Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

I haven't used one but I seriously considered a GX1 when I was looking for a new camera. Seems to have a great reputation and is one of the smallest and lightest m4/3, as well as one of the more affordable ones. The only thing I'd probably do if you could swing it would be get it either with the more compact PZ 14-42mm or just get it with something like the Pany 20mm/1.7 lens. I'd probably go with the latter. The kit lens is cheap and flexible, but bulky and not the greatest IQ.

If you like the idea of an interchangeable lens camera with the Micro 4/3 format, take a look at the Panasonic G3. It's being closed out at about 30% off the original price (was $599 w/o lens, $699 with the 14-42mm kit lens). The G3 is more full-featured and has fewer compromises than the GX1. Sure, it is somewhat larger, but many GX1 owners wind up buying the optical viewfinder, which makes the GX1 bulkier than the G3.

As for lenses, +1 on Brendan's advice. Prime lenses (those with a single focal length, no zoom) tend to be smaller, lighter, and produce sharper results than zooms. I bought my wife the diminutive Panasonic GF3 with 14mm (wide angle) lens last year, and I'm looking to add the 20mm ('normal' focal length) when funds permit.

Sounds like I want to shell out the money for a better lens up front then.
Thanks guys.

I had a G3 w/ kit lens that I sold to fund a D300. Now I'm looking at buying it again because its a great "compact" camera. The kit lens was underwhelming but with the Nikon F adapter I was able to get some great photos with my old Nikkors. The built-in EVF and rotating LCD were very handy too. This time around I think I'm going to start with the 20mm then add the 14mm and 45mm primes and call it good. I kicked myself the week after I sold the G3 because as nice as the D300 is, its not the most convenient camera to carry around.

Adam

The DMC G3 is even cheaper than the GX1 I mentioned in the OP. Going for only $348 with a 14-42 lens. The body is only $249, so I'm guessing I could buy a decent lens and stay under $500.

Is this the same one you guys are talking about?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=907886&Q=&is=REG&A=details

Woah! – B&H is cheaper than Amazon's sources. Yes, that's the one. Weight-wise there's only 18g in it between the two models.

KEH has a kit for $298.

http://www.keh.com/camera/Panasonic-Digital-Camera-Outfits/1/sku-PD019991310460?r=FE

Adam

The G3 has a built-in EVF so you can hold the camera to your eye as God intended. The GX1 can take an optional $200 EVF for this purpose, but that defeats the sale price.

The G5 is newer technology and a nice grip and is $500 with the kit lens from Amazon today.

Both the G3 and the G5 will be much smaller than a DSLR, though larger than a P&S and not really pocketable.

We have three micro 4/3 cameras in the house — love all of them, even the original G1. The current 14-42 kit lens is so-so, but works just fine really for most purposes.

Because of a review here at BPL a few years ago, I bought this camera. It was updated recently by a new version, so the e-620 might be found in the $400 range. The kit lenses are compact choices for hiking, but can also be upgraded with superior glass when your back from the trail. Deserves a look. Remember you can also rent cameras and lenses from places like borowlenses.com

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse620

http://www.borrowlenses.com/