epl-1 or gf-1

[sugoi]

Hi guys,
For the last year or so I've been wanting to upgrade from my canon ps sd 450 and getting getting a dslr but a 4/3s camera seems more practical now. I have been researching what I want and I've decided between

an epl-1 with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F2.8 LENS + VF-1 VIEWFINDER KIT for $899 or ebay
an epl-1 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and also for 599 on amazon + LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens for ~400 =$1000
a gf-1 with LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Lens for $863 on amazon

What do you guys think? I've only seen the ep1 with 17mm lens in stores and I liked it, but I'm not considering that model. Is there a huge difference between the 17mm and 20mm lens? I like the art filters that epl1 has to offer, but I see that the gf1 has some cool features too. all opinions are welcome.

 

[Ducky]

Check popflash.photo in the sponsor ads in the classifieds. Tony has good prices on the Olympus.

 

[.ken]

new e-p1 17mm + VF can now be had for under $650 which is a pretty good price until they come out with GF2 or EP3...

 

[seakayaker1]

. . . . . GF1 . . . . .

Why? . . . . . because I own one and I am very pleased with the results.

The LUMIX G 20/F1.7 lens did come with the camera when I purchased it and the lens is outstanding. I also have added the Lumiix G Vario 1:4/7-14 ASPH and Leica Lumix G Vario-Elmam 1:3.8 - 5.6 \14 - 50 ASPH lenses.

Samples of photos using all three lens can be found at flickr

. . . . . which ever one you buy, from what I have read you should be happy!

 

[emerica]

I'm quite happy with my E-PL1 with 20mm Lumix lens.

Do get either the 17mm or 20mm lens though. While the 20mm Panasonic is superior to the 17mm, reviewer Steve Huff's Spidey senses tell him Olympus lenses do better on Olympus bodies for some unquantifiable reason. I've seen fantastic photos with both lenses on Olympus bodies.

You get over the fact it's plastic and lacks a control wheel. Coming from a P&S this won't be a problem for you. Also, while the GF1 is also an amazing and capable camera (I had difficulty deciding between the two), you may prefer the straight out of camera JPEGs from the Olympus and the weaker AA filter in regards to colors, sharpness, noise and detail, even in higher ISOs. I've read from many that with the GF1 it's best to shoot in RAW. The GF1 does AF faster, but with the coming firmware update due next week for Olympus PENs this narrows the gap. It also depends on the lenses (ie. the kit zooms are slower than primes or the better made zooms).

But really, do your own extensive research and play with both extensively if you can and get what feels right in your hands and based on what your camera needs are.

 

[DRabbit]

If you want in-body stabilization (to benefit from IS on all lenses), and great straight-from-the-cam JPEGS, go with the Olympus.

If you need the fastest auto-focus possible, go with Panasonic.

I have the original EP1 and love it.

 

[Revolucion Artistico]

I was debating these two as well and I agree with all the above posts but one thing that has not been mentioned and in my eyes was the real difference between the two is the olympus evf finder is far superior in my eyes so I went for the epl-1 and got the panasonic 20mm also.

 

[sugoi]

thanks a lot guys, I just filed my taxes and my return should be just enough for the epl-1 kit and I'll treat myself to the 20mm lens separately so i have 2 lenses. It seems that the epl-1 is the easier to use out of the two and the iauto feature makes it even easier.