GX1 vs E-P3

Ok, here I go!

I´ve been looking at a 4/3 system to replace my "gone" Nikon D7000.

I´m down to these two options

1) Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8
2) Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm (new panncake style) & Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4

These two options have the same prize

What say you?

stenofsweden said:

Ok, here I go!

I´ve been looking at a 4/3 system to replace my "gone" Nikon D7000.

I´m down to these two options

1) Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8
2) Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm (new panncake style) & Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4

These two options have the same prize

What say you?

Click to expand...

It's a m4/3 system just to be clear. If you buy 4/3 stuff (like lenses) they won't fit.

Do you know you can mix and match Pany and Oly lenses?

I have an E-PM1 with all panasonic lenses. The 14-42X, the [email protected] and the 45-175X.

I prefer the Olympus cameras, but really they are both great cameras. If you can get a chance to hold them, that might sway you one way or the other.

As Kevdog says, you know you can mix and match Panasonic and Olympus lenses? I personally would probably go for the GX1 to get the newer sensor but a three prime lens lineup - the Panasonic 14mm f2.5, 20 f1.7 and the Olympus 45mm f1.8. You could go for the Oly 12mm f2 instead of the Panasonic 14mm f2.5 but it is much more expensive.

stenofsweden said:

Ok, here I go!

Click to expand...

Glad you posted, though folks here can at times be a little rough.

stenofsweden said:

I´ve been looking at a 4/3 system to replace my "gone" Nikon D7000.

Click to expand...

Both 4/3 and micro 4/3 use the same sensor, but a different lens mount. There are adapters for those wanting to put 4/3 lenses on micro 4/3 cameras. See here for info on both:
http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/lens_chart.html

stenofsweden said:

I´m down to these two options

Click to expand...

stenofsweden said:

1) Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8
2) Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm (new panncake style) & Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4

These two options have the same prize

What say you?

Click to expand...

I say I would choose the E-P3 and I did. (before the GX1 was available)

It's my most favorite camera that I've ever owned for many reasons.

Still many prefer the Panasonic cameras and layout. Both cameras are really great and either would be a good choice.

--
Dave

I'd go for the panasonic gx1 mainly because if you plan on getting the panasonic lens such as the 7-14 and you want the camera to automatically take care of distortions for you then you have that baked in. Both great cameras and you should go check them out but to me the gx1 feels better in ONE handed operation. Some bells and whistles like hijacking the auto focus for manual focusing. Customization of Q menu and function buttons. Lens based image stabilization with the few stops in the sensor seems to be understated. Although the lens are interchangeable between the two bodies definitely panasonic have the upper hand in lens quality (a few up to leica standards) I think the built in CA correction within the bodies is often overlooked. There are various comparisons about jpg output but often at some pre-default setting which is pretty useless IMO. So take those with a grain of salt, a respectable review would consider the optimal settings of both cameras and of course even that is qualitative. And that's the problem people don't want to take the plunge of defining what looks better from their perspective settings as now they can be ridiculed for not knowing how to setup a camera. At default, you can always blame just the camera.

ThatGuyWayne said:

I'd go for the panasonic gx1 mainly because if you plan on getting the panasonic > lens such as the 7-14 and you want the camera to automatically take care of > distortions for you then you have that baked in. Both great cameras and you > should go check them out but to me the gx1 feels better in ONE handed operation. > Some bells and whistles like hijacking the auto focus for manual focusing. > Customization of Q menu and function buttons. Lens based image stabilization with > the few stops in the sensor seems to be understated. Although the lens are > interchangeable between the two bodies definitely panasonic have the upper hand > in lens quality (a few up to leica standards) I think the built in CA correction within > the bodies is often overlooked. There are various comparisons about jpg output but > often at some pre-default setting which is pretty useless IMO. So take those with a > grain of salt, a respectable review would consider the optimal settings of both > cameras and of course even that is qualitative. And that's the problem people don't > want to take the plunge of defining what looks better from their perspective settings > as now they can be ridiculed for not knowing how to setup a camera. At default, > you can always blame just the camera.

Click to expand...

I think I'm going to trade my EP-3 for a GX1. If you look at my gear list you will see I like both systems. I take issue with the statement:

"Although the lens are interchangeable between the two bodies definitely panasonic have the upper hand in lens quality"

The quality of my 75/300 Olympus surpasses the quality of the 100/300 Panasonic. It's no comparison. On the other hand my Panasonic 14/45 is the best kit lens I ever had. Two of the best lenses I have are the Olympus 45mm f1.8 and the Olympus 12mm f2. Did I mention the Panasonic 8mm...I love mine! At this time Panasonic may have an even hand when it comes to lenses but definitely not the upper hand! When it comes to lenses you have to pick and choose carefully between the two.

This is not the thread to get into why I'm going from an EP-3 to a GX1 but it has nothing to do with with lenses.
john
my equipment is in Gear List
if you live near me you can test any of it...just e-mail

Sorry I did not answer the OP question. I would go with the Olympus option because of the lenses.

Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8

The 45 is the best lens I own. (Maybe I should say must enjoyable)
I love the focal length of the 17MM.
The 14/42 is a good kit lens. (almost as good as the Panasonic 14/45 Kit lens)

I have all the above lenses and I'm not going to the GX1 because of lenses.

--
john
my equipment is in Gear List
if you live near me you can test any of it...just e-mail

RAW Shooter: Panasonic
JPEG Shooter: Olympus

Lens:
14-42 X + 20 f/1.7 Pancakes + 45 f/1.8

stenofsweden said:

Ok, here I go!

I´ve been looking at a 4/3 system to replace my "gone" Nikon D7000.

I´m down to these two options

1) Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8
2) Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm (new panncake style) & Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4

These two options have the same prize

What say you?

Click to expand...

I just replaced my Olympus E-P1 with a GX1. Newer sensor and smaller package with a pancake lens. I didn't go for the power zoom, I don't trust the reliability long term. I got burned with a Lumix P&S zoom that conked out after just a year of usage. I thought the better deal was with the old 14-42mm kit lens (for just $100 over the price of the GX1 body only) and I got the 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens, which I use all the time. Eventually I'll get the Oly 45mm f/1.8 and maybe eventually a telephoto zoom lens.

stenofsweden said:

Ok, here I go!

I´ve been looking at a 4/3 system to replace my "gone" Nikon D7000.

I´m down to these two options

1) Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8
2) Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm (new panncake style) & Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4

These two options have the same prize

What say you?

Click to expand...

B&H Prices:
A
Panasonic
GX-1 with PZ 14-42: $950
Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4: $540
Total ~ $1500

B
Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm: $800
17mm F2.8: $250
45mm F1.8: $385
Total ~ $1435

C
Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm: $800
20mm F1.8: $340
45mm F1.8: $385
Total ~ $1525

D

B&H "Street Shooter Kit:
Price: $1,499.99
Calculate Shipping
APPROX. ARRIVAL JANUARY
B&H # OLEP3BU Mfr# V204037SU010

Product Highlights
E-P3 Digital Micro 4/3 Camera (800)
14-42mm Lens (inc above)
12mm f/2.0 Lens ($700)
VF-3 Finder ($180)
Gadget Bag -- $20???
Large Grip - $20
Total: $1720
Actual Cost: $1500

I'd eliminate option B straight away. ... The 20mm Panasonic lens is more than worth the difference from the 17" IMO. At least, for low light it is.

How does option option D look (the 12mm and zoom option from Olympus)? If you want that width, and an EVF, its a no brainer.

Option A v C: Panasonic v Olympus/Panasonic. 45mm zoom, versus fast 45mm prime. But the Olympus prime, although much faster, sits in front of an old sensor. Hmm ... and the zoom from Olympus, I suspect is not as good as the Panasonic zoom. Which is also very compact. I have Olympus 4/3 lenses, so I'd lean towards the Olympus, due to IBIS. But with no need for IBIS (although that would make the 20mm very good for non movement shots in poor light) I'd get the Panasonic. Its compact at all times, and you'd get one very good prime.

As an alternative, the GH-2 is going with the 14-140 for $1200.

Moving targets in lowish light would favor Panny. If your subjects are more often static, then Oly EP3 IBIS can help keep ISO in the happy zone. Oly jpegs and WB are generally better/warmer. Panny has a better sensor for high ISO and more sure AF in dim conditions.

Wait a few weeks for the Oly OM announcement. It might be a great camera.

After you choose a body, I recommend starting with the 20/1.7 and 45/1.8. Add lenses to taste from there.
--
SLOtographer

"If we limit our vision to the real world, we will forever be fighting on the minus side of things, working only too make our photographs equal to what we see out there, but no better." -- Galen Rowell

Dunno about this anymore really.

IMO, at higher ISO, Olympus ep3's default jpegs lose too much details. Turn down the noise reduction, or shoot raw, and you'll have vastly better output.

goshigoo said:

RAW Shooter: Panasonic
JPEG Shooter: Olympus

Lens:
14-42 X + 20 f/1.7 Pancakes + 45 f/1.8

Click to expand...

So what camera did you end up going with?

I'm in the same boat, I'm leaning towards the E-P3 as I like the jpeg results, and the ability to use external flashes.

jpetro said:

So what camera did you end up going with?

I'm in the same boat, I'm leaning towards the E-P3 as I like the jpeg results, and the ability to use external flashes.

Click to expand...

--I don't think you have looked at either the JPEGS or RAW and colors from both these cameras on DPRs recent reviews? If you did you will see not much different in the JPEGS at low ISOs but at high ISOs the GX1 is close to full two stops better? The EP3 has reportedly problematic IBIS in certain conditions according to users while the GX1 has 2 compact Xlenses with same problem?

I really think you should wait and look and compare with the coming OM-D with its builtin EVF, similar better sensor as the GX1, much more capable IBIS can use for live view and video than even considering the EP3, even if it costs more it might be worth it but has a non-removeable hump like the OMs.

Those are some great points, I'm not in in a rush either, Thanks for the info.

I'll have to compare the photos again

stenofsweden said:

Ok, here I go!

I´ve been looking at a 4/3 system to replace my "gone" Nikon D7000.

I´m down to these two options

1) Olympus E-P3 +14-42mm & 17mm F2,8 & 45mm F1.8
2) Panasonic GX1 + 14-42mm (new panncake style) & Panny/Leica 25mm 1.4

These two options have the same prize

What say you?

Click to expand...

Did you get rid of your D7000 by choice or was it stolen/damaged or something?

If by choice why are you going with m4/3? What do you want to get out of it?
What did you shoot when you had the D7000?

Some background info may help suggestions