Author Topic: Choosing the right camera, E-P1 or GH1? (Read 1387 times)

Martin Lind · « **on:** September 17, 2011, 10:46:11 AM »

I'm currently having the option of buying a E-P1 (with kit lens) or a GH1 (without lens).
So I really need help sorting out the pros and cons of each camera, since this is a m43-centric forum I hope you people have more hands-on knowledge than me.

What I want to do is take photos and video, the camera will be a compliment to my Canon 135 film camera (or in the future alongside a 5D/1Ds and a 1v since I'm not abandoning film) and I will also buy an Canon XA10 (or similar smaller "semi-pro" camera for video).
Also; if I buy the GH1, I will use my Nikon AF-D 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 IF Lens which will have a diagonal angle of 50 grad to 13.1 grad.

So what would you guys choose?
What is the pros and cons of each?

tamoio · « **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2011, 12:52:55 PM »

I think that if you can handle the form-factor (size) a good used GH1 is one of the best "bang-for-the-buck" deals in photography.

I am curious how you intend to use the nikon lens you describe, it will need either an aperture ring (which I'm not sure about with this model) or a novoflex style adapter where you can control iris.

WheeE-P1 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2011, 01:01:02 PM »

If you really need video then it's a no brainer - the GH1. Video on the E-P1 is next to worthless in comparison (no AVCHD, and little manual control over things that video people would consider essential).

If video (and electronic viewfinder) is more of a "nice to have but not essential" requirement get the E-P1 as it's more compact and has in-body image stabilization.

Martin Lind · « **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2011, 01:52:14 PM »

@tamoio I'm lucky, the lens is a non G so i have a aperture ring on it. I know I've seen an E-P1 with it in this forums lens review section. (http://e-p1.net/lens-sample-photo-archive/adapted-nikkor-28105-on-epl1/)

@WheeE-P1 Well Personally I feel that a detachable viewfinder (which all PENs except the E-P1 have) is what i Prefers since then I can choose on or not, Also what I've read is that M-JPEG is the easier format to work with compared to AVCHD (as an FCP 7 user).
The thing that I see as the biggest con to the GH1 is the menu and interface, the Olympus interface is for me much slicker (though that must be because I have used an E-450 earlier).
Alas, if the GH1 is so much better I will probably relearn (might be good since I'm drooling over a AF100).
But yeah, the video feature is the emphasis in this camera, since I have a 135film camera for motion less pictures.

panzerfaustnl · « **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2011, 02:21:18 PM »

Answer is very simple, rent both of them and go play for a week or so and take your decision after that.

WheeE-P1 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2011, 03:59:16 PM »

Quote from: Martin Lind on September 17, 2011, 01:52:14 PM

@WheeE-P1 Well Personally I feel that a detachable viewfinder (which all PENs except the E-P1 have) is what i Prefers since then I can choose on or not, Also what I've read is that M-JPEG is the easier format to work with compared to AVCHD (as an FCP 7 user).
The thing that I see as the biggest con to the GH1 is the menu and interface, the Olympus interface is for me much slicker (though that must be because I have used an E-450 earlier).
Alas, if the GH1 is so much better I will probably relearn (might be good since I'm drooling over a AF100).
But yeah, the video feature is the emphasis in this camera, since I have a 135film camera for motion less pictures.

If video is the emphasis - and as much as I disliked the GH1 when I had it - it's really the only option. Like I said, video on the E-P1 is more of an afterthought than a feature. Now if you could consider the new E-PL3 then that's a different matter. And you would have the option of an EVF when you wanted it.

lisandra · « **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2011, 10:22:48 PM »

If you stay away from high ISO (you can get away with 1600 in some conditions) you'll love the gh1s crisp image quality. Video is quite up there too.If a really good jpeg and actually useful art filters are your goal then the pen is a better choice.

asterinex · « **Reply #7 on:** September 18, 2011, 01:44:30 AM »

The Videos on the Pen are really good. Especially with the 20mm pana.
The only downside is noise while zooming and big filesize.
IQ is much better than most video cams.

Martin Lind · « **Reply #8 on:** September 21, 2011, 10:13:44 AM »

Thanks to all of you, for all the information.
After reading around on the web for more info, the GH1 seem to be the best option, though I will wait until my economy can afford one with a 14-140 lens.
Will probably buy a G10 or something to get friendly with the interface and Panasonic's way of photography. The videos on youtube from the G10 looks a bit better than from the E-P1, so after all the G10 feels like the right choice.

javarob75 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2011, 05:22:48 PM »

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either camera... Heck, you might even end up keeping the G10 and just investing in lenses... The most important thing is to get out there and enjoy shooting

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jman · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2011, 09:51:40 AM »

Where did the G10 talk come from? The G10 is not the way to go, IMO. The viewfinder is garbage compared to all other panasonic bodies, and image quality is the same as the G1. I'd much rather have a G1 than a G10, and I can't imagine you'd get a huge price break on the G10 over a G1. The GH1 is head and shoulders better than a G10 or G1 (or G2 for that matter) as well.

Martin Lind · « **Reply #11 on:** September 24, 2011, 06:17:05 AM »

The G10 talk basically came from my lack of assets and that I have a good deal on it.
Also since I have cameras for stills (Canon EOS 1 and 300v) I wanted a camera with video mode.
I agree that for still the G1 is a better camera and rather have it over the G10, but the G1's video quality is nil so I don't consider it in this case.

And in this case the G2 will cost the same two G10 costs and a GH1 (with 14-140 which is a lens i want) costs the same four G10 costs.

lisandra · « **Reply #12 on:** September 24, 2011, 03:15:20 PM »

Quote from: Martin Lind on September 24, 2011, 06:17:05 AM

The G10 talk basically came from my lack of assets and that I have a good deal on it.
Also since I have cameras for stills (Canon EOS 1 and 300v) I wanted a camera with video mode.
I agree that for still the G1 is a better camera and rather have it over the G10, but the G1's video quality is nil so I don't consider it in this case.

And in this case the G2 will cost the same two G10 costs and a GH1 (with 14-140 which is a lens i want) costs the same four G10 costs.

if you an save up do it, the video mode on the GH1 is immensely better than the G10, and the vf is worth the money. I actually still have mine despite having the GH2

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #13 on:** September 24, 2011, 03:56:35 PM »

I agree, the GH1 will be better deal in the long run for you.

Jman · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2011, 04:44:45 AM »

To give you an idea how good the GH1 is...my GH2 is sitting at home today, and I don't mind. I like to rest my GH2 from time to time since I'm racking up exposures on it quite quickly, and so I'm shooting the GH1 all week. Frankly, image quality wise, I'm giving up almost nothing (except at ISO 1600 and above). The GH2 interface is better, but the GH1 is still a VERY capable camera, and I don't feel like I'm missing much when I swap to it for a while. I also have the E-P1, and while it's great when I want to travel really light, that's the only thing I use it for. When the shot is critical, it's just not up to the task the way the Panasonic bodies are. The E-P1 is dog slow in the AF department, and pretty imprecise as well (huge AF points). The rear LCD makes manual focus very difficult. Luckily the recent Oly bodies have fixed the AF and improved the LCD, but the E-P1, while a great pocket camera for static subjects, is not even close to G or GH series bodies in regards to usability.

Martin Lind · « **Reply #15 on:** October 09, 2011, 04:44:33 AM »

Thanks Jman, I think I have been persuaded to wait, and buy a GH1 when I have the funds to do so.
Unless something comes up (Like the GX1 or Canon's unknown video related product that is rumored to be announced next month) that may be more appealing.

Choosing the right camera, E-P1 or GH1?