Lumix GF2 or Olympus E-PL1?

cratskomodo · Jul 5, 2011

Gonna get a camera soon, stuck between these two.
600 is my limit for recommendations.
Which of these do you think I should get, or any other camera?

usayit · Jul 5, 2011

I chose the epl1 for the following reasons

- Image stabalization is in body not in lens. I adapt lenses so I prefer in body.
- EVF attachment for the gf is horrible

Pannys (my G1 included) have better AF.

cratskomodo · Jul 6, 2011

Is the AF on the E-PL1 really that bad?

Drake · Jul 6, 2011

cratskomodo said:
Is the AF on the E-PL1 really that bad?

I'd say it's comparable to a P&S in terms of AF speed. Panasonic cameras are much more of a DSLR substitute. I also like the button layout a lot more.

I believe dpreview.com has done a nice AF comparison of the two cameras, try looking at their reviews, it must be there.

usayit · Jul 6, 2011

I'd say its more responsive than the typical P&S but no where close to a DSLR. AF performance is the area I think mirrorless cameras including m43 need to improve on in order to get more marketshare or perhaps offer a professional level version. Supposedly, the newest line of Olympus cameras (just announced last week) are a big improvement.... we'll have to wait and find out.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...reviews/208822-my-thoughts-olympus-e-pl1.html

cratskomodo · Jul 6, 2011

Hmmm, well in the long run, for someone who will only get better at photography once he gets a camera, which one will be the best investment?
The E-PL1 with subpar autofocus but a bunch of art filters and in body Image Stabilization and is 100 cheaper...
Or the GF2, with nearly DSLR AF, but no art filters and just in lens Image Stabilization, is 100 bucks more than the E-PL1, however is more professional.
Nearly all the specs in the cameras are the same, with GF2 just having 1080p HD filming capabilities.

Offhand · Jul 6, 2011

What I think is interesting is the video capability of these smaller cameras. Supposedly, video bloggers say that the GF2 has better video quality than the 60D and 7D. I've seen stills from a GF1 and wasn't that impressed. But somehow they are able to optimize the even smaller sensor to outperform an APS-C sensor in video mode and even offer better low light capability up to 3200 ISO. Anybody have any first hand experience?

bromic10 · Jul 6, 2011

Both are very interesting, but I've a nice experience with GF2. I got a winnard in a contest of Egypt. All the travelers were photographers and all the photos I took were with this camera. It has a very good òptic.

I've some of this images in my blog: Carles Porta - Fotògraf: Undergrounding BCN.

I hope to be helpful; looking you forward.

Carles

usayit · Jul 6, 2011

If video is a primary concern, you really shouldn't be looking at either of those.... the GH1 and GH2, both of which are optimized for video and take great stills as well.

This should help with some samples:

Imaging Resource "Comparometer" Digital Camera Image Comparison Page

They have the E-PL1 but not the GF1 (they have GF2).

Also note: The lenses between the Panasonic and Olympus bodies are interchangeable. I for one like the Olympus but I also use Panasonic Optics.

cratskomodo · Jul 7, 2011

Olympus PEN E-PL1 vs Panasonic DMC-GF2

Just ran into this.
According to this list, do the 3 things that the E-PL1 has that the GF2 doesn't outweigh all the other things that the GF2 has on it to make it the best choice for me?

usayit · Jul 7, 2011

cratskomodo said:
to make it the best choice for me?

no one here knows you... so really they can't make the best choice for you.. Its very subjective.

The list also fails to mention the price difference.... and picks up on very trivial things. Lets not forget that the GF2 was slotted against the E-P2 not the E-PL1.

I can only speak for myself as I shopped between the E-P2, E-PL1, GF1 and GF2. The quality of the EVF and In body image stabilization (as well as price) was the convincing factor. For others, the slightly better AF among other things will convince them to decide on the GF.

cratskomodo · Jul 7, 2011

So is it safe to say that in the long run, being able to use a greater set of lenses, a better EVF, at the cost of a slight autofocus lag, the E-PL1 beats out the GF2?