Any Micro 4/3 to NEX converts?

[Ghostfit]

No apologies required! In fact you have brought up a very valid point. AF in low light! I had big problems trying to focus the E-PL1 at a dinner function recently (should have used the LED on my mobile phone to 'assist'!). I hadn't factored this at all into the equation. Thanks for that. Hmmmfff...:think:

Thanks for the pardon ! :bsmilie:

I've mentioned this somewhere before ....I was quite amazed 25 years ago when I first got hold of a Minolta AF SLR. Here was a tool (in a sea of MF SLRs) which took care of the most basic and crucial part of photography, the focusing for me, no longer do smiles have a chance to wither before I could snap that picture.

...I have not felt that sense of amazement with a camera since until recently when I played with the SLT cameras, it's AF abilities in the dark is simply spectacular.
Even today, I'm still wondering how in the world could the camera perform the feat given that it does NOT project any IR, beam or Flash AF assist lighting.

 

[singadude]

Agreed. I'm also using my m43 as a travel/backup camera. As you also have the exact same camera as me, could you please elaborate a bit more why you decided to sell the NEX and keep the EPL1? I am most intrigued!:think:

Sorry didnt notice there is a reply....hope u still read this.

The main reason is that NEX system has roughly same lens size as the alpha system, which to me beats the purpose of such a small body in the long run. If i am going to stick with the kit lens, my oly can offere about similar IQ, as the oly kit is very sharp.

I have a alpha system camera (a550 by that time ) then it has an aps c sensor, same as nex, with a fuol range of alpha lenses.

For me its ridiculous for me to invest in another aps-c lenses like the e mount. Yes i have option to mount my alpha lenses on nex, but it is MF, no IS, but same range, why not just use my alpha body?

In the oly my alpha lenses become a whole new lens, since it has different crop factor, and it also retains IS, as oly have IBIS.

So i have a completely diffeent cameras to backup and complement each other with the sony/oly combo. When i need more tele shot with greater dof, I can always put my sony lenses in my pen.

With the nex, and an alpha, it is just redundant, without much gain, and without much compatibility.

And the epl1 support manual flash exposure and can be bounced:thumbsup:

 

[nex100]

I see no gain in buying nex when you already have alpha lens and given the small bodies of SLT 55 and 33 you don't need a nex to compliment it.

For me it will be rangefinder lens with nex since there is no different using them on a rd-1 and a nex and nex will give better IQ than rd-1. The next upgrade will be a digital m but expensive.

But I do look forward to a nex with the controls like the new up and coming fuji.

 

[Ghostfit]

But I do look forward to a nex with the controls like the new up and coming fuji.

Forget the Fuji ! :bsmilie: ....I am looking forward to the Nex with FF sensors like they said was possible just recently !

 

[electron]

Sorry didnt notice there is a reply....hope u still read this.

Yes I am and it was worth the wait

The main reason is that NEX system has roughly same lens size as the alpha system, which to me beats the purpose of such a small body in the long run. If i am going to stick with the kit lens, my oly can offere about similar IQ, as the oly kit is very sharp.

My sentiments exactly. Nobody mentioned size until now. Personally if i went with the NEX, it would only be with the 16mm pancake combi. With the 18-55 i might as well bring my DSLR! Even with the e-pl1 i am looking to reduce the form factor thus discarding the 14-42 in favour of the 20mm pancake.

For me its ridiculous for me to invest in another aps-c lenses like the e mount. Yes i have option to mount my alpha lenses on nex, but it is MF, no IS, but same range, why not just use my alpha body?

Huh? No AF if using alpha lenses on the NEX body? Bad Sony :nono: I'm beginning to appreciate the AF for olympus 4/3 lenses. Slow is better than none.

In the oly my alpha lenses become a whole new lens, since it has different crop factor, and it also retains IS, as oly have IBIS.

Yes, I'm loving the in body stabilisation of the Oly too. Never had IBIS before until now. It means the panasonic 20mm (my next purchase) will also be IS hehe.

 

[vicpeh]

I'm a EPL1 owner, I don't mind switching to the Nex 3 if selling my EPL1 can fully cover the cost of a new Nex 3. Impossible i think.

Next change will probably be EPL1 to X100 (next year)

Few months back can! Now a bit difficult. Dun ask me how I know

 

[Ghostfit]

Huh? No AF if using alpha lenses on the NEX body? Bad Sony :nono: I'm beginning to appreciate the AF for olympus 4/3 lenses. Slow is better than none.

Got lah ! :bsmilie: ...you just have to know where to read up on such things, please refer here: http://presscentre.sony.eu/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=6215&NewsAreaId=2

Note the fifth paragraph:

"Available from mid-October, a firmware update adds fresh functionality to the NEX-5/NEX-3. Autofocus operation is now supported when using A-mount SAM and SSM lenses with the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor (upgrade for NEX-VG10 is available from mid-November). There’s also a new custom function that allows assignment to buttons of frequently-used functions, plus a new function to record movies with setup aperture."

 

[singadude]

only SAM and SSM. and AF is up to 5 seconds

 

[george671]

:think:Nex 3 /5 are cute Cams and I might get one but as for replacing my E-pl1, No Way!...
A. Sony just doesn't get it when it come to Flash...They still have that stupid flash connecter that makes studio use impractical!...:nono:
B. I can do almost anything with my E pl1 that I can do with my nikons or canons, even in the studio.
C. To me, the whole point of 4/3 and M4/3 was the smaller lenses etc..
D. If you print a jpg from a DX cam on 8x10 paper than compare it to a M4/3 printed on same you will not see any difference...as you know the DX pic has to be cropped to fit....4/3 fits perfectly!

Anyway, tools are tools and the Sony has some neat tricks like in camera HDR and auto Panarama.

Cheers

www.snakephoto.blogspot.com

 

[Edlet]

:think:Nex 3 /5 are cute Cams and I might get one but as for replacing my E-pl1, No Way!...
A. Sony just doesn't get it when it come to Flash...They still have that stupid flash connecter that makes studio use impractical!...:nono:
B. I can do almost anything with my E pl1 that I can do with my nikons or canons, even in the studio.

www.snakephoto.blogspot.com

Yup, the studio part is a problem for the NEX, for Alpha, its easy, just get a $15 hot shoe converter.

 

[wksoh]

Fuji X100 seems like a threatening alternative to m4/3 and Nex.
If implemented well with correct pricing...
sorry I went off tangent...

 

[nex100]

for people having nex and m43 the fuji will not appeal to them at all. for them, just slap on a pancake lens and off you go.

if i were to buy the fuji it will be for its lovely manual controls. I like mechanical clicks and dials ... it is a classic.

 

[electron]

Fuji X100 seems like a threatening alternative to m4/3 and Nex.
If implemented well with correct pricing...
sorry I went off tangent...

Not at all off tangent. The X100 looks very promising indeed! So much so I might start a thread called 'Any Micro 4/5 to X100 converts?' soon!

for people having nex and m43 the fuji will not appeal to them at all. for them, just slap on a pancake lens and off you go.

if i were to buy the fuji it will be for its lovely manual controls. I like mechanical clicks and dials ... it is a classic.

Well, the X100 is very appealing to me even tho I am a m4/3 owner. As you said those lovely manual controls will be so much easier to use, albeit at the expense of a fixed lens with fixed focal length. Having said that, I will probably be using the e-Pl1 with a pancake lens 90% of the time anyway. This begs the question - do I get a pancake lens for the e-pl1 or save the money and go for the X100 when it hits the shelves?

 

[Ouverture]

Not at all off tangent. The X100 looks very promising indeed! So much so I might start a thread called 'Any Micro 4/5 to X100 converts?' soon!



Well, the X100 is very appealing to me even tho I am a m4/3 owner. As you said those lovely manual controls will be so much easier to use, albeit at the expense of a fixed lens with fixed focal length. Having said that, I will probably be using the e-Pl1 with a pancake lens 90% of the time anyway. This begs the question - do I get a pancake lens for the e-pl1 or save the money and go for the X100 when it hits the shelves?

Yes hv to admit that fuji x100 has the saliva drooping specs and retro looks to die for. However being only avail by Q1 of 2011 and estimated launch price of USD1000, its not to everyone's cup of tea, considering being hampered by having a fixed 35mm lens. Its definitely not aimed at consumer level and more for people to buy it as compliment to their full dslr setup and people with deep pockets.

By Q1 2011, we would have seen EP3 and GF2 being launched. Coupled them with the excellent 20/1.7 lens and upcoming lumix 25/1.4 lens and improvement in ISO as seen in GH2 samples, i am sure they will stir the market again. Rumored that GF2 is going to be as compact as nex.

Add up that nex7 might be in the works, canikon are also brewing their own mirrorless system, its not easy for fuji x100 if they continue to sell at that premium and having no lenses to play with. Unless they quickly come out another x100 version that has changeable lenses which i believe they will.

The digital camera market has never been so exciting with so much gadgets in the pipeline.

 

[xherion]

Hi Bro Nex100,

I have the same line of thinking with you.
NEX's biggest attraction for me is to be able to mount M-lenses on it.
Saw your thread for contax G lenses, very nice.
If you want to see NEX + M lenses you can see my pics below:
I just acquired a couple leica lenses which i will add to the thread.

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=765264

I also want to upgrade to digital M bodies but the cost is still prohibitively expensive for now.

I owned a G1, a e620 and a couple of 4/3 lens (9-18mm, 25mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 55-200mm swd) and I have just sold off everything. I was very much into fast lens and I took all my gear to a 2 week holiday in europe. First the gear was heavy and inside the walls of the old cathedrals, I had problems focusing as the light was very dim and because flash was prohibited I could not use it to assist the e620 auto focus. Bad high ISO performance is one of the factors that I wanted to switch camps as with the e620, I had problems getting the pictures taken in low light using the 9-18mm lens. The lens is f4 at its widest and no I could not take the short hand held. There were so many tourists and we were moving constantly and I cannot use a tripod. Outdoors during summer (it was bright as daylight until 8pm) the e620 was good and the bokeh of the 25mm f1.4 panleica lens is fabulous.

Nex-3's large sensor and high ISO performance lead me to making it my choice. I wanted to take my camera everywhere but I could not bear myself taking a big dslr with me all the time. I even contemplated buying the expensive leica x1. In the end I choose the Nex-3 and with the 1.5 crop factor, I could make use of the inexpensive rangefinder lens from contax G series, 21 -> 31.5, 28 -> 42, 45 -> 67.5, 90 -> 135. This is a very usable range for street and short tele, throw in a 12mm or 15mm heliar and I am all set. The high ISO performance also meant that I no longer need f1.4 lens to get high shutter speeds for hand held shots in low light. The zeiss lenses are very good and very small so it is good for traveling. Only thing is that I need to practise more on manual focusing to get my pictures and I do not need such a big bag anymore. I hope I can get use to it.

The Nex-3 kit lens (18-55) was good in fact I think it was better than the 16mm. For me photography is a hobby and I really don't want to spend a fortune on it. Just want to take pictures, record my life and be happy. Thanks to Chew who sold me the contax g lenses, I felt I bought a piece of history and putting it in good use on a small digital body. It will be something special for me and I suspect at some point in time I might get to try them on a film M camera one day.

 

[henavs]

How bout M4/3 to SLT? Can I share experience?

Anyway, I have been Canon shooter for almost 10yrs, but switched completely to M4/3 last year when I need a small camera when my son was born. My DSLR occasionally left at home since I have to juggle between baby & huge diaper bag. Seeing I rarely go out for photo hunting anymore, I decided to retire my entire Canon system & switched to E-P2 plus a couple of manual glasses.

E-P2 is a very nice camera, in fact my favorite. Great retro design, lightweight & able to take great shots, I didn't miss my DSLR at all. I have no issue with its slow AF, as I use manual lenses most of the time. It was great fun, a far cry from lugging heavy DSLR + L lenses all day.

But almost a year later, hands started itchy when I was getting tired of the low light performance (above ISO800 always need heavy clean up), low dynamic range & shutter lag. My requirement is the camera must be very small & lightweight, but have much better IQ than the M4/3.

Then Sony releases Nex, I almost jump into it, but I decided to give it a miss cause no EVF (which is very important for me), dumbed down UI and weird design. After that came the SLT and it sent me packing my M4/3. It really is tiny, fully featured & from IQ perspective, its an upgrade from my E-P2.

The prospect of being able to use the entire range of Alpha & legacy Minolta lenses is also exciting if I want to use it for more serious photography. On M4/3, you can only use the existing Olympus 4/3 lenses that are CDAF compatible, which are also very slow. The fast full time PDAF video also is one of the main consideration for me, since I frequently video my family. Manual focusing on hyperactive toddler is not very fun. :sweat:

Anyway, until others have come up with better mirrorless cameras, I'll probably stick with A55 for a while. Got it about 2wks ago & absolutely loving it. Altho I must say it looks cheap & ugly next to the elegant E-P2, but its the outcome that's more important...so...

 

[arioperdana]

Wooww... this is just what I need!. (but makes me confused even more) ... I'm planning to exchange my A550 with a smaller M4/3 or NEX system since I love to ride (motorcycle) and shoot (photo). Previously I used A700 + 16-105 + Sigma 10-20 + HVL-F58AM while riding. They all used to bang with the wall of the compartment under my bike seat, poured with heavy rain and splashed with sea water ... Unbelievable strength! However, since I need a bit of extra cash for my car, I downgraded to A550. This camera doesn't seem to be able to handle those extreme situations and I want to shrink the size again (can you imagine riding a bike with 1 hand and 1 hand pressing the shutter of the camera )...

But after reading this thread it seems that I will miss the IQ and AF speed of an APSC sensor should I choose the M4/3, and the SLR feel and flash should I choose the NEX (5 for its mag alloy body and AF on SAM lenses compatibility). Comments from henavs above also makes me consider to exchange my A550 to the 'in between size' of A33/ A55.

Please help me to choose between these 3 types of camera, the tade offs are like north and south, west and east... hahaha... Thank you.

 

[nex100]

we all have to make difficult decisions in life don't we?

 

[electron]

When i first say photos of the A55 i thought 'Thats a DSLR!' but when i saw the size compared to a proper DSLR its quite a bit smaller especially with a photo of someone holding one. However, its still a tad large but to each his own.

 

[arioperdana]

we all have to make difficult decisions in life don't we?

hahaha... yep, it's harder than i thought... I haven't seen the real size of A33/55, perhaps after seeing the size it would be easier for me to decide...

thanks...