[StarKingdom]

I would like to buy a second camera. I've been reading reviews, watching you tube videos but I can't commit to buying...

I love and use a Canon 7D, mostly with the 24-70mm 2.8L and I also have the 50mm 1.4. I take mainly people photos and DOF is important to me. I shoot primarily aperture priority and extensively use exposure compensation (mostly +1/3 for nearly all shots, or higher if required due to backlighting etc). I always lock focus and will often shoot 3 or 4 frames in quick succession. 100% RAW and processed in Lightroom.

It is the only camera I have other than my iphone (which I don't like using as a camera), but it breaks my back if I go out with the kids for a whole day and carry it around - this is why I would like another camera.

I can't decide. I was going to go the Canon G15, but I can't bring myself to do it (even though Kogan have it for a very affordable $408 inc postage...). I just think I won't be satisfied with the images next to the 7D.

I didn't want to have another lens system, but now I'm starting to think that a micro four-thirds might be a better option (I would probably only get 1 or 2 fast lenses). Initially I was wanting the Canon G1X, but the reviews are not that great and the lens is not that fast when zoomed in.

Has anyone else gone through this process????

What did you get? Are you happy with it? Pros and Cons?

Thanks

This post has been edited by StarKingdom: 31/12/2012, 08:46 PM

[CupOfCoffee]

I just got a Sony NEX5r, which is small and really lovely.

I haven't had it long enough to have pros and cons, but my husband (a camera nut and camera salesperson) goes on about it endlessly.

It has changeable lenses (but is a compact SLR).

[FiveAus]

I've got a Panasonic GX1, it's gorgeous. I have 3 lenses for it and an EVF and the total weight is micro compared to my Canon 40D and 3 comparable lenses.

I also have the Pana LX3, which is my pocket cam. It's not suitable for a lot of things but it's wide and fast which I love. And the newer models are even better.

[FiveAus]

The Pana GX1 with this lens:

http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic...anasonic_25_1p4


and this lens:

http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic...anasonic_45_2p8

would give you a nice light kit for people pics. The focal length is equivalent to 50mm and 90mm. I have the 25mm lens and it's brilliant, and I dare say as good as my Canon 50mm f1.4.

[FiveAus]

OK, I keep going back and reading your first post, so I'll keep adding posts til I've answered everything.

Pros to the M34 system.....size and weight. it's very small and very light and until you hold one, then hold a regular size DSLR, you won't appreciate just how small and light.
Quality of the camera body and lenses are excellent. The lenses are Leica glass and you can tell, they are beautiful.

Photo quality is very, very good, but if you're a pixel peeper, it's not great. Noise is minimal up to about ISO800, but it's bearable at higher ISO's.

Cons....if you're used to using exterior button and dials and can do it on the fly, you'll be slowed down for a while until you learn the menus. Most of the important stuff is on the outside but some is in menus but they are customisable. It will take you a while to get used to it though.
My biggest con is that it's not really suitable for moving subjects....it's simply not fast enough but I knew that before I bought it, so it may or may not be a deal breaker for you. I use mine for dog portraits and if I want to photograph moving dogs I use the Canon.

[StarKingdom]

Thank you for the replies so far. FiveAus that info was really helpful. I've done a bit or reading and I think I'm almost sold on the GX1. Kogan has it for $499 with a super zoom lens which looks like a good deal. I can't believe how expensive the viewfinder is in comparison.

Are you able to explain why some comments I've come across on the internet mention Panasonic lenses and Olympus lenses for this camera?

Thanks.

ETA - it was also good to see that this camera raw files are compatible with Lightroom 3. Lightroom 3 or even 4 doesn't even support the raw from the Canon G15 which might have been one of the main drawbacks for me.

This post has been edited by StarKingdom: 31/12/2012, 11:44 PM

[FiveAus]

Panasonic and Olympus share the same mount, so the lenses for their M43 cameras are interchangeable.

I have got THIS zoom lens, and I'm really happy with it. And I am one that is extremely fussy about lenses.
I've also got THIS lens, which I got with the camera. It's TINY and makes for a very small carry-around package.

[FiveAus]

I use Adobe Photoshop Elements for converting RAW files, I had version 9 which didn't support the GX1, so I was using SilkyPix which came with the camera (and is actually very good), but have now got v.11 and both my cameras are supported by it, so I'm happy now.

[mummy26]

I have an Olympus E-P3 and I've been really happy with it

[mondayschild]

take a look at the Sony RX100. You can get it online for between 550 and 600 odd dollars. I've put in my wish for one for my birthday for exactly the reason you want one, dslr quality photos from a camera I can put in my pocket. Google it and look for some reviews by professional photographers.