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Need some advice on used MFT cameras...


ara_arzoumani

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<p>Hi everyone,</p>

 

I'll be traveling in December and looking for a better camera than my existing Canon SX220HS to take with me.

 

At first I considered a DSLR but given the weight and bulk, I've changed my mind.

 

I'm looking to get a used m4/3 or mirrorless camera now. <strong>My budget is around $500. </strong>

 

<strong>I've narrowed it down to these used cameras:</strong>

 

Panasonic GX1

Oly E-PL3

Oly E-PL5

 

I'll likely get a 14-45mm Panny lens to go with one of these cameras.

 

I'm not a pro by any means but I do enjoy photography as a hobby and interested in learning more. My first camera was Nikon d40 before it was stolen. The second camera I bought was the SX220HS

 

I mostly like to shoot landscapes, some wildlife, portraits and random (street photography).

 

has anyone had any experience with these cameras?

 

Which camera would you recommend given my budget, experience level etc?

 

If there's another camera I didn't list that you think would suit me better given my budget and needs, please let me know.

 

Thanks

 

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<p>Thanks Sanford. Appreciate the feedback. Is the AF responsive and fast? well built for travel use?<br>

I usually don't shoot in very high ISO (not yet anyway).<br>

I can get the GX1 and 14-45mm for $385 CDN. Good?<br>

I'm also looking at the Oly E-P5. Just way to many models out there :)</p>

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<p>Yes, feels very fast, push the button and the photo is taken almost instantaneously. Solid metal body, had an issue with coating flaking off the rear screen but Panasonic repaired under warranty. B&H has the EPL5 with lens brand new for $500 but I don't know what the exchange rate is.</p>
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<p>I agree with Peter about spending a *little* more and going with an E-M5, or I think I'd rather have the E-M10 at this point, as it has some features I'd prefer. You'll appreciate the newer sensor than the first 2 cameras that you've mentioned, and it's very useful to have a viewfinder.<br>

With regards to the cameras that you've mentioned, I would get the E-PL5 every time, even though I've historically stuck with the Panasonic cameras. That newer-generation sensor just looks so good all the time, any ISO.</p>

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<p>I'd third the suggestion to go with an E-M5 or E-M10. I've owned some of the P series and the E-M5 and now the E-M1. The E-M series is much more satisfying to use IMO. The viefinder makes a big difference to overall useability, as do the twin control dials.</p>
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<p>I went into a camera store today and tried the E-M5, E-M10 and PL5. The first two are no doubt really nice looking, well built cameras with a multitude of features, But I think they're too much for me at this point in terms of cost and skill level. I'll probably grow into them but I rather not spend that much on a body.<br>

I've only really owned three cameras since I've gotten into photography. Canon A70, The Nikon D40 (stolen overseas), Canon SX220HS. <br>

The PL5 will be a pretty big step up from the Canon I believe.<br>

what would you recommend for lenses? I can get the 14-45mm for $185. I notice the Panny 20mm f/1.7 is very good but worth double the price? I could use the little extra zoom for traveling with the 45 I suppose.</p>

<p>Thanks for your suggestions so far. If you see a good price for a PL5, please let me know :) </p>

 

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<p>My preference is what I have today [ obvious :) ] I would get a simple body and the 14-140 zoom lens. Actually the 14-140 is not on my simple E-PL1 but on my larger and heavier GH2 which is rather like a DSLR except it doesn't have a mirror ... but I like the knobs for external control as opposed to menus. Another good body would be a Panasonic G3 with the same lens. The body and a 14-42 lens should be well within your budget but not sure about the 14-140 but their prices have dropped since I bought mine.<br>

I was used to a bridge camera with a x12 [ 35-432 ] zoom and the mere 14-42 [28-84] frustrated me intensely when I went to MFT .... I guess I was/am in the habit of using the zoom to pick out the essentials rather than for perspective reasons.</p>

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<p>The only acccessory I carry in my camera bag is a two dioptre close-up lens .... not to enable me to get close but rather to overcome the inability of the telephoto lens to focus close when I want a tightly framed shot. A less effective tool with MFT than a bridge camera and recently getting the hang of auto-extension tubes .... but they are another story :)</p>
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  • 3 weeks later...

<p>I'd go for a secondhand Olympus E-M10 body. Small, lightweight and it has all the bells and whistles you can think of. The camera delivers excellent image quality, because it has a modern sensor and it's fast and responsive. Personally I prefer Olympus over Panasonic in this price range. Everything just looks, feels and works a bit better (not just the in body image stabilization).</p>

<p>The slow Panasonic 14-45mm zoom is reasonably versatile in good light and somewhat useable in low light. Image quality is decent (if you have a good copy). I think you'll enjoy having a fast prime in your photo bag too. Such a lens will give you the possibility to isolate your subject a little (unsharp background) and the fast aperture will help you keep the ISO low. Personally, I'd skip the slow focussing Panasonic 20mm. The Panasonic 15mm f/1.7, Olympus 17mm f/1.8 and the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 are better options. </p>

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<p>Hi Zhang,<br>

I already picked up the E-PL5. It will ship end of this month. I got a 14-45mm Panasonic lens separately. That's good enough for me. Once I master the camera, I'll pickup more lenses. <br>

If I had some extra cash I would go for the EM10 or E-M5, P5. They're too advanced for me though. No use paying more for functions I probably won't use anytime soon :)<br>

Thanks for the lends recommendations. I'll make note of them. </p>

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<p>That's good to know, thanks Peter. It means I won't need to upgrade the body any time soon. </p>

My last camera was a Canon SX220 HS which I dropped by accident while hiking. It's still working (after getting it repaired) and a good camera, but I'm looking for better IQ, lightweight, compact enough to take traveling.

 

Now to look for a case :) Interested in the BlackRapid SNAPR 20/35. Anyone have either of these bags or own any other BlackRapid products? never bought anything form them before.

 

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