Any reasons to avoid these cameras? Panasonic GH2, Canon T3i

I am considering getting a “vest pocket” camera. I like my Panasonic LX3 for what it is, but it’s not a viable low-light camera. The one feature I lack now that I want in a travel camera is a variable angle LCD. I am considering either getting a Canon (which adds a second battery type and a second memory type to 5D2 but keeps the same lenses) OR getting a Panasonic GH2 and 20/1.7 and 45/1.8 lens pair. The advantage of the Canon is in the slightly better image quality and the ability to use the same lenses (35/2 and 85/1.8). The down side to the same lenses is the size — Canon doesn’t seem to make fast APS-C primes. GH2 with a 20mm or a 45mm will be close to half the weight of the T3i and 35mm or 85mm lenses. Other than the formidable cost of getting a body AND two lenses for it, is there any reason to prefer the Canon over the Panasonic?

I have not seriously used a camera with an electronic viewfinder or a variable angle — am I going to hate it in low light or when following action? The comparison would be to a porro-prism finder of the T3i, not to the glass prism of the 5D2. Live View on 5D2 is painfully slow. Is it any better on GH2?

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6 Responses to Any reasons to avoid these cameras? Panasonic GH2, Canon T3i

  1. David says:

    I’ve never used an electronic viewfinder camera that was able to keep up with any sort of action. the refresh etc is never fast enough. I haven’t used that Panasonic though.

  2. Electronic viewfinders shine in low light. So to speak. In fact in some situations they can be an annoyance to people near you. On the other hand, in the sun it’s sometimes hard to see them. I’ve always managed to see what I needed, though — sometimes by finding the edges only, but enough to frame roughly.

    I shot roller derby with my EPL-2 Friday night and had no trouble with the action rate. Ctein found it not a problem with his Olympus model a month before that.

    I wish I had a swivel LCD. On *something*. It’s annoying that it’s treated as a feature unsuitable for serious cameras; used to be, interchangeable viewfinders and right-angle finder attachments and stuff were limited to pro cameras.

  3. gaurav says:

    Well, it depends on 2 thing.
    1. Do you want the camera for Stills or Video.
    2. Do u Necessarily need a DSLR.

    The GH2 produces Lousy Stills. But, in terms of Video, it HAS not equal, in DSLRs, no matter What anyone tells you.

    The Canon f1.2 are fast lenses, and very good for low light.

    Also, the Electronic Viewfinder, if that’s Reallt a problem, for you, get an EVLF. I, personally, don’t feel, it should be a problem.

  4. Gil says:

    I have a GH1 – I am an experienced amateur, and the GH series can produce great stills, as well as superb videos. The GH2 should do as well. I have not regretted choosing the smaller Panasonic over the more popular Canon or Nikon

  5. The LX5 is better than the LX3 in the area you mentioned.

  6. Vlad says:

    Dont get panasonic, LCD starts to go bad and deteriorates fast. Mine is 1.5 years old and needs to be replaced.

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