Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

As a user of Bridge cameras, micro 4/3, and occasionally, a Canon Rebel T3, DSLR, I recognize each for its distinct advantages. There are times when I want better IQ or and/or faster performance than my SX50 bridge camera can provide, while at the same time, I don't want to carry more than one lens. Should I buy the Tamron 18-270 ($450.00), the Sigma 18-250 ($350) for the Rebel, or should I get the Panasonic 14-150 ($650-$700) for micro 4/3? As you can see, my choices for the Rebel will end up costing far less, but on the other hand, I have 5 micro 4/3 bodies to fit the other lens on. Any thoughts, Hoggers?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That was my former problem. I finally switched back to 100% DSLR from Sony NEX. "A man cannot serve two masters." :D

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Considering the ergonomics of the Nex cameras, along with the sparse selection of lenses, I would have done the same. As for serving two masters, if one is blonde and the other a redhead, I see no problem.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

As long as they never meet. :D

EstherP

Yes, I have a suggestion.
It seems like a hop-scotch variety of equipment you have there. Five M4/3 bodies, my goodness, why so many?
Plus a bridge camera, plus a Rebel.
My suggestion would be that you make a list of the bodies you have - forget the lenses for now - an jot down the "goods" and the "bads" of each body. Such things as where the controls are, how easy they are to operate, how they fit your hand, how easy is it to change lenses...
For other things, like fps, ISO, image ratios, type(s) of memory cards, etc. you can select the cameras you own, and compare them side-by-side on dpreview.com
From your findings with that exercise, decide what body (bodies) you'd want to keep, limit it to one or two.
If you decide on two M4/3 mirrorless, or two of the Canons, or two bridge cameras, you'll always have a back-up body and can use the lenses from one body on the other one as well (except for the bridge cameras of course).
Start thinking about lenses only once you have decided what camera is the best for your use, and has the features you want - and ONLY you can decide that.
EstherP

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

I am not surprised that you are asking why I have so many camera bodies. The answer is twofold. Five years ago, I started playing around with a point and shoot, progressed to bridge cameras, and finally am hooked on the "hard stuff". (interchangeable lens cameras) Having a close associate who is manager of a "brick and mortar" store, I am able to get fantastic deals on models that are last years' and/or floor samples. I find that having a wide range of camera models suits me well. When my days' activities MIGHT include taking photos, I pack along a pocket sized point and shoot. When they WILL include taking photos, out comes the bridge camera. When my day's activity IS taking photos, I take the SLR or Micro 4/3 body with kit lens, short telephoto, or long telephoto, depending on what I am most likely to be shooting. I bring along the bridge camera as well for whatever falls outside of the range of the lens attached to the DSLR or micro 4/3

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Which m4/3 do you have?

cthahn

Why so many cameras? It also sounds like you are hooked on cheap zoom lenses. Use one camera, use a 35 or 50 mm prime lens, depending on the camera you are using. fully understand the camera and all its features, and quit playing zoom.

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Panasonic G1, G5, GF2. Olympus Epm1 and EPL1

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Sounds good until you realize that many of the things I photograph require a good bit of reach; ships at sea, wildlife, and candid people shots. Try getting these subjects with a 50mm prime. Unless you can walk on water, forget the ships and unless you have a death wish, forget the bears in Alaska. There must be some reason why the standard kit lens on both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras almost NEVER is a fixed focal length prime

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Ok, so the G5 probably has the best sensor of the bunch, right? I think if I were in your shoes, I'd pick a camera format and run with it. Personally, I like what I'm seeing (current model wise) from m4/3.

Get good quality lenses.
Don't forget to look into refurbished. On olympus's website, they have a refurbished 45mm f1.8 for $279
14-150 for $399
17mm f1.8 for$ 399

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

I did consider the Olympus 14-150. Unfortunately it doesn't have built in image stabilization so handheld shots at the long end might be a little tricky. I also prefer the build quality of most Panasonic lenses over Olympus

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

When do you have time to do all that? Wow!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

On his bodies no IS, but future bodies should have it.

EstherP

On dpreview.com comparison, the GF2 has no IS, the G5 and G1 have optical IS and the EPL1 and EPM1 have sensor shift IS.
Hmmm, now I'll have to dig into what the difference is between optical and sensor shift IS....
EstherP