Micro four thirds cameras

[JohnJoyo]

Has anyone had any experience with the newish micro four thirds system of cameras by Olympus or Panasonic? I'm absolutely in love with the idea of a smaller camera system with interchangeable lenses. I've been checking out the Olympus EP1, EP2, EPL1 and the Panasonic GF1. So far I'm leaning towards the Panasonic GF1... something about it with that 20mm lens seems kinda romantic to me.
Anyone had any experience with these or any thoughts on the micro four thirds systems in general?

[Lou's Garage]

I recently spent a lot of time looking at the "Pens", mostly the EPL1. I found the lack of a viewfinder (at the time) as well as limited lens availability (again, at the time) to be a deal breaker for me. I needed something right away to replace a broken camera (long story) so I ended up with a Canon SX20i. I'm still lusting for an EPL1 and may take the plunge in another year or so. I like the idea of interchangeable lenses and the larger sensor but not the idea of lugging a full-sized DSLR around. I carried 35mm slr's for almost 40 years and I'm tired of the bulk. I took a quick look at the GF1 but lack of a viewfinder put an end to that thought. Good luck with your search and let us know how it turns out. A mini-review of your new camera wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

Lou

[JohnJoyo]

Hey Lou,
I'll definitely do a review once I've made up my mind. The GF1 and the EP2 are supposed to have accessory EVFs that are pretty decent, FYI. I just noticed Ritz camera has the EPL1 on sale for $525 right now....that's pretty tempting. I need to spend a little more time looking at the GF1 though, I'm leaning slightly that direction at the moment.

[stink tooth]

Other than playing with them at the store thats all I can tell you.

But there are enough adapters out there for the micro 4/3's to get you access to nearly ANY Piece of glass you can think of From Leica to Nikon to Cannon to what ever. That to me is the biggest reason to pull the trigger on a this system not to mention the smaller size of the unit itself.

[JohnJoyo]

I'm trying to decide if it's worth waiting for the Photokina show to see if Panasonic is going to release a GF2 soon and what "upgrades" it would have. Also, there are a lot of rumors that Nikon is going to release an EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens) camera as well. It's hard to wait though, I could really use/ really want it now.
Right now it's between the Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm pancake lens or the Olympus EP2 with the Pany 20mm pancake lens. That lens is capable of some really beautiful pictures. In the micro 4/3 system a 20mm lens is the equivalent of a 40mm lens which falls nicely between the classic 35mm and 50mm lenses... at least that's how I understand it.

[JohnJoyo]

Got a Panasonic GF1 in my hands right now... So far it's killer with the 20mm pancake lens. Love the control layout and overall feel. I'm going to use it a lot over the next few weeks and will report back.

[Lou's Garage]

Thanks! We'll be waiting to see what you find out.

Lou Manglass

[stink tooth]

john looking forward to your review of this

Oh and hows that watch holding up for you???? Good I trust???

[jk]

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/index.html

I just found this. Haven't read through it yet, but, it looks like it might have some nice info.