kuzano
Veteran
Message for Raid
Message for Raid
Raid.. please accept my apology....
Your post was about the Olympus EP-1. It got sidetracked by my post on the EPL-1.
By way of apology.
I do believe the EP1 is a good buy at $150, it's just not a camera I would buy. For someone who wants one and you are now using the EP-2 anyway, I think you would be wise to pick it up.
Many People are paying up to $500 for new, tiny sensor p&s cameras without the ability to change lenses, or use the vast array of legacy MF lenses in the world. But hey... you knew that.... right!
Message for Raid
Raid.. please accept my apology....
Your post was about the Olympus EP-1. It got sidetracked by my post on the EPL-1.
By way of apology.
I do believe the EP1 is a good buy at $150, it's just not a camera I would buy. For someone who wants one and you are now using the EP-2 anyway, I think you would be wise to pick it up.
Many People are paying up to $500 for new, tiny sensor p&s cameras without the ability to change lenses, or use the vast array of legacy MF lenses in the world. But hey... you knew that.... right!
raid
Dad Photographer
No need for any apology here.
I am myself unsure whether Cameta is selling the EP-1 and the EPL-1 or not.
It is actually the EPL-1. The question now is this: what is better, the EPL-1 new for $150 or EPL-1 plus 14mm-42mm zoom for $200 demo with one year warranty?
Zonan
Well-known
Raid,
the one I bought at Cameta was the EPL-1, for $149.
This points out what I find a bizarre system of naming cameras in the Pen series at Olympus. I'm sure those who follow this stuff know one from another, but I find it all terribly confusing: which is which, what are the differences, why would one choose one over another, which are current and which are discontinued. If it weren't for the price, I wouldn't have even looked to see what the features are. Is the Ep-1 "better" than the EPL-1, is that "better" than the EP2-M XYZ, etc?
Rick
kuzano
Veteran
Both for $200
Both for $200
OK, glad you responded.
I mentioned before I would jump at the EPL-1 for $150,
$50 more for the micro 14-42 seems quite good, even for the MKI lens if that's what version it is.
So, I guess I'd say I would jump for the combo, particularly with the warranty.
You should be aware however, that there was some fussing over the EPL-1 about the lack of control wheels on the camera. I get along nicely with the camera controls and menu, considering my priority on the OOC image sharpness.
Lars
Both for $200
OK, glad you responded.
I mentioned before I would jump at the EPL-1 for $150,
$50 more for the micro 14-42 seems quite good, even for the MKI lens if that's what version it is.
So, I guess I'd say I would jump for the combo, particularly with the warranty.
You should be aware however, that there was some fussing over the EPL-1 about the lack of control wheels on the camera. I get along nicely with the camera controls and menu, considering my priority on the OOC image sharpness.
Lars
raid
Dad Photographer
Maybe having an AF lens fixed for the EPL-1 will take of focusing problems with manual lenses.
Zonan
Well-known
Raid,
Cameta has a factory demo Olypmus 17mm 2.8 for $219, if a 35mm FOV would be suitable.
Rick
cosmonaut
Well-known
I never was thrilled with the EP-1. The controls are quirky and hard to use, easy to knock settings off and high ISO suffers, so I say no.
Bingley
Veteran
Raid, if you can get a new E-PL1 for $150, buy it! I'll join Ted and Kuzano in saying that it's a great camera, and would be perfect as a back-up. It's compact and gives great jpegs with little need for postprocessing most of the time. I took the E-PL1 with me to Vienna and Salzburg last December, and it performed really well, indoors and out, with the Pany 20/1.7 lens.
I've never used the kit zoom that came w/ mine so I can't comment on that. (I'll lend you that lens if you want to for your Cairo trip, since I'm not using it -- pm me if you're interested). Instead, I use the Pany 20/1.7, the 14/2.5, and vintage Leica and Canon glass. Very happy with this set-up.
I've never used the kit zoom that came w/ mine so I can't comment on that. (I'll lend you that lens if you want to for your Cairo trip, since I'm not using it -- pm me if you're interested). Instead, I use the Pany 20/1.7, the 14/2.5, and vintage Leica and Canon glass. Very happy with this set-up.
raid
Dad Photographer
Thank you Steve.
I should have gotten the Pany 20/1.7, but this is too late now.
I should have gotten the Pany 20/1.7, but this is too late now.
stewmander
Established
Thanks for some of the clarification guys, so to recap:
IQ is best on the EPL1, and all others after the EPL1 (EPL2, EPM1, EP3, EPL3) have lesser IQ and higher ISO capability instead, is this correct?
What about the AF? is the EPL1 AF slower than the others, or is AF dependent on the version of kit lens? I read that the MSC 14-42 ii lens had faster AF than the original 14-42, can anyone confirm/deny this?
I am also looking at the cameta camera deals, and was tempted by the EPL2, but then saw this thread/photo here
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114089&highlight=superior
and thought a EPM1 would be even better - all the ability of the EP3 but about the size of an LX5...but if IQ peaked with the EPL1, thats the version to get since I am not looking for the absolute smallest rig here...
IQ is best on the EPL1, and all others after the EPL1 (EPL2, EPM1, EP3, EPL3) have lesser IQ and higher ISO capability instead, is this correct?
What about the AF? is the EPL1 AF slower than the others, or is AF dependent on the version of kit lens? I read that the MSC 14-42 ii lens had faster AF than the original 14-42, can anyone confirm/deny this?
I am also looking at the cameta camera deals, and was tempted by the EPL2, but then saw this thread/photo here
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114089&highlight=superior
and thought a EPM1 would be even better - all the ability of the EP3 but about the size of an LX5...but if IQ peaked with the EPL1, thats the version to get since I am not looking for the absolute smallest rig here...
ampguy
Veteran
Yes
Yes
A year or so ago, a Nikon product manager was interviewed and mentioned that a future high megapixel ff product might not have better high ISO performance than current products (D700?) but could have potentially very much higher resolution.
But a year or so ago, he couldn't have been aware of all the processing stuff that went or will go into D800s and future products. It's not inconceivable that future cameras will just be computers with a sensor in them, running photoshop in them along with office, google maps, etc., and a big fan on the cpu ...
Yes
A year or so ago, a Nikon product manager was interviewed and mentioned that a future high megapixel ff product might not have better high ISO performance than current products (D700?) but could have potentially very much higher resolution.
But a year or so ago, he couldn't have been aware of all the processing stuff that went or will go into D800s and future products. It's not inconceivable that future cameras will just be computers with a sensor in them, running photoshop in them along with office, google maps, etc., and a big fan on the cpu ...
Al Patterson
Ferroequinologist
It took me a quick search, but I do see the EPL-1 and lens for $199, but Out of Stock. If I were working, I'd junp on the $149 body only, and use the Summicron-C 40 as the lens.
raid
Dad Photographer
I just bought from cameta camera for $199 a black set of EPL-1 plus 14mm-42mm.
When it says "outdated", it is not really outdated. They have multiple online outlets, and they simple move things around. I chose the factory demo with a one year warranty.
ItemItem NameQty.Price Ea.Ext. Price
1Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera & 14-42mm Lens (Black/Black) - Factory Demo includes Full 1 Year Warranty [262856A]
1$199.95$199.95
Subtotal$199.95
Shipping Cost for FedEx Home/Ground$0.00
Sales Tax$0.00
Total$199.95
When it says "outdated", it is not really outdated. They have multiple online outlets, and they simple move things around. I chose the factory demo with a one year warranty.
ItemItem NameQty.Price Ea.Ext. Price
1Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera & 14-42mm Lens (Black/Black) - Factory Demo includes Full 1 Year Warranty [262856A]
1$199.95$199.95
Subtotal$199.95
Shipping Cost for FedEx Home/Ground$0.00
Sales Tax$0.00
Total$199.95
raid
Dad Photographer
Al,
The 40mm Summicron-C jumps out as being a great match on the EP-2, with lots of sharpness. It is then a lens with 60mm perspective.
I have the "OK" 17mm/2.8 lens as my moderately wide angle lens, and then I can use the 40mm lens as the long normal lens. The Zeiss 85mm/1.4 is a killer tele lens on the EP-2. Now I can use the EPL-1 with the EP-2.
rparmar
Member
No, I don't think so. My understanding, derived from a great deal of reading at the various MFT sites, plus ownership of three different Olympus PEN models, is that the weak AA filter was carried forward into all future models as well. At least, this is the consensus of those intimately familiar with MFT.
I've performed my own IQ comparison test between the E-P2 and the E-PL2. The latter clearly shows the effects of the weaker AA. The difference between the original stronger AA models and the later weaker AA models is small but significant. The difference between models which have a weak AA would be minuscule indeed.
AF depends on the specific lens and the camera body, but the most important factor is the lens. For example, the Panasonic 20mm is slow compared to the silent and blindingly fast Panasonic 14mm. Yes, the revised kit zoom is supposed to be faster (and quieter) than the original. Though I own both, I can't be bothered to use a zoom and so I can't confirm this first-hand.
I have written up an Overview of the Olympus PEN range, since it is surely confusing! If you want the fastest AF, most responsive camera, best burst rate, etc. then you should target the E-PM1 or E-PL3. (The E-P3 has most but not all of the same advantages. It has always seemed over-priced to me.)
The E-PL1 has several disadvantages compared to other PEN models. It is limited to 1/2000 shutter, cannot use a wired shutter release, and has a rather poor plastic build. Instead consider the E-PL2, which can also be obtained inexpensively. It has none of those drawbacks, plus gives you twice the LCD resolution and a sizeable grip (that's a big deal to me).
The E-PM1 is another animal entirely; the ergonomics are much more like a point'n'shoot. Many would consider the size, lack of controls, lack of grip, and overall form factor as negative factors.
rparmar
Member
I see my message is now out-dated. I am a long-time lurker who joined up specifically to reply to you. It took me a while to get approved, hence the tardy response due to a stale browser page. Sorry about that!
raid
Dad Photographer
Thanks for taking the time, and it is OK that I spent $199 on the EPL-1. I will use it with the AF lens, so I don't need high resolution LCD screen. I get your points. Oh well ...
dfatty
Well-known
Good info, thanks. Just to clarify, you mean the weak AA filter was carried forward into future "E-PLx" models (not "all" other future models), correct? That would seem to be the case based on your comparison between the E-PL2 and E-P2.
rparmar
Member
No, I mean the other thing: all future models have the weaker AA filter. Only the E-P1 and E-P2 didn't. While I don't have enough cameras to test this myself (ha!), those that own them state this to be true. Basically, the sensor and pipeline remained mostly unchanged from the E-PL1 right through to the E-P3.
krackmonkey
Member
Actually you need to keep in mind it's a full 2x crop factor, so the 40mm 'cron becomes an 80mm.
I wish it was only 1.5x, I'd looooooooove my already amazing 1.4 DG Summilux to be a 35-37mm focal length lens. I mean, it's a FANTASTIC 50, but as a 35-ish, it would be truly unmatched.