Starts Friday: Panasonic G3 and GF3 w/ 14-42mm lens, $400 and $280 respectively - in store only Fry's micro four thirds cameras mirrorless similar to DSLR DMC-G3 DMC-GF3

great prices wow

excellent prices...but no store..bad luck..will see for price matches.

This, or the Olympus e-pl1 (refurbished) for $200? help appreciated, tia.

Quote from jlyr3mixed : This, or the Olympus e-pl1 (refurbished) for $200? help appreciated, tia.

This. The E-PL1 is probably the worst M43 camera ever made.

Quote from travfar : This. The E-PL1 is probably the worst M43 camera ever made.

care to explain? I know the handing/performance isn't up to this speed, but its jpeg processor is supposedly a little bit better, and its ~100 cheaper with tax... but this is nicer. decisions decisions.

Quote from jlyr3mixed : care to explain? I know the handing/performance isn't up to this speed, but its jpeg processor is supposedly a little bit better, and its ~100 cheaper with tax... but this is nicer. decisions decisions.

The E-PL1 is the low end version of the E-P1/E-P2. It has all the faults without the better build quality and with a simplified interface. The E-P1/E-P2 are way long in the tooth for a M43 camera. They don't compare to current models. The GF3 is the lowend version of the Panasonic M43 line, but it's a recent lowend version and thus smokes the old E-PL1. The far faster focusing alone is enough to justify the price difference.

Read more here.

http://www.mu-43.com/f42/my-olymp...mma-27747/

Quote from travfar : This. The E-PL1 is probably the worst M43 camera ever made.

Subjective comment! Also if it's the worst for micro 4/3 but it's number 3 our 10 cameras in the price range that still makes it a great camera!

I have this camera and is amazing for what it does at the price point. I haven't used the panasonic G3 or GF3 so I can't comment on their performance.

"Basically the E-Pl1 (vs EP2) will give you sharper images and better high ISO performance but it is not a HUGE leap in IQ"


http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/201...mera-ever/

Quote from smascarinas : Subjective comment! Also if it's the worst of the top 10 cameras, but it's number 3 that still makes it a great camera! I have this camera and is amazing for what it does at the price point. I haven't used the panasonic G3 or GF3 so I can't comment on their performance.

Quote from smascarinas : I have this camera and is amazing for what it does at the price point. I haven't used the panasonic G3 or GF3 so I can't comment on their performance

Subjective comment! Look at the specs, compare it to others and objectively conclude that it's the worse M43 camera ever made.

Quote from smascarinas : "Basically the E-Pl1 (vs EP2) will give you sharper images and better high ISO performance but it is not a HUGE leap in IQ" http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/201...mera-ever/

"•The shutter speed tops off at 1/2000s. This is a bummer and really keeps it from becoming a superstar IMO. Sunny days require you to stop your lenses down so no shallow DOF effects unless you use an ND filter.

•No dials! Yes, you must control Aperture, shutter speed, etc with the buttons on the back. I much prefer the dials on the E-P2.

•Build. The E-P2 is built better. Plain and simple. The E-Pl1 does not feel cheap, but to me, the E-P2 feels much better in the hand.

•LCD. The E-P2 LCD while not a high res display does indeed look better than the smaller E-Pl1 display. The E-Pl1 looks a bit washed out in comparison
.
•Kit zoom downgrade…seems Oly put more plastic on the kit zoom to reduce costs. They have done this in the past with 4/3 kit zooms as well. Booooooo."

Quote from smascarinas : "Basically the E-Pl1 (vs EP2) will give you sharper images and better high ISO performance but it is not a HUGE leap in IQ" http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/201...mera-ever/

"I own both.

Picture quality is identical once you set up the E-P2 (factory settings are different).

I find the E-P2 more satisfying to use, but miss the magnifying button."

"Can;t speak for anyone but me.

I had both epl1 and ep2.

the only advantage I noticed on the epl1 was the built in flash.

but advantages the ep2 like an extra stop of low light due to better image stabilization (agree it's not THAT much but for my shooting style it pays off), excellent access to fast changes of camera settings and simply the best quality build i've ever had on a camera sold it for me.

pic quality was a dead heat since i played with settings (sharpening/color) and matched the 2 up.

now about the price diff.

is it worth the "retail" price diff which is several hundred bucks I'd say no. but if you can get a deal and shave the diff in price to about $100 I'd say yes go for it. you will be happier.
"
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums...angemode=1

I love Olympus and all, but the G3 and GF3 are in an entirely different generation with much better sensor, processing, AF, and overall handling. The GF3 is comparable to the E-PM1, which is going for $300 refurb. The G3 has no equivalent.

The G3 is IMO the single best deal out there for an inexpensive mirrorless camera that acts the DSLR act.