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:
Hi there, GH1 is using AVCHD format for recording/playback. What format is E-P1 using (JPEG?)
I think it's called M-JPG. The video samples have been released in dpreview.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09061602ep1movies.asp
oic... thot u use ur canon for ur bizness?
the E-P1 looks great! tempting a oly fren with it now.... :devil:
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
![]()
![]()
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
![]()
haha,still can use art filters when video recording,i still waiting for Benares,my birthday next month,still trying to ahem from Benares![]()
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
![]()
![]()
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
![]()
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.
Spidey, my friend, I ain't gay. enuff said :sticktong
lol
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.