MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Help me decide please!
Was keen on the new Nikon D3100 but the new Lumix G series have caught my eye
I don't have any existing lenses to use
I just got a NEX-5 and well happy with it
Lumix Gs aren't really 'bridge' cameras they are really an alternative take to the dSLR without the mirror.
The D3100 seems like a very good camera indeed and you will have no problem of finding high quality lenses for it if you decide you want to get more serious.
The question is why you are interested in the G1/2?
If you are after smaller size get a GF1, Pen EP2, or even the NEX 5. The G1/G2 have all the downsides of the micro 4/3s technology (mainly high noise levels) without the portability advantage.
If you want Video capabilities all of the above will do and if you do not care about the size go for the Sony SLT-55 (don't think it sells yet).
James
I had a Panasonic Lumix GF1 and a Canon DSLR 500D.
I sold the GF1 and kept going with the canon, almost immediately I regretted the decision - bought a GF1 for a 2nd occasion and sold the Canon.
best decision ever made, the GF1 captures as good photos, gives better HD video (by far) and is more fun to use.
A friend acquired the Sony NEX5 - this is not as good as the Panasonic, Sony has fidly menu options (so much so a new firm ware upgrade has been released to try and simplify the menu functionality), and just isn't as easy to use. Also the flash bolts on, where as the Panasonic is built in. I would also say the Panasonic lens, being a leica sponsored lens, is far better than the Sony offering.
I mainly use my GF1 with the 20mm pancake lens and continue to capture some truly awesome shots. Can't recommend highly enough.
Thanks all
The Pana G1/2 has the advantage of a viewfinder - it's not as good as a real optical viewfinder, but it's a lot better than a little screen.