[HellwratH]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Congrats! Meanwhile I am stuck carrying both E3 and E-PL1 to all the OTR events. Don't have the moolah for E-M5 unless we bag some big contract.

Thanks Samurai. The IQ/DR/Noise at high ISO and IBIS are a big step up. I cannot tell you how easy it is to do night time street photography with this setup. 1/4th of a second hand held shots are crisp and blur free. Can't really avoid the blur from movement though. Adding two photographs below that show the output at ISO 1250.

Originally Posted by R2D2

Congrats HW. Great choice. This is the MFT camera that I would pick up today. I just love this Oly model. I'd put the Fuju X Pro 1 in a very close 2nd place and that's mainly because of the price (Rs 1 L?! They have to be kidding). But the Oly gets a thumbs up from me. I've been drooling over this beauty for a while now.

Thanks R2D2 . The sensor has been provided by sony, so this Oly's performance is really good. Even the latest G5 can't match up to this one. Fuji X-Pro1 is good but I didn't like the AF :(. Having said that, 3-4 years down the line, I see their camera to be doing really well. Sony's coming up with a FF mirrorless camera, so that might interest you as well. All in all, this segment is heating up. The only disappointment for me was the Canon EOS-M. They had all the inputs needed and knew the market and yet they didn't release an impressive camera.

Originally Posted by Ragul

Neat! My current credit card bill is going to run into 50K I think so I plan to postpone this until September. There is little chance I am going to buy a dslr even if the IQ is superior, not that the Oly + a few carefully selected lenses do not deliver. Its about pride of ownership I guess.
--R

Another friend wanted to buy it last week but he held off too. He's getting it in September. I think Jayesh is finally convinced that Oly can do well, so he has started stocking the OM-Ds. And yes, some of these lenses are quite awesome. I like to use the old legacy lenses too, they automatically become image stabilized on the OM-D. Get the Oly 45mm, trust me, it's an amazing amazing lens.


Two photographs at ISO 1250 and the Oly 45mm:

[SPARKled]

So after some intensive reading on micro 4/3 cameras aand lenses. I have ordered the GX1. The Oly OM-D is IMHO too much money for a micro 4/3 system body as of today, considering how quickly OLY bodies depreciate. I am still waiting for the D300S update for my wildlife shooting but am ready to let go a bulky DSLR for travel photography, till I am ready to go full frame with the nikkor 14-24. At less than half the cost of the Oly flag ship and the wonderful retro Leicaish range finder looks, I am glad I bought it as my travel camera. Will post here as soon as I get it in my hands.

[Samurai]

I carry both E3 with 12-60mm and E-PL1 9-18mm to OTR events these days. I find myself shooting with E-PL1 than E1 most of the time. I have much better lenses with the E3, but it is hard use while on the trail. While I can leave the E-PL1 hanging by the neck and quickly shoot from the seating position at short breaks. Convenience really matters.

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by Samurai

I carry both E3 with 12-60mm and E-PL1 9-18mm to OTR events these days. I find myself shooting with E-PL1 than E1 most of the time. I have much better lenses with the E3, but it is hard use while on the trail. While I can leave the E-PL1 hanging by the neck and quickly shoot from the seating position at short breaks. Convenience really matters.

That reminds me - I have been ignoring the convenience of P&S cameras because the menu clutter is very taxing and a kill joy. I plan to dispose off My Lumix LX3 for this very reason.

Is there a tiny MFT camera in the market with very very few menu options (or almost none) and a great built-in lens? A real P&S? Suggestions welcome.

--R

[HellwratH]

Originally Posted by SPARKled

So after some intensive reading on micro 4/3 cameras aand lenses. I have ordered the GX1. The Oly OM-D is IMHO too much money for a micro 4/3 system body as of today, considering how quickly OLY bodies depreciate. I am still waiting for the D300S update for my wildlife shooting but am ready to let go a bulky DSLR for travel photography, till I am ready to go full frame with the nikkor 14-24. At less than half the cost of the Oly flag ship and the wonderful retro Leicaish range finder looks, I am glad I bought it as my travel camera. Will post here as soon as I get it in my hands.

Congratulations on the GX1. I was very tempted to get it when it was $395 couple of months ago. It's probably one of the best cameras offered by Panasonic today. BTW, why not look at adding the 7-14mm to the kit and satiate the need of going really wide? I am not suggesting that this lens is going to be at par with a FF camera with 14-24 but I know a lot of people on FM who are more than happy with this combo and prefer this for their hikes.

Originally Posted by Samurai

I carry both E3 with 12-60mm and E-PL1 9-18mm to OTR events these days. I find myself shooting with E-PL1 than E1 most of the time. I have much better lenses with the E3, but it is hard use while on the trail. While I can leave the E-PL1 hanging by the neck and quickly shoot from the seating position at short breaks. Convenience really matters.

I am not sure how important continuous AF is to you but if it isn't, I'd suggest that start building a kit around micro four thirds. The kind of lenses that are coming out is just making this system stronger by the day. The latest one is the Oly 75mm f1.8. I have my eyes on it but not in the near future. I plan to sell most of my legacy lenses and then look at native offerings as they're getting to a good shape now.

Originally Posted by Ragul

That reminds me - I have been ignoring the convenience of P&S cameras because the menu clutter is very taxing and a kill joy. I plan to dispose off My Lumix LX3 for this very reason.

Is there a tiny MFT camera in the market with very very few menu options (or almost none) and a great built-in lens? A real P&S? Suggestions welcome.

--R

There's nothing by MFT cameras in that league, but, there's the sony RX100 which is getting rave reviews and is pocketable. The sensor is quite big when compared with other point and shoot cameras.

[SPARKled]

Originally Posted by HellwratH

Congratulations on the GX1. I was very tempted to get it when it was $395 couple of months ago. It's probably one of the best cameras offered by Panasonic today. BTW, why not look at adding the 7-14mm to the kit and satiate the need of going really wide? I am not suggesting that this lens is going to be at par with a FF camera with 14-24 but I know a lot of people on FM who are more than happy with this combo and prefer this for their hikes.

Yes as of now I will only have the kit lens that comes with the GX1, so the 7-14 is a strong contender as my next lens for my GX1. My first priority is a D400 or whatever pro crop body Nikon comes up with as birding is my primary interest in photography.
Full frame can wait, but eventually full frame ISO performance is what I am ultimately looking for and 12-24 is just a reason to start as I already own a 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and 180 2.8 and hopefully by then a 300 2.8 as well which will be my main Full frame lenses

[Ragul]

Hmm... the OMD seems to have qualities that are my pet peeves

Menu system is not easy to use
Buttons are not nice to use, a bit "squidgy" and imprecise feeling

From: Olympus OM-D E-M5 2-Month User Review

When will that perfect camera ever come? Grrr ...

--Ragul

[SPARKled]

Originally Posted by Ragul

Hmm... the OMD seems to have qualities that are my pet peeves

Menu system is not easy to use
Buttons are not nice to use, a bit "squidgy" and imprecise feeling

From: Olympus OM-D E-M5 2-Month User Review

When will that perfect camera ever come? Grrr ...

--Ragul

Samys camera has the panasonic GX1 for $399 with a 16 GB card and a bag thrown in. The GX1 sensor is quite a match for the OM-5 so is an excellent camera for not too much money.

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by SPARKled

Samys camera has the panasonic GX1 for $399 with a 16 GB card and a bag thrown in. The GX1 sensor is quite a match for the OM-5 so is an excellent camera for not too much money.

No way I am deviating from the OMD. Thats for sure. I was only curious about alternatives that fit a shirt pocket and do nothing but shoot. The new sony rx100 is a good suggestion. Although at the price I could afford another lens for the OMD.

--G

[joe1980]

Micro four thrid's Profi's, I'm looking forward to upgrading from my Sony HX9V P&S to a micro four third. Can you suggest me an affordable alternative? Last year around, I was impressed by the Sony NEX 7 but I do not like that ultra small body after I had a chance to hold it in my hands. I'm not experienced with the lenses. Would buying the likes of Fujifilm X100 a good option for me? But I also do not want to stick with no possibilities of adding an external lens. I would use this new Camera for the next 3 years and my idea is to adapt to new lenses as I learn to use my camera at its best. So kindly suggest me an affordable system. In the mean time, I will research on my own and try to shortlist the options.

[groom]

Sony NEX7 and OMD-EM5 are Super Duper good Micro 4/3,
If you can get one, get the Om-D EM5, you will never regret.

It takes pictures even the Canon 60D doesnt match. It beats many high end DSLR's hands down. So is NEX7, NEX7 is marginally better than OM-D, but still OM-D rules. due to the lens eco system. The picture quality of Both NEX7 and OM-D are better than D7000 in JPEG and Same as D7000 in Raw.

I am strongly speculating OM-D EM5, it has loads of features. and i love the super menu. will be getting it soon.

[joe1980]

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at the review video where they mention that it is a great piece of Camera to buy. But as per the video mentions, there seems to be some noise. Is this common in this Camera?

Olympus OM-D E-M5 1st Look and Commentary - SteveHuffPhoto.com - YouTube

Can I use any lens kit with this Camera? or does it only work with the Olympus lenses?

[groom]

This fan noise is mentioned only in stevehuffspost, i myself never had a hands on on this camera. But i have been extensively using the IQ & DR comparison of this camera with following in both Jpeg and Raw, in dpreview review post, (Canon - 1100D, 550D 600D, 650D, 60D) Nikon 3200, D5100 D7000, J1, Sony Nex7, SLT A77, and come to a conclusion that OM-D EM5 (especially EM5) matches and beats many pro-sumer level DSLR easily.

There isnt anything perfect in this world, even if you read a review of 1D, you might find many cons. Think what appeals to your heart and mind. Especially heart.

Camera provides that creative window to you, to express yourself to the fullest. So pick the one that appeals you, then you will surely fall in love with it.

This one has many good features to look at, dont get bogged down by a few tits and bits.

More over, most cameras now take very good pictures, the difference in the quality level is not so easily discernible.
I love the OM-D, the metallic one, will go for it, soon to visit Jayesh.

you can even post a question in the forum section of dpreview with actual users.

[HellwratH]

Originally Posted by Ragul

No way I am deviating from the OMD. Thats for sure. I was only curious about alternatives that fit a shirt pocket and do nothing but shoot. The new sony rx100 is a good suggestion. Although at the price I could afford another lens for the OMD.

--G

I think the perfect camera is not there yet. Not sure if the Leica M9 is one, I won't know as I can't afford the body or the lenses :P. One lens that every micro four thirds guy should have is the Oly 45mm f1.8. It's just crazy good and a joy to use. I can only imagine how good the Oly 75mm is. These micro four thirds guys (both Panny and Oly) are getting their lenses right. Even though the system is hardly 4-5 years old, you can see such good lenses from them.

Originally Posted by joe1980

Micro four thrid's Profi's, I'm looking forward to upgrading from my Sony HX9V P&S to a micro four third. Can you suggest me an affordable alternative? Last year around, I was impressed by the Sony NEX 7 but I do not like that ultra small body after I had a chance to hold it in my hands. I'm not experienced with the lenses. Would buying the likes of Fujifilm X100 a good option for me? But I also do not want to stick with no possibilities of adding an external lens. I would use this new Camera for the next 3 years and my idea is to adapt to new lenses as I learn to use my camera at its best. So kindly suggest me an affordable system. In the mean time, I will research on my own and try to shortlist the options.

I'd like to know your intent, as in do you intend to excel in photography? And the kind of photography you'll do. If you want to listen to a crazy idea, get the X100 and use it for the next 2-3 years. The fixed FL will force you to think about composition and it's a wonderful camera. It feels so natural in the hand and is a joy to use, except for the AF, which they claim to have fixed in recent firmwares. But, it's one camera that'll make you work and think.

Originally Posted by groom

I am strongly speculating OM-D EM5, it has loads of features. and i love the super menu. will be getting it soon.

Welcome to the OM-D club. The super menu is indeed very cool. Almost everything at your fingertips.

Originally Posted by joe1980

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at the review video where they mention that it is a great piece of Camera to buy. But as per the video mentions, there seems to be some noise. Is this common in this Camera?

Olympus OM-D E-M5 1st Look and Commentary - SteveHuffPhoto.com - YouTube

Can I use any lens kit with this Camera? or does it only work with the Olympus lenses?

The noise is there but it's a very very low hum. They say it's the IS but I have heard it even with IS switched off. Having said that, I have heard it in my room and not outside. If I am out shooting, I can't hear it in the ambient noise. You'll have to use the lenses meant for micro four thirds on it. Else, you can get adapters for different mounts to micro four thirds which will enable you to use other mount lenses on it. You'll most likely lose AF unless you are using Oly/Panny lenses meant for Four thirds cameras.

[Ragul]

Originally Posted by HellwratH

I can only imagine how good the Oly 75mm is.
.

The 75mm unfortunately is not weather sealed so I am going to skip that. Will wait for a weather sealed one. There is a new 60mm f/2.8 arriving but 60mm is too less for my needs Olympus adds 75mm F1.8, 60mm F2.8 Macro and flash to Micro Four Thirds lineup: Digital Photography Review

--R