What's up with micro four-thirds?
March 7, 2011 10:35 AM Subscribe
Prosumer/enthusiast considering a micro 4/3s camera. Anyone have any experience with them?
I currently own a dSLR that I'm very pleased with, but it's difficult to carry without my dorky camera backpack. I'd like something smaller that I can carry every day (and especially on business travel when carrying a flaming red pack doesn't look very professional). The Micro 4/3s system is really appealing to me, and I'm wondering if anyone's taken the plunge. Some questions:
-Are the cameras really as "portable" as they appear to be? Am I just going to be frustrated because they won't fit right in my messenger bag/jacket pocket?
-I've read some reviews already, but I'm curious about personal impressions about image quality, especially compared to your dSLR if you own one.
-The lack of an integrated viewfinder is annoying, because I generally don't like using the viewscreen. Am I going to hate one of these cameras because of the lack of viewfinder? (I know I can purchase an add-on viewfinder, but they seem like a rip-off.)
Finally, I'm looking specifically at the Olympus PEN system, either the E-P2 or E-PL2. I've read up on them, and I still can't figure out why the E-P2 is considered more high-end than the E-PL2. Is one worth more than the other? It looks like B&H is having a deal on the E-P2 right now and I'd lean towards that one unless there's some accessory/feature I'd be missing because it's an older model.
I currently own a dSLR that I'm very pleased with, but it's difficult to carry without my dorky camera backpack. I'd like something smaller that I can carry every day (and especially on business travel when carrying a flaming red pack doesn't look very professional). The Micro 4/3s system is really appealing to me, and I'm wondering if anyone's taken the plunge. Some questions:
-Are the cameras really as "portable" as they appear to be? Am I just going to be frustrated because they won't fit right in my messenger bag/jacket pocket?
-I've read some reviews already, but I'm curious about personal impressions about image quality, especially compared to your dSLR if you own one.
-The lack of an integrated viewfinder is annoying, because I generally don't like using the viewscreen. Am I going to hate one of these cameras because of the lack of viewfinder? (I know I can purchase an add-on viewfinder, but they seem like a rip-off.)
Finally, I'm looking specifically at the Olympus PEN system, either the E-P2 or E-PL2. I've read up on them, and I still can't figure out why the E-P2 is considered more high-end than the E-PL2. Is one worth more than the other? It looks like B&H is having a deal on the E-P2 right now and I'd lean towards that one unless there's some accessory/feature I'd be missing because it's an older model.
Have you looked at dpreview.com reviews? They tend to be insanely in depth. From their review of the EPL-2 here is a size picture, seems to be quite small.
My girlfriend and I were looking at the EP-2 or EPL-2 and ended up going with the EPL-2, though it hasn't arrived yet so I don't have any first hand impressions. I believe they are very very similar in specs and mainly different in styling and price. Plus the EP-2 doesn't appear to have an integrated flash, if you care about that.
I can take some size comparison pictures vs my Canon Rebel XSI when it gets in, I think dpreview will let you see image comparisons vs other cameras.
posted by ghharr at 11:01 AM on March 7, 2011
My girlfriend and I were looking at the EP-2 or EPL-2 and ended up going with the EPL-2, though it hasn't arrived yet so I don't have any first hand impressions. I believe they are very very similar in specs and mainly different in styling and price. Plus the EP-2 doesn't appear to have an integrated flash, if you care about that.
I can take some size comparison pictures vs my Canon Rebel XSI when it gets in, I think dpreview will let you see image comparisons vs other cameras.
posted by ghharr at 11:01 AM on March 7, 2011
I used to shoot a Canon 1D, now use an E-P2.
To answer your questions:
The E-P2 is very compact in comparison to a DSLR, but still very bulky compared to a typical point and shoot. To get the size down to a manageable level, look at a pancake prime lens (I use the 20/1.7 primarily, but also have the 14/2.5 - both panasonic). The lenses themselves are small and light enough to disappear in a coat pocket. It's a tight squeeze (I removed the metal split rings from the strap holders to help it fit better), but this camera, plus either lens, plus a spare battery will fit in a LowePro Apex 60AW.
The E-P2 with either the pancake lens or a small zoom will fit bulkily in a jacket pocket. I wouldn't recommend it.
Image quality is very good. High ISO isn't as clean as a dslr, but "good enough". Having a f1.7 lens helps for low light.
Responsiveness absolutely sucks compared to a dslr. Auto focus is dog slow (doubly so compared to the 1-series). You get used to it.
I switched my shooting style to embrace the prime lens rather than miss the comfort of the zoom.
The viewfinder is something you get used to. The Oly EVF is very VERY good. Buy it if you want it.
No comment on E-P2 vs E-PL2. I've not used the E-PL line at all.
posted by devbrain at 11:03 AM on March 7, 2011
To answer your questions:
The E-P2 is very compact in comparison to a DSLR, but still very bulky compared to a typical point and shoot. To get the size down to a manageable level, look at a pancake prime lens (I use the 20/1.7 primarily, but also have the 14/2.5 - both panasonic). The lenses themselves are small and light enough to disappear in a coat pocket. It's a tight squeeze (I removed the metal split rings from the strap holders to help it fit better), but this camera, plus either lens, plus a spare battery will fit in a LowePro Apex 60AW.
The E-P2 with either the pancake lens or a small zoom will fit bulkily in a jacket pocket. I wouldn't recommend it.
Image quality is very good. High ISO isn't as clean as a dslr, but "good enough". Having a f1.7 lens helps for low light.
Responsiveness absolutely sucks compared to a dslr. Auto focus is dog slow (doubly so compared to the 1-series). You get used to it.
I switched my shooting style to embrace the prime lens rather than miss the comfort of the zoom.
The viewfinder is something you get used to. The Oly EVF is very VERY good. Buy it if you want it.
No comment on E-P2 vs E-PL2. I've not used the E-PL line at all.
posted by devbrain at 11:03 AM on March 7, 2011
I bought a Panasonic GF1 (similar to the EP2) with a 20mm pancake lens. I used it for a few months and then sold it.
My impressions:
1) For me, it wasn't that much more portable than an SLR - I couldn't put it in my coat pocket and I don't carry a bag. It also weighs / feels heftier than a compact (e.g. Ricoh GRD) so doesn't handle the same.
2) The image quality with the 20mm pancake was excellent. I've owned a Canon 30D with high end primes and zooms and I took pictures that were just as good or better with the GF1.
3) On a GF1 + 20mm lens, the viewscreen/LCD is nice to use but I expect it would get annoying if you had a either a manual focus or zoom lens. The viewfinder for the GF1 is not that great, but having used one on a GH1 (higher end, similar to the EP2 I imagine) I'd say they can be good and pretty desirable if you've got a manual / zoom lens.
Enjoy whatever you end up with!
posted by tkbarbarian at 11:09 AM on March 7, 2011
My impressions:
1) For me, it wasn't that much more portable than an SLR - I couldn't put it in my coat pocket and I don't carry a bag. It also weighs / feels heftier than a compact (e.g. Ricoh GRD) so doesn't handle the same.
2) The image quality with the 20mm pancake was excellent. I've owned a Canon 30D with high end primes and zooms and I took pictures that were just as good or better with the GF1.
3) On a GF1 + 20mm lens, the viewscreen/LCD is nice to use but I expect it would get annoying if you had a either a manual focus or zoom lens. The viewfinder for the GF1 is not that great, but having used one on a GH1 (higher end, similar to the EP2 I imagine) I'd say they can be good and pretty desirable if you've got a manual / zoom lens.
Enjoy whatever you end up with!
posted by tkbarbarian at 11:09 AM on March 7, 2011
I have an E-P2. I like it. Here are some of the pictures I've taken with it.
It's biggest drawback is slow autofocus which makes certain fast-moving things difficult to shoot. I like to shoot surfing and birds and both of these are a challenge with it. It's easier to carry around than a DSLR, but it's still hard to just drop it in your pocket. I can stuff mine in my messenger bag with my laptop, but generally only if I pull the EVF off and have the 20mm pancake lens mounted.
I took it to Greece (you'll find the photos I took at the link above) and was able to get a lot of good photos with just the 20mm and the 9-18mm. I brought my other lenses but barely used them.
Also the EVF is absolutely essential for using the camera outdoors.
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 11:59 AM on March 7, 2011
It's biggest drawback is slow autofocus which makes certain fast-moving things difficult to shoot. I like to shoot surfing and birds and both of these are a challenge with it. It's easier to carry around than a DSLR, but it's still hard to just drop it in your pocket. I can stuff mine in my messenger bag with my laptop, but generally only if I pull the EVF off and have the 20mm pancake lens mounted.
I took it to Greece (you'll find the photos I took at the link above) and was able to get a lot of good photos with just the 20mm and the 9-18mm. I brought my other lenses but barely used them.
Also the EVF is absolutely essential for using the camera outdoors.
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 11:59 AM on March 7, 2011
I have a GF-1 with a zoom lens. With the zoom it's really too bulky to stick in a pocket but small enough to carry easily in a camera bag or daypack. I don't mind the lack of a viewfinder - thought I might but it really hasn't been a problem. I've only had it for a few months but am very happy with it. It replaced an elderly Nikon Coolpix and is a significant improvement.
posted by leslies at 1:42 PM on March 7, 2011
posted by leslies at 1:42 PM on March 7, 2011
I live in a split household: we got both the E-PL2 and the Panasonic GF2 a couple of weeks ago. The GF2 is noticeably smaller and lighter (and much more handsome in my opinion), and fits way better in my tiny hands. I've been carrying it around in my small purse with no issues.
Image quality in RAW is great for both cameras. The JPEG algorithm on the Panasonic seems a bit off, so if prefer to take the pictures as JPEGs you might be better off with the E-PL2.
You get used to not having a viewfinder after a while, but it does take some time before you lose the reflex of pulling up the camera to your face every time you want to frame a picture. Otherwise, the UI on the Panasonic is much more intuitive, and they've taken care of certain small details in a way that made the Olympus look noticeably clunkier in comparison – sorry, I can't think of any specifics right now, it's just little things that, after playing with the E-PL2, make you go "Oh, so that's how to get it right" once you have the GF2 in your hands. It probably goes both ways, but I'd never trade my Panasonic for the Olympus.
Oh, the 12-42mm Olympus kit lens that ships with the E-PL2 is awful, and got promptly replaced in my house.
posted by halogen at 3:42 PM on March 7, 2011
Image quality in RAW is great for both cameras. The JPEG algorithm on the Panasonic seems a bit off, so if prefer to take the pictures as JPEGs you might be better off with the E-PL2.
You get used to not having a viewfinder after a while, but it does take some time before you lose the reflex of pulling up the camera to your face every time you want to frame a picture. Otherwise, the UI on the Panasonic is much more intuitive, and they've taken care of certain small details in a way that made the Olympus look noticeably clunkier in comparison – sorry, I can't think of any specifics right now, it's just little things that, after playing with the E-PL2, make you go "Oh, so that's how to get it right" once you have the GF2 in your hands. It probably goes both ways, but I'd never trade my Panasonic for the Olympus.
Oh, the 12-42mm Olympus kit lens that ships with the E-PL2 is awful, and got promptly replaced in my house.
posted by halogen at 3:42 PM on March 7, 2011
I have the EPL-1 and it rocks my socks. I realize that it is a different model from the EPL-2 but they vary just a bit and the bodies are, more or less, the same. I switched from a Nikon D-40 (which I didn't really love) and haven't looked back. I have been consistently impressed with the image quality, the way it records color and it's handling of highlights. Check out my profile and follow the link to my flickr; all of the newer images were made with the EPL-1.
I use the Olympus 17mm 2.8 pancake lens on it the majority of the time and have been super happy with the results I get from in it all lighting conditions. The slow focusing is a non-issue for me, since I don't really take pictures of people or stuff that moves.
The only thing about the camera that I don't dig is that doesn't have a remote shutter release and wasn't made with the intention of being able to use a remote shutter release, which drives me bonkers. For this reason alone, I am thinking about doing an upgrade to the EPL-2.
The EP-2 body is made out of metal (EPLs are plastic), is a little larger and doesn't have has many modes to shoot in. It also has less of the consumer-y stuff that the EPLs have (special effects, etc). It also doesn't do video, if you care about such things. It has issues with highlights; they turn out sort of too contrasty and flat at the same time. That issue seems to be fixed with the EPLs. It is, however, a neat-o and super sharp-looking camera.
posted by godshomemovies at 5:23 PM on March 7, 2011
I use the Olympus 17mm 2.8 pancake lens on it the majority of the time and have been super happy with the results I get from in it all lighting conditions. The slow focusing is a non-issue for me, since I don't really take pictures of people or stuff that moves.
The only thing about the camera that I don't dig is that doesn't have a remote shutter release and wasn't made with the intention of being able to use a remote shutter release, which drives me bonkers. For this reason alone, I am thinking about doing an upgrade to the EPL-2.
The EP-2 body is made out of metal (EPLs are plastic), is a little larger and doesn't have has many modes to shoot in. It also has less of the consumer-y stuff that the EPLs have (special effects, etc). It also doesn't do video, if you care about such things. It has issues with highlights; they turn out sort of too contrasty and flat at the same time. That issue seems to be fixed with the EPLs. It is, however, a neat-o and super sharp-looking camera.
posted by godshomemovies at 5:23 PM on March 7, 2011
Just wanted to chime in, the E-P2 definitely does video - here's a video i shot with the E-P2.
posted by ukdanae at 12:03 AM on March 8, 2011
posted by ukdanae at 12:03 AM on March 8, 2011
Response by poster: Great information. It seems like I need to get myself down to the camera shop and actually get my hands on one of these things.
It still confuses me that I can get the E-P2 from B&H with the 17mm 2.8 lens and external flash for only $100 more than the E-PL2 with the (iffy?) zoom kit lens, but I'll try to play with both cameras and see which one I like more. Thanks!
posted by backseatpilot at 6:24 AM on March 9, 2011
It still confuses me that I can get the E-P2 from B&H with the 17mm 2.8 lens and external flash for only $100 more than the E-PL2 with the (iffy?) zoom kit lens, but I'll try to play with both cameras and see which one I like more. Thanks!
posted by backseatpilot at 6:24 AM on March 9, 2011
Response by poster: Well, I bought the E-PL2. It fits nicely in the bag that I carry to and from work every day, and it seems to fit just barely in my jacket with the kit lens.
I was hoping I could buy just the body and pick up one of the pancake primes, but right now it sells only with the zoom lens (body-only option doesn't seem to be available). Spare batteries seem to be hard to come by, also.
Thanks for all the info about them; I'm really excited about the new gear.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:01 AM on March 15, 2011
I was hoping I could buy just the body and pick up one of the pancake primes, but right now it sells only with the zoom lens (body-only option doesn't seem to be available). Spare batteries seem to be hard to come by, also.
Thanks for all the info about them; I'm really excited about the new gear.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:01 AM on March 15, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
I carry my E-P2 in my handbag with me all the time, with the 20mm Panasonic 1.7 pancake lens. I have slipped it into my coat pocket without any trouble. The E-P2 is surprisingly heavy, but I quite like that as it feels very well-built.
I love the image quality of the camera, but i think a lot of that is down to my super-gorgeous 20mm lens. I think the images the camera produces are gorgeous.
I have the viewfinder, which i was dubious about at first but now I love -- the thing that sold me was the tilty feature, which really helps you step away from taking the "normal" shot and encourages you to hunch down and come at things from a different angle. The image quality within the EVF is also really nice. I use the EVF if i'm doing Serious Photography but leave it off if i'm just grabbing my camera to take a snap of something.
The E-PL2 wasn't out when i bought mine E-P2, but i decided on the E-P2 because of the stereo sound input, which I needed for video. I'm not sure if the E-PL2 has that option. I also just liked the look of the E-P2 more.
Overall, i'm really pleased that i switched to micro four thirds, and the biggest reason is that I can now always carry my camera around. I also just love, love love the E-P2 - it's a retro-fabulous little beauty that makes a gorgeous little chunk-chunk noise when it takes photos and makes me happy to use it.
posted by ukdanae at 10:58 AM on March 7, 2011