calling all Olymous owners

[CrippledSandwich]

just a shout out to all the Olympus owners on TP i just wanted to say hi im a newbie to Olympus DSLR's having recently got an E520 and i would just like to set up a discussion of anything Olympus related for other Oly users on TP.:)

Chris

[MarkydeSad]

Remember this, anyone? :thumbs:

i_Yo3FRPeQw

[Knikki]

Yep I remember that ad, watched it on the telly. Still didn't buy a Trip mind :D

Yep another fellow Olympus user here both film and digital :D

[MarkydeSad]

Yep I remember that ad, watched it on the telly. Still didn't buy a Trip mind :D

Yep another fellow Olympus user here both film and digital :D

The E-620 seems to be generating some interest, doesn't it? :)

[Jonesgj]

Hiya!

Fellow Olymnpus E-520 and E-620 owner here.

Though fairly new myself happy to help if I can.

First thought:

I find TP an excellent site for all round advice, but I also visit The Olympus E-Group (http://e-group.uk.net/forum/index.php) and the Four Thirds Forum (http://fourthirds-user.com/forum/) for Olympus specific queries.

I am also a member of the Olympus UK Photo Safari Group. Another excellent source of information and a real-life group which meets up all over the country.

Kind regards

Graydon

[vchaney]

I'm an Oly user.

E-3 and E620 here. Love the weatherproofing on the E3 and lenses. Best of all is the colour though.

With the E620 and EP1 Oly is getting a lot more interest. Can't wait for the E3 replacement (even though I've not nearly reached the limit of my current setup)

The only thing that I'd really like is proper TTL radio flash. My guess is that Pocketwizard etc will only develop this for Canon and Nikon systems. Still, manual seems to be working pretty well so far.

[Knikki]

The E-620 seems to be generating some interest, doesn't it? :)

It does and is getting some good reviews as well. Not sure what to make of the "Art Filters" but I am sure someone will like them and make use of them.

The Pen is also getting lots of interest as well. :thinking: may go have a hunt and look for an original Pen-F the old half frame film camera.

I have only had the E3 about a year so don't think I will be changing my kit for a while yet. Still got and use the old E-20 that is great little camera

[Jonesgj]

It does and is getting some good reviews as well. Not sure what to make of the "Art Filters" but I am sure someone will like them and make use of them.


I must say I was sceptical. However, walking down the street the day after I purchased the E-620 I found myself making "Instant Art" with some of the Art filters. It's not going ot be everyone's cup of tea but I liked it. I still prefer processing in PP after taking a 'proper photograph' but it gives the user an additional fun element. Do try it before dismissing it.

Regards

Graydon

[Effjay]

E410 user here, and can't complain about it. An E620 is on the cards though, hopefully by the end of the summer I'll be a 2 body user! Plus I don't need to go and buy all new glass :)

[cloudhunter]

Hi,

I so want to buy an olympus but worry so much about the high iso noise. Iknow the sensor isnt that much smaller but every image ive een at iso800+ is noisy as hell. Is the E3 as bad for this?

[Knikki]

Oh I don't know. There is a chap on one of the Four Third sites that shoots at 3200 and his images look very good. Once you get into high iso range then all images will need a little more processing to get the best from them. Unless you have full frame camera.

Here is an example from some stuff I did a few weeks ago:

1) http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3739975258_a41c170aa1.jpg?v=0

1) Shot at RAW ISO 800 some noise reduction processing done don't think I did anything else to it. saved as tiff resized then saved as a jpeg.

2) http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/3739179529_3301b6b858.jpg?v=0

2) Nothing done to this one other then resized and saved as a jpeg file.

Shot from an Oly E3 ISO 800

[theMusicMan]

Hi,

I so want to buy an olympus but worry so much about the high iso noise. Iknow the sensor isnt that much smaller but every image ive een at iso800+ is noisy as hell. Is the E3 as bad for this?
Hiya cloudhunter

No need for concerns, there's no worry where the E-3 is concerned. Here you go;

ISO3200, f5.6, 1/20th, handheld, kit lens 50-150mm

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p393738416.jpg

[cloudhunter]

Hiya cloudhunter

No need for concerns, there's no worry where the E-3 is concerned. Here you go;

ISO3200, f5.6, 1/20th, handheld, kit lens 50-150mm

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p393738416.jpg

WOW!!! Thats really really good for iso3200! Why do people slate olympus high iso then?

[theMusicMan]

WOW!!! Thats really really good for iso3200! Why do people slate olympus high iso then?

Because of several reasons if I am totally honest.

They used to be very bad at high ISO on earlier DSLR's, the E-400 and E-410 especially, and to a point also on the E-510. But with the advent of the E-3, the E620 and the E-30, noise issues are all but gone. It is still there of course at very high ISO, but at least you can now use ISO3200 as I demonstrated here.

I hate to say it, but other reasons are cliquiness and ignorance - facets quickly disappearing from here on TP thankfully though.

There's no way Oly can compete with any full frame sensor re noise, but there are significantly less noise issues on the latest batch of Oly kit.

[waspjunior]

WOW!!! Thats really really good for iso3200! Why do people slate olympus high iso then?

Because people on forums like this and all other forums be it cars, aviation, football or embroidery just parrot what they've heard from some other "expert" rather than bother to find out for themselves. IMHO :)

[vchaney]

It used to be the case that Oly shots were more noisy, and to be fair they are a bit noisier than Nikon and Canon still. The noise can be processed away though. The Oly faster glass is very good wide open which also means you can generally use a lower ISO too.

You need to think about what you are going to use the camera for. If you're doing a lot of indoor low light shots you should look at Nikon. Otherwise Oly is great, especially the colours outdoors. Sky blue and green really come out. As Knikki and theMusicMan show, you can get great results even in these conditions.

For me, proper weatherproofing, great lenses, great colours, IS with all lenses and never worrying about dust more than make up for it.

[cloudhunter]

I can imagine the crop factor for aviation would be superb as your getting double the range arent you?

Also what olympus has a normal sized viewfinder cause i looked through an e520 and it was tiny.

[theMusicMan]

What model are you considering...? Thought about glass...? What you gonna shoot?

[PerfectSpeed]

Still makes me laugh that advertising line, "Olympus, even simple people could use it" :lol:

[theMusicMan]

Yep, some would say I'm simple... hehehehe

[cloudhunter]

What model are you considering...? Thought about glass...? What you gonna shoot?

Considering the E3 (mainly cause of the better bigger viewfinder) and will be shooting aircraft mainly. Was going to get something like the 14-54mm lens and 70-300

That would set me back approx £1500. Am i mad to spend that as i would get a better setup with another make or would the e3 and them lenses give me a really good setup?

[PerfectSpeed]

Yep, some would say I'm simple... hehehehe
TBH I've never looked at the brand but I remember the ad's as a kid, off to google.

Nice to meet a good sport :thumbs:

[Chillimonster]

For the money, the range is superb, but remember the weatherproofing of the E-3 is useless if you are using the 70-300 as that is not weatherproof.

The 50-200 is a much better (and much more expensive) lens, if it can be afforded and will give the best of the rest a true run for their money.

[theMusicMan]

Considering the E3 (mainly cause of the better bigger viewfinder) and will be shooting aircraft mainly. Was going to get something like the 14-54mm lens and 70-300

That would set me back approx £1500. Am i mad to spend that as i would get a better setup with another make or would the e3 and them lenses give me a really good setup?
Chris is spot on re the 50-200mm lens - it's class, nothing short of. If you can afford it, I'd try to get that one - and you can use it effectively with the EC1.4 too with no IQ loss.

I never shoot aircraft, except the once when I was in the area of Cardiff airport on a really wet and miserable day when a famous old plane was there. Here's the shots I took with the E-3 and the Sigma 50-500mm.

http://www.reflectingme.com/p130095417

See... told you I was ***** :)

TBH I've never looked at the brand but I remember the ad's as a kid, off to google.

Nice to meet a good sport :thumbs:

hehe... no sweat matey... nothing like a bit of fun, life's too short! :lol:

[cloudhunter]

For the money, the range is superb, but remember the weatherproofing of the E-3 is useless if you are using the 70-300 as that is not weatherproof.

The 50-200 is a much better (and much more expensive) lens, if it can be afforded and will give the best of the rest a true run for their money.

I could possibly afford that. SO that would take me upto about £2200. Would that be as good as saya canon/nikon similar package?

[theMusicMan]

I know of someone trustworthy selling an E-3 on the official Oly forum here - http://e-group.uk.net/forum/index.php - have a quick search in the for sale area.

It might be worth keeping a look out for a 2nd hand 50-200mm lens too, they do come up from time to time. Though it's better than the 70-300mm lens, you can also pick up one of these for little over £250 now, and that has to be great value because it's a belter of a lens for the money. Most of the shots I place here (http://www.reflectingme.com/p502472125) are taken with it.

You can get the E-3, with 50-200mm for a lot less than the price you mention.

[Chillimonster]

I could possibly afford that. SO that would take me upto about £2200. Would that be as good as saya canon/nikon similar package?


In my opinion, and having used both (although i shoot Nikon D700 now, i do miss the quality of the Oly body / glass combo!), i would say it can more than hold it's own.

Here's some of mine with the Oly E-3

35-100 F2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3015694431_35eb65451e_o.jpg

12-60mm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2784096065_976284d35f_o.jpg

12-60mm
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2783908289_ec90517254_o.jpg

50-200mm & 1.4tc
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2628834988_1b8718c887_o.jpg

[cloudhunter]

Very Nice!

I do like the idea of an olympus as its not as common as the others imo and i like that. I dont like to follow the herd so to speak.

Just wouldnt want to buy and spend alot on lenses and then regret it due to noise or some other performance detriment

[theMusicMan]

Very Nice!

I do like the idea of an olympus as its not as common as the others imo and i like that. I dont like to follow the herd so to speak.

Just wouldnt want to buy and spend alot on lenses and then regret it due to noise or some other performance detriment

Chris has some great shots and shows what the Oly kit is capable of excellently.

I'd say a few years ago that your fears may have been justified, but seriously, not any more.:thumbs:

[cloudhunter]

I agree the shots are superb. Especially the 12-60 shot B&W.

I am thinking of getting into weddings aswell (probably about 2yrs time). I know everyone says the d700 is the best wedding camera but then its alot of money aswell. Surely the E3 with iso800-1600 and a flashgun would do well at a wedding?

[theMusicMan]

I agree the shots are superb. Especially the 12-60 shot B&W.

I am thinking of getting into weddings aswell (probably about 2yrs time). I know everyone says the d700 is the best wedding camera but then its alot of money aswell. Surely the E3 with iso800-1600 and a flashgun would do well at a wedding?

The D700 is a class camera, there's no getting away from that, and it fits the needs of a wedding superbly too.

However, make you own mind up re the E-3... I was a second shooter at this one.

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p58198792-3.jpg

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v4/p144990580-3.jpg

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v6/p362533926-3.jpg

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v1/p1045239305-4.jpg

Tonemapped wedding car - handheld, hence the slight cam shake.
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v6/p538541674-4.jpg

[Chillimonster]

Very Nice!

I do like the idea of an olympus as its not as common as the others imo and i like that. I dont like to follow the herd so to speak.

Just wouldnt want to buy and spend alot on lenses and then regret it due to noise or some other performance detriment

Thanks cloudhunter.

The investment in Oly glass is a major one as quality costs. However you end up with a fully weatherproof system that can really do battle in any conditions. As for performance - i think Oly are not that far behind and at the rate things are moving it will not be too long until the differences are unoticable.

Chris has some great shots and shows what the Oly kit is capable of excellently.

I'd say a few years ago that your fears may have been justified, but seriously, not any more.:thumbs:

Thnaks John :)

I agree the shots are superb. Especially the 12-60 shot B&W.

I am thinking of getting into weddings aswell (probably about 2yrs time). I know everyone says the d700 is the best wedding camera but then its alot of money aswell. Surely the E3 with iso800-1600 and a flashgun would do well at a wedding?


The D700 (IMO) has got to be one of the best wedding tools around due to the flexability of the images and detail retention. I very rarely use flash on my images and shoot at ISO 4000+ with no worries and get similar noise to ISO 1000 - 1250 on the E-3. Thanks not to say i could not get the same images with the Oly, but i'd have to work harder and maybe carry out a little more PP (and i'm too lazy to do that).

However after holding and carressing an EP-1 at weekend ...... :love: :lol:

[Chillimonster]

The D700 is a class camera, there's no getting away from that, and it fits the needs of a wedding superbly too.

However, make you own mind up re the E-3... I was a second shooter at this one.


Superb images John :thumbs:, and you say mine show off what the E-3 can do!!

[cloudhunter]

Those colours!! Are the e3's known for the lovely colours as ive been looking around on the net and almost all the pics people have taken with them have superbly rich colours!

[cloudhunter]

Am i right in saying with teh olympus being a 2x crop factor that if i had my back to the wall with a nikon d3 and an olympus e3 at an air show with identical lenses the aircraft would be closer in the viewfinder on the e3?

[theMusicMan]

Those colours!! Are the e3's known for the lovely colours as ive been looking around on the net and almost all the pics people have taken with them have superbly rich colours!

Yep, the E-3 has lovely rich colours just like those you see. It all started all those years ago with the E-1... might have to get one of those in time. :) By the way... in the shot of the couple (parents of the two girls in next pic) I lowered the saturation slightly!

Am i right in saying with teh olympus being a 2x crop factor that if i had my back to the wall with a nikon d3 and an olympus e3 at an air show with identical lenses the aircraft would be closer in the viewfinder on the e3?

Yep... twice as close. Your field of view on the E-3 is less than that of the D3 which is full frame, thus giving the effect of twice the focal length of the lens seen through the viewfinder. To get the equivalent focal length of the Oly 70-300mm would take a lot of dosh on the D3 as you'd need a 600mm lens - but by heck you would get cracking image quality.

[theMusicMan]

Superb images John :thumbs:, and you say mine show off what the E-3 can do!!Cheers Mr Chilli...:lol:

[Chillimonster]

One more from me ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2411294618_f9256600fa_o.jpg

[cloudhunter]

Super Quality Chillimonster. Why did you ever move from Olympus?

[Chillimonster]

Super Quality Chillimonster. Why did you ever move from Olympus?

I often ask myself that very question :lol:

Some of it came from the fact that i was shooting a lot of indoor sports (swimming / boxing) for a few clubs and needed the low light performance of the D700. I also fell for the "Grass is greener" that little 'captain paranoia' kept on whispering in my ear.

When i look back at some of my pictures i realise just how good some of the lenses were on the 4/3rd system (in particular the 50mm Macro / 35-100 F2 / 50-200mm / 12-60mm) and have yet to find a lens as good on the Nikon system. There are some that come close, but not on overall sharpness (especially in the corners)

My photography has changed a lot now and i'm no longer shooting for the clubs (long long long story :(), and am only shooting for myself, so i may at some point return to the Oly system - who knows ;)

[Chillimonster]

Even the old E-1 produced some superb results from 5mp....

http://lightproofbox.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p104550272-4.jpg

and finally (for now) one from the 50mm Macro..

http://lightproofbox.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p359303348-4.jpg

[cloudhunter]

Chillimonster,

The Olympus system must be good then if your considering dumping the D700 and coming back. Would you go E3? The E3 should be brilliant for aviation with its 2x crop factor.

[cloudhunter]

WOW at the macro! I heard the olympus lenses were the best. They are from what i can see.

[Chillimonster]

The E-3 took everything i could throw at it, and even got washed under a tap when it got full of sand, so it'd have to be a match for that whatever i went for and at the moment only the E-3 can withstand that!

[Chillimonster]

WOW at the macro! I heard the olympus lenses were the best. They are from what i can see.

:D

None better ;)

[cloudhunter]

I wonder if they are bringing out an E3 replacement??

[Chillimonster]

They'd be sill not to.

If they brought out a E-3 MK II with a better sensor i'd be all over it like a case of swine flu :D

[cloudhunter]

They'd be sill not to.

If they brought out a E-3 MK II with a better sensor i'd be all over it like a case of swine flu :D

:D Funny.

My wish list would be Olympus E3x , 12mp, 6fps, upto iso3200 no problem, £500 special offer, keep it big (hate small cameras) weatherproof.

If they did that id buy it no questions asked.

[theMusicMan]

Hi Cloudhunter - just the one eye shot from me...

E3, 14-54mm lens
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p455411134-4.jpg

... are you convinced yet!?

[theMusicMan]

Hi Cloudhunter - just the one eye shot from me...

E3, 14-54mm lens
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p455411134-4.jpg

... are you convinced yet!?

[cloudhunter]

STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cloudhunter]

STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[theMusicMan]

So... what's your decision...? :)

I've loads more I can show you if you wish. You really have nothing to worry about.

[theMusicMan]

So... what's your decision...? :)

I've loads more I can show you if you wish. You really have nothing to worry about.

[cloudhunter]

Are we all getting a double post for free? lol

My decision is.................. Im gonna get the E3!

Im puzzled as to why people say the dynamic range is crap on olympus as i think the clours are the best. Show me some more though aswell as i think the pics are superb!

[theMusicMan]

Cool news, glad we helped you make a decision. Here's a few more for ya!

Our King Charles Cavalier puppy
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p770823544-4.jpg

Random seeds...
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v6/p951809494-4.jpg

Awesome Oly 7-14mm lens... oh how I lust for one of these...
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v8/p168740504-4.jpg

Skomer Puffin
http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v2/p33848669-5.jpg

Hows that lot...?

[cloudhunter]

They are brilliant. Been reading on google alot over the last 24hrs and virtually all websites are saying the main draw with olympus is their colour and quality/sharpness of the lenses.

These pics back that up perfectly.

I will mainly be using it in daylight so wont need to go beyond iso800 often anyway and doing weddings isnt a certainty and will be in 2yrs time minimum so will probably have an e3x or e4 out by then with more advanced noise control. I think the possible high iso noise disadvantage over the best will be unimportant compared to the lovely sharp, vibrant pictures.

Thanks for all the pics/advice and im off to try and get one this week.:thumbs:

[theMusicMan]

Thank you... and you are most welcome. I hope... no I know... you will love your E3. If I can do anything to help, please shout.

[mid_gen]

Just jumped ship and sold my 30D....and picked up a E-P1 last night :) Haven't had a chance to play really yet, will go out for a wander tonight if the weather's ok!

[cloudhunter]

Just jumped ship and sold my 30D....and picked up a E-P1 last night :) Haven't had a chance to play really yet, will go out for a wander tonight if the weather's ok!

Is there gonna be a second wind for Olympus??:D

[Chillimonster]

Just jumped ship and sold my 30D....and picked up a E-P1 last night :) Haven't had a chance to play really yet, will go out for a wander tonight if the weather's ok!

Looking forward to the user review (compete with pictures of course ;) )

[mid_gen]

Still learning all the menu options and settings :) Had my first wander round with it this evening. A few snaps :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/diffracture/sets/72157621657723433/

So far my view (I'm not an long term photographer......my points of reference are Digital Ixus 75 -> 30D -> E-P1) :

Pros :
It's beautifully built
It's small and light
The images are at least as good as my 30D imo
The AF speed isn't as bad as I had imagined it might be from the reviews, although I'm not going to be shooting any motorsport with it :P


Cons :
The 14-42 lens struggles to focus in low light
The 14-42 takes it beyond 'pocket' size
I keep taking the camera and pressing it to my face and putting big nose smears on the LCD....but I think I'll stop that eventually :P

The lens is the biggest problem at the moment, I will absolutely be buying a fast prime next. Whether I wait for the fabled Panasonic 20mm F1.7 pancake....or get impatient and buy a Voigtlander 1.4 + adapter.......hmmmm

[cowasaki]

Remember this, anyone? :thumbs:

I do but I was probably in the junior school at the time :lol:

[cloudhunter]

Still learning all the menu options and settings :) Had my first wander round with it this evening. A few snaps :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/diffracture/sets/72157621657723433/

So far my view (I'm not an long term photographer......my points of reference are Digital Ixus 75 -> 30D -> E-P1) :

Pros :
It's beautifully built
It's small and light
The images are at least as good as my 30D imo
The AF speed isn't as bad as I had imagined it might be from the reviews, although I'm not going to be shooting any motorsport with it :P


Cons :
The 14-42 lens struggles to focus in low light
The 14-42 takes it beyond 'pocket' size
I keep taking the camera and pressing it to my face and putting big nose smears on the LCD....but I think I'll stop that eventually :P

The lens is the biggest problem at the moment, I will absolutely be buying a fast prime next. Whether I wait for the fabled Panasonic 20mm F1.7 pancake....or get impatient and buy a Voigtlander 1.4 + adapter.......hmmmm

Very good quality pics in my opinion. I think Olympus are very underrated. Im definitely getting an Olympus E3 but struggling to find anywhere that sells them:bang:

[theMusicMan]

There was one for sale recently over on http://e-group.uk.net - have a look and see if it still up for sale or alternatively ask if someone has one they want to sell.

[CrippledSandwich]

has anyone got one of these Olympus 25mm f2.8 Standard Pancake Lens??

and would you class it as a wide angle??

[theMusicMan]

No, I don't have one of those, though they are quite good. I certainly wouldn't class one as wide angle though... you need to go to the 11-22mm, 9-18mm or awesome 7-14mm for that.

[CrippledSandwich]

No, I don't have one of those, though they are quite good. I certainly wouldn't class one as wide angle though... you need to go to the 11-22mm, 9-18mm or awesome 7-14mm for that.

just found this one man http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/478/Sigma-10-20mm-F4-5-6-EX-DC-HSM-Lens---Four-Thirds-Fit.html looks intresting

[theMusicMan]

Not a bad lens to be honest, but for that money I'd go without a shadow of a doubt, for either the Oly 11-22mm or the Oly 9-18mm lenses.

[chrism_scotland]

Are there converters available for any other lenses, Nikon, Minolta etc to fit the Olympus Micro 4/3 mount?

[theMusicMan]

Not sure about that Chris. There's certainly a 4/3 to micro 4/3 adapter, and I know there are various adapters to 4/3 - so I guess yes there is a way to use existing non 4/3 lenses with the micro 4/3 kit. As usual though with adapters - you'll inevitably lose the 'Auto' bits i.e. focus and exposure - so you'll be using the camera in manual.

[chrism_scotland]

Not sure about that Chris. There's certainly a 4/3 to micro 4/3 adapter, and I know there are various adapters to 4/3 - so I guess yes there is a way to use existing non 4/3 lenses with the micro 4/3 kit. As usual though with adapters - you'll inevitably lose the 'Auto' bits i.e. focus and exposure - so you'll be using the camera in manual.

Cheers mate, I was so close to buying an Olympus before I bought into the Sony SLR system, and I find myself not taking my A700 with me.
Is the E-620 fairly compact?

[vchaney]

Yes it is.

You can get converters for most lens mounts to micro 4/3 and I believe 4/3 fleabay is your best bet.

The E620 is a full 4/3 camera though, not micro. It is really compact, especially when you consider that the 4/3 lenses are smaller for a given range/speed.

[chrism_scotland]

Yes it is.

You can get converters for most lens mounts to micro 4/3 and I believe 4/3 fleabay is your best bet.

The E620 is a full 4/3 camera though, not micro. It is really compact, especially when you consider that the 4/3 lenses are smaller for a given range/speed.

I may consider a change, with a smaller DSLR I would carry it with me all the time, but I do find my A700 a bit bulky to carry always.
Its an expensive item to be sitting in the house!
Whats the difference between the E520 and E620?

[theMusicMan]

Hi Chris

I don't really lust after new Oly bodies to be honest, only Oly lenses!!! As such i am not aware of the main differences between the two models you ask about. Perhaps have a look at the relevant product pages on the Oly site...

Here's the E-520 page (http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/dslr_digital_slr_e-520_19285.htm)

Here's the E-620 page (http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/dslr_digital_slr_e-620_21043.htm)

Hope that helps.

[chrism_scotland]

What Oly Body do you currently have?

[theMusicMan]

What Oly Body do you currently have?
Hi Chris...

I have an E-3, and am very happy with it. Had one for 18 months now.

http://img.skitch.com/20090724-bc97xfbs9sgp91e4xx39x76bue.jpg

[chrism_scotland]

Hi Chris...

I have an E-3, and am very happy with it. Had one for 18 months now.

http://img.skitch.com/20090724-bc97xfbs9sgp91e4xx39x76bue.jpg

Doh! Never thought to look, I'm quite tempted to swap my Sony for an Olympus, I really liked the e-420 but would prefer IS.
Really like the look of the e-620 but might plump for the e-520 as it seems very cheap now.

[Chillimonster]

E30 with 14-42 lens is a steal at the moment at Jessops at £699. Will cost you £100 more if you want the body only kit :eek: :lol:

[chrism_scotland]

Thats a good deal, is the E30 better/worse than the E-620?
Also what are the Olympus lenses like? The twin kit of 14-42 and 40-150mm looks good on any of the bodies.

[chrism_scotland]

Has anyone round here got the e-620?

[Chillimonster]

Thats a good deal, is the E30 better/worse than the E-620?
Also what are the Olympus lenses like? The twin kit of 14-42 and 40-150mm looks good on any of the bodies.

Olympus lenses are second to none.

The kit lenses are light, sharp across the frame (although not particularly fast as with any kit lens) and give a good range (28mm - 300mm across the two lenses), and small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.

[CrippledSandwich]

Thats a good deal, is the E30 better/worse than the E-620?
Also what are the Olympus lenses like? The twin kit of 14-42 and 40-150mm looks good on any of the bodies.

i have recently brought the e520 over the e620 all the difference that i can see between the 2 is the flip around screen and the art filters which in my opinion will be better created in Photoshop anyway, having said that if you ar'nt a computer wiz and want to stay clear of RAW and Photoshop then those features might be beneficial to you

[chrism_scotland]

i have recently brought the e520 over the e620 all the difference that i can see between the 2 is the flip around screen and the art filters which in my opinion will be better created in Photoshop anyway, having said that if you ar'nt a computer wiz and want to stay clear of RAW and Photoshop then those features might be beneficial to you

Cheers mate, I almost bought the e520 before but I just wondered if the e620 was a major step.

[CrippledSandwich]

Cheers mate, I almost bought the e520 before but I just wondered if the e620 was a major step.

i think you need to look at all of the review sites out there get a few mags like what digital cameras and other review mags. dont believe there hype they always seem to tell you the nikon and canon are the best we all know that this isent the case! i nearly went to pentax and sony but i used to have an om20 and the lens quallity and the build quality on the oly dslr where so much better for the money

also anouther tip would be to get ya self down to a camera shop and have a play around with some of the oly dslr they have there you never know it might not feel like the right camera for you

[chrism_scotland]

I've got the Sony A700 but due to its size I find myself leaving it in the house, I was all for buying the e420 over my A300 initially but didn't like the lack of grip on it, I believe the e520 and e620 are slightly larger is that correct?

[CrippledSandwich]

I've got the Sony A700 but due to its size I find myself leaving it in the house, I was all for buying the e420 over my A300 initially but didn't like the lack of grip on it, I believe the e520 and e620 are slightly larger is that correct?

the e520 is plus it has IS as well, i have quite large hands and i dont have any trouble using it

[chrism_scotland]

Thanks mate, I think I will go in and give it a try, I could sell my A700, Sigma 17-70, Minolta 28-105, 2 batteries and bag and fund either a e520 or e620, although the e-30 at £699 at Jessops is good but its a larger camera.

[cloudhunter]

Hi,

Before i go and purchase an E3 (or an E30 if they are as good) im slightly worried about the high iso performance. Especially as i may be getting into weddings in a few years.

Could someone please either put my mind at rest that i will definitely be able to get good shots in low light with no flash or better still post up a pic or two of iso1600+ with no flash in a darkish room.

[theMusicMan]

Hi,

Before i go and purchase an E3 (or an E30 if they are as good) im slightly worried about the high iso performance. Especially as i may be getting into weddings in a few years.

Could someone please either put my mind at rest that i will definitely be able to get good shots in low light with no flash or better still post up a pic or two of iso1600+ with no flash in a darkish room.
Take a look at this post in this thread.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1729918&postcount=12

Here's the image again for you... check the details here... it should allay ALL concerns you have...

HANDHELD, indoors, low light, no flash, E3, kit lens 50-150mm, 1/20th, f5.6, ISO3200, yep... ISO3200

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v3/p393738416.jpg

[cloudhunter]

Hi,

I thought that was taken with a flashgun

Thats no flash in low light then its stunning.

Do you rate the E30 or the E3 better?

[theMusicMan]

Hi,

I thought that was taken with a flashgun

Thats no flash in low light then its stunning.

Do you rate the E30 or the E3 better?Nope, no flash, and yes it was Gordon Giltrap (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aeQ8D_IW20), in Petherton, low light handheld with the kit lens. I was asked by Gordon to do his shots for that gig.

Seriously, you can take low light and high ISO shots with the current generation of Oly cameras. Older Oly's suffered badly with noise, but not the E-3 or latest models.

[cloudhunter]

And at a wedding with a flashgun that would allow me to drop the iso from say 3200 to about 1600 or possibly 800 wouldnt it?

[theMusicMan]

... with a flashgun... even lower ISO...

This one with flash at a wedding, ISO200

http://www.reflectingme.com/img/v4/p144990580-4.jpg

[CrippledSandwich]

Not a bad lens to be honest, but for that money I'd go without a shadow of a doubt, for either the Oly 11-22mm or the Oly 9-18mm lenses.

do you have any of those 2 lenses mate??

would love to see some photos if you have :)

[chrism_scotland]

Have to say very impressed with these shots, having not looked that much into Olympus you would think that they are awful at higher iso's, but you've certainly proved a lot of the hearsay wrong.

[cloudhunter]

Anyone know id the E30 is as good as the E3 for high iso?

As the benefit of water seals isnt worth the extra £300 to me.

[chrism_scotland]

Anyone know id the E30 is as good as the E3 for high iso?

As the benefit of water seals isnt worth the extra £300 to me.

Would be interested to know this too as the E30 is at a good price right now.

[cloudhunter]

Just seen the E3 and 12-60mm lens for £1500
That should be a brilliant wedding lens shouldnt it as it has f2.8-4 and is equivalent to 24-120??

[chrism_scotland]

Am I right in thinking that the Olympus is a x2 crop factor v 1.5 on most others?
Also what are the Olympus bundled kit lenses like?

[theMusicMan]

do you have any of those 2 lenses mate??

would love to see some photos if you have :)
Yep, I have a few from each lens as I've been lucky to have used a 9-18mm for a few days when I lent it from a mate. I'll dig out some shots and post them up later.
Have to say very impressed with these shots, having not looked that much into Olympus you would think that they are awful at higher iso's, but you've certainly proved a lot of the hearsay wrong.
Many thanks. It is true, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, that those who continue to harp on about high ISO noise on all Oly kit are either Canikon fanboys, or ignorant. Fortunately people like this are fast disappearing from TP, and that is a very good thing indeed.

Earlier Oly cameras were dogged with poor high ISO noise, but right now, the current batch can compete with the crop Canon and Nikon bodies, probably having better high ISO performance than many Canon DSLR's in this area too.

Having said that, you still cannot beat ff, especially the D700 and D3; they're awesome.

Anyone know id the E30 is as good as the E3 for high iso?

As the benefit of water seals isnt worth the extra £300 to me.
Don't know the answer to that I'm afraid, as I have never looked at the E30. Perhaps ask over on e-group.
Just seen the E3 and 12-60mm lens for £1500
That should be a brilliant wedding lens shouldnt it as it has f2.8-4 and is equivalent to 24-120??Yep, the Oly 12-60mm lens is tack sharp and will perform excellently as the general wedding lens you need.

Am I right in thinking that the Olympus is a x2 crop factor v 1.5 on most others?
Also what are the Olympus bundled kit lenses like?
Yep - crop factor on 4/3rds is 2x.

The Olympus kit lenses are by far the best kit lenses supplied with any camera brand. Zuiko glass is class, and that's probably undisputed.

[cloudhunter]

Yep, I have a few from each lens as I've been lucky to have used a 9-18mm for a few days when I lent it from a mate. I'll dig out some shots and post them up later.

Many thanks. It is true, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, that those who continue to harp on about high ISO noise on all Oly kit are either Canikon fanboys, or ignorant. Fortunately people like this are fast disappearing from TP, and that is a very good thing indeed.

Earlier Oly cameras were dogged with poor high ISO noise, but right now, the current batch can compete with the crop Canon and Nikon bodies, probably having better high ISO performance than many Canon DSLR's in this area too.

Having said that, you still cannot beat ff, especially the D700 and D3; they're awesome.


Don't know the answer to that I'm afraid, as I have never looked at the E30. Perhaps ask over on e-group.
Yep, the Oly 12-60mm lens is tack sharp and will perform excellently as the general wedding lens you need.


Yep - crop factor on 4/3rds is 2x.

The Olympus kit lenses are by far the best kit lenses supplied with any camera brand. Zuiko glass is class, and that's probably undisputed.


Your a poet and you dunna know it!:clap:

Im going to go E3 anyway i think. I prefer bigger cameras so will suit me better.

Found the E3 with 12-60mm lens for just over £1400!!:eek:

[chrism_scotland]

Yep, I have a few from each lens as I've been lucky to have used a 9-18mm for a few days when I lent it from a mate. I'll dig out some shots and post them up later.

Many thanks. It is true, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, that those who continue to harp on about high ISO noise on all Oly kit are either Canikon fanboys, or ignorant. Fortunately people like this are fast disappearing from TP, and that is a very good thing indeed.

Earlier Oly cameras were dogged with poor high ISO noise, but right now, the current batch can compete with the crop Canon and Nikon bodies, probably having better high ISO performance than many Canon DSLR's in this area too.

Having said that, you still cannot beat ff, especially the D700 and D3; they're awesome.


Don't know the answer to that I'm afraid, as I have never looked at the E30. Perhaps ask over on e-group.
Yep, the Oly 12-60mm lens is tack sharp and will perform excellently as the general wedding lens you need.


Yep - crop factor on 4/3rds is 2x.

The Olympus kit lenses are by far the best kit lenses supplied with any camera brand. Zuiko glass is class, and that's probably undisputed.

Cheers mate, I am very tempted to make the switch, the e520 or e620 twin lens kit seems good value.
Aside from Olympus lenses what sort of wide angle could I get for it?

[theMusicMan]

NP.

You could take a look at the Siggy 10-20mm, but the Oly 9-18 and definitely the Oly 11-22mm are better than the siggy. If you are able to afford it, the Oly 7-14mm is an absolute stunner... top of its class in all respects... but very expensive. I lust after one.

[chrism_scotland]

NP.

You could take a look at the Siggy 10-20mm, but the Oly 9-18 and definitely the Oly 11-22mm are better than the siggy. If you are able to afford it, the Oly 7-14mm is an absolute stunner... top of its class in all respects... but very expensive. I lust after one.

Yeah price is my main concern, I had the Siggy 10-20 for my A700 and was very impressed so would likely go down that route, would probably just buy the e520/e620/e30 with the 14-42 lens and add the Sigma to the kit, although I'd like to know hoe good the 40-150mm and 25mm pancake lenses are.

[Chillimonster]

This set was with the 40-150mm on the E-510 two days after i took delivery of it in 2007.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmthreadgold/sets/72157602130680809/

[Willo]

Some may think it’s strange but I sold all my Nikon gear and just entered into the world of four thirds. Was going to go for a D700 and 24-70mm but couldn’t justify the cost as it would have been £3k, not to mention the cost of extra lenses. I think it was a holiday in Hong Kong tipped it, carrying all my Nikon gear in a back pack in mid 30 degree heat wasn't nice. Did loads of research and came to the conclusion four thirds was for me. Just ended up getting:

E-620
HLD-5 grip
9-18mm
14-54mm II
70-300mm

I was all set to get the 12-60mm but for the price of that lens I got the 14-54mm and 9-18mm which covers the range I shoot in. Plus the 14-54mm is slightly fast than the 12-60mm. I heard the 12-60mm is tack sharp but I don’t think the 12-60mm is significantly better than the 14-54mm unless anyone can comment?

[cloudhunter]

Hi Willo,

WHat nikon model did you have befor?

How do you rate the images/high iso performance compared to the nikon?

[Willo]

Hi Willo,

WHat nikon model did you have befor?

How do you rate the images/high iso performance compared to the nikon?

Had a D90 (D40 before that), I like the images form the Olympus more, they seem more vibrant for me and I also find them slightly sharper but note I don't have the kit lense (although I heard it's very respectable).

ISO isn't too bad on the Olympus but in all honesty I think the D90 beats it. But it all depends if you shoot in low light alot of the time.

[chrism_scotland]

This set was with the 40-150mm on the E-510 two days after i took delivery of it in 2007.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmthreadgold/sets/72157602130680809/

Thanks mate, very impressed.

[cloudhunter]

Well everybody raves about the bad iso , my friend has a Sony A200 and i think after iso800 its rubbish. You never hear of anyone saying the iso is bad on that?

Im glad ive heard of someone going from nikon (who are supposed to be one of the best) to olympus. Makes me think ive made the right choice to get an E3

Matt

[chrism_scotland]

Some may think it’s strange but I sold all my Nikon gear and just entered into the world of four thirds. Was going to go for a D700 and 24-70mm but couldn’t justify the cost as it would have been £3k, not to mention the cost of extra lenses. I think it was a holiday in Hong Kong tipped it, carrying all my Nikon gear in a back pack in mid 30 degree heat wasn't nice. Did loads of research and came to the conclusion four thirds was for me. Just ended up getting:

E-620
HLD-5 grip
9-18mm
14-54mm II
70-300mm

I was all set to get the 12-60mm but for the price of that lens I got the 14-54mm and 9-18mm which covers the range I shoot in. Plus the 14-54mm is slightly fast than the 12-60mm. I heard the 12-60mm is tack sharp but I don’t think the 12-60mm is significantly better than the 14-54mm unless anyone can comment?

Looks a good setup, I am quite tempted by the E-30 but I think its extra size would put me off, also I think the E620 and a couple of lenses would actually cost less.

Is the 14-54mm II the one bundled with the camera?

[goldenlight]

Have to say very impressed with these shots, having not looked that much into Olympus you would think that they are awful at higher iso's, but you've certainly proved a lot of the hearsay wrong.

The opposition tend to cling to that myth and who can blame them? It's all they've got left! In every other department Olympus has robbed them bare! :lol:

[cloudhunter]

Do any pro photographers use the E3?


I would be very interested to know.

[theMusicMan]

Of course they do, just not anywhere near as many who use the D3/D700 or 1DMKIII et al...

Put the Zuiko 300mm F2.8 on an E-3, and you'll get comparable quality images to a 600mm on ff, except it'd be a few tonnes lighter...!! :)

[vchaney]

I couldn't be more pleased with my Oly kit. I've got an E3 and just added an E620 for a more travel friendly package. Saving up for the PanaLeica 14-150 to add to it. Nice. I am getting used to the 620 but first impressions are very good. Quite different from the E3. 12-60 is a great lens but the kit lenses are very good too as MM said.

The thing I like most about the 620 is that you rarely need to do anything to the output. The JPEGs are great. I'm still shooting RAW in parallel with the JPEG but am considering stopping as I'm not doing that much in PP.

[cloudhunter]

Would you say the e620 is better/worse/no different from the E3 in terms of image quality?

[Knikki]

Do any pro photographers use the E3?


I would be very interested to know.

http://www.olympus-esystem.jp/gallery_e/

It is a bit slow to load but this is a gallery form the Olympus Pro Site.

Personally I think it is great.

http://www.sarahphotogirl.com/

I am sure she also uses Olympus products as there was a bit about her in on of the Pro Photo mags.

[vchaney]

Would you say the e620 is better/worse/no different from the E3 in terms of image quality?

I don't notice a big difference to be honest, but I'm not a pixel peeper. The size is the main factor for me. It means I can carry a great quality camera without the weight that's usually associated with it.

[chrism_scotland]

Well I've ordered myself an Olympus E620 with the 14-54mm lens and the 14-42 for when I just want something lightweight, I'll miss my Sony but I am looking forward to switching to the Olympus.

[CrippledSandwich]

This set was with the 40-150mm on the E-510 two days after i took delivery of it in 2007.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmthreadgold/sets/72157602130680809/


wow chillimonster great set of pics! i have just brought an e520 with that lense, i think i better get ou there and start using it lol

[CrippledSandwich]

The opposition tend to cling to that myth and who can blame them? It's all they've got left! In every other department Olympus has robbed them bare! :lol:

awwwwww bless 'em lol:p

[Chillimonster]

wow chillimonster great set of pics! i have just brought an e520 with that lense, i think i better get ou there and start using it lol


Thanks :)

I've just sold my D700 and gone back to an E-30 twin lens kit, and am really really impressed with it considering it cost me £699 all in :D

[cloudhunter]

Hi,

Would you mind posting some pics you have taken in iso400, 800 and 1600?

Pretty please,

Matt

[CrippledSandwich]

Thanks :)

I've just sold my D700 and gone back to an E-30 twin lens kit, and am really really impressed with it considering it cost me £699 all in :D

now thats something you dont hear everyday welcome back to olympus mate:) that's an excellent price mate! i would like to one day up grade to one of those but at the minute im going to invest into some new glass, though its going to take awhile to save up lol

[cloudhunter]

It certainly isnt something you hear every day. It must say something of the quality of the olympus kit if someone who had a d700 wants to come back?

[cloudhunter]

Hi Chillimonster,

Would you mind posting some pics you have taken in iso400, 800 and 1600?

Pretty please,

Matt

[Chillimonster]

Hi Chillimonster,

Would you mind posting some pics you have taken in iso400, 800 and 1600?

Pretty please,

Matt

I'll see what i can come up with today :thumbs:

[cloudhunter]

I'll see what i can come up with today :thumbs:

Cheers. The same shot with 400/800/1600/3200 iso would be great if possible.

[Chillimonster]

Quick and dirty samples HERE (http://lightproofbox.zenfolio.com/p194839996).

Same shots at 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600

Give it 20 mins or so to upload them and should be good to go.

They are ORF exported as full-size JPG in lightroom at 95% with no PP.

Also no noise reduction in camera or in lightroom.

[chrism_scotland]

Been looking at getting some ND filters for using with my Olympus. The widest lens I will have is the 9-18mm do I need 100mm filters or would 85mm suffice?

[cloudhunter]

Quick and dirty samples HERE (http://lightproofbox.zenfolio.com/p194839996).

Same shots at 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600

Give it 20 mins or so to upload them and should be good to go.

They are ORF exported as full-size JPG in lightroom at 95% with no PP.

Also no noise reduction in camera or in lightroom.

Hi,

They look good but they are small pics so hard to tell.

Any chance you could put a 800x600 one on here of iso1600?

[Chillimonster]

I've made it so you can download the original image.

Hover the mouse over the image and you get the option in the left hand side of the image.

[CrippledSandwich]

just had a recent holiday at black rock sands and took some shots with my olly, im really chuffed with the results:)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3821115017_9e5bf15cbe.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3821930246_e868a8045f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3821925876_2a30c04516.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3821119961_b8bc6296ac.jpg

[Roo_59]

There is eveidence that Nikon and Canon are not exactly accurate with their ISO settings. Just as Olympus lenses have a 2 X crop factor, the sensor has a similar effect on images. compared to a full frame sensor, this crop is approximately 3.5 X

So in essence, ISO 400 on an Olympus four thirds sensor gives roughly the same results as ISO 1600 on a Nikon Full frame.

[Almost_Invisible]

So in essence, ISO 400 on an Olympus four thirds sensor gives roughly the same results as ISO 1600 on a Nikon Full frame.

I'm confused. How does that work? The crop factor of the FOV I understand but don't see how the sensor size affects ISO. Even if the sensor sensitivity to light was changed by it's physical size/pixel density wouldn't they just adjust all their dials/readouts so the ISO was consistent with other makes?

[Chillimonster]

There is eveidence that Nikon and Canon are not exactly accurate with their ISO settings. Just as Olympus lenses have a 2 X crop factor, the sensor has a similar effect on images. compared to a full frame sensor, this crop is approximately 3.5 X

So in essence, ISO 400 on an Olympus four thirds sensor gives roughly the same results as ISO 1600 on a Nikon Full frame.


Go on then, enlighten us with more detail ;)

[Voyager]

Just as Olympus lenses have a 2 X crop factor, the sensor has a similar effect on images. compared to a full frame sensor, this crop is approximately 3.5 X

So in essence, ISO 400 on an Olympus four thirds sensor gives roughly the same results as ISO 1600 on a Nikon Full frame.
Did you work as an assistant with those Victorian photographers and put 10 times as much flash powder when there were 10 cameras set up? :cuckoo:

[Roo_59]

No, not a Victorian photographer's assistant and not cuckoo either.

Here's the article I read regarding sensor ISO performance and another article by Wrotniak.

Cheers.

http://olyflyer.blogspot.com/2009/07/iso-compatibility-between-different.html

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/sensor-size.html

[Voyager]

Here's the article I read regarding sensor ISO performance....

http://olyflyer.blogspot.com/2009/07/iso-compatibility-between-different.html
I think someone has got confused while comparing apples with pears. That reads like nonsense to me and needs a great deal more explanation before I'd start suggesting that 'in essence, ISO 400 on an Olympus four thirds sensor gives roughly the same results as ISO 1600 on a Nikon Full frame.'

I have not got the digital kit to try - but never needed to alter exposures for pictures taken with a 6x6 or 35mm camera - so my gut reaction is that it is utterly wrong and any difference the writer thinks they are measuring is between the two cameras is more a hardware/software issue related to the base 'ISO' measurement of the equipment not differences in actual exposure because of sensor size...

I'd like to see a full frame dSLR set up with to shoot full and cropped on equivalent lenses and see. I'd not expect to see any difference in exposure.
...and another article by Wrotniak

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/sensor-size.html
DOF is a different matter - and that makes sense.

[Arkady]

There is eveidence that Nikon and Canon are not exactly accurate with their ISO settings. Just as Olympus lenses have a 2 X crop factor, the sensor has a similar effect on images. compared to a full frame sensor, this crop is approximately 3.5 X

So in essence, ISO 400 on an Olympus four thirds sensor gives roughly the same results as ISO 1600 on a Nikon Full frame.

Sounds dubious to me at best...:cuckoo:

My own experience with 'Olly' cameras was an OM-2n and a few bits of glass, which I bought to replace the Nikon F2AS I was using at the time - one of the advertising hooks was that the kit was much lighter than the competition, which it was.
Beautiful camera and beautiful optics - just not tough enough - I broke three of them before going back to Nikon...:shrug:

[Roo_59]

Maybe I got the wrong end of a stick, I was quite happy to read something that tried to explain the Oly bashing that goes on regarding ISO noise levels.

Seeing as Nikon, Canon and other manufacturers don't agree on what is a standard level for ISO settings I can't see the reason for reviewers making this aspect of any camera's performance take precedence over all it's other attributes.

I'm fairly new to photography but even I can see that it isn't as clear cut as Nikon and Canon would have us believe.

Anyway, rant over, move on :-)

[Voyager]

Seeing as Nikon, Canon and other manufacturers don't agree on what is a standard level for ISO settings ....
Don't they?

There is an ISO digital standard (ISO 12232:1998 (http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=21020)) and while camera manufacturers software designers may not meet it - that is not the same as them not agreeing with it is it?

[Arkady]

Added this link to another thread yesterday - might be of interest here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_speed#Older_systems

[CrippledSandwich]

Hey peeps hope everyone is having a good new year

i have a question, am i right in asumming that the Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm f/2.8 is the same as a nifty fifty that everyone goes on about?