COMPETITORS
Panasonic GF1 is definitely the main competitor of Olympus E-P2. GF1’s AF performance is better than E-P1/2 but it does not have built-in image stabilization. Panasonic has better prime lens in their bundle, while Olympus E-P2 has better optional electronic viewfinder. GF1 also has built-in flash which E-P2 lacks. It is tough to choose, but I am leaning towards E-P2 but with Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens.
Panasonic GH1 is also a four thirds system camera, but it is a lot bigger because it has protruding grip and built-in viewfinder which make this camera similar to beginner DSLR camera. Like GF1, it has better auto focus performance. The cool thing is this camera is bundled with versatile and quiet 14-140mm zoom lens.
Nikon D90 is not a micro four thirds camera, so it is not as compact as E-P2. But it has a similar price range. D90 is better in low light because it has bigger sensor, and faster auto focus especially when tracking moving subject. However, Nikon D90’s video feature is very basic and hard to use.
Leica X1 is a compact camera that has DSLR quality sensor and fixed 35mm lens. Leica X1 is significantly more expensive than Olympus E-P2. The main advantage of X1 lies in the construction quality, lens, image sensor and prestige.
Olympus E-P2 compared to Panasonic LX3
CONCLUSION
Olympus E-P2 is a handsome camera with many things to like and dislike at the same time. I like the design, built-in image stabilization, but I hate the fact that the AF speed is not improved from E-P1 and low quality 17mm prime lens. Currently E-P2 is $300 more expensive than E-P1. If you are used to compose picture with LCD screen rather than electronic viewfinder, you can save money by getting E-P1. Compared to Panasonic GF1, I am leaning towards E-P2 because of the built-in stabilization and overall design. However, I am surprised that Olympus 17 mm pancake lens does not deliver quality image. Therefore, I recommend you to get Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens instead. With that combination, it will be a great tool even in the most difficult light condition.
Subjective Rating – Relative to beginner DSLR cameras
Image Quality : 3/5 (with 17mm) 4/5 in general
Features : 5/5
Performance : 4/5
Body and Handling : 4/5
Value for Money : 3/5
Diorama art filter mimics tilt shift lens. LCD screen turn very jerky when you use this filter and it takes around 4-5 seconds to process it. The result is pretty good and contrasy
PALE art filter give a misty dream like result.
Grainy BW rendition is suprising good for many scenes, especially street scenes
For more image samples please visit my Olympus E-P2 photo gallery
Check out Olympus E-P2 product shot gallery
Check out Olympus video tour
Related Post:
Become our Facebook Fans
Follow me @ Twitter
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Its obvious to me that you have an inferior copy of the 17 2.8 if indeed you find it of poor quality.Tested in Shutterbug Magizine the reviewer refered to it as phenominally sharp.I also have found my copy to be of wonderful quality.
I have been shooting over thirty years and owned dozens of cameras and lenses of practically every brand and am very critical of quality.What exactly are you looking at? I am curious sence there are so many different reviews coming to so many different conclusions on the same lens.Go to SLR gear.com and read their review .Can they really be that inconsistent?
Thanks for your comment. What I find is similar to slrgear test. It is reasonable sharp in small part in the center but loss its acuity in other part of the frame, stopping down does not help much.
The new (optional) viewfinder cost about the same price as the camera body.
What a con.
{ 2 trackbacks }