Anybody out there that wold buy the olympus evolt 500 instead of the rebel?

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

Im thinking about buying a dslr, although ive been perfectly happy with my 35mm cameras and I do enjoy my digital (kodak 6490)the photos just dont seem to turn out as well.

My favorite camera for WDW is my olympus stylus 170 35mm, Its what I use 90% of the time.

I do love my slr though, ive had the minolta spxi since I was 16 and got the 3xi at 19, they both work just fine.

But im starting to feel like im missing out not having a dslr, I notice the cannon rebel seems to be quite popular here.
Ive been looking at the olympus though and it seems really inexpensive , I could get the 2 lens kit for the price of the rebel body.

I like the look of the rebel better, but I dont really want to pay more than I need to as im not going to use it that much.



anybody have the olympus?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Not really answering your questions, but here are some reasons NOT to buy the Evolt I've heard first hand and/or experienced myself with the Evolt series

1. it uses non-standard dSLR aspect ratio of 4:3 instead of the de-facto standard 3:2
2. slower AF compared to Pentax, Minolta, Canon and Nikon.
3. even slower AF if you're using live-preview (even slower than point and shoot)
4. extreme shutter lag if you're using live-preview (even slower than point and shoot)
5. lack of lens selection due to the 4:3 ratio.

 

[rtphokie]

I looked at both before buying the Rebel XT. Everything about the evolt seems slow. Shutter lag is particularly noticeable.

 

[donaldduck1967]

I did and have had no issues with it so far

 

[donaldduck1967]

Also the E-500 does'nt have live preview the E-330 does.

 

[donaldduck1967]

Heres' a list of lens out now or due out soon. It does not include the lens that will be released when Panasonic releases their 4/3rd camera

http://www.wrotniak.com/photo/oly-e/lenses.html

 

[Anewman]

Olympus DSLRs available(current lines) would be last on my shopping list vs other DSLRs But if I did have to buy an olympus it would be the E500, it is not a bad camera just not as good in some areas vs the other DSLRs(IMO).

The REBEL xt is not the only "other" camera available, but I do understand it is such a great selling DSLR that all other entry level DSLrs are measured against it, you can still shop other brands or even wait for the NEW SONY which will use any lenses you had for you MINOLTA film SLR.

There are other DSLRs that are also less expensive than the Rebel and the E500.
Beachcamera.com Prices(free shipping and no taxes)
Olympus E500 2 lens kit = $700(after rebate)
Canon Rebel XT WITH KIT LENS = $660(after rebate.
Pentax DL with kit lens = $470
Nikno D50(refurbished) with kit lens = $550

My advice would be
WAIT until the new SONY DSLR hits the streets, even if a little bit more than you are looking to spend using your Minolta lenses(from your film cameras) may end up saving you big money.

 

[MICKEY88]

another option would be the Minolta 7D, since you already have minolta lenses..

I jusr read another review of it last night, and learned a few things I didn't know before...

it is actually the fastest focusing in it's class, faster than Canon 20d..

and it's the only camera that will auto focus in light as low as -1EV, at least as of the time the article was written, they compared it to the Canon 20D and Nikon d70, and rated it above both of them...they said the only drawback was it's initial price, 1500....but in the long run with built in image stabilization it was worth it..

 

[Anewman]

another option would be the Minolta 7D, since you already have minolta lenses..

I jusr read another review of it last night, and learned a few things I didn't know before...

it is actually the fastest focusing in it's class, faster than Canon 20d..

Yes the 7D and 5d are also options, I just can not imagine the cameras that replace them(New Sony cameras) being inferior, since it pretty much is just a company name change.

Wont get into "fastest focusing" debate cuz there can be so many variables(lens is biggest factor), just dont feel that a couple reviews make this a fact.

 

[MICKEY88]

Yes the 7D and 5d are also options, I just can not imagine the cameras that replace them(New Sony cameras) being inferior, since it pretty much is just a company name change.

Wont get into "fastest focusing" debate cuz there can be so many variables(lens is biggest factor), just dont feel that a couple reviews make this a fact.

I never said the Sony cameras were inferior, just threw the Minolta out as another option, since it would be cheaper than the new Sony..


the review was by one of the top photography magazines, not by some amateur...

I am amused though that if you find something in print to support your case, it is indeed fact...LOL


GO DAIMLER CHRYSLER....

 

[Anewman]

I never said the Sony cameras were inferior, just threw the Minolta out as another option, since it would be cheaper than the new Sony..


the review was by one of the top photography magazines, not by some amateur...

I am amused though that if you find something in print to support your case, it is indeed fact...LOL


GO DAIMLER CHRYSLER....

I apoligize if my reply sounded confrontational, that was not my intent.

I just feel that if the camera is being replaced(by Sony) and the replacement is coming in with better specs and a lower price point, the only reason to consider the discontinued camera would be if it was better. Hence making the replacement inferior.

And I will concede, the 7d is the fastest focusing camera in its class regardless of lenses and or conditions.

Yes Dodge Rules

 

[MICKEY88]

I apoligize if my reply sounded confrontational, that was not my intent.

I just feel that if the camera is being replaced(by Sony) and the replacement is coming in with better specs and a lower price point, the only reason to consider the discontinued camera would be if it was better. Hence making the replacement inferior.
And I will concede, the 7d is the fastest focusing camera in its class regardless of lenses and or conditions.

Yes Dodge Rules

the 7d can be had for around 700 so right now it's cheaper than the Sony, and it has that collectability factor{last Minolta} however it lacks the antidust feature , etc...

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

Thanks for the advice everybody I really apreciate it,
it will probably be a few months before I make up my mind but I'll be sure to let you guys know what I decide.

 

[pyrxtc]

First let me say that the 500 does not even have a live-preview mode! So ignore all that statements referring to that!

1. it uses non-standard dSLR aspect ratio of 4:3 instead of the de-facto standard 3:2 Still take beautiful pictures and this does not amke a difference when takling your pictures. The standard will be changing. That si the standard for film photography and 3/4 is for digital.
2. slower AF compared to Pentax, Minolta, Canon and Nikon. I have never had a problem with the autofocus, even my photographer friends have enjoyed trying out my camera
3. even slower AF if you're using live-preview (even slower than point and shoot) see above answer
4. extreme shutter lag if you're using live-preview (even slower than point and shoot) no way! No shutter lag at all, well very minimal anyways. It does not even compare with P&S lag.
5. lack of lens selection due to the 4:3 ratio. There are mnay lenses out there for this camera. I have 3 more right now in my wishlist waiting for them to come in stock and also there are a few more cameras that are going to the 3/4 ratio. Read your shutterbug magazine and you will see this also.

I ahve had my Evolt 500 for about 7 months now and have never had any real problems with it. The only ones I did have were my error. My photographer friends who have used this camera were amazed by how light it was and how easy it was to do everything. There is virtually no shutter lag, I have never once missed a shot I wanted due to shutter lag. I also have had Olympus P&S camera and have always been happy with them. I ahve not regretted once buying this camera ever.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/e500-review/

The versatility of the Olympus E-System comes from delivering the largest selection of “Designed-for-Digital” lenses –more than any other manufacturer to date.

http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Olympus_Evolt_E_500_body_only/4852-6501_16-31517843.html?tag=uolst

http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-1/pid-27740487/befid-7185/productreviewscrx.aspx

http://www.epinions.com/content_212251610756

these past links are just a few reviews while surfing.

her are the three lenses I will be buying.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=354173&is=USA

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=354170&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=301932&is=REG

Now who said there is a lack of lenses ??
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=8457

 

[Kelly Grannell]

First let me say that the 500 does not even have a live-preview mode! So ignore all that statements referring to that!

1. it uses non-standard dSLR aspect ratio of 4:3 instead of the de-facto standard 3:2 Still take beautiful pictures and this does not amke a difference when takling your pictures. The standard will be changing. That si the standard for film photography and 3/4 is for digital.
2. slower AF compared to Pentax, Minolta, Canon and Nikon. I have never had a problem with the autofocus, even my photographer friends have enjoyed trying out my camera
3. even slower AF if you're using live-preview (even slower than point and shoot) see above answer
4. extreme shutter lag if you're using live-preview (even slower than point and shoot) no way! No shutter lag at all, well very minimal anyways. It does not even compare with P&S lag.
5. lack of lens selection due to the 4:3 ratio. There are mnay lenses out there for this camera. I have 3 more right now in my wishlist waiting for them to come in stock and also there are a few more cameras that are going to the 3/4 ratio. Read your shutterbug magazine and you will see this also.

I ahve had my Evolt 500 for about 7 months now and have never had any real problems with it. The only ones I did have were my error. My photographer friends who have used this camera were amazed by how light it was and how easy it was to do everything. There is virtually no shutter lag, I have never once missed a shot I wanted due to shutter lag. I also have had Olympus P&S camera and have always been happy with them. I ahve not regretted once buying this camera ever.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/e500-review/

The versatility of the Olympus E-System comes from delivering the largest selection of “Designed-for-Digital” lenses –more than any other manufacturer to date.

http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Olympus_Evolt_E_500_body_only/4852-6501_16-31517843.html?tag=uolst

http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-1/pid-27740487/befid-7185/productreviewscrx.aspx

http://www.epinions.com/content_212251610756

these past links are just a few reviews while surfing.

her are the three lenses I will be buying.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=354173&is=USA

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=354170&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=301932&is=REG

Now who said there is a lack of lenses ??
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=8457

1. The standard will not change. 4:3 is an odd standard. TV have moved on from 4:3 to 16:9, PC screen have moved t0 16:9 or 16:10

2. It is slower, I tested it myself. The fact that you don't have problems with AF doesn't necessarily mean that the AF is as fast as the rest of the bunch

3. and 4. I tested this myself. 20D vs Evolt 330 vs Fuji F10 P&S. Evolt 330 is the slowest.

5. Yes it has "a lot" of lens choices, but it's absolutely limited compared to 3:2 lenses (literally hundreds of choises instead of just tens)

I'm glad that you're not regretting in buying the camera. I wanted to buy this camera... twice. First it was the E300, then the E330. I'm sorry, it's not up to my needs (forget wants) even for a walkaround camera, let alone serious applications.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

PS: the only other dSLR camera that uses 4:3 is Panasonic. Let's not even go there (look at the review on dpreview). Way overpriced too.

So which other manufacturer will go 4:3 route?

I know for a fact that the main players such as Canon, Nikon, Sony/Minolta, Pentax, Samsung (basically Pentax) are not going that route. That leaves Panasonic and Olympus (ironically, on the Olympus, the 3:2 mode is available, just more proof that 4:3 is not the standard).

Like I previously mentioned. If you like your purchase, congratulations, but it's not a camera I would recommend to anyone after trying it myself... twice (about a month each).

additional note: Four-Third system is a Kodak developed system. It's only a Kodak ruse to try to sneak in into the dSLR game which they failed miserably (using... 3:2 aspect ratio... I also used to own one for half a year, with Canon mount)

 

[pyrxtc]

1. The standard will not change. 4:3 is an odd standard. TV have moved on from 4:3 to 16:9, PC screen have moved t0 16:9 or 16:10

2. It is slower, I tested it myself. The fact that you don't have problems with AF doesn't necessarily mean that the AF is as fast as the rest of the bunch

3. and 4. I tested this myself. 20D vs Evolt 330 vs Fuji F10 P&S. Evolt 330 is the slowest.

5. Yes it has "a lot" of lens choices, but it's absolutely limited compared to 3:2 lenses (literally hundreds of choises instead of just tens)

I'm glad that you're not regretting in buying the camera. I wanted to buy this camera... twice. First it was the E300, then the E330. I'm sorry, it's not up to my needs (forget wants) even for a walkaround camera, let alone serious applications.

Well, the 330 is very different than the 500. friends who have tested it out have compared it to their minoltas and cannons and loved my camera. The only reason the 3/2 have more lenses is becasue they are film lenses, not made just for digital. I was shooting down your reason that the camera has limited lens choices. Read some fo the reviews and the 500 outweighed a lot of other cameras if not as wonderful as the rest. The E330 is not the E500, just rememeber that! They are totally different. Like saying the digital is a film camera minus the film. It is way more.

 

[pyrxtc]

PS: the only other dSLR camera that uses 4:3 is Panasonic. Let's not even go there (look at the review on dpreview). Way overpriced too.

So which other manufacturer will go 4:3 route?

I know for a fact that the main players such as Canon, Nikon, Sony/Minolta, Pentax, Samsung (basically Pentax) are not going that route. That leaves Panasonic and Olympus (ironically, on the Olympus, the 3:2 mode is available, just more proof that 4:3 is not the standard).

Like I previously mentioned. If you like your purchase, congratulations, but it's not a camera I would recommend to anyone after trying it myself... twice (about a month each).

additional note: Four-Third system is a Kodak developed system. It's only a Kodak ruse to try to sneak in into the dSLR game which they failed miserably (using... 3:2 aspect ratio... I also used to own one for half a year, with Canon mount)

How do you know for a fact?? Do you work for all of them?? You say you ahve tried it yourself but then you say the 300 and the 330. Please do not put a negative review ona camera that you have not actually tried.

Also is 4/s is a kodak system then why did yours have a 3:2 aspect ration? Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica all have the 4/3's system. And please don't tell me that all these companies are not right cuz Leica make a wonderful camera, better than most!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

we are talking about dSLR right? Pentax, Canon, Nikon, Sony/Minolta, Samsung, they ARE using 3:2 aspect ratio. We are not talking about point and shoot here.

Like I said, you like you Evolt, go ahead, the OP asked for people's opinion, I gave mine. I don't work for all of those companies, but if you've read a lot of my posts, it's part of my job to test a lot of cameras.

You asked "Also if 4/3 is a kodak system then why did yours have a 3:2 aspect ratio". Kodak tried to enter the dSLR market and failed miserably. They no longer in the dSLR market anymore. It is a FACT that Four Third system is developed by Kodak. Why are you so afraid to accept that fact?

here's a quote of one (from NUMEROUS articles) that proves that 4/3 system is made by Kodak

Kodak CCD sensor powers Olympus Four Third system
Dennis Hissink : July 21th 2003 - 00:34 CET

"Kodak is proud to be working directly with Olympus to advance the adoption of the Four Thirds System standard to make a new class of digital cameras available to the professional photographer market," said Chris McNiffe, general manager, Kodak's Image Sensor Solutions organization. "By working with Olympus and delivering the enhanced KAF-5101CE sensor, Kodak continues to execute on its growth strategy of adapting technological innovation to advance the digital imaging market while opening up new market opportunities for Kodak and its customers."

the only thing wrong with the quote is that no professional have yet adopted the 4/3 system, especially due to the lack of lens choices, especially high-end lenses.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

PS: I'm getting an E500 from my friend's store today to do a quick test, we'll see what happens (I'm comparing it with my really really old Canon 10D)