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E-520 first few pics...

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Hi Steven,
Steven Wandy said:
Brian,
From you initial impressions is the E520 a worthwhile "upgrade" from
the E510 (which I have)?
Click to expand...
I haven't owned the E-510... hopefully Rich Simpson, or one of the other Group members will chip in here, with their impressions.
Steven Wandy said:
Just can't decide or wait and see what our friends in Japan have next
up their sleeves.
Click to expand...
I guess that depends on where you are with lenses... if you shoot RAW, I'd be surprised if the E-520 would make a bigger difference to your image quality than a better lens (for your shooting). I'm seriously considering a Leica 14-150mm OIS next. I'll hopefully be trying one later this week, in our next get together.

Kind Regards

Brian
Steven Wandy said:
Thanks,
Steve
Click to expand...
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Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
 
for the "serious 4/3rds photographer." The 14-54 is a fine lens, it's also faster by a hair than the 12-60 at the focal lengths that match between the two and you don't have to worry about barrel distortion when shooting at wide angle. Moreover, it is lighter, and for something like the e-420 I would dare say matches it better.

I realize the 12-60 is a sharp lens (so is the 14-54). Vs my particular copy the only thing I noticed a clear improvement is in control of some fringing, though my 14-54 copy is not exactly new so newest 14-54 copies may be a match.

Don't get me wrong, I like the 12-60 and yes, I have used it but I just don't get the "absolutely essential" comment. "Absolutely essential" is something that will vary by needs. If someone is shooting portraits I would say an F2.0 50mm is more "absolutely essential" than the 12-60 for sure (or the 14-54 for that matter)- as an example.

--
Raist3d (Photog. Student & Tools/Systems/Gui Games Developer)
Andreas Feininger (1906-1999) 'Photographers — idiots, of which there are
so many — say, “Oh, if only I had a Nikon or a Leica, I could make great
photographs.” That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. It’s
nothing but a matter of seeing, and thinking, and interest. That’s what
makes a good photograph.'
 
That first shot taken with the E-520 and E-510 and posted full size would be very informative.
--



'I cried because I had no E-3. Then I met a man with no E-510'

Olympus E-510, E-410, E-330, Pentax K10D, 42 lenses of various types
 
If you use them side by side for a while, the extra range, sharpness and flexibility + focusing speed of the 12-60mm SWD makes it a worthwhile upgrade from the 11-22 + 14-54mm pair of lenses.

Of course, you are correct Raist, in that you can certainly live with the 14-54... but the 12-60 is just incredibly useful. I only wish that Olympus had managed to match the 11mm corrected image of the 11-22... that would have been unbelievable, and if you're always at the wide end, the 11-22 is still preferable imho.

Kind Regards

Brian
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Out now! Roel Hendrickx Safari Group Field Report from Tunisia :
http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html
Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
 
And yes, I did use the 12-60 with the E-3 no less which is where it shows a bigger benefit than say on an e-420 (also tried with the e-410).
Brian Mosley said:
If you use them side by side for a while, the extra range, sharpness
and flexibility + focusing speed of the 12-60mm SWD makes it a
worthwhile upgrade from the 11-22 + 14-54mm pair of lenses.
Click to expand...
It all depends what you need as a photographer. You get bigger size, more weight, barrel distortion, loss of speed and the 14-54 is quite sharp too. I am not saying the 12-60 is bad, just that I don't think it's "essential for the serious 4/3rds photographer." I am quite serious as a photographer who just so happens to use 4/3rds, and I don't think a 12-60 is essential. You can for the price of the 12-60 buy a 14-54 + F2.0 50mm now. I find considering that instead for many has a lot of merit (again, I am not knocking down the 12-60, just giving an example).
Brian Mosley said:
Of course, you are correct Raist, in that you can certainly live with
the 14-54... but the 12-60 is just incredibly useful. I only wish
that Olympus had managed to match the 11mm corrected image of the
11-22... that would have been unbelievable, and if you're always at
the wide end, the 11-22 is still preferable imho.
Click to expand...
Exactly, and if you are going to precisely use the image quality criteria for putting the 12-60 forward, I don't think you can quite do that if you need wide angle vs an 11-22 and 14-54 combo. Again, this is just another example of why I don't see it's essential.

There's something to be said about size and weight too. The 14-54 is smaller, lighter and faster than the 12-60 which will be a much better match in many situations for something like the e-420. It's also less than half the price!

Again, I am not saying the 12-60 is bad, but the way you put it, it's like there's no compromises, and there are. And no, it's not essential. What if you don't shoot at the 12 end? It's not like every photographer need that wide.
Brian Mosley said:
Kind Regards

Brian
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Out now! Roel Hendrickx Safari Group Field Report from Tunisia :
http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html
Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
Click to expand...
--
Raist3d (Photog. Student & Tools/Systems/Gui Games Developer)
Andreas Feininger (1906-1999) 'Photographers — idiots, of which there are
so many — say, “Oh, if only I had a Nikon or a Leica, I could make great
photographs.” That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. It’s
nothing but a matter of seeing, and thinking, and interest. That’s what
makes a good photograph.'
 
... to give (loan rather) the Safari Group an E-520.

Lucky you guys, the Safari Group.

So far my E-3 is working well and I am enjoying the camera.

Colly
 
Brian Mosley said:
Olympus UK generously pulled out all the stops to supply an E-520 for
our Safari Group members to use in the field this weekend in
Whitby... I took a break from sorting my images from the weekend, to
grab these few shots on the way home from the school run this morning
  • this was the first time I'd had a chance to use the E-520. First
impressions, surprisingly light, all the E-420 enhancements plus
significantly faster previews of images (maybe the E-420 will get a
firmware upgrade soon - if this is due to optimised code)
Click to expand...
Geez, Brian, not only do you live in a very photogenic neighborhood, but you get to show it off using the latest and greatest toys! Thanks for the teaser (preview?). Be curious to know of any other particular differences vis a vis the E-420. Cheers,

--
MFBernstein

'Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.' - Ed Abbey
 
Since Olympus are clearly confident that the cameras are fully sorted... and now that we're on the 3rd generation (considering the E-400 as 1st gen) - it's not really too surprising... these are solid incremental upgrades to the well established E-410 and E-510.

Kind Regards

Brian
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Out now! Roel Hendrickx Safari Group Field Report from Tunisia :
http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html
Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
 
after mid to end of June when I probably have time I would go :-)

Actually I have some long vacation coming up around that time (or maybe July) so maybe I could make a trip to the UK? I have never been to Europe and I have been putting it off. I should go now while I can still carry the E-3, er oh wait :-)
Brian Mosley said:
It would have been good to hear anyone share your opinion.
Kind Regards

Brian
--
Safari Group Leopard Event another HUGE SUCCESS. Register now for
next event.



Out now! Roel Hendrickx Safari Group Field Report from Tunisia :
http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html
Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
Click to expand...
--
Raist3d (Photog. Student & Tools/Systems/Gui Games Developer)
Andreas Feininger (1906-1999) 'Photographers — idiots, of which there are
so many — say, “Oh, if only I had a Nikon or a Leica, I could make great
photographs.” That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. It’s
nothing but a matter of seeing, and thinking, and interest. That’s what
makes a good photograph.'
 
Thanks Brian,

Appreciate the reply and really useful information, interesting that the new camera is not as good at high ISO, but I like the idea of sharper images, its interesting in the DPR review where they say that the jpegs (E3) are better in some ways to the RAW files. This must be a first as I always thought RAWS were better. Maybe I misinterpreted the review.

Another issue where the review states that there's less headroom in the RAW files Vs. e.g., the D300. Just wondering if the 520 has improved on this, with the newer chip and processing engine.

E.g., my last shoot was a concert and the E1 was not really up to shooting in very low light, too much noise at 1600 ISO.

Will definitely book into the London event.

Many thanks again for the feedback.

Landor
 
To come over for The London Triathlon in August... that will be our first Big Event ;)

Kind Regards

Brian
--
Safari Group Leopard Event another HUGE SUCCESS. Register now for next event.



Out now! Roel Hendrickx Safari Group Field Report from Tunisia :
http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html
Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
 
Brian Mosley said:
Since Olympus are clearly confident that the cameras are fully
sorted... and now that we're on the 3rd generation (considering the
E-400 as 1st gen) - it's not really too surprising... these are solid
incremental upgrades to the well established E-410 and E-510.
Click to expand...
Yeah, but most companies are pretty skittish about allowing images from pre-release models without final firmware in 'em (several of the E-520 previews floating around mention exactly that reason for not including images...). Glad Oly UK is so liberal.

--
MFBernstein

'Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.' - Ed Abbey
 
Maybe June 18th or so and hopefully for sure by the end of the first week of July. We are trying to finish our game for the PSP for Korea and Japan. The European version should be ready soon.

Until then I can't move out of here. But I should start the process of getting a passport since I don't have one.
Brian Mosley said:
To come over for The London Triathlon in August... that will be our
first Big Event ;)

Kind Regards

Brian
--
Safari Group Leopard Event another HUGE SUCCESS. Register now for
next event.



Out now! Roel Hendrickx Safari Group Field Report from Tunisia :
http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html
Archive of UK Photo Safari Group Field Reports : http://www.ukphotosafari.org
Click to expand...
--
Raist3d (Photog. Student & Tools/Systems/Gui Games Developer)
Andreas Feininger (1906-1999) 'Photographers — idiots, of which there are
so many — say, “Oh, if only I had a Nikon or a Leica, I could make great
photographs.” That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. It’s
nothing but a matter of seeing, and thinking, and interest. That’s what
makes a good photograph.'
 
Brian, thanks for shaing the info. Can you tell me how well the AF worked in liveview? Is it comparable to E-330 or is it faster? If it is, I am all for the E-520.

thanks
Olson
 
not faster than live view mode A on the e-330. It's the same way it works on the e-420.
ANS said:
Brian, thanks for shaing the info. Can you tell me how well the AF
worked in liveview? Is it comparable to E-330 or is it faster? If it
is, I am all for the E-520.

thanks
Olson
Click to expand...
--
Raist3d (Photog. Student & Tools/Systems/Gui Games Developer)
Andreas Feininger (1906-1999) 'Photographers — idiots, of which there are
so many — say, “Oh, if only I had a Nikon or a Leica, I could make great
photographs.” That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. It’s
nothing but a matter of seeing, and thinking, and interest. That’s what
makes a good photograph.'
 
For being such a tireless Olympian and sharing - a very valuable! - information to many folks like me who haven' had a chance to hold a new camera in hands yet. Very informative reviews and real user opinions!

I only wished I livedcloser to you guys so I could join your outings.

Cheers!

Alex
 
how the 520's enhanced IS system compares to the 510. Perhaps you or a member of your group will have a chance to put the IS to test.

Also, your comment about the 520 being surprisingly light. How does the 520/12-60 combo handle compared to the 420 with the same lens?

I know the 510/410 size & weight issue has been discussed at great length.
But I'd like your personal opinion.

I love my little 420, but the 520 looks so interesting. Might have to get it also.
A guy can never have too many cameras, right? :)

Many thanks
 
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