Should I get an EP2 now?

[astrosecret]

I am looking for an enthusiast p&s 4/3 camera but I'm not looking to spend DSLR prices (ie gx1). Admittedly, I want something like a Hexar AF in digital form. I would mainly use it with one lens, (pancake, probably 17mm), and an EVF. Is it worth it to get this older model or should I just wait for prices on the new ones to come down?

 

[rbelyell]

ive had an ep2 for some time and, inits place, ive much enjoyed it. its place is normal to telephoto, good light. ive used a lot of lenses on it, both native and legacy glass. if all you want is AF, i suggest the panny 20/1.4. its only about $100 more than the olly 17, yet much more versatile with much better IQ.

also, while i am a huge proponent of the external vf for focusing purposes (it is imo essential), again, if you only want AF, its not necessary for framing only purposes, and you can use that money to buy another piece of glass.

its a really nice build cam for a compact, i'm sure you'll enjoy it within its limitations. and in terms of IQ there is no meaningful difference qualitatively between the ep2 and any other models.

 

[Shade]

Its a nice camera, but if you are in to saving cost why mot get an ep1 or an epl1 instead? They perform very well and at a very modest price..

 

[nighstar]

i really love my E-P2 if it weren't for its relatively (ie. relative to the newest models) slow AF. these days i primarily use my E-P2 to photograph active animals which are often in low-light settings.... slowish AF is a pain to work with in that regard. as i said, i absolutely love the camera otherwise. no idea how it compares to a Hexar AF, though.

 

[gavinlg]

I am looking for an enthusiast p&s 4/3 camera but I'm not looking to spend DSLR prices (ie gx1). Admittedly, I want something like a Hexar AF in digital form. I would mainly use it with one lens, (pancake, probably 17mm), and an EVF. Is it worth it to get this older model or should I just wait for prices on the new ones to come down?

honestly, I'd stretch for the x100. it's pretty much a digital hexar AF. Brilliant camera.

 

[ian paterson]

Loved my E-P2 with the Panny 20/1.7 (it's not 1.4) along with the EVF. I now have the E-P3 which is preferable for its faster AF but if this is not an issue then the savings on the E-P2 may be worth it. I always use the EVF - version 2 is expensive but excellent, I believe they now have a cheaper version 3 but not sure whether it works with the E-P2.
To add another possibility to the mix the soon to be with us Fuji X-PRO 1 may be worth a look - rangefinder style, interchangeable lenses, larger sensor than m43........

Ian.

 

[raid]

I use my EP-2 90% of the time with SLR lenses. I get some nice looking portraits with this camera and my old lenses. The past few days, I have been using a Canon FD 7.5mm lens with the EP-2 for some very interesting looking images. The EP-2 is very well built. The EV-2 VF is very useful in days when the sun is strong. There is on RFF an EP-2 for $400. You can't go wrong at such a price.

 

[astrosecret]

Thanks for all your opinions. will the panasonic 1.7 mount/focus on the ep2?

 

[rbelyell]

Thanks for all your opinions. will the panasonic 1.7 mount/focus on the ep2?

yes i use it and i recommend it over the olly 17/2.8. all native m4/3 lenses will auto focus on all m4/3 cams.

 

[raid]

My EP-2 suddenly got messed up. The sensor is hidden behind the curtains. I am trying many things to resolve this isue, but no luck.

 

[eckhardf]

You could try a Samsung NX10 or NX11 with either the 20mm f2.8 (30mm equiv) or 30mm f2.0 (45mm equiv) pancake lenses.

They are probably a similar price to the ep2 but have the advantage of a larger APS-C sensor (1.5x crop factor) and built in EVF.

The build quality is very nice (solid) and the ergonomics are great!

Just a thought.

eck.

 

[Trius]

If your focusing mode is primarily AF, then the speed of the E-P3 is worth the extra money. If you have to wait for the price to come down, or save up, so be it.

Last year I decided I really wanted a MacBook Air; nothing else would do. I did not want to put it on a card and pay interest, I wanted to pay cash. So I religiously saved, $75 per paycheque, until I had what I needed. It was a fulfilling exercise, and now I have my MBA and value it.

 

[rbelyell]

If your focusing mode is primarily AF, then the speed of the E-P3 is worth the extra money. If you have to wait for the price to come down, or save up, so be it.

Last year I decided I really wanted a MacBook Air; nothing else would do. I did not want to put it on a card and pay interest, I wanted to pay cash. So I religiously saved, $75 per paycheque, until I had what I needed. It was a fulfilling exercise, and now I have my MBA and value it.

ive used the ep2 for almost 2 yrs with no complaint at all about AF. ep3 might be faster, but i have never encountered a situation where the ep2 was not fast enough.