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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Need e-volt 500 accessories help
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AuthorThread
 06/08/2006 07:52:39 AM · #1
I am probably going to buy the e500 tonight, problem being the only kit available at my (Navy) store has just the one lens (14-45mm), how is the availablity of alternate lens for this camera?

I looked at the OLY website lenses and see what appears to be a nice selection but I would like to know if there are others out there I can use and maybe find cheaper?

Also do you think my 512 card will be enough or should I really upgrade to 1g or more? I will probably get a spare battery since I believe you can never have too much backup power. Anything else I should be aware of?

Any info I can get is very much appreciated.

Thank you

Message edited by author 2006-06-08 07:52:46.
 06/08/2006 08:22:17 AM · #2
just sent an email

hope it helps
 06/08/2006 08:25:47 AM · #3
Just to add:

This probably won't be appropriate for you, but there's always the option of using old OM lenses with an adapter (adapter ~£100 in a decent camera shop, but compatibles ~£35 on ebay). I wouldn't particularly recommend this to someone who isn't already comfortable with the OM lenses (you're stuck with manual focus, heavier lenses and sometimes weird metering), but its worth knowing about the option. I personally find it wonderful!
 06/08/2006 08:55:24 AM · #4
Originally posted by kirsty_mcn:
Just to add:

This probably won't be appropriate for you, but there's always the option of using old OM lenses with an adapter (adapter ~£100 in a decent camera shop, but compatibles ~£35 on ebay). I wouldn't particularly recommend this to someone who isn't already comfortable with the OM lenses (you're stuck with manual focus, heavier lenses and sometimes weird metering), but its worth knowing about the option. I personally find it wonderful!


manual focus is one of the reasons I am moving to DSLR so that is also great info.

Thanks again for your email, good info there.
 06/08/2006 09:07:01 AM · #5
Originally posted by sabphoto:
I am probably going to buy the e500 tonight, problem being the only kit available at my (Navy) store has just the one lens (14-45mm), how is the availablity of alternate lens for this camera?

I looked at the OLY website lenses and see what appears to be a nice selection but I would like to know if there are others out there I can use and maybe find cheaper?

Also do you think my 512 card will be enough or should I really upgrade to 1g or more? I will probably get a spare battery since I believe you can never have too much backup power. Anything else I should be aware of?

Any info I can get is very much appreciated.

Thank you


Great choice in cameras. The oly's although looked down upon on most sites, including this one, are great cameras. THe 14-45 is a nice lens although a bit slower and less sharp then the 14-54 that I upgraded too. THe 40-150 is a nice telephoto for the price. But again not as sharp or as fast as the 50-200. BUt its also not near as heavy or expensive. I have had all of the above lens. And wouldnt be afraid to shoot on assignment with any of them. THe flash systems are really good for these systems. The FL-36 which I currently have is on backorder due to heavy demand. The Fl50 which will arrive at my house friday is still available currently at a greatly reduced cost to original price. And in my opinion well worth the difference. However for 90% of the folks who shoot these cameras the FL36 is more then enough flash for the job. There are a ton of new lens coming up for production in the next few months. And there are also several other 4/3 cameras being produced from other manufacturers. Which should open the market for other lens manufacturer to take interest in producing lens. I have read where Tokina, Tamron, and Zeiss will be making lens specifically for the 4/3 system. IIRC Zeiss is the kit lens on the panasonic that currently coming out. Again congrats on the new camera and I hope to see you knocking down the ribbons in the future with it. I would recommend a great 4/3 Olympus site for you to join.

Four Thirds Photo

MattO
 06/08/2006 09:29:02 AM · #6
Besides an extra battery (CTA makes a good one - B&H $30) several accessories I'd consider is the MF-1 eyepiece magnifier, 4/3rds to third party lens adapters, RM-1 remote, a small flash such as the FL-20 or better yet the FL-36, and if you go external flash the FL-CB05 TTL flash cord.

The MF-1 greatly helps correct what is my opinion the E-500 greatest flaw the small viewfinder. The MF-1 magnifies the viewfinder by 30% while still enabling all the viewfinder information. And for less than $40 it is a no brainer.

Even if you don̢۪t have any older lenses, I̢۪d look into buying a 4/3rds to third party lens adapter. I̢۪ve seen them go for as low as $25 on ebay. For example you could pick up a used Takumar 200mm f4 and M42 adapter for probably less than $75 on ebay (I did). Another example is the Peleng 8mm fisheye. It works better on 4/3rds cameras better than any other camera since it doesn̢۪t vignette at the corners on the smaller sensor. I also use Nikon, Pentax K, and M42 lens often. An inexpensive option to use at least until you can afford expensive Zuiko glass.

Since the E-500 has no provision for a cable release the remote is handy.

A small flash is an invaluable tool, especially if taken off camera with the FL-CB05.

Anyway good luck & welcome to the 4/3rds family. I don̢۪t think you̢۪ll regret your decision.
06/08/2006 11:59:34 AM · #7
Thank you all for the info, I will keep my eyes open for those items you suggested and try to work them in the limited budget I have.

btw...camera at our store comes with the 17.5-45mm kit lens (bummer) and I can't find ANY specs about it. Still with $75 rebate I should be able to upgrade sooner than later.
06/08/2006 12:56:31 PM · #8
Originally posted by sabphoto:
Thank you all for the info, I will keep my eyes open for those items you suggested and try to work them in the limited budget I have.

btw...camera at our store comes with the 17.5-45mm kit lens (bummer) and I can't find ANY specs about it. Still with $75 rebate I should be able to upgrade sooner than later.


If it comes with the cheaper lens its more than likely it'll come with disposables instead of the rechargeable battery + charger. Its very difficult (in the UK at least) to get hold of the battery charger on its own, like I said in my email I went with an ebay compatible in the end. Would have been ~£70 for just the charger in my local camera store. So check that out before buying it...I didn't and had to make the disposables last a week before I could go out shooting lots with the new battery.
 06/08/2006 01:02:23 PM · #9
Originally posted by sabphoto:
Thank you all for the info, I will keep my eyes open for those items you suggested and try to work them in the limited budget I have.

btw...camera at our store comes with the 17.5-45mm kit lens (bummer) and I can't find ANY specs about it. Still with $75 rebate I should be able to upgrade sooner than later.


I dont think there is much difference in quality between shots I have seen with the 17.5-45 and the 14-45 just missing a little bit of wideness at the bottom end. And your right, you will be upgrading sooner or later so thats not that big a deal. And its not like the lens will be junk its still a very usable lens. I'm not real familiar with the E500 I snapped a few shots with it one day while at the store, but that was about as familiar as I got with it. If you did want the 14-45 rather then the 17.5-45 you can buy them really cheap in like new or even new condition off ebay for less then 100 most times. With having seen your other shots I certainly think you are going to be pleased with the purchase and it will serve you well for a long time. BTW you will love not having to worry about dust on the sensor. I know I do! :-)

MattO
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