Originally posted by suoersta Thanks Biro, anyway,since you have 3 of them, in terms of IQ, which would you prefer ?
It's not an either-or kind of thing. It depends on what I'm using them for. But if it's low light, the K-5 is definitely the best. On the other hand, if you took a K-5 and a G3 on vacation and shot images outdoors with both cameras in the 3:2 format, you might have a hard time telling which camera was used for the vast majority of images. The lens you use will probably make a bigger difference in those kinds of situations.
But, okay, let's say there's a gun to my head and I have to decide. I'd say the K-5 has best image quality - but it tends to come out mostly in critical situations - such as low light or sports/action. In low light, the K-5's larger sensor and image processing gains you at least a full stop advantage over micro four-thirds. Plus it gives more dynamic range. For action, the Pentax's phase-detection auto focus will track a moving subject better as well.
Between the G3 and the E-PM1, the G3 is better. But that's not to say the E-PM1 is bad (it's certainly better than any point and shoot). But the G3's newer, higher-resolution sensor wins the day.
Now that's image quality only. When you take size (both camera body and lens) into consideration, micro four thirds is my choice fairly often. That's why I own both systems. If you need a camera that's pocketable, the E-PM1 with the Olympus 17mm or Panasonic 14mm pancake (the Panny is better but costs more) is hard to beat.
Understand that's comparing these cameras today. In a year, the IQ differences between APS-C and micro four thirds might be noticeably reduced. Progress marches on.
Last edited by Biro; 06-05-2012 at 03:36 PM.