Which is more important to you? Portability or existing range of lenses? Are you a now, now, now kinda person or can you wait?
In my opinion, if you are just starting out and do not mind the lack of lenses for the micro 4/3s now, go for the GF1 and grow with the system. You will be thankful when you go travelling. Lenses will slowly be developed for it as you go along.
If you are a now, now, now kinda person and want to get really serious about all aspects of photography now, then I would advice you to go for the 550D cos all (or almost all) the equipment and features (lenses, accessories, 1080p video etc) are already available. If you can slowly grow with a system, go for the GF1.
So weigh your options and choose the one that suits you more.
Think about the recommended technique for hand-holding the camera steady to get a sharp photo, and then picture yourself doing that with the GF-1.
550d for me! 1x happy 550d user here =)
Hi,
Like all nerds who jump into new product launches after being bombarded by full page ads daily, I bought a GF-1 with almost all the lenses (except the macro and 14-140mm) in Sept last year. I had been a P & S camera user for almost 20 years and suddenly got the photography bug!!
I sold off the GF-1 two weeks ago with the 14-45mm kit lens and bought a brand new (old model) Lumix G-1.
These are my reasons:
1. I do not take videos. The GF-1 has video - the G-1 has no video. They share the same m4/3 sensor.
2. The GF-1 is not small and light -as touted. If you are serious with photography and goes out on photo-shoots with a full complement of lenses and a tripod, I can assure you the total weight is quite a load!!
3. After reading a fair bit on taking creative shots and after attending a photography class, I realised that a flip and tilt LCD is one of the most useful part of a DSLR. It allows you to take shots that are impossible with either VF or fixed LCD. The G-1 has that feature.
4. Presently, the G-1 is the smallest and cheapest m4/3 system camera with LCD & in-built VF. If you like to take video, the new model G-2, which is an upgrade of the G-1 has it.
The lesson I have learnt in camera buying is:
1. Learn the ropes (some photography lessons and literature) first.
2. Decide what you want later. Remember, once you settle for one make and built up the lens population, it will be very costly to change camera make.
3. No company that can manufacture cameras makes a lousy camera. They are different in features only.
Hope the above is not boring.
Regards.
LEW
Well, one of the recommended techniques to hand-holding a camera steady is to hold the camera firmly with both hands, tuck both arms as close as possible to your body and rest the camera against your head for extra stability...Hi.. dun get wat u mean.. :dunno:
Well, one of the recommended techniques to hand-holding a camera steady is to hold the camera firmly with both hands, tuck both arms as close as possible to your body and rest the camera against your head for extra stability...
try to imagine doing that with a GF-1.
You probably can't unless you buy the electronic viewfinder accessory.
depends what criteria you judge it by...GF1 seems to be the best pick..