mrbigstuff wrote:
what are your impressions vs. a typical DSLR?
I love it. I have a G1 and have a G3 on pre-order. I've shot pretty extensively with Canon 10d, 20d, 40d, and 7d with both the very good EF-S lenses and L lenses. The size & bulk of the m4/3 gear is well worth the trade off. I've made nice 20x30" prints from the 12mp of the G1.
The difference in putting these in your coat pocket vs. even a Rebel with the kit lens is very noticeable, as is the feeling on your neck after walking around for a few hours. The 14-45 lens is simply tiny, as is the 20mm f/1.7. The f/5.6 400mm equivalent zoom is probably 1/8th or 1/10th the weight of my Canon 400 f/5.6.
I haven't used older lenses, but for me the main benefit is small and light so using an old Canon FD f/1.0 lens or something would miss the point. But, if you have some sweet old glass and just want to use it from time to time its nice to have the option.
There are plenty of lenses available, IMHO, and growing almost monthly. Olympus will debut a 12mm f/2 prime very soon. The Panny 7-14 f/4 is amost unique in its niche. I just ordered the Olympus 9-18, an ultra-wide zoom that weighs in at a whopping 5 ounces.
Since I'm using the very first m4/3 body, now going on 3 years old IIRC, I do feel the slower AF sometimes. The G3 should be much faster, and the above-mentioned Olympus announcement will include new bodies with a quantum leap forward in contrast-detection AF speed.