oly epl 1 or panasonic

[sbamos]

OK I know I have asked this question before, thought I would ask again in case anything has changed. I have been debating over the 4/3 cameras for a few months now, will buy one in Jan. Do you guys still think the EPL 1 is best? Things important to me: light weight, image quality and view finder. Video is not that big a deal to me. To keep it around $1000 more or less, which one should I get? I know with the epl1 I would need to get the viewfinder and another lens. Is there a panasonic with good IQ and a viewfinder? And which lens should I get? Thanks so much.

[Tullio]

Since you mentioned the EPL1, I assume you are looking for a micro 4/3 unit. In this department Panasonic offers the GF series, which are similar to the EPL1. They have better LCD but do not handle high ISO nearly as well as the EPL1. They also offer the G series, which have EVF and swivel LCD but the body is larger. So, IMO if you want compact go with the EPL1 (Oly also offers a standalone EVF, which according to just about every user who has it, it's excellent). If size is not an issue, then the G2 would be my choice. If you want to save $$$, look for a G1 kit. They are dead cheap these days and come with the old 14-45mm kit lens (as opposed to the new 14-42mm), which is also said to be a better lens. Now, the G1 has no video capability.

[sbamos]

Just looked on Amazon, they have the epl1 kit for $599, included 14-42 and 40-150 lens. The price for Panasonic G2 is $649, 14-42 lens, and the G1 not much different, $579 with the 14-45 lens. Is the 40-150 lens very good?

[Tullio]

The 40-150mm is a good lens from all I've seen and $599 for the combo is a pretty decent price. The lowest I've seen the EPL1 going for was $399 on Amazon with the kit lens but that deal did not last long. At that price, the 40-150mm would cost $200, which is about $40 cheaper than what the lens is being sold for right now (and it's out of stock on Amazon).

[sbamos]

ok have done more research, amazon and b&h photo,someone please tell me which of these combos is best: Olympus epl1 with 14-42, 40-150,and viewfinder for a total of $750. Oly epl1 with 14-150 for $800, actually $1050 with viewfinder. Weighs between 18 - 23 oz. best I can figure. Panasonic G2 with 14-42 $550. Separate 14-150 lens is $470, so total of $1020. Weight of Panasonic about same. I am used to using a Canon xsi with 17-85 lens, weight of about 34 oz. Thanks

[Tullio]

I think the first deal is a much better one. The 14-150mm is a good lens but you get the same coverage + the EVF ($250 if bought alone) for less money and both the 14-42 and 40-150 lenses are pretty decent.

[Greg Chappell]

Originally Posted by sbamos

ok have done more research, amazon and b&h photo,someone please tell me which of these combos is best: Olympus epl1 with 14-42, 40-150,and viewfinder for a total of $750. Oly epl1 with 14-150 for $800, actually $1050 with viewfinder. Weighs between 18 - 23 oz. best I can figure. Panasonic G2 with 14-42 $550. Separate 14-150 lens is $470, so total of $1020. Weight of Panasonic about same. I am used to using a Canon xsi with 17-85 lens, weight of about 34 oz. Thanks

You need to keep in mind, Panasonic puts their image stabilization in the lenses, while Olympus does in their bodies, so a combination of the G2 and the Olympus 14-150 will not have image stabilization of any kind.

In your position and looking for this as my main outfit and just wanted a one-lens solution, I'd pick the E-PL1, 14-150 and VF2 finder. If the money difference is an issue, go with choice #1 and the 14-42 and 40-150 lens option.

Any reason you did not look into the Panasonic 45-200 to go with the G2 and 14-42 kit lens? That'd be a very nice outfit too.

[shoturtle]

I would opt for the epl-1 with the 14-42, panasonic 45-200 and the VF-2. I am using this setup for my long holiday in SE Asia and have been a very good setup.

[sbamos]

I guess I just didn't know about the 45-200 lens. It weighs about 13 oz according to pana. website. So the epl1 with that lens will weigh about 26 -27 oz, plus viewfinder. Epl with 14-140 about 29 oz. Thats not much difference in my 34 oz now, or is it? Would that little weight difference make a difference?

[shoturtle]

Nope, it really does not make much difference. But you gain 50mm and with the crop factor you get 100mm more reach.