Please help me decide on a new camera......

[truedog]

I am thinking about getting a new camera, but am having really tough time making up my mind. I currently have a Canon S95 which I plan to keep and a Kodak Z612 bridge camera that I intend to replace. I have been all over the place with ideas of what I want. I do want to move up and take much higher quality pictures with a flexible platform. Here’s where I stand.

I’ve pretty much ruled out DSLR’s due to price and size, especially if packing around extra lenses, though I have considered the Canon T3 and Nikon D3200, each with two kit lenses - short zoom and longer zoom.

Nikon J1:

Disadvantages - toy-like feel and very limited manual control options, no hot shoe, no EVF, no customizable settings.

Advantages –Small size, some cool features like extremely fast burst mode, reasonably priced.

Fujifilm HS30EXR bridge:

Disadvantages – As big as a DSLR, with a small ½ sensor (smaller than the sensor in my S95), many view this as a “toy camera”, EXR processor creates some serious limitations with fast shutter in bright sunlight

Advantages – Long reach zoom, hot shoe and EVF (even though some users don’t like it), all-in-one design, manual zoom, great ultra macro, tilt screen, low price

Lumix DMC-GF5KK

Disadvantages – More expensive, no hot shoe, no EVF, slowest burst mode of these choices,

Advantages – 4/3 sensor, 920p touchscreen, manual zoom (with the manual lens), more manual control and customization than the J1, small size but doesn’t feel as toy-like as the Nikon J1.

As of this moment I am leaning towards the Lumix DMC-GF5KK even though it’s at the upper end of what I want to spend. What are your thoughts please?

 

[AlbertTheLazy]

You haven't said what you'll mostly be shooting. Street? Wildlife? Studio? Macro? Architecture? Family?

??????

This is the first thing that affects the choice of camera. Then there's how concerned you are about image quality (IQ). I'm an ex-professional (25 years behind the viewfinder) but I don't feel the need to spend or carry the pounds it would need to have a full frame DSLR.

For my particular requirements I got a Fuji X-E1. It probably won't be what you want, but I can't guess what might be.

Albert

 

[truedog]

I like shooting family, pets, outdoors, some macro, videos of myself playing guitar and occasional concerts. I also like zoomed in stills with no flash during concerts. Sometimes I try to shoot some rodeo, auto racing or shooting sports action. Just for personal enjoyment.

 

[Virginia Bill]

Albert is right, of course. Without some idea of what you want to shoot, no one can offer very helpful suggestions. But you did say this: "I do want to move up and take much higher quality pictures with a flexible platform. Here’s where I stand. I’ve pretty much ruled out DSLR’s due to price and size, especially if packing around extra lenses."

Since you already have an S95, one of the best P&S cameras, you're apparently making a case for m4/3: larger sensor, interchangeable lenses, comparatively small size and light weight. Under "Buying Guide" at the top of this page, consult 'Mirrorless Camera Primer,' then start reading reviews. Also spend some time in the micro 4/3 forum.

 

[truedog]

After some recommendations I am now looking at two different 4/3 cameras, the Lumix GF5K and the Olympus E-PL3. They seem very similar in most respects, but I prefer the tilt screen on the E-PL3 while I like the higher def touchscreen on the GF5K.

Prices are VERY close. Anyone who has used both cameras and can give me some pluses and minuses of each?

 

[leno]

truedog wrote:

After some recommendations I am now looking at two different 4/3 cameras, the Lumix GF5K and the Olympus E-PL3. They seem very similar in most respects, but I prefer the tilt screen on the E-PL3 while I like the higher def touchscreen on the GF5K.

Prices are VERY close. Anyone who has used both cameras and can give me some pluses and minuses of each?

How important is a touch screen and hd display? Nice to have maybe but you only use the screen to review the photos as you work make sure you are within limits. Should not be a deciding factor on buying a camera.

 

[Kokeen4231]

I would say the panasonic GF5. The olympus epl3 ISO is rather weak. Any higher than 1600 pics would be noisy. Though ISO mainly important for night shots, theres no harm in having better ISO. Other aspects are similar.

 

[cprevost]

The Panny has slightly better high ISO performance. It feels like plastic junk though. The Oly has better jpegs. Both are very good. The Nikon V1 is priced way low right now and actually performs quite well. Some are put off by the lack of physical controls so if that's a problem then look elsewhere. The Fuji x20 that was just announced sounds like quite a nice camera. I owned the x10 and currently own the Oly ep3 and it's a toss up for me which one produced better images for the most part.

 

[peevee1]

You already have S95 and don't need another compact doing the same, even if lightly better, right? So what is missing? Longer zoom or ability to shoot good pictures in low light? For longer zoom in sunlight, any number of bridge cams would do. Pana FZ200 is probably the best compromise for weight and longer focal length quality. For low light there is the superb RX100, and it will replace your S95 just fine (not that much bigger, but much better).

For both you have to go to interchangeable lens cameras with different lenses. Expensive lenses for low light ability better than RX100.

There is X-S1, but it is pretty poor compromise. There are no really good bridge cameras yet, but I have a feeling that with the recent improvements in compacts, bridges will improve radically too pretty soon. Before buying a bridge, I would wait for a RX10 or X-S2 or whatever they will be called.

 

[truedog]

Well I finally made a decision after lots of back and forth. I ordered a Lumix G3 yesterday. I really think this camera will meet my needs better than any of the others. 16MP 4/3 sensor, DSLR-like style an handing in a smaller package, EVF , swivel display, excellent price, etc. and many great reviews. Thanks for all of your help.

 

[MarkInSF]

The G3 is a good camera at current clearance prices. It's a big step up from the GF line in that it has a viewfinder and plenty of manual controls. If you take to photography more seriously this camera has room to grow, especially since it is a Micro 4/3 camera so has plenty of excellent lenses available. Any lenses you do buy will be compatible with future Micro 4/3 bodies, which figure to be around for years. Good choice. Almost bought one myself recently.

 

[truedog]

My new camera arrived today. Lumix G3 with 14-42mm lens and 45-200mm zoom. I think it will more than fit my needs. Now I have to learn all the ins and outs of using the camera and work on my photographic skills. To that end I am going to take a short course next month at the local community college and take lots of photos. Thanks for all of the advice!

 

[truedog]

I've got to say I love my new Lumix G3. I think it's perfect for my wants and needs. Now I have to work on my skills and have signed up for some classes at the local community college.

Here are a few samples. Don't judge me too harshly.

 

[Virginia Bill]

Good choice, and you're obviously exploring what the camera can do. Nice images.

 

[truedog]

Thanks. I'm having fun with it and am very impressed with the IQ compared to my Canon S95.

 

[EquusStorm]

Hi truedog,

I'm not a professional, but I just wanted to give you my two cents worth. I'm sure you will gets lots of advice on this forum.

I was fortunate enough to take a class from a pro photographer who's worked as a photojournalist and has an impressive resume. When students asked him about zoom lenses, he said the best

zoom is: your feet. In other words, the best photos will result in you getting as close as

possible to your subject instead of relying on a zoom lens.

Secondly, I can appreciate your desire not to have to spend an arm and a leg. I really wanted a

good camera and chose the Canon 60D. I purchased it from a place that offered 18 months to

pay with no interest. It's the only way I could've afforded this camera. And I have made some

beautiful shots with just a normal lens.

That's it . . just wanted to share my personal view. Best of luck.

 

[EquusStorm]

Love the photo of the mallard.