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I've been hankering after a new digital camera for a while, and since coming into a bit of money lately I decided to splash out on a DSLR. I was all set to buy the Canon 450d as recommended by everyone, until @mrlomo pointed me towards this little beauty, the new Olympus E-P1.
Siiiiigh, isn't she gorgeous? You can tell the body design is based on the classic 35mm Pen which makes it look stylishly retro, yet the gleaming white colourway makes it slick and modern too. It's a micro four-thirds design which means it has all the image processing power of a DSLR but in a much smaller package.
The downside? It's not even out yet, it will be £700 in the UK (£200 more than the 450d) and as it's a new model it will probably need refining before it's perfect.
So.... help, advice?!
If you want more information on the E-P 1, check out these links:
Japanese site, with 360 view
DpReview site with in-depth features
Engadget article with photo gallery
Photographyreview.com video tour
Olympus E-P1
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 Posted in: photography
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10 Comments
I saw this on http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/ this morning, it's beautiful! I've had my nikon D60 for a while now and love it - I guess it depends what you want the camera for and how you'll use it. The Olympus would be great for carrying around for long periods and for travelling as it's smaller and lighter than a regular DSLR, but it doesn't have anywhere near as many compatible lenses or accessories as a Nikon/Canon. There's also some debate in photoland on the four thirds sensors which are smaller than the usual DSLR so noise can be a problem, especially at higher ISOs. If I were you I'd try to track down some test shots from this camera and compare to those from the 450d to help decide.
Thanks Kate! i'm definitely going to wait until the E-P1 hits the shops so i can try it out for myself before buying. I know the image quality might not match up to a full-size DSLR but the compact size is probably more important to me as i'm usually lugging about 3 cameras around at a time!
Hum... I'd be careful about thinking you'll get things much cheaper in japan. I bought a new lens for my 400d in Hong Kong, and because of the shitty exchange rate at the moment it only ended up saving me postage :/ Saying that, though, it's always nice to buy something like that whilst you're away!
You're right Kim, I just checked on Amazon and it's actually exactly the same price there as here (it's cheaper in the USA though, as always).
Why don't you have a kind soul in the US buy it for you and ship it? Might end up being cheaper.
Of course, I guess it would depend on the cost of the shipping.
(I'd be willing to do it for you, even though we don't know each other, if it comes to that. We could discuss)
The main point to getting a DSLR is to be able to chose which lens to use, since that is what really makes a photo!
I would go with Canon... especially the new rebel (it basically has the processor of the 50D.) Their lens system is great not only because of it's durability and mechanics, but because it has three different levels. Consumer, prosumer, and professional -- so depending on your current budget, you'll still be able to expand your lens collection.
Rachel - good idea (and thank you for offering!) - it would mean a massive saving of almost half price; I'm just concerned about what would happen if it broke or needed replacing.
Meg - you can change the lens on the E-P1 too, though there aren't many to choose from yet. To be honest that's a turn-off of a DSLR for me - paying for the body then forking out even more on all the kit!
I just bought the Canon 450d 2 days ago (from Jessops, was amazed, normally avoid them like the plague but they were remarkably helpful!) and it's amazing, I love it. Even the kit lens is great, considering it's just a basic thing. That Olympus is gorgeous but at least with a dslr you can upgrade the lenses etc. Also the 450d is pretty light for a dslr - I have a Nikon d200 which weighs me down totally, it's not my friend! I just always ended up using my compact Fuji for going out etc. Hopefully the Canon will be more successful for me!
I'm seriously considering offloading all my Canon gear – 40D, various lenses, 430EX flashgun – to move to the E-P1. I'll get pretty much all the same power and control in a camera the size of my little G9 (which I'll also be selling). Perfect!
the panasonic lx2 lumix is a pretty little thing that takes amazing photos. it has the capability dslr photos but in a much more compact size. it also has the retro feel of a manual. it even takes photos in letterbox!
i've been thrilled with this camera and it came out to less than $400 USD.
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