Olympus PEN E-PL1 + VF2 finder or Panasonic G3 for MF lenses

[eggboy]

Hi All,

Whilst I cannot financially justify looking at the upcoming and glorious digital OM, I can perhaps stretch for either a:

Olympus PEN E-PL1 + VF2 finder or Panasonic G3

I can get the Olympus for US$250 factory refurbished and US$200 for the VF2 viewfinder, so about US$450 total...I can get the kit 14-40included so the total is about US$500.

The Panny G3 goes fro about US$630 with kit 14-42.

Which one is better for manual focusing? I'm looking for something with an EVF in addition to the rear LCD screen.

Any experience? I've an old Canon 5D mk1 and I find I don't take is out as much as I'd like as it's just too big to fit in my knapsack. And the mirror fouls on my old Exakta lenses!

[rbelyell]

eugene, i sent you PM.
tony

[Olivier]

Hi Eugene,
I have a Pen E-P2 with the EVF2 and it is very good for manual focusing, as I can magnify the image x7 while manually focusing.
It is directly seen in the EVF2. Great confort.
What I appreciate in the E-P2 is also the body stabilisation.

[yinyangbt]

I'd vote for EPL1 .You have ALL the manual lenses stabilised The new sensor of G3 seems to be very good ,better than the one of EPL1 mainly in HIGH ISO , probably one-two stop advantage ,that you'll compensate on Oly with stabilisation (roughly) .Of course , I'm speaking of MF lenses use , because the Panasonic lenses are stabilised.
Of course ,depends on your style of photography.If you prefere action ,G3 is the way to go , because you'll need highest shutter speed possible and ISO .If you shoot mainly static subjects ,like me , the stabilisation on all lenses is something great !

[fermy]

I'd vote for E-PL1 as well. I have it and absolutely love what I get out of it with manual lenses. Just search my posts to see the results. However, there is an issue you should be aware of. E-PL1 has a pretty crappy LCD, which requires considerable "getting used to" outdoors. Just something to be aware of.