It's here! Olympus E-P1 "Digital Pen" m43 system


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haha,still can use art filters when video recording,i still waiting for Benares,my birthday next month,still trying to ahem from Benares :D
 

I like the concept, I like the unobstrusive size and shape of it, i.e. it looks like a PnS.

On the streets, shooting with a DSLR sticks you out like a sore thumb - everyone is aware of your presence, everyone is wary of what you are doing.

I don't blame them - if I notice a big black thing pointing in my direction I would pay attention. ;p

Sure, and the E-P1 with the 90-250mm lens won't be noticed at all. :bsmilie:
 

Sure, and the E-P1 with the 90-250mm lens won't be noticed at all. :bsmilie:

Of course not. Just tell them you are transporting the lens. No camera attached. With that huge black tube, no one will notice the small white piece stuck at the end.
 

this camera is like a dream come true for me... :heart:
 

Hi there, Wait for shipment to come in July
 

After reading through some of the write ups on this camera, I have three major concerns. Actually four at the beginning but the video showed the 230k LCD screen to be quite capable, so that is no longer be a major concern. The remaining three are:

1) AF speed

From dpreview:


"For the G1 and GH1 Panasonic developed an incredibly fast new imager AF system and has been praised for getting contrast detect AF speeds up to near those offered by entry-level phase detect focus systems (as used on all SLRs). Unfortunately Panasonic didn't share that technology with Olympus, and the E-P1 uses essentially the same focus system as cameras such as the E-620, meaning that it feels sluggish even compared to most compacts (that said, we're playing with a very early IP (initial production) unit here - without the final firmware - so will reserve judgment until we've got the finished product).

The focus speed certainly feels a little (but not a lot) faster than the CD-AF on, say, the E-620, thanks we'd imagine to the faster TruePic V processor and optimized lenses, but it's not a patch on Panasonic's system, and in low light at the long end of the zoom is pretty painful."


Simon Joinson did mention on some threads at the forum that the AF speed is faster if the G1/GH1 lenses are used.

Simon Joinson in the forum: "The AF on the later firmware version we used was better, but this is still an early lens and the lens appears to have quite an impact. One thing i can tell you is that AF speed on this camera is much better with Panasonic's micro four thirds zooms than the Olympus 14-42 we've got (i've just been out shooting with the 14-140mm)."

2) Chromatic Aberration

Is it just me or the CA (blue/red fringing) is quite pronounced on the sample images. Edges of white buildings, windows, etc all show quite pronounced CA especially so with the 17mm. This could be due to early firmware. The G1 samples did show some CA under extreme conditions but under normal circumstances, it is ok.

Perhaps, the final firmware release will fix that.

From this picture: http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview3/originals/p6160172.jpg

3634192059_9030c9018f.jpg


3635002260_bd71cefda3.jpg


3) Noise at ISO 200

Previously I mentioned that the picture at ISO3200 looked pretty ok but when I actually look at pictures at the low ISO200, I am surprised to see a considerable amount of noise in the shaded areas. ISO 200 should be clean for a camera with an SLR sensor.

From this picture

http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview3/originals/p6160202.jpg


3635015376_1ce69de6cb.jpg
 

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Hi there, GH1 is using AVCHD format for recording/playback. What format is E-P1 using (JPEG?)
 

Am now still stuck in middle ground coz I love my G1 with relatively fast autofocus speed and feel to the camera. Unfortunately lack of lens choices which I see will be Olympus's strength, which won't have IS in the lens as they build their IS into the body, as well as promised autofocus for all their four third lens.

Just tried the E620's autofocus with Liveview this morning and if the E-P1's autofocus is near the same, then it will be pretty disappointing.

I wish Panasonic would really focus on having a better roadmap for their lens...

Anyway now am just playing the waiting game until more info available on actual products.
 

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this camera will kill sigma dp2 sales
 

but i kinda sad no viewfinder,hope they come up with something like the DP2,i don't want to be restricted to just the 17mm OVF
 

oic... thot u use ur canon for ur bizness?

the E-P1 looks great! tempting a oly fren with it now.... :devil:

tis for fun one lah... 1D4 no sound no pic yet. :bsmilie::bsmilie:
 

After reading through some of the write ups on this camera, I have three major concerns. Actually four at the beginning but the video showed the 230k LCD screen to be quite capable, so that is no longer be a major concern. The remaining three are:

1) AF speed

From dpreview:


"For the G1 and GH1 Panasonic developed an incredibly fast new imager AF system and has been praised for getting contrast detect AF speeds up to near those offered by entry-level phase detect focus systems (as used on all SLRs). Unfortunately Panasonic didn't share that technology with Olympus, and the E-P1 uses essentially the same focus system as cameras such as the E-620, meaning that it feels sluggish even compared to most compacts (that said, we're playing with a very early IP (initial production) unit here - without the final firmware - so will reserve judgment until we've got the finished product).

The focus speed certainly feels a little (but not a lot) faster than the CD-AF on, say, the E-620, thanks we'd imagine to the faster TruePic V processor and optimized lenses, but it's not a patch on Panasonic's system, and in low light at the long end of the zoom is pretty painful."


Simon Joinson did mention on some threads at the forum that the AF speed is faster if the G1/GH1 lenses are used.

Simon Joinson in the forum: "The AF on the later firmware version we used was better, but this is still an early lens and the lens appears to have quite an impact. One thing i can tell you is that AF speed on this camera is much better with Panasonic's micro four thirds zooms than the Olympus 14-42 we've got (i've just been out shooting with the 14-140mm)."

2) Chromatic Aberration

Is it just me or the CA (blue/red fringing) is quite pronounced on the sample images. Edges of white buildings, windows, etc all show quite pronounced CA especially so with the 17mm. This could be due to early firmware. The G1 samples did show some CA under extreme conditions but under normal circumstances, it is ok.

Perhaps, the final firmware release will fix that.

From this picture: http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview3/originals/p6160172.jpg

3634192059_9030c9018f.jpg


3635002260_bd71cefda3.jpg


3) Noise at ISO 200

Previously I mentioned that the picture at ISO3200 looked pretty ok but when I actually look at pictures at the low ISO200, I am surprised to see a considerable amount of noise in the shaded areas. ISO 200 should be clean for a camera with an SLR sensor.

From this picture

http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview3/originals/p6160202.jpg


3635015376_1ce69de6cb.jpg

Wa..these are really major concerns. hmmm... Must think twice if these are really for real :(
 

haha,still can use art filters when video recording,i still waiting for Benares,my birthday next month,still trying to ahem from Benares :D

Spidey, my friend, I ain't gay. enuff said :sticktong
lol
 

After reading through some of the write ups on this camera, I have three major concerns. Actually four at the beginning but the video showed the 230k LCD screen to be quite capable, so that is no longer be a major concern. The remaining three are:

1) AF speed

From dpreview:


"For the G1 and GH1 Panasonic developed an incredibly fast new imager AF system and has been praised for getting contrast detect AF speeds up to near those offered by entry-level phase detect focus systems (as used on all SLRs). Unfortunately Panasonic didn't share that technology with Olympus, and the E-P1 uses essentially the same focus system as cameras such as the E-620, meaning that it feels sluggish even compared to most compacts (that said, we're playing with a very early IP (initial production) unit here - without the final firmware - so will reserve judgment until we've got the finished product).

The focus speed certainly feels a little (but not a lot) faster than the CD-AF on, say, the E-620, thanks we'd imagine to the faster TruePic V processor and optimized lenses, but it's not a patch on Panasonic's system, and in low light at the long end of the zoom is pretty painful."


Simon Joinson did mention on some threads at the forum that the AF speed is faster if the G1/GH1 lenses are used.

Simon Joinson in the forum: "The AF on the later firmware version we used was better, but this is still an early lens and the lens appears to have quite an impact. One thing i can tell you is that AF speed on this camera is much better with Panasonic's micro four thirds zooms than the Olympus 14-42 we've got (i've just been out shooting with the 14-140mm)."

2) Chromatic Aberration

Is it just me or the CA (blue/red fringing) is quite pronounced on the sample images. Edges of white buildings, windows, etc all show quite pronounced CA especially so with the 17mm. This could be due to early firmware. The G1 samples did show some CA under extreme conditions but under normal circumstances, it is ok.

Perhaps, the final firmware release will fix that.

From this picture: http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview3/originals/p6160172.jpg

3634192059_9030c9018f.jpg


3635002260_bd71cefda3.jpg


3) Noise at ISO 200

Previously I mentioned that the picture at ISO3200 looked pretty ok but when I actually look at pictures at the low ISO200, I am surprised to see a considerable amount of noise in the shaded areas. ISO 200 should be clean for a camera with an SLR sensor.

From this picture

http://a.img-dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview3/originals/p6160202.jpg


3635015376_1ce69de6cb.jpg


CA is always more pronounced on a pancake-style lens; it's an unavoidable compromise.

As for ISO 200 noise, I will say that if you view any image at 100%, you will see noise, especially if the noise filter is switched off totally. But pixel peeping is akin to looking at an image with your nose smashed against it - and you will see graining in prints if you really do do that.

As for the AF performance, that remains an open verdict until a production camera with a production lens is tested.
 

CA is always more pronounced on a pancake-style lens; it's an unavoidable compromise.

As for ISO 200 noise, I will say that if you view any image at 100%, you will see noise, especially if the noise filter is switched off totally. But pixel peeping is akin to looking at an image with your nose smashed against it - and you will see graining in prints if you really do do that.

As for the AF performance, that remains an open verdict until a production camera with a production lens is tested.


Hi drakon09, I see your point and it is not my intention to spoil the party. It would be great if Oly can really turn out a great cam.

It is just that if I were to buy this camera, it would be because of three things:

1) (Almost) SLR like Af speed - At least it should be significantly better than PnS.

2) Good high ISO noise control - Otherwise there is little to differentiate from PnS. I do understand that pixel peeping is sometimes seen as overboard. However at ISO 200, even by pixel peeped standards, the noise characteristics seem to be a little higher than competition. Whether that matters to the consumer, I guess that is a matter of preferences.

3) Compact and above ordinary lenses + body package - Otherwise there is no reason to choose it over other SLRs.

I guess many people would share the sentiments.

What I previously highlighted are just some early signs that perhaps this camera may not be able to deliver all the three basic requirements. I certainly hope that I am wrong and the final firmware would proof all my concerns unfounded.

Panasonic G1/GH1 almost delivered all three (except for the size department) so I guess consumers are looking to Oly to do the same.

Again, I hope I am wrong but if it turns out that the only advantage of this camera is the size and it fails to deliver in the other departments, consumers would just stick to their LX3.

After all, if one does not pixel peep, the LX3 could potentially deliver similar image quality as the E-P1.
 

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Hi. use pana 14-140 mmHD lens on E-P1 - Dpreview, good video playback, JPEG-M
 

Hi drakon09, I see your point and it is not my intention to spoil the party. It would be great if Oly can really turn out a great cam.

It is just that if I were to buy this camera, it would be because of three things:

1) (Almost) SLR like Af speed - At least it should be significantly better than PnS.

2) Good high ISO noise control - Otherwise there is little to differentiate from PnS. I do understand that pixel peeping is sometimes seen as overboard. However at ISO 200, even by pixel peeped standards, the noise characteristics seem to be a little higher than competition. Whether that matters to the consumer, I guess that is a matter of preferences.

3) Compact and above ordinary lenses + body package - Otherwise there is no reason to choose it over other SLRs.

I guess many people would share the sentiments.

What I previously highlighted are just some early signs that perhaps this camera may not be able to deliver all the three basic requirements. I certainly hope that I am wrong and the final firmware would proof all my concerns unfounded.

Panasonic G1/GH1 almost delivered all three (except for the size department) so I guess consumers are looking to Oly to do the same.

Again, I hope I am wrong but if it turns out that the only advantage of this camera is the size and it fails to deliver in the other departments, consumers would just stick to their LX3.

After all, if one does not pixel peep, the LX3 could potentially deliver similar image quality as the E-P1.

Heh, the E-3 at ISO 400 wipes the floor with the LX-3 at ISO 80 (i know i have both), and you don't need to pixel peep to see that. Pixel peeping does not tell you how good IQ is; all it shows you is how the camera's image processor renders noise grains.

Good IQ does not mean noiseless pictures; you could simply turn up the noise filter to standard and voila, the noise disappears. Of course, that would also make your images plasticky and typically digital, my personal opinion of course. YMMV.

But again, I will reserve all judgment with regards to IQ and AF speed until I get my paws on one.
 

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