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

D

Daneinbalto

Established
Local time
6:31 AM
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
85
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
jbrubaker said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
digitalintrigue said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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/
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom