R-D1, E-1, and Putts query

[Charles D. Orze]

Many of you are, I'm sure, familiar with Erwin Putt's work and his reviews of the R-D1. I was puzzled about one aspect of his findings and perhaps someone here can shed some light on it. He finds repeatedly that the resolution of the Olympus E-1 is greater than that of the R-D1, even though the Olympus is a 5 megapixel camera. As Sean has pointed out on Luminous Landscape, the E-1 is a fine tool but its files can appear a bit soft. So where does the resolution of the Olympus get lost? Mirror slap and camera shake?

Puzzled.

Charlie Orzech

 

[aizan]

Olympus and Konica Minolta, I think, tend to have a light touch with in-camera processing. Sharpening and noise reduction can destroy detail, so they leave it to you and Photoshop (and NR programs), which are more powerful.

 

[Sean Reid]

I've reviewed both cameras and had the E-1 from Olympus for several months. Whatever Erwin may have found mathematically, in actual use with real life subjects the files from the E-1 are noticeably softer than those from the R-D1. But I add this caveat: I only tested the E-1 with the 14-54, the OM 24/2.8 and a Zeiss 18/4. It may be that the camera does better with other 4/3 lenses such as the 50 macro. I shot a wedding in April with both cameras and the R-D1 files were always sharper and showed more microdetail no matter what workflow I used from RAW. I suspect that the AA filter on the E-1 is stronger than the one on the R-D1 but lenses may have an influence on this as well. Some say that the 14-54 is a bit soft generally and neither the Zeiss or OM lenses I tested were designed for the camera. So, to be thorough, I'd need to try the E-1 with an 11- 22, a 50 macro, etc.

Sean

 

[SteveRD1]

I owned the E1 for 2 years

I owned the E1 for 2 years

I loved my E1, but I just sold it and my lenses to purchase an RD1. My E1 files when compared against my 5mp Digilux 2 was always softer with much less detail.

I doubt the E1 has more detail than the RD1, but I have not recieved my Rd1 just yet.

I have taken several test shots with the E1 and D2 side by side with same settings, same light, etc. My D2 shots always showed more detail, even after sharpening, over the E1.

The E1 is IMO the best DSLR out there even now (besides the D2x), and I have owned the Canon 1ds, and Nikon D2h - liked the E1 better. WHen used with the Zuiko lenses such as the 50 f2 and 50-200 it has incredible color and contrast with a 3D feel.

Great system but I wanted a change and to lighten my load. Hopefully Ill enjoy the RD1, if not, Id probably sell it and go back to the E1.

 

[Charles D. Orze]

Thanks Aizan, Steve, and Sean. I really like my R D1 and took it to Southwest China last month with excellent results (will post some shots to the gallery soon).

Best regards,

Charlie