Nikon D3200 or Panasonic G5

[NoviceBoy]

Hi,

Some advice please. I've just qualified for my long service award at work and now have approx £350 to spend on something. Give my love of Country Walking I've decided to move on from occasional shots with a cheap compact/mobile phone and get a bit more serious about my photography. I'd say approximately 80% of shots are likely to be landscapes with the remainder mostly family/friend shots plus occasional other elements (i.e fireworks/illuminations on the horizon)

It will be an occasional hobby as we don't get to go out every weekend so I don't want to spend a fortune, nor do I see myself adding additional lenses (at least not in the short-term unless I get hooked!)

I've scoured the market and came up with a Nikon D3200 as a good camera. Then I spoke to a friend of a friend who is into photography and he recommended the Panasonic G5 (CSC) for around the same price.

I've handled them both and obviously the Panasonic is smaller and lighter. However, when I look at various reviews/websites etc each of the cameras has its pro's over the other.

I'm sure I can't go wrong with either but I really would appreciate some advice as to what is the best for landscape photography. If there is little difference then I would probably opt for the Panasonic due to its lower size/weight.

Thanks in advance

 

[D.P.]

They are both breath cameras and take great images.
D3200 is obviously a bigger but the bigger sensor is better for low light work, has a shallower depth of focus for portraits, has noticeably better resolution and continuous auto focus will be better. You have more lenses for the Nikon but the m43 mount of the Panasonic is not lacking.

The G5's main advantage is the small size. Video might also be better.

If you are considering a micro four thirds m43 camera then also consider the Olympus offerings. The main difference is that Olympus uses image stabilization of the sensor so ever lens is stablished while Panasonic stabalizes the lenses. I prefer the lens based solution for longer glass but for general photography the sensor based is just as good and has an advantage in that it works on all lenses.

You should also consider you are buying into a system of lenses and flashes. The Nikon system is larger with more room to expand up and up into the very high end pro market. Panasonic system is smaller. It very competent for the average user.

 

[avatar12m]

I love lumix g cameras I own a g3 and love it, bad news is there was an offer that ended yesterday by Panasonic if you bought a g5 you could send in for a free 120mm x lens worth £200 odd , a g3 Is a good option aswell same sensor slightly slower at burst shooting its smaller lighter aswell with the change you could get a few spare batteries and a tripod etc

heres a quick overview of the differences

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50717588