Should I swap a 550D for a GX1?

[philxthomas]

So, my current set up is a 550D with a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS. I have never been very happy with it, it seems to randomly produce out of focus, over/under exposed or blurry shots (yes it could just be me, but I never had any problems with my old Nikons), but have got some decent photos out of it. I also think I would benefit from having a smaller camera that I can carry all the time.

I have been looking at the 4/3rds cameras and the Lumix GX1 with a 14-42mm lens looks pretty good. Gets great reviews and has good features but I'm not sure if I'd regret downgrading from a proper DSLR. I think the thing I'd miss most is the viewfinder (refuse to pay £250 or whatever it is for the electronic viewfinder).

So anyone have any advice or experience of both cameras?

 

[philthejuggler]

I mostly use DSLR's but also have a Fuji X100 as a small-but-quality camera for when I don't want the weight / bulk or haven't got space for my Canon's.

When I use the Fuji I get some decent pictures but the process is much slower and I miss some shots fiddling with settings that would have been quick and instinctive for me to change on the DSLR.

I like having a more compact option, but I wouldn't have it as my only option.

Phil

 

[vrapan]

Some very nice pictures at your 500px place, I am sure any camera you get will get you some nice pics.

I had the GX1 for a little while but got rid of it because:

1 The thumb wheel felt flimsy
3 I missed the viewfinder of my K-5
3 I really like a lens that is quite a bit faster than the 14-42 (X)
4 I really dislike the electronic way to zoom the X lens, really couldn't get on with it
5 If you buy the non X lens then the size becomes comparable although the weight is not
6 I need a proper grip even though I have small hands the tiny grip on the GX1 just made it awkward to use
7 JPEGs out of the camera where ok but not creazy good.

I went and checked the EM-5 from Olympus when it was on display.

None of the above apply to it. It is not perfect but it is a looot better than the GX1. For the price of the GX1+VF+14-42X you could add an extra 300 and get the EM-5

Especially if you are thinking of selling your Canon your lens should worth a nice 500£ so you are almost there.

Good luck whatever you do but as I said anything you buy would get you some nice pics as you seem to have a good eye.

 

[philxthomas]

Thanks for the replies. the EM-5 looks great but way out my price range. Another reason for downgrading was that I'd get more cash from selling the Canon gear to use on traveling to get some photographs.

I think I'll go and try out the GX1 at a shop and see if I hate it.

 

[woof woof]

Could also take a look at the G3. It's only a little bigger and you get a VF and articulated screen.

Check the sizes here...

http://camerasize.com/compare/#185,183

I had a GF1 but sold it and now use a G1 as I find shooting with the screen a pain, a VF is much better for me.

 

[magicaxeman]

Dont do it.. I tried it and found myself going back to my 500D which was streets ahead image quality wise and that was even when using the panasonic with the leica F2.8 lens.

As proof here's two images, one was shot with a canon G11, the other with a G1
A

B

Now compare with a similar image shot with the 500D and 85mm F1.8

I know what won that shoot out hands down.. I still have the 500D, the others where expensive toys in comparison

 

[AndyWest]

Another vote for the G3 here. Does more than the 550D and is smaller/lighter and easier to 'manage'. There is a good selection of lenses from Panasonic and Olympus.

 

[petehb]

I have to say that it's a bit like comparing chalk and cheese. I have a Nikon D90 which I like very much but don't / can't always carry it so I bought a GX1 and 14mm and 20mm lenses it also has the standard 14-42mm zoom which I rarely use. I didn't fancy the electronic zoom. It's small it fits comfortably in my pocket with the other lens, it's very unobtrusive, it takes a bit of getting used to but it's by no means a toy! Is it a substitute for your DSLR only you would tell unfortunately you would have to use one for a while to tell. For me I like the freedom of having a perfectly adequate camera in my pocket virtually all of the time.