Panasonic DMC-G5KK 16MP Compact Digital Camera w/ 14-42mm Lens + 45-150mm Lens $498 + Free Shipping

Quote from izx : The 16MP sensor in the GF5 is at least the equal of the last-generation APS-C Samsung sensor. No bundled prime on the Panasonic, but the 14-42 gives you 28mm wide equivalent (compared to 24mm for the Pancake), and OIS (stabilization). If you will be doing any dabbling in video, the Panasonic wins hands down over the NX1000.

I won't really be using the video, but my main concern is the shutter lag in NX1000. GF5 seems to be slightly better overall. But i ordered the NX1000 bundle for $548 now thinking of cancelling that and ordering this.

Does is make sense or should i stick to NX1000?

ps. I am a beginner to the pro world and this or NX1000 would be my first pro cam. I have a Panasonic FZ47 currently.

This camera does video very well. In 1080p60 mode the bitrate is 28 mbps, much better quality than former models (hacked or not) except GH2. High ISO is not topnotch, but not far off, very usable 6400. Dynamic range is significantly improved, far less highlight blowout than earlier models. JPEG is now perfect, I no longer want to do raw which looks actually worse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0NwqbTFdTk

http://kingoftweaks.blogspot.com/...mples.html

$250 is a steal (you can sell the two lenses for at least $250).

Lowest price for G5 with 14-42 lens was $480 and 45-150 was $240 at Amazon...

Can save more $222 on both with this deal.

Just waiting for BH/JR et al to pricematch for illicit tax purposes.

What is this note in the PLACE ORDER page?

"Thirty-five days after shipment of your purchased qualifying camera or lens, you will receive an email indicating your Rewards have converted into a promotional code automatically applied to your account. The credit may be used towards the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com on www.amazon.com (excludes digital goods). You must redeem your credit (in one or more transactions) within six months from the date it is applied to your account."

Quote from hbsjr : What is this note in the PLACE ORDER page? "Thirty-five days after shipment of your purchased qualifying camera or lens, you will receive an email indicating your Rewards have converted into a promotional code automatically applied to your account. The credit may be used towards the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com on www.amazon.com (excludes digital goods). You must redeem your credit (in one or more transactions) within six months from the date it is applied to your account."

means you will get a 2% promotional credit to use for anything on amazon.
but this is only $498 *.02 = <$10

What's amazons return policy? I know nothing about this camera but looking for something to take pics of newborn that'll turn out better than my Linux p&s. if I don't like this can I return? Or should I resell elsewhere and recoup my investment?

Sent from Slickdeals App for iPhone & iPod Touch.

Quote from izx : The 16MP sensor in the GF5 is at least the equal of the last-generation APS-C Samsung sensor. No bundled prime on the Panasonic, but the 14-42 gives you 28mm wide equivalent (compared to 24mm for the Pancake), and OIS (stabilization). If you will be doing any dabbling in video, the Panasonic wins hands down over the NX1000.

The GF5 is not the equal but the G5 is about the same.

Quote from trikster2 : The GF5 is not the equal but the G5 is about the same.

Thanks for the correction. I mistook it to GF5 too

Quote from NFS4 : That's the big reason for me wanting to upgrade from my E-PM1. The video on this thing sucks sweaty donkey nutsack. All kind of image shifting/distortion from the "software" image stabilization for videos. It's horrible.

I had an E-PM1 for a while, and although my subjects were pets, had the same feeling. Plus noise and autofocus in low (indoor) light seemed poor to me. From reading a bunch of forums, the consensus was to get a Panasonic OIS lens (like the 14-42) if you wanted to shoot decent video on an Olympus.

I was considering switching to a Panasonic m4/3 body and wanted one with the new 16MP sensor, but was simply blown away by a NEX-F3. Insanely good in low light for video, and probably the best continuous AF I've seen in any interchangeable lens camera.

TBH though, if you are making lots of videos of your kids, no camera will be able to beat a decent camcorder. The camcorders have much smaller sensors (that's why everything is always in focus on them and AF is easy), and the lens can also therefore be smaller and easier to optically stabilize.

Quote from trikster2 : The GF5 is not the equal but the G5 is about the same.

Many thanks, fixed that. They're STILL using that 3-4 year old sensor on the latest GF5? Sure, it's better than a point-and-shoot, but I was NOT happy with high-ISO performance of that 12MP sensor on Olympus bodies.

Quote from oarfan24 : What's amazons return policy? I know nothing about this camera but looking for something to take pics of newborn that'll turn out better than my Linux p&s. if I don't like this can I return? Or should I resell elsewhere and recoup my investment? Sent from Slickdeals App for iPhone & iPod Touch.

You can return it as "not wanted" for the cost of return shipping (about $10) -- Amazon will provide the label. Reselling it, especially the 45-150 lens separately, will make you a little profit but there is the headache....

The Camera is also out of stock. I guess you can order it and they will ship it out when they get it in stock. So, if you order this bundle, it won't be shipped any time soon!

Quote from Duckula : Does is make sense or should i stick to NX1000? ps. I am a beginner to the pro world and this or NX1000 would be my first pro cam. I have a Panasonic FZ47 currently.

Coming from a compact superzoom, I would definitely recommend this as your first step instead of the Samsung, UNLESS you will be doing a significant amount of shooting at low-light at max ISO, or you want the wifi. The Panasonic body+lens (and future lenses) will be lighter, and there is a nice micro-4/3 Panny/Oly ecosystem so you have lots of upgrade paths for the future should you make any lens purchases. *Any* handheld video on the Samsung will the 20-50 lens will be shaky since there is no stabilization.

The Panasonic will also maintain much better resale value; there is almost no demand for the Samsungs. Both the NX1000 and GF5 were introduced last year, so there will be opportunities for more "deals" in the near future to clear out inventory, so don't sweat it too much!