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06/28/2005 08:08:24 PM · #1
I am considering purchasing the Olympus Evolt. Would any owners recommend it?

I currently own an Olympus 3040 Zoom (3 Megapixels). How much difference am I going to see?

Finally, I own a Canon i560 photo printer. It can print up to 4800 dpi. Would I need to obtain a printer with a better resolution?

I am new to this whole SLR game. Thank you SO much for your help!

Scott Morgan
06/28/2005 08:57:57 PM · #2
I realize you want first hand information however a start for seeing the differences is with the sided by side comparison...

C-3040Z vs Evolt
06/28/2005 09:10:33 PM · #3
Thank you! I wish I knew more about what the specifications mean :) The megapixel difference is huge. What else should I look at?

Thanks,

Scott

Message edited by author 2005-06-28 21:10:58.
06/28/2005 09:21:47 PM · #4
If you haven't had a chance to check out dpreview there is a glossary of all the terms they use and some of the specs you can actually click on.

I suggest reading the in depth review. You will get some insights into the pros and cons of the camera. Check it out compared to the review for your current camera. This will give you an idea of what the main differences are.

One thing you will notice is that on the Evolt you can use up to ISO 800 whereas on your current camera you probably find you have to stay at the lowest ISO setting to keep the noise down.

It's a big jump to SLR. Take your time.
06/28/2005 09:50:32 PM · #5
Also lurk in the forums for the camera, you find out how the owners feel about that camera and have a chance to see many sample pics. Also samples on pbase... pbase samples
06/28/2005 11:13:36 PM · #6
Thanks everyone. I just get excited about this stuff and I love Olympus, and this camera seemed great at the price.

A newbie question for sure, but what exactly is ISO? I keep mine on auto.

sem

06/28/2005 11:38:48 PM · #7
Originally posted by MrMorgan411:

Thanks everyone. I just get excited about this stuff and I love Olympus, and this camera seemed great at the price.

A newbie question for sure, but what exactly is ISO? I keep mine on auto.

sem


ISO is what is referred to as the film speed. The higher the number the more sensitive the sensor is to light therefore shorter shutter speeds result. The downside of higher ISO is you get more noise which is why, on P & S, it's best to shoot at the lowest ISO if at all possible.
06/28/2005 11:41:59 PM · #8
Most reviews of the Olympus Evolt are not encouraging despite some obviously innovative engineering. According to reviews the image quality is not up to standards set by Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Pentax, all in a comparable price range.

ISO is a measure of light sensitivity in terms of film equivalence. That is significant sticking point with the evolt, very high noise levels at higher ISO settings when compared to the competition.
06/29/2005 09:02:10 AM · #9
I've read about four or five reviews of the Evolt. Most reviewers mention that the image quality is not as fine as some others, and they do mention the noise at high ISO.

How often would I use high ISO?

The main reason I brought up the Olympus is the price - I found it for $600. Do Canon, Nikon, Fuji, or Pentax have cameras in this price range?

sem
06/29/2005 09:11:37 AM · #10
I've been using an olympus and believe that the sensors and Photo quality are better with Nikon and Canon. I've seen nothing with the evolt that impresses me aside from the sonic dust removal. The photos don't...
06/29/2005 09:14:21 AM · #11
I know they are not selling well around here...every week it comes down in price or they throw in different lens trying to get it to sell. Fry's will probably have them for 799 in a month or two...
06/29/2005 09:47:46 AM · #12
I would recommend asessing why it is you want to upgrade your camera - what it is that your current camera doesn't do that you're looking for - and then evaluate cameras that excel in those areas. If you're going to make any sort of substantial investment in equipment, which you'll need to do if you're going to buy a camera that needs an assortment of lenses, it's important to do more than find the cheapest one available.

Are there specific reasons why you're looking to upgrade?
06/29/2005 09:55:15 AM · #13
Originally posted by MrMorgan411:

I've read about four or five reviews of the Evolt. Most reviewers mention that the image quality is not as fine as some others, and they do mention the noise at high ISO.

How often would I use high ISO?

The main reason I brought up the Olympus is the price - I found it for $600. Do Canon, Nikon, Fuji, or Pentax have cameras in this price range?

sem


Quite often actually... Indoor events without flash. outdoors at dusk, dawn or night. Football, baseball games, Theatre any time you are far enough away that flash won't help and you want to "freeze" the action is higher ISO time. The Cam (dSLR) should be able to at least go to ISO1600 and maintain highly usable shots.
06/29/2005 10:12:16 AM · #14
Thanks, everyone. I'll be doing research for a while I think.

Scott
06/29/2005 10:18:05 AM · #15
Originally posted by MrMorgan411:

I've read about four or five reviews of the Evolt. Most reviewers mention that the image quality is not as fine as some others, and they do mention the noise at high ISO.

How often would I use high ISO?

The main reason I brought up the Olympus is the price - I found it for $600. Do Canon, Nikon, Fuji, or Pentax have cameras in this price range?

sem


Sensor noise will be a evident with the E-300 at medium and higher ISO/ASA - certianly a detriment & limitation, except for effect. At low ISO it is good. I find process latitude large and the raw files tend to be easy to work with. The Olympus glass is very good and the kit lens provided with the camera is several notches sharper than any of the competition, but also consider that variety of Olympus lenses is limited and cost is high. $600 is a very good price, for camera and kit lens.
06/29/2005 10:24:59 AM · #16
I too have been watching, reading and dreaming about the evolt since before its release this last december. I have actually had to talk my wife out of buying it for me at least twice (we really can't afford it and I can't justify having a camera that nice (DSLR) when I can't even afford to print any of my work)

The 5050 also has a problem with high ISO noise, but I don't think I've ever used anything higher than 200 (oh wait, once I tried 400 for a wedding where I couldn't use the flash) so it really hasn't been an issue for me. I also have my sharpness selected down one mark to help compensate for this but that does hurt the image quality a bit.

The 8mpixel was also the selling point for me till I learned that some of the lower megpixel cameras achieve just as good and some better quality because they have a larger CCD to capture more data. The evolt does have a good size one so I'm not sure why the quality would be suffering as mentioned.

I still think if I had the money and could justify it to myself I would buy the evolt because I think Olympus is very under-rated and does make good quality stuff for less money to the consumer.

Good luck on your decision Scott.


06/29/2005 10:47:05 AM · #17
There is currently a forum thread going on at DPReview on image quality comparing the Evolt and E-1 cameras by Olympus. Opinions of users are posted, as well as, images to help you decide.

I don't own and have never used the Evolt, but from what I've read of users who have, besides the noise issue at higher ISOs, there is also an issue with innaccurate white balance.

My opinion, is that since you are new to photography, and your budget is limited, to get a more updated prosumer camera to learn on. This will get you a camera body and lens all in one for a good price (with a large focal length range). If you want a DSLR like experience without spending a lot of money, and want to stick with Olympus, then get a used Olympus E-10 or E-20 that can be gotten at very good prices on Ebay.
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