I, too recently purchased an Olympus E-PL1. I apologize if some find this post too long (skip over it), but I was going to post most of this in my "new E-PL1" thread anyway, so I hope it is of value to the OP and some others...
Jim, although I realize that many of your points are subjective, and you are welcome to your opinion, my own thought process leads me to some different conclusions, and I post them in reply to your own list (which hits on most points I consider important) for the OP:
The m4/3 system is very early in its lifecycle so there are flaws and gaps that will take time to work out and you will have to balance your specific needs against the flaws and gaps in the m4/3 system components you choose.
Although I agree that the OP's specific needs must be considered, I don't see it so much as against flaws and gaps but rather vs available features and options with each camera model, etc.
My thought process went something like:
Panasonic
- (+) Better design and ergonomics
The Oly cameras have some good engineering in their camera designs as well. I personally prefer the Oly ergonomics, but I am biased!
I encourage the OP to handle some of these cameras if possible, read manuals and reviews etc.
- (+) Higher Resolution display(s)
For the back LCD on the G1, GH1, and announced G2; Not so for the GF1 and G10.
For electronic viewfinders, the Oly E-P2 and E-PL2 have the same resolution as the G1, G2, and GH1 (and perhaps the G10 as well, I'm not certain).
- (+) Build in flash
- (+) Better lenses
"Better lenses"? Panasonic have more µ4thirds lenses at this point in time, and some of them are really nice, but in their own ranges current Oly offerings are also excellent, with two new zooms coming out this month (though admittedly as yet untested, but I expect them to be excellent), and many of the existing Oly 4thirds lenses work well with an adapter on the Oly cameras (not certain about on the Pannys).
I should also point out to the OP that whichever camera body is purchased (Panny or Oly), µ4thirds lenses from both companies are compatible on all bodies. Furthermore, with adapters one can use so many different manufacturers' 35mm legacy lens going back 5 decades (older than that, even, and some other formats besides 35mm!), though of course in manual mode.
- (-) JPEG Quality
- (-) IS for ALL lenses
The lack of in-body IS on the Pannys is a deal-killer for me. All of my lenses are stabilized!
Olympus
- (+) Better build quality (except EPL1)
I have handled the E-P2 and the E-PL1 and see no differences in build quality. The E-P2 is a bit heavier due to the metal shell around the outside, but inside they are of similar construction and I'll bet the E-PL2 holds up at least as well as the E-P1/2.
- (+) Collapsable kit lens
- (+) Better JPEGs / Oly Colors (been a big Oly fan for a long time so this was big for me)
- (-) Missing built in flash (except EPL1)
...which is one reason I chose the E-PL1.
- (-) Reported slow focus speeds (better in EPL1)
More dependent on the lenses used, and depends on shooting style/needs whether or not this seems significant. The OP should try the body and lenses which seem to best fit needs before buying!
- (-) Lower resolution display(s)
See my comments above, re Panasonic...
Also, as I am very dependent on the electronic viewfinder (which is the same image size as my E-3), I have not found my E-PL1's back LCD resolution to be even a consideration, even though I have used it as well for focusing etc.
Personally, I tried out both the GH1 and the E-PL1 in the store and preferred the Olympus electronic viewfinder to the Panasonic one, although I know that some here prefer the Panasonic's slightly higher magnification. I noticed more "strobing" effect through the viewfinder on the Panny GH1 as the camera and subject moved around, which I found to be a bit distracting.
Ultimately I was looking for a replacement for my E510 2 lens kit with some size and weight savings. Most of my subjects are nature and wildlife so I was less worried about focus and usability speed.
None of the µ4thirds bodies can match most DSLRs in focusing speed. E-PL1 does answer most of my shooting style (travel, casual, and street photography).
I chose an E-PL1 kit as it was the cheapest m4/3 body with the most features I was looking for. I added a Panasonic 45-200 for a total system cost of less than $900. I'll use it for a couple months to decide if its been a good choice and move further into or out of the system from there.
The E-PL1 kit (w/14-42mm) and viewfinder for $830. Next is a 4thirds adapter, and I am lusting for the 9-18mm due to be shipping soon...
Hope this helps. Beware my opinions are suspect because I'm also anxiously waiting for a Sigma DP2s (even more flawed in many ways but brilliant IQ and much more compact)
My opinions may be suspect as well, Jim!
My additional positives for the E-PL1:
1. There are 3 user interfaces to choose from. The iAuto mode offers simple but effective additional control over your otherwise automatic photo. The other two interfaces (for P, A, S, and M dial modes) are either the same Super Control Panel (SCP) interface of Oly DSLRs, or the default user interface which behaves similar to my family's compact Canon cameras - such as the SD300 and SD780is.
2. Can manually set aperture and shutter in the movie mode.
My negatives about the E-PL1:
1. no provision for remote shutter release. Workaround is to use the 2-second shutter delay for critical tripod work.
2. bracketing 3 shots, max + / - 1 f-stop. I use 2 stops for HDR work. Workaround is either 2 sets using exposure compensation, or manual mode.
3. HD video...prefer smaller AVCHD file size, and a native 24p option. (don't care about 7min/scene max). Just the same, the video is excellent.
Cheers,
Dennis.
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-Dennis W.
Austin, Texas
Although the on camera IS of the Oly is clearly an advantage. Can you set the aperture and shutter manually in movie mode on the GF-1? Another plus for the Panasonic is up to 7 frames for AE Bracketing, since I do some HDR work.
