These are my dream compacts: Fuji X100, Lumix GF2 and Olympus E-PL2. If money is no object, I will definitely get the Fuji X100. It will make a perfect companion when I go traveling.

Fuji X100 is Expensive!

The Fuji X100 costs twice as much as the Olympus E-PL2.

For those who can afford the high price tag of the Fujifilm X100, the price is US$1,199.95; compare that to the Olympus EPL2 with the 14-42mm kit lens which costs US$599.

The GF2 with the 14mm f/2.5 lens now costs US$589.99.

And if you do not have thousand of dollars to splurge on a fixed lens compact then the choice is between GF2 and EPL2. With the 14-42mm kit lens, the Panasonic GF2 price is US$375 vs the Olympus EPL2 price US$599.

EPL2 vs GF2

I have been using the Lumix, first was the LX3 and then the LX5. So I do have an inclination for the Panasonic digital compact.

However, I am also using an Olympus DLSR, the E5, and I love Olympus color!

As for the physical specs, the GF2 is smaller and lighter. But I am not sure if I’ll like the touch screen since I’m used to dials and buttons.

Lumix GF2:  112.8 x 67.8 x 32.8 mm, 265g
Olympus EPL2: 115.4 x 72.7 x 42.0 mm, 317g

Which is Better?

I have read all the recent discussion threads on GF2 vs EPL2 at my favorite photography forums. I have studied the technical reviews at dpreview.com on GF2 and EPL2 – the ratings were 71% for EPL2 and 70% for GF2 which to me means equal!

No. I cannot decide which one to buy.

So, what do you suggest?

I am very happy with my Panasonic Lumix LX3. I bought it last October. The LX3 takes great picture and has been my “default” camera ever since. I like the fast ultra-wide angle zoom lens by Leica – 24-60mm/F2.0-2.8 (35mm equiv.).

I used it to take landscape, scenery, sunset, people, food and etc.

More and better resolution pictures at my Flickr LX3 Photostream.