We need you to help us pick our next digital camera. The requirements are: an "ok" size sensor, small size, interchangeable lens and great design... Let's check the line up and maybe we can add to our list some of what you think we should get next...
Panasonic Lumix GF3
Without going to the spec's sheet, being part of the micro 4/3rds guarantees a lot of compatible lenses. The look is ok, a little too modern-ish looking. So here we have:
The good:
Big selection of lenses
Big sensor
The not so good:
Strange looking at first
Olympus Pen Series
Evoking the old Pen cameras from yesteryears, the Olympus has a lot going on in it's favor. Again, this camera is also part of the micro 4/3rds group, so the selection and availability of lenses is a plus.
The good:
Big selection of lenses
Big sensor
The not so good:
Look a little bit dated compared to the competition
Sony NEX-7
Holy cow! this is where we are leaning at this time. Huge sensor, great glass and minimalistic design approach. Lens selection could be an issue, since it's Sony proprietary design, but they even make a M4/3rds lens adaptor for this camera.
The good:
Huge sensor
Design
Flipable screen
The not so good:
Not too many lenses to choose from
Expensive
Nikon 1 J1
The Nikon 1 J1 was one camera that I was looking forward to its release. From the design stand point, it checks all the right boxes and it's exactly what we want... Then we smashed our head against a wall. The sensor is tiny and the lens format is unique. No biggie but with a proven standard like the M4/3rds; why even go there?
The good:
Design
Price
The not so good:
Sensor too small
Lens availability
Toy-like feel
That's our list but we would love to hear what would you have in mind...
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I have the Olympus - PEN 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black and it was the best camera purchase I've ever made. I took it on my trip to Prague, Budapest, and Vienna this year and pics were outstanding -- not to mention it made travel so much easier with it's compact size. Love it!
Which PEN camera are you talking about? - all the PEN models (E-PM1, E-P1, E-PL1, E-P2, E-P3, etc.) are 12.3 Megapixels. I've been looking at the E-P2 for a while so I'd like to know what you have.
You guys have posted about the Olympus PEN cameras several times in the past few months, and always show a picture of the old E-PL2 model. This design is dated, as you mention, but that's really a moot point since Olympus came out with new models a few months ago. Both the E-PL3 and the E-P3 have updated designs. The E-PL3 has a similar factor to the new Nikon, but is better executed, IMO. Also, the E-P3 has a retro design that a lot of people like. (Aside from the design, a lot of the specs have been bumped up, too.)
I purchased the E-PL3 about a month ago and love it. I got the kit with the 17mm (35 equivalent) pancake lens and added the 40-150mm (80-300 equivalent) telephoto. Very versatile camera and, especially when using the pancake (F2.8) lens, good in low light. I'll also be adding their 42mm (fixed) F1.8 portrait lens when it's back in stock.
I would love to know which camera you end up choosing. I have been eying the Olympus E-P3 for some time. I really love the retro design. One concern that I had about the prior model (P1 & P2) was it apparently was slow to focus and neither had a built in flash. From what I can tell both of those have been addressed in the newest model. Please let me know what you end up getting and your impressions of it.
I'd been eyeing a new camera since this summer, and I recently came across a fantastic deal on Sony Nex-3 at a local big box store.
I realize it's a little aged at this point, but I just took it on a trip to DC and NYC and it was a fantastic shooting experience. I loooove my little camera with it's big honking lens.
Technically, there's no shortage of lenses for this thing as there is an adapter where you can put virtually ANY lens on it.
I have the Oly E-P1. I use it a p&s. Love the portability and the retro look. It takes good pictures in lighted situations but it functions poorly in low light. This has been addressed in the ne E-P3. I also bought an adaptor so I could use it with my other OLY lenses (I have an E-510 and E620). All-in-all I'm satisfied with the camera, although I'm currently lusting after the E-P3.
I would go to Flickr's camera finder and browse through the photos from these camera models. Find the one that jives with you the best.
I have the Oly Pen PL-1. Even though it is the 1st generation m4/3, the recent firmware updates for the body and lenses breathes new life into this great camera with faster and quiet AF.
Definitely my go-to rig due to the size and image quality.
One important thing to note is that the Oly is directly compatible with Panny m4/3 glass and the cheaper Panny 4/3 adapter. With the 4/3 adapter I can use Zuiko, Panasonic, and Sigma lenses. Remember a camera is only as good as the lens.
I still have my GF1 and I love LOVE LOVEEEE it!
Super happy with my GF1, but the GF3 is a dumbed-down design, not a successor. True successor will be the GX1 (not released yet, should be in December).
Keltrue, I have the E-PL1. I bought it last year.
Bought a Sony nex-5 awesome camera been shooting in Peru highly recommended
Another Sony NEX-3 buyer here.
For me, the biggest determining factor is shooting performance in low-light situations. In my (limited) experience, the Sony is unmatched in this area. I didn't use the flash for the first two weeks I had it. The huge sensor makes all the difference. Beautiful pics, beautiful design, and if you buy the NEX-C3 (new entry level unit in the NEX 7 family) - good price.
it's too bad nobody will be getting a NEX 7 for a while due to the flooding in Thailand. I've had mine on order since mid-September but it looks like I won't be getting it until possibly March.
NEX-7 and the NEX 5 is Great too and you use canon adapters for the lenses it is great and the best in low light check this link http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Panasonic-GF3-Digital-Camera-Review/Sony-NEX-5-Comparison.htm