JBurnett
Well-known member
I now live in a beautiful part of my country (Canada) in which I feel very at home (hooray). But I'm also far from a bricks and mortar store, and the ability to personally hold and play with intended purchases. Yes, I know that good on-line retailers will accept returns when an item is unsuitable, but I'd rather get it right (or close to right) the first time.
I currently shoot with two Panasonic G3's, which replaced my G1. I wanted the upgraded sensor, and loved the price (the 2nd one was just $250 US new on closeout). I still prefer the G1's size, and the extra, on-body, direct controls.
I'm now thinking about upgrading, with better sensor again being a motivator (DR, in particular). I'm still not (yet) interested in video. IBIS would be helpful for use with my prime lenses (eg. 75mm) but I've lived without it so far. I dislike menu-diving when shooting, and appreciate external, direct controls.
What a lot of choices!
Panasonic GM5: Too small for me, based on G3 experience.
Panasonic GH3/4: Love the thought of more external controls, but these do look bigger than I want, especially if I'm carting two (again, I've never actually held one).
Panasonic GX7: IBIS is a plus, but I'm not sure about the form factor. Stock seems to be dwindling, and price seems to be holding.
Panasonic G7: From picture comparisons, this body looks like the right size, form factor, and has desirable external controls. I wish Panasonic had included IBIS. 4K video is neither her nor there for me.
Olympus E-M1: This also looks like a great body to hold and work with. I've never dealt with Olympus's menus or layout, so there would be some adapting to do.
Olympus E-M10: Similar IQ to E-M1 at (currently) half the price? From pictures, it all looks a little cramped on the camera. But, then, I do tolerate the G3's.
Olympus E-M5: The high-res mode is not essential but intriguing. I do shoot both found and created still life images, and big prints can be beautiful.
There are many other features (such as improved AF or tracking) that would be nice to have, but are not really essential for the subjects and way that I shoot.
If anyone has any insights, particularly if you have experience with a variety of these bodies, I would appreciate your comments.
I currently shoot with two Panasonic G3's, which replaced my G1. I wanted the upgraded sensor, and loved the price (the 2nd one was just $250 US new on closeout). I still prefer the G1's size, and the extra, on-body, direct controls.
I'm now thinking about upgrading, with better sensor again being a motivator (DR, in particular). I'm still not (yet) interested in video. IBIS would be helpful for use with my prime lenses (eg. 75mm) but I've lived without it so far. I dislike menu-diving when shooting, and appreciate external, direct controls.
What a lot of choices!
Panasonic GM5: Too small for me, based on G3 experience.
Panasonic GH3/4: Love the thought of more external controls, but these do look bigger than I want, especially if I'm carting two (again, I've never actually held one).
Panasonic GX7: IBIS is a plus, but I'm not sure about the form factor. Stock seems to be dwindling, and price seems to be holding.
Panasonic G7: From picture comparisons, this body looks like the right size, form factor, and has desirable external controls. I wish Panasonic had included IBIS. 4K video is neither her nor there for me.
Olympus E-M1: This also looks like a great body to hold and work with. I've never dealt with Olympus's menus or layout, so there would be some adapting to do.
Olympus E-M10: Similar IQ to E-M1 at (currently) half the price? From pictures, it all looks a little cramped on the camera. But, then, I do tolerate the G3's.
Olympus E-M5: The high-res mode is not essential but intriguing. I do shoot both found and created still life images, and big prints can be beautiful.
There are many other features (such as improved AF or tracking) that would be nice to have, but are not really essential for the subjects and way that I shoot.
If anyone has any insights, particularly if you have experience with a variety of these bodies, I would appreciate your comments.