Micro Four Thirds camera for former DSLR Pro

[anubis]

Hey everyone. To make a long story short, I have decided to close my wedding photography business to pursue other interests. I am currently selling off my high end camera equipment (including a Canon 5D and three very expensive L-series lenses) because I don't really have a need to keep such expensive equipment for casual shooting.

I'm looking for advice on getting a new camera for casual use. I looked long and hard at the Canon Powershot G12 but I like the idea of getting a micro four thirds because of the larger sensor. The micro four thirds world is a bit of a mystery to me and I'm not really sure how each camera compares to others.

What's important to me:
Good image quality
Lots of manual controls
Small and portable
Around the $600 price point or less
High resolution screen

What's not important to me:
Viewfinder
Video or audio recording capabilities
Flash

I'm going to be starting out with a kit lens, and may add a medium focal length prime in the future.

Thanks!

 

[fitshaced]

I suggest you get the M4/3 camera before selling your DSLR and lenses.

 

[anubis]

I suggest you get the M4/3 camera before selling your DSLR and lenses.

Too late for that now

 

[Chundles]

Why not one of the Sony NEX cameras? They have an APS-C sensor, much larger than a m4/3 sensor and they seem to have more lenses available.

 

[mackmgg]

Why not one of the Sony NEX cameras? They have an APS-C sensor, much larger than a m4/3 sensor and they seem to have more lenses available.

Yeah, I'd recommend an NEX. They're nice cameras, and certainly the best for that size by far. It has excellent image quality, no built-in flash, but the option for an external one, it's portable, and it has a large high res screen. The cheapest one starts at around $600 or so for the newest gen.

 

[ravendhi]

Nex...

I am no where near a pro photog, but I just purchased a NEX-3... comes with the external flash, and I purchased the 18-55mm kit lens. I love it. I sold my Canon T2i to purchase it, and I don't regret it at all..

If you get an NEX, I strongly suggest buying a couple extra batteries, though... this thing seems to inhale battery life.....

 

[anubis]

Thanks everyone. NEX-3 it is. Looks like there is a $150 rebate if you buy the 17-55mm and 26mm at the same time. I think I might go for that package.

 

[venusian]

probably too late now, but the only thing i'd caution on the NEX is (for me at least) it doesn't feel balanced or weighted right ..... my next camera will be the Olympus PEN P3 (or whatever the equivalent is then), the little grip on it just makes all the difference in the feel

YMMV

 

[burningbright]

Why not one of the Sony NEX cameras? They have an APS-C sensor, much larger than a m4/3 sensor and they seem to have more lenses available.

I don't agree with that -- the size difference is almost all due to a differently- and more efficiently-shaped sensor.

There are many more native lenses available for m4/3 compared to NEX. m4/3 is pretty much a complete system; NEX isn't.

NEX has a much better sensor; m4/3 has much better lenses.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

I don't agree with that -- the size difference is almost all due to a differently- and more efficiently-shaped sensor.

The APC sized sensor on the NEX system leads to larger and heavier lenses for sure.

There are many more native lenses available for m4/3 compared to NEX. m4/3 is pretty much a complete system; NEX isn't.

++ on that

NEX has a much better sensor; m4/3 has much better lenses.

More subjective there, I am very happy with the quality I am able to get out of my Olympus Pen system. Don't miss my Nikon kit at all.

 

[anubis]

Update

In the end I decided to spend the extra cheddar and got a Sony Nex-C3 with 18-55 kit lens. Yeah, it's not quite the same as a 5D with 24-70mm f/2.8L, but all in all, I'm very impressed. Very easy to use and the customizable soft keys are very nice