"X" For Exquisite

I think I finally nailed it.

I should have gone out to take pictures. But it's Friday the 13th, and the Asian in me is very superstitious.

So the whole evening was instead spent doing some "weekend pampering", cleaning the apartment, some yoga, and treating myself to a scrumptious vegetarian meal.

I was also doing more research. And my extensive planning to purchase the Panasonic G3 made me overlook the most recent model of the Lumix series (apart from the up and coming GF5, but that is not the model I am after): the GX1. The X series is new to the lineup, and while it's being marketed as the luxury version of the Panasonic MFT cameras, it has instead gathered rave reviews for it's ergonomics and abundance of direct camera controls (less dependency to the touch screen). It is slightly bigger than the G3, but more rugged, handles easier (with a more comfortable grip) and has better battery life. It is being touted as the camera for more the experienced photographer looking for a camera body that is smaller and lighter, without sacrificing access to advanced features, and, more importantly, picture quality. That's me!

But being a 2012 model makes this a more expensive proposition, though not by a lot. The biggest difference is the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder, which the G3 has. So the added expense will come from the acquisition of the optional EVF which costs around kr 2000. As Ken Rockwell would say, POO! But an EVF is important to me, especially when doing close-up photography, so it is a must have. It is still much cheaper than the Nikon D800. I can still buy this camera with the ENTIRE set of lenses that I will ever need, for just a little bit more than the price of the Nikon D800 body only! And of course, it weighs considerably less, so I won't have to sacrifice my already aging bones just to be able to take good pictures.

I plan to get the silver one. It looks a little bit more retro, but not as retro as the über expensive Olympus OM-D E-M5. Did I mention that it almost looks like a Leica M9? A Leica it is not, of course. But Panasonic has cooperated with Leica for many years, so I guess they have taken some of Leica's design concepts and made it theirs. With the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm F1.4 lens, you get a camera that is very Leica-like, even in image quality. Check out this link and see for yourself. The images it produces are simply EXQUISITE! Call it a poor man's Leica if you will. I don't care.

I have been doing tremendous amounts of research in the past few days now, using the energy that I have left after work to decide which camera will be the best to invest in. And I think everything is finally starting to fall in place. So tomorrow I have to make another trip to the camera store for a more up-close and personal inspection of the GX1. And then I will take some pictures around the city. I promise!