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What's a great, cheap M43 camera for beginners?

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boardsy

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Hi, a friend has asked me for advice about a new, good quality camera, on a tight budget of around $300, that they can use fairly easily out of the box and also grow with as they get further into photography.

I'm a hobbyist shooting on NEX mainly with adapted manual lenses, so while I'd like to advocate an APS-C sensor camera for high quality (either mirrorless or entry-level DSLR), I may be over-looking M43, which I don't know a whole lot about.

I will probably advise them to shoot RAW & JPG (even if they don't pp RAW or even JPG for now) and A mode rather than Auto-everything, for creative control over depth of field but taking advantage of automated metering, and a single "normal" fast prime to go with the inevitable slowish but decent kit zoom - this seems to me like a good start for a beginner with aptitude and interest in photography.

So, given all this, what's great, cheap M43 camera for beginners? :-)
 
Viewfinder? If they want one that cuts the options
 
boardsy said:
Hi, a friend has asked me for advice about a new, good quality camera, on a tight budget of around $300, that they can use fairly easily out of the box and also grow with as they get further into photography.

I'm a hobbyist shooting on NEX mainly with adapted manual lenses, so while I'd like to advocate an APS-C sensor camera for high quality (either mirrorless or entry-level DSLR), I may be over-looking M43, which I don't know a whole lot about.

I will probably advise them to shoot RAW & JPG (even if they don't pp RAW or even JPG for now) and A mode rather than Auto-everything, for creative control over depth of field but taking advantage of automated metering, and a single "normal" fast prime to go with the inevitable slowish but decent kit zoom - this seems to me like a good start for a beginner with aptitude and interest in photography.

So, given all this, what's great, cheap M43 camera for beginners? :-)
Click to expand...
 
I don't think you can do it for $300 unless you get an older used or stored kit. Contemporary m3/4th image quality is as good as APS-C for all practical purposes, and prices of contemporary m4/3rds bodies are no cheaper. The difference is relatively smaller bodies and much smaller lenses. For a new camera, investigate the Panasonic G5 or G6 for good value with the features you want. But not for $300.00.

F.
 
It's going to be tough to find anything current for that price. You can pick up the older, Olympus E-PL3 for under $300 on clearance but other than that you'd have to scan for closeouts and killer deals.

I think a current model would give better results. The latest 16mp sensor is much better than the old, 12mp sensor.
 
For beginners on a budget, I often recommend a high-end compact with a fast lens, full manual control, and the ability to shoot RAW. This provides all the learning tools they need and adequate image quality for detailed 12"x18" prints. If they outgrow it, they'll be able to keep it as a pocket camera that complements whatever bigger kit they might get later. I'm a big fan of the Lumix LX7 with it's sharp f1.4 lens, very quick AF, excellent ergonomics and UI, and 11fps (!) frame rate. Not for sports, but it's a great landscape, portrait and street shooter. It can sometimes be found on sale for under $300. I got mine for $249, at which price it's an absolute steal. The optional clip-on LVF2 EVF is very nice, costs $160, and can be shared with a GX1.
 
That budget will buy your friend an older 12 MP camera like an Olympus E-PM1 or the Panasonic GF3 I have with me now. A current model like an E-PM2 is much more capable, but will cost more than $400.
 
Ulric said:
That budget will buy your friend an older 12 MP camera like an Olympus E-PM1 or the Panasonic GF3 I have with me now. A current model like an E-PM2 is much more capable, but will cost more than $400.
Click to expand...
Pretty sure the EPM1 and GF3 can be had for under $100 nowadays... The EPM2 is a bit above his budget, but I think the G5 is perfect. A good deal of manual controls for a beginner to sink his teeth into, creative versatility with the flip-out screen. I think the lack of IBIS is actually a pro for a beginner as he will have to properly learn how to balance exposure with just the controls. Buying a vintage lens with an adapter should be perfect for this exercise.
 
Last edited:
...at Amazon or ebay, refurbished. Saw it listed at Amazon for that price on Monday (it's $350 now). HUGE bargin and great camera..
 
You can find some older model m4/3 kits under $300 if you find the right sales (Panasonic GX1 is a nice one), but you'll be limited as far as prime lenses. There are no fast lenses in m4/3 that fit your budget. With DSLRs you can usually get a 50mm 1.8 under $100, but for m4/3 a similar lens is at least $300.

For m4/3, the cheap option is to get a film lens and adapter, which gives you plenty to choose from for under $50, but keep in mind they will be manual focus only. This may be a turn off to some beginners, but would actually probably be a very helpful learning experience for them.

I am actually looking to sell some gear that may work for you, I'll send you a direct message.
 
boardsy said:
Hi, a friend has asked me for advice about a new, good quality camera, on a tight budget of around $300, that they can use fairly easily out of the box and also grow with as they get further into photography.

I'm a hobbyist shooting on NEX mainly with adapted manual lenses, so while I'd like to advocate an APS-C sensor camera for high quality (either mirrorless or entry-level DSLR), I may be over-looking M43, which I don't know a whole lot about.

I will probably advise them to shoot RAW & JPG (even if they don't pp RAW or even JPG for now) and A mode rather than Auto-everything, for creative control over depth of field but taking advantage of automated metering, and a single "normal" fast prime to go with the inevitable slowish but decent kit zoom - this seems to me like a good start for a beginner with aptitude and interest in photography.

So, given all this, what's great, cheap M43 camera for beginners? :-)
Click to expand...
 
Panasonic G3, G5 or GX1. Or Olympus PM2 of available for the price
 
Yesterday the Olympus E-PM2 2 lens(!) kit was on sale on Amazon US for$349.00, 3 colours to choose from. It lasted only few hours, they were all gone by early afternoon.

While there is no guarantee you may see the exact same deal again, it is worth checking their website on a daily basis, especially this month.
 
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