Jon Allison
Forum Enthusiast
A pop-up stork. Lol. Is it like the camera in the Flintstones?
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GF2 vs GF3 vs E-PM1 - Can't decide, help?
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bloodycape
Senior Member
A bit related of a question. I know the E-PM1 is a bit smaller than the GF2, but pocketability wise which would be the better choice? How about durability, which is the more durable camera for day to day usage/movement?
andrewsn00
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Thanks for the reply.
How do you find the clipon flash does?
I ask b/c I intend to do a lot of fun people shots where you either way the flash as a fill or to use it w/AE lock (which I read is customisable to the Rec button) and with the flash giving that kiss that helps people pop.
In that sense I was first attracted to the E-PM1 for the Oly colour but an thinking maybe the GF2 simply because it's flash it built in and I'm forgettful!
How do you find the clipon flash does?
I ask b/c I intend to do a lot of fun people shots where you either way the flash as a fill or to use it w/AE lock (which I read is customisable to the Rec button) and with the flash giving that kiss that helps people pop.
In that sense I was first attracted to the E-PM1 for the Oly colour but an thinking maybe the GF2 simply because it's flash it built in and I'm forgettful!
Neither camera is going to fit in a jeans pocket. Both cameras will fit in a jacket pocket. In fact, jacket pockets are larger than you think - either of those cameras plus the kit zoom will still fit into most jacket pockets.
The PM1 fits in my jeans pocket just fine without a lens mounted. It still fits (albeit less comfortably) with the Olympus 17mm mounted. Nothing larger is really possible.
The big limiting factor is depth. In that respect I believe the GF3 wins, since it doesn't have IBIS and the sensor is placed further back.
I don't recall the dimensions of the GF2. If it's shallower than the PM1 it should work better, even if it's otherwise larger.
I agree with all of your observations but have you held a GF3 !! - WOW
I have a GF2 and made the mistake of handling the GF3. It really fits well in the hand - mine at least, so I have ordered one even though the GF2 has the same battery as the G3 I also use and I'll loose the hotshoe, second mic and possible video hack.
The Pen also has IBIS and unlike the E-pl2 now has a low light af lamp. Personally, I have to think too much about the menus and buttons with Oly but many people get on fine with them.
Agreed but the GF2 and a TTL cable is quite nice to use IMHO.
However, I think Oly missed the boat to bless us with the best pocket carry everywhere low light cam for m43.
The have the IBIS which the fast Panny glass misses on a Panny body, they eventually added the AF assist lamp so caught up there but they could have included even a small pop up or even a compact style flash for those situations where it is really the only option.
bloodycape
Senior Member
Well according to this site the E-PM1 is 34mm, while the GF2 is 33mm(32mm in the review), and the GF3 is 32mm thick. I don't think 1-3mm is that big of a difference. The E-PM1 is narrower than the GF2, with the GF3 being the narrowest, but that big of a difference for me(GF2 vs E-PM1 that is).
Now size aside, which is the more durable camera for day to day use?
rsmithgi
Senior Member
I have been struggling with the same choice. I have a Nikon D5000 and I am looking for a compact camera that can replace my P&S when I don't want to bring the DSLR. I handled the GF2 and GF3 at a local store. I like the features of the GF2 and the size and feel of the GF3. I mainly want to use the 14mm lens.
I looked at Panasonic's site today and they have the GF3 with both the 14mm and the 14-40mm zoom for $500. Just too good of a deal to pass up. If the GF2 was available in the same package, I probably would have picked it.
I looked at Panasonic's site today and they have the GF3 with both the 14mm and the 14-40mm zoom for $500. Just too good of a deal to pass up. If the GF2 was available in the same package, I probably would have picked it.
andrewsn00
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I've noticing some deals popping up w/the GF3 + 14mm pancake + Lightroom 3 for about £360 - seems a pretty good deal (esp as I don't have LR) and it tempts me to go for it.
I'm curious though - what's the GF3 flash like? I shoot a lot with flash, as a fill mostly - the lack of hot shoe is a bother but not a problem as long as the inbuilt flash isn't awful!
(Will be using w/the 20mm f1.7 mostly!)
I'm curious though - what's the GF3 flash like? I shoot a lot with flash, as a fill mostly - the lack of hot shoe is a bother but not a problem as long as the inbuilt flash isn't awful!
(Will be using w/the 20mm f1.7 mostly!)
astonehouse
Leading Member
Does that include the £40 cash back they are offering too? I've seen it for £360 without LR but comes down to £320 with cash back offer.
I've seen forum threads complaining of the slow AF on the 20mm with Olympus bodies, though it is slow anyway it may be better to stick with a Panasonic body if that's the only lens you plan to use.
I've done a bit of research on differences between the GF2 and GF3, from what I've read the GF3 produces better images at higher ISOs. I also think it's more comfortable to hold and the circle dial is easier to use. You can't add an EVF but the original Panasonic EVF doesn't get very good reviews. The flash is meant to be pretty average if that's important to you. Of course the GX1 is going to eliminate all the GF3 concerns and improve on the IQ but it's all at a significantly higher cost..
I've seen forum threads complaining of the slow AF on the 20mm with Olympus bodies, though it is slow anyway it may be better to stick with a Panasonic body if that's the only lens you plan to use.
I've done a bit of research on differences between the GF2 and GF3, from what I've read the GF3 produces better images at higher ISOs. I also think it's more comfortable to hold and the circle dial is easier to use. You can't add an EVF but the original Panasonic EVF doesn't get very good reviews. The flash is meant to be pretty average if that's important to you. Of course the GX1 is going to eliminate all the GF3 concerns and improve on the IQ but it's all at a significantly higher cost..
bloodycape
Senior Member
Per the review on this site(others have noticed it also):
"It's a typically low-powered unit. Despite the elaborate pop-up stork it emerges on, the flash doesn't sit particularly high from the camera body. As a result, it's not uncommon for the kit zoom to cast a shadow across the bottom of photos taken at its wider settings."
I don't think this effects the prime lenses, but that is kind of enough to turn me off :\
Both the E-PM1 and GF3 are primarily plastic body cameras with plastic LCD displays, no weather sealing. They are the pretty much the same when it comes to durability.
If you plan on banging it up, you should be getting a waterproof compact or a Leica S2.
bloodycape
Senior Member
I was referring to the GF2 vs the E-PM1, but thank you.
Pap38
Senior Member
that's a good price for that camera. I may just pick one up as a pocket (jacket) carry along camera.
Thanks for posting the information.
Pap
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/34495676@N08
Thanks for posting the information.
Pap
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/34495676@N08
Rick1984
Active member
I got the gf3 a couple days ago and I can safely say that it is far from being a loser, with the 14mm it sits in my coat pocket anywhere I go so I've no excuse for ever missing a photo. Very comfortable to hold and easy enough to whip out your pocket and snap away with one hand and sliding back in your pocket before anyone can realise what you just did. The flash is great in my opinion, being able to pull it back is a god send. The touch screens touch to focus and shoot is perfect for me, my last camera would always focus on the wrong subject when I wanted quick photos. My only issue with the touchscreen is I'd like it to be a bit more sensitive, you tap with your nail as apposed to just a finger tip (like the advert does hmmm). But anyways if you couldn't care less about an evf and more about the final quality of your pics then I doubt anybody would be disappointed with the gf3. I've certainly no regrets!
I can't speak to what's underneath it, but the exterior of the PM1 is all metal except for the rear panel and controls. The rear panel itself appears to be glass, although I don't know that for certain.
I will say, though, just because it's metal, doesn't really say much for how well it would hold up over time. It does feel more well constructed than a plastic exterior, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
bloodycape
Senior Member
Good to know thanks.
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