gdgt

I had ordered the GF1, but canceled it when I saw the press release for the E-PL1. My previous camera was the Panasonic DMC FZ20, which took really nice snaps but the startup was very slow (over 5 seconds) and the autofocus was sluggish as well. It was also kind of large, and I found it a bit awkward to carry around. I got a small point and shoot Panny, the small size made it easier for me to take more photos, and was ready to snap in 2 seconds. However, for xmas I got a new large LCD picture frame, and I have noticed that the photos that looked really nice were from the DMC, so I realized that I needed a small camera, that took really nice pictures.

So, that is when I learned about the micro 4 3rds cameras! Small form factor with near DSLR quality pictures. The Oly Pen1 looked really cool, but seemed pricey. The GF1 was even more pricey but had a flash, and had excellent reviews. I decided to splurge and get the GF1 because we already owned to Pannys so the menus would be more intuitive. But then I saw blurb about the E-PL1 which seemed geared towards me, a novice who wants to take some great pics.

My decision was also influenced by the fact that Panny micro 4 3rd lenses have the stabilization in the lens, and not the camera. Where Oly has the stabilzation on the camera. So you can use a Panny lens and get image stabilization on the Oly, but not the other way around.

Anyway, I preordered the Oly but would be interested in what my fellow gadget lovers think about the GF1 compared to the E-PL1 for a good entry level camera.