Gave up my 40D for a Micro 4/3 and sorry.

At one time I frequented this forum daily and enjoyed reading tips/comments from other members. Over a year ago I decided to sell my "bulky" gripped 40D and three Canon lenses and buy an Olympus E-PL2 with three lenses thinking I would use this more often because of less bulk to haul around. Well, it was the worst photographic mistake I ever made. Yes, the Olympus takes great pictures and is less bulky but it's just too small and more difficult to hold steadier. Because of it's compactness I also find myself pressing buttons I did not intend to press and sometimes finding that I have been taking a movie for 15 minutes. Geez, I wish I had my 40D back but at this stage I guess I would have to get lucky and win a 1,000 or so someplace to make the switch back. So, for those thinking about switching to micro 4/3rds systems, think very carefully and weigh all the pros and cons before doing so. Don't make the same mistake I did.

I guess that's always the tradeoff, less bulk but more difficulty handling the "toy" cameras. The worst IMO are the smart phones. Egad, if I used one of those as a camera on more than the rare occasion, I would be dropping it more than taking pictures with it.

I hear you. I have an iPhone and I rarely take pictures with it. Use it more for checking email, etc and rarely go on the net with it. Too hard to read unless you blow it up and then your going back and forth just to read it. For what it is I can't justify the monthly expense but I'm stuck with it for another year and one half.

That's pretty much my experience as well. I liked the fact that it was a small combo but I constantly pressed the wrong buttons. Camera makers should consider ergonomics before making everything small.

So the grass wasn't really greener then...?

Maybe your fingers are too fat ? .

Switched over to full m43, great system. OM-D is awesome, but ergonomics arent for everyone.

I switched over to a GH2 and a bunch of lenses for a year. It was fine for a while, but I came to realize that it was not well suited for action or wildlife photography. After a frustrating air show, I decided to go back. First a 60D and now the 5D Mark III. Talk about swinging all the way back...

Part of the problem is that a GH2 does not fit well in a coat pocket, especially with the 14-140mm kit lens. So, I still ended up with a camera bag. I was expecting too much. I think I will likely stick with large DSLRs for the majority of my photography and possibly get something like a Fuji X100 for travel.

I'm saving for x20. It will take long time before I would be able to afford it, but I can't imagine myself selling my DSLR gear for it.

I tried Olympus, which my friend purchased, because of its size. Instead of DSLR. I tried it several times. Very weird, endless and no logic menus.

While I'm saving for x20, I'm OK to use iPhone. This is straight forward picture from the phone.

One of the reasons your Gripped 40D was bulky is that it was "gripped"! With the very decent battery useage of all Canon DSLR cameras plus the simplicity of switching one battery in the body, I cannot understand why I would want a grip...

OH YES, a button for the portrait mode. Well, that's not enough reason for me!

I don't think all 4/3rds are created equal. I do want an omd in the near future however, but as a supplement, not as a replacement.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #15503180
I don't think all 4/3rds are created equal. I do want an omd in the near future however, but as a supplement, not as a replacement.

True, I'm looking to move back into Canon DSLR, but keeping my m43 setup. M43 is great unless you need obscene ISO, AF-C or some specialized things like TS-E movements (which I'm getting into) or ultra-shallow DOF.

For most else, it's actually a quite-capable system and the weight/bulk savings are pretty astounding.

I switched over because I found myself just letting my 7D and 5D2 sit idle for months at a time (granted also very busy at work), but every time I thought I wanted to shoot, the prospect of carrying that annoying weight seemed more like work.

Now that I need some capabilities (for paid work, soon), it's back to DSLR land for me

This has always been my biggest complaint. I laugh when I see big lenses (comparatively) on a mirrorless camera as it has to be an ergonomical nightmare.

The very bulk of a gripped dSLR is exactly what suits me. I would be throwing anything smaller in the nearest bin from sheer frustration!

Many seem to believe grips are only used as a means of showing off. Nothing is further from the truth, most non photographers would not understand the difference if you put a gripped body against a non gripped one.

I have been thinking about getting a smaller kit, I even picked up a NEX 3 a year or so ago. While it takes great shots I find the smaller size frustrating at times.

I am thinking that a good alternative to a "small", light weight kit is a T4i. I have a XTi, 30D and 1D IIn and there is a very noticeable difference with the XTi and the others, even with a grip.