What Made you choose the Panasonic GF1 or Olympus Pen?

[microcosm]

::drum roll:: Most popular interchangeable lens camera of 2009 in Japan is....

.... not the GF-1

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/special/20091225_339663.html

I am surprised that the LX3 did not maintain a place in the top 10... maybe it is an old model and Japanese are always looking for the "new thing" all the time. That is a very capable camera. The sales for the X1 and DP2 was quite a surprise though. Impressive. Ricoh seems to be enjoying good sales in Japan. That is good news.

 

[cableguy55]

Hi All
Just to share with regards to EP-2 and GF-1
Having briefly played with both, each other has its advantages and disadvantages
Overall it depends on your personal needs and preference of use
The tools can only do so much
However the ultimate results depends solely on the person behind the camera
I like the ep-2 because of the weight and the feel
I like the GF-1 for its fast autofocus and low light focusing speed and the precise focusing adjustment
One man's meat is another man's poison
Review and opinion are formed by human and everyone is entitled to their own opinion
Buy what you need and use what is best for you
Cheers and Happy Holidays

 

[samcklee]

can share why u cannot tahan the GF1? wad's wrong? :think:

I find that the GF1 OOC jpeg color not so nice and IQ not not really my taste. After using it for 2 mths i still go back to my E3 and Fuji F31 everytime rather than using the GF1.

anyway just a personal perference lor

sam

 

[samcklee]

Hi All
Just to share with regards to EP-2 and GF-1
Having briefly played with both, each other has its advantages and disadvantages
Overall it depends on your personal needs and preference of use
The tools can only do so much
However the ultimate results depends solely on the person behind the camera
I like the ep-2 because of the weight and the feel
I like the GF-1 for its fast autofocus and low light focusing speed and the precise focusing adjustment
One man's meat is another man's poison
Review and opinion are formed by human and everyone is entitled to their own opinion
Buy what you need and use what is best for you
Cheers and Happy Holidays

I am not too sure about E-p1 or 2 focusing problem as I do not own one but I find that although the GF1 can focus faster and in lower light, but many times the focus is out using the 20mm. Using the zoom lens is better because the DOF is deeper and not so obvious when OOF.

sam

 

[samcklee]

Tks Tomcat,

yup, maybe I will just keep it... anyway it is a good lens.

sam

 

[Ninja23XX]

Just got an approval from dad. Haha..:bsmilie:

Dad: "You got the money, go get it." Haha...:bigeyes::thumbsup:

 

[clubgrit]

I am not too sure about E-p1 or 2 focusing problem as I do not own one but I find that although the GF1 can focus faster and in lower light, but many times the focus is out using the 20mm. Using the zoom lens is better because the DOF is deeper and not so obvious when OOF.

sam

I've had all three, and all are slow focusing cameras when auto-focusing, IMHO. I state this for the benefit of new users or would-be-users who might be expecting sports DSLR AF performance.

However, once limitations are known, we can work around the AF speed and still capture fast action up to a certain point, got to think ahead.


.

 

[spidey89]

Like the old photographers do in the good ole days,pre focus with manual focus and shoot

 

[pchmj]

Regarding the slow AF in PEN, today I met a friend with his friend using D90 (both of them). They say my AF is much faster than theirs. They state this as a good point of EP-2. This makes me puzzled. I try their D90 and I find it slower too. What is considered fast and what is slow? :dunno:

 

[spidey89]

Regarding the slow AF in PEN, today I met a friend with his friend using D90 (both of them). They say my AF is much faster than theirs. They state this as a good point of EP-2. This makes me puzzled. I try their D90 and I find it slower too. What is considered fast and what is slow? :dunno:

Hence "speed is relative",having tried the 12-60 and E-3 combo,especially trying it again recently,and that lens with the E-1,it sure beats the 14-54 out of the water,in comparison,the E-P1 and E-P2 AF are comfirmed to be sloths,but in its own right,without comparing,it is nether fast nor slow,it is either fast or slow only when compared to something

 

[magicdragon]

can share why u cannot tahan the GF1? wad's wrong? :think:

GF-1 is more like an LX-3 gone bigger. It's nice but lacks several things that a serious hobbyist wants/needs. It's optional EVF is basically crap. Doesnt have in body stabilization yet not all their m3/4 lenses have it. Ya it has flash but like i said a serious hobbyist would probably whip out a small portable flash. Camera wise the EP-2 is better. It's only when you throw in the 20mm f1.7 panasonic G lens that the GF-1 catches up somewhat. Weighing against the Pen EP-2 is it's price and GUI.

From a design standpoint I prefer the EP-2 - and Oly glass is usually pretty good and RELIABLE! That to me is important. I like the EP-2 for it's design too.

Adrer sales service is also better with Oly.

 

[Randius]

GF-1 is more like an LX-3 gone bigger. It's nice but lacks several things that a serious hobbyist wants/needs. It's optional EVF is basically crap. Doesnt have in body stabilization yet not all their m3/4 lenses have it. Ya it has flash but like i said a serious hobbyist would probably whip out a small portable flash. Camera wise the EP-2 is better. It's only when you throw in the 20mm f1.7 panasonic G lens that the GF-1 catches up somewhat. Weighing against the Pen EP-2 is it's price and GUI.

From a design standpoint I prefer the EP-2 - and Oly glass is usually pretty good and RELIABLE! That to me is important. I like the EP-2 for it's design too.

Adrer sales service is also better with Oly.

Oh please, at least Panasonic has given buyers the choice of getting the optional EVF (though pricey) on their first model. Olympus caught up on the successor model. Also, serious hobbyist (previously) using RFs would probably care less about carrying a flash around.

 

[magicdragon]

Randius,
I'm not talking about who was first or second - I don't really care. I for one will never get an EP-1, the GF-1 was my choice until the EP-2 came along (the GF-1's LCD is better than either the EP-1 or EP2).If and when Panasonic comes up with a better EVF for the GF-1 (like they have on their GH-1) that would swing it again. To offer an EVF (as an option) is fantastic (beats the EP-1 anyday cos you cant even attach one to it). But to offer a crappy EVF that's sad really. You should take a look at the GH-1 EVF that's great too, Panasonic's GUI is also better (IMO). For me EVF is important cos I have several OM Zuiko glass from 1984 - 1998 so for manual focusing that takes the cake. Also I want something small and in an ideal world get the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 lens with the Olympus EP-2 with Panasonics GUI and you're there. YMMV of course

The flash is for fill in only (not night time goofy party shots) - using it you'll be able to light up a subject with the background

 

[hydroburn249]

Regarding the slow AF in PEN, today I met a friend with his friend using D90 (both of them). They say my AF is much faster than theirs. They state this as a good point of EP-2. This makes me puzzled. I try their D90 and I find it slower too. What is considered fast and what is slow? :dunno:

D90 in live view? i tried my cousin's D90 in liveview and it was slow as hell. hahah.

and if you're talking about AF in normal view at telephoto ranges, then yes it tends to be rather slow, but i dont think slower than any of the m4/3 cameras.

 

[Randius]

Randius,
I'm not talking about who was first or second - I don't really care. I for one will never get an EP-1, the GF-1 was my choice until the EP-2 came along (the GF-1's LCD is better than either the EP-1 or EP2).If and when Panasonic comes up with a better EVF for the GF1 (like they have on their GH-1) that would swing it again. To offer an EVF (as an option) is fantastic (beats the EP-1 anyday cos you cant even attach one to it). But to offer a crappy EVF that's sad really. You should take a look at the GH-1 EVF that's great too, Panasonic's GUI is also better (IMO). For me EVF is important cos I have several OM Zuiko glass from 1984 - 1998 so for manual focusing that takes the cake. Also I want something small and in an ideal world get the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 lens with the Olympus EP-2 with Panasonics GUI and you're there. YMMV of course

The flash is for fill in only (not night time goofy party shots) - using it you'll be able to light up a subject with the background

Understood. You will get whichever suits your bill. Same here. I would have gone for E-P2 if not for the obviously-slower (to me) AF. The art filters and in-body IS are pretty useful.

 

[pchmj]

D90 in live view? i tried my cousin's D90 in liveview and it was slow as hell. hahah.

and if you're talking about AF in normal view at telephoto ranges, then yes it tends to be rather slow, but i dont think slower than any of the m4/3 cameras.

Normal view through the viewfinder, not using liveview. One of them is using kit 18-200mm all the while.

 

[Ninja23XX]

Guys, a humble reminder that this thread is not about brand bashing or stuff like that. Let's share views in peaceful manners.:bsmilie:

Thank you.

 

[magicdragon]

Brand bashing? Not me I assure you. I thought I was answering the thread starters question. I wanted to get the panasonic for so many other reasons as well (Made in Japan GF-1 vs Made in China EP-2). But looking at Olympus Jpeg colours, art filters and the small form factor with a good EVF swayed me towards it. It's nice that both Panasonic and Olympus users of m4/3 have options. Lets not forget that the GF-1 is Panasonics 3rd m43 cam while the EP-2 is Oly's 2nd. By this time next year we'll be comparing EP-3/4 with GF-2/3/4. A new HDR 4/3 sensor would be nice. Rumors are there will be a weatherproof m43 from Oly vs new sensor from panasonic. Hopefully both will be true and combined into 2 versions = one from Oly and another from Panasonic. BTW I have absolutely no issues about putting Zuiko OM glass in front of a Panasonic. Or Panasonic glass infront of a Oly.

 

[stetan]

I chose the GF1, primarily

1. It is made in Japan
2. It has a built in flash. remeber the m/3 system is about lighter weight and portability. A built in flash is always useful rather then lugging an exterhal flash along...
3. Slow slow autofocus....if the Pen is a toyota, the Gf1 would be a BMW. A faster autofocus will allow you the capture those fleeting moments,

 

[spidey89]

Brand bashing? Not me I assure you. I thought I was answering the thread starters question. I wanted to get the panasonic for so many other reasons as well (Made in Japan GF-1 vs Made in China EP-2). But looking at Olympus Jpeg colours, art filters and the small form factor with a good EVF swayed me towards it. It's nice that both Panasonic and Olympus users of m4/3 have options. Lets not forget that the GF-1 is Panasonics 3rd m43 cam while the EP-2 is Oly's 2nd. By this time next year we'll be comparing EP-3/4 with GF-2/3/4. A new HDR 4/3 sensor would be nice. Rumors are there will be a weatherproof m43 from Oly vs new sensor from panasonic. Hopefully both will be true and combined into 2 versions = one from Oly and another from Panasonic. BTW I have absolutely no issues about putting Zuiko OM glass in front of a Panasonic. Or Panasonic glass infront of a Oly.

Haha,I believe it was just a friendly reminder as suddenly Nikon comes into the picture,but that guy was just speaking his mind that the AF feels sluggish to him,I don't think that really counts as brand bashing,no worries magicdragon,you and most guys here are in the clear :bsmilie: