Olympus Evolt Series

[Pea-n-Me]

I think he will keep both.

Now there's a plan! It will be interesting to hear his reviews of both cameras and see if he develops a preference for one or the other.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Great pea n me! i can't wait to see pics!

Thank you! I was planning to "update" you!

I'd be really interested in hearing how it's been for you using your new dSLR. I'm excited, but getting a little nervous. I wish it would hurry up and get here so I can just "hop on the learning curve" LOL!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I posted this elsewhere but thought it would be good here, too.

Boy, that's a loaded question. I'm sure everyone has an opinion. Mine is that they're all reputable. Some are "more popular" than others - namely the big two, Canon and Nikon.

I'm not an expert but in doing my own research recently I'm fairly certain that using a high speed memory card influences how fast data is recorded and therefore helps things move along quickly when you're shooting.

In shooting at high ISO on a point and shoot and shooting high ISO on an SLR you will see a difference. And in following posts from the serious dSLR users here, it seems to me that high ISOs are always a challenge, even on the better dSLRs. Make sure you fully understand which cameras are point and shoot and which are dSLRs - you have both on your list and there are big differences between them.

Since you asked about the Olympus, I'll tell you what I know about it. I just bought the E-510 w/ 2 lens kit. It's an excellent value for the money IMO. I also looked at the other dSLRs you mentioned and to me, this had the most modern features such as Live View, in body IS, two excellent kit lenses, dust reduction, 10MP, shooting modes, made for digital engineering, etc. It's also more compact and light than many dSLRs which was important to me. I've never used an SLR before so I don't have old lenses to use - this will only take 4:3 compatible lenses but at least every lens is an IS one (since it's in-body), unlike even the new Canon XSi coming out next month (which was my second choice).

Beyond that, I like being a little different.

I'd also like to be able to take decent shots in low light but my experience is that technique has a lot to do with it. I am able to get some decent low light shots out of my Canon S3 IS so I'm sure I'll be able to do even better with my Evolt (since one is a pns and one is an SLR). I'm planning to buy an additional lens which will help with low light shots, something done by most dSLR users regardless of brand.

I think it's wise to research, research, and then do a little more research. It took me months (and a lot of soul searching) to feel fully confident with my purchase. I looked into the history of Olympus, read dozens of camera reviews, looked at hundreds of sample shots, hung out on other photography forums (many of which have dedicated Olympus and/or 4:3 sections), held the cameras, talked to users, talked to others, bounced ideas of many, considered buying used, etc.

The big thing is to know what you're getting into before you buy. Find out what really suits you. You'd hate to buy a system (which is really what a dSLR is) and then realize you wished you'd bought something different. If you know you want the type of pictures that you can really only get with a dSLR and the system you want is out of your price range, wait and save a little longer. Sell some stuff on Craigslist. Work extra hours. Watch sale prices, etc. Because there's nothing worse than spending lots of money and time on something only to realize you're still unhappy.

My 2 cents. Good luck with your decision. PS I have an Olympus thread going here if you care to join in.

 

[Christine43]

Hi, I posted a thread about choosing a new camera and I'm giving serious thought to this one especially after seeing your pictures. Have any of you with this camera attempted to take any pictures on dark rides like PoC with this camera and no flash? I would love to get some ride pics finally. Thanks, Christine

 

[Christine43]

Hi, I am seriously considering buying this camera, it will be my first SLR. Your pics are beautiful. I have wanted to get a pic (w/o flash, of course) on a dark ride like PoC. Is it possible with this camera? How are your low light shots? Thanks, Christine

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Christine, remember that low light shots on dark, moving rides are a challenge for even the most skilled photographer with the finest equipment. Definitely not easy to get. It takes not only a good camera, but special lenses, skill and a little bit of luck as well.

While we wait to see if someone will chime in with their shots, you can look at thousands of shots on Flickr taken with the E-510. http://www.flickr.com/groups/e510/pool/ If you haven't read Understanding Exposure yet, it's a really good book for learning how all the elements of photography work together in order to get good shots.

 

[robroy]

I just got the E-510, haven't had it long enough to do anything with it but just a couple of shots. My childs school got a Utah Jazz player to come today and read to them so we have pics of Paul Milsap with some of the teachers and kids. The problem i'm having is that when I print to 4 x 6 borderless it cuts the heads off. (Hard to print pics when the guy is 6'-10 and kids are 4 foot something) Has anyone been able to deal with the 4:3 size on 4 x 6 borderless on HP photoprinter?

 

[Nauf]

This thread is a godsend! I bought the e510 a while back and love it. I do feel like I need to learn more about it, and about what I'm doing with it to better my photographs!

Here's hoping that this thread grows into a long and helpful one!

 

[Christine43]

Christine, remember that low light shots on dark, moving rides are a challenge for even the most skilled photographer with the finest equipment. Definitely not easy to get. It takes not only a good camera, but special lenses, skill and a little bit of luck as well.

While we wait to see if someone will chime in with their shots, you can look at thousands of shots on Flickr taken with the E-510. http://www.flickr.com/groups/e510/pool/ If you haven't read Understanding Exposure yet, it's a really good book for learning how all the elements of photography work together in order to get good shots.

Thanks very much, I'm going to pick up the book. Christine

 

[GatheringNoMoss]

or maybe the new 25mm lense Oly announced yesterday?

My e510 is only 7 months old, so not me, but it does look sweet.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Shoot, I haven't even had my first outing with my E-510 yet and they already have a new model. Will have to check it out later. I imagine they added IS to the 410?

On another front I ordered a couple of camera bags after looking at lots. I had a credit at REI so I got two and I really like one of them - the Lowepro 100 (something like that). Seems perfect for this camera.

Yes, I do want to get a prime lens and that one sounds good as well as the Sigma 30mm f1.4 4:3 (which another Dis-er has for his Oly). I'll be looking at those over the coming months so any thoughts on them and photo examples would be great.

Welcome new posters. Let's see some of your shots! I'm hoping to get some today. If they're halfway decent, I'll post.

 

[donaldduck1967]

I just got the E-510, haven't had it long enough to do anything with it but just a couple of shots. My childs school got a Utah Jazz player to come today and read to them so we have pics of Paul Milsap with some of the teachers and kids. The problem i'm having is that when I print to 4 x 6 borderless it cuts the heads off. (Hard to print pics when the guy is 6'-10 and kids are 4 foot something) Has anyone been able to deal with the 4:3 size on 4 x 6 borderless on HP photoprinter?

Resize then before you print them.

 

[GatheringNoMoss]

Shoot, I haven't even had my first outing with my E-510 yet and they already have a new model. Will have to check it out later. I imagine they added IS to the 410?

On another front I ordered a couple of camera bags after looking at lots. I had a credit at REI so I got two and I really like one of them - the Lowepro 100 (something like that). Seems perfect for this camera.

Yes, I do want to get a prime lens and that one sounds good as well as the Sigma 30mm f1.4 4:3 (which another Dis-er has for his Oly). I'll be looking at those over the coming months so any thoughts on them and photo examples would be great.

Welcome new posters. Let's see some of your shots! I'm hoping to get some today. If they're halfway decent, I'll post.

It was June when I bought the two kit e510 and I am ready for mre. If all the stars line up tomorrow, I might, just might, buy the Zuiko 12-60mm 2.8 from Hunts. My hopes is it will give me just enough distance to cover the dance and figure skating performances of my daughter.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I updated the OP. Here are links from Olympus and dpreview about the newly announced Evolt E-420. Sounds like it will be available in May.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_PressDetails.asp?pressNo=580

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0803/08030501olympuse420.asp

What I find interesting is that they're marketing it as a dSLR which can be used much like a pns in holding the camera away from the face to compose shots using the LCD. This seems odd in a camera with no IS (since using the viewfinder held against the forehead helps stabilize the camera).

ETA I'm a little confused - according to the Olympus website both the E-410 and the E-420 have something called digital image stabilization, whereas the E-510 has sensor shift image stabilization. Anyone know the difference? If I figure it out I'll repost.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Please note I changed the title of this thread to include all of the Evolt series dSLRs.

 

[Mckymousefn]

I know the feeling though. I had my E-500 a short time and then they came out with the E-510. It will always be like that!!

 

[Code]

I've been promising Pea-n-Me over and over that I would be posting here, sorry for the delay

I bought my E-510 as my first DSLR a few months before my September trip last year. My wife and I had an amazing time and came back with some great shots. We had such a great time that we ended up going back in January

For the first trip I had the 2 kit lenses as well as a Sigma 30mm f/1.4. For the second trip I had added a wide angle zoom, the 11-22 f/2.8-3.5.

We have a photo loaded trip report running but I am way way way behind on it (still on trip #1 day #2, argh).. however I am getting caught up in my photo processing finally and will be restarting shortly. I'll also try to post the best of my shots on this thread.

I imagine they added IS to the 410?

The 420 added auto focus in live view (no mirror flip) and a few other things but no IS.

The new 25mm pancake lens looks like fun, I think I want one

On another front I ordered a couple of camera bags after looking at lots. I had a credit at REI so I got two and I really like one of them - the Lowepro 100 (something like that). Seems perfect for this camera.

The Slingshot 100 is super portable but doesn't have much room to grow. I have the Slingshot 200 and it is totally full with what I have now, but still very portable. I'll post a pic of my bag setup later.

It was June when I bought the two kit e510 and I am ready for mre. If all the stars line up tomorrow, I might, just might, buy the Zuiko 12-60mm 2.8 from Hunts. My hopes is it will give me just enough distance to cover the dance and figure skating performances of my daughter.

For shooting dance and figure skating I would probably consider the 50-200 f/2.8-3.5.. seems like you would need more reach and the 12-60 is f/4 at the long end.

Hi, I am seriously considering buying this camera, it will be my first SLR. Your pics are beautiful. I have wanted to get a pic (w/o flash, of course) on a dark ride like PoC. Is it possible with this camera? How are your low light shots? Thanks, Christine

I'll be posting my best tries at the dark rides with an f/1.4 lens on my trip report eventually. Unfortunately, you really need a camera capable of 3200 or even 6400 ISO for most of PotC and HM.

I'll post some of my favorite shots later on...

 

[Code]

Here are a few photos that I already had ready... most are shots I've already posted to the Picture of the Day thread.

And... yes, I do post-process my photos extensively (Photoshop junkie)...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Welcome, Code! Hey, better late than never.

I'm really excited to see Code here because he has some incredible Disney photos that helped me decide that this was the camera for me. And oh, I see he's posted some! Well the shot with the train station and castle was the one that did it for me!

We must have been posting at the same time, I'd edited my post about the E-420

I'm a little confused - according to the Olympus website both the E-410 and the E-420 have something called digital image stabilization, whereas the E-510 has sensor shift image stabilization. Anyone know the difference?

I was debating between the Slingshot 100 and 200, but for what I want right now, the smaller 100 more fit the bill. I'm someone who carries my camera in my pocketbook so to have to carry a camera bag at all is a little intimidating for me. In time I'm sure I'll adjust. I brought it out yesterday for the first time and it took a little getting used to. I do like the sling style a lot.

I like that little pancake lens, too.

I bought an external flash today. My Slingshot is filling up, LOL.

I will say that after my first outing with my camera yesterday, I really LOVE IT!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

according to the Olympus website both the E-410 and the E-420 have something called digital image stabilization, whereas the E-510 has sensor shift image stabilization. Anyone know the difference?

OK, here's what Olympus says about it.

E-410/420
Digital Image Stabilization combines high ISO sensitivity and faster shutter speeds so you can freeze the action to capture sharp, blur-free images.

Hmm.

E-510
Sensor Shift Image Stablilization counters the effect of camera shake and helps capture clear images even while panning during action shots.