What Micro 4/3 cameras have external shutter releases?

[daniel_reetz]

I'd like to build an M43 rig, and I'm looking for camera recommendations. Specifically, I want:

1. A camera that's cheap to buy with a fixed focal-length prime lens
2. A camera that has an external shutter release of some kind, preferably wired.

I'm more concerned about the second issue than the first. Anyone know anything about these cameras?

[Misty]

From what I know, you're looking at:

• Olympus PEN E-P1 (usually available much below list; only model here with no EVF, which won't affect book scanning)
• Olympus PEN E-P2
• Panasonic G1
• Panasonic G2
• Panasonic GF1
• Panasonic GH1
• Panasonic GH2

The only really notable exceptions are the Olympus E-PL1 and the Panasonic GF2, which are cheaper consumer-style models that drop remote support. The Pannys all support wired remotes only, while the E-P series has an IR remote.

So, recommendations - if you want a wireless remote, it looks like the Pens are your only choice! Edit: I missed you prefer wired. Any of the ones I list can do that.

Overall imaging quality is very similar across the m4/3 line right now. The highest res m4/3 with a remote is the 16mp GH2; the rest are all 12mp right now. Otherwise, the DXOMark scores seem to be reasonably close to each other for all of the m4/3 cameras, with a little variation here and there. I haven't seem resolution tests for the GH2 yet, but I'd be surprised if it didn't show more detail at base ISO. However, the GH2 is also one of the more expensive models so it's probably not worth it for you.

Unfortunately, most of the cameras don't seem to be offered body-only or with a prime right now. The Panny 20mm prime has the best reputation for quality, but sells for $300+ on its own whereas the Oly 17mm goes for about $100 less. B&H shows the GF1 with the 20mm prime for under $700 - which isn't really in the "cheap" range you're looking for. I'd take a look for refurbished E-P1s with the prime to see if the price is any better.

Edit: Checked Amazon for pricing too. They only list a couple body-only models: the G1 12mp for $350, and the GH1 for $500. G1 would probably be better for you of the two, and might be the cheapest

[Shaknum]

I'm using the Samsung NX10(I think this qualifies as micro 4/3), which is giving me very good results. You can get a fixed focal length lens for it, and it has wired remote shutter control (I think it is the same as the Canon and Pentax 2.5mm plug system). I got it for $430ish at Abes of Maine, which is a pretty good deal.

[Misty]

Samsung NX is actually a separate standard; micro 4/3 refers to Olympus's and Panasonic's standard specifically. $430 is a good price. Did that include the lens? What's the focal length?

[daniel_reetz]

Thanks, Misty, and I don't mind a non-m43 format if the camera is good. I've heard good things about the NX10 and I'm interested to hear what your lens situation is like, Shaknum...

I have seen some mighty fine deals on the PEN cameras... gonna be a lot of shopping around in my near future.

[Misty]

I've heard that the Samsung NX10's sensor is good but underperforms a bit for an APS-C - around the same level as m4/3 sensors. On the other hand, at $430 it competes very handily with m4/3 on price too so that sounds like a very strong competitor!

I wonder how cheap refurb E-P1s are at this point. Amazon has a body-only E-P1 for $430 new, so I wonder if there are refurbs with the prime approaching that level?

Edit: E-P1 refurb with 14-42 at $370. Not bad at all! Prime seems to be harder to come by though.

[Shaknum]

Samsung NX is actually a separate standard; micro 4/3 refers to Olympus's and Panasonic's standard specifically. $430 is a good price. Did that include the lens? What's the focal length?

Thanks for the clarification, I had been wondering about the specifics of that format. The NX10's came with the 18-55 mm lens for $439 each (and free shipping). The lens honestly feels just a bit cheap, but I love the mf/af switch right on the lens which really simplifies things.

[daniel_reetz]

Wow, EP-1 for $370... that IS a steal. THANKS.

[Misty]

Shaknum: That does sound handy! I'm curious (from a photography standpoint and not a book scanning one) - is the focusing on that focus-by-wire or not? E.g., does it feel like you're turning an electrical dial, or do you get some physical feedback from it?

Isn't it, Dan? Like I told you before, there are some amazing deals on the E-P1 since the E-P2 is basically the same camera but slightly better. I didn't know it had gotten that low though. You don't even need an EVF for the kinds of stuff you're going to be doing.

[Shaknum]

is the focusing on that focus-by-wire or not? E.g., does it feel like you're turning an electrical dial, or do you get some physical feedback from it?

It's electronic, but fairly smooth feeling.