Really unsure about upgrading and to what

rponiarski wrote:

Long time m4/3 user and I have and use a lot of the PanaLeica lenses. I have a Pen-F and have generally been happy with it, though its continuous AF is terrible. I like the size, form factor and with the added grip it is easy to use.

However, the C-AF is really bothering me. I have been taking some shots of birds and planes, and it is hit or miss with the C-AF and not all that good with the S-AF either. I also have familial tremors, so the IS is very important to me. So after reading about both the E-M1ii and the new Panasonic G9, I went to a local show and tried them both out.

The E-M1ii just felt right in my hand. It is weighty, but not too heavy and the grip feels great. I know the Olympus menus, as I have the Pen F and an older E-P5, so there won't be a huge learning curve. I miss the exposure compensation dial of the Pen F, but there are ways around it.

The G9 is an amazing camera and the IS with the Leica 12-60mm is as good as it gets. The menus doesn't seem too complicated and I am sure I will be able to get a handle on it fairly quickly and the viewfinder is...AMAZING. Bright, clear and I can see everything perfectly, even with glasses. It is a bit larger than I like and the grip is a bit too big for me (I do have smallish hands), but I suppose I could get used to it.

So where do I go from here? Both have good points and bad, and both are about the same price at this time. I would trade my Pen F, even though I won't get a huge amount, every little bit helps. Thoughts?

I hear you. IMO, its kind of a great 'problem' we have, both are great cameras and have their own strengths, etc. I have the E-M1.2, but the G9 has gotten my attention, big time. Since I am expecting a fairly decent firmware update before too long, I am staying put. This competition between P and O within m/43 is one of its biggest strengths, they seem to keep each other honest.

Anyway, I would really think hard about what you want to photograph, maybe focus on the most challenging aspects of whatever that is, do research, look at others are using successfully, etc, and try to narrow down a lens selection. Then I would decide which cameras will best complete your kit.

If its tricky birding, there are lots of folks here to give you a hand, just ask, but try to be as specific as possible its hard to answer general questions.

Good luck!

Jan