munky]

why 4/3 when you can just get a nex-3/5?

Because NEX lenses are not the same size as m43, regardless of how tiny they make the body. Put something equivalent to a panasonic 14-140 on a Sony NEX and tell me how ridiculous that looks and feels.

 

[Gintaras]

I'm an Olympus user - E-1, E-520
But, before you buy anything made by Olympus, would you want to check company status in financial news?

 

[The_Dude8]

Target has the Pana GF3 with the kit lense for $399 and you get $75 GC.

 

[gorcorps]

Target has the Pana GF3 with the kit lense for $399 and you get $75 GC.

That's a pretty solid deal. If I wasn't already broke due to the holiday season I'd probably jump on it