Now what? Advice on next step

[Alf]

I am at the moment in life where you notice the light getting stronger, and the screen on your trusty E-PL1 dimmer and dimmer - and composition is quite difficult if you can't see.

This is slowly drawing me to buy the VF-2, as many before me - but it is the single most stable price in the world of micro4/3 gear, ~ €250 in shops around here, and more than 200 (+delivery) if bought from trusted sellers in Europe.

With the E-P1 and E-PL1 floating around the same price (and the dp1 too!), the temptation to enjoy a second body instead of the vf-2 is great.

What would you do?

 

[pictor]

A second body won't solve your problem. So I would buy the viewfinder, but I would look for a better price. Some months ago I ordered mine at my local dealer and payed about 120 €, which is much cheaper than a second body.

 

[BBW]

Wonderful poll, Alf - I was tempted to chose #4, but I voted for the EVF. I loved mine and since you already do so wonderfully with what you have - why not get the darn thing and make the most of what you have? Keep an eye out for a good price and be ready - maybe someone will be selling a gently used one?

 

[Streetshooter]

Alf ,
I voted for the Nex but I would get the 5, not the 3.
The screen on the Nex is second to none, bar all.
The increase in IQ over m43 is also very noticeable.
You may not see the difference on a screen but in print... A big difference.
If money is your concern, get the finder. I seem to think that money is not the main concern, thus the options.
The Nex with legacy glass is as good as it gets...
Just a wonderful experience.

 

[BBW]

True, good point, Don. See, I completely forgot about the NEX screen...out of sight out of mind. Alf, can I vote early and often and change my vote to be more reflective?

Only having used the NEX for 30 minutes, albeit magical minutes, I wonder if there is any particular lens that you love, Alf, that might not lend itself to the NEX 5? The sensor is really top notch and it's a very easy camera to hold and carry.

 

[christilou]

Hi Alf, I sold my EP2 and vf and then bought the EPL1 but didn't like it at all. I was much happier with the NEX5 and you would be able to use your legacy lenses on it too (with appropriate adapters). I took mine to Spain in September in bright sunshine and had no trouble seeing the screen on the NEX5, it's also nice to be able to "shoot from the hip". Although I sold my NEX this year I would be happy to buy another one day when there are more AF lenses available

 

[Alf]

. Some months ago I ordered mine at my local dealer and payed about 120 €, which is much cheaper than a second body.

Wow. I would run for this price, I'm thinking of a second camera as you can have an e-pl1 (refurbished) at the same price of the vf-2.

 

[BillN]

none of the above and what do you think I should do might be a useful 6th option

 

[pictor]

I would not like to use the E-PL1 without the viewfinder anymore, framing is just so much easier with it! And it is virtually impossible to focus with a manual lens with the display, since its resolution is so low, and totally impossible if there is too much light. If you are happy with the E-PL1, changing the system may be pointless and more expensive than buying the VF-2. I don't expect that you will pay the same price as I did, but less than 200 € should be possible.