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Reghardware posted the full GX1 review: “Its superb build quality and ergonomics are matched with speedy performance and excellent image quality. It’s a little unnecessarily complicated to use and could do with a few more operational hints from the screen, but put in a little time with the manual and you’ll reap great rewards.” The GX1 like many other cameras and lenses got a huge discount thanks to the just launched Panasonic US June rebates. Something we Europeans cannot enjoy 🙁
First let’s say that the price “cheater battle” on eBay just started! The just announced 12-35mm Panasonic X lens is available for $1751 on [shoplink 31399 ebay]eBay (via Japan reseller)[/shoplink]. As usual Asian resellers will be the first to ship you the lens but it’s quite an extra you have to pay for it!!!
And now let’s see the opposite of a bad deal 🙂 Take a look at the nice overview of all Panasonic camera rebates can be seen at BHphoto. And another Panasonic lens rebate page is also at BHphoto. I updated the list I posted yesterday including the new entries and the Olympus E-PL1:
1) Olympus E-PL1 for $251 at Amazon.
2) Panasonic 14mm pancake for $260 at Amazon.
3) The 3D lens is in Stock for $49 only at BHphoto and for $67 at Amazon.
4) Panasonic GF3 with 14mm lens for $369 in Brown at BHphoto and in White at Amazon and BHphoto.
5) Panasonic 14-140mm for $499 at Amazon and BHphoto.
6) The Panasonic 45-175mm X lens is now in Stock for $299 at BHphoto. For $282 at Samys.
7) The 14-42mm normal lens (not X!) is in Stock for $99 at Amazon and BHphoto.
8.) The 14-42mm X lens is in Stock for $328 at Amazon.
9) The Panasonic 45-200mm lens sells for $199 at Samys.
10) The Black GX1 with X kit lens is in Stock for $739 at Amazon and BHphoto and $619 with the 14-42mm lens at Amazon and BHphoto.
11) Panasonic GF3 lens with 14mm pancake for $379 at Amazon.
12) GH2 body for $749 at Amazon. GH2 with 14-42mm lens is in Stock for $799 at Amazon. GH2 with 14-140mm lens for $1,179 at Amazon.
21 Responses
It’s freightening how many new E-PL1’s are still in the market!
Why is it a surprise? It’s listed as a current model on the Olympus web site.
http://goo.gl/Yp5x3
I look at it from the point of product managment and related costs. I’m still using the very good E-PL1. Look at the E-Px3, E-PM1?Series. Very similiar performance with little differentiation and very model in 3 colors. The
E-M5 ist hardly rolled out and there a already
talks abpout a new Pen. As a critical consumer now I’m waiting again and watching whats coming up next.
Do you think they’re still making them?
For me – this would make little sense. The margin would be non existent or very small. If OLY want to keep this good classic/oldy they should still charge 400-500 incl. the newer set lens. This would be better for OLY and for many E-PL1 owners.
For me – this would make little sense. The margin would be non existent or very small. If OLY wants to keep this very good classic/oldy they still could charge 400-500 incl. the newer set lens. This would be better for OLY and for the existing E-PL1 owners.
Olympus has only discontinued ONE PEN, the EP1. It’s really kind of mind boggling.
Prices in descending order (with 14-42mm kit lens):
EP3 – $899
EP2 – $799
EPL3 – $699
EPM1 – $599
EPL2 – $599
EPL1 – $499
It’s smart! Offer a cheap entry level to get people to buy into the system, then upgrade later!
GX1? Oh, that junior brother of the G3 that lacks a viewfinder but sells for more because Panasonic proclaimed it The One True Enthusiast Camera 🙂 (Sorry, cant’ stand bashing the overrated and overpriced thing a little bit :))
I have just bought the gx1 and I have to disagree. It cost the same as the g3 but while it does not have a viewfinder it is considerable smaller in praxis. With the 14-42x it is not much larger than a compact camera. For many users this more than justifies not having a viewfinder.
I don’t understand people either who are willing to pay more for less. I’d consider upgrading to the GX1 from my GF1, if the price made sense along with the new viewfinder and finally given manual controls for video. Until then, I’ll be fine using my old, hacked GF1 and giving my money elsewhere.
Wow…..I could not disagree more. You are not paying more for less. You are paying for for a smaller camera, in a metal body, that is more programable to your personal shooting style. You can go with a viewfinder or without. The camera packs a wallop and is small, small, small. It”s a great deal at $549. I had a G-3 and a GX-1. I decided to seLL the G3 (great camera too)…. when I ordered an OM-D. Now I have an extremely small and light all-metal-body camera as a complement to a fuller featured, bulkier OM-D. The GX-1 has become my …throw-a-pancake-on-and-run-out-the-door camera and come back with excellent results. If I want to use a longer lens, adjustable screen or faster frame rate the OM-D….and if I want to go do some serious shooting with a couple of primes around my neck ….hell…they both go. It all depends on what you want.
The G3 gives a LOT for the money….but sometimes less is more in a quality package with lots of options. That’s the GX-1.
I’ve purchased three brand new E-P2 bodies since August 2012 for $299 each in the secondary market. My guess is that Olympus is continuing to make E-P2s, E-PL2s, and E-PL1s for the secondary market … and making a profit at that. There cannot be this much inventory sitting in warehouses that allow the E-PL1, for example, to be at the top of the Amazon ILC list month after month more than a year after its replacement, the E-PL2, hit the shelves.
Olympus would have recouped it R&D costs on these models a long time ago, aging sensors and LCDs are cheaper as time goes on, and the cost of assembling an ILC is marginal compared to DSLRs that require complex mirror assemblies. Love shooting completely manual with the E-P2s using adopted lenses. Perhaps I’ll pick up a new E-P3 if Olympus continues this business model in the secondary market.
+1
Also, in Canada, the GX1 one body can be had for as little as $480, whereas the cheapest G3 that I can see is $550. So, the GX1 is actually cheaper here 🙂
GX1 is such a pointless camera 🙂
M5 is a much more sensible choice if one wants “premium” quality m43 and G3 if they don’t mind mid range and DSLR style.
If new Pens get M5’s sensor and IBIS (very likely) Panasonic will really have to step up the game.
I own both and the GX-1 is much smaller and far more ergonomic and better as a street shooter, not to mention it fits in the pocket. In many cases I prefer it over the EM-5. I assume you own both or is that an armchair evaluation? Do you even have an EM-5?
Hi 43shot, do you find a significant difference in size? I went from an Oly E-PM1 to an EM-5… and sometimes miss the smaller size of PM1, but convinced myself after you add a lens on, there’s not much difference. I was still able to fit an EM-5 with 20mm in my coat pocket 🙂
I do like the idea of having something smaller like a GX-1 or PM1, but wonder if, for the relativel small difference in size, I’d always find myself reaching for the OM-D to get the better IS – and arguably better IQ.
43Shot…I agree… I use my OM-D with the grip (W/O the battery compartment). For me…it is simply the most ergonomic way to use it and not push buttons all of the time. The OM-D is quite weighty for its size. Not a bad thing..I am amazed and pleased at the build quality. But in real use my GX-1 w/LV2 is smaller and lighter in a real way. I think both cameras are GREAT! I feel there is a significant difference in size and portability …especially if i am running out the door with the Pany 14mm pancake on the GX-1. Its really svelte! The OM has its own charms though!
Agreed Bob. I also wish the EM-5 had a no strap lug or one like the GX as is is far more comfortable and functional. I also own the 14MM and that is a great lens on the GX.
+1
The 14-140 at 499 is a great deal, i can remember when it was selling for 800+, not so long ago really….