Beginner on the hunt for a Compact System Camera - Would love some advice! :)

[CaliRN]

Hi Everyone!

I've been scouring photography forums for about a month and it seems that I keep coming back to this one - so here I am!

I'm on the hunt for a Compact System Camera and have just no idea where to begin. I've had a Canon DSLR for the last 8 years, which has been great, but I'm ready for something smaller that I actually don't mind toting around.

Being new to photography, I'd like something that will carry me through the next several years, as I plan on taking some classes and following my passion (and capturing as many moments possible of my 7 year old son). I originally bought a Sony Nex-6, but returned it because it didn't quite meet the reviews of the Fuji's and Olympus' that seemed to surpass the Sony in all directions, and the selection of lenses seemed to be pretty sparse in comparison to its competitors.

I realize that I probably don't need something like the Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1 or the Fuji X-E1/E2, but these seems to have great reviews and be cameras I can grow into. While I'm a nurse, I've got a certificate in graphic design and have had lots of fun in Photoshop - so, I don't see photography as something that will pass as a hobby.

I'd love something with a built in viewfinder, wifi, decent video capability, and not-so-slow autofocus.

Some of the cameras I have been looking at are:

Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1

Olympus Pen E-P5

Fujifilm X-E1/E-2

Panasonic Lumix GH3 and GX7

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Fujifilm X100s

Samsung NX300

So, I guess my question would be which compact system camera do you guys recommend for a beginner who would like a camera to grow with?

I've got a Best Buy credit card with 0% interest for the first year and would like to spend no more than $1500 - I'm not limited to Best Buy, but do like the interest free option if the deal is right. Is it best to buy a kit or the body only? Am I insane for even thinking about spending that much as a beginner?

Thank you in advance for your kind replies - I appreciate your expert advice!

~CaliRN

 

[PenPix]

Hi Everyone!

I've been scouring photography forums for about a month and it seems that I keep coming back to this one - so here I am!

I'm on the hunt for a Compact System Camera and have just no idea where to begin. I've had a Canon DSLR for the last 8 years, which has been great, but I'm ready for something smaller that I actually don't mind toting around.

Being new to photography, I'd like something that will carry me through the next several years, as I plan on taking some classes and following my passion (and capturing as many moments possible of my 7 year old son). I originally bought a Sony Nex-6, but returned it because it didn't quite meet the reviews of the Fuji's and Olympus' that seemed to surpass the Sony in all directions, and the selection of lenses seemed to be pretty sparse in comparison to its competitors.

You're not new!

I realize that I probably don't need something like the Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1 or the Fuji X-E1/E2, but these seems to have great reviews and be cameras I can grow into. While I'm a nurse, I've got a certificate in graphic design and have had lots of fun in Photoshop - so, I don't see photography as something that will pass as a hobby.

I'd love something with a built in viewfinder, wifi, decent video capability, and not-so-slow autofocus.

Some of the cameras I have been looking at are:

Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1

Olympus Pen E-P5

Fujifilm X-E1/E-2

Panasonic Lumix GH3 and GX7

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Fujifilm X100s

Samsung NX300

So, I guess my question would be which compact system camera do you guys recommend for a beginner who would like a camera to grow with?

I've got a Best Buy credit card with 0% interest for the first year and would like to spend no more than $1500 - I'm not limited to Best Buy, but do like the interest free option if the deal is right. Is it best to buy a kit or the body only? Am I insane for even thinking about spending that much as a beginner?

Thank you in advance for your kind replies - I appreciate your expert advice!

~CaliRN

I'm surprised you didn't like the NEX-6. It is one of the top performing MILC, so if you didn't like it, you're probably not going to like most the cameras on your list. What were the specific issues that made you return it?

Mirrorless is not for everyone. If it were, the sales would be much higher than what they actually are. You may find a small DSLR like the Canon SL1 may be better suited for you. I will say that the OMD is the closest platform to a DSLR of the cameras you listed, so I would start there.

 

[hdr]

Hi Everyone!

I've been scouring photography forums for about a month and it seems that I keep coming back to this one - so here I am!...

Scouring and searching the Web for info is part of the pleasure of any photography enthusiast. Oldsters never had it so good in their time. What's more, every camera these days is just as good as any other out there. Ironically, that's what makes the choosing so difficult.

 

[BarnET]

Hi Everyone!

I've been scouring photography forums for about a month and it seems that I keep coming back to this one - so here I am!

I'm on the hunt for a Compact System Camera and have just no idea where to begin. I've had a Canon DSLR for the last 8 years, which has been great, but I'm ready for something smaller that I actually don't mind toting around.

Being new to photography, I'd like something that will carry me through the next several years, as I plan on taking some classes and following my passion (and capturing as many moments possible of my 7 year old son). I originally bought a Sony Nex-6, but returned it because it didn't quite meet the reviews of the Fuji's and Olympus' that seemed to surpass the Sony in all directions, and the selection of lenses seemed to be pretty sparse in comparison to its competitors.

I realize that I probably don't need something like the Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1 or the Fuji X-E1/E2, but these seems to have great reviews and be cameras I can grow into. While I'm a nurse, I've got a certificate in graphic design and have had lots of fun in Photoshop - so, I don't see photography as something that will pass as a hobby.

I'd love something with a built in viewfinder, wifi, decent video capability, and not-so-slow autofocus.

Some of the cameras I have been looking at are:

Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1

Great camera's in stills not so much in video

Olympus Pen E-P5

same as the 2 above but no viewfinder. GX7 is no brainer over this one.

Fujifilm X-E1/E-2

Best camera's on your list in stills. forget about video with these. Take the XE-2 for the AF performance and higher resolution screen

Panasonic Lumix GH3 and GX7

GH3 is an video powerhouse. Rivalling cinema camera's costing at least 3 times more.

GX7 is an stylish allrounder. It shoots good video and has all the bells and whistles you seem to love.

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Don't even bother. The better EVF of the XE-1 is more useful. it's also smaller and lighter.

Fujifilm X100s

This is a compact. Your limited to it's 35mm Equiv. lens. If that's is no problem it's a damn fine camera in still

Samsung NX300

Don't really know samsung very much. I know their sensors are good though.

So, I guess my question would be which compact system camera do you guys recommend for a beginner who would like a camera to grow with?

All of these are pretty much for enthousiasts. So not really aimed at the beginner.

I know that the touchscreen of the GX7 is very easy to use. It also has all the beginner modes still in there. Like scenes and auto modes. It is in budget and takes very good video and it's AF is probably the fastest of this list. (The olympus's are just as fast). So considering your list of priorities it seems to be the best for you.

I've got a Best Buy credit card with 0% interest for the first year and would like to spend no more than $1500 - I'm not limited to Best Buy, but do like the interest free option if the deal is right. Is it best to buy a kit or the body only? Am I insane for even thinking about spending that much as a beginner?

Well yes. I think buying an GX7 with no experience is a bit overkill. However it will not dissapoint in the long run. That might save some money in the next year. I outgrew my first Dslr in less then a year. Which lead to buying a more expensive body and losing some on my previous investment.

However i shot at least a day a week.

Thank you in advance for your kind replies - I appreciate your expert advice!

Your welcome good luck with your decission

here is a link.

~CaliRN

 

[Aberaeron]

Hi Everyone!

I've been scouring photography forums for about a month and it seems that I keep coming back to this one - so here I am!

I'm on the hunt for a Compact System Camera and have just no idea where to begin. I've had a Canon DSLR for the last 8 years, which has been great, but I'm ready for something smaller that I actually don't mind toting around.

Being new to photography, I'd like something that will carry me through the next several years, as I plan on taking some classes and following my passion (and capturing as many moments possible of my 7 year old son). I originally bought a Sony Nex-6, but returned it because it didn't quite meet the reviews of the Fuji's and Olympus' that seemed to surpass the Sony in all directions, and the selection of lenses seemed to be pretty sparse in comparison to its competitors.

You're not new!

I realize that I probably don't need something like the Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1 or the Fuji X-E1/E2, but these seems to have great reviews and be cameras I can grow into. While I'm a nurse, I've got a certificate in graphic design and have had lots of fun in Photoshop - so, I don't see photography as something that will pass as a hobby.

I'd love something with a built in viewfinder, wifi, decent video capability, and not-so-slow autofocus.

Some of the cameras I have been looking at are:

Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1

Olympus Pen E-P5

Fujifilm X-E1/E-2

Panasonic Lumix GH3 and GX7

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Fujifilm X100s

Samsung NX300

So, I guess my question would be which compact system camera do you guys recommend for a beginner who would like a camera to grow with?

I've got a Best Buy credit card with 0% interest for the first year and would like to spend no more than $1500 - I'm not limited to Best Buy, but do like the interest free option if the deal is right. Is it best to buy a kit or the body only? Am I insane for even thinking about spending that much as a beginner?

Thank you in advance for your kind replies - I appreciate your expert advice!

~CaliRN

I'm surprised you didn't like the NEX-6. It is one of the top performing MILC, so if you didn't like it, you're probably not going to like most the cameras on your list. What were the specific issues that made you return it?

He didn't actually say he didn't like it but said he didn't like its relative reviews and thought the lens choice was sparse. This despite Sony being the market leader in system cameras in my opinion.

Mirrorless is not for everyone. If it were, the sales would be much higher than what they actually are. You may find a small DSLR like the Canon SL1 may be better suited for you. I will say that the OMD is the closest platform to a DSLR of the cameras you listed, so I would start there.

The GH3 is an interesting option. Generally very very capable at video, as are most of the Panasonic and Sony ranges but the GH3 in particular, and being a heavy duty weather-sealed 'professional' grade camera. It is an excellent choice for anyone but some money can be saved by buying the just as capable G6 instead of it or the GX7.

Interest free finance or not, the price must be something of an issue or the interest free finance would not be an issue in the first place. So a capable camera that provides room to grow while being reasonable value for money must be the aim.

With this in mind, Samsung is an interesting choice. It is not currently a big player in system cameras but has very nice hardware. It is easy to use and does provide some nice features but is it the right camera for the OP? I'm not so sure. Best to forget the X100S due to its fixed focal length but all the X range are very fine and satisfying cameras that everyone should be proud to own.

 

[CaliRN]

Thank you so very much for your kind and thoughtful reply (and link) - I have narrowed it down to the GX7, GH3, EM-5 or EM-1, and possibly the X-E2.

If I go with the Olympus, would the EM-5 be a suitable choice over the newer EM-1? I am thinking that I may be able to find a used one online. Also, what would you suggest as a couple decent starter lenses?

Thank you again for all your help - you have no idea how much I appreciate it!

--
~CaliRN

 

[CaliRN]

Thank you for your reply - I appreciate it!

 

[CaliRN]

Haha so true! Thank you kindly

 

[CaliRN]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. Thanks to you guys and some youtube reviews I think I've narrowed it down to the GX7, GH3, E-M5 or E-M1, and the X-E2 -- I suppose now I just need to figure out which works best for me and shop around online and in the local camera stores to find the right fit (a couple lenses would be nice too)!

Thanks again!

~CaliRN

 

[peevee1]

Olympus OM-D E-M10 or Panasonic GX7 seem to fit the bill nicely. Fuji X-E2 too is very nice if you don't mind to pay more for the camera and lenses, and have bigger, heavier lenses and no touchscreen or articulating screen.

But if you don't plan to have lenses beyond just a basic kit lens, just buy Sony RX100II and be done with it.

 

[BarnET]

Indeed what peevee said the em10 deserves a good look too . cheaper omd with most of the features still there.

I do believe the gx7 is better spec wise but looking at the fair list price of the em10 that ain't too bad.

 

[CaliRN]

Aghhh so the guy at the camera shop showed me the Fuji X-E2 and both Olympus OMDs (they don't carry Panasonic). I really like the grip on the OMD 5 and the feel of the camera but didn't actually get to hold the XE2 (which he suggests over the Olympus) --However, he suggested I wait until next week when the Fuji X-T1 comes out and see how I like that -- he seems to believe that this is most likely what I'm looking for.

Does anyone know anything about the X-T1?

Thank you!

 

[BarnET]

Not many people have seen the xt-1 in real life. It is rumoured to be very good. It has a lot control dials (I believe 5 vs 2 of the gx7). That can be very handy for people that know what they are doing. However it will be very difficult for beginners.

It will also have an very big viewfinder on top. And it will be very expensive.

If he does not carry panasonic look somewhere else to check it out. He wants to sell you what he can offer not what he does not have which might be best for you. The people here have no interest in selling you anything. Even though some are biased to their own brand.

I still believe the gx7 will suit you based on your requirements based in your first post. With the new Olympus em10(announced 2 days ago) as a cheaper alternative.

The reason is it does everything well. Pro's vs all Fuji

Much better video options. Like 25/50fps or 30/60 fps( depending on country)

Tiltable evf

Tiltable screen

Much better WiFi options with remote app(for android and iOS)

Cheaper lens options.

A very good touchscreen Fuji has none as far as I know.

Easier for beginners menu system

The Fujifilm does have better image quality in stills. The sensor is larger and yields better results. I do not think that overcomes all the cons vs the Panasonic.

 

[pixelpushing]

Hi Everyone!

I've been scouring photography forums for about a month and it seems that I keep coming back to this one - so here I am!

I'm on the hunt for a Compact System Camera and have just no idea where to begin. I've had a Canon DSLR for the last 8 years, which has been great, but I'm ready for something smaller that I actually don't mind toting around.

Being new to photography, I'd like something that will carry me through the next several years,

That's a tall order. Most cameras don't have much planned life past 2 or 3 years, but you never know. I guess I could still be using the same E-PL1 I bought in 2010, but it would be sorely behind the curve, these days.

Better, perhaps, focus (heh) on the lenses and figure that's the aspect that will keep you going, while bodies can come and go on a somewhat more accelerated upgrade path (or so the camera makers would like you to).

as I plan on taking some classes and following my passion (and capturing as many moments possible of my 7 year old son). I originally bought a Sony Nex-6, but returned it because it didn't quite meet the reviews of the Fuji's and Olympus' that seemed to surpass the Sony in all directions, and the selection of lenses seemed to be pretty sparse in comparison to its competitors.

The NEX-6 should meet the Fuji and Olympus cameras fairly well. Each model is a compromise in its own way, respectively.

I'd love something with a built in viewfinder, wifi, decent video capability, and not-so-slow autofocus.

Some of the cameras I have been looking at are:

Olympus OM-D EM-5/EM-1

Olympus Pen E-P5

The Olympus models are getting a little muddled with the OM-D and Pen model proliferation, but I loved my E-PL1. The P5 lacks integrated VF but the Oly addon one is excellent, if pricey. Micro 4/3 lenses are still a developing system and there are some real gems, but also some real big price tags.

Fujifilm X-E1/E-2

Panasonic Lumix GH3 and GX7

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Fujifilm X100s

I had an X100, very sweet handling camera. Great image quality and range, phenomenal dual mode EVF/OVF. Not fast, not a 'MILC' or 'CSC' with fixed lens so not something you're likely to grow into in terms of learning how to handle various lenses.

Samsung NX300

Not quite as quality feeling as the Fuji and Olympus cameras, but you can get an NX300 dirt cheap and its image quality is right up there with the best of this list, plus 20.3MP gives an edge in sharpness and crop-ability. It has a modicum of focus tracking but AF shot to shot can be sluggish (as can other models here, notably the Fujis). The prices of the lenses are comparatively low, and they offer above par performance on the whole.

If I had to go out on a limb, I'd say the NX is the best for easy WiFi viewfinder/remote and file sharing (it will even upload to social media and storage like Facebook and email pics).

The drawback to Samsung is, you won't find many lenses or accessories at brick and mortar stores, but then Fuji, Panasonic and Olympus are mostly limited to camera shops. At least you can buy the NX300 in Best Buy and try it out first.

 

[MarkInSF]

Thank you so very much for your kind and thoughtful reply (and link) - I have narrowed it down to the GX7, GH3, EM-5 or EM-1, and possibly the X-E2.

If I go with the Olympus, would the EM-5 be a suitable choice over the newer EM-1? I am thinking that I may be able to find a used one online. Also, what would you suggest as a couple decent starter lenses?

Thank you again for all your help - you have no idea how much I appreciate it!

 

[CaliRN]

Not many people have seen the xt-1 in real life. It is rumoured to be very good. It has a lot control dials (I believe 5 vs 2 of the gx7). That can be very handy for people that know what they are doing. However it will be very difficult for beginners.

It will also have an very big viewfinder on top. And it will be very expensive.

If he does not carry panasonic look somewhere else to check it out. He wants to sell you what he can offer not what he does not have which might be best for you. The people here have no interest in selling you anything. Even though some are biased to their own brand.

I still believe the gx7 will suit you based on your requirements based in your first post. With the new Olympus em10(announced 2 days ago) as a cheaper alternative.

The reason is it does everything well. Pro's vs all Fuji

Much better video options. Like 25/50fps or 30/60 fps( depending on country)

Tiltable evf

Tiltable screen

Much better WiFi options with remote app(for android and iOS)

Cheaper lens options.

A very good touchscreen Fuji has none as far as I know.

Easier for beginners menu system

The Fujifilm does have better image quality in stills. The sensor is larger and yields better results. I do not think that overcomes all the cons vs the Panasonic.

Thanks again for the nice response. I have been looking at the GX7 and notice that it's the one I keep returning to -- it just feels right for what I need. The other option I've got my eye on is the Olympus em10; I'd say that its a toss up between the two, but the fact that I'd have to wait until mid-March might make me go bananas! I'd like to make a decision and have the camera in hand so that I'm unable to hem and haw over it any longer...that and my son's theater debut is in two weeks; I'd really like to capture that moment!

 

[CaliRN]

Thank you, peevee! I've narrowed it down to the GX7 and EM10. I'm excited to learn all I can and to be a member of this forum - you guys are complete radness. <3

 

[CaliRN]

The em10 is a great choice - thank you for your post. I've narrowed it down to the GX7 and em10, I think! My only issue is timing and patience - I want the camera asap as I've got my son's theater debut in two weeks - I'd love to capture that moment with quality!

I'm having a difficult time understanding the differences between the GX7 and GH3, so that's what I've been researching today.

Thank you again for your kind response, I appreciate it greatly!

 

[Gaijin Tourist]

Cali, my betterhalf does hospital work as a phlebotomist (Vampire for Hire !) and works with some great RN's, so good on you !

You haven't really listed any dogs, so you are doing your homework. I'm very happy with Fuji, so I'd recommend the XE2 without much hesitation, although Fuji does not make anything more than lip service to video, so maybe not the right choice for you if you want big video implementation.

Panasonic makes really nice cameras and fabulous video if required, and two real sleepers in their product line up are the G5 and G6, which can be had for a song even new these days. Check them out.

And do yourself a favor: Buy CASH, don't hang that BBuy credit card around your neck like a stone !

All the Best,


JW

 

[MarkInSF]

The em10 is a great choice - thank you for your post. I've narrowed it down to the GX7 and em10, I think! My only issue is timing and patience - I want the camera asap as I've got my son's theater debut in two weeks - I'd love to capture that moment with quality!

I'm having a difficult time understanding the differences between the GX7 and GH3, so that's what I've been researching today.

Thank you again for your kind response, I appreciate it greatly!