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02/27/2012 07:49:46 PM · #26
ENL4RGE YOUR PENIS
DOWNS1ZE YOUR SENSOR
02/27/2012 08:47:25 PM · #27
Here are some images from a studio session I did for a model with the E-PL2. The prints (8x10) were stunning.

All 4 were shot with the Olympus 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED. It's my go to lens.

02/27/2012 08:59:41 PM · #28
Originally posted by scarbrd:

Here are some images from a studio session I did for a model with the E-PL2. The prints (8x10) were stunning.

All 4 were shot with the Olympus 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED. It's my go to lens.



Stunning indeed, and sharp too. ISO? Were they shot RAW or JPEG? Sharpened?

What worries me about the Olympus PEN series is what reviewers keep saying about focus being slow compared to the Panny's. Otherwise, I think they have a bit of a leg up because I like the fact that IS/VR/OS is built in. Not to mention they're generally less expensive, though I think I need some sort of eye level viewfinder.
02/27/2012 09:19:18 PM · #29
Originally posted by scarbrd:

Here are some images from a studio session I did for a model with the E-PL2. The prints (8x10) were stunning.

All 4 were shot with the Olympus 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED. It's my go to lens.


WOW!
02/27/2012 09:26:12 PM · #30
Originally posted by Neil:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Here are some images from a studio session I did for a model with the E-PL2. The prints (8x10) were stunning.

All 4 were shot with the Olympus 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED. It's my go to lens.



Stunning indeed, and sharp too. ISO? Were they shot RAW or JPEG? Sharpened?

What worries me about the Olympus PEN series is what reviewers keep saying about focus being slow compared to the Panny's. Otherwise, I think they have a bit of a leg up because I like the fact that IS/VR/OS is built in. Not to mention they're generally less expensive, though I think I need some sort of eye level viewfinder.


I usually shoot RAW + JPG. The Olympus JPG engine is the best in the business. These were made from the RAW files. Nothing to dramatic in the way of sharpening and all in the RAW converter. It has no more sharpening that I did with the Canon 5DII RAW files.

The JPG engine adjusts for lens distortion and chromatic aberration. You don't get that with the RAW files. I use Aperture and there are some lens profiles, but not near enough.

My gripe on this particular lens is the chromatic aberration in high contrast scenes. Easily corrected in post processing, but still an annoyance. Well corrected in the JPGs.

ISO is 200, the lowest the camera will go. That is a pet peeve of mine. I want 50 ISO sometimes to get slower shutter speeds. I use ND filters instead. The E-PL1 had a 100 ISO setting, but it could get some white clipping. 200 was recommended for best image quality.

The focus speed on the E-P3 is very fast, faster than any Pany I think. The IBIS is the tipping point for me too. The cool thing about that is you get IBIS even with legacy lenses. So you can use your Nikon glass and get the image stabilization. Canon glass is a bit useless on the m4/3. They make converters, but there's no practical way to set the aperture since the Canon glass doesn't have manual aperture rings. Supposedly you can set the aperture while mounted on Canon camera, then mount it on the Olympus. Hardly a good workflow in any situation.

I've read the dynamic range issues with the m4/3, but frankly I don't see it. Like I said early, the high ISO is an issue, but I know that and deal with it. I am anxiously awaiting the OM-D. 16MP, +2 stops on the high ISO useability, even faster focus, weather sealed, and more.

I will keep the E-PL3 as I like the rangefinder feel.

Currently, I would rank the IQ of my E-P3 on par with the original Canon 5D I used to have. 4 years ago, that was the best in the business.

02/28/2012 05:30:45 AM · #31
Originally posted by scarbrd:

Currently, I would rank the IQ of my E-P3 on par with the original Canon 5D I used to have. 4 years ago, that was the best in the business.


That sounds really impressive. Have you any idea how the recent Panasonics compare, because I heard that the sensor is better but that the processor isn't so good?
02/28/2012 05:42:05 AM · #32
//snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_5D-vs-Olympus-E-P3

id like one for taking out with me or on holidays etc but i wont be getting rid of my 5d and L's, just yet,
02/28/2012 07:48:06 AM · #33
Originally posted by Giles_uk:

//snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_5D-vs-Olympus-E-P3

id like one for taking out with me or on holidays etc but i wont be getting rid of my 5d and L's, just yet,


I didn't know that site existed.

//snapsort.com/compare/Olympus-E-P3-vs-Sony-NEX-5N
//snapsort.com/compare/Panasonic-G3-vs-Sony-NEX-5N

Not what I wanted to see!

Message edited by author 2012-02-28 07:48:17.
02/28/2012 08:11:02 AM · #34
Interesting stuff the Nex-5n draws with Canon 7D on that site.
02/28/2012 08:15:35 AM · #35
Originally posted by Tiny:

Interesting stuff the Nex-5n draws with Canon 7D on that site.


Yes, I noticed that. I'm starting to have a serious rethink here. Only the Sony doesn't have a viewfinder or flash built in and the touchscreen is only for focusing, not shooting.
02/28/2012 08:29:41 AM · #36
I have been mirror-less for almost a year now. I own the Panasonic GH2 with 2 Panasonic micro 4/3 lenses and some older Olympus Om lenses. I have never been happier!! I take as much video as I do still photos....best of both worlds to me! I can fit my camera and lenses into a smaller Crumpler messenger bag and now take my equipment almost everywhere I go! I love the smaller compact size and the way it feels in my hand! I've been very challenged with shooting video, and I am loving the experience of learning something new again!! My camera just feels right to me!

Here is a flicker set of photos I have taken with the GH2 using both the Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G and the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm f/1.7 Aspherical Pancake Lens. //www.flickr.com/photos/36218656@N05/sets/72157628386501981/detail/

ALso, come check out Mu-43.com. A wonderful Micro Four Thirds User Group. //www.mu-43.com/index.php?pageid=active
02/28/2012 10:05:59 AM · #37
Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Currently, I would rank the IQ of my E-P3 on par with the original Canon 5D I used to have. 4 years ago, that was the best in the business.


That sounds really impressive. Have you any idea how the recent Panasonics compare, because I heard that the sensor is better but that the processor isn't so good?


Olympus always wins the JPG battle. For RAW I think it's a toss up giving the edge for IQ to the 16MP Panasonic sensor, but just barely.

the sensors get better all the time, and as I've said, FF will always be better assuming the same generation.

To me the proof is in the perceptible difference in the final output. In prints up to 16x24" I can not tell a difference between my E-P3 and my original Canon 5D (not the mkII). If you get into esoteric pixel peeping on the computer monitor, you might see some differences, but in prints and on the web, you can't.
02/28/2012 12:22:25 PM · #38
Originally posted by scarbrd:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Currently, I would rank the IQ of my E-P3 on par with the original Canon 5D I used to have. 4 years ago, that was the best in the business.


That sounds really impressive. Have you any idea how the recent Panasonics compare, because I heard that the sensor is better but that the processor isn't so good?


Olympus always wins the JPG battle. For RAW I think it's a toss up giving the edge for IQ to the 16MP Panasonic sensor, but just barely.

the sensors get better all the time, and as I've said, FF will always be better assuming the same generation.

To me the proof is in the perceptible difference in the final output. In prints up to 16x24" I can not tell a difference between my E-P3 and my original Canon 5D (not the mkII). If you get into esoteric pixel peeping on the computer monitor, you might see some differences, but in prints and on the web, you can't.


I only shoot RAW, so I don't think that jpeg quality is that important. Unfortunately stock photography is all about pixel peeping. When I start looking at my photos at 100% I'm never happy with the results from ANY camera. I think that's why I hardly submit anything for stock any more.

Making a decision here is really driving me crazy. Olympus and Panasonic are hard to come by in South Africa. Sony is easy and the ratings of the Sony NEX-5N are really starting to raise questions in my mind, though I really want built in flash and viewfinder as well as touch shooting, none of which are available on the Sony. I really regret not having bought the Panasonic G3 demo model when I had the chance because the more time I have the more research I do, and the more confused I get.
02/28/2012 12:39:05 PM · #39
Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Currently, I would rank the IQ of my E-P3 on par with the original Canon 5D I used to have. 4 years ago, that was the best in the business.


That sounds really impressive. Have you any idea how the recent Panasonics compare, because I heard that the sensor is better but that the processor isn't so good?


Olympus always wins the JPG battle. For RAW I think it's a toss up giving the edge for IQ to the 16MP Panasonic sensor, but just barely.

the sensors get better all the time, and as I've said, FF will always be better assuming the same generation.

To me the proof is in the perceptible difference in the final output. In prints up to 16x24" I can not tell a difference between my E-P3 and my original Canon 5D (not the mkII). If you get into esoteric pixel peeping on the computer monitor, you might see some differences, but in prints and on the web, you can't.


I only shoot RAW, so I don't think that jpeg quality is that important. Unfortunately stock photography is all about pixel peeping. When I start looking at my photos at 100% I'm never happy with the results from ANY camera. I think that's why I hardly submit anything for stock any more.

Making a decision here is really driving me crazy. Olympus and Panasonic are hard to come by in South Africa. Sony is easy and the ratings of the Sony NEX-5N are really starting to raise questions in my mind, though I really want built in flash and viewfinder as well as touch shooting, none of which are available on the Sony. I really regret not having bought the Panasonic G3 demo model when I had the chance because the more time I have the more research I do, and the more confused I get.


I'm a raw shooter too. But the JPGs are nice if you need to send out something quickly. And they are quite impressive.

I like the NEX on paper, but the ergonomics are all wrong, IMO. To get the larger sensor they had to make large lenses. This throws off the balance of camera for me. Also, the Sony lenses are average at best and there are woefully few of them. Zeiss has come out with a wide angle lens and others are saying they will, but it still pales in comparison to the choices from Olympus and Panasonic that will work on either brand.

Mirrorless will take over SLRs globally in total units soon, it already has in Japan. The mirror box is a carry over form the film days and really isn't necessary for digital cameras. Sensor quality will improve to where the difference is truly negligible.

The fact that my entire travel system (camera, flash and 3 lenses) weighs under 3 lbs and the image quality I get is more than enough reason for me to switch.

I'm not trying to get anyone to switch per se. You have to shoot with what you're most comfortable. If dSLR is your preferred setup then don't switch. I maintained both systems for over a year. When it had been 9 months since I even picked up the Canon gear, I sold it all. I don't need several thousand dollars tied up in equipment I don't use.

BTW - I've sold several prints taken with the m4/3. I even have a popular one taken with a Lumix LX3. I don't do penny stock and have no desire to enter that market.

Having the highest MP, high end lenses, and best test data is no gaurentee of successful photography.

I can show the images I'm capable of and if anyone wants more info I am happy to oblige.
02/28/2012 01:04:04 PM · #40
Thanks very much David your information is very useful.
I hopefully plan to make the change sometime this year.
02/28/2012 01:06:24 PM · #41
Originally posted by scarbrd:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Currently, I would rank the IQ of my E-P3 on par with the original Canon 5D I used to have. 4 years ago, that was the best in the business.


That sounds really impressive. Have you any idea how the recent Panasonics compare, because I heard that the sensor is better but that the processor isn't so good?


Olympus always wins the JPG battle. For RAW I think it's a toss up giving the edge for IQ to the 16MP Panasonic sensor, but just barely.

the sensors get better all the time, and as I've said, FF will always be better assuming the same generation.

To me the proof is in the perceptible difference in the final output. In prints up to 16x24" I can not tell a difference between my E-P3 and my original Canon 5D (not the mkII). If you get into esoteric pixel peeping on the computer monitor, you might see some differences, but in prints and on the web, you can't.


I only shoot RAW, so I don't think that jpeg quality is that important. Unfortunately stock photography is all about pixel peeping. When I start looking at my photos at 100% I'm never happy with the results from ANY camera. I think that's why I hardly submit anything for stock any more.

Making a decision here is really driving me crazy. Olympus and Panasonic are hard to come by in South Africa. Sony is easy and the ratings of the Sony NEX-5N are really starting to raise questions in my mind, though I really want built in flash and viewfinder as well as touch shooting, none of which are available on the Sony. I really regret not having bought the Panasonic G3 demo model when I had the chance because the more time I have the more research I do, and the more confused I get.


I'm a raw shooter too. But the JPGs are nice if you need to send out something quickly. And they are quite impressive.

I like the NEX on paper, but the ergonomics are all wrong, IMO. To get the larger sensor they had to make large lenses. This throws off the balance of camera for me. Also, the Sony lenses are average at best and there are woefully few of them. Zeiss has come out with a wide angle lens and others are saying they will, but it still pales in comparison to the choices from Olympus and Panasonic that will work on either brand.

Mirrorless will take over SLRs globally in total units soon, it already has in Japan. The mirror box is a carry over form the film days and really isn't necessary for digital cameras. Sensor quality will improve to where the difference is truly negligible.

The fact that my entire travel system (camera, flash and 3 lenses) weighs under 3 lbs and the image quality I get is more than enough reason for me to switch.

I'm not trying to get anyone to switch per se. You have to shoot with what you're most comfortable. If dSLR is your preferred setup then don't switch. I maintained both systems for over a year. When it had been 9 months since I even picked up the Canon gear, I sold it all. I don't need several thousand dollars tied up in equipment I don't use.

BTW - I've sold several prints taken with the m4/3. I even have a popular one taken with a Lumix LX3. I don't do penny stock and have no desire to enter that market.

Having the highest MP, high end lenses, and best test data is no gaurentee of successful photography.

I can show the images I'm capable of and if anyone wants more info I am happy to oblige.


There were film cameras long before there were reflex mirror boxes. If anything, the mirrorless cameras are more like view cameras where the image is viewed on a ground glass before exposure. My problem with the LCD previews are the lack of precision in framing and they wash out in bright light.
02/28/2012 01:08:30 PM · #42
scarbrd the Sony doesn't feel right for me either, though I've seen more than one review where it comes out on top. My main concern is that M43 cameras are so difficult to get in South Africa and most of the salesmen at shops that don't keep them are telling me service is going to be difficult - maybe just a case of trying to make their brands seem more attractive. I'm worried that I'll have problems getting lenses and batteries too. Stuff is available online, but there's just been a court case over a local website that was selling grey Nikons, so I'm not sure which sites are trustworthy either. Sad because the Panasonic G3 is available online at a much better price than the demo model I missed.
02/28/2012 01:39:33 PM · #43
Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

scarbrd the Sony doesn't feel right for me either, though I've seen more than one review where it comes out on top. My main concern is that M43 cameras are so difficult to get in South Africa and most of the salesmen at shops that don't keep them are telling me service is going to be difficult - maybe just a case of trying to make their brands seem more attractive. I'm worried that I'll have problems getting lenses and batteries too. Stuff is available online, but there's just been a court case over a local website that was selling grey Nikons, so I'm not sure which sites are trustworthy either. Sad because the Panasonic G3 is available online at a much better price than the demo model I missed.


Yeah, I can't help you there. I don't know how camera warranties travel from country to country anymore.

Keep in mind, none of these are "professional" grade like the top Nikon and canon offerings. So you're not going to get professional services on these cameras anyway. Even the new OM-D that is completely weather sealed is not considered a "professional" camera by Olympus. This affects how and when they service the cameras, the turn around time, etc. Also, the pricing on these are also much lower than top cameras from Conan and Nikon. The E-P3 can be found for around $700-$750 after rebate in the US. Compared to a 5DII or a Nikon D700, (if that's the alternative you're considering) you could replace 3 E-P3s and still be saving money. So if you're worried about availability of service, buy 2. It will be cheaper in the long run anyway.

I know $750 is nothing to sneeze at. this is just a comparison. It all depends on what your alternative you're considering.
02/28/2012 01:49:33 PM · #44
I'm not planning to sell my 7D, so it's definitely a case of looking for smaller rather than larger. There does seem to be the possibility of a Canon mirrorless on the horizon, but I can't keep waiting for the unknown that may not compare favourably to Panasonic when it finally comes.

There is supposed to be a Panasonic service place not too far from where I live, while Olympus would have to travel half way across the country. The shops that keep Panasonic say service won't be a problem. I just don't understand why there are so few of them.

I was told stock of the Panasonic was expected in the first or second week of March. Meanwhile I may go and have a look at the Sony. But the Panasonic just feels so right!
02/28/2012 02:04:44 PM · #45
Originally posted by Spork99:



There were film cameras long before there were reflex mirror boxes. If anything, the mirrorless cameras are more like view cameras where the image is viewed on a ground glass before exposure. My problem with the LCD previews are the lack of precision in framing and they wash out in bright light.


Right, they came up with the SLR to give an accurate view of the image being photographed, regardless of the lens. Something rangefinders couldn't do. With the LCD image coming directly form the sensor, this is no longer an issue.

My understanding is the image area on the LCD is 100% of the actual image area from the sensor, at least on the Olys.

I do think the EVF (electronic viewfinder) is a required piece of kit on the PEN series for shooting in bright sunlight. Also, the eyepiece swivels vertically so you can shoot low angle and still see the image to compose. The new OM-D comes with a built-in EVF and a 3" LCD that swivels up and down.

Message edited by author 2012-02-28 14:09:21.
02/28/2012 04:33:30 PM · #46
A good blog about configuring the new OM-D EM-5

Also some good links on the right to other blog entries about the new camera.
02/28/2012 05:34:12 PM · #47
do they have hot shoes for flash and pocket wizards?

whats the buffer like for shooting bursts, does it have interchangable batteries? whats the battery life like, portrait shooting how does it handle,

think they'd be good for street shots candids etc but how do you go on shooting wildlife and studio work etc firing off a few 1000s shots in 2 hours. or is it horses for courses and stick with the big slrs for that?
02/28/2012 08:35:43 PM · #48
I'm a big fan of the Micro Four thirds stuff. My Olympus 14-150mm f/4-5.6 M. Zuiko Digital ED stays on my EP-2 and does about everything I need. I also have a prime 17mm f2.8 but it hardly gets used. If you like street photography or travel a lot I can't imagine not going this route. It's light, has a classic look, fits in a jacket pocket, and takes a pretty decent image. Basically, it just makes it easier to get out and take pictures. For studio work it wouldn't be my first choice. Your welcome to look at my portfolio for samples. Hope this helps.
02/28/2012 08:53:06 PM · #49
Originally posted by Giles_uk:

do they have hot shoes for flash and pocket wizards?

whats the buffer like for shooting bursts, does it have interchangable batteries? whats the battery life like, portrait shooting how does it handle,

think they'd be good for street shots candids etc but how do you go on shooting wildlife and studio work etc firing off a few 1000s shots in 2 hours. or is it horses for courses and stick with the big slrs for that?


The Olympus PENs do have have interchangeable batteries, hot shoes and they do work with Pocket Wizards.

I posted these studio shots here a couple of days ago. I shot 575 images with a Pocket Wizard in that session and never changed batteries. The buffer is OK, nothing spectacular. It keeps up fine for me.

You can decide if it's studio worthy.

These were shot with an Olympus E-PL2. The prints (8x10) were stunning.

All 4 were shot with the Olympus 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED.



Message edited by author 2012-02-28 20:54:54.
02/28/2012 11:42:52 PM · #50
For those interested in seeing the difference in DOF between different formats check out THIS THREAD. Comparisons are made between M43, APS-C, and full frame (pix in that order). All shots with 50mm EFL lenses for their given formats with equivalent apertures, or near so. The non m43 lenses used in the comparison are Leica Summilux lenses costing over 6 times the cost of the Panasonic lens.
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