Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I hope this won't be too general but i really need some help. I'm looking to buy a 4/3s camera that would be good for travel snapshots (both landscape and architecture) and, since changing lenses is possible, occasional totally not serious macro. It's a present for someone who would use it that way. That someone seems to judge a camera by its response time so something that's not too slow would be nice.
Budget is not an issue.

Thank you!

The Olympus OMD is the camera with the fastest focusing time. Is weather sealed and takes amazing video. I almost bought this combo for myself:

$1300 Body with 14-50
$300 grip/battery accessory..but only put on the grip part.
$360 The Panasonic 20 f/1.7
$245 45-200 Zoom (which you might not need)

...if those lenses don't make you happy, you can find others, there are loads for MFT. 2.1 crop factor...

you will want the Panasonic 7-14mm f4 for landscapes/architecture.

thank you, both. appreciate your suggestions. i'll look up the Olympus OMD and all recommended lenses.

Unless Olympus has made vast improvements to their menu system, it's not very user friendly.

Also if your friend has an existing lenses for a specific brand of SLR or DSLR, you might want to consider compatibility of their lenses to the 4/3 as they may have a favorite lens like using.

Bottom line do your research, before you buy.

Thank you, roninbmo. He doesn't have anything but since he's my hubby i just might be kind enough to lend him some of my lenses The thing is I really believe that he has a 'good eye' and I can tell that he's enjoying taking pictures and post-processing flow but since he's only been using P&S, he gets frustrated by its shortcomings. He's quite technical so i don't think that less than user friendly menu will be an issue.
I'll do my homework. Bday present is due next week

I don't find Olympus to be user unfriendly....just maybe overwhelming for someone new to Olympus....

Olympus does a great job to allow tons of options and customization.

He's been using Olympus Tough...would that be helpful with that potential issue at all?

Not sure if it's too late, but you may also want to consider the Fuji X100 or the SE version, in the sleek black! The SE version is limited and comes with some nice extras that your husband may be interested in purchasing if you chose the X100.

The OM-D is a great camera IMO, and both models are on par I think, but with the Fuji maybe be coming out better in image quality. I do like the extras you get from the OM-D, weather resistant, tilting screen, so it's a tough choice!

Enabling the "super control panel" for the rear screen immensely simplifies access to the most used controls. The E-M5 is both extremely user customizable and easy to navigate, once that one step is taken. The 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 (weather sealed) kit lens is very handy for video, has a good focal range, and has a macro mode that will permit some rather close shots. Too bad it's a touch dark. Coupled with an Olympus 9-18mm (100 degree viewing angle) and a Panasonic 45-200mm, you've got a huge effective range covered in a small kit. Toss in a 45mm F1.8 and you've got a hell of a nice kit.

thank you, guys!
it's not too late...i need to buy something by the 10th of this month.

I was thinking about x100 but i don't know when and where did i read that it's best for street photography (which he'll never do). obviosly, my research is lacking so i am sorry for sounding so superficial. i really like x100 though (and might want it for myself). in any case, i'd like something that, in case he doesn't end up using the camera, i'd be happy to have. i should also mention for all its worth that i like that Olympus is weather resistant since my hubby loves the rain and doesn't think twice when going out with the camera in wet conditions.

OK, one last question: silver or black? (Olympus OMD that is)

Silver.