I don't know how to explain it, but with an SLR I honestly spent more time thinking/worrying/etc about my gear and less time using it.....
Why would you worry any more or any less about m4/3 gear than DSLR gear? One can build a pretty complex multi-lens m4/3 kit after all. Not to mention the m4/3 forum has plenty of gearhead discussions that cover the pros and cons of various camera bodies, lenses, accessories, post-processing techniques, etc. While it may be true that a high-end DSLR has more features, switches, and dials; I would say the current m4/3 cameras are more complex and feature rich than entry level DSLRs like the Nikon D3000.
Portability and video (or at least better video) seem to be the best reasons to switch from a DSLR to m4/3, but if you're a gearhead about your DSLR you will probably be a gearhead about your m4/3 gear too.
I have received quite a bit of flack from my fellow photog friends who don't quite understand why I would sell a nice SLR body for a camera like my EP-1, but then again I believe like many others they have become more about the gear and less about the hobby these days. When I talk with them, it's all about having the fastest lens, the most expensive lens, etc - to me those things don't matter, I could be a happy shooter with even a point-n-shoot because it's all about taking pictures, bottom line.
Then why not just get a compact P&S? I have a feeling it is because you are a true photographer and you do care about the gear and what it is capable of... at least just a little bit. Personally I think most photographers should embrace the fact that it's a little bit about the gear. True that a good photographer can take a good picture with any camera... even a pinhole camera made from an old shoebox. But if the kind of photography you like to engage in requires other gear you will be all about acquiring the gear that best meets your needs and desires. Of course a lot of photographers who own DSLRs don't need them, but some do. And if you are a DSLR shooter who likes to photograph a wide variety of subjects, you probably have more lenses than most. If you're a photographer who focuses on more specific subjects matter, you might have a much smaller kit.
As photographers we all have a variety of needs including budget, the gear that best helps us get the shots we want, a desire to carry as little as possible, and perhaps a desire to simplify whenever possible. Over the years those needs might change and you might find, as you have, that a new type of camera fits your needs better. That doesn't mean the gear you sell isn't needed by other photographers. It just isn't needed by you anymore. Likewise it doesn't matter what other photographers think you need... only what you think you need.
What took me by surprise is when I arrived at a clients club over the weekend for a holiday party. I have done paid work there many at times. My client asked if I could take some casual shots of the party for his website and thus I pulled out the EP-1. I was turned down to take the pictures, my client said the camera did not look 'professional' and as the club has a 'no camera policy', people will think I am walking around with a p&s thus giving people the impression that they too can take pictures. He said with a big Nikon around my neck, I will be respected as a professional.
Unfortunately this happens from time to time. Even among DSLRs I've read about clients questioning whether their wedding photographer can do a good job with just a consumer-grade DSLR. The Pro Digital Talk forum is full of stories about clients questioning their choice of gear with statements like, "I love your work, but do you mind if I ask why you shoot with Nikon instead of Canon? I thought Canons were supposed to be better for this type of photography..."
Of course if a client hires a photographer because of their existing body of work, you would think they wouldn't be micromanaging the photographer's choice of gear or methods... but it happens. And yes... a full frame DSLR is going to get the cleanest available light shots at high ISO, but if you like a certain photographer's style because it is gritty and grainy then don't be surprised if they use a camera that is noisier at high ISO. Sometimes all you can do is try to educate your client. If they don't understand then perhaps it is best to find another client who doesn't have ridiculous demands.
These days everyone has an SLR and everyone claims to be a pro. The other night I went to a Christmas Parade and saw kids with SLRs, grandmothers with SLRs, everyone all shapes, sizes, and ages with little black bodies and kits lenses dangling from their necks.
Well there is one upside to the marketing success of DSLR manufacturers: Before everybody and their grandmother had a DSLR people often assumed that excellent photographers take such excellent photographs because of their very, very, very excellent cameras. Now that so many people have DSLRs they realize there is a bit more to it than just the gear. So perhaps the upside is that once again photographers will be judged on their photographs and not on their choice of camera gear.
As for me... I'm getting a GF1 to carry as my everyday camera because I do want a quality everyday camera. And yes I can get good results with a compact P&S, but I just get tired of the limitations of some cameras getting in the way of the process. It's less frustrating and more conducive to creativity for me to have a nice camera to work with. So yes... it is a little about the gear. I will also continue to use my DSLR gear for times when the features and lenses I have for my DSLR are better suited for the shots I plan to take that day. For me there is no reason a photographer can't use more than one format. It's just gear. Buy what you need and use it when you need it. If you no longer need it, sell it.
Sean
