[underscore]

Basically I now have unlimited access to two cameras, the Sony NEX-5K and the Olympus PEN E-PL1. As of right now, I've only ever used point-and-shoot cameras, so I'm hoping you guys can tell me which one of these I should focus my attention on using and thus learn with. Any tips and advice for either camera would be great as well. They both come with zoom lenses and small flashes out of the box, I can post the relevant info if needed (and you tell me what on it is relevant lol).

I know they both shoot HD video, which I'm hoping to do a bit of as well (yes I know these are no replacement for a proper camcorder) so any insite as to which is best for that would be great as well.

TIA.

[Senna4ever]

The Sony has a larger sensor, which should translate to less noise, and higher image quality. The Olympus has better ergonomics though.

[!MiKrofT]

I would choose Nex 5. However more lens options on the Olympus.

[ilvtofu]

So do you have them sitting around the house somewhere? What's the story? please clarify

I heard the NEX5 doesn't take very sharp photos. I honestly would get the Panasonic GF1 If I were in this market haha
Sweep panorama is kinda cool lol, pretty useless though IRL, that's not to say the pen doesn't have it's own toys, tilt shift or w/e they call it is pretty fun.

How much more is the d3100 going to be over these? It's probably what I would go with :troll:

[RFlush]

Hey I was in the same situation and I ended up getting the E-PL1. A lot of my other friends suggested the E-PL1 and even multiple sales reps from different stores said it was a better choice. Apparently, it's the number 1 sold camera of its type in HK and Japan.

Anyways, got it and don't regret it.

[underscore]

So do you have them sitting around the house somewhere? What's the story? please clarify

I heard the NEX5 doesn't take very sharp photos. I honestly would get the Panasonic GF1 If I were in this market haha
Sweep panorama is kinda cool lol, pretty useless though IRL, that's not to say the pen doesn't have it's own toys, tilt shift or w/e they call it is pretty fun.

How much more is the d3100 going to be over these? It's probably what I would go with :troll:

My mom got them from a convention, they were registered to her as soon as she got them so we have to keep them, as such I get to play with them as much as I like :D

Since I'm new to DSLRs (and proper photo editing) I figure it would probably be best to mostly stick to one of the cameras, so I get used to manipulating the settings as I learn what they are. Correct me if this is actually a silly idea.

Thus far the E-PL1 seems to have some pretty cool features, the built in modes seem neat if you don't want to do any editing later, but I'm guessing I can get a better effect by doing the processing myself? The "diorama" mode is pretty sweet though, I think it kinda looks like tilt-shift (I think that's what it's called).

The Sony as neat as well, given that even when on i-auto mode, the screen is telling me what mode it's automatically selecting, which is kinda neat for reference.

They both seem like pretty noob-friendly cameras, this'll be fun :D

[bcedhk]

i would personally save up/invest more on the GF-1, yes is almost 300 dollars more, but the build quality, ergonomics, and most important, quality of the pictures is superb.

If you do have to go with those 2, I would go with the e-pl1 because it has better ergonomics, and provides the right functions for more advance use.

Those who buy nex-5 at my work usually just use the auto/presets 90% of the time. while the e-pl1 user tends to tinker with the manual modes more.

[underscore]

Yes it has to be one of those two, as their currently sitting on my desk and must be kept. If I had a choice I'd have a Nikon as my mom still has a tonne of lenses from her old SLR that I'm told should still work with a DSLR.

[FN-2199]

I actually work for Olympus Cameras, so I'm a little biased. I do agree, it has better ergonomics and it was a camera designed for ease of use with DSLR functions, so it's great to learn with, especially if you have the extra micro four-thirds lenses.
The Sony NEX-5K is pretty, though :)
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[Senna4ever]

I actually work for Olympus Cameras, so I'm a little biased. I do agree, it has better ergonomics and it was a camera designed for ease of use with DSLR functions, so it's great to learn with, especially if you have the extra micro four-thirds lenses.
The Sony NEX-5K is pretty, though :)
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You work for Olympus? Will you be at the APAC workshops next weekend?

[underscore]

I actually work for Olympus Cameras, so I'm a little biased. I do agree, it has better ergonomics and it was a camera designed for ease of use with DSLR functions, so it's great to learn with, especially if you have the extra micro four-thirds lenses.
The Sony NEX-5K is pretty, though :)
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I'm not sure what a four thirds is, but it did come with one lens out of the box. I actually like the look of the Olympus better, although the Sony does have a rather huge looking screen.

Are you a rep or something? Would you have been at the London Drugs stuff this past week?

[FN-2199]

You work for Olympus? Will you be at the APAC workshops next weekend?

Most likely. Work hasn't quite told me yet. :(
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[!MiKrofT]

Micro Four Thirds is the type of lens mount. Sony's NEX uses an E Mount.

[gars]

I thought the Sony seemed a bit off balance, as the lenses are a little bigger - with such a thin body. But I think it has just as much manual functions as the olympus. That said, even after working at a Sony Centre in the UK, I find the Sony to be a little weird in terms of the UI - but that is a personal thing.

I think it's cool that you can get the adaptor to fit the Alpha lenses... even if the adaptor is going to be super pricey. 70-400G FTW...

[RCubed]

NEX has a APS-C sized sensor! :)
Yeah, the UI for the NEX is weird, but the firmware update coming Mid-October is going to fix a lot of that, and also allow AF for SSM/SAM lenses with the adapter.

I <3 my NEX5

[!MiKrofT]

NEX has a APS-C sized sensor! :)
Yeah, the UI for the NEX is weird, but the firmware update coming Mid-October is going to fix a lot of that, and also allow AF for SSM/SAM lenses with the adapter.

I <3 my NEX5
Wow.. AF for SSM/SAM? sweet

[RCubed]

Wow.. AF for SSM/SAM? sweet

Apparently, beta tests show that the AF for SSM/SAM is VERY slow. Like 2-4 seconds for focus. Hopefully that'll be improved.

[ilvtofu]

I went to look at the sony store ytd at the NEX, I have some alpha lenses from my old a200 so I asked the guy if those fit, he says you needed to get an adaptor for $200 and still no AF I just rofl'ed and left...

[!MiKrofT]

Well its logical that you need an adapter. It is a different mount after all. As above af only on ssm/saf soon to come. Cause those gave the af motor in the lens already.
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[!MiKrofT]

Apparently, beta tests show that the AF for SSM/SAM is VERY slow. Like 2-4 seconds for focus. Hopefully that'll be improved.

Slow. Hmm I'm still deciding what to replace my g11 with. B&h has a dale on the gf1 kit.
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[c3m]

^ here's a preview of the upcoming software for the NEX5
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1010/10101104sonyfirmwareimpressions.asp