Megapixel's .net review of E-3 is up...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Raist3d
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But for the price you mentioned it's already a real bargain....comparing to the prices in The Netherlands that is ;-)
 
The intent of the E-3 is to be used with its digital line up, of lenses. It isn't cropped as far as what regularly is referred to that, in cropping the projected image. Of course, sine the sensor is a rectangle, it will crop the slice it needs, but this is not what that means. (this goes for all cameras btw, unless someone made a sensor that was a perfect circle that got the exact projected image- this doesn't exist).

This would be similar to calling a Nikon D3 a cropped sensor camera because you can use the DX lenses cropped. That's not how this term is used.
Ok...it's not cropped.
It is. Not?

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--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
I would define cropped sensor as:

"A camera with changeable lenses has a cropped sensor if it is smaller than the sensor that is used as a reference for lens design for the lens mount that camera has."

You can put an OM lens to E-system camera with a proper adapter but that does not change the fact that everything in E-system is designed using E-system sensor.

.
 
--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
Is it semi pro? Is it pro (and therefor to compare with D3)?
I wish we could get over this need to think in terms of "class-ification" (semi-pro, pro, toy, etc.). The fact that the E-3 is a "pro" model doesn't mean it's proper to compare it to the D3--or any other so-called professional model around, either. If it did, then we'd have to compare it not only with the D3 but with the Hasselblads and Deardorffs, in which case the E-3 would obviously come off better in some ways and worse in others, but to no rational result (namlely, after the comparison we'd be no better off in our understanding of which camera to pick on the basis of pro or semipro labels). Every camera has its + and -, and should be evaluated on its own merits, not on whether it compares to another camera in a totally meaningless classification scheme.

--
'And only the stump, or fishy part of him remained'

http://www2.gol.com/users/nhavens
A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township
 
The only thing I want to know at this point in an E-3 vs E-30
comparison is:
  • live view shutter lag decrease (once it's focused)
  • banding, banding, BANDING at high iso
  • overall high iso noise (just to make sure it hasn't gone horribly
wrong).
Can't answer for banding, or noise. However the shutter lag was noticeably better than the E-3 in Live View mode (this was using 14-54 Mark II). I found it found focus pretty quickly in Live View too.
 
once it focuses- how it goes. The e-420 a bit because it focuses then it doesn't have to clear the shutter. Seems like it does, then goes ahead which has a lag. On the E-3 is near the same speed by virtue of how fast it operates anyway.

I wonder if from totally focused (in live view) and half-shutter pressed, it does when you fully press it. If this is what you meant, then score +1 to my interest of the E-30.
The only thing I want to know at this point in an E-3 vs E-30
comparison is:
  • live view shutter lag decrease (once it's focused)
  • banding, banding, BANDING at high iso
  • overall high iso noise (just to make sure it hasn't gone horribly
wrong).
Can't answer for banding, or noise. However the shutter lag was
noticeably better than the E-3 in Live View mode (this was using
14-54 Mark II). I found it found focus pretty quickly in Live View
too.

--
--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
once it focuses- how it goes. The e-420 a bit because it focuses then
it doesn't have to clear the shutter. Seems like it does, then goes
ahead which has a lag. On the E-3 is near the same speed by virtue of
how fast it operates anyway.

I wonder if from totally focused (in live view) and half-shutter
pressed, it does when you fully press it. If this is what you meant,
then score +1 to my interest of the E-30.
From what I can remember, with the shutter half depressed and camera already focussed in LiveView there was much less delay in taking the shot when the shutter was fully depressed. I am comparing this to the E-3, don't have a 420 for comparison unfortunately.
 
In fact, now that I've had my 3 for a few months, I rather like it.

Yes, it was frustrating the first week. Where's the mode dial? How do you change this or that? Grrr!

Since this was a major purchase for me and there really was no viable alternative, I didn't have the luxury of sending it back. It was the E3 or nothing. So I bit the bullet, and and stuck with it. After about three weeks, I could put the manual down and find my way around.

After a month and a half, I loved it. It's different, but in many ways, it's a lot better. It grows on you. Add in the huge VF, the rock solid construction, and oh yes, that peace of mind that comes from weatherproofing, and it's a worthy successor to the E1. I didn't adapt to it as quickly as I did with the E1, but now that I have, there's no problem at all.

Takes pretty good photos, too.
 
In fact, now that I've had my 3 for a few months, I rather like it.

Yes, it was frustrating the first week. Where's the mode dial? How do
you change this or that? Grrr!

Since this was a major purchase for me and there really was no viable
alternative, I didn't have the luxury of sending it back. It was the
E3 or nothing. So I bit the bullet, and and stuck with it. After
about three weeks, I could put the manual down and find my way around.

After a month and a half, I loved it. It's different, but in many
ways, it's a lot better. It grows on you. Add in the huge VF, the
rock solid construction, and oh yes, that peace of mind that comes
from weatherproofing, and it's a worthy successor to the E1. I didn't
adapt to it as quickly as I did with the E1, but now that I have,
there's no problem at all.
Remember I had the E-3 for 5 months. Five. And yes, I did get out with it. I loved everything about it except 3 things:
  • size/weight (but I sort of expexted its weight size.. in the end I could accept it. it's ok).
  • ergonomics/interface - hated it +++ the deal breaker was exactly that.
  • banding. But then all NMOS 4/3rds right now have it. I hope the E-30 improves here.
And you know what the big irony was? The moment I sold it, I was walking around with my new e-420 in a walk from work that very night and it started to rain :-) I had to duck into a Star Bucks and ask for a bag. I think I could hear the E-3 laughing from a distance....
Takes pretty good photos, too.
--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
And I completely agree with you Hokuto.

I was refering to the remarks concerning my use of the word "cropped". And trying to explain how easy/difficult it is to put any camera (including E-3) in a cerrtain group. I do not give a sh*t about grouping cameras.

I know E-3 is not cropped in real-world-discussions here, and I would like to be saved from any discussions concerning this topic (I don't think the original poster asks anything concerning this topic). English is not my native language, and I 'm trying to express myself in the best way....sometimes this includes apostofes...ehm sorry apostrophes:-)
Good luck shooting.
 
but after 5 months I gave up. But since I would use this for
weddings, I would probably set at P-auto and call it a day. Maybe
Ill get used to other quirks.
I use aperture priority, rear wheel set to change aperture, front wheel set to plus/minus exposure. Then the only buttons I use are ISO (easy) and AF point (not so convenient but OK).

Oh, and occasional white balance.

Never think about it as a problem these days.

Rens
 
thanks for letting me know!

--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
I've had the E-3 since May. Still have an E-1, sold my E-510 to my sister. The E-3 has grown on me as well. It now feels second nature to use, got here after about a month. I love the ergonomics, not as perfect as an E-1 but better than anything else in the "class" I have found.

Raist, it comes down the the build and the glass. The rest are details to me. If the E-30 were sealed, I'd consider it as the size/weight would be nicer than the E-3. Without the weather seals, that's the deal breaker for me. I've been caught in downpours on vacation, caught in the snow, etc.

When I shot weddings, with Canon, I just got lucky with the weather (Canon D30 -the original 3.3mp model back in the day, to the 20D and 1D without the sealed lenses). The two weddings I did get nailed with rain? I had the E-1! Lucky me. Lucky bride.

Only you can decide if the E-3 will work for you once again. Keep an eye on the "other forum" where a lot of 4/3 gets sold. People may offload some E-3's who pick up some E-30's. You may get a real bargain!
--
Ken
 
I do have 4/3rd glass so I know how it is :-) I have and use an e-420 as my "prime" camera :-)
I've had the E-3 since May. Still have an E-1, sold my E-510 to my
sister. The E-3 has grown on me as well. It now feels second nature
to use, got here after about a month. I love the ergonomics, not as
perfect as an E-1 but better than anything else in the "class" I have
found.

Raist, it comes down the the build and the glass. The rest are
details to me. If the E-30 were sealed, I'd consider it as the
size/weight would be nicer than the E-3. Without the weather seals,
that's the deal breaker for me. I've been caught in downpours on
vacation, caught in the snow, etc.

When I shot weddings, with Canon, I just got lucky with the weather
(Canon D30 -the original 3.3mp model back in the day, to the 20D and
1D without the sealed lenses). The two weddings I did get nailed
with rain? I had the E-1! Lucky me. Lucky bride.
Yeah, that's what I am thinking here...
Only you can decide if the E-3 will work for you once again. Keep an
eye on the "other forum" where a lot of 4/3 gets sold. People may
offload some E-3's who pick up some E-30's. You may get a real
bargain!
:-) Thanks for the tip. Yeah I have been thinking about it. I think I will check out the Panasonic G1 a bit more seriously now that some real photographers are talking very good on it... we'll see. I am not keen on the E-30 price.

I want to also see how low the E-3 goes...

Really, I liked everything about the E-3 for the most part. IN fact, I thought it was going to be my final camera for the next 3-4 years...
--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
No problem. It's a nice camera overall, good viewfinder too - coming from a yr of E3 useage I didn't look through it and think too small, or anything like that. However, for Wedding use I would recommend the E3, 12-60, FL50....covered me for a lot of work.

cheers
dab1
thanks for letting me know!

--
Raist3d (Photographer & 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.'
 
I love the interface. I'm doing things as fast, if not faster, with the E-3 as I did with other cameras.

Call me crazy, but I'd compare it to the Minolta 7D in how absolutely awesome it is.

Totally different approach to camera interface. The thing that makes both of them the same, though, is awesome consistency and thoroughness of the approach in the design. Just as the 7D is all twists and clicks, the E-3 is all push and spins.

Just reading the megapixel.net review... I'm amazed they talk about the super control panel approach to changing it. Yeah, it's there and simple to change stuff via the back panel... but it's not fast. It's not smooth. It's not elegant. I'd use all of those words to describe the combo push and spin that's used everywhere in the E-3. Change shooting mode? push and spin. change WB? Push and spin. Change AF? Push and spin. Change flash bracketing? Push and spin.

This consistency actually makes me regard the E-3 as more like a musical instrument than other cameras. Think about playing the piano. If you're playing a chord or you're playing an arpeggio or you're playing a scale, you're using basically the same mechanics of pushing down on keys to achieve these very different sounds. It's not like your using side-to-side swinging motions of the arms if you want to play louder or changing your airflow if you want to play higher pitched sounds. Other cameras I've had such as the Nikon D700 and Pentax K20D lack that consistency. Great cameras, but I've never warmed up to using them or, one could say, performing with them.

Long story short: E-3 interface is brilliant. Period.
--
Vincent Diamante
Freelance Composer/Writer/Journalist/Photographer/Gamer
 
Spot on.[nt]
 

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