Olympus E-P1, the new micro four thirds (m43) camera is not shaking only DSLR camera enthusiasts, but also advanced compact camera enthusiasts. There have some similarities, for example size, built-in optical stabilization, but that is probably about it. E-P1 is fundamentally different kind of camera. Here are the main differences:
E-P1 uses four thirds sensor, which are five times bigger than Canon G10 or Panasonic DMC-LX3. The big sensor clearly give EP-1 advantage in image quality especially in high ISO. While G10 and LX3 struggle with noise in ISO higher than 400, EP-1 handles the noise well up to 1600. Bigger sensor allows photographers control depth of field better. In compact camera, it is hard to blur the background unless in macro mode. EP-1 also record better quality video than compacts.
The second big advantage of EP-1 is ability to change lens. So far there are 7 lens dedicated for micro four thirds system and up to 39 four third system lenses which can be used using special adapter.
So what is the reasons to choose advanced compact such as G10 and LX3?
The first reason might be the cost. To get Ep-1 with a lens or two, external viewfinder, external flash might cost you $1000 or more.
Second reason is you don’t want to be bother to carry external lenses, flash etc. Both G10 and LX3 has built-in flash. Both camera also has higher resolution lcd screen (460k vs 230k). In dim light condition, LX3 and G10 could turn on the AF assist light to help on focusing. Because EP-1 does not have AF-Assist lamp, the focusing in low light condition could be awful.
In some condition, you might want big depth of field that compact cameras have (due to their smaller sensor size). For example when you take group photos, you want to get everyone face sharp. If you use E-P1, you have to crank up big aperture such as f/8 or f/16 to get everybody in focus. But when you use LX3, you can get everybody in focus with f/2 or f/2.8 aperture. That is 3 stops difference.
The last one is the flash sync advantage. When you mount external flash to LX3, it could sync up to 1/2000 while E-P1 flash sync is only 1/180. With flash sync of 1/2000, you can “kill” the light effectively. For more explanation about flash sync and its effect, check out this blog.
In conclusion, If budget is not a problems, then I highly recommend E-P1 over G10 or LX3. Those compacts are good, but it couldn’t win E-P1 over the image quality and versatility of interchangeable lenses.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Show me your photos. Iam shure not one of you is a photographer, is an artist.
All of you are theorical technicians. Why dont you discuss Formula One racing cars, that you cant drive also !?
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I would imagine the big difference is the lack of any signficant shutter lag in the Olympus. And the issue with the “pain” of carrying those Olympus lenses? Have you seen the pancake 17mm lens? The thing is tiny . . .hardly seemst to be a significant issue if normal angle (equiv to approximately 35mm) is what you’re after.