Pana GH1 vs. GF1 (vs. E-P2)

[Daneinbalto]

Looking to buy for my mother who is 82 years old and likes to take family snaps. Previous kits include early 1960's Samoca RF, Olympus OM-2, Minolta SLR w/AF.

Wants to go digital. Weight/size is a concern. Thinking to go mirrorless rather than trad. dSLR. Thinking that GH1 and GF1 are identical except for the built-in EVF on the GH1. Correct? How does the optional loose EVF for the GF1 compare to the built-in one on the GH1?

I'm thinking that she will prefer the EVF to the direct view LCD. Any thoughts on the E-P2 EVF combo for comparison? I really think a built-in EVF is better than a detachable one that's why I sway toward the GH1.

 

[david.elliott]

You may want to consider the G1 too.

If she has arthritis at all, the smaller gf1 and ep* bodies may be more difficult to handle than the larger G1 / GH1.

The olympus accessory viewfinder is better than the panasonic accessory viewfinder.

 

[jbrubaker]

The GH1 would probably be "overkill", since it is designed more for its video capabilities. The GF1 or G1 would fit the bill. G1 has a built-in high res. EVF, while the GF1 has the low res add-on EVF. I recommend the G1 for your mother (with the kit zoom lens). ---john.

 

[Dwig]

The GH1 would probably be "overkill", since it is designed more for its video capabilities. The GF1 or G1 would fit the bill. G1 has a built-in high res. EVF, while the GF1 has the low res add-on EVF. I recommend the G1 for your mother (with the kit zoom lens). ---john.

Seconded, or perhaps consider the newer G10 and G2. The G10 has a lower resoution EVF and lacks the positionable LCD. Both add video to the G1 feature set.

 

[splitimageview]

You may can find the G1 on special, if not, the G2.

The built in EVF is *far* better than the tiny EVF of the GF1.

 

[usayit]

EVF on the GF1 is not that good... not even close to the G1.

 

[Dwig]

You may can find the G1 on special, if not, the G2.

The built in EVF is *far* better than the tiny EVF of the GF1.

Yes, there are some deep discounts on the G1 at Amazon. I'm expecting a red one in the next day or two that they were closing out for $499USD. Red wouldn't normally have been my choice, but they wan't about $80 more for blue and $160 or so more for black.

I haven't looked through the G10, but from the specs its EVF seems to be a close match to the accessory EVF for the GF-1. Although, at $599USD it seems a decent value, particularily for someone who will be relying on AF exclusively.

 

[chrisso]

GH-1 is definitely overkill IMO.
I just bought one and there are so many options it's reasonably challenging to use at first even though I've owned digital before.
The GF-1 looks nice, G1 I guess if it's on special.
I bought my partner a Lumix DMC FT1 and I must say it's easy to use and the images are great. Ken Duncan uses the FT2, which is the newest version:
http://blogs.panasonic.com.au/consu...o-tips-shooting-at-the-beach-with-ken-duncan/

 

[Daneinbalto]

Thanks for the advice. I had actually ordered the GH1 from B&H but in response to the advice here I ordered a G1 the following day and will return the GH1 unopened.

In addition to the kit zoom lens, I ordered the 20 mm pancake lens. Hoping it will get some use for its speed and small size and weight.

 

[david.elliott]

I think you made a good call. 🙂