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02/17/2005 10:18:36 PM · #26 |
I looked at the e-300 but ended up with the 20D as the reviews at dpreview and steves-digicams did not rate the e-300 too highly as far as performance and picture quality (noise).
It looked cool at first glance though...
Andy |
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02/17/2005 10:30:51 PM · #27 |
| I, too, have been wondering why Olympus is not a more popular brand, especially when it comes to the 8 megapixel prosumer (non DSLR) cameras. It seems like people are always talking about the Sony DSCF-828 or the Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2, but you rarely hear about the Olympus C-8080. According to DPreview.com, the image quality of the Olympus is even better than both the Sony and the Minolta. So why is it not more popular? Maybe it's the lack of a long zoom and mechanical ring focus... |
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02/17/2005 10:37:33 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
While the 4/3rds system is just getting off the ground (only been around for a couple of years), and only has a few lenses, there are some hopeful signs that other manufacturers are going to be producing both camera bodies, as well as, lenses. Olympus just today announced three new Zuiko lenses (article here), and all of their lenses are of very high quality glass and are splash proof and dust proof. In addition, Olympus and Panasonic have signed a joint development agreement to develop more lenses (article here). Current Panasonic cameras are made with high quality Leica lenses and the hope is that Panasonic will bring Leica along. In addition, it has been talked about on various other forums that Schneider Optics and Zeiss may also be producing 4/3rds lenses.
Other manufacturers in the 4/3rds community besides Olympus and Panasonic are Kodak, Fuji, Sanyo, and possibly Sony too will be producing a 4/3rds format camera. If all this comes to pass, then their actually may be as much, or more, availability of lenses and accessories for the 4/3rds system than for C&N. |
So maybe in five years when Oly begins too get caught up with a full selection of useable lenses the Zuiko system may be a serious consideration for the pro or serious amatuer, but as it stands 7 lenses with three on the way, no long glass, and no specialty glass does not put it in contention with systems that have decades of some of the best glass in the world behind them.
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02/17/2005 10:53:43 PM · #29 |
| Its because everone is sooo sprung on the D70. |
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02/17/2005 11:10:40 PM · #30 |
Five years is not such a long time and if Leica, Schneider and Zeiss come aboard the 4/3rds system with their high quality lenses this will certainly provide considerable competition to both N&C's line of APS-C sized sensor/cameras as buyers will have a much greater selection of manufacturers to choose from. Most in the consumer market won't be able to afford the high prices for full frame equipment and won't want to lug around the large sized equipment as compared with the smaller 4/3rds. Image quality in the 4/3rds may also approach full frame over time, giving less reason to buyers in the consumer market to spend for the larger equipment. Smaller equipment also means lower cost. I hope the 4/3rds system succeeds, not because I"m against Nikon or Canon, but because more competition can only be a good thing for consumers.
Originally posted by nsbca7:
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
While the 4/3rds system is just getting off the ground (only been around for a couple of years), and only has a few lenses, there are some hopeful signs that other manufacturers are going to be producing both camera bodies, as well as, lenses. Olympus just today announced three new Zuiko lenses (article here), and all of their lenses are of very high quality glass and are splash proof and dust proof. In addition, Olympus and Panasonic have signed a joint development agreement to develop more lenses (article here). Current Panasonic cameras are made with high quality Leica lenses and the hope is that Panasonic will bring Leica along. In addition, it has been talked about on various other forums that Schneider Optics and Zeiss may also be producing 4/3rds lenses.
Other manufacturers in the 4/3rds community besides Olympus and Panasonic are Kodak, Fuji, Sanyo, and possibly Sony too will be producing a 4/3rds format camera. If all this comes to pass, then their actually may be as much, or more, availability of lenses and accessories for the 4/3rds system than for C&N. |
So maybe in five years when Oly begins too get caught up with a full selection of useable lenses the Zuiko system may be a serious consideration for the pro or serious amatuer, but as it stands 7 lenses with three on the way, no long glass, and no specialty glass does not put it in contention with systems that have decades of some of the best glass in the world behind them. |
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02/17/2005 11:38:44 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
Five years is not such a long time and if Leica, Schneider and Zeiss come aboard the 4/3rds system with their high quality lenses this will certainly provide considerable competition to both N&C's line of APS-C sized sensor/cameras as buyers will have a much greater selection of manufacturers to choose from. Most in the consumer market won't be able to afford the high prices for full frame equipment and won't want to lug around the large sized equipment as compared with the smaller 4/3rds. Image quality in the 4/3rds may also approach full frame over time, giving less reason to buyers in the consumer market to spend for the larger equipment. Smaller equipment also means lower cost. I hope the 4/3rds system succeeds, not because I"m against Nikon or Canon, but because more competition can only be a good thing for consumers.
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I'll agree with the competition part. I hope it succeeds as well. A two party system sucks. For an example of that just look at the US political system.
I will strongly disagree that 5 years is not a long time when I need a camera with a complete lens system today.
When I switched from Nikon film cameras to Canon digital a year ago this month it was no easy choice. I had a couple thousand dollars tied up in "D" lenses that I was abuot to take a heavy loss on when I sold them. In considering which camera line to choose Olympus never even figured into the equation. Kodak and Fuji were my first considerations because they accept Nikon mount lenses. I have Pentax "K" mount lenses also so that justified giving Pentax a good deal of consideration.
In the end it came down to the company with the most advanced line of DSLRs which also happened to have a full line of lenses to compliment them.
Message edited by author 2005-02-17 23:53:55.
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02/18/2005 12:27:10 AM · #32 |
Regarding image quality, I think the only factors that Olympus needs to improve upon are noise at high ISOs and speed. I would think that these can be overcome with time as processor and sensor technologies improve. Doesn't Canon use a special circuit in the sensor and algorithm in the processor to eliminate noise at high ISO? Couldn't this technology be reverse engineered by other companies to produce something of similar performance? I know that Canon speed comes from using their CMOS sensors that have most of the processing done on the chip. But how to explain the speed of the D70, which uses CCDs?
Originally posted by nsbca7:
In the end it came down to the company with the most advanced line of DSLRs which also happened to have a full line of lenses to compliment them. |
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02/18/2005 12:34:53 AM · #33 |
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
... Couldn't this technology be reverse engineered by other companies to produce something of similar performance? ... |
Not legally in the States anyway if Canon has a patent team that has at least some clue about what they are doing. |
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02/18/2005 04:28:01 AM · #34 |
| I feel similarly, but about Minolta instead of Olympus. It was between the 20D and the Minolta 7D and I far prefer the Minolta. Good selection of glass as well. |
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02/18/2005 04:46:08 AM · #35 |
Should point out that as far as Nikon is concerned, many who research the 'variety' of lenses look only at the sheer number of different lenses available to the brand. That said, Thom Hogan (//www.bythom.com/2005dreamlens.htm) has lambasted Nikon for being idiots and releasing 4-8 versions of different lenses that ultimately cover the same ranges but add no REAL variety to the line. Certainly there are price points to be considered, but to save $100US to choose an F4.5 lens over an almost identical lens with F2.8 capabilities is just wrong.
That small line of lenses for the Oly may be only what you really need, just a bit more expensive to get the ranges when you consider the end-result of the functionality.
Message edited by author 2005-02-18 07:09:20.
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02/18/2005 08:03:45 AM · #36 |
Originally posted by orussell:
I like the fact that it has the supersonic wave filter to keep dust off the sensor - if it works as well as they claim.
There's aren't a great deal of lenses available for it yet and most that are available are expensive. |
Oh, belive me, the sswf works!
No, lenses are not expensive, this myth just keeps on going!
There are 2 'Pro' lenses available, the 300/2.8 and 150/2, those are quite expensive. Then there are the 'upper class' lenses, the 50/2 macro (which seems to be a very, very sharp lens, even wide open) for $500, which is $50 more for Canon 100/2.8 macro. Then there is the 'normal' lens 14-54/2.8-3.5, difficult to compare, since there is no other f2.8 variable f-stop lens available.
And then it is the 'budget' 14-45/3.5-5.6, which outperforms Canon's own 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. (Some people have called it a $100 lens with $400 IS). And it actually fits the camera, unlike the 28-134 which becomes a awkvard 45-216, unless you are using 1Ds. And then it is the 11-22/2.8-3.5. This lens is even sharper than the 14-54, if the owners reports are correct.
There doesn't seem to be any 'bad' lens in Olympus 4/3 lineup. (yet) And I hope it stays that way.
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02/18/2005 08:35:44 AM · #37 |
Originally posted by sabphoto:
I've been researching for quite awhile for a new camera...actually just dreaming since I can't really justify upgrading. I just wondering why there is never any talk about Olympus cameras?
The new E300 evolt just came out and I see there are some users here but never any discussion about them. From my research this would be the camera I would buy; 8mp, large fast sensor, variety of lenses, customizable modes, etc. For $999 (899 with rebate) this would appear to be a great camera. Especially since the canons and nikons can cost 3-4 times that and sometimes without a lens or the number of mp.
I am on my 2nd olympus digital and have never been let down. Is it just that they aren't professional enough for most of the users here or am I missing something? Just wondering if I should dream bigger.
//www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_product_blue.asp?l=1&p=&bc=&product=1140 |
...this may of have been said but what the heck:
- some people don't like the 4/3 system
- British AP (amateur photographer)said it was very noisy at higher ISO and the AWB was bad and the metering was not very reliable. They also said the E-10 was a good camera for the price range
- some people might not like the digicam look of it because of the porro viewfinder
note, I have no personal experiance with olympus slr's , just based on the review I read this week. |
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02/18/2005 11:15:44 AM · #38 |
Brand loyalty can be a negative thing.
Canon is considered by many to be the leader in the field of DSLRs for professionals but Nikon is the leader in WiFi image transmission. The new D2X, and the updated D2Hs, will cut into sales of the Mark II's to sports photogs and photojournalists. Canon needs to respond with WiFi of their own to retain this segment.
Konica-Minolta's Anti-Shake works as well as the Image Stabilization of Canon lenses and the Vibration Reduction of Nikon lenses, but has the advantage that you only have to pay for the system once, not again and again with every new lens purchased.
Olympus is leading the charge for 4/3 and is alone as the inovator of the Shockwave sensor cleaning system.
Fuji's new S3 Pro maintains the companies position as the leader in advancing dynamic range for digital.
As with automobiles, computers and so many other consumer products, the big dog often becomes concerned with holding on to market share while the other players are still hungry enough to be different. Look what's become of Kodak. In it's heyday Rochester controlled more of the photography world than Canon does now.
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02/18/2005 11:36:33 AM · #39 |
I have had 2 Fuji cameras and grew up drooling over Nikon cameras, so I wanted to go to a Fuji S2 (used Nikon lenses). Too pricey for me. I have not had ood luck interfacing with Canon items (film SLRs, inkjet printers and more) so i was leary going that way. The D70 was extremely tempting, but i could find no concrete reason to justify the extra $300.
I tend to go against the mainstream, and I pay for it sometimes, so this time I decided to go with the flow and get a Rebel. (and get common cars too - taurus, caravan and wrangler).
Great camera - absolutely no regrets, other than I shoulda waited for the XT had I known it was coming.
As for the Oly - back in the day I wanted a Minolta SLR - more affordable than the Nikons i lusted after. i used pentax SLRs too, and had a Rollieflex. Pentax and Minolta are just now doing the digital SLR thing, and Oly is trying too. Canon has introduced more new cameras (3rd gen digital SLRs!) in the past year than their competitors have ever even made! They have more expereince and feedback, more lenses, less cost...
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02/18/2005 11:44:30 AM · #40 |
Originally posted by coolhar:
Look what's become of Kodak. In it's heyday Rochester controlled more of the photography world than Canon does now. |
Not any more. I've been having a heck of a time just finding a local photography club. You wouldn't think that would be the case in the home town of Eastman Kodak's headquarters. Kind of a bummer given their historical role in photography.
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02/18/2005 01:01:01 PM · #41 |
| Kodak is one of the companies currently supporting the 4/3rds standard and are producing the sensors used in the Oly DSLRs. They could have a revival with this standard and there are a few rumors going about as to what they will be producing in the near future. |
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02/28/2005 02:07:41 AM · #42 |
Originally posted by autool:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
You know, I've really been trying to figure out why everyone gets so excited over a truck with half an engine ... : ) |
Boy! That will go over the top. |
what like those new dodge vans? |
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02/28/2005 02:09:37 AM · #43 |
Originally posted by a1leyez0nm3:
Originally posted by autool:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
You know, I've really been trying to figure out why everyone gets so excited over a truck with half an engine ... : ) |
Boy! That will go over the top. |
what like those new dodge vans? |
I forgot to quote the post I was joking about ... it refered to trucks with the "Hemi" engines ... |
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02/28/2005 03:12:39 AM · #44 |
Originally posted by coolhar:
Look what's become of Kodak. In it's heyday Rochester controlled more of the photography world than Canon does now. |
But as far as cameras go Kodak never dominated the pro or advanced market. They had cheap crap like the little Brownies and when people outgrew such in search of something more sophisticated there went their market. The same thing happened to Polaroid. Keep a good product out in front of the public and it will be in demand for quite a while.
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02/28/2005 03:22:47 AM · #45 |
Kodak and Polaroid both built their lordly status on film products, not cameras. Polaroid, of course, you had to use their cams to use their film, but they never produced a truly great camera, though the SX-70 was a fine tool in its own way. In the early days, top of the line Kodaks had some of the best optics available on the market, but that didn't last long. Some of the old Ektars are still seeing use on view cameras by portrait photographers.
Robt.
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02/28/2005 03:47:59 AM · #46 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by a1leyez0nm3:
Originally posted by autool:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
You know, I've really been trying to figure out why everyone gets so excited over a truck with half an engine ... : ) |
Boy! That will go over the top. |
what like those new dodge vans? |
I forgot to quote the post I was joking about ... it refered to trucks with the "Hemi" engines ... |
*...blinks...*
bose is krap. just like kodak. Kapital K Krap. its all about the provia
but i have owned an olympus. and my friends oly made submarine noises when it started :). and the pictures were sharp. and 3.2mp for $80 at target clearance. :)
Message edited by author 2005-02-28 03:50:57. |
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