Olympus OM-D: What is it really worth? I really like the new OM-D and I could really use a new camera for a trip I have planned next month. However, I've never been much for rushing out to pay full price for something new, especially something technology related that will go down in value as time passes. Amazon currently has the OM-D with a 14-42mm kit lens listed at $1099. My question is: based on past experience and/or your knowledge of the digital camera market, what do you think the OM-D will be selling for in 2 months? 6 months? I realize this is a big guess. I'm wondering if it's worth waiting to save some money or should I just bite the bullet now and enjoy using it on a trip next month? Or, is it worth waiting for the next version/model of OM-D?Thanks, Gerry Olympus OM-D: What is it really worth? I really like the new OM-D and I could really use a new camera for a trip I have planned next month. However, I've never been much for rushing out to pay... » Read More Olympus OM-D: What is it really worth? I really like the new OM-D and I could really use a new camera for a trip I have planned next month. However, I've never been much for rushing out to pay full price for something new, especially something technology related that will go down in value as time passes. Amazon currently has the OM-D with a 14-42mm kit lens listed at $1099. My question is: based on past experience and/or your knowledge of the digital camera market, what do you think the OM-D will be selling for in 2 months? 6 months? I realize this is a big guess. I'm wondering if it's worth waiting to save some money or should I just bite the bullet now and enjoy using it on a trip next month? Or, is it worth waiting for the next version/model of OM-D?Thanks, Gerry « Show Less
1448985
Thanks for the input and advice. I'm new to high-end(expensive) digital camera market. I realized after I posted this question that the camera is sold out or otherwise unavailable now and it could take a month or two to get one even if I ordered today. I'll definitely look into buying one in the next few months.
71970
It's not going to drop in price at all within 2-6 months. Look at other similar cameras, the NEX-7 for example, it hasn't dropped in price. The E-P3 also took a while to drop $100 on Amazon, and has not dropped in price at most local retail stores. In fact, many people are willing to pay more than the retail value for the OM-D right now, especially the silver model.
1448986
Bite the bullet and just get it if you can find one for sale right now. I pre-ordered mine on Feb 8, and still no ship date from Amazon. :-( From experience, the price of a particular camera model will remain the same until the next new model becomes available.
1055560
Charity, I have no real reason to criticize the Panasonic, but I have purchase 4-5 different lenses for my OMD EM-5 and have tried the Panasonic versions. I have always reverted back to the Olympus versions of the lens because of the different "color" casts I get from the Panasonic versions. Seems that the Olympus versions are slightly sharper and the color renditions are much more "spot on" when used on an Olympus Camera. I am assuming that manufacturers work to match their lens coatings to the color adjustment algorythyms in their processors and vice versa. I would opt for the Olympus lens for the Olympus EM-10. That of course is a personal preference based upon personal experience. Charity, I have no real reason to criticize the Panasonic, but I have purchase 4-5 different lenses for my OMD EM-5 and have tried the Panasonic versions. I have always reverted back to the Olympus versions of the lens because of the different "color" casts I get from the Panasonic versions. Seems that the Olympus versions are slightly sharper and the color renditions are much more "spot on" when used on an Olympus Camera. I am assuming that manufacturers work to match their lens coatings to the color adjustment algorythyms in their processors and vice versa. I would opt... » Read More Charity, I have no real reason to criticize the Panasonic, but I have purchase 4-5 different lenses for my OMD EM-5 and have tried the Panasonic versions. I have always reverted back to the Olympus versions of the lens because of the different "color" casts I get from the Panasonic versions. Seems that the Olympus versions are slightly sharper and the color renditions are much more "spot on" when used on an Olympus Camera. I am assuming that manufacturers work to match their lens coatings to the color adjustment algorythyms in their processors and vice versa. I would opt for the Olympus lens for the Olympus EM-10. That of course is a personal preference based upon personal experience. « Show Less
1175144
I joined Club Panasonic when I purchased one of my Panasonic cameras. I got an e-mail from them yesterday offering the DMC-G2K Body Only for $350. They had 3 other options: a G2K with an H_FS014045 14-45 lens for $600 and a G2K with either the 20mm or 14mm "pancake' lens for $650. This offer was directly from Panasonic for Club Panasonic users.
575221
I agree and have noticed that as well. I bought the older version and have been pleased with it. I have also not read complaints about the newer version. It may be as simple as supply and demand or something we are not aware of. You might check review sites just to make sure the version 2 is well rated and then go for it if it's cheaper. The 20MM has been a great lens, I have received compliments about my photo's and 9 times out of 10, it's taken with the 20mm.
1935831
Different vendors sell items at different prices depending on their inventories. I am satisfied with the lens it came repacked in a box with all the labeled items and it is brand new. I would buy it again at $700 any day if i needed another one. Best of luck on your decision. :)
1501521
THE OM-D E-10 has a built in flash. In my opinion any flash you could get for under $100 would avail you little improvement over the one you already have. If you can find a used Nissan or Olympus you might do alright.
423679
If you are going to stick with a DX sensor Nikon for a while, then I think the 18-300mm is your best value. The image quality is going to be very comparable to the 28-300mm, plus the 18-300 has these advantages for the DX shooter:- It starts at 18mm, so you have much wider coverage for landscape shots or tight spaces- It's smaller and lighter. Since this is going to be an all-purpose travel lens, this will be very helpful- It's about $150 less- If you ever go up to FX / full-frame, you can always sell this lens down the road and recoup about 65-75% of the original cost Enjoy! If you are going to stick with a DX sensor Nikon for a while, then I think the 18-300mm is your best value. The image quality is going to be very comparable to the 28-300mm, plus the 18-300 has these advantages for the DX shooter:- It starts at 18mm, so you have much wider coverage for landscape shots or tight spaces- It's smaller and lighter. Since this is going to be an all-purpose travel lens, this will be very helpful- It's about $150 less- If you ever go up to FX / full-frame, you can always sell this lens down the road and recoup about 65-75% of the original... » Read More If you are going to stick with a DX sensor Nikon for a while, then I think the 18-300mm is your best value. The image quality is going to be very comparable to the 28-300mm, plus the 18-300 has these advantages for the DX shooter:- It starts at 18mm, so you have much wider coverage for landscape shots or tight spaces- It's smaller and lighter. Since this is going to be an all-purpose travel lens, this will be very helpful- It's about $150 less- If you ever go up to FX / full-frame, you can always sell this lens down the road and recoup about 65-75% of the original cost Enjoy! « Show Less
1200245
I'm going to suggest a different question. Do you really want a newer version? I recently bought a used 300mm F4 for 950. Its sells new for around 1300. This lens has been due for replacement for quite some time. So i had to ask myself the same question you have, when will a replacement come out, because it is certainly overdue. Problem is, when it does come out, it will be of lesser build quality, it will remove the aperature ring(G lens), add VR, and cost well over 2000. While I would like the VR on this lens, is it worth the huge proce difference, and the reduced build quality. I also used the same logic on a 17-35 i just bought. So what I would suggest, is to judge the current lens on its merits. The only gripe I would have with this lens is that it is AF and not AF-s. It will be much cheaper than a new one, probably much better build quality, and who knows when a replacement might arrive.
1864063
I'm a hobbyist. I'd like to upgrade from the 28-135mm to the 24-105mm, but I'm afraid of spending this much and getting a lens that isn't a "good copy." I'm just not expert enough to know if a lens needs to be recalibrated or something. Is it best for someone like me to buy local and ask the camera store to evaluate the lens sharpness? Or buy from someone like B&H; and ask them to evaluate it before they ship it to me? I resell a lot of lenses, too, and I wouldn't want to resell it some day and have someone complain it wasn't sharp.
201419
It sounds like a decent deal to me. It would, however, depend on the manufacturer and type of lenses that would come with it. Lenses can run in price from the inexpensive to the very expensive. Is this a camera where you know the person selling it or is it for sale from an advertisement? Is it being sold through a company or an individual? If it's a company, will they give you a warranty for some period of time? I doubt that you would be "taken to the cleaners"... and if the camera is clean and the deal legitimate, $250 is (in my estimation and by not having seen it in person) a better than average... but not a great deal! Hope I could be of some help. Best of luck to you! It sounds like a decent deal to me. It would, however, depend on the manufacturer and type of lenses that would come with it. Lenses can run in price from the inexpensive to the very expensive. Is this a camera where you know the person selling it or is it for sale from an advertisement? Is it being sold through a company or an individual? If it's a company, will they give you a warranty for some period of time? I doubt that you would be "taken to the cleaners"... and if the camera is clean and the deal legitimate, $250 is (in my estimation and by not having seen it in person) a... » Read More It sounds like a decent deal to me. It would, however, depend on the manufacturer and type of lenses that would come with it. Lenses can run in price from the inexpensive to the very expensive. Is this a camera where you know the person selling it or is it for sale from an advertisement? Is it being sold through a company or an individual? If it's a company, will they give you a warranty for some period of time? I doubt that you would be "taken to the cleaners"... and if the camera is clean and the deal legitimate, $250 is (in my estimation and by not having seen it in person) a better than average... but not a great deal! Hope I could be of some help. Best of luck to you! « Show Less
190583
This camera with the 20mm pancake lens is out of stock EVERYWHERE as far as I can tell. Panasonic's own web site lists it that way, as do every online store I've checked.... except, as you note, for the ones who are taking advantage of the temporary scarcity to charge hundreds of dollars more. I understand it's supply and demand, but I still think it's slimy, and I refuse to deal with those companies. Panasonic pretty clearly underestimated the demand for this model. I think everyone who reacted to the Olympus E-P1 with "Oh, cool idea, pity the auto-focus sucks so badly and they used such a low-res LCD display" wants a GF1 now. Best of luck on getting your camera before Christmas, but my guess is it's a long shot.
1891715
Gregory, I don't know if you are purchasing the Canon 20D camera body from the same person that I did. If so then this is what I think. After much research on the camera, I found it was the top of the line, of all cameras, when it first came out. The original price was up around $1800 and had more "bells and Whistles" on it than you could imagine. It was stated that it was in very good condition. When I got it in the mail, I found everything was sealed in its original wrappings and the manual's pages were not even bent. I really believe that it had never been out of the original box. It was in mint condition. I am using it strictly for astrophotography on my 3 large telescopes. It is performing flawlessly. I still had a couple of lenses from my old 35mm film camera, so I bought an adapter for the 20D so I could use the lenses. The photos are great. The 20D was made back in 2004, I believe, but it is far from being obsolete. It has a great range of speed and apertures and the ISO is very good. It even has an electronic noise reducer that gets rid of graininess when you go above 800 ISO. That works very well. Go for it. Ron
2161262
Don't know. Reading the other comments, it seems it's lacking warranty. Maybe. Mine came with box, literature, lens hood and front and rear caps. I got it a few days before a trip to Europe and it worked perfectly. Got detailed shots of the Parthenon, inside several cathedrals, landscapes and bell towers. In more than four decades since buying my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1) I've never had a problem with a lens (well, except for dropping an EOS lens on the pavement that one time in the 90s). My experience is they either work or they don't. And this one does magnificently. Even my SLR/tech snob buddies are impressed. Highly recommended! Don't know. Reading the other comments, it seems it's lacking warranty. Maybe. Mine came with box, literature, lens hood and front and rear caps. I got it a few days before a trip to Europe and it worked perfectly. Got detailed shots of the Parthenon, inside several cathedrals, landscapes and bell towers. In more than four decades since buying my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1) I've never had a problem with a lens (well, except for dropping an EOS lens on the pavement that one time in the 90s). My experience is they either work or they don't. And this one does magnificently. Even my SLR/tech... » Read More Don't know. Reading the other comments, it seems it's lacking warranty. Maybe. Mine came with box, literature, lens hood and front and rear caps. I got it a few days before a trip to Europe and it worked perfectly. Got detailed shots of the Parthenon, inside several cathedrals, landscapes and bell towers. In more than four decades since buying my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1) I've never had a problem with a lens (well, except for dropping an EOS lens on the pavement that one time in the 90s). My experience is they either work or they don't. And this one does magnificently. Even my SLR/tech snob buddies are impressed. Highly recommended! « Show Less
153916
Yeah what happened? This was $279 just a few days ago and frequently was available for as low as $240. So what gives? Looking to get this, but not at over $400! And be warned, with USB 3.0 quickly becoming the standard, any HD camcorders with USB 2.0 built in will be passe very soon.
1371819
I would like to know when the camera will be released and if I pre-order it, what happens if other web-sites sell it sell for less money. Here's another angle; What if I pre-order it now on here for $499 that is the current price and then the price drops at release time? I would dearly like to try this camera out to see if it is as good as they say it is. I have a Kodak Z980 which has a great 24x zoom but the 30x plus the other neat features will be very tempting if they are for real. The low light capabilities alone are interesting. (My Kodak Z980 is not too bad at low light but I will take any improvement I can get!)Does anyone have any idea when it will be released? I would like to know when the camera will be released and if I pre-order it, what happens if other web-sites sell it sell for less money. Here's another angle; What if I pre-order it now on here for $499 that is the current price and then the price drops at release time? I would dearly like to try this camera out to see if it is as good as they say it is. I have a Kodak Z980 which has a great 24x zoom but the 30x plus the other neat features will be very tempting if they are for real. The low light capabilities alone are interesting. (My Kodak Z980 is not too bad at low light but I... » Read More I would like to know when the camera will be released and if I pre-order it, what happens if other web-sites sell it sell for less money. Here's another angle; What if I pre-order it now on here for $499 that is the current price and then the price drops at release time? I would dearly like to try this camera out to see if it is as good as they say it is. I have a Kodak Z980 which has a great 24x zoom but the 30x plus the other neat features will be very tempting if they are for real. The low light capabilities alone are interesting. (My Kodak Z980 is not too bad at low light but I will take any improvement I can get!)Does anyone have any idea when it will be released? « Show Less
1175146
It is now $299.95 !!!! It is the perfect time to get this camera, I got one already, and am loving every moment of using it. Panasonic LUMIX DMCG2K 12.1MP Digital Camera (Body Only)
1630104
Whoa, buying and having it shipped straight from Hong Kong? Did you ever do that in the states or only in the UK? BTW, thanks for the great posts Mark, they're turning out to be very very helpful. I am currently shopping around for a telephoto and have to make a decision soon about the aperture f/4 or f/2.8, the $$ i want to spend on it and whether I want IS or not. You may be able to help with the $$ on the Hong Kong issue. Thanks again! Nino