nightfly
Well-known
The E-P1 is a very nice looking retro design based on 60-70's cameras. This disaster is seemingly based on a "retro" 2000's digital camera design i.e. ugly.
emraphoto
Veteran
indeed! i have been watching what they do for a little while and truthfully hoping for a more robust version of the ep-1/ep-2.
i tried one of each out and the build is just not quite up to snuff (my opinion and usage kept in mind). i don't need it to change much. a great manual focus/scale focus interface, all metal/magnesium/titanium whatever and sealed up.
i wonder if Olympus knows how close they are to a brilliant, small documentary camera to work on? "close" being the key word.
I doubt it... they are probably more concerned with the consumer segment no?
triplefinger
Well-known
Looks like the Leica CL of the new m4/3 lot. Destined to be a classic.
emraphoto
Veteran
which would be sad (but more than likely true). if they could build the ep-2/1 in a sealed, all magnesium/metal/whatever body with a few mods they would have the corner on the market.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Hear, hear!
When I saw that announcement of two yet another zoom lenses, I really wanted to smack someone's head.
I mean, dear molly! how many kit zooms do you really need?
FPjohn
Well-known
NYT on PL1
NYT on PL1
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com...new-olympus-pen-e-pl1-targets-everyday-users/
yours
FPJ
NYT on PL1
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com...new-olympus-pen-e-pl1-targets-everyday-users/
yours
FPJ
dng88
Dennis
I think this might be a perfect for M lens use. We have a dedicated mag. button which means that you can get the focus (manually using your Leica/CV/... lens) mag off to check final composition and then take the picture (with IS, which not when you mag. unfortunately). Also, with the possibility of customisation, I guess this might be perfect. If one can hope for one without the kit lens it would be even better.
Any confirmation of the above view.
Any confirmation of the above view.
MaxElmar
Well-known
Looks like a better deal than the EP-1/2 to me. Do you really need decorative metal cladding on the outside of your plastic camera? (See Thom Hogan's review.) I'd rather have the flash. And better AF performance. Which, hopefully, it will have.
quietmouse
45 rpm-100 iso-15 ips
It looks like a better deal to me as well. It is not a "pro" camera but neither were the two previous models. This one seems more refined and at a better price. It is not as capable as the e-p2, differences in shutter speed, iso, control options, art filters and onboard stereo recording. But doesn't it seem so much closer to what it is supposed to be?
In spite of all the comments about plastic, all the olympus pen digital cameras have a plastic frame that is covered on the outside with a metal plate. In the case of the new e-pl1, that metal plate is aluminum.
I do hope they come out with a really nice "pro" body in the future. But at this price, with the option of the EVF, I believe I am sold. I will buy one, and get one of those quick little panasonic primes to go with the kit zoom. Maybe in the future get a "pro body" if it comes out as well as primes as they develop them. If they don't, I will at least have my first digital camera and a couple of nice lenses to take with it to parties, bars, and vacations.
If this camera sells really well perhaps we will see an Olympus E-pT1. (pen tough)
gavinlg
Veteran
The e-p1/2 has 2 control dials. This has no control dials.
MaxElmar
Well-known
"This has no control dials."
When I use my Nokton 50/1.5 (or Micro-Nikkor 55/3.5) on it I'll get at least one real control dial. :>)
When I use my Nokton 50/1.5 (or Micro-Nikkor 55/3.5) on it I'll get at least one real control dial. :>)
Jason808
Established
True. If the buttons work in A or S mode...I'll deal with it. This isn't my fast action camera, my DSLR does that.
As a day to day, or hiking camera, I'm excited. I've got some old m42 lenses I'd love to put on this.
And I was just about to get a Canon G11. I'll save some money.
NickTrop
Veteran
I agree. This looks like an interesting choice. Sometimes the down market stuff is a better deal overall, esp. if it's released later. 1. More kinks are worked out. (For example, this camera may have faster autofocus... don't know, just giving an example.) 2. Newer technology included. Early adapters sometimes pay the price in more ways than one.
kuzano
Veteran
A Lemon Entry My Dear Watson........
A Lemon Entry My Dear Watson........
As Olympus and Panasonic have both concluded, We need enough Zooms to satisfy a large and hungry sector of the camera market, that will flock to this "near perfect" bridge camera.
People who are not capable of discerning between advantages of Prime vs. Zoom lenses far outnumber people who know the distinctions. Panny-Oly-Fuji (now) will cater first to people who want to capture the kids at their games, other events and during the Holidays without concerning themselves with how the camera works, so they can also enjoy the events at the same time. No distractions from manipulating the camera allowed.
In other words, the mass of consumers called "Not Photographers".
Oly, Panny and now Fuji are simply following the money. The money dictates Zooms.
I have taught enough digital photo classes at the Community Ed level and seen the droves of people buying both inexpensive and expensive DSLR's with little intent other than to use them on P, A or Scene Modes. In fact, many people have now put those camera's down. Note the increased used market in relatively new DSLR's. These people are waiting, unknowingly, for these Micro 4/3 cameras, along with many who have intuitively NOT made a DSLR purchase.
Oly, Pana, Fuji, Samsung, and even a couple of the big players see the potential. Serious photographers are going to be sidestepped in the process of the rush to the money.
The fact is that those who want primes are VASTLY outnumbered by consumers who want simple...... And those people hold the best hands... The money.
You're primes were made years ago, when serious photographers spent the necessary money to have them... Legacy lenses, but not, unfortunately, in short enough focal lengths.
Add to that the fact that the manufacturing and distribution process today has no room for small numbers. Only large quantities of goods count. I personally believe contemporary primes will not sell profitably in quantity.
We get what we get, and we have little say.
A Lemon Entry My Dear Watson........
As Olympus and Panasonic have both concluded, We need enough Zooms to satisfy a large and hungry sector of the camera market, that will flock to this "near perfect" bridge camera.
People who are not capable of discerning between advantages of Prime vs. Zoom lenses far outnumber people who know the distinctions. Panny-Oly-Fuji (now) will cater first to people who want to capture the kids at their games, other events and during the Holidays without concerning themselves with how the camera works, so they can also enjoy the events at the same time. No distractions from manipulating the camera allowed.
In other words, the mass of consumers called "Not Photographers".
Oly, Panny and now Fuji are simply following the money. The money dictates Zooms.
I have taught enough digital photo classes at the Community Ed level and seen the droves of people buying both inexpensive and expensive DSLR's with little intent other than to use them on P, A or Scene Modes. In fact, many people have now put those camera's down. Note the increased used market in relatively new DSLR's. These people are waiting, unknowingly, for these Micro 4/3 cameras, along with many who have intuitively NOT made a DSLR purchase.
Oly, Pana, Fuji, Samsung, and even a couple of the big players see the potential. Serious photographers are going to be sidestepped in the process of the rush to the money.
The fact is that those who want primes are VASTLY outnumbered by consumers who want simple...... And those people hold the best hands... The money.
You're primes were made years ago, when serious photographers spent the necessary money to have them... Legacy lenses, but not, unfortunately, in short enough focal lengths.
Add to that the fact that the manufacturing and distribution process today has no room for small numbers. Only large quantities of goods count. I personally believe contemporary primes will not sell profitably in quantity.
We get what we get, and we have little say.
Last edited:
Exactly... :bang:
Solinar
Analog Preferred
The E-PL1 also lacks dedicated AF-L, ISO and white balance buttons.
gavinlg
Veteran
Yeah... no external ISO button... screw that.
I don't really care, I love my e-p1
I don't really care, I love my e-p1
Wiyum
Established
I'm of two minds as far as the lens announcements go. On one hand, I disagree with shadowfox that these are kit zooms. These are supposedly better-quality zooms, and certainly the 9-18 fills a need that even many primes won't be filling. At the same time, I do hope we'll see more primes (and I'm excited about Panasonic primes coming this year). I think it is worth noting that while kuzano's breakdown of the potential market for this gear is accurate, the primes are being under-manufactured, as evidenced by the ravenous way they sell out whenever a retailer stocks them. And the GF1 kit with the 20mm lens is the worst of the bunch in that regard. The GF1 with zoom is easy to find; the 20mm kit has to be sought out, at least if you want to pay no more than full retail. There's a definite contingent of micro4/3 users that want primes, and want them badly, and all of them seem to be voting with their dollars.