I popped into the WHE showroom today and had a play with both the G1 and the E420, both seem like nice little cameras. For me the G1 had the edge in handling (the lack of grip on the E420 felt a bit odd) and I liked the articulated LCD. The EVF on the G1 was better than any other I'd tried, but still not as nice to use as the viewfinder on the E420. The kit lens on the Panasonic was much smaller than the Olympus, but the Oly 40-150 was tiny compared to the Panasonic 45-200. Both seemed to AF quickly enough and the live view AF seemed to work well on the Olympus. Given the huge price difference (E420 twin lens kit ~£380, G1 twin lens kit ~£625) and just how close they are to each other in size and performance I can't see e buying a G1. Sure it's a very nice camera and the gadget lover in me wants one, but I think for once common sense will win out and I'll resist it.
I then tested the Olympus E520 against the E410, they really are very similar cameras, but the grip on the E520 makes it nicer in the hand. Coupled with the addition on in camera IS and the extra cost of only ~£80 the E520 is probably a better buy. The only way I could get a similar Canon set up for the same price would be to go for a used 350/400D and a Sigma 18-200. It is amazing to me that you can get the Olympus twin lens kit for less than a Canon 450D body only!
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