Is it worth it?

[Dunn]

I've been looking into getting a m4/3 camera to accompany my M6 for my one year trip to New Zealand. At first I thought GF1, now I'm leaning towards either an Olympus e-p1 or 2. The e-p1's seem to be much cheaper and as far as I understand the e-p2's didn't improve much. Also, I've read that the 20mm f1.7 Panasonic lens is pretty much the best to have, but is it significantly better than the 17mm f2.8, besides the wider aperture?

So, is it worth it to fork out more money for the e-p2 and 20mm?

If it's worth it, I'll spend the cash on it, but when I see an e-p1 and 17mm for $200 less I don't know if it is. I'm all about saving money on this considering my girlfriend is already mad at me for wanting to buy another camera when I'm suppose to be saving money for the trip.

 

[Assaf]

the 20/1.7 gives you much better depth of field separation, and more than a stop of light.
So, if it's important to you,it's worth it.
The e-p2 gives you the ability to connect an EVF, which makes a huge difference to my taste.
I was facing a similar dilemma and finally bought an E-PL2 (not E-P2) + EVF+20/1.7
I think it's worth it 🙂

 

[RayPA]

I recommend one of the Panasonic 'G#' cameras (G1, G2, G2H). The EVF, the rear LCD, and the grip ergos are worth putting up with the faux dslr look.



/

 

[Benjamin Marks]

For me it was. I don't use the 17mm kit lens. EVF=a must have. I use it as a backup body to my M's. Oh yeah, and I'll admit to geeking out over a f:1.4, f:1 or f:0.95 lens and image-stabilization. You can really do a lot with that. Wides are a problem though because of the crop factor. For that reason, I have not sold the 17/2.8. But it doesn't get much use.

Ben

 

[ian paterson]

I've had the E-P2 with EVF and Panasonic 20/1.7 for well over a year & found the combination superb. Having said that the detachable EVF is a pain - takes the spontaneity out of some 'grab shots' and is too easily detached. I lost mine and at the price they are will not be replacing it.

Still waiting for the perfect m43. If only Olympus add a built in rangefinder style EVF to the E-P3 then I'll be much closer.

Ian.

 

[MaxElmar]

E-PL2 is the best Olympus m43 body for now. (Well - it's the only one in production at the moment!) Compared to E-p2 -- better LCD screen, AF speed, kit lens, battery life, and handy built-in flash for fill. The flash on the E-PL2 will give wireless TLL flash when combined with the larger Olympus flashes. New E-P(3?) may arrive in June - hopefully a new sensor. DEFINITELY get the Panasonic 20/1.7 -- IF you can find one. They're out of stock just about everywhere and going for crazy money on that online auction site. The Panasonic 14/2.5 is a dandy little lens, super small with good sharpness (yet not "crushing" the new Olympus kit zoom which is excellent). The extra stop (or so) really helps and the package is just about "pocket-able". The E-PL2 + 14/2.5 + 20/1.7 is a great walk-around kind of set up. Go with the E-PL2 or wait for the next E-P.

 

[GaryLH]

In terms of m43 lenses.. The 20f1.7 has got to be the best followed by the 14f2.5, no matter whose camera u put it on.. Fwiw, whether a panasonic or Olympus once u have a evf the overall size becomes a factor.. Something such as a gh1 then becomes an interesting option especially if u end up using an m to m43 adapter for your leica lenses. I have both the gf1 and gh1. I tend to use the gh1 more if I am using legacy lenses since the evf is better and control layout is also better.

 

[shadowfox]

Here is my m4/3rd recipe:

- Olympus E-P2 - you can say anything about it, but it's the highest quality body I've ever use. When I say it's oozing 'class', I mean it. All Panasonic bodies feel like plastic toys compare to this one.

- Panny 20/1.7 - the best all around lens for m4/3rd period. If you must have only one lens, this is it. NOTE: If Olympus did what they say the would, we'll have a couple other high-quality primes to consider this year or next.

- Olympus 9-18mm - the second best lens. This *is* your second lens, period.

- What about long range telephoto? Ah, this is easy. Just pick one of the manual focus gems of old, buy an adapter for it, then you're set. One of my favorite is Olympus Zuiko 300mm 1:4.5. Is 600mm 'tele' enough for you?

- And don't sell the kit lenses. They are unlike other kit lenses, which is usually cheap quality optics. Nothing wrong with these, other than being dog-slow, that's all.

 

[thegman]

For me, in Micro 4/3, the G1 is the steal. It's got a built in EVF and is pretty much the cheapest m43 camera you can get. By all means put the 20mm 1.7 on it, but for the bodies, I think the G1 is by far the best bargain. I think the EP-1 is probably the best looking, and also a bargain, but the EP-2 is crazy money for no real reason.

 

[molsondog]

I travel now with the EP2, 20mm Panny and 14-42 Oly. I added the VF because I just can't seem to get used the screen. The 20mm 1.7 Panny is remarkable for low light and indoor no flash shots. The 14-42 is a handy range.

That along with my M7 with 35 and 50 Summicrons make up my travel kit. I leave the backpack full of DSLR and lenses behind. Are there times I wish I had the big bag-o-camera and lenses? Sure. But all the above fits into a small shoulder bag.

 

[Bingley]

These days I'm traveling w/ an E-PL1 and Pany 20/1.7 w/ the M2 and small slower lenses. The Oly is about the sme size as a Leica CL, and the 20/1.7 is as good as everyone says it is. Makes a great compact shooting kit for low light, indoors, and street. I'm thinking seriously abt getting the 14/2.5.

BTW, I use a CV 40mm finder, and turn the autofocus on and set to face recognition. Works very well for street.

 

[Dunn]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

i think I will try to find an e-p2 with the 20mm, if I can. I might not get the evf right away, but I would like to have the option.

Now I just have to find this combo.

Anyone want to sell theirs?

 

[DNG]

You can't go wrong with E-P2/20mm...
I have a G1/20mm/Oly14-42ED (MkII) I have an M5/ZM50mm-f/1.5 C-Sonnar, a nice 2 cam combo.

I might sell my M5/50mm in a month or so for one of the "Semi-Pro" bodies that Pany and Oly are introducing....and get a less expensive Film RF, and 50mm

 

[MaxElmar]

If you pay retail for that E-P2, you're going to have a bad week next week (6/3/2011). (Or whenever Olympus makes that E-P3 announcement.)

Now I can see buying an E-P2 for a steep discount AFTER the announcement...

 

[Vince Lupo]

Crazy to be saying this, but even after having purchased a Leica M9, I still love my E-P2. It is truly an awesome camera, and the E-P3/Pen Pro is going to have to be a whole lot better (integrated viewfinder, higher-res sensor, faster AF, shutter speed dial) to make me want to upgrade that camera.

 

[ampguy]

Just read some early reviews and specs on the G3 lumix. While it does give a few more MP, features, and perhaps a stop of high ISO performance, the whole sensor EV latitude and sensitivity is still lagging similar priced APS-C based products. Will wait for either a revolution in sensor technology for this size, but it's not here yet.

 

[Paddy C]

Just read some early reviews and specs on the G3 lumix. While it does give a few more MP, features, and perhaps a stop of high ISO performance, the whole sensor EV latitude and sensitivity is still lagging similar priced APS-C based products. Will wait for either a revolution in sensor technology for this size, but it's not here yet.

The rumour floating about is that Olympus is designing the new Pen Pro sensor to produce better dynamic range than previous 4/3 sensors. Believe it when I see of course, but I'm hoping Oly doesn't mess this one up.