I sold my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 yesterday. It was my very first micro 4/3 digital camera and it featured almost everything I had wanted in an ILR at the time. Fantastic control, beautiful screen and viewfinder, small package, and 4/3 lens compatibility with a Four Thirds DSLR Lens Mount Adapter.

It was so good, it won the PopPhoto Camera of the Year Award.

I paid around $800 for it back in 2008, sold it for $100. If it weren't for all the other new Panasonic G Cameras such as the one pictured in the background above, it would have held more of its value.

$100 is a bargain for such a camera, and I urge any newbie photographers out there to consider a used micro 4/3 camera as an upgrade to their point and shoot or phone camera. I've shot $1000 jobs with the G1.

Truth is, technically speaking, it still is more than enough for my needs as a part-time pro photographer. I really didn't need more - but I wanted more.

I also have the Panasonic G5, but the simplification of the external controls (lack there-of) reminds me of what I missed in the G1. Plus, I want the good movie mode found in the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 as I'm doing more professional video production than photography these days.

The Panasonic LUMIX GX7 does look interesting as a supplementary, travel, mini-sized GH3 camera though. I'll wait for the reviews and see.

For now, the plan will be the OM-D for photos (some video), and a GH3 for video. Perhaps a GX7 for both on the go.