I am currently using a Nikon P5000 (wanted the Panasonic LX2 at that time but it was costing 10k more in India) used mostly for vacation snaps. Thats why opted for smaller size P&S.

However, now I am looking to upgrade to a Entry-level DSLR or Panasonic GF1. BTW we should have separate forums for DSLR and P&S as they are vastly different from each other and have different style of users.

Regards,
RB

AFAIT GF1 would be the way to go. There are some good reviews on the same and the mirror-less structure and small size (relative to a DSLR), rangefinder looks is just too tempting...

Unfortunately it is not pocketable else I would have considered it too.



Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Originally Posted by RB107

BTW we should have separate forums for DSLR and P&S as they are vastly different from each other and have different style of users.

Regards,
RB

That has been done now!

Here is a Longer-Term GF1 Opinions from a GF1 user.

Here is a shortlist I have made from a set of DSLRs.

1. If I go for 30k - Canon EOS450D, Olympus E520, Panasonic G1
2. If I splurge 40k - Canon 500D, Nikon D5000, Panasonic GF1

Down from 18 cameras to 6, Reasoning given below.
Next I have to actually see, feel and use the 6 Units

Canon
1. EOS450D - Excellent, Allounder, 3" LCD, Very good images even in Low Light - IN
2. EOS1000D - Excellent, Just that E450 costs 4k more now and is much better - OUT
3. EOS500D - Most Superior as D5000, High Res LCD, full HD Movie, 15MP - IN

Nikon
1. D40x - No Live View, small screen, only 10MP - OUT
2. D60 - No Live View, only 10MP - OUT
3. D3000 - No Live View, No video, inferior to 1000D - OUT
4. D5000 - Very Good, Close to D90, Slightly Big - IN

Olympus
1. E450 - No VR/IS at all - OUT
2. E520 - Decent, Very Good JPEG quality, Small Viewfinder, Heavily Discounted - IN
3. E620 - Good, But little over E520 to pay extra $$$ for - OUT
4. EP1 - Exactly as Panasonic GF1 in images, but weaker features - OUT

Sony (all Sony have design and focus issues using live view)
1. A350 - Only Sony which VFM, but image quality is average - OUT
2. A230 - No Live View, Too Basic - OUT
3. A330 - Worse off older A350 Quality - OUT
4. A380 - Worse off older A350 Quality - OUT
Somehow did not get the feel for the Sony Alphas

Panasonic (3FPS beats DSLR in Live View, Many new things as designed afresh from Zero)
1. G1 - Excellent, Small, features and usability, High FPS even with live view - IN
2. GF1 - Excellent, G11 Size only, features and usability, High FPS as above - IN
3. GH1 - Way too expensive - OUT

Can you all chip on your views to help me decide. Also prices and where can I actually try and feel the cameras. Also are the kit lens any good or is it better to buy just body and lens separate?

RB

Personally among the ones you have shortlisted I would recommend either the G1 or GF1. The GF1 is my personal favourite.

The Micro Four Thirds standard is the way to go. However it is relatively new standard and I would suggest you to wait for at least a couple of generations to pass by before considering buying one.

couple of generations is the time when the upgrade bug will start to hit

where can i see the Panasonic Cameras first hand in Mumbai. No one is stocking it. G1 I have a quote of 33k. nothing for GF1.

I take you prefer G1 over 450D (31k) and E520 (28k)

Raghav

Originally Posted by Cyrus

Personally among the ones you have shortlisted I would recommend either the G1 or GF1. The GF1 is my personal favourite.

The Micro Four Thirds standard is the way to go. However it is relatively new standard and I would suggest you to wait for at least a couple of generations to pass by before considering buying one.

In Mumbai, for Panasonic please visit jjmehta .com , Digital Camera , Digital SLR , Video Camera , Apple iPod , Sandisk Pendrive available all over India or the Panasonic Flagship store at Panasonic Brand shop Patron Digital Lifestyle - Google Maps

JJ Mehta does not have Panasonic G series. Will check the other store.

Thanks
RB

Originally Posted by Jagat

In Mumbai, for Panasonic please visit jjmehta .com , Digital Camera , Digital SLR , Video Camera , Apple iPod , Sandisk Pendrive available all over India or the Panasonic Flagship store at Panasonic Brand shop Patron Digital Lifestyle - Google Maps

Originally Posted by RB107

I take you prefer G1 over 450D (31k) and E520 (28k)

Raghav

Actually I would prefer the GF1 because of its rangefinder looks and size. The kit comes with a 40-200mm or 20mm F1.7 pancake lens and sells for $899.00 in the USA.

I read two recent reviews of the GF1 and in both the reviews the author purchased the GF! for their personal use!

See Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review | Digital Camera Resource Page

Not only do I highly recommend the DMC-GF1 -- I can tell you that I bought one to take on my trip.

and

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review: 33. Conclusion: Digital Photography Review

Overall though - and I guess you probably already know this - I really loved the GF1, and will find it very hard to return it when this review is finished, meaning that I may have to wipe the dust and cobwebs off my wallet and actually hand over my own hard earned cash for one.