A Few E-P2 Photos

I shoot everything raw and process in Lightroom, so the color/picture setups aren't reflected in the image. I was going to shoot raw+jpeg to see the differences in how the E-P2 sees things, and how I interpret it, but forgot to change the camera settings. This would have been a good image to do that on, and now I wish I had set it for raw+jpeg. Changing camera mode now! :)

I agree about the magazine/ad suitability. Bring in a model family, stylist, props, and I could easily see this as a perfect location for one. The trees, hammock, sunlight, and house just lined up perfectly. But if I had been looking for something like this, the location scout wouldn't be able to find anything close. Isn't that how things work :) I did add the image to my location files along with the date, time, gps coordinates, etc. for future reference.
 
Question:
How dificult is it to manualy focus a lens using the LCD display? I see a lot of M mount lenses being used and wonder if the evf is needed when using them.
 
I used the LCD without much difficulty, but do prefer the EVF. But that is based on the fact I'd rather not use my reading glasses since I have to put them on, take them off, put them back on, take them back off, in an never ending cycle. The EVF affords me the opportunity to bypass that whole scenario, so I prefer it. Otherwise, the LCD would be fine with the exception of direct sunlight on the screen. And I can always use my hand or body to shade that if need be.
 
Ducky said:
Question:
How dificult is it to manualy focus a lens using the LCD display? I see a lot of M mount lenses being used and wonder if the evf is needed when using them.
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With the monitor, it depends on the focal length. I have little problem with 12mm and 21mm lenses. Taking movies I can track a moving (walking) subject fairly well with a 21mm lens.

My 90mm lens I find more of a challenge. That could be because I do not use it that often--I don't really like long lenses. I find I have to open the aperture to find focus and it is more tricky.

I have guestimated focus quite well with the 12mm and 21mm. The 12mm is not a big challenge, just be aware that the DoF scale is not correct for the format--use the scales marks for two-stop open from the aperture you are using (eg. use the f/5.6 marks when the lens is set to f/11). This becomes a challenge for the two largest apertures because there are no marks, which for short focal lengths is not that much of an issue.
 
Thanks, some good responses. How about the basic handling: holding the camera while rotating the focus ring etc. while out at/near arms length? It sounds a bit awkward.
 
Ducky said:
Thanks, some good responses. How about the basic handling: holding the camera while rotating the focus ring etc. while out at/near arms length? It sounds a bit awkward.
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I rarely do that. If I am using the screen, it is generally because the camera is on a tripod.

It is a bit awkward but you get used to it I suppose. It is pretty easy to see, even at arms length, when the photo snaps into / out of focus.
 
It's really not that awkward when you hold it out at a normal distance. If you are stretching it way out there, it will feel more awkward but still easily accomplished. I find the most natural focusing is with the EVF since it mimics the SLR/RF experience. Focusing on the LCD while holding it away from your eye is new and different, yet really not that bad once you are used to it.
 
A few new ones.....

Brooklyn2.jpg


TheTourists.jpg


Brooklyn.jpg
 
Nice shots Vince. One thing I like about the E-P1/P2 is that the noise tends to look more like film grain than digital sensor noise (ie, last shot). To me that makes high ISO images more usable since it appears like a high speed film and not a sensor being pushed to its limits.

I also have LR default to adding a small amount of 'film grain' to all images to avoid that sterile digital look (removed in high ISO images though). Not enough to be noticed, but if you zoom in on the full res images you can see it.
 
I have another magazine shoot this weekend (a feature!), and I'm going to use the E-P2. I already spoke with the art director, and she said that she doesn't need anything bigger than about 30-35mb, so this will be perfect!
 
Pen EP-2

Pen EP-2

Vince, Hello. I like the shots. The first of the dress has nice warmth and crisp blacks. What lens was used here? The idea of adding film grain is interesting to mitigate the digital look. talk to u soon.
R
 
rbecker said:
Vince, Hello. I like the shots. The first of the dress has nice warmth and crisp blacks. What lens was used here? The idea of adding film grain is interesting to mitigate the digital look. talk to u soon.
R
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Is this the RBecker I think it is???

Those three shots were all done with the 20/1.7, which for me is the most versatile lens for this camera.

As far as the 'grain' goes, I didn't do anything in terms of that. The two interior shots were done at ISO 400, and I think were shot at f/2 or something like that. BTW, those two shots were done at the Brooklyn Museum, and the exterior shot was taken near Madison Square Garden.
 
I've been thinking about the E-P3 (if they ever introduce one), and how they could possibly improve it over the E-P2.

I'd probably like the sensor to be better in low light (though it's fairly decent right now), and somehow boost the resolution of the sensor/make the file sizes a bit bigger. They could also do something about the electronic viewfinder going black after each exposure.

Other than that, I can't really think of too much else.....anyone have any additional suggestions for improvement?
 
My thoughts on an E-P3 improvement list: The metal body is okay, but I bought a leather skin that makes it look better, easier to hold and grip without a danger of slipping from my hands. A locking mechanism for the EVF. A reticulated LCD screen would be nice, even though I usually don't use it. But if I needed to use it, getting down low and being able to adjust the angle of the screen to my eye rather than prostrating myself on the ground would be very nice indeed. Especially at my age.

Last thing! That rotating diopter ring around the viewfinder could seriously use click stops or a lock of some sort. I don't know how many times I thought I was going blind as I tried to get focus in vain. Until I remember the diopter ring around the finder eyepiece that moves more freely than I like.
 
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Hey Vince,

Your B&W shot of the duck blind from Blackwater inspired me to shoot the same blind early this morning but from a different pespective with my E-P2 and the standard 14-42. Thanks for the inspiration.
 

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silverbullet said:
The 20mm Pana makes my E-P2 singin.....
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This is a very nice portrait. I love the faces and boats that surround him on the walls. The only nit I can add would be the open door on the right. Had he moved slightly left, or you slightly right, it would be eliminated and a better shot. Hindsight is easy though ;) A nice shot even so.

[edited] Just went through your work on Flickr. Great portrait work!
 
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