Micro 4/3 vs DSLR : Ease of Use

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albertdong

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Hi,

I was just looking for some thoughts on this. I recently moved from a GF1 to a D7000. I was finding the GF1 too fiddly to use due to it's compact size and it missed a couple of features I felt were needed for taking landscape pictures.

But having used the D7000 now for about a month - I have to say that I found it far easier to get good, sharp images out of the GF1 on a repeatable basis.

I was just wondering if there's something fundamentally different between the two camera types that would make this the case? Should I be approaching DSLR photography differently?

Thanks for any views....
 
As a user of both cameras I find that the advantage of the G series is that you actually take the camera with you and it's fine in most situations with the appropriate lens. I find no problem at all with getting sharp photos from the D7000. The D7000 is far superior in low light situations and the high ISO is far superior to the G series.

I tend to use the D7000 if I'm driving to locations and the G series if I'm walking. For indoor photography I nearly always use the D7000 as it's brilliant in low light.
 
I've just gone the other way by replacing my Canon DSLR setup with a Panasonic G1 and I've found it was definitely worth it for me.
I'm finding the operation of the cameras isn't too different once you've learnt your way around the menus, but the Panasonic seems a little more forgiving and I can still salvage a decent shot if the settings aren't quite right. Both were equally usable for me, but I just prefer the Panny.
The other key point for me was the size and weight. I used to leave my DSLR at home a lot as it was too heavy and bulky whereas the Panny is small and light enough to not be a concern.
Obviously the micro 4/3rds systems aren't for everyone and there is no right or wrong answer, it's just what each of us prefers that counts.
 
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I have to say I found the gf1 seemed to be a bit more forgiving in terms of image sharpness at lower shutter speeds - has this anything to do with the mechanics of mirror less systems?
 
albertdong said:
I have to say I found the gf1 seemed to be a bit more forgiving in terms of image sharpness at lower shutter speeds - has this anything to do with the mechanics of mirror less systems?
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maybe your lens has a "hidden" O.I.S like the 14-42mm does.

I too feel the same way though, although none of my lenses have ois.

but it's worse for actiony shots when I need to take a shot quickly and the camera is not in front of me at that moment. apsc feels tiny bit better. film is the best there I thinks. but maybe I just don't know what I'm talking about :D
 
I have moved to and from MFT more times than I care to remember. I love the handling and form of the cameras but I've always been frustrated by the lack of native fast prime lenses - until two weeks ago.

A very good friend of mine (who is a serious photographer) mentioned he was selling his MFT outfit to buy a Fuji X-1 Pro. He said it was a difficult choice but he loves large sensors and use a Phase One outfit for his main camera. I was surprised he had bought into MFT as he was always very sceptical.

Anyway - I have ended up buying his outfit (for a very good price) and now have a mint E-P3 with 12mm, 45mm, 20mm, 25mm primes, 14-42 and 100-300 zoom.

The prime lenses are tiny (except the 25 1.4) and the image quality is superb. I can now carry the hole outfit around in a relatively small bag all day long.

If I want to travel really light I can taken out the camera on my shoulder with the 12, 20 and 45 in my pockets.

Result is I'm taking more pictures than I have for many months and I no longer have aching shoulders
 
It's very easy to get good landscapes on m4/3 - no mirror slap and the crop factor means apertures no larger than f8 necssary for landscape (5.6 will do for many too) coupled with an OIS lens and it's a doddle. Any old tripod and a remote release and you're laughing. Not so with a DSLR, APSC you have another stop to close down, then you have a big flappy mirror, added weight meaning a much better tripod is now needed....
 
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