Compact DSLR alternative to G1X at similar price

[hemang]

Since I am considering buying the G1X, I was also wondering which would possibly be the most compact DSLR alternative.
I assume the DSLR would have equal or better IQ.
It would probably have more features and better speed.
It should be able to record movies reasonably well.
Should be of similar or less price including the lenses to cover the range that the G1X covers.

I started this thread because I read on this post that the Lumix G3 is better and more value.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...88&postcount=8

[Talley]

Canon T1i is the smallest slr to date, it does video, has better IQ, more features, faster, etc... hell you can get one of them with a kit lens for probably half the price of the G1X....

...but it won't fit in your pocket.

[Luckypenguin]

The G1X plus a Micro 4/3 camera with some prime lenses is a great setup. The E-M5 is probably just ahead of the G1X for IQ but is fairly expensive. The Panasonic G3 and GX1 would be cheaper options. I wouldn't worry about traditional DSLRs anymore.

[Varago]

"Canon T1i is the smallest slr to date, it does video, has better IQ"

I dont think that ANY crop DSLR has better IQ then the G1X. If you do much video a few things to keep in mind.
#1 the G1X will focus while in video mode, no Canon DLSR will do this.
#2 the G1X will power zoom in video.
#3 the G1X has no manual control in video for exp.
#4 the G1X does not have an ext mic input
#5 I still have not found the darn speaker

Dave

[denncald]

Originally Posted by Varago

#5 I still have not found the darn speaker

Dave

speaker by dhc42, on Flickr

Dennis

[tinfire]

The Lumix G3 is very good value and I have it fitted with the excellent 14-45 lens that came with my original G1. Although small it's still bigger than the G1X unless you go for the X lens.

The current kit lenses for the G3 are the 14-42mm and the tiny X series and neither are as good as that fitted to the G1X but in terms of handling the camera's streets ahead of the Canon.
It is also the only m4/3 camera that I use for ground-air photography fitted with an excellent 100-300 lens and the whole thing fits into a very small kit bag.

Do some reading onthe G3 and you'll find its sensor is now used in the GX1 and possibly the latest Olympus. Worth a look.

My DSLR kit is Sony SLT based and I wouldn't even bother to consider them.

[tkbslc]

I thought the G1x was already the most compact DSLR alternative. I am confused what you are asking. If you just want something cheaper, get a GF3 or EPM1 with kit lens.

[tinfire]

Originally Posted by tkbslc

I thought the G1x was already the most compact DSLR alternative.

No that would be the G3 with the GX vario 14-42 X lens
At least you can shoot action with it ; such a clunky design as the G1X can never come close to the flexibity of a DSLR although it matches IQ.

[datune]

Originally Posted by Luckypenguin

I wouldn't worry about traditional DSLRs anymore.

Would you care to elaborate please?

[HughR]

The G1X has the same pixel size and pixel density as the 60D and 7D. It is just somewhat smaller at only 14 Mpixels total. The image quality should be identical to a slightly cropped 60D or 7D image. As a 60D owner, I find that quite impressive. Only difference would be that the 15-85 IS lens I use on my 60D is higher quality than the lens on the G1X.

[crn3371]

I'd have to say that the closest full featured alternative would have to be one of the m43 offerings. The sensors are close enough in size to be a non issue. Focus speed and burst rate on the current crop of m43 offerings will run circles around the G1X. I just picked up the Olympus Pen mini with the add on EVF and so far I'm pretty impressed. Very responsive, and i find the EVF to be very good. It's nice using the EVF with the highlight and shadow blinkies enabled. I can frame the shot and quickly dial in the correct exposure without ever having to look at the rear LCD. Same with using the menus.

[Varago]

denncald thank you very much

Dave

[tmwag]

Originally Posted by HughR

The G1X has the same pixel size and pixel density as the 60D and 7D. Only difference would be that the 15-85 IS lens I use on my 60D is higher quality than the lens on the G1X.

Thanks Hugh

[Luckypenguin]

Originally Posted by datune

Would you care to elaborate please?

Sure, it's for the same reason that I wouldn't get a large capacity engine if I wanted a performance car, I wouldn't get a desktop if I wanted a computer, and I wouldn't get a CD player if I wanted a portable music player. Technology has created alternatives that are smaller, lighter, more efficient, and in a lot of ways better.

The only real technical limitations remaining for mirrorless cameras is continuous AF performance, since contrast detact AF systems can't track moving objects in the same way phase detect systems can, and battery life. The first may or may not be an issue depending on how you use a camera, and the second is simply a downside of smaller batteries to fit smaller bodies and the use of full-time live-view screens and EVFs that may improve over time if the screens become more efficient.

Just take a look at the latest mirrorless offerings. The NEX 7 debuted Sony's new 24MP sensor before any of their SLT cameras and before their customers Nikon and probably Pentax put it in a DSLR, the Fuji X-Pro1 has one of if not the best APS-C sensor of all, and the Olympus E-M5 has basically closed the gap to the larger APS-C offerings in IQ. I can now choose between cameras with the fastest S-AF systems that don't feature calibration sensitive phase-detect AF, articulated live-view screens with various information overlays, touch screen focus point selection and shutter release, high-end video recording, and weather-sealing, and all of them would be mirrorless cameras. Not every system is state-of-the-art in every area yet but these are still early days.

The only other real sticking point remains the availability of native lenses which vary from a little to a lot depending on what system you are looking at. Micro 4/3 undoubtedly has the most comprehensive range, but even it still lacks a few staples like fast aperture zoom lenses. Adapting existing zooms from the 4/3 DSLR system is not really practical.

That's why I've chosen to start switching totally across to mirrorless cameras (including the G1X). I've been using Micro 4/3 part time since 2010 but I think it is now that mirrorless cameras are starting to come of age.

[tmwag]

But Mirrorless cameras lack the feel and sound of a DSLR imo...to each his own and as you say they are in their early days. Until substantial lens offerings are made ...