Anyone shoot with an Olympus Digital SLR?

[rodeo]

Anyone shoot with an Olympus Digital SLR? Appreciate opinions as I'm thinking of buying a new Olympus E-620 body and 40-150mm lens plus adding a better quality / faster 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 to keep on the body most of the time.

I just parted with all my N....gear, D200 body, and 5-6 lenses and some of my lenses by themselves sold for about what this new setup will cost me.

So, looking for opinions about Olympus E series SLRs, especially from those who own or owned them.

 

[blary54]

I own an E500. It was my first Dslr. Olympus makes excellent cameras. The benefit of the 4/3 system is smaller lenses but greater focal length because of the sensor size. Where as Canon is a 1.6 crop factor Olympus is a 2. So a 14-42 lens would be 28-84mm on the camera. The downside is they are probably never going to go to a full size sensor. Also they have less lenses/accessories for the camera than Canon and N i k o n.

A few years later I didn't have much money invested im my Olympus camera and lenses so I decided to go with canon because of the larger selection of lenses and accessories.

I now shoot with a Canon 40D and have quite a few quality lenses from them so I most likely wont be going back to Olympus. But IMO Olympus makes the best cameras for the money and their Zuiko glass is very good too.

If you don't ever care about going to a full size sensor then Olympus is a great choice.

 

[Muscles]

I have to agree, Olympus make some fantastic and very high quality gear BUT unfortunately there are less accessories out there and when it comes to LAD you will have less places to shop around at in the hunt for lower prices.

I have owned an Oly E4-10 since SWMBO bought it for Christmas 4 or 5 years ago. Great camera but my lenses & accessories cost me more and were harder to find than those of N I K O N or Canon. If money isn't an issue and you don't mind being told where you can buy then I would say go for it!

 

[rodeo]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty sure this is the setup I'm going to go with. I don't care about it (E-620) not having video but on the big plus side, the camera body does have built in "Image Stabilization" so it works with any lens you put on there. As you can see by my initial post, I am downsizing and going simpler. The N I K O N was / is great but you know yourselves what decent Nikkor lenses cost. (It was nice to reap back several grand in addition to covering this new setup in cost.). Olympus makes a pretty decent lens too and doesn't charge your "first born child" to get something thats acceptable. I just finished reading reviews for the inexpensive 40-150 mm F4.0-5.6 lens and it got decent write ups in spite of its approximate $100 low price tag. That's fine by me for a lens that will sit in my bag for occasional use. Like I said, I'll get a slightly better 14mm-54mm to keep mounted most of the time. Those two lenses should cover most of my needs, which quite honestly will be shooting simple JPEGs. I just need to hold this camera in my hands before I pull the trigger at (most likely) B&H. (Internet - Free shipping and no sales tax.)

I'm also going to look at the 12-60mm lens instead of the 14-54mm but that is another $300 in cost right there. Still, I'll read a few reviews as that will be my main "go to" lens.

 

[Muscles]

Sounds like you have already made up your mind and nothin' wrong with that...

The final thing I will say is, don't skimp on your glass. I had 12 lenses (Zuiko and Sigma) and now have 6 and I would rather a dearer lens on a cheaper body than the other way around. Main thing to remember is to try the body with the lenses in the shop even if you are not planning on getting that lens at the same time as the body.

B&H is cheap, that's where I got most of my gear (there and 17street) but you have the luxury of going in store - for that I envy you.

 

[rodeo]

Sounds like you have already made up your mind and nothin' wrong with that...

The final thing I will say is, don't skimp on your glass. I had 12 lenses (Zuiko and Sigma) and now have 6 and I would rather a dearer lens on a cheaper body than the other way around. Main thing to remember is to try the body with the lenses in the shop even if you are not planning on getting that lens at the same time as the body.

B&H is cheap, that's where I got most of my gear (there and 17street) but you have the luxury of going in store - for that I envy you.

Well I'm 90% sure this is my next camera. I know exactly what you mean and the money should go towards better glass, not the body. (That pays off in resale values too as quality lenses hold their value better then kit type lenses.) I am now leaning strongly towards the 12-60mm simply for that reason. it's got some advantages on top of more focal length at both ends. Yea it's about $300 more then the 14-54mm but I already own very high quality filters (72mm UV and polarizer) for that lens thread size, so that's a savings right there. As for B&H, yea the city is about an hour or so away but I rarely ever go there and wouldn't for this purchase. I just dislike NYC. I don't mind many other cities, Philly, Chicago, Boston etc but I try to avoid NYC. And I do agree with you that I need to hold the camera in my hands and try it with my lens choices too before dropping a dime. I'll post some pics of this set up after I get it. Probably another couple of weeks by the time it ships to me. Again, thanks for your input.

 

[Muscles]

You're very welcome, glad I could provide some input and I look forward to seeing some pics - you may inspire me to upgrade my body

 

[C Reed]

I know a pro news shooter who shoots olympus, I believe he switched over from Nikon due to weight issue... I will shoot him an email for you.

 

[WithTheGrain]

Anyone shoot with an Olympus Digital SLR? Appreciate opinions as I'm thinking of buying a new Olympus E-620 body and 40-150mm lens plus adding a better quality / faster 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 to keep on the body most of the time.

I just parted with all my N....gear, D200 body, and 5-6 lenses and some of my lenses by themselves sold for about what this new setup will cost me.

So, looking for opinions about Olympus E series SLRs, especially from those who own or owned them.

I shoot Olympus, e520 currently. I picked it up with the 2 kit lenses and eventually picked up the 50mm. I am planning on upgrading to either the 14-54 + a wide angle, or the 12-60. At this point, I haven't decide which path I am going with as far as that goes.

I haven't messed around with many of the other brands, but have played with the nikon d60 and the Canon t2i. Compared to those two models, I really really like the size and balance of the Olympus kits. The lenses are more compact with good optics. The Canon is sharper than my e520, but there is a big difference in age between the two models. The e620 is supposed to have great image quality, so you will be set there (especially with the 14-54).

For my complaints, as you likely know if you did any research, the high ISO and lowlight performance isn't as great as some of the other options (it can get noisy). Also, you will need to upgrade your kit if you want to get the "bokeh" shots, but again this may not be a big deal depending on what kind of shots you need. Also, as others have said, there are more than enough lenses available for my particular needs, but some are more expensive than it would be for other systems. For example, my 50mm is $400 while Canon offers a $100 version. Now, the two aren't comparable for quality (Zuiko is a great great lens and the Canon is relatively crappy by comparison price factor aside*), but it would be nice to have cheapo options as well. Also, you won't get as many 3rd party accessories, but for me that hasn't been a major issue as I have been happy with the Zuiko lenses and Oly flash options.

Like all systems, they have their strong points and weak points. I would double check a few reviews to make sure that the e620 meets your needs before buying, but all in all, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest Olympus.

*My brother picked up the 100 Canon 50mm and has been very happy with it, it looks like a good "beginner's" option.

 

[rodeo]

. For example, my 50mm is $400 while Canon offers a $100 version. Now, the two aren't comparable for quality (Zuiko is a great great lens and the Canon is relatively crappy by comparison price factor aside*), but it would be nice to have cheapo options as well.

Thanks WiththeGrain,

Maybe Olympus is taking heed as just look at their 40-150mm tele (35mm equivelent of 80-300mm) as I can buy that lens for $114 from B&H brand new. The low price actually scared me ($100 for a lens??) but after reading a few reviews, it didn't score too badly on any front and seems like a "no brainer" to throw in my bag. Eventually I might upgrade that to the much better (and more expensive) Olympus 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 Silent Wave Drive lens which would make me happier still. And I am now pretty sure I'll skip the 14-54mm and go with the 12-60mm instead also because of the SWD motor, non rotating front barrel and full time optional manual focus. Lastly, everyone mentions the relative lack of third party components and 'at your mercy" prices but I must say that coming over from N I K O N, this all seems pretty inexpensive to me. Making the switch from N to O seemed like a "no brainer" cost wise. Hopefully I'll get to actually see one first hand later today.

 

[JJMontague]

Excellent glass! Really top notch. Where you'll likely be disappointed with Olympus is their high-ISO image quality, but only if you're accostomed to shooting N1kon or Canon at high-ISO.

A really cool bonus to going with the Olympus 3/4 system is you get access to some really cheap but high-quality manual focus lenses in the Minolta MC & MD line. Due to the small register of the Minolta mount, Olympus is the only dslr that can accept one of their lenses while maintaining infinity focus. The Minolta Rokkor lenses were some of the best quality in their day, and now can be bought for much less than their peers.

 

[WithTheGrain]

Thanks WiththeGrain,

Maybe Olympus is taking heed as just look at their 40-150mm tele (35mm equivelent of 80-300mm) as I can buy that lens for $114 from B&H brand new. The low price actually scared me ($100 for a lens??) but after reading a few reviews, it didn't score too badly on any front and seems like a "no brainer" to throw in my bag. Eventually I might upgrade that to the much better (and more expensive) Olympus 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 Silent Wave Drive lens which would make me happier still. And I am now pretty sure I'll skip the 14-54mm and go with the 12-60mm instead also because of the SWD motor, non rotating front barrel and full time optional manual focus. Lastly, everyone mentions the relative lack of third party components and 'at your mercy" prices but I must say that coming over from N I K O N, this all seems pretty inexpensive to me. Making the switch from N to O seemed like a "no brainer" cost wise. Hopefully I'll get to actually see one first hand later today.

The 12-60 is a great lens; matched with the 50-200 and you will really have a good setup. My goal "final kit"would be to get the 50-200 and match it (as I told you) with either the 11-22 & 14-54 or the 12-60. The 12-60 is a great lens, my holdup (besides price-- it is easier to by two lenses over time that save up for 12-60 at one time) is largely due to its large size. My wife and I share our system and I am concerned that she wouldn't like the larger size of the 12-60. Many have made the argument that the image quality of the 14-54 is pretty close to the 12-60, but the focusing speed is slower (especially compared to 12-60 matched with an E3). Then again, having a single lens to cover 12-60 is more convenient than two lenses to cover 11-54.... In either case, with a daughter due to be born any day now, cash will prevent me from picking up either lens for a while still... As far as bodies go, I am sure I will eventually upgrade from the e520, but I am in no rush on that end. I would much prefer to keep moving on the glass at this point.

One more thing, I don't know if you go over to dpreview or not, but it is near apocalypse over there in the Olympus SLR forum. People are freaking out over the "death of four thirds" because Olympus hasn't release a new pro-body in 2 years. Rumor has it that the new e5 (or whatever it will be called) will debut at Photokina in September. I imagine the tone will change then, but until then just be forewarned of some low morale and take it with a grain of salt.

I hope you let us know what you think of the e620 after playing around with it at B&H.

 

[rodeo]

Withthegrain, all,

Today I had the opportunity to actually see and hold both the new E-620 as well as the older E-520 Digital SLRs. Guess what, I liked the E-520 much better, based upon ergonomics and size. The new E-620 just feels cramped and unnatural to hold whereas the slightly larger E-520 felt like an extension of my hand and fingers, ala the way my old D200 N-Japanese made banned vendor camera did.

So now I'm stuck trying to figure out:
A. the differences between the E-620 and E-520 (Olumpus website doesnt compare easily)

B. How much ergonomics should play into my decision, considering that the longer I fiddled with the E-620 I kept telling myself I could get used to it I guess.

C. The E-620 is 12 megapixel versus 10 meagapixels for the E-520, should that factor big or not. Unsure!

D. I believe the E-520 has fewer autofocus zones or spots, like I said need to really research both now.

E. should I consider the E-30 now too? (Thinking this is the way to really go!)

Suggestions, comments?

 

[WithTheGrain]

Withthegrain, all,

Today I had the opportunity to actually see and hold both the new E-620 as well as the older E-520 Digital SLRs. Guess what, I liked the E-520 much better, based upon ergonomics and size. The new E-620 just feels cramped and unnatural to hold whereas the slightly larger E-520 felt like an extension of my hand and fingers, ala the way my old D200 N-Japanese made banned vendor camera did.

So now I'm stuck trying to figure out:
A. the differences between the E-620 and E-520 (Olumpus website doesnt compare easily)

B. How much ergonomics should play into my decision, considering that the longer I fiddled with the E-620 I kept telling myself I could get used to it I guess.

C. The E-620 is 12 megapixel versus 10 meagapixels for the E-520, should that factor big or not. Unsure!

D. I believe the E-520 has fewer autofocus zones or spots, like I said need to really research both now.

E. should I consider the E-30 now too? (Thinking this is the way to really go!)

Suggestions, comments?

DPReview has in-depth reviews of the e520, the e620, e30 and the e3 that may offer some help on the technical questions.

On to your general question, forgive the obvious answer, but ... it depends. I think that the ergonomics are important, but whether it needs to be the ultimate factor depends on what other sacrifices you are willing to have. The e620 is a newer camera, and lots of options you won't get on the e520. If you can make the e620 work, I would go that way as it is the most sophisticated of the four thirds Olympus models. That said, if the ergonomics don't work for you then you aren't going enjoy using the camera.

I think that if you have the cash, I think the e30 is a great option. But, put your money into lenses. If you can afford the 12-60 and the e30, great. If you are going to sacrifice, picking up a cheap e520 and the 12-60.

One final thought, new models are expected (well, hoped for) in September. It may also be worth going with the e520 now with an eye for upgrading with a second body next year after e30 gets cheap (or just hanging out entirely and waiting to go with the 12-60 and the new model in the future).

 

[WithTheGrain]

It looks like you posted over at DPR as well; good choice. I think you will get more opinions from people who have multiple bodies etc and can offer a broader prospective than I can. I am reading their replies with interest. Good luck!

 

[rodeo]

It looks like you posted over at DPR as well; good choice. I think you will get more opinions from people who have multiple bodies etc and can offer a broader prospective than I can. I am reading their replies with interest. Good luck!

Thanks!

I bit the bullet and went with an E-30 body, and two lenses. The 12-60mm tele and the 70-300mm tele. I also got the HLD-4 addl. grip/ battery holder as I liked that feature when I had it on my D200.

I'm not going to worry about what Olympus does regarding 4/3 systems, nor what they release in another month. Besides, I won't ever buy a new release camera and pay full boat pricing on one ever again, since I did that with my now departed D200.

The 70-300mm will be good initial bang for the buck as I get plenty of wildlife right in my own backyard to include deer daily, flocks of wild turkey, fox and numerous birds, some big ones too. (owls, hawks, buzzards etc.).

I'm just really glad that I didn't order the E-620 sight unseen as I really felt it was almost outright uncomfortable for me and can't envision too many people liking those ergonomics except for those with children sized hands.

 

[WithTheGrain]

Great Ken, nice work. You are lucky to be so close to be near BH. I had to order sight unseen as I live far from any real camera stores (we have bestbuy etc for checking out NI-Kon and Canon, but Olympus Pentax etc are hard to come by). I have heard that the e620 is small, I wish they came out with an e3 build quality (weather proofing etc) in an e520 body size...

Be sure to post some pictures when you start getting some "keepers". I will be especially interested in hearing how you like the 70-300. I am content with the 40-150 for now, but definitely want something longer eventually.

 

[peacefrog33756]

I shoot with an E620 and a 12-60. The combination is terrific. The camera affords you all the customization you can ever need or use. I also have an E-30 and the E620 gives you much of the former's capabilities. I have been using Oly stuff for the last five years or so, and have never been disappointed. You can't go wrong with that 14-54 either. For a great walk-around body and lens, the E620 and the 25mm can't be beat.

 

[peacefrog33756]

Questions? Go to: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/

 

[rodeo]

I shoot with an E620 and a 12-60. The combination is terrific. The camera affords you all the customization you can ever need or use. I also have an E-30 and the E620 gives you much of the former's capabilities. I have been using Oly stuff for the last five years or so, and have never been disappointed. You can't go wrong with that 14-54 either. For a great walk-around body and lens, the E620 and the 25mm can't be beat.

Yea I think I would have loved the E-620 except I doubt I could have ever gotten used to the abbreviated grip. That was the "deal beaker" for me.

Thanks for posting that link. And yea I was convinced also that the 14-54 was a good lens but considering I plan to keep it mounted for a general walk around lens, I liked the idea of a bit broader focal range, thus the 12-60mm (24-120mm effective).