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Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Panasonic or Olympus?




All above images - Panasonic GX7 - 14-140mm lens

http://www.43rumors.com/panasonic-officially-announces-the-leica-15mm-f1-7-lens-coming-in-june/

The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 is a fine lens, one of the best I've used, but as of this moment in time, in terms of possible additions to my m4/3 system, that's the only piece of Olympus gear I'd consider buying. For me, Panasonic make more interesting stuff currently and their cameras and lenses have more of what I want. They also strike me as being more 'professionally' orientated if m4/3 can really be considered a 'professional' system.

The GX7 with it's built in viewfinder instead of the Pens with their add-on-EVF's. The GH4 as opposed to the E-M1 with it's fully articulated screen, electronic shutter, far superior video and a battery that actually lasts a whole day. The 7-14mm as opposed to the 9-18mm, 14-140mm as opposed to the 14-150mm. Plus now the 42.5mm f/1.2 and the 30mm f/1.7 announced yesterday, another two Leica branded lenses to go with the 14-45mm, 25mm f/1.4 and 45mm f/2.8 macro, which in terms of sharpness (Though pretty lousy AF) I still think beats the 45mm f/1.8.

I'm not convinced by IBIS and much prefer lens OIS and video implementation is obviously much better in Panasonic cameras with now the 4K from the GH4, which if the Camera Store video is to be believed is going to have the most amazing AF as well. I used to like Olympus cameras, mostly I have to say because of how they look, but now I just see them as 'show ponys' that flatter to deceive. Olympus can also make great lenses, their amazing 4/3 range testifies to that, but in terms of m4/3 native lenses, Panasonic make a lot more that interest me. I'd rather have the Summilux 25mm f/1.4 than the slower Olympus alternative and while my Olympus 17mm f/1.8 is a decent lens, I'll swap it for the 15mm f/1.7 as soon as it becomes available. 

Now I know others will disagree, but this is my personal preference and no more than that. And my choices are just that, mine. Plus with the GX7 they seem to have finally discovered how to make cameras that look good and feel good in the hand. 

It is however nice to have both companies making good quality products and I'm never going to deny that Olympus do that. It's just that, as far as I'm concerned, as of now, Panasonic have the better options.


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