why have you bought an olympus?

[Curry]

I have used the 450D for quite a few months now. I know different people have different priorities, but the plastic housing is one of the few reasons why I picked the 450D. Plastic is very light. Therefore, the 450D and the 500D are extremely light. Also, as a non-pro, I do not take my camera to extreme environments. So, the weight of the magnesium alloy housing is in fact a liability to me. Plus, the plastic housing of the 450D is very cheap to replace in case of damage (I have checked before).

Also, within the 450D, is a very capable APS-C sensor which performs well in low light.

If the plastic housing is an issue, how about the very capable Nikon D90? That's also a very good camera.

I find 450D is indeed a very solid all rounder cam, with superb low noise. Many go for higher end bodies due to the more solid body and its grip. So that's why some find 450D maybe a bit too small for their grip and also the plastic body may not be many's liking. Btw, bro, u not going for 500D, the features in this digic 4 cam is really very impressive!

 

[drakon09]

Customising the colour cast on the camera only gets it close... but no cigar, unfortunately. It really depends on what kind of standard you want to give your clients. Plus customising on camera takes time, and we risk missing those important shots. Why waste time on the field fiddling around the camera when you are supposed to be shooting? If you shoot RAW, you can always do it after... and you are not limited to those fixed colour temperature on the camera's preset. We can put on any colour cast at the comfort of your PC. You are only limited by your ability.

I'm glad the 'dudes' are happy... but I think they can be happier... and if they are happier, then you will get paid more... and you will be happier... but maybe you will be sleeping less. So I don't know. It's up to you.

Plus... if you use Silkypix... then you do post processing. So don't make it sound like you are dependent on the colour your camera gives you. With post processing, you can get to similar colours whichever brand of camera you use.

Of course we never hire those folks that give us unsatisfactory results again.

Eh... since when have I said that I don't post process..? (A lot less doesn't mean no)

And you set your camera before the shoot (you recce the site, check the lighting temperature, lighting intensity, blah blah, blah blah...) ... not during...

Oh nevermind...

Oly works for me and Canon works for you, ok?

 

[nottipiglet]

Eh... since when have I said that I don't post process..? (A lot less doesn't mean no)

And you set your camera before the shoot (you recce the site, check the lighting temperature, lighting intensity, blah blah, blah blah...) ... not during...

Oh nevermind...

Oly works for me and Canon works for you, ok?

I probably misunderstood what you said. Apologies. But I think the amount of post processing does not really depend on whether we use Canon, Oly or Nikon. It really depends on your personal workflow. My friend who uses Nikon uses Picassa's 'I feel lucky' button. His clients are ok with the results because he charges very low, so they don't expect much. I spend more time than him post processing, but I don't spend a whole lot of time either because I am so used to the workflow.

But when you do post processing, you or the software makes tonal and colour adjustments for you. As such, you are not dependent on the camera's processor to get from RAW to JPEG.

I may use Canon, but I'm not brand loyal. Whatever gets the job done you know? I'm interested in why people actually use Oly. If the reasons are compelling, I may even jump onto the Oly bandwagon.

Some reasons are valid... like some people like the feel, the menu, the value etc. Some reasons, like people liking the colour may be valid for those who do not do post processing... but I would then urge them to do some post processing. But to say that Oly users can afford to do a lot less post processing because they use Oly? Well... that's a bit dubious. I think the amount of post processing you do depends on the results you want, and the standards you want to achieve. It has very little to do with the brand of camera you use. Agree?

Plus... for those Oly users who complain about high level of noise because of the 4/3 sensor? They should consider using Noise Ninja. I know many pro photographers using this:

http://www.picturecode.com/index.htm

But yes... you will have to lose some sleep and do a bit of work... but the results can quite promising.

 

[retrovox]

For me, it's about the Four Thirds concept. And of course, the superb performance of Zuiko lenses and the proven dust buster. Olympus produces some best HG lenses money can buy. I'm fortunate enough to own dual systems - 135 Full Frame and Four Thirds. But 90% of my type of photography can be accomplished using the Four Thirds system. If I can only choose one system, I will drop 135 Full Frame. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[microcosm]

- Color
- Gradual tone in color
- Shadow information
- 4:3 aspect works well in portraiture mode
- Noise
- f2.0 zooms (though I have stopped using SHG lenses, too heavy, too sharp)
- off camera jpg very usable for instant turn around
- Build quality and weatherproofing
- Dust reduction that actually works, not shake from one side of the sensor to the other
- GUI that works for me
- Ergonomics (only applicable to E-1 really)
- Superbly built right angle finder (VA-1)
- Deeper DOF was a nice bonus.
- Edge to edge sharpness because of reduced sensor size natively.

For me, I have been a Olympus user since day one (with the launch of the E-1). The ergonomics is one of the key factor other than color, which at that time, was king of the hill with its Kodak sensor, which until today, I still miss very much. I was moving from Nikon film cameras at that time, the Nikon cameras were a sad story in terms of colors, and very bulk for my shooting needs.

Build quality of its lens and camera body was almost second to none, especially at its price point. It has been through deserts and places where even the river freezes, and still works (except in Russia where only the Leica film camera was the last one standing, that is a funny story). Dropped test my E-3 on concrete at one outing and it still works (those who saw it will remember, ha ha ha). Reliable AF (E-3 with 12-60 SWD) as this is my primary set up for most story gathering shoots.

Flash system sucks though. I wish they have caught up with Speedlights but then again, that is the world's best flashgun... Nikon rocks in that arena.

Every camera system has its pro and cons and I feel that what Olympus offer as a package does it work very well and I have no complains about it and it simply gets the job done, time after time, shoot after shoot, trip after trip. It is a great tool.

I only fell in love with E1, and funny thing is, I fell in love again with a similarly name E-P1. That is a camera that inspires me to shoot and that I carry everywhere I go... now waiting for the new flagship model to be released in 2010.

If anyone thinks 2009 is crazy, wait till 2010.

 

[Kirika]

1) Small sensor: I like my long glass
2) Small sensor: I appreciate a bit more DOF
3) Small sensor: I like lighter lenses
4) Small sensor: Smaller flange distance means I can get infinity on more legacy lenses than with that of larger sensors. (might be changing with the new mirrorless interchangeable lens cams)
5) Live View (no longer a USP): Great support for manual focus, handy in some situations
6) Flippy LCD: Great support for LV
7) Weathersealing: I sweat a lot. My camera must survive exposure to me.
8) In-body IS: Legacy lenses on my bodies will also be stabilized
9) Natural-looking jpgs
10) Great glass
11) 4:3 aspect ratio
12) Dust reduction system
13) Low priced bodies

Yup. That's about it, off the top of my head.

 

[denizenx]

I've "clicked" with Olympus' buttons placements since the old 2100UZ, while have been able to use Canons, Pentaxes (Pentices?) still feel most at home with Olympus. Not to mention the fact that the kit lenses of 4/3 are generally better, and overall lighter kits.

 

[Cicak]

i buy olympus because i am a biased hahaha but after using the E510 i am a bigger fanboy now because i can get these easily straight out from camera with nearly no PP:dunno:

BTW let me repeat it again Olympus AF SUCKS especially when using f/2.0 lenses

 

[Oly5050]

Digital SLR system from ground up
Price
Lightweight / Compact
Weatherproofing in my E3 and HG lenses
SSWF

Looking at this talk about PP, I virtually never do PP. Only time I do it is to play with WB and then I shoot in RAW. But at the end of the day, I find that what is shot still turns out OK. Basically, I dun PP to fix anything. PP is only done to fix subject issues etc. eg. stain on teeth, acne on face etc.

Let me tell you something a wedding photographer from Japan told me. He says that changing to Olympus indeed has saved him a hell a lot of time in post processing AND allowed him to sleep more. And it was a cheaper system. The life saver for him has been the SSWF. In the past, he was using Canon and everytime he changed lens, he was sure he would get dust spots....everytime he changed, he knew he would get it. And he would then spend hours on end removing dust spots on the hundreds of photos that he took. He took to changing lens less often etc etc. In the end, when he changed to Olympus, that was a true godsend. No more dust on photos and no more spending hours PP to remove the dust spots. And he can change lens on the fly without worrying too much about dust. He was one happy wedding photographer.

 

[Oly5050]

Hmmm....I wonder if some photographers deliberately want to post-process so that they can justify charging the customer a certain rate? For eg.

Cost of shoot for 1 hour, $xxx, includes transportation, archiving, post-processing, online photo gallery, and x number of prints etc etc.

 

[eow]

i buy olympus because i am a biased hahaha but after using the E510 i am a bigger fanboy now because i can get these easily straight out from camera with nearly no PP:dunno:


BTW let me repeat it again Olympus AF SUCKS especially when using f/2.0 lenses

serious? u try on which body?

 

[drakon09]

BTW let me repeat it again Olympus AF SUCKS especially when using f/2.0 lenses

I think this statement needs some qualification and quantifying.

Please do so.

 

[microcosm]

BTW let me repeat it again Olympus AF SUCKS especially when using f/2.0 lenses

Cicak mentioned that he used a E-510. Considering that is a camera that is under the most entry level model, it is no wonder that there are some compromises. And it is a very outdated camera by today's standards. Cicak should consider an E-3 with SWD lenses should AF be one of the priority when choosing a camera system.

 

[Oly5050]

I have the 50mm f2 too. I also used to have the E510. I know or a fact the AF on the E510 is significantly slower and sometimes not able to lock compared to the the E3. But then again, it is a matter of understanding your equipment. The times when it cannot lock are usually low-light and in no or poor contrast areas. Also, the 50 mm f2 lens is not known for its AF speed. But I am happy. I dun have grounds for complain. Or maybe I am biased. Ahh...I dun know. But whatever the case, I dun feel like I need to change to Canikon or anything like that. Their cameras may have other disadvantages that I may not be willing to accept.

 

[microcosm]

I have the 50mm f2 too. I also used to have the E510. I know or a fact the AF on the E510 is significantly slower and sometimes not able to lock compared to the the E3. But then again, it is a matter of understanding your equipment. The times when it cannot lock are usually low-light and in no or poor contrast areas. Also, the 50 mm f2 lens is not known for its AF speed. But I am happy. I dun have grounds for complain. Or maybe I am biased. Ahh...I dun know. But whatever the case, I dun feel like I need to change to Canikon or anything like that. Their cameras may have other disadvantages that I may not be willing to accept.

Well said.:thumbsup:

 

[Tenelia]

Aye, I second the statement too. Nikon gives me weird weird purple skies (D80) and monotone high ISO pictures (D300). Then Canon has totally flat pictures. -__-"

I rather Olympus. Though I sincerely wish the price point can drop further for certain of its products!

P.S. Oh, I actually use a torchlight to focus manually while shooting in low light now.

 

[K3N]

Bought the Olympus E-1 which I was comparing against the Nikon D100 and D70 which were both polycarbonate and not built to the same level. The feel of the E-1 is fantastic. It has the build quality of a Nikon F5 but is more compact and has great ergonomics. Its kind of like a Leica M, handles great, great build quality, not cumbersome to carry and has soul. The 14-54mm kit lens is also alot better made compared to bundled Nikon kit lenses. Unfortunately, the E-3 got bigger and heavier which is inevitable since they have added features (rotating LCD, Body IS etc). Hope they'll split the E-4 into two cameras. One that is more like the E-1 and another that is a larger type.

If you're considering buying Olympus, the good point of Olympus is really the lenses, especially the SHG. The SHG lenses are really special. If you have noticed people did end up buying digital specific DX and EF-S lenses and now designed for digital FF lenses a new Nikon 24-70mm and 14-24mm for their D3 and the 70-200mm had to be redesigned (VRII).

 

[varanus]

E-3 + 300mm f2.8 and 150mm f2 plus EC-20 and EC-14 = Best Handheld Birding & Wildlife Rig available at any price

 

[Tenelia]

If you're considering buying Olympus, the good point of Olympus is really the lenses, especially the SHG. The SHG lenses are really special. If you have noticed people did end up buying digital specific DX and EF-S lenses and now designed for digital FF lenses a new Nikon 24-70mm and 14-24mm for their D3 and the 70-200mm had to be redesigned (VRII).

Eh bro... I don't quite understand. Still new here ah. Can explain what you meant?

 

[VR Man]

Olympus blue
Weathersealed equipment
Quality lens
Light weight.

Most important.
I don't suffer from the herd mentality. i.e. "I is not sheep, mehhh";p

Downsides
Slower AF and lesser focus points. Just thinking about how previous photographers managed without AF and focus points in the old days and still delivered the goods puts me to shame. I am just not using my gear to its full potential.