Panasonic GF1 v Olympus Pen

vicmac

vicmac

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Victor
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Folks

I want a quality camera thats easy to carry around, there seems to be a lot of buzz around the panasonic GF1, which Ive officially decided that Im saving for however the Pen 1 (and lower spec plastic Pen) seem to be cheaper,

Does anyone have experience with both + have a preference and why?


:shrug:
 
This looks like a potential NIKON v canon type thread. Count me out!
I suggest you have a look at both of them. As for my opinion after trying both ( I bought the GF1) They both look great. They both produce great images. Pen doesnt have a flash built in and has marginally slower AF speed ( not so much the latest model) Pen has a great film grain mode. GF1 is the better camera overall ( Doh!, I wasnt going to get involved)
Allan
 
I think that one of the Pen range now actually has a built in flash doesn't it?

I'm a great believer in in body IS but I went for the GF1 anyway because I'm used to the handling as I have an LX2 and I like the understated styling. I went for the 20mm f1.7 and it's my only lens.
 
I've owned a GF1 (on several occassions) but haven't had a chance to use the Olympus Pen. From what I've read the GF1 has faster autofocus, built-in flash and a smaller body. The downsides are no in camera IS, and a poor quality EVF.

The Olympus has an excellent EVF, much nicer styling (IMO), and in body IS. On the negative side slower autocus (although improved on the Pen2) and no flash.

By all accounts the image quality is almost identical.

What may sway a decision is the complete manual video mode of the Pen2, which allows for aperture and shutter speed control. This can be done on the GF1 with a firmware hack.
 
Just to add ... Panasonic lenses appear to be the best of the range.
 
The E-PL1 fixes the flash problem and apparently the AF problem is pretty much fixed. Its even quicker if you use the panny 20mm and not one of the oly lenses!
 
Folks, very interesting reading, Im still leaning towards the GF1 on the basis of faster AF, and great reports re quality of the panasonic pancake lens, I havent had the opportunity to hold or play with either model thats why I raised the thread.

Many thanks for the response
 
As mentioned on some of the notes above. The Panasonic micro 4/3rd lenses are nicer than the Olympus. The Panasonic has a flash, and is cheaper to buy than the Olympus. However, when I had the choice I bought the Olympus E-P2 over the Panasonic GF1. The E-P2 was more expensive but had the EVF included in the box (The resolution on the EP-2 EVF is higher than the Panasonic one) and SRS was selling them bundled with the Panasonic Lumix 20mm 1.7 lens. You may also want to check out some comparisons on high ISO noise patterns. The EP-2 high ISO noise was like film grain, the GF1 looked alot like strong NR smudges. Both are good cameras, depends what's important to you when shooting.
 
now this gets more complicated! very fair points you make here and very interesting to see comments from a pen owner
 
I hope I haven't thrown a spanner in to your decision making :D But I have to say, the E-P2 is very nice. If you get the chance, go to a store and handle them both. The E-P2 looks and feels gorgeous. The in-body IS works, the HD video that comes out of it is great. I trusted it so much that I shot my entire pre-wedding preps with this camera, then used the 5D mkII for my big day :) If you want I can put up a few examples here for you to see.
 
No spanner, in fact the opposite, I had written the pens off unto I read your comments, I guess I need to research a bit more and get both models int hands

Comments greatly appreciated
 
The GF1 is a nicer camera to use, but the addition of in body IS in the PEN...add the Panny 20mm lens and it's the perfect combo imo. ;)
 
I think your best bet is to weigh up the pros and cons of both bodies, then decide. To me, lenses did not come into it. The lenses for the micro 4/3 and 4/3 work with both regardless of brand. Plus if you're manual focusing, with an adapter you can use Leica, Voigtlander Canon etc (I used manual focus Voigtlander M39 screw mount with mine). Focus speed did not come in to it either as I manual focused, and no flash didn't bother me as I used it as an ambient light shooter. The GF1 has a flash and I know it can come in handy in an emergency, but it's small and direct so I would assume results will be like the flash off a compact P&S.
 
Ive just had a look at the Pen E-P2 bundled with the panasonic pancake lens at SRS, its £999 "eek" thats a lot more than the GF1.

I really would like a compact(ist) camera that can achieve quality images for carrying around, I always end up leaving my SLR at home and wishing id brought it + the m43 cameras are so discrete!

Im going to have to ponder (and save) for longer!
 
It's pricey but when you hold it in your hand, you know where the money has gone. Plus like I mentioned, the E-P2 is £1k with the Lumix 20mm 1.7, and the EVF in the box. I'm not 100% sure on this but I think the Panasonic GF1's EVF has to be bought separately at around £150. So if you factor that in, it narrows the price difference margin. Not hugely, but it does :D

SRS prices -

E-P2 + Lumix 20mm 1.7 kit = £999.00
GF1 + Lumix 20mm 1.7 (£549.00) + EVF (£149.00) = £698.00

I'll dig around the external HDD tonight and shall put up some examples for you. If there are any GF1 users wanting to do the same, then at least you will have some kind of comparison in terms of real life shooting.
 
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