No DSLRs

My posts here have been a little sporadic lately.    It hasn't been intentional.   Nope.  I've been busy shooting a lot.    Mostly I've been shooting with the GF1, but I've also been shooting with my Nikon D90.   What?  I mentioned a DSLR here on the small shooter blog at NO DSLR's website.    Well, in the interest of full disclosure, I do own an DSLR.    Let me explain.  

Not only have I been shooting a lot, I've been studying micro 4/3rds.    I've also studied the FLICKR user groups and what not and have come to a few conclusions.  I don't necessarily claim that I am the originator of any of this information nor do I guarantee it is true.  It is however, my experience.  

So...Here are a few observations.  

1)  If you are coming from a DSLR and looking for one of the current cameras to replace your DSLR, you may not be satisfied with what is on the market.   Don't get me wrong.  I love the my GF1.  LOVE IT!  However, I'm not ready to make this my only camera.   I do predict that someday it will, but right now the current crop of micro 4/3rds just don't quite offer enough speed and performance.  

2)  If you are stepping up from a point and shoot, you will love the micro 4/3rds cameras...Other than the slightly larger size.   In my opinion, the GF1 and E-P1 outperform every small chip point and shoot camera on the market.   That is why you are now seeing the LX3 sell for under list price again and see Canon's brand new G11 sell for under $500 bucks as well.

3)  High end point & shoots need to find a new way to survive.  Is it the Ricoh module/block system?  Is it super compact size?   Who knows but I think that Nikon and Canon need to figure it out as sales of their flagship point and shoots go elsewhere.

4)  In reviewing Flickr galleries, it appears that both the Olympus e-p1 and the Panasonic GF1 appear to be bringing out the bokeh artist.    So many of the images shared in Flickr GF1 and EP1 groups are about the "bokeh" produced by these cameras.

5)  Old lenses - Many photographers are justifying the purchase of micro 4/3rds to once again use some of the old lenses in their collection.   

On a personal note, I love the GF1 but here is my open invitation for micro 4/3rd camera makers. 

1)  I need a weather proof camera.  I don't need all the crazy features found on the current crop of micro 4/3rd cameras.    I need the basic functions of the GF1 or the G1/GH1 in a weather proof body.  I need a smaller pro/semi pro camera.   Someone needs to do this and don't tell me that the Pentax K-7 is in that category because I've held it in my hands and it's not anything like the EP1, GF1, G1 or GH1.  

2)  I would like faster frames per second and better focus tracking.  This is pretty much the only reason I shoot my DSLR.   Bring it to 5 FPS and improve the continuous focus tracking.  

3)  Lenses - Why can't Olympus (or Panasonic/Leica) produce higher quality lenses like they did with the 4/3rds format.   I shot an Olympus 4/3rds camera with high quality Zuiko lenses.   I miss them.   Folks will pay for higher quality glass.   Someone just needs to do it!   

4)  Please adopt DNG like Pentax and Ricoh.    This will allow much easier digital workflow and increased immediate sales because folks would not have to wait for Adobe updates.  Just do it.   I also like the RAW button for shooting individual RAW shots.  That is a feature I would love.   

OK....That's enough ramblings for now.  

Yesterday I posted a very non technical and brief comparison of the the Olympus EP1 and the Panasonic GF1.  It appears to be a popular subject and some people are putting a lot of time into it.   Check out this link for loads of pictures and a comparison you may or may not be able to read.  ;)

Despite my inability to read the site, it did prove useful because it provides loads and loads of pictures giving me new visual appreciation for each camera.   Check it out.  

For what it is worth I'm still sticking with my GF1 recommendation.    

 

I've been pondering this for months.   I was dead set on the EP-1 and then Panasonic leaked the GF1.   Thankfully I was too busy and too broke to actually be able to purchase an EP1.   Now I'm done with my busy travel schedule and spending time pondering equipment and gear for upcoming adventures.   I don't want to carry my DSLR.  I want high quality with less size.  Right now I'm locked in an EP1 vs GF1 debate.   Here are my thoughts on each camera. 

Olympus

- I can't get over how much I love the styling.   What can I say?  I love retro/classic products and I love silver.  

- Gear - I've shot an Olympus E420 and have some very high quality existing gear that I could use

- Image Quality - Having shot Olympus I'm familiar with the images and the Olympus Processing

- IS - The fact that it has in body IS is a big deal (to me)

- I'm disappointed in the quality of the Olympus Lenses.  I don't like the collapsible lens and the reports on the pancake are not very good.  This is disappointing consider the high quality Olympus Zuiko lenses I own and shoot with on my larger bodied DSLRs.  Others report lack of flash , poor LCD quality and no viewfinder.  For me those don't matter too much.   

Panasonic

- Performance - In my eyes it simply out performs the Olympus in focus speed.  

- Function - Right now this is speculation but from what I have read and heard, this is a very, very functional camera. 

- Panasonic Lumix LX3 experience - I've shot with an LX3 for over 6 months.  It's my favorite camera of all time.   Why wouldn't I like this one with similar features, look, finish and a higher quality image?   

- I wish the Panasonic had in camera IS.  I don't buy the size constraint because the EP1 is actually a little bit smaller in hand and has in body IS.  

In the end, I think the GF1 is for me.  Why?  I just can't get over the functional aspect and slow focus speed of the Olympus and I've had such great experiences with my Lumix LX3.

My ideal kit.  

- GF1 with 14-45 zoom lens

- Panasonic 45-200 in the bag

- Panasonic 20mm f1.7 in the bag for night & compact shooting

Besides looking at Leica which I don't see as a real option this could be the ultimate adventure travel kit.   On ultra light trips I'd only carry the GF1 with 14-45.   On other trips the micro 4/3rds makes the entire kit small enough to carry it all.   I sure would have loved to have a 400mm equivalent on my recent trip to Paris.