Canon Eos 350D VS Olympus E-500 - DPChallenge Forums

01/05/2006 05:36:49 PM · #1

Hello everybody
I have a big dilemma, I don't know what to chose betwen Canon Eos 350D and Olympus E-500. I've read more reviews on the internet and I would go for the Olympus,because it has a bigger LCD,dust protection,RAW development,it's faster and it's better build that the Eos 350D.
But I like the Eos 350D because it has better ISO,battery grip,USB 2.0 Hi-speed.
Can somebody help me with some advice regarding my problem?

Thank you in advance

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

01/05/2006 05:59:27 PM · #2

If ISO speeds above 400 are a priority then the Canon is a clear winner. Personally, I never go above 200, but I've been shooting Velvia (iso 50) for years so I pefer lower ISOs. Also lenses tend to be a stop faster, so that also helps with the high ISO advantage. In virtually all other aspects the Olympus is the clear winner. The build quality and specs are much higher with the Olympus than the Canon.

The dust protection is quite remarkable. I've owned a rebel 300, a Nikon D100, and several D70s and I can tell you that if you change lenses often you'lll get lots of dust. In fact I bought a 12-24 nikkor and D70 at the same time and never removed the lens, and I got dust.

Of course dust removal would be academic if the camera specs aren't up to speed. And the E-500 (or e-300 as well) is the highest speced camera for under $1000. Mirror lockup is one of the best features for macro photography. USB speed is not important if you get a $10 card reader which I highly suggest. I've never installed any software that came with any cameras.

You correct that the E-500 dosn't offer a battery grip, but I have very big hands and I have no troubles. The E-300 does offer a grip, but I haven't picked one up yet.

Also one last but very important advantage of the E system is that due to the smaller sensor and large bayonnet, the E- cameras are esentially universal cameras. Via adapters, E cameras can mount and use lenses from just about all the major camera systems (except Canon). I use Nikon, Pentax M42, Leica M39, and Olympus OM lenses on my cameras.

MQuinn

Olympus OM-D E-M1

01/05/2006 06:17:14 PM · #3

Personally I went with the E-500, I liked the feel in my hands, the Canon 350 I kept pooking my eye with my thumb. I liked the Bigger LCD screen, Battery grip wise I have Big hands and have no problem griping the E-500, I have 2 battery packs for mine but it usually takes 200-300 shots after a good charge. The view finder is a little small on the E-500. Like Hyperfocal said its not really a great high Iso (above 400) compared to the Canon, but I rarely ever shoot above 400 anyways. As far as USB 2.0, I never transfer photos using that anyways, a CF card reader is inexpensive. I got the OM adaptor so I can use old Olympus OM style lenses, got a 50mm 1.4f lense, hoping to get more!

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

01/05/2006 06:58:32 PM · #4

Originally posted by MQuinn:

The view finder is a little small on the E-500.

Yes, the viewfinder is small, but Olympus is introducing a soultion, the ME-1 Eyecup Magnifier. An inexpensive accessory that will make the viewing experience on both the E-300 and E-500 much better.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

01/05/2006 08:26:10 PM · #5

When I made the choice my main reasons for not going with Oly were the fear that they would abandon the line, and the fewer lenses you have to choose from. I have found that dust isn't that big a deal for the way I shoot, but I do wish I had the waether seal that Olympus gives it's cameras.

Pioneer

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 50-500mm f/4.0-6.3 EX DG HSM for Canon EOS

01/05/2006 08:27:21 PM · #6

My friend bought the Olympus because it felt best for his face(he said he doesn't have his nose on the LCD with the OLY)The noise at the ISO's above 200 is noticable, but then maybe you never have to worry about it.He lives with the noise by not choosing to use the higher levels, but I think sometimes you need them. I picked the Canon because of the larger range of lenses at affordable prices by many makers I understand that you can now use more brands of lenses on the Olympus, but if you buy the Zuiko lens you will be paying top dollar, although they are great glass.

You will be buying a lot of add ons no matter what you think now, so if the money is a factor do some pricing out of a few good lenses and other accessories you might need. Either choice you will have a great camera, good luck

undieyatch

Olympus E-10

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

01/05/2006 08:53:56 PM · #7

I vote for the E-500..... the camera w/current two lens package for under $800 is a real deal. I had a close look at it over the holiday. IMO 4/3rds is a quality system, (I love my E-300). The large 2.5 lcd is really good. The finder is not the greatest, but not bad.

aeli2468

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

01/05/2006 09:14:37 PM · #8

I am SUPER happy with the E500. Yes there is some noise at high iso, but for me the versatilty of the camera, and the dust protection as well, was what sold me. It's a great camera for the price. The 4/3rds system is a nbig difference, but oly has committed to make plenty of lenses for the system - including at least 3 more this year designed specifically for the e-system.

But the best thing for you to do is get to a decent store and play with both the Canon and Oly and see which you prefer. Each have their pros and cons.

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/05/2006 10:11:13 PM · #9

Originally posted by BrennanOB:

Lenses are really not an issue now, and rumor has it that Olympus will not be the lone 4/3rds manufacturer as soon as spring. Fuji, Sanyo, Leica/Panasonic & Kodak (who makes the sensors) have license to build 4/3rds cameras (and lenses), but the bet is on Leica/Panasonic to introduce a camera as soon as PMA this February.

Also Olympus is actually scaling back it�s successful P&S line to concentrate on 4/3rd SLRs. They aren�t going to abandon the line anytime soon. I don�t understand those who think that the line is a short lens, if I had to find a weakness in equipment it would be flashes. The macro flashes aside the FL-50 is just too expensive, and the FL-36 while powerful takes way to long to recharge. I�m waiting on Sigma to introduce a DG-500 super for Olympus, since they already have a commitment to the system with there three 4/3rds lenses.

ragamuffingirl

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

01/05/2006 10:35:10 PM · #10

I have the E-300, and my only complaint about it is that Nikon and Canon have a wider selection of lenses. Though, I'm not sure why that's a complaint. I can't afford to buy any lenses right now. I'd just like to know the option exists.

Hyperfocal, you've owned SEVERAL D-70's? What do you do to them? Chew on 'em?

Hardcore Poser

Olympus 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Digital

01/05/2006 11:07:19 PM · #11

well ive had my E500 now for a little while. noise levels are high, especially after iso400. dont just get this camera for the supersonic wave filter, your are still gonna have to clean it sometime. this is why I bought the E500: I am use to the olympus menues, it was $799 with two lenses at costco, and I like to have something different than everone else. the camera is nice and whether you get the 350 or 500 you should be able to take nice photos. personally I dont like the 4/3rds, smaller sensor=more noise. also, hot pixels are a problem with this camera. then again...the 350 has its problems too. also, if you want a big screen, the d70s is nice. try them out, see what fits you best. each will take nice photos.

01/05/2006 11:08:25 PM · #12

Originally posted by ragamuffingirl:

Hyperfocal, you've owned SEVERAL D-70's? What do you do to them? Chew on 'em?

I'd take about 4-5000 images with a D70 then eBay it. The first three times I did this, I�d get more than I paid for them. I was just biding my time for a true D100 replacement, but of course as soon as I made the switch to the 4/3rds system Nikon came out with the D200. Of course I have no regrets because the D200 is out of my price range.

I went to the 4/3rds system because Nikon wouldn't include mirror-up on their consumer models, and I love macro. Actually another major reason for the change is my love of Nikon glass. I have more functionality using Nikon glass on my Olympus�s than on my D70s. And the last reason is the choice of lenses with the Olympus' cameras that Nikon didn't offer. The Nikon 12-24 was just too wide for my tastes, while the 11-22 is perfect.

Hardcore Poser

Olympus 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 Zuiko Digital

01/05/2006 11:12:42 PM · #13

BTW...if u wanna see some pics with the e500 look at my site

www.csupomona.edu/~edzanutto

just click the e500 link

MQuinn

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital Zoom

01/05/2006 11:32:09 PM · #14

Originally posted by hyperfocal:

I went to the 4/3rds system because Nikon wouldn't include mirror-up on their consumer models, and I love macro. Actually another major reason for the change is my love of Nikon glass. I have more functionality using Nikon glass on my Olympus�s than on my D70s. And the last reason is the choice of lenses with the Olympus' cameras that Nikon didn't offer. The Nikon 12-24 was just too wide for my tastes, while the 11-22 is perfect.

Hey have you played with the 35mm Macro lense yet? I just love this lense for Macro.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

01/05/2006 11:52:37 PM · #15

Originally posted by MQuinn:

Hey have you played with the 35mm Macro lense yet? I just love this lense for Macro.

I found a coupon online so I ordered the 35 macro from Dell. After almost 90 days & still no lens I canceled the order. I decided to upgrade the 14-45 to the 14-54 instead of getting the macro now (BTW if anyone needs a mint 14-45 let me know). I'll get the 35 soon, but I've been playing around with older macro lenses and enlarging lenses for macro for now.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

01/06/2006 01:06:41 AM · #16

I'd vote for the Olympus (I aint called OLYuzi for nothing;), but to tell you the truth, I just wish I were a better photographer, never mind the hardware.

docpjv

Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

01/06/2006 05:56:19 AM · #17

I initially struggled with the same question but then convinced myself that it is the wrong question to ask..... the question should be who provides the biggest and possibly best range of lenses. If I was brand-burned I would have bought Nikon. But after answering my new question I think I made the right choice!

Whatever you choose, know you can not go wrong, there is too little to pic on in terms of differences in modern SLR's.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

01/06/2006 07:29:55 AM · #18

If I was starting out now I would choose the E-500 over the 350D. Olympus are well known for their quality. I have used Olympus 35mm point and shoot compacts and still do. I would not be concerned with the noise levels over iso 400, I only go higher than than every now and then so no big deal.

As people have said - go down to a store and get your hands on them. I found that the 350D was a bit too small and lightweight for my liking. Having said that the 350D is an excellent camera and with a large range of lenses available.

alintatoc

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

01/06/2006 08:10:17 AM · #19

Thanks guys for all your comments. I think that the Olympus it's a better choise at this moment. I've found the OLYMPUS E-500 + 14-45mm f/3.5-5.7 + 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 with 850 Euros and I think it's better that the Canon.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

01/06/2006 08:19:51 AM · #20

You may want to wait just a few more weeks to make your decision because Olympus is coming out with a new camera at the end of January...probably the E-30, and you may want to see it's specs and picture quality before laying down your hard earned cash. It may be less noisy and if you plan on doing low light photography you may want to see the new offering first. However, if price is of prime consideration, then you will probably wind up with the E-500 2lens kit.

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

01/06/2006 09:52:29 AM · #21

I was just looking at the oly site again...if you do go with the oly make sure you do a firmware update to have the latest fixes and such...

Firmware updates -300 updates listed there too

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/06/2006 10:05:55 AM · #22

Lenses is a key factor....

But it can be pointless if you're not going to go much beyond the kit lens. I myself, loved my Olympus E-20N. The build quality makes my 20D feel like a toy.

However, that said...I was replacing my E-20N with a 20D for a particular reason. It just didn't make the cut in low-light and a large majority of my photography is very low-light. (Band/gig photography). So I bought the 20D for super high ISO quality and with the plan of getting the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS.

I new I was going to get fairly heavy into lenses. If you aren't planning to drop $2,000-$5,000 on lenses in the future. Than I'd say go with the Olympus E-500 twin kit. You get two half-decent lenses that will cover most of your range plus a fairly good DSLR for $800.

Basically, you save a good $5oo over the Canon XT with the same range. (As you'd have to buy the second lense to get the same range mm coverage.)

Now you can buy a "Flash" and other accessories!

alintatoc