E-300 vs. E-500 vs. E-1

I am new to the SLR game. I have owned several compact digital cameras (sony DSC-U60 and Kodak DX3900) and a 35MM film camera. This site has been unbelievable in the info that is available.

I am interested in knowing from the oly owners which would be the best entry level camera given that at age 43 I'd like this to be the last I'd have to buy. Although i am not a rich guy, pricing between the three doesn't appear to have a wide disparity and isn't an issue.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

fatboymike said:

best entry level camera given that at age 43 I'd like this to be
the last I'd have to buy.

Click to expand...

Given this information,I would go with the E-1, the 14-54 'kit' lens and get an external flash. Don't forget a good memory card. Then pick up quality lenses as your wallet affords.
--
Theresa Kelly
http://theresak.smugmug.com/
Oly E-300, FL-36, 14-45, 40-150, 50-200

Hey fatboy,

The only criterion you shared with us is that you want this to be the last camera you'll ever buy. Given only that to go on, I'd have to pick the E-1 with the mid-tier lenses. Better built, water and dust resistant, and the shutter is rated for 150,000 shots. All that may become an issue over several years of healthy amateur use. You can get a new E-1 + 14-54mm + 50-200mm + FL-36 for less than $2000 right now after rebates.

I guess my limited information is base on my limited knowledge. I am really looking for the best entry level DSLR for a Dad wanting to take pictures of the family, sporting events, boating, holudays, etc.

The compact digitals just don't get the job done anymore.

Any help would be most appreciated!!

go with the E-1 as previously advised, for the reasons posted. Jeff Mungar

fatboymike said:

I guess my limited information is base on my limited knowledge. I
am really looking for the best entry level DSLR for a Dad wanting
to take pictures of the family, sporting events, boating, holudays,
etc.

The compact digitals just don't get the job done anymore.

Click to expand...

The recommendation for the E-1 is always a good one, but based upon what you just stated above, and presuming that you want to be able to address all this areas from the beginning, they I would recomend either the E-300 or E-500 (my favorite) two lens kit. The entry price is low, but the quality is high. Take the difference in price and get the FL-36 flash as well and at least a 1-gig Compact Flash card. (you'll need it with a family).

But you can expect that while it may be the "last system" you own, at a young 43 it is unlikely to be the last camera you own. There will always be "improved" versions coming down the road, but you will only have to buy the body or lens, not the whole system. And as the addiction grows on you, you can build up to the better lenses and bodies over time.

WARNING: DSLR's are addictive. Oly makes some of the most addictive. However, it will be some of the most fun and generate some of the most wonderful memories (especially of the family) that you can imagine.

--
Denver David
My photos at:
http://eaglesnest.smugmug.com
http://www.pbase.com/brdavid/
http://homepage.mac.com/brdavid/

I think the E500 or E300 is better suited for your needs. You get the built-in flash. A lot less stuff to carry for your family gathering pix.

I used my E300 for the family turkey dinner yesterday. Flash at 15 feet, 28 mm angle of view and ISO 200 gave me great images. The other p&s cameras there couldn't touch them.

You will be buying another camera in 5 years. So will most of us, me too.

Don't forget there is a learning curve on these camera's. They are more like tools than toys (although I am sure all of our spouses feel that these are our toys). Do you feel your dad will want to "get into this" ?? Otherwise you might be better off to get him a gazzillion meg hizzles non dSLR!

If you want some weather resistance (shooting on the boat in the rain) then the E1 is the only way to go. If you want a little more pixels and such the E300 is great (and no one will mistake it for another camera). If your dad has eyes like I do, he might appreciate the big LCD on the E500 (I love mine).

In any event, all the other advise from others here on lenses and flashes and stuff applies to all 3. Besides, if you get him good lenses you can pick him up the new E? for his 50th birthday and he will already have all the accessories!!!

The best advice I can give you, find your nearest Oly stockist. Have an expierenced assistant explain the pros and cons of all three cameras.

Handle each one, take your time it's a big investment. Forget the built in flash on the 300 & 500, believe me you will purchase a FL36 or FL50 whichever camera you decide on.

I did exactly that, what camera did I walk away with? E1 with the 14 - 54 zoom lens FL 50 is on back order. A week with my new camera and I have no regrets at all.

Cheers

Les

lesmess said:

The best advice I can give you, find your nearest Oly stockist.
Have an expierenced assistant explain the pros and cons of all
three cameras.

Handle each one, take your time it's a big investment. Forget the
built in flash on the 300 & 500, believe me you will purchase a
FL36 or FL50 whichever camera you decide on.

I did exactly that, what camera did I walk away with? E1 with the
14 - 54 zoom lens FL 50 is on back order. A week with my new
camera and I have no regrets at all.

Cheers

Les

Click to expand...

And still, having E-300 I want to proceed(pass) on E-1!!!