e-420 w/ 25mm pancake

[randomlinh]

how do you like it? how portable has it been for you? I've been contemplating the LX3, but it seems like so much for a "point and shoot" (i say the same about the g10).

It's not "pocketable" by my definition, so i'll be bagging it anyway. So why not spring a little more. I'm going to wait to see how the DP2 fares if they improved the UI/speed on it, but I have a feeling it'll be too much.

Basically, I have a 20D/40D, but I want something I can carry nice and light almost daily, but that can produce good images in the iso800/1600 range. (no more than 5x7 ish likely when printed).

I'm hoping I can find a used combo, or else it puts my price a bit too high and I'm back to the LX3. I can't seem to find an e-420 around here tho to hold.

 

[jpeyton]

If you're bagging it anyway, you have lots of options. But even a E-420/25mm combo will seem like a brick compared to an LX3, so know what you're getting yourself into size-wise.

The E-410 is another option if you want to save some cash and buy used; it's very similar to the E-420, and the bodies are identical in size.

The Panasonic G1 had the advantage of being compatible with a TON of manual focus pancake lenses with an adapter; there are tons of pictures online with examples. Also, when Panasonic releases the 20mm/1.7 pancake, that combo will be epic (but expensive).

Pentax is famous for their high-quality pancake lenses, and the new Pentax K-M is actually a pretty small body (noticeably smaller than the K200D).

For under $500 (and being a Nikon guy), I'd pick up a cheap used D40 ($250 or less for the body) and the new AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 that is getting rave reviews ($200 MSRP). Seems like the perfect option for me when I don't feel like lugging around the D700. Not a pancake lens (Voigtlander does make a 40mm MF pancake for Nikon), but the new 35mm is supposed to be outstanding wide-open.

 

[andylawcc]

just get the LX3, I have the 25mm and e-410. The 4-series is horrible with AF in low light. The 25mm is okay and I rarely use it. and as you said, it is not pocketable at all, hence, there isn't much of a point owning this combo. 25mm is rather an awkward focal length in the Olympus 2x crop: way too short for portrait, a tad too long for wide angle landscape.

The whole point of having a second "standby" camera is for its versatility and compactness - and the Oly 420 + 25mm combo only and barely fits the compactness catergory. The LX3 fits both.

If you are so inclined, I am thinking selling my E-410 and 25mm for $375.

 

[randomlinh]

jpeyton, I had considered the k-m. Actually, I priced out a whole pancake kit madness from pentax. Too bad that came to over $1500, haha. I really like pentax, but I can't give up my canon for them. The G(H)1 was also considered, but at it's price tag, and the unknown of the 20/1.7, I'd probably opt for the DP2.

hrm, the low light AF might be a problem. Tho, why do you say 25 is awkward? I actually prefer that since I love my K1000+50/1.4 tak =) It is a bit harder to use inside.

I really wish I could find an LX3 around here as well as the e420, and all the small slrs at one place to compare.. argh.

 

[abaez]

I bought the 420 with pancake thinking I could upgrade to an SLR while having compactness, but it was still too big. Thank goodness for MS Live cashback though as I sold it for more than I bought it.

 

[ElFenix]

if the lx3 isn't pocketable the simple solution is to get bigger pockets.

or just be like me and realize that the only professional photographer you hang out with on a weekly basis uses an SDsomethingorother and not worry about it.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
if the lx3 isn't pocketable the simple solution is to get bigger pockets.

or just be like me and realize that the only professional photographer you hang out with on a weekly basis uses an SDsomethingorother and not worry about it.

heh, bigger pockets not an option. but yes, there's always just not getting anything (I have an SD1000). I honestly keep going back to that because what I want isn't exactly realistic, hah.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
hrm, the low light AF might be a problem. Tho, why do you say 25 is awkward? I actually prefer that since I love my K1000+50/1.4 tak =) It is a bit harder to use inside.

you can manual focus, but since the 25mm lens is focus-by-wire, ie electronic focus, it is very slow, each turn from infinite to 0 takes forever, but you can say it is precise when you need it.