I couldn't resist this shot in the cathedral close in Winchester - taken on red selective colour program on my X20.
I'd just had an interesting hour long talk in the camera shop about compact systems cameras with a very helpful and knowledgeable assistant who also knew how to explain stuff in not too technical terms. Had already done a lot of research myself. Still can't make up my mind whether to buy one. My decisions are mostly lengthy!
If anybody has any advice, it will be gratefully received.
All I can say is I am head over heels in love with my Panasonic gx7. Had it few months now and upgraded from my compact. Never had a dslr but I love my Csc. Which one are you considering?
Oh thanks so much for input - the ones 'in the frame' right now are Fuji XT1 and Olympus E-M5. I definitely want a viewfinder, articulated screen, image stabilization, lightweight as poss... not to need to have too many lenses. Can you say what you specially like about your Panasonic? I shall look it up.
Excellent selective colouring. I love my Panasonic Lumix FZ100 and have had it for a long time now. the latest one though is an FZ200. I can't carry the weight of a DSLR because of neck problems so the upgrade to FZ200 would be ideal for me.
I have the FZ62, sister camera (no raw feature) to FZ200, one model back (new model is FZ72) and it's what I use for 'zoom' which the X20 doesn't have much of.
I love everything. Not been disappointed once. I love the tilting LCD screen and viewfinder, means can compose images without always having to squat down or lift camera to eye. I have a Panasonic compact so some menu setting were similar so for me it felt an easy transition. I find manual contract v easy. It is controlled by two dials. One for aperture one for shutter speed which I think is similar to dslrs. It is v light. When I have my pancake lens attached it is barely bigger than my compact was. Even with a longer zoom lens that arrived yesterday it is still so light and small when compared to dslrs. Had it about 4 months and there is still so much I am yet to discover about it. It has in camera image stabilization so I am sticking with the Panasonic lenses. It has amazing ISO levels. So so far I have been able to take shots I wouldn't have been able to before without a tripod. I don't have one yet. People could give you good reviews about the others too I am sure. I just know for me personally I have not been disappointed. It does all I want it to do and more. I looked at other options but felt this was top of the range when I was looking and wanted a camera I could grow with for a long time. I yet to explore RAW, the flash options etc etc. It does various in camera settings that I am just starting to play with. MY dad has a Nikon CSC I cant make head or tail of it at all. I think its what suits you best.
Go for the one you love to handle, they are all excellent. I was emotionally drawn to the Olympus OMD. My first slr camera was the OM1 which I so loved. The olympus is great, I love just having it I'm my hands, so am more likely to use it. Have fun choosing!
@lleo Totally agree. Main reason I love my gx7? Probably not the list above, though they are a big part, it's the way the hand grip fits to my hand perfectly, it just feels beautiful to hold. I enjoy having it in my hand and using it. As Gwenllian says go partly with your heart. It needs to be heart thing as well otherwise as she says it wont get used.
Thanks for all of this. I've actually found, quite by chance, a comparison with your GX7 and the Olympus E-M10 and the latter seems better for me than the Olympus E-M5 I was looking at - so there's more to investigate but I'll remember the heart! You've made me decide to go for a CSC!
Richard & I are both big fans of Olympus. He has an M-1 and I shoot an E-P5. Bigger systems than what you are looking at, but we like them a lot. Switched from Nikon dslr and never looked back.
Kathleen, thank you - my mind is getting made up! I went to a photographic exhibition of prints by the late Lord Lichfield and I noticed that his cameras on display were almost exclusively Olympus.
I am not in a position to advice as I am in the same position as you -- and some time in the future I want to upgrade my small pocket camera to one with a view finder ! !In the 80's I had a pre digital Olympus but got too heavy for my arthritic neck especially with some of the bigger lenses I had and since down graded to bridge camera and my pocket camera .Both I can hold and carry comfortably The trouble is Hazel what is super today is old hat tomorrow !! so really you have to compare and read reviews of the camera of the day . Now after that useless bumph I shall take off my school ma's hat !
Nice shot with the pop of red by the way !!
It could also be an advantage to go for yesterday's model - financially! It also has to be what suits us and like you, I don't want anything too cumbersome.
I got a Nikon 1v2 for those times when I didn't want to take my DSLR out because of size and weight. I got it so I could use my lenses on both, though in fact I don't. Although it had a viewfinder as well as screen, I find this csc much more limited that my DSLR, which I always take when I'm travelling, although it's cumbersome. On reflection, I think I'd have gone for a Sony or Panasonic compact camera.
@quietpurplehaze fabulous shot Hazel and very informative reading the comments, as I also want to have something that will do more for me, but the criteria is very lightweight. I shall study the cameras you all have suggested
Lovely shot! I have the Olympus OM-D EM-1, new in August. I used a Canon point and shoot for much of my project, but wanted to change lenses and take better photos. I did a lot of research and the mirror-less compact camera systems seemed better to me because I did not want to carry heavy gear around (I am not a large person, so I didn't want pounds of stuff hanging around my neck). My husband bought if for me as a surprise, because I was enjoying my 365 experience so much - I was so delighted, that I burst into tears. :) I have really loved my new camera... it is amazing, like driving a Porsche. There is much to learn with it, but it takes amazing photos. It has the tilting viewfinder, lots of settings, you can shoot in RAW, etc. Reviews on it were top-notch and the Micro 4/3 lens system has lots of lenses to choose from. My special fav lens is the 60 mm macro lens, perfect for great macros and portraits. Hope this helps and good luck.
It does help, many thanks Rosie. I'm inclining towards the EM-10 which also has excellent reviews. If I get it I might come to you for help with choosing lens.
@quietpurplehaze regardless of which Olympus camera you choose, they all share the same lens system and they are lightweight. That makes it easy! Good luck with your new purchase.
I have an Olympus EM-5 PEN Hazel. I used to have Cannon 650d but it didn't suit my lifestyle at all. I decided to go with the compact system & have never looked back. With my pancake lens on & the removable view finder it is pretty much the same size as a P&S. The tilting screen & great variety of lens for the micro four thirds system is excellent although rather pricy I find. The electronic view finder is over £100 but so necessary. I wouldn't go back to a DLSR although I did like the satisfying feel of the larger camera in my hand. The olympus lenses are light although I only have the pancake lens which came free & the standard 14-42 remembering that the size is doubled with the compact system. I am trying to decide wether to get a zoom lens 40 to 150 which is really 300 or the lovely 45mm 1.1.8 lens...I keep changing my mind so haven't got either yet!
I don't know the half of this camera yet...have used it with JPEG or RAW but not so good on manual yet simply because I haven't tried .
Good luck with your choice Hazel but go with whatever feels comfortable in your hand.
I should explain that the red was for real and the X20 captures it in camera - well I did have to 'clone' a bit where the camera had missed a bit! It's nice that you notice my progress, thank you - I think it's often more evident to other people. I'm certainly having fun!
Hey so this is great I do so love the use of selective color. I don't think any of my cameras have this option. I bought a couple of small cameras trying to get away from all this heavy equipment. But I have never been happy with any of them.
Love this shot with the selective coloring! I'll be very interested to hear your final choice of camera, and I'd be glad to share my lens experience. My p-5 came with the 17mm Prime, which is part of their "Pro" line - surprising to be included as a kit lens. Really excellent lens if you shoot prime. Electronic viewfinder is a must imho. I use it all the time. Never leaves the camera. Only problem we've found is that Richard and I said that if we both went Olympus, we could share lenses. Didn't quite work out that way. :-) I have neck, shoulder and hand issues, and this camera allows me to use a long telephoto and even carry it around. I've heard good things about the Olympus E-M10. Check out Robin Wong's blog for a detailed review.
This is so cute!! Love her little red outfit!! I have a dslr by Canon and I LOVE my camera, but since you don't even want to think about it, I will say no more!!
FAV!!!
Such a super clear photo and love the SC on this little one. Wonderful photo. FAV
So interesting reading the above about cameras. I did not know you are looking at getting another camera. Love my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. My only problem is I cannot figure out how to take clear photos of moving critters or people and this zoom is not long enough for me as I was used to a longer one on my Sony. I was doing great with my Sony as far as movement so will go to the camera shop where I bought my Panasonic and see what I am doing wrong. Still taking photos in Auto and have my camera set to Raw. I do not always notice a big difference, just sometimes. Great camera and a lot cheaper than a DSLR and lenses unless you want to only use one or two. Have fun checking out cameras. WIsh I could have afforded the Olympus DSLR. Same price as my Panasonic with one lens, another lens was about $500. Way too much money.
Oh thanks so much for input - the ones 'in the frame' right now are Fuji XT1 and Olympus E-M5. I definitely want a viewfinder, articulated screen, image stabilization, lightweight as poss... not to need to have too many lenses. Can you say what you specially like about your Panasonic? I shall look it up.
p.s. I definitely don't want a dslr for various reasons.
I have the FZ62, sister camera (no raw feature) to FZ200, one model back (new model is FZ72) and it's what I use for 'zoom' which the X20 doesn't have much of.
Thank you both so much for your time and trouble. It's a heart thing with my Fuji X20 so I understand what you mean.
Thanks for all of this. I've actually found, quite by chance, a comparison with your GX7 and the Olympus E-M10 and the latter seems better for me than the Olympus E-M5 I was looking at - so there's more to investigate but I'll remember the heart! You've made me decide to go for a CSC!
Kathleen, thank you - my mind is getting made up! I went to a photographic exhibition of prints by the late Lord Lichfield and I noticed that his cameras on display were almost exclusively Olympus.
Yes, I will let you know - it's going to be a Christmas and birthday (week before Christmas) gift but perhaps I can try it out before then!!!
Nice shot with the pop of red by the way !!
It could also be an advantage to go for yesterday's model - financially! It also has to be what suits us and like you, I don't want anything too cumbersome.
It does help, many thanks Rosie. I'm inclining towards the EM-10 which also has excellent reviews. If I get it I might come to you for help with choosing lens.
It made me smile too when I saw this little tot totally oblivious of everything around her!
I don't know the half of this camera yet...have used it with JPEG or RAW but not so good on manual yet simply because I haven't tried .
Good luck with your choice Hazel but go with whatever feels comfortable in your hand.
Pat, thank you for all of that - exciting choosing!
The edit is in-camera, Ivan. Simple, I agree!!
I should explain that the red was for real and the X20 captures it in camera - well I did have to 'clone' a bit where the camera had missed a bit! It's nice that you notice my progress, thank you - I think it's often more evident to other people. I'm certainly having fun!
FAV!!!
So interesting reading the above about cameras. I did not know you are looking at getting another camera. Love my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. My only problem is I cannot figure out how to take clear photos of moving critters or people and this zoom is not long enough for me as I was used to a longer one on my Sony. I was doing great with my Sony as far as movement so will go to the camera shop where I bought my Panasonic and see what I am doing wrong. Still taking photos in Auto and have my camera set to Raw. I do not always notice a big difference, just sometimes. Great camera and a lot cheaper than a DSLR and lenses unless you want to only use one or two. Have fun checking out cameras. WIsh I could have afforded the Olympus DSLR. Same price as my Panasonic with one lens, another lens was about $500. Way too much money.