Olympus Body and Panasonic Lens

[ashleynicole]

Hello everyone,

I am very new to this but have a sincere desire to become a great photographer (my dad has been a professional photographer for about 40 years, so I think it is in my blood :] ).

I am very drawn to the micro four thirds varieties and have been doing a lot of research on the Olympus PEN EP-1/2, EPL1, and Panasonic Lumix GF1.

Right now I think I'm learning toward getting the Olympus PEN EP-2 but using the Lumix 17mm f/2.8 lens with that.

My hesitations:
1. The lack of image stabilization in the body of the Panasonic scares me. Does it make a noticeable difference?
2. The lack of flash on the EP-2 doesn't excite me but I have read in many reviews that the actual Panasonic flash isn't that great anyway.
3. Is the auto-focus of the EP-1/2 really that much slower than the GF-1 that I should be worried about it?

So right now image stabilization seems most important to me but I would love to hear other people's opinions! Anything is greatly appreciated and taken into consideration.

Thanks!

[inkista]

Originally Posted by ashleynicole

Right now I think I'm learning toward getting the Olympus PEN EP-2 but using the Lumix 17mm f/2.8 lens with that.

Assuming you mean the E-P2, and the Lumix 20mm f/1.7. The 17/2.8 is an Olympus lens. That's a very common combination.

My hesitations:
1. The lack of image stabilization in the body of the Panasonic scares me. Does it make a noticeable difference?

With the Panasonic, a number of the Panasonic lenses have stabilization in them, so you're not completely stabilization-free.

2. The lack of flash on the EP-2 doesn't excite me but I have read in many reviews that the actual Panasonic flash isn't that great anyway.

Built-in flashes tend to suck. You may want to go to the Strobist website.

3. Is the auto-focus of the EP-1/2 really that much slower than the GF-1 that I should be worried about it?

Up to you and what you shoot. (The GF1 and GH1 have the same AF system).

[ashleynicole]

I did mean the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 lens...whoops! I think either way I go is going to be a step up in the right direction. Thanks for your feedback.

[ravncat]

I use the ep-1 with the panasonic 20 1.7. It's a great combination.

As for stabilization - if you're doing landscape - or non moving subject images in low light - it's useful. It's also very useful if you're going to do much work with manual lenses. (I often use my nikkors on my ep-1)


1. The stabilization can make a difference, but only with lenses that don't have it built in - such as the 20 1.7 and only when you're subject isn't moving.

2. Lack of flash is no big deal for me, I don't usually use flash, and there is a flash hotshoe.

3. The AF speeds are not that different - and depend on the lens, the old kit lens with the ep-1 is much slower than the panasonic kit lens. The 20 1.7 focuses at just about the same speed on both gf-1 and gf-2. The AF on either of them, are not going to be ideal for action. The panasonic has a slight edge in speed,--- i'd say that your point and shoot has a speed, of 1-2 panasonic a 6 olympus a 5.8 and DSLRs 9-10.... If that makes any sense.