We were just talking about the new GF5 coming to Europe and USA that one of our readers noticed that super Gold box deal where you can get the GF3 with the superb 14mm pancake for $314 at Amazon (Click here to grab it!!!). That’s a lot less than what you pay for a high end compact camera with tiny sensor like the LX5 ($360 at Amazon).
One more news and deal: ePhotozine (Click here) reviewed the 45-200mm Panasonic lens. It’s a pretty decent lens if you consider that you can get it for $199 again at Amazon (Click here).
26 Responses
This a great deal IMO.
Lx5 might have a small sensor, but it’s very versatile: wide angle, bright zoom lens, good video, flash hotshoe, all in a compact package. Very good carry everywhere camera.
This is VERY, VERY Tempting.
Argh. So now I have to deal with whether or not to buy this simply because it’s a great deal, rather than, my actually needing it. And trust me, I’m definitely trying to justify needing it. So terrible. Must resist. Hold out, till GH3…
Jeez, are you men or mice 😉 ? Believe me, the GF3 feels like it was built to last 18 months before something “gives”. The only reason to buy this is as a rear lens cap to hold the 14mm……but even then you have to keep the battery charged, and carry a separate charger, yadayadayada……
Remember, the lens is available for $160 or so, no need to spend double that for a “spare” body.
Don, where is the 14mm available for $160? Thx in advance.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Panasonic-14mm-F2-5-Lumix-G-Lens-M4-3-BLACK-Free-46-mm-UV-Filter-/250997566773?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3a709eed35#ht_2171wt_1066
But please use Admin’s eBay links to find it! I bought mine from a bricks and mortar store in Malaysia for similar, but there is plenty of chatter on the forums about these Taiwanese vendors. All seem pretty legit.
Cheers,
Tom
Ebay! Ahh, thank you.
I know, I have the 14 and I told myself no going backward to the 12 meg Panasonic sensors and no mode -dial- aperture ring -all in one- what happen to my settings- thingy majig, but damn that is a good price, for both.
Wow.. 55%off finally.
I bought one a year ago at almost list price and now thinking about GF5..
What’s problem with me 🙂
stop that, you are creating more trashes
Haha, May be.
But it’s fan 🙂
TGIF, there’s nothing wrong with you, unless you buy the GF5 NOW! Wait a year, and buy it for 55% off….
Thank you for the advice. My left brain also says so. but Right guy don’t…
Anyway I think I’d better wait until G5’ll be announced. Thanks,
If it makes you feel any better, i’ve recently (2 weeks ago) moved to Japan and handled the GF3 next to the GF5 and the GF5 definitely feels a lot better and responds much smoother. I went from not even giving the “new” GF range a look in to actually wanting the GF5 with the x 14-42 lens because it’s just feels like the ultimate small and powerful camera, just like a nice P&S.
But I have to say the GX1 felt pretty good too, much better than I thought it would, annnnnnnd the x-pro-1 AF was better than I expected, though the OMD totally lived up to my expectations… cameras in Japan… it’s amazing having so many of them all right in front of you.
How much are they over there? Same as list prices in usd or considerably cheaper? Coming over in the autumn not sure if it is really that much worth waiting as i would Zlike the camera NOW. Thanks 4 reply
They’re actually quite expensive, I came from Australia and they’re roughly the same price as from there. I would say USA definitely is the cheapest but then I was looking in store (in Akihabara where the electronics mall is huge and they have an entire level just for cameras) so perhaps it’s cheaper online.
I would buy in USA if possible though. I was a little disappointed at the price, I found the 45-200mm for about $250 and thought that was ok until I realised it was second hand, so yeah, go with USA if you can, I don’t understand why they have it so good…
Hi Will. Good to hear. I wasn’t impressed with the GF3, it felt really flimsy, particularly the fit and finish around the bottom (battery door etc). Will have a look at one next time I’m in Singapore. Still think I’d rather have the E-PM1 tho, if I was to get a tiny m43 cam.
Well the strange thing is the GX1 isn’t really much bigger, it’s just more square (or rectangular), so in theory i’d probably go for that over the GF5 but I was really impressed with it all the same.
I think i’ll wait for the next batch of m43 cameras to come out before jumping on, i’m toting my E-P2 around still and i’m happy with the image quality, just get sick of the AF.
A great deal, if we get the comparable price here in the UK I’ll buy it. But I wouldn’t pay the exchange rate premium for a ‘nice to have along’ camera…
This just shows how useless CSC is to average consumers. The market prices the LX5 above a GF3 kit. If i am going to have one camera and one lens. I pick the the LX5 over this kit any day. GF3 kit like this only serve people who already has a main fancy camera and want a small “street camera”.
The problem is that people who only want one camera make up 90% of the sales at this segment.
Save your money for the NEX-F3 if you want a nice point and shoot.
Or wait for GH3, G5, OM-D for a nice system camera.
Why don’t Panny and Oly make a m4/3 fixed zoom lens (24-105mm) version for those that don’t want interchangeable lenses instead of E-PM1 and GF3. The FZ-150 and LX5 cameras are higher priced and get better reviews.
Have you ever used a GF3? I have one to complement my GH2. VERY nice little camera.
The NEX’s have a poor selection of big lenses, why on earth would I want one?
The Nex-5N rocks the kit lens between the sensor and the elegant SW features like combining multiple shots in camera for Noise free low light well beyond any single shot with that sweet sensor, the panoramic modes I’ve found all quite usefull Often negating the need for wide angle. With the $200 Sigma I now have a razor sharp 45mm eq. Oh the HDR mode also combines three shots giving ooc JPEGS with DR most other cameras cant dream zbout.
But yeah the seemingly random menu structure and the fiddley EVF have me obsessing over the EM5 and hoping the G?5 cameras also kick ass.
Gentlemen this is a fine time to be into sweet little cameras!
Peace,
Bill
The 14mm f/2.5 lens goes for $165. This makes the GF3 body mere $150..
Love it or hate it.. GF3 for $150 is a huge bargain.
Not to mention GF3 was recently hacked!
Just ordered one with 14mm and 20mm pancakes! Thanks for the tip, admin!