Question on M43

emzee wrote:

Hi,

I am trying to re-enter into the world of photography after a brief interval. I have used film SLRs in the past and in the digital world, I tried Pentax and Canon systems. Last one I used was Canon 5D Mark II with 24-105mm lens. However, after 2011, I did no spend any time on photography due to some personal reasons. Now I am coming back to the world of photography.

My needs are family (kids - outdoor and indoor portraits), occasional landscapes, street photos. I want to enjoy the photography rather than worrying too much about the large equipment. Image quality is important, but I would not be printing anything more than 20x30 (that itself is very extreme as most of the time I would not be printing anything). M43 caught my attention as it looks to have the right balance of image quality with the equipment size. After all I would like to enjoy the photography as it is not a source of income for me.

Could someone help me to answers for the following questions

1) How good is the Panasonic GX-8 compared to some of the full frame options from Canon? (6D, 5D Mark III). Since I have used Canon 5D Mark II, I am quite familiar with Canon setup. Is image quality very much acceptable?

Dynamic range at low ISO is better on the GX8. It is how ever far behind at higher ISO. All other parameters are better allround on the FF Canons regardless of which one you chose (from the ones you mention).

If low light shooting is important, the Canon is a clearly better choice.

2) What about the lenses like Panasonic 15mm, 42.5mm and 25mm (from Olympus and Panasonic)? I might opt for a superzoom also for video and I am thinking of getting Panasonic 14-140 for that.

These are all excellent lenses in their respective categories. 25 mm: better Oly, Pann is cheap but has some broad sample variety it seems. Also veru cheap tough.

3) What about the flash systems in Panasonic world?

Can't comment. I have a Nissin i40 I believe which is a good flash unit with four batteries so it is speedy too. But of course this is nothing extensive.

Regards,

Emzee.

Good luck!