[frank]

With the updated firmwire the focus speed of XE-1 is not slow any more--though maybe still not matching E-M5's speed. Yes, the EVF is laggy--the EM-5 and Xpro-1's are much better. I don't know if this issue can be fixed with future firmwire or not. I share with you about the "problem" of the 18-55mm length, which makes me hesitate to pick up it.

 

 

I'm not sure it is fair to compare the xe-1 to the gx7/e-m5. The xe-1 is geared towards a deliberate sort of photography due to slow focus and laggy evf. This isn't bad mind you I think my better pictuers have been taken this sort of way. The 18-55 is pretty good probably some where inbetween the 12-60 and 12-50 but I've heard quite a few people with issues (decentering, premature failing) - well not heard but read on forum. It is true that people with issues are the loudest but still this lens seems to crop up a bit more than other lenses (olympus or fuji). The 55-200 is also getting rave reviews for resolution and solid value.

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I've been very tempted to pick up an xe-1 myself - probably will next time there is a promotion - that includes the 55-200. But having played with one in a shop it is a different beast than this camera (for better and worse).