A little help with 4/3rds, please.

[raid]

What is the max aperture, and what is the cost, Steve?
The AF makes me lazy, but using the Zeiss 85mm/1.4 seems to be unsurpassed so far in my lenses.

 

[usayit]

One additional note..... for those that adapt lenses. I use magnification for critical focus. The E-PL1 had a dedicated magnification button to bring up magnification in a single button press. E-P2 (and my G1) both require more button presses to perform the same function... you get used to it but what a PITA. Not sure but from the photos it looks like E-PL2 retains the same magnification button but in a different location.

If you are looking for samples to compare visually in a controlled lighted situation, I find imaging-resource probably the most useful place to find them:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

Whoever said on-sensor IS did not have an impact is wrong. It does make a difference.. this is from someone who shoots with both G1 and the E-PL1.

When I was comparing the E-PL1 to the E-P2, I found the corner sharpness of the E-PL1 (E-PL2 as well) better.

ISO 400 from imaging-resource E-PL2
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/EPL2/FULLRES/EPL2hSLI0400NR2D.HTM

ISO 400 from imaging resource E-P2
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/EP2/FULLRES/EP2hSLI0400NR2D.HTM

Note the detail difference on the Blue and Green napkins at the Top Left corner of the frame.

 

[Eric T]

I was in Israel recently and brought three cameras with me: a Panasonic Gi with a Leica 14-150mm 4/3rds lens, a Panasonic GF1 with a Panasonic 7-14mm lens, and a Leica X1. You can see some of the photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7365105@N05/sets/72157626165358409/
You will see photos on the road between Tel Aviv and Ein Gedi on the Dead Sea. Then I visited Mosada National and the Old City of Jerusalem. I wish I had more time to visit.
The m4/3rds system allowed me to travel relatively lightly. The Leica X1 gave me some shots under low light conditions.

 

[Bingley]

What is the max aperture, and what is the cost, Steve?
The AF makes me lazy, but using the Zeiss 85mm/1.4 seems to be unsurpassed so far in my lenses.

Hi Raid,

The Panasonic 14mm is f2.5. Amazon has a few left in stock for around $350. It's still pretty new, and has not (yet) generated the buzz that the 20/1.7 has. I'd be interested to know if anyone here has it yet, and if so what they think of it.

 

[Huey Slick]

WOW! This thread has been really positive for me. So much information which is great, however adding the EP2 to the mix has me in another quandry! Do I go for the EPL2 with flash or go for the better built EP2 without? This is a tough one, but I'm thinking that I might need a bit of flash one day so the EPL2 is still top of the list.

One more question!
Silver or black body?
I love the look of the silver camera BUT I'm thinking that the black on would be less conspicuous out on the street; views anyone?

 

[nightfly]

I posted a similar thread and ended up going with a refurbed EP-2. Personally the lack of flash was attractive to me probably because I've used a Yashica t4 for so long and am scarred by having to turn off the flash every damn time. I never use flash so didn't want it to pop up on me if I set something wrong.

Aesthetically, I think the EP1 and EP2 are just really beautiful cameras. That and the fact that they are better built swayed me although the slightly sharper out of camera JPEGS from the E-PL2 made the choice difficult as I'm planning on not mucking around with RAW if I can avoid it. The E-PL2 also has this problem with red dots that can show up if you shoot into the sun which sorta scared me but really I just think I like the E-P2 better. Most stuff like that is internet paranoia based on a few user experiences that get blown up by the nature of the internet. People who have problems complain a lot, people who are happy remain silent.

The deciding factor for me was probably that I could get the EP-2 with the 17mm lens for the price of the E-PL2 with the zoom (couldn't find anywhere offering the E-PL2/17mm kit). I'm not a zoom person and would have ended up spending more money to buy the 17mm so it ended up being cheaper.

I'd go for the black body personally but I like black cameras. From what I've read the matte black finish of the E-PL2 is nicer than the black of the EP-2.

Good luck.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

I own the 14mm lens and I can tell you that it is one fine piece of glass. Together with my 20 1.7, it has become the perfect combo for street shooting. I use them on a Panny GF1 and I also use the EVF. This is a great little system that is very lightweight and portable.

The 14 focuses faster than the 20, in fact, quite a bit faster, it seems to me. The images are razor sharp and like many here, I actually prefer a wider lens for street shooting, so I ordered this lens when it first became available. It is a fine lens and I think most street shooters would be very happing with the photos it produces.

 

[Huey Slick]

Black camera looks like it is going to be the one as I think it won't stand out when doing street photography as much as the silver one......but the silver one looks sooooo good!

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Do I go for the EPL2 with flash or go for the better built EP2 without?

The E-P2 is not that much better built than the E-PL2. Not enough to seriously sway a buying decision, unless you plan to use the camera heavily for the next ten years.

For the record, the flash on the E-PL1 and 2 has to be turned on. It does not come on automatically.

Although I shoot commercially with a Canon 5D, I bought an E-PL1 to be my travel camera. I will add another one, and a 20mm Panasonic lens, when I can afford them.