So what is the best micro 4/3 camera right now?

[Maximus96]

I know nothing about these except that there is new Olympus ep2 but its expensive. I’m interested in one with a fast prime because I don’t want the variable aperture kit lenses. Any recommendations?

thanks

 

[996GT2]

Eithe E-PL1 or E-P2 paired with the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7

You get a fast, sharp prime with image stabilization. Panasonic models lack in-body IS

 

[randomlinh]

Eithe E-PL1 or E-P2 paired with the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7

You get a fast, sharp prime with image stabilization. Panasonic models lack in-body IS

eh, IS isn't a necessity. My 20/1.7 is fine on the GF1. And the zoom has IS. If the OP wants to use more legacy lenses, then yeah, the IS will be a significant factor because they'll likely be longer lenses and thus even longer effective focal lengths.

A 20 on a G2 or GHx is still pretty compact, and has probably the best EVF implementation for m43s. Not to mention better video (but doesn't seem to be a factor here).

Costwise, GF1+20 kit was recently $600. It hits that ever so often. The 20/1.7 on it's own is ~$330.

But a lot of people favor oly's jpeg processing and it's IS, so the E-PL1 is pretty cheap and IQ wise, virtually the same as the E-P2. And the collapsable lens, which you don't want, can be useful.

 

[corkyg]

If cost were not a factor, but simply "best" - I would opt for the Leica V-Lux 2.

 

[996GT2]

If cost were not a factor, but simply "best" - I would opt for the Leica V-Lux 2.

Uh...the VLux2 is just a re-branded Panasonic superzoom. It's not even a Micro 4/3 camera...

 

[SexyK]

Just jumping in considering this is a somewhat related 4/3 thread, but I have to say, I'm somewhat disappointed by the GF2 announcement.

I really liked the rugged style and the manual controls on the GF1 and was hoping the GF2 would bring more of the same along with a new sensor and the 1080i recording, but it looks like they're dumbing down the camera and making a play for the P&S crowd. Almost all of the manual controls are gone in favor of a resistive touch screen interface, and they've replaced the 20/1.7 with a 14/2.5. Simplicity is great and all, but this is not what I expected from the GF2. Guess I'm back to square one in my search for 4/3.

More info here: http://www.dpreview.com/news/1011/10110405panasonicgf2.asp

 

[Maximus96]

I'm also disappointed about the gf2. I don't care for any of the improvements over the gf1. I'm trying to convince my wife that she needs the fuji x100 instead but still a long ways off until march 2011

 

[drquest]

Wow a lot of upset people over on dpreview about the GF2, I hadn't looked at it until a moment ago. I have a G1 and a GF1, 20mm, 14-45mm and 45-200mm and like both camera's for different reasons. I think ideally I'd like to get a GH2. Like on my G1, the EVF and swivel screen is very nice and useful.

 

[ElFenix]

a properly wide angle lens should not be your only lens. 28 isn't as bad as sony's 24 though. the 20 f/1.7 was fairly perfect for day to day use. an 18 f1.x would kill.