Panasonic G1 or Olympus E620

[TiUser]

Hi, I am about to purchase my first DSLR and was wondering what people's opinions on the two cameras. Since my wife will be using as well so size (smallest) does matter. None of my local camera stores carry both and I couldn't find any comparison images on the Internet. Any one who had the chance of handling or considering these cameras? Thanks.

[space-time]

you made me curious and I started reading about the G1 at dpreview

And so we have a new system with a new lens mount and this, the G1; the world's first electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens camera. From the outside it looks for all the world like a conventional SLR (albeit a very small one) - we're told that the design (complete with faux prism 'hump') is deliberately conservative; Panasonic's research has shown that its target market (particularly in Japan) still prefers a camera that looks like a camera is supposed to, and wasn't going to risk falling at the first hurdle by producing something too radical.

On the inside of course it is indeed radically different to every SLR on the market; the mirror and pentaprism/pentamirror viewfinder is gone, replaced by a live view-only system using either the newly-developed high resolution electronic viewfinder or the large articulated rear screen (which, interestingly, has a 3:2 aspect ratio - not the 4:3 ratio of the sensor).

make sure you read both reviews and user opinions before deciding. If you expected an optical viewfinder, make sure you understand that there is none on the G1

[pRICE cUBE]

The G1 is an interesting concept but 2 things to keep in mind. G1 has very limited selection of lenses unless you get the 4/3 adapter for $200. Second, the G1 is not that much smaller than a Canon Rebel XSI or Nikon D60.

[vision63]

Though check out the Oly E620 Review on dpreview. It is an awesome camera.

"The Four Thirds range has tended to lag a fraction behind the best contemporary APS-C sensor-size DSLRs in terms of absolute performance but make up some of the difference with excellent lenses, feature-packed specifications, and lower sticker prices. This isn't the case with the E-620 - however you look at it, it's up there with the best of them. It doesn't offer the video recording capabilities of some of its contemporaries, but as a dedicated stills camera, it's a pretty compelling package. Built-in Image Stabilization gives it an edge over its rivals if you're buying additional lenses."

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

[deckeda]

TiUser wrote:
... so size (smallest) does matter. ...

I recommend not being so influenced about that. Neither camera could be considered big, and like pRICE cUBE says, even the entry-level models from Nikon and Canon are smaller than you might imagine.

Small size is a hindrance if the camera forces you to wade through a menu system to change what should have been easily accessible by a dedicated button or knob. If a feature isn't convenient to use, you won't, and it becomes just another point-and-shoot camera to some extent.

The other reason I urge you to not worry too much about size is because when you make the most of any system that takes different lenses you suddenly have more to carry (conceivably) anyway, with an extra lens or two, filters perhaps etc. If you don't see yourself doing that consider getting a larger point-and-shoot instead and don't sweat it.

As to your question, I've not seen either camera but have read about both. The Oly 620 appeals more to me for what it offers. The G1 appeals to me more for what "it stands for."

[Psurfer]

I think the main difference boils down to the viewfinders, and what lenses you want to use.

The G1's main advantage is it's better LCD & full-time live view. AF when using the LCD does not slow down at all. The EVF (electronic eyepiece vf) is a mixed blessing, large finder and live view are plusses, but it gets ugly and lag-gy to view through it in lower light pretty quickly.

The E620's advantage is having an OVF (optical glass vf), without the low-light viewing lag and issues of an EVF. But, it's OVF is relatively small. OIS is built-in, so works on all lenses.

The Oly has a wide choice of lenses that all AF, while at the moment the Pana only has a few (whole diff ballgame w/manual focus lenses, though, which is in the G1's favor).
But in the near future, the G1's m4/3 family will probably have added the most interesting options -incl much smaller pocket-size bodies that can share the G1's lenses (Pana has that first one's photo's already leaked), and maybe an Oly-hinted at advanced body that could share some of the E620's goodies.

Bottom line: More often use the LCD screen? Then get the G1.
More often use the eyepiece vf? Get the E620.

[TiUser]

Thanks all, for the input and suggestions. Given the facts that:
1. My current camera is the Panasonic TZ5 and I am familiar with the menu/controls; 2. I haven't used the viewfinder in any of the cameras that I've owned; 3. I am intrigued by the micro 3/4th technology; and 4. I don't intend to purchase extra lenses immediately, I am leaning toward the G1. However, the Olympus E620 with the 25mm pancake lens looks great.