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Resolved Question

Best starter mirrorless camera?

Feb 5, 2012 6:25AM PST

Hi everyone! To start: I have very little experience with actual photography, but a good friend of mine is a professional and is willing to teach me the ins and outs as I go along. I've been looking at picking up an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera, mainly because I'd rather not deal with the size of a dSLR (this is what's kept me from starting in on this for the last few years).

I've been looking at the Sony NEX-n5 and the Panasonic GF3. I took a look at the Olympus EPL3 but I am extremely uncomfortable with the ergonomics, especially with it being so smooth and having no grip at all on the side. The other two previously mentioned I like. I know the GF3 is cheaper than the 5n, but in the long run would I get my money's worth out of the Sony? As I said, I'm just starting but I'd rather spend more money up front rather than outgrowing my camera in a few years and having to upgrade again. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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mistykz has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Mirrorless Roundup
Feb 6, 2012 4:02AM PST
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(NT) Nice.
Feb 6, 2012 4:08AM PST
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re: Mirrorless Roundup
Feb 6, 2012 6:47AM PST

Wow, that was extremely helpful. Thank you for the link!

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Answer
re: Sony NEX-5n and Panasonic GF3
Feb 5, 2012 12:22PM PST

The NEX-5n has better image quality. The catch is that there are fewer lenses available and the lenses are usually larger than m4/3 lenses. So make sure the current lens lineup will cover your needs, and since you specifically mention that you're concerned about size, make sure that you're comfortable with the size of the total package (camera body + lens).

That said, if I may complicate things a little, since you don't seem to be in a rush, you may want to wait a few weeks to see how the Olympus OM-D E-M5 turns out. Leaked pics show it has a grip on the side, and rumor is that a new image processing chip could have improved quality.

Mark

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re: Sony NEX-5n and Panasonic GF3
Feb 5, 2012 2:03PM PST

I just looked around online, it seems like the potential price point on the E-M5 is a bit more than I'd like to spend. Sorry I didn't mention that in my original post but people are thinking it'll be $1100 or $1200 when it comes out, which I think would be a bit much (both price and power) for my first "real" camera. But oh man does it look nice! I may hold out and see what happens, if that truly is a better option.

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Answer
Outgrowing Cameras
Feb 5, 2012 1:35PM PST

You would be hard pressed to outgrow any mirrorless camera; they are more than sophisticated enough for the vast majority of people, hobbyist photographers included. It is only if you are professionally shooting sports, wedding photography, etc. where you would need something more. That said, I personally would rather have a camera with a viewfinder, or at least have the option to add one. Later on, you might feel the same way too. The NEX-5N can take an optional viewfinder, the GF3 cannot. Panasonic has the G3 with a built-in viewfinder, and the GX1 which can take an optional viewfinder.

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re: Outgrowing Cameras
Feb 5, 2012 2:06PM PST

I did try out the viewfinder for the 5n in the store and liked it, although it kind of sucks you can only have the flash or viewfinder separate, not together. That's the price you pay for portability I suppose. Thanks for the info!