Panasonix gx1 vs entry level dslr

The GX1 is top-end and dirt-cheap. The G3 offers similar image quality for even less. I've seen new ones going for $249, and I recently snagged a used one in mint condition for $200. $200! That's practically a Cracker Jacks prize! Some of Panny's lenses are also very reasonably priced. At $270, the 14-45 is a steal. I did some rigorous tests, and it performs as well as some of my Canon primes and L zooms, especially shot at less than f8. My 45-200 is also excellent up to about 150mm and very good at 200mm.

If the E-M5 is top-end, the GX1 is so close behind it as to make no difference for shots up to ISO 1600. And, if we stop pixel-peeping an look at real-world capabilities, the comparison seems meaningless. My GX1 with 14-45 zoom at low ISO gives me resolution in detailed landscape shots that's close to my old 1DsII with an L zoom. That's bloody good, and plenty for me to make razor sharp prints up to 16"x24". National Geographic photographer Ira Block said at a workshop I attended recently that he's happy with the quality of Panny MFT prints up to FOUR FEET.

As far as price goes, I do agree that some prices seem a bit high. For the Panny 20mm f1.7 to cost as much as the Canon 35mm f2 and twice as much as the Canon 50mm f1.8, despite the Canon lenses incorporating much more glass, is disappointing. It seems to me that MFT lenses should be either cheaper or brighter than full-frame lenses.

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'No matter where you go, there you are.'