For average users, Pana 20 + Ep3 or OMD + kit lens?

[tuanvinh2000]

I'm considering a long term camera for my older sister. I'm debating is there any advantage of the OMD + kit lens over Ep3 + Pana 20mm for non-advanced user? Never use any micro four thirds camera before. Anyone can help? OMD is significantly more expensive than Ep3 + Pana used.

 

[thegman]

For me, the built in EVF of the OMD is great, as is the weather sealing. If neither bothers you, then the EP-3 would probably be great. I think there is a lot to be said for getting a cheaper camera which can be taken places and not babied.

 

[texchappy]

If you can wait there's an update coming for the Pen lineup in September IIRC. The new model might fit your needs well or see a price drop on the EP3. Barring that, I'd say the OMD plus the kit lens would be a good choice (which is what I actually did). The other would be a good choice as well. Really depends on what and how you want to shoot. Either way, being an ILC you can adjust.

As I write this out loud, I'd say (if you can't wait) then I'd go for the EP3 with the Panny 20 plus another lens that fits your needs in shooting (e.g. OLY 40/1.8, Panny 14, etc).

 

[rbelyell]

imo, having had an ep1, ep2 and omd, the two biggest differences are the omd has a vf and it has better overall and much better high iso IQ. iso800 is really a stretch for the pen series sensors. if neither is important, then go with the cheaper alternative. from my experience, for my purposes, the vf is indispensible, so i'd take the omd and the panny 20, the highest IQ combo in your equation.
tony

 

[jeanba3000]

I also vote for E-M5 + 20, my main combo 🙂

 

[kuzano]

Personally time may be on your side...

Personally time may be on your side...

There is some credence to the talk of a PEN with some of the technology of the OMD showing up in the fall.

I would at least expect the 16Gb sensor and process engine.

I would not expect the weatherproofing to be included.

The 5 way IBIS will not likely be included, because it may be housed in pseudo prism of the OMD. So would anticipate the previous IBIS that was in earlier PENS would be used.

Not concerned about the articulated LCD.

Also, whichever I would buy, am taking until the fall to accumulate the purchase price.

OK, so this is me. How does this fit your post.

Well, I'm clearly having difficulty justifying the OMD because it is very expensive (all the pieces) and contains features... articulation, weatherproofing and 5way IBIS that I am not quite willing to pay for.

So, if I can buy the 16GB sensor and accompanying processing engine in a PEN for approximately the same price as the current PEN EP3, that will be my plan.

Not to mention that the EP3 by digital camera life span is getting "long in the tooth". Why would I pay new camera price for a camera that is now worth $150 to $200 less than when it "rolled out". Regardless of the final new PEN in the fall, the EP-3 IS DUE to be replaced. It's just the way the game is played. If you do decide on a PEN, why wouldn't you wait 2-3 months to see what evolves.

Furthermore, what if your sister does not get along with the EP-3 PEN? Old camera on the used market.

The OMD is Olympus DSLR size no matter what anyone says. It has to be as big as my Oly 400, 420 and 620 DSLR's. No way is a "handbag" size camera. It has the same dimensions as the 1972 Olympus OM-1, except 1 centimeter narrower. Almost the same camera.

I love it that way, because I loved my OM's WITH the grips. How about your sister? Will she carry the OM-D....

 

[tuanvinh2000]

thanks guys, sound like another month isn't that far away. i'll wait and see if something nice coming up. My philosophy is always buy great glasses first, body after but it seems EP3 to OMD is a big step in term of its sensor. I use epson rd1s myself and its ISO 800 is nice and dont really go higher than that ever.

 

[febreeze-showered]

How about buying the OMD body and a 20mm separately? It comes up to almost the same price as the OMD/12-50 kit.

 

[rbelyell]

yup, i agree with the wonderfully scented fabreze above; and while the 12-50 zoom is just decent, the 20 is stellar.
tony

 

[monocles]

I'm considering a long term camera for my older sister. I'm debating is there any advantage of the OMD + kit lens over Ep3 + Pana 20mm for non-advanced user? Never use any micro four thirds camera before. Anyone can help? OMD is significantly more expensive than Ep3 + Pana used.

How concerned is she about the IQ and high ISO? If she can live without an EVF, I'd go for an older camera. I'm liking the GF1, and as soon as I get the chance I'll try out the E-PM1 or the newer GFs.

If you live in Europe, you have a chance to get a brand new GF3 + 14/2.5 for 298€ (or a GF2 + 14/2.5 for 334€).
GF3: http://www.cyberphoto.se/?http://www.cyberphoto.se/info.php?article=GF314sv
GF2: http://www.cyberphoto.se/?http://www.cyberphoto.se/info.php?article=GF2rod14

 

[sojournerphoto]

I just bought a GF2 with 14/2.5 for £230. Seemed like a good deal, but I use a Zeiss 25/28 clipon viewfinder with it(!!) and am tempted by the 20/1.7 and a cv viewfinder. Both the Zeiss viewfinder and the latter pairing would cost more than the camera and lens kit... and will lead to a more modern body with better high iso perfromance etc etc... the slippery slope.

Of course, I might give it to my daughter.

Mike