In considering an Olympus Pen body.. In considering

[damien.murphy]

Considering an Olympus Pen body for something compact and digital. Well, either that or a Canon S95 🙂

As someone more used to dslr's (Nikon), just wondering about a few things, namely the following;

- Battery Life of the Pens
- Menus/ access to common controls
- LCD usage in daylight conditions
- Compatibility of Panasonic micro 4/3's lenses with Pen bodies
- Dynamic range/ ease and consistency of metering
- Quality of In camera stabilisation
- Best deal on a Pen body right now


Whatever I choose will be a fun/ take-anywhere camera, and the fun-factor and pricing of the Pen range are what attract me to it, over something like the GF-1, etc. Small form factor is a must, and know the Panasonic/ Olympus bodies are not as portable as the S95/ S100 in this regard, but I figure giving up a little in size may save me a lot of frustration in not having to wrestle with controls as much..

My only reference point is dslr's at this point (Nikon D50/ D80/ D200/ D300), and the odd compact camera like the Fuji F-range (F10/ F11/ F40), so micro 4/3's is new to me, bur perhaps one of the better options for a compact & capable camera out there.

The items above are some of the things I am most curious about, and would appreciate any voice of experience. Battery life; something not power-hungry and needing to carry a spare battery would be nice. Menus that make sense would also be nice, although know from experience, that is not always something to assume.

I haven't shot with a camera without a viewfinder in a while, and wonder if there are any issues with doing so with the Pens in daylight. The optional viewfinder would be nice I imagine, but small form factor is nicer to me, and from past history, I have a tendency to lose things not bolted down to the hot shoe! 🙄

From some, I hear that the Panasonic lenses are nicest on the Panasonic bodies, and the Olympus on the Olympus bodies, whereas others seems to mix and match freely, and not bothered by Panasonic lenses on Olympus bodies and vice-versa. My own preference would be for either (or both) of the 20mm or 14mm Panasonic lenses on a Pen body, and just wondering if there are any functional issues with doing so. I hear something about autofocus being something by wire, but admit to being a little confused about what that is.

Having experienced some Nikon dlsrs with erratic matrix/ multi-segment metering, I wonder if there are any such issues with the Pen bodies, or any issues with blown highlights in general. I don't plan to shoot raw files with a Pen, so nice jpegs, good white balance, and decent, consistent metering would be nice.

In camera stabilisation is something I like, and wonder what it is reasonable to expect to get away with, especially without the lack of a mirror on micro 4/3's bodies. 1/15 I can get away with most times on my Nikons with image stabilised lenses, likewise with my film M's, and just wondering if the Pens are better or worse in this regard.

Lastly, a nice cheap Pen body would be nice to get me started, and wonder if there are any particularly good deals in Europe at the moment on Pen bodies. I've seen new E-PL1's go for about €180, which was the best I could find, even if the extra controls and better built bodies of the EP's would be nice.

Any feedback or personal experience welcome, I seem to have gone too long without a compact (and digital) camera, and would love to change that soon enough 🙂

 

[shadowfox]

Damien,

I stand by my recommendation to anyone who is looking for a reliable camera, to consider E-P2 (or E-P3, back then it hasn't been made yet).

I have the camera for 2 years going three, and it never choked at anything, heat, humidity, cold, snow, even some drizzle (it's not classified as weather-sealed, so I'm not making any claims regarding that).

Because it's a family camera, it gets used almost constantly, both video and still photos. Zero missing image, zero hiccups. I share two batteries with my E-620, so it's never a problem for me.

Lens-wise, I'm one of those who don't give a whit about pairing body and lens from one brand. I have a Panny 20/1.7 that is always on the camera. I use my OM Zuiko lenses when I feel like shooting telephoto.

As for picture quality, it's subjective of course, but if you're curious, click on the link on my signature that says books. Preview the two called Cityscape Asia, most of the shots are from my E-P2. So you can get a sense of what I regard as acceptable in quality.

 

[damien.murphy]

Hi Will,

Cheers for the reply, the EP2 looks like a capable little machine, and with something like the 20mm or 14mm on it, makes an attractive little kit.

Few quick questions for you on the EP2, namely what is the battery life, lcd usage in daylight, general ergonomics of using it as a shooter, and quality of the in-body stabilisation like ?

Thanks for any help you can provide, micro 4/3's is something I am not quite familiar with 🙂

 

[febreeze-showered]

Hi Will,

Cheers for the reply, the EP2 looks like a capable little machine, and with something like the 20mm or 14mm on it, makes an attractive little kit.

Few quick questions for you on the EP2, namely what is the battery life, lcd usage in daylight, general ergonomics of using it as a shooter, and quality of the in-body stabilisation like ?

Thanks for any help you can provide, micro 4/3's is something I am not quite familiar with 🙂

(A) You should always carry at least one spare when using the E-P1/2. The number floating around seems to be 300-some shots. I never keep count, but my experience makes it feel like it's around 250-ish; maybe even less.
(B) LCD usage in broad daylight only detriments shooting if the sun shines directly on the screen. I've used the E-P1 extensively for nearly 2 years, and I can count on one hand the occasions where the screen hindered my shooting experience. The LCD sucks for reviewing your shots, but that's about it.
(C) IMO, ergonomics are spot on. The double-dials will put a smile on your face if you set the camera correctly.
(D) YMMV. Photos shot at 1/8 aren't an issue if I shoot a 3-frame burst. Most of the time, 1/3 or 2/3 of them are tack sharp. Exposures at 1/15 typically lack any camera-motion blur.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Another vote for the E-P2. I like them well enough that I bought a second body when the price began to drop. I keep a 20/1.7 on one and have been using Leica and C/V lenses on the other. I haven't been paying attention to battery life, but it has never been an issue. I bought a second battery and keep it in my bag. Because I use so much manual focus glass on the camera I prefer using the accessory EVF to the rear screen, but this is true also of the NEX5 (I have attached a Hoodman loupe to the NEX).

The Panasonic 20/1.7 works nicely with the camera.

Here is a snapshot I have posted elsewhere with that combo:

Lens stopped down to about f:8, image-stabilization on. Handheld. Converted to B&W in Silver Efex Pro.

BTW: I also have a NEX5 (alluded to above) and a Panasonic G2. The E-P2 has a higher frame-rate than the G2, and in-body stabilzation. It has a better EVF than the NEX (which has none). So it tends to be the camera I grab.

 

[Avotius]

I got the EP1 when it first came out. No regrets, expect for the very very short cycle between new models. Also maybe the camera feels a bit too heavy sometimes, even for what it is.

I have one battery and it has never been a problem to use it on a day shoot. I have found the LCD to be fine for outside. For the most part I like the way the camera feels and it works great with panasonic lenses. Sooner or later I will get a EM5 because it seems like a decent all around upgrade, where the ep2 and ep3 did no seem so to me.

I think the micro four thirds are still the best bet for a compact camera system. Best all around lens choice, choice of two camera brands which are pretty different in the way they handle things, and lots of new stuff coming from 3rd party manufacturers.

 

[kuzano]

First, get past the myth that m4/3 is small sensor...

First, get past the myth that m4/3 is small sensor...

At least, insofar as comparing it to a Canon S95. The Oly/Pana 4/3 sensor is far closer in size to an APS/C sensor, than to the compact P/S sensor size camp.

The Canon S95 is a compact (read pocketable) camera, while the Pens are not truly going to fit in a shirt pocket. A car coat pocket perhaps.

The Canon is a good camera, at the top of the compact range. The Olympus is good in it's mirrorless category. Camera to camera, if you imagine slipping the camera in your shirt pocket the choice is very clear. That seems one of the items high on your list, and I seriously doubt that the OLY design engineers had a wall of various pocket sizes anywhere around the labs they were working in to test that particular aspect of the camera.

All the other aspects of the Pen cameras compare favorably in the market place with all the other mirrorless offering. However, I really take exception with the Olympus m4/3 sensors (same sensor as the full 4/3) being tossed in the small sensor category, with the implication that they are similar to the sensors in the P/S market, such as the Canon S95.

1) The canon S95 has a 1/1.7 sensor, which is 5.7mm x 7.6mm and a diagonal of 9.5mm.
2) The 4.3 sensor is 13.5mm x 18mm, diagonal 22.5mm.
3) The APS-C Canon DSLR sensor is 15mm x 22.5mm, diagonal of 27.94.

The areas respectively are 43, 243, and 337.

Where in that relationship of dimensions does the 4/3-m4/3 sensor fall with regard to naming practice... Small Sensor or closer to APS-C.

The upshot of that is that a smart photographer should certainly be able to glean much more out of an Oly Pen, than a Canon S95.

All other questions are certainly valid decision questions, and actual handling/shooting questions, and the answers are very subjective. Objective answers are not a high commodity on forums such as these, primarily because the majority of posters have a vested interest in justifying money spent for their particular camera's and lenses.

Sensor size, however, is clearly definable. The Oly sensor is not quite as large as the average DSLR sensor, but is by no means as small as the average P/S shirt pocket camera.

Interestingly the new Nikon 1 mirrorless offering IS a small sensor camera at 8.8mm x 13.2mm and one third the area of the 4/3 sensor.

So even the newer mirrorless offerings come in many flavors.

 

[damien.murphy]

Thanks for the replies guys, definitely some food for thought here. At the moment, its either a Canon S95 or a EP w/ 20mm and perhaps the 14mm. Size, and the ability to have the camera with me at all times, is the only thing that makes me think twice about the EP (at least compared to the diminutive Canon). That said, I certainly do not miss wrestling with small sensor compacts, so perhaps a step-up in size to the EP is worth it.

Mainly, I would use this camera for my snapshot camera, which straight away might scream in favour of something like the Canon, but snapshots for me include handheld indoor and the occasional night shots also, which would seem to favour the EP I imagine.

 

[btgc]

Have neither of this cameras but would I buy non-toy digital camera, I think, I'd seriously consider Pen. Why? Controls, yes. Sensor, yes. But I never carry small cameras in a shirt pocket so for me size it doesn't matter to choose S95 because it's a little smaller - in fact, too small. Option to attach external flash (can be bounced or diffused) to Pen.

Thus Pen would be winner because of ergonomics, sensor, size and hot shoe. And it accepts several lenses, if you change mind.

 

[traveler_101]

Thanks for the replies guys, definitely some food for thought here. At the moment, its either a Canon S95 or a EP w/ 20mm and perhaps the 14mm. Size, and the ability to have the camera with me at all times, is the only thing that makes me think twice about the EP (at least compared to the diminutive Canon). That said, I certainly do not miss wrestling with small sensor compacts, so perhaps a step-up in size to the EP is worth it.

Mainly, I would use this camera for my snapshot camera, which straight away might scream in favour of something like the Canon, but snapshots for me include handheld indoor and the occasional night shots also, which would seem to favour the EP I imagine.

I have the E-P1 and very much like the camera--looks, feel, handling, direct controls, etc. etc, even though I have acquired two rangefinder film cameras since I bought the Pen and they get most of my attention right now. The E-P1, and the two successor models P2 and P3 have a metal skin and feel solid. Real nice looking camera. Here are a few things to consider:

The sensor has less resolving power than APS-C sensors on DSLRs and even less than Panasonic's newest M43 sensors, BUT, BUT, BUT the Olympus M43 sensor is good enough to give very good results and it is much better than a p-&-s sensor that you are considering.

it is generally acknowledged that the Panasonic 20/1.7 (40mm equivalent in full frame) has the best resolution of any M43 lens. Mine is married to the E-P1.

The Panasonic 14/2.5, which you mention, is no match for the 20, though it is the smallest M43 lens and looks nice on the camera. I've not been that happy with its low light performance.

In my experience working with manual lenses on these cameras makes little sense: yes it is possible, especially with the electronic snap-on viewfinder that fits both the P2 and P3, but the results with my Voigtlander rangefinder lenses 15 and 25mm were disappointing; you get better results with 50mm and longer lenses but then you have a 100mm equivalent FOV because of the crop factor. It's o.k. and I got some decent results with an OM 100/2.8 lens, but I didn't enjoy working with the LCD screen that much. It would be better with the EVF, of course, but it's still not like using a rangefinder to focus. I finally came to the conclusion that the strength of the camera is with the native M43 auto-focus lenses.

It is hard to see the digital display on the camera in intense sunlight. I use a snap-on optical viewfinder with the 20mm lens for when I need help with sunlight. Alternately, you use the electronic viewfinder (for the P2 or P3; the E-P1 doesn't take the EVF).

You mention snapshots. The E-P3 has a reputation for fast auto-focus and better high ISO performance than the P1/2. You might check to see how it does with the 20/1.7 lens. depending on what you want to spend, the E-P3, with the Panasonic 20/1.7, the EVF (either VF-2 or VF-3) and maybe the 40-150 zoom lens would make a nice kit.

 

[shadowfox]

Few quick questions for you on the EP2, namely what is the battery life, lcd usage in daylight, general ergonomics of using it as a shooter, and quality of the in-body stabilisation like ?

Thanks for any help you can provide, micro 4/3's is something I am not quite familiar with 🙂

Damien,

I don't recall ever scrambling to find another battery because mine runs out (except when I forgot to charge it at night when traveling). So, for reasonably packed shooting day, the battery is enough. One caveat, I turn off the LCD a lot. Assigned the Fn button to toggle the LCD only when I want to take a quick look.

I don't chimp. My film cameras weed out that bad habit from me 😀

Ergonomics, perfect for my hand size, not too big, not too small, feels solid.

The IBIS is wonderful, I use it a lot with my OM Zuiko 300mm, if it were not for the IS, I won't keep doing this.

 

[Corto]

I also thought about a pen as I'm getting ready for a new Digital, But I probably will get a Sony NEX, And adapters for all my Minolta, Konika and Nikon lenses.......

 

[raid]

For balance, my EP-2 died after using it for six months.

Damien,

I stand by my recommendation to anyone who is looking for a reliable camera, to consider E-P2 (or E-P3, back then it hasn't been made yet).

I have the camera for 2 years going three, and it never choked at anything, heat, humidity, cold, snow, even some drizzle (it's not classified as weather-sealed, so I'm not making any claims regarding that).

Because it's a family camera, it gets used almost constantly, both video and still photos. Zero missing image, zero hiccups. I share two batteries with my E-620, so it's never a problem for me.

Lens-wise, I'm one of those who don't give a whit about pairing body and lens from one brand. I have a Panny 20/1.7 that is always on the camera. I use my OM Zuiko lenses when I feel like shooting telephoto.

As for picture quality, it's subjective of course, but if you're curious, click on the link on my signature that says books. Preview the two called Cityscape Asia, most of the shots are from my E-P2. So you can get a sense of what I regard as acceptable in quality.

 

[damien.murphy]

For balance, my EP-2 died after using it for six months.

Just out of curiousity Raid, what was the fault that caused your EP2 to die..

 

[raid]

No clue. It just stopped working, with the shutter curtains down and the sensor being covered. I need to send it to Olympus for a $175 repair that covers any type of repair.

 

[ampguy]

I succumbed to the dark side and picked up a new EPL1 for about less than the price of a Leica lens cap hood.

What interests me is the M mount, F mount, and AR mount lens capability, in-body stabilization, weak low pass filter, art filters, good jpg quality.

We'll see ...