olympus e-420 users

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Geof
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if anyone uses or used this system can they say what the maximum card size either Xd or flash card
i will be getting a larger one and wouldnt go over 4Gb

thanks
geof
 
Unsure of the maximum it can handle but it will for sure handle 4GB CF. I used 4GB CF cards in my 410 which is an earlier model than the 420.
 
many thanks and assurances
i think i will get 2 CF at 4 Gb each...
cheers
geof
 
remember if you want to speed up the buffer and enable panorama shooting you'll need both a CF and XD card inserted.

XD cards only go to 2gb and not sure what the max CF but I have used 8gb in a 410 and 510.. remember to upgrade your camera and lens firmware to the latest one.;)
 
remember if you want to speed up the buffer and enable panorama shooting you'll need both a CF and XD card inserted.

XD cards only go to 2gb and not sure what the max CF but I have used 8gb in a 410 and 510.. remember to upgrade your camera and lens firmware to the latest one.;)

you just rang the alarm bells...how do i do that??
 
how do i do that??

With the method employed by Olympus ... carefully :)
The camera would have Master software with it on a CD. Install that (if not already) and run it. Connect the camera to the computer via the USB cable and in the Master menu somewhere (I use Olympus Viewer2 instaed of master so can't check) you will see an option to update camera/lens.
Make sure you have a fully charged battery and especially make sure you read the screens carefully. Quite a few people get to the last page where it shows a screenshot of the LCD with OK on it and says it is safe to unplug the camera once this screen appears ..... but they don't wait for the OK and turn off. Instant dead camera :bonk:
 
With the method employed by Olympus ... carefully :)
The camera would have Master software with it on a CD. Install that (if not already) and run it. Connect the camera to the computer via the USB cable and in the Master menu somewhere (I use Olympus Viewer2 instaed of master so can't check) you will see an option to update camera/lens.
Make sure you have a fully charged battery and especially make sure you read the screens carefully. Quite a few people get to the last page where it shows a screenshot of the LCD with OK on it and says it is safe to unplug the camera once this screen appears ..... but they don't wait for the OK and turn off. Instant dead camera :bonk:


i got this second hand with just the manual...no CD...:shake:

what does updating firmware do...i have never done it on my other cameras
olympus C765 and panasonic FZ7

i dont think i will attempt it unless the two 2Gb CF dont work properly
does that sound sensible:shrug:
 
I would bet that the original firmware will cope fine with your cards.
If you do feel a need / find a requirement to update any firmware you can download Viewer 2 from here

Edit to add:
The only update for the E-420 (Ver 1.1) is "Improved brightness level of optical viewfinder AF target points."
 
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I would bet that the original firmware will cope fine with your cards.
If you do feel a need / find a requirement to update any firmware you can download Viewer 2 from here

thanks..how do i use that...
its all getting complicated now..:|

will buy the CF stuff and try it out...just about to order as there is a sale on
 
The link Mike posted earlier details the method for updating.
The camera updater program is installed as part of Viewer2

thanks..i have started to download it...it takes some time
hope i dont need it

finally..which sounds like a u turn....what are the advantages of CF over Xd
both are available at 2Gb which will be all i need...i have 2x1Gb and will get 2x2Gb...i have a little case for them from my earlier olympus purchase
cheers
geof
 
CF cards are much faster than XD cards.
When you have both types just try some sequential shooting using both. The difference is quite big :)

The XD cards have the advantage of being able to do in camera panoramic shots. Apart from that the only advantage I can think of is they are handy to leave in the camera for the occasions you forget to put the CF card back :)
 
Not mentioned here

Isn't it the lens that has the upgrade for CD AF?
I seem to recall Oly promising the 12-60 would have an update for it and it never materialising.

thanks for the linky, it seems I was half right half wrong, FW update was for Contrast AF but for Panasonic cameras, sorry if I caused confusion.

To update the lens firmware, please use any of OLYMPUS E-System cameras. Learn how to update the Firmware of your lens by clicking here. If you do not have an OLYMPUS E-System camera, please contact OLYMPUS European Customer Support Center.

Version 1.3 - 29.10.2008
- It ensures compatibility when used with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1.

Version 1.2 - Additional Features, 17.04.2008
- Improves the precision of focusing by using the contrast AF * in combination with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10.

Version 1.1 - Additional Features, 27.03.2008
- Full contrast AF performance is available if supported by the camera*.

* Contrast AF is not available with the following cameras: E-1, E-3, E-300, E-330, E-400, E-410, E-500, E-510
 
go for it chaps...i am reading this and see i could be wiser updating

also i didnt know you could have an Xd and a CF in their slots at the same time
i have a little holder which came with my olympus C765 UZ which holds 6 Xd cards..i have 2 256 for the little oly and 2 1Gb at present for the e420....so another two would do fine as i dont use a bag...just a holster pouch...
1 body
1 lens..attached
1 set of cards
1 cleaning kit
1 fibre cloth

:)

thank you all for pitching in here and really bringing me up to speed on dslr stuff especially the olympus
 
I'd recommend a 4-gig CF card : we prefer Sandisk.
I had problems with an 8-gig Lexar (probably Lexar) in my e-410.

Using XD & CF is apparently a good way of making sure ... like for a wedding.
I've never used an XD, cos CF are great.
 
I'd recommend a 4-gig CF card : we prefer Sandisk.
I had problems with an 8-gig Lexar (probably Lexar) in my e-410.

Using XD & CF is apparently a good way of making sure ... like for a wedding.
I've never used an XD, cos CF are great.

i still think the idea of putting in both is allowed....if so i can do one of each
how do you switch one on and one off...is it in the menu?

you say CF are great...tell me more
cheers
geof
 
Both in together is fine, I did it always. The in-built panorama will only work with an XD card, the reason I bought one. Then never used the panorama function!
Changing between them is on the menu on the rear screen, I seem to recall it's the same as the e620: bottom-most left corner. Press 'OK' to get into the on-screen functions, navigate with the direction key pad until the cf/xd is highlighted. then turn the function wheel to select between them. You can also copy images between the cards in-camera. That button is on the top-plate, left-hand side.
CF cards read/write much faster than XD. Faster write times means the buffer will clear quicker; it'll still fill up at the same rate. In practical terms, this means more continuous shots before you have to pause shooting while it clears Especially useful if you're shooting in RAW (ORF) and JPEG simultaneously.
 
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Both in together is fine, I did it always. The in-built panorama will only work with an XD card, the reason I bought one. Then never used the panorama function!
Changing between them is on the menu on the rear screen, I seem to recall it's the same as the e620: bottom-most left corner. Press 'OK' to get into the on-screen functions, navigate with the direction key pad until the cf/xd is highlighted. then turn the function wheel to select between them. You can also copy images between the cards in-camera. That button is on the top-plate, left-hand side.
CF cards read/write much faster than XD. Faster write times means the buffer will clear quicker; it'll still fill up at the same rate. In practical terms, this means more continuous shots before you have to pause shooting while it clears Especially useful if you're shooting in RAW (ORF) and JPEG simultaneously.

thanks!!!
maybe one of each now and i can keep the CF in there for safety
cheers
geof
 
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