nightfly
Well-known
Wondering if it is still worth buying an EP-1. I've been looking at some deals on new or refurbed EP-1's with the 17mm lens and the viewfinder in the $500 range.
The things that I like about the Pen series are the color of the JPGs that come out of it and I like the idea of a 35mm equivalent lens with an optical viewfinder. Also the size seems to be just big enough to use comfortably without being prohibitive for travel. I shoot mostly street and travel with a 35mm or 28mm lens currently. I know there are ways to set up the Pen so it's pretty quick to use. Controls on the EP-1 and EP-2 look like they aren't too fiddly.
I know everyone loves the 20mm Panasonic but the 40mm field of view just doesn't work for me (sold a 40mm Summicron for a more than twice as expensive 35mm Summicron for my M4-P and am much happier). Only reason I could see buying it instead would be the extra speed.
I can't see spending much more than $500 for anything digital that will be obsolete or at least far surpassed in a few years but I am getting tired of having color film processed and scanning it particularly for travel which is where I think this would get the most use.
The other options would be something like a Panasonic LX5 but I have a feeling the image quality of the m4/3 is probably the worst I will tolerate. LX5 images look a little noisy to me even at low ISO. I've had a GRD and despite everyone's ravings, the color images were pretty noisy at low ISO as well. Worked if you converted to b&w and pretended it was grain but not so much for color.
Not concerned about high ISO more about color quality and a nice film like look. The X100 would be nice but seems a little big and expensive at the moment.
Am I better off with an EP-2? Or waiting for the next round of Pens coming shortly (so the rumor sites say)? Or one of the EPLs which seems to offer less control and not much benefit? Or any NEX (controls look too awkward, camera looks so small, lenses so big)?
Also not interested in using legacy glass.
Any suggestions appreciated.
The things that I like about the Pen series are the color of the JPGs that come out of it and I like the idea of a 35mm equivalent lens with an optical viewfinder. Also the size seems to be just big enough to use comfortably without being prohibitive for travel. I shoot mostly street and travel with a 35mm or 28mm lens currently. I know there are ways to set up the Pen so it's pretty quick to use. Controls on the EP-1 and EP-2 look like they aren't too fiddly.
I know everyone loves the 20mm Panasonic but the 40mm field of view just doesn't work for me (sold a 40mm Summicron for a more than twice as expensive 35mm Summicron for my M4-P and am much happier). Only reason I could see buying it instead would be the extra speed.
I can't see spending much more than $500 for anything digital that will be obsolete or at least far surpassed in a few years but I am getting tired of having color film processed and scanning it particularly for travel which is where I think this would get the most use.
The other options would be something like a Panasonic LX5 but I have a feeling the image quality of the m4/3 is probably the worst I will tolerate. LX5 images look a little noisy to me even at low ISO. I've had a GRD and despite everyone's ravings, the color images were pretty noisy at low ISO as well. Worked if you converted to b&w and pretended it was grain but not so much for color.
Not concerned about high ISO more about color quality and a nice film like look. The X100 would be nice but seems a little big and expensive at the moment.
Am I better off with an EP-2? Or waiting for the next round of Pens coming shortly (so the rumor sites say)? Or one of the EPLs which seems to offer less control and not much benefit? Or any NEX (controls look too awkward, camera looks so small, lenses so big)?
Also not interested in using legacy glass.
Any suggestions appreciated.
kuzano
Veteran
I bought the E-PL1 for sharper images....
I bought the E-PL1 for sharper images....
When the E-PL1 came out, the first thing I noticed in the reviews was the reference to sharper OOC jpeg. Turned out to be true, ... noticeably so. The AA filter is a bit weaker, which I suspect is a move to attract the "bridge" market... those moving from P&S to Interchangeable lens, larger sensor cameras. Anyway, I was pleased with the improved IQ OOC. That's sharper than the E-P1 and E-P2. I think the E-PL1 also has a later image processor than the 1 and 2 models, beside the weaker AA filter for sharper images.
I understand some peoples concerns about controls, but my biggest requirement is "best" OOC images, as I truly dislike post processing and particularly sharpening. However, the E-PL2 has a usable flash and the VF-2 port. The E-PL1 is dropping a bit in price due to the E-PL2 out, but I doubt if you can hold the price to $500 if you want the VF-2 finder.
In reviews, the E-PL1 shot sharper than the Panasonic GF1, and not strictly due to the IBIS.
The new E-PL2 shoots with even a bit higher resolution, but I am waiting until at least fall to see if the "pro" m43 surfaces from Olympus.
In any event, all the Pens are nice, but I am glad to have passed over the E-P1 and E-P2. I got used to no control wheels quite easily.
I bought the E-PL1 for sharper images....
When the E-PL1 came out, the first thing I noticed in the reviews was the reference to sharper OOC jpeg. Turned out to be true, ... noticeably so. The AA filter is a bit weaker, which I suspect is a move to attract the "bridge" market... those moving from P&S to Interchangeable lens, larger sensor cameras. Anyway, I was pleased with the improved IQ OOC. That's sharper than the E-P1 and E-P2. I think the E-PL1 also has a later image processor than the 1 and 2 models, beside the weaker AA filter for sharper images.
I understand some peoples concerns about controls, but my biggest requirement is "best" OOC images, as I truly dislike post processing and particularly sharpening. However, the E-PL2 has a usable flash and the VF-2 port. The E-PL1 is dropping a bit in price due to the E-PL2 out, but I doubt if you can hold the price to $500 if you want the VF-2 finder.
In reviews, the E-PL1 shot sharper than the Panasonic GF1, and not strictly due to the IBIS.
The new E-PL2 shoots with even a bit higher resolution, but I am waiting until at least fall to see if the "pro" m43 surfaces from Olympus.
In any event, all the Pens are nice, but I am glad to have passed over the E-P1 and E-P2. I got used to no control wheels quite easily.
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nightfly
Well-known
Thanks for the feedback.
I guess I should mention also two things I also don't care about are flash and video.
The EPL-1 image quality is tempting. I think I might not like the cheaper feeling body and lack of controls but you can get it in all black, which is nice.
I guess I should mention also two things I also don't care about are flash and video.
The EPL-1 image quality is tempting. I think I might not like the cheaper feeling body and lack of controls but you can get it in all black, which is nice.
Dave Jenkins
Loose Canon
I vote for (and bought) the E-PL1. However, if you only plan to use the 17mm lens and the optical viewfinder, and have no plans to want or need the VF-2, and. . .if you can get the above for $500, then get it.
But if you think you might at some time in the future want to use other lenses and don't want to be limited to the screen on the back of the camera, then kick in a little more money and get an E-PL1.
But if you think you might at some time in the future want to use other lenses and don't want to be limited to the screen on the back of the camera, then kick in a little more money and get an E-PL1.
nightfly
Well-known
Anyone have any thoughts on the EP-2 vs EP-1? Is the sensor the same? Option for the EVF might be worthwhile down the road and I'm sure the price on these is going to come down with the new Olympus product announcements in the coming months. I'm not going to lie, I really like all black cameras.
Dave Jenkins
Loose Canon
As far as I know, the sensor is the same. However, the EP-2 and definitely the E-PL1 have later model processing engines.
Mackinaw
Think Different
I have an E-P1 and can speak to that. I've owned it about a year now and am pretty well satisfied with it's performance. The only real negative, which for many folks is a deal-breaker, is the lackluster performance of the rear viewing screen. It's totally worthless in bright, sunny conditions. The E-P2, with it's optional electronic viewfinder, would be a big improvement in that regard. Image quality of the E-P1 is good to even excellent. Very portable and light too. The standard zoom lens is more than satisfactory. Plus I like the option of using my legacy lenses on it. All of my Leica M lenses, my Canon LTM lenses and my Canon FD/FL lenses fit with the proper adaptors. Someday I may look at the E-P2, but not now.
Jim B.
Jim B.
nightfly
Well-known
Thanks for the feedback. I seem to remember briefly the EP-2 dropped into the $500 range on Amazon right around Christmas (just checked and indeed I was right, but they are back up in the $700 range). Maybe that will happen again when they introduce some new stuff.
Guaranteed
Well-known
Nightfly, you've got a PM.
ywenz
Veteran
I had the EP-1, great camera.. used it with the kit zoom. The only thing I didn't like was that there is no pop-up flash and no AF assist light built into the camera. This means the external flash is required if I ever wanted to use the camera for night time snap shots. Another annoyance was the EP-1's software (as well as EP-2)when it came to manual lenses. It was a hassle to zoom the LCD for MF-assist and adjust shutter/iso.
I ended up selling the EP-1 and buying the GF1. Also a great camera, but the EP-1's body is better looking and the shutter is much better sounding. THe JPG out of camera was also better with the EP-1. The GF1 is better at everything else
The 17mm prime + the 14-42mm kit will be a great combo. The kit lens is actually very good. THe version II of the kit lens that came out recently is even better and lighter.
I ended up selling the EP-1 and buying the GF1. Also a great camera, but the EP-1's body is better looking and the shutter is much better sounding. THe JPG out of camera was also better with the EP-1. The GF1 is better at everything else
The 17mm prime + the 14-42mm kit will be a great combo. The kit lens is actually very good. THe version II of the kit lens that came out recently is even better and lighter.
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nightfly
Well-known
Thanks everyone.
Despite the improved image quality of the E-PL2, I found a refurbed EP2 with the 17mm in my price range and pulled the trigger. I just really like the the look of the body and the extra controls and possibility of the electronic finder in the future which was what swayed me over the EP1.
Also the lack of a flash was attractive to me. Hopefully this will be the first digital I buy that isn't in the classified or up on Ebay in a few months.
Despite the improved image quality of the E-PL2, I found a refurbed EP2 with the 17mm in my price range and pulled the trigger. I just really like the the look of the body and the extra controls and possibility of the electronic finder in the future which was what swayed me over the EP1.
Also the lack of a flash was attractive to me. Hopefully this will be the first digital I buy that isn't in the classified or up on Ebay in a few months.
Guaranteed
Well-known
Congrats, it's a fun little jobber.
nightfly
Well-known
Any recommendations on what size and type of memory card I need to buy while I'm waiting? Do I want standard SD? SDHC? Any particular ones better than others?
I'm a bit of a digital idiot.
I'm a bit of a digital idiot.
raid
Dad Photographer
Get a SDHC 4GB and you are set. Name brands are safest.
Do you have a charger? If not, get it with a battery as a set.
I bought two extra batteries.
Do you have a charger? If not, get it with a battery as a set.
I bought two extra batteries.
scig
Newbie
Bought an E-P1 and extremely pleased.
Bought an E-P1 and extremely pleased.
I did buy an EP-1 and am extremely pleased. I know that some folks prefer the Lumix, Leica,EPL-1, and Fuji 100. Mine was a personal choice, plus when I was a youngster, I inherited a Leica M3 double stroke as my first Rangefinder. I had used it and the camera was great until it needed an overhaul.
Being 14 I couldn't afford to have the Leica overhauled, but my uncle had an Olympus Pen. He lent it to me and I loved that it was a half-frame format. I could take more pictures! I used that camera until I saved up enough and bought a second or third hand Nikon F all black with a working photomic head. But with a SLR it was heavy, loud, and cumbersome. It was hard giving my uncle back his Pen. So that's the reason for the EP-1 and why I bought it.
So now that I work with digital images 100% with DSLR's I wanted a smaller lightweight camera for my personal work. I do a lot of documentary work and the EP-1 is still old school for me with a 17mm lens and view finder. It is responsive and the IQ is great! I have no complaints about the camera. So if it's build quality and portability and if you don't mind using an optical viewfinder then go EP-1. I have even dressed it up with black leatherette skin, and for the 17mm I have an old Leica lens hood that works like a charm.
Bottom-line is test the camera. If it works for you like the EP-1 did for me, great! I find that the electronic VF for the EP-2 a bit cumbersome. There's something to be said about being a bit old school with 21st tech behind you.:
Bought an E-P1 and extremely pleased.
I did buy an EP-1 and am extremely pleased. I know that some folks prefer the Lumix, Leica,EPL-1, and Fuji 100. Mine was a personal choice, plus when I was a youngster, I inherited a Leica M3 double stroke as my first Rangefinder. I had used it and the camera was great until it needed an overhaul.
Being 14 I couldn't afford to have the Leica overhauled, but my uncle had an Olympus Pen. He lent it to me and I loved that it was a half-frame format. I could take more pictures! I used that camera until I saved up enough and bought a second or third hand Nikon F all black with a working photomic head. But with a SLR it was heavy, loud, and cumbersome. It was hard giving my uncle back his Pen. So that's the reason for the EP-1 and why I bought it.
So now that I work with digital images 100% with DSLR's I wanted a smaller lightweight camera for my personal work. I do a lot of documentary work and the EP-1 is still old school for me with a 17mm lens and view finder. It is responsive and the IQ is great! I have no complaints about the camera. So if it's build quality and portability and if you don't mind using an optical viewfinder then go EP-1. I have even dressed it up with black leatherette skin, and for the 17mm I have an old Leica lens hood that works like a charm.
Bottom-line is test the camera. If it works for you like the EP-1 did for me, great! I find that the electronic VF for the EP-2 a bit cumbersome. There's something to be said about being a bit old school with 21st tech behind you.:
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ywenz
Veteran
I'm actually looking to buy the 14-42 Olympus kit lens that comes with the Ep-1.. If anyone is looking to sell it, pls let me know.