Olympus E-PL2

[AaronLLockhart]

Anyone used this thing before? I was going to buy a Nikon J1 for my girlfriend so she can photo our son when he is born (she doesn't know how to use a dSLR; even on auto.) and the salesman directed me to the Olympus E-PL2 instead.

Thoughts?

 

[Robin Usagani]

then you will need to buy lenses.

I would buy a fuji-X10.

 

[fjrabon]

your best bet is probably a canon S100. Both the models you mentioned, the J1 and the E-PL2 aren't actually easier to use than a dSLR.

 

[o hey tyler]

Using a DSLR on auto is as easy as using a point and shoot or Micro 4/3rds camera. Literally all you do is hit the shutter button... What's the difference between that and a Olympus PEN camera on full auto other than the size? Nothing.

Also, you're saying your girlfriend is going to take photos during labor? I may be interpreting it wrong, but that's how I read your first post.

 

[AaronLLockhart]

That's how I felt about it. It seemed like a dSLR without a viewfinder to me.

Id much rather buy her a good point and shoot that's super thin and she could keep it in her purse, than to get her something that's going to be bulky and hard for her to use.

Tyler, photographing our son as in after his arrival, not during. My 5000 sits on the dresser within reach at all times so that I can play with it when I get bored (that's what she said). It just intimidates her or something. I don't know if she's afraid to drop it, or what it is, but she's scared of the camera.

 

[kundalini]

The E-PL2 is a nice m4/3 camera. I have the E-P3 which has a few more features and a larger body than the PL series. TBH, in Auto, it takes damn good pictures, but you also get to have control just as with a dSLR. There is a thread started by Village Idiot with EVIL in the thread title. You can get some more info and examples there.

 

[fjrabon]

That's how I felt about it. It seemed like a dSLR without a viewfinder to me.

Id much rather buy her a good point and shoot that's super thin and she could keep it in her purse, than to get her something that's going to be bulky and hard for her to use.

Tyler, photographing our son as in after his arrival, not during. My 5000 sits on the dresser within reach at all times so that I can play with it when I get bored (that's what she said). It just intimidates her or something. I don't know if she's afraid to drop it, or what it is, but she's scared of the camera.

Yeah, sounds like an S100 is your best bet. She won't be intimidated by its looks, as it is sleek and looks basically like any other point and shoot; and you will be happy with the controls, picture quality and ability to shoot in RAW. It also does full HD video with stereo sound.