m43, or other?

[jett]

My Olympus E-PM1 broke yesterday ( dropped it ).

Anyways, it's been a great digital camera, so now I'm looking for a not-too-costly replacement. The only lens that I have is the 20mm (40mm equivalent). No complaints.

I'm not looking for a "serious" shooter...I mostly use my digital cameras for snap shots.

-I only care about the 40mm / 50mm focal lengths (speaking 35mm).
-I prefer autofocus and I'm totally fine using the LCD screen.
-I prefer the camera to relatively inexpensive.
-I want it to be light and small.

My fist instinct is to start looking at the Olympus Pen models but I haven't been paying attention to digital cameras so I'm not sure if there is another system that might tempt me.

The other camera that interested me in the past was the Fuji X100(s) but I borrowed that camera for a month and I preferred my E-PM1.

 

[Darshan]

I am still using the GF1.
It's still going strong after 4 years, no complaints.
Of course it's high ISO is archaic c/w newer models but I rarely use above 800 anyways.
If you look around, you can find a GF1 for 100-150 USD.

 

[Godfrey]

My Olympus E-PM1 broke yesterday ( dropped it ).

Anyways, it's been a great digital camera, so now I'm looking for a not-too-costly replacement. The only lens that I have is the 20mm (40mm equivalent). No complaints.

I'm not looking for a "serious" shooter...I mostly use my digital cameras for snap shots.

-I only care about the 40mm / 50mm focal lengths (speaking 35mm).
-I prefer autofocus and I'm totally fine using the LCD screen.
-I prefer the camera to relatively inexpensive.
-I want it to be light and small.

My fist instinct is to start looking at the Olympus Pen models but I haven't been paying attention to digital cameras so I'm not sure if there is another system that might tempt me.

The other camera that interested me in the past was the Fuji X100(s) but I borrowed that camera for a month and I preferred my E-PM1.

What's "relatively inexpensive"? You can buy a lot of cameras used for little cash. If you've got the 20mm f/1.7, might as well stick with mFT to keep costs down. That's a good lens.

I bought an Oly Pen E-PL7 recently. Terrific camera in every way. Current technology sensor, improved AF, excellent controls. Flippy screen adds to its versatility. Paid $499 for it, body only; been using it mostly with the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 lens which I already had, or the Body Cap Lens 9mm f/8 Fish-eye ($90). That was inexpensive far as I'm concerned.

You can get a new E-PM2 for $429, or used for $210, via Amazon.com.

G

 

[willie_901]

With the newest models available right now really an issue of native sensor aspect ratio and camera ergonomics preferences.

 

[mh2000]

If you liked the EPM1, you can find a replacement for around $100. My daughter got a little EPL4 which is a fantastic little camera for $400. Personally, I'm still shooting my E-P1 because it's such a nice camera and does what I need it to... they go for as cheap as $75 in mint used condition. The feel is one of a "flagship" camera... that I like. Since you have a lens you're happy with, you're in a great position to get a great body for no matter what you want to spend!

 

[mh2000]

PS The only reason I would jump systems would be if I decided I was going to start making prints that required a 50MP sensor, then I'd add one of the new Canons, but keep my m43 for having everyday.

 

[AlexBG]

When my e-p3 broke I sold the 19mm lens and then bought a Sony rx100 mk1. Best thing I've ever done, actually fits in your pocket, pictures are great, no worries with sensor cleaning, what lens to use etc etc.

Or like what mh2000 said, just get a replacement, they are so cheap now, especially the e-1/2/3's. The lenses are still holding value.

 

[Addy101]

Do you have a decent shop in the neighbourhood? If so, try some of the recent Olympus and Panasonic cameras. Don't know how much money you're willing to spend, but it seems the E-P5 is interesting because of the 5-axis IBIS system, but the E-PL7 has some advantages and is lighter. As all current Olympus use the 16mp sensor, they're good enough. Get the one that fits you.

I wouldn't go for a m4/3 because of the smaller sensor and aspect ratio - but it is what you're used to and the difference with say a Sony A5100 isn't worth the bother imho. Stick with m4/3.

 

[traveler_101]

My Olympus E-PM1 broke yesterday ( dropped it ).

Anyways, it's been a great digital camera, so now I'm looking for a not-too-costly replacement. The only lens that I have is the 20mm (40mm equivalent). No complaints.

I'm not looking for a "serious" shooter...I mostly use my digital cameras for snap shots.

-I only care about the 40mm / 50mm focal lengths (speaking 35mm).
-I prefer autofocus and I'm totally fine using the LCD screen.
-I prefer the camera to relatively inexpensive.
-I want it to be light and small.

My fist instinct is to start looking at the Olympus Pen models but I haven't been paying attention to digital cameras so I'm not sure if there is another system that might tempt me.

The other camera that interested me in the past was the Fuji X100(s) but I borrowed that camera for a month and I preferred my E-PM1.

E-PM2. Very light, small, good LCD (though only 2.5 inches), excellent resolution (you will really notice the difference coming off the 12mp sensor), more customisable than you might think (two programmable buttons) and certainly better than the E-PM1 in this regard. Some problems with shutter shake, but you can work around them. And it is relatively cheap.

For what it is . . . it's a really nice camera. With the Panasonic pancakes 14 and 20 it is pocketable. I shot with one for a year and had to give it to my wife, she liked it so much; bought another one that I used for a few months before getting my E-P5.