DavenMathies

You will have to decide how important size/form factor is. Like the above have stated, there are some fantastic higher end “point and shoot” and interchangeable lens compact cameras that offer similar control to an SLR. If your partner is serious about getting into photography, then chances are an SLR is the better way to go as it offers the most room to grow and expand. If she is more of a hobbyist or vacation photographer, then the smaller size of an NEX of M4/3 camera (or high end point and shoot) is probably the better option.

The Tamron 60mm is nice because it’s f/2, although typical macro shooting will be done at much smaller apertures. I’ll also throw in a good word for the Tokina 100mm f/2.8, but perhaps that’s not available in Sony mount (I’m assuming you have a Sony camera based on the Sony and Minolta lens options you’ve listed.)

I just went through and added everyone in the Flickr group as a contact. I don’t always have time to check my groups, but I will see my contacts stream and want to make sure I don’t miss all the Verge users’ photos!

Backed. Let’s make it happen.

Keep in mind you will you pay more for what the Nikon is giving you over the 60D. About $400 more given the current rebate on the 60D.

I’m wondering if D700 was a typo and that maybe you meant D7000? A D7000 is the closer competitor to the 60D. If you did mean D700, then I will say this: being a full frame body, it will win hands-down over a 60D every time except cases in which you need extra reach (where the 60D’s crop factor becomes a benefit.)

I have to disagree. The 5D III is a camera for professionals, who should already know what they’re doing and why they’re getting a camera. They don’t need a review. The E-M5 is the new kid on the block, and people need to be able to research it before buying.

Awesome review, David. This is turning into a very, very exciting year for cameras. :)

If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of Aperture or Lightroom. They both have a lot of options for controlling your black and white processing.

Well, if you want to get technical… ;-)

Ah, I forgot my main point: the GH2 appears to be on it’s way out, so can be found for very cheap—my store currently sells the body only for $750. This camera was $1200 a year ago.

I echo pretty much what everyone else has said here, but I’d also throw in the option of the Panasonic GH2. Unlike the GX1, the GH2 will allow you the use of an external microphone as well as give you manual exposure control and multiple frame rate options for video recording. It’s video quality is absolutely top notch, even out resolving a Canon 5D Mark III. While it won’t match the high ISO performance of larger sensor cameras, it will give you very solid image quality through 1600 ISO in a form factor that SLR’s or even the NEX (because of the lens size) can’t match.