"Best" Four-Thirds Camera for using MF lenses?

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

I put quotes around the word "Best" because I specifically DO NOT mean most expensive. I am just now beginning to read up on this whole four-thirds thing, and still have a lot to learn. I'm not all that fond of the 4/3 design, for a couple of reasons -- one, I think the sensor is too small, and two, I think the size is too "TV-like" and by that I mean the old televisions and computer CRT screens. Nowadays, people are buying widescreen TVs and widescreen computer monitors, so this format, if anything, seems to be on its way out.

Nonetheless, I am becoming more interested in four-thirds cameras for one simple reason -- I can mount unmodified Canon FD glass to them. And that will be my MAIN reason for buying one . . . if I can just decide which one would be the best way to go.

The simple reality for me is that I will have to save up or sell something to raise the money even for a cheaper four-thirds camera, so I'm hoping to get some idea from you which will perhaps deliver the "best bang for the buck," that is, which four-thirds camera do you think has the best overall value? Most functionality for the money spent for someone wanting to use Canon FD lenses?

Thanks!

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Only for micro 4/3 has adapter what is support infinity with Canon FD glasses, no adapter available for normal 4/3 just mount conversion.

I know three micro 4/3 camera on market 2 from Panasonic and from Olympus. Cheapest body oldest Panasonic G1 I think going around 600 USD or more.

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Hey Attila,

Are your referring specifically to the 12.1mp Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1? That's not an "old" camera is it? I believe it's still available new. Yeah, with kit lens, they're about $650.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

dnas · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Posts: 488 Location: Japan

Blunderstein · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 74 Location: Stockholm, Sweden

I bought a G1 for use with my manual focus lenses, and I love it. Not only for Canon FD lenses, but Konica as well.

The G1 and GH1 have an EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). Without it, you can only use the live view for focusing, unless you get an accessory viewfinder. I'm not sure if you can get an accessory viewfinder for the EP-1.

If I had the money, I'd get the GH1 which also does video and is said to be better at high iso.

/Erik

Karhallarn · Joined: 26 May 2009 Posts: 577

Just for the cause. The EVF delivers Live View as well! It's the same as the monitor on the back besides the higher resolution.

Blunderstein · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 74 Location: Stockholm, Sweden

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

OK, so -- so far you guys have mentioned one camera the Pana G1 (OK, and the GH1 too). There aren't any others that are as popular for this sort of task? Specifically being able to mount FD glass to the camera?

Rolf · Expire: 2015-12-26

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9097 Location: Houston, Texas

Thanks Rolf,

It's hard to argue with results like those. Very nice.

Well, I guess if I want to use my FD glass on a DSLR I need to start saving up for a G1, or sell another guitar or something. Cool

Blunderstein · Joined: 12 Jul 2008 Posts: 74 Location: Stockholm, Sweden

A high-ranking Olympus guy has said that they also plan to release an EVF model. He didn't mention any date.
If it turns out ok and has in-body stabilization, I might upgrade.

/Erik

Rolf · Expire: 2015-12-26

Panasonic : G1, GH1, GF1
Olympus : Pen

It seems that Oly have to introduce new models to the market otherwise Pansonic will take the business alone.