-
Welcome to the new forums! Please read this first. For known issues we are working to resolve, click here.
620: Am I missing something? Convince me I'm wrong (if I am...)
- Thread starter The Big One
- Start date
I have both cameras (well, my wife has the E620).
To me, when it's in the bag I want my camera to be the E620 (because of the weight). When it's in my hand I want my camera to be the E30 (because of the ergonomics and the differences mentioned by you and others).
Because I feel having a camera is more about taking pictures than it is about having one in your bag, the E30 is clearly the one I like most
I ended up taking the E30 whenever I expect to take interesting pictures, and taking the E620 when I want a camera with me just in case.
Some thoughts on the differences:
Balance
The balance of the E30 is much better. When using big lenses, you must support the lens and camera with your left hand when using the E620. When using the E30 you can comfortably use both hands for supporting, or even your right hand when needed.
When adding a flash, the E620 balance is even worse. Especially with 4 battery flashes, I don't feel confident with the E620. Afraid I will drop it all.
Focus speed
The focus speed difference is quite big in my opinion. SWD lenses focus much faster with the E30, low light focussing is faster with all lenses, and lenses like the 50mm f/2 (which sometimes are difficult to use when fast focussing is required) benefit big time from the E30 focussing system. When selecting diamond as your focussing pattern that is. I think that the four focussing points surrounding your main focussing point help in deciding the correct focus distance. I get far better AF performance in this mode with most of my lenses.
Portability
The E620 is the clear winner here. As long as it is in your bag ofcourse. But when coupled with your 50-200, the difference in weight is not so noticeable. Only
when using a light lens as well you will fully have benefit from the light body.
Image quality
If factors like focussing speed/ accuracy, IS etc are not making a difference in your output, then the cameras will deliver output that is hard to tell apart.
Bottom line
This is just my opinion, but I'd say that if the weight difference is very important to you, you've held the E620 in your hand and it feels right for you, by all means, go for it! In all other cases, go for the E30!
Good luck in choosing,
--
Regards,
Gravi
Olympus E30 & E620 and a bag full of lenses and stuff
To me, when it's in the bag I want my camera to be the E620 (because of the weight). When it's in my hand I want my camera to be the E30 (because of the ergonomics and the differences mentioned by you and others).
Because I feel having a camera is more about taking pictures than it is about having one in your bag, the E30 is clearly the one I like most
I ended up taking the E30 whenever I expect to take interesting pictures, and taking the E620 when I want a camera with me just in case.
Some thoughts on the differences:
Balance
The balance of the E30 is much better. When using big lenses, you must support the lens and camera with your left hand when using the E620. When using the E30 you can comfortably use both hands for supporting, or even your right hand when needed.
When adding a flash, the E620 balance is even worse. Especially with 4 battery flashes, I don't feel confident with the E620. Afraid I will drop it all.
Focus speed
The focus speed difference is quite big in my opinion. SWD lenses focus much faster with the E30, low light focussing is faster with all lenses, and lenses like the 50mm f/2 (which sometimes are difficult to use when fast focussing is required) benefit big time from the E30 focussing system. When selecting diamond as your focussing pattern that is. I think that the four focussing points surrounding your main focussing point help in deciding the correct focus distance. I get far better AF performance in this mode with most of my lenses.
Portability
The E620 is the clear winner here. As long as it is in your bag ofcourse. But when coupled with your 50-200, the difference in weight is not so noticeable. Only
when using a light lens as well you will fully have benefit from the light body.
Image quality
If factors like focussing speed/ accuracy, IS etc are not making a difference in your output, then the cameras will deliver output that is hard to tell apart.
Bottom line
This is just my opinion, but I'd say that if the weight difference is very important to you, you've held the E620 in your hand and it feels right for you, by all means, go for it! In all other cases, go for the E30!
Good luck in choosing,
--
Regards,
Gravi
Olympus E30 & E620 and a bag full of lenses and stuff
The Big One
Senior Member
Thank you Gravi, and all the rest for your valuable time.
I think that I have just about made up my mind in favour of the 620... while I do agree that the 30 feels a bit nicer in hand, the initial cost difference plus the 'need' (want? whatever) of a second lighter body is enough to push me over the edge in favour of the
I will definitely bring the 50-200 to the store prior to purchase, and see how it feels with it. However, that one will not be in my 'travel bag'; it was purchased as a portrait / short telephoto lens, and is for dedicated shoots and events. The 14-42 / 40-150 (and if think I need the reach, the 70-300) will be my lighter 'travel' kit; the 14-54 and 50-200 will be for when I just want to take pictures.
Cheers
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
The focus on the 520 is owner adjustable - if you're dextrous and careful - and is worth a try. There was a thread here about three? weeks ago about it.
Front/back focus may be out on all your lenses, i.e. not just on the long zoom but would show up most critically there. As depth of field drops, focus errors rise. If your body increasingly front focusses with longer lenses, adjusting it for the longer should also clean up the shorter ones, assuming that the error is in the mirror stop rather than lens specific.
Of course, that would eliminate a good excuse, er reason, to upgrade!
Front/back focus may be out on all your lenses, i.e. not just on the long zoom but would show up most critically there. As depth of field drops, focus errors rise. If your body increasingly front focusses with longer lenses, adjusting it for the longer should also clean up the shorter ones, assuming that the error is in the mirror stop rather than lens specific.
Of course, that would eliminate a good excuse, er reason, to upgrade!
The Big One
Senior Member
That was my thread ;-) Previously, all my lenses were off; I was able to adjust things so that the majority of my lenses were correct, but I couldn't get both the 14-54 (my most used lens) as well as the 50-200 to be correct :-(
Cheers
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
jim stirling
Veteran Member
I would agree with this very much the small viewfinder { compared to e30}is my only real issue with the e620 and i am swaying with getting the e30 or waiting on the e5
Jim
Skeeterbytes
Forum Pro
This is a good summary of the E-30 strengths. I went there from the 510 and it was a very easy transition in terms of the control layout and how it fits in my hands. I was and am still blown away by the camera's speed compared to the 510. It does literally everything faster and as a direct result I get more keepers than I could with the other camera, including the 50-200 mentioned by the OP.
The 620 likewise improves everything about the 510 but I didn't warm to it like I did the E30. The spare battery thing played a minor part in my decision and the viewfinder a rather larger one.
My bottom line: the E30 is a shooter's camera.
Cheers,
Rick
The 620 likewise improves everything about the 510 but I didn't warm to it like I did the E30. The spare battery thing played a minor part in my decision and the viewfinder a rather larger one.
My bottom line: the E30 is a shooter's camera.
Cheers,
Rick
I have both cameras (well, my wife has the E620).
To me, when it's in the bag I want my camera to be the E620 (because of the weight). When it's in my hand I want my camera to be the E30 (because of the ergonomics and the differences mentioned by you and others).
Because I feel having a camera is more about taking pictures than it is about having one in your bag, the E30 is clearly the one I like most
I ended up taking the E30 whenever I expect to take interesting pictures, and taking the E620 when I want a camera with me just in case.
Some thoughts on the differences:
Balance
The balance of the E30 is much better. When using big lenses, you must support the lens and camera with your left hand when using the E620. When using the E30 you can comfortably use both hands for supporting, or even your right hand when needed.
When adding a flash, the E620 balance is even worse. Especially with 4 battery flashes, I don't feel confident with the E620. Afraid I will drop it all.
Focus speed
The focus speed difference is quite big in my opinion. SWD lenses focus much faster with the E30, low light focussing is faster with all lenses, and lenses like the 50mm f/2 (which sometimes are difficult to use when fast focussing is required) benefit big time from the E30 focussing system. When selecting diamond as your focussing pattern that is. I think that the four focussing points surrounding your main focussing point help in deciding the correct focus distance. I get far better AF performance in this mode with most of my lenses.
Portability
The E620 is the clear winner here. As long as it is in your bag ofcourse. But when coupled with your 50-200, the difference in weight is not so noticeable. Only
when using a light lens as well you will fully have benefit from the light body.
Image quality
If factors like focussing speed/ accuracy, IS etc are not making a difference in your output, then the cameras will deliver output that is hard to tell apart.
Bottom line
This is just my opinion, but I'd say that if the weight difference is very important to you, you've held the E620 in your hand and it feels right for you, by all means, go for it! In all other cases, go for the E30!
Good luck in choosing,
--
Regards,
Gravi
Olympus E30 & E620 and a bag full of lenses and stuff
John King
Forum Pro
Gidday Rick
I am rather amazed that the E-3/510/520/30/620 ALL have 230,000 dot displays, and yet the display patently improves as one goes through this series. The display on my E-30 is far superior to my E-510, and the E-P1 (which I have used) is better again.
--
Regards, john from Melbourne, Australia.
-- -- --
The Camera doth not make the Man (or Woman) ...
Perhaps being kind to cats, dogs & children does ...
Gallery: http://canopuscomputing.com.au/gallery2/main.php
Bird Control Officers on active service.
Member of UK (and abroad) Photo Safari Group
(see my profile for all my current gear)
My experience too, except that I have difficulty holding my 50~200 steady enough at or near the 200 mm mark. At first I thought it was the camera/lens, but with closer examination I found it to be just operator error (mine ... ). I really need a monopod for this lens, as others have said. If I am very careful I can hand-hold at fairly slow shutter speeds and get critically sharp images. If I am even a bit sloppy with technique, even at high shutter speeds, I get mush!
Amalric seemed to think I was minimising the strengths of the E-620, I wasn't. It seems to be a real cracker of a camera. However, I find that my E-510 and f2.8/25 + the two kit lenses fills this niche very, very well (and I already have it ... ). The E-30 is just a different implementation of much the same basic camera as the E-620, with some very big improvements in "incidental" things such as the far better framing with the 98%, 1.02x OVF; faster, adjustable AF; etc.
I am rather amazed that the E-3/510/520/30/620 ALL have 230,000 dot displays, and yet the display patently improves as one goes through this series. The display on my E-30 is far superior to my E-510, and the E-P1 (which I have used) is better again.
I agree. It is the camera I take most often when I go out to take photos (much of the time ... ). However, I sometimes deliberately take the E-510 or E-1 because I want the features that these cameras offer (E-510 - size + IQ, IS; E-1 - quietness, superb IQ at ISO 100, w/d sealing ... ).
--
Regards, john from Melbourne, Australia.
-- -- --
The Camera doth not make the Man (or Woman) ...
Perhaps being kind to cats, dogs & children does ...
Gallery: http://canopuscomputing.com.au/gallery2/main.php
Bird Control Officers on active service.
Member of UK (and abroad) Photo Safari Group
(see my profile for all my current gear)
sderdiarian
Senior Member
All good posts for yet another fence sitter, but in my case it's been between the E-620 and mFT (yes, another quandary given the IBIS and IQ of the E-P series and full features of the G1, but that's another story!).
Some of us simply like compact sized bodies. My SLR's were all compact bodies, including an OM2S, and I purchased my E-510 for the same reason: great portability for travel, hiking and sailing. It has been a joy with the exception of poor DR and its very small OVF. It was also simply an incredible deal, $500 for the 2 lens kit 18 months ago.
For me, the E-620 now also fits the bill perfectly, having made a quantum leap in DR (see my DR comparison thread posted just yesterday), placing it at the head of the pack in many classes of DSLR's. One E-510 achiles heel solved. The OVF is only marginally increased in size, so this is something one has to live with.
In terms of IQ, based on the posts I've just read, it is the equal of the E-30. Not surprising since they share the same sensor.
It boils down to different tools for different purposes. The E-30 balances better with larger lenses, so if you'll be using these a lot this is your machine. The E-620 offers the usual superlative Olympus color in JPEG's and now great DR as well, all in a well constructed compact and light body. If you always want your camera by your side, this is the one to buy.
Since the E-620 (and of course the E-30) will accept your kit lenses quite nicely, you only need buy the body, currently going for $530 on Amazon. This would cinch the deal for many, putting the money saved towards some new glass.
Some of us simply like compact sized bodies. My SLR's were all compact bodies, including an OM2S, and I purchased my E-510 for the same reason: great portability for travel, hiking and sailing. It has been a joy with the exception of poor DR and its very small OVF. It was also simply an incredible deal, $500 for the 2 lens kit 18 months ago.
For me, the E-620 now also fits the bill perfectly, having made a quantum leap in DR (see my DR comparison thread posted just yesterday), placing it at the head of the pack in many classes of DSLR's. One E-510 achiles heel solved. The OVF is only marginally increased in size, so this is something one has to live with.
In terms of IQ, based on the posts I've just read, it is the equal of the E-30. Not surprising since they share the same sensor.
It boils down to different tools for different purposes. The E-30 balances better with larger lenses, so if you'll be using these a lot this is your machine. The E-620 offers the usual superlative Olympus color in JPEG's and now great DR as well, all in a well constructed compact and light body. If you always want your camera by your side, this is the one to buy.
Since the E-620 (and of course the E-30) will accept your kit lenses quite nicely, you only need buy the body, currently going for $530 on Amazon. This would cinch the deal for many, putting the money saved towards some new glass.
I am right there with you. My initial choice of E30 over 620 was governed by how it felt in my hands, and I thought of other factors as less significant - after all, my 510 didn't have them and I never missed them, right? However two weeks ago I had a chance to shoot with 620 for a few hours - swapped with a friend, he was curious about 30, I didn't mind to get a "working" feel of 620. Well, all those things don't look insignificant to me anymore after I tried them and grew to appreciate them. Then, some of differences didn't matter much. Let me try and break them down.
Top LCD, two wheels, electronic leveler - all these things don't seem insignificant to me anymore, I felt their absence and missed them.
Number of focus points didn't matter much to me, I keep diamond-center pattern and don't find myself using side points.
Not sure what the difference in shooting moving objects with CAF would be, didn't have a chance to try that.
Overall though as far as focus speed goes, 30 is appreciably faster, and the difference was especially noticeable as we entered shadowy area where level of lighting dropped significantly. My friend commented on that too as my 30 in his hands focused rather quickly while hos 620 struggled longer in mine.
Finally, back top "feel in hands" - a few hours of shooting with 620 did not fix the unnatural feel of it in my hands. 30 remained much better fit, especially with 12-60 and 70-300. 620 was OK with 9-18 and 14-42. With bigger lenses though I found myself capable of shooting E30 holding it with just the right hand if needed which was very inconvenient with 620. Holding the lens with my left hand is my normal shooting habit but 620 still didn't feel right. Quite personal thing of course as a lot of shooters are happy with it.
Oh, and it goes without saying I think that IQ between both cameras had no appreciable difference.
Verdict after that weekend: I haven't changed my mind... my friend though almost did, and now seriously considers switching to 30...
Top LCD, two wheels, electronic leveler - all these things don't seem insignificant to me anymore, I felt their absence and missed them.
- Top LCD - it become a second nature to have a quick look at it to make sure settings are what you want them to be while you raise the camera to your eyes. It's more natural than checking them on the back LCD; caught wrong ISO or WB quite a few times this way.
- It's amazing what a big difference second wheel makes - all adjustments can be done so much faster and very intuitively.
- As for leveler, well - I think one has no idea how constantly one skews the horizon line until one sees how constantly the level is off just before the shutter is released.
Number of focus points didn't matter much to me, I keep diamond-center pattern and don't find myself using side points.
Not sure what the difference in shooting moving objects with CAF would be, didn't have a chance to try that.
Overall though as far as focus speed goes, 30 is appreciably faster, and the difference was especially noticeable as we entered shadowy area where level of lighting dropped significantly. My friend commented on that too as my 30 in his hands focused rather quickly while hos 620 struggled longer in mine.
Finally, back top "feel in hands" - a few hours of shooting with 620 did not fix the unnatural feel of it in my hands. 30 remained much better fit, especially with 12-60 and 70-300. 620 was OK with 9-18 and 14-42. With bigger lenses though I found myself capable of shooting E30 holding it with just the right hand if needed which was very inconvenient with 620. Holding the lens with my left hand is my normal shooting habit but 620 still didn't feel right. Quite personal thing of course as a lot of shooters are happy with it.
Oh, and it goes without saying I think that IQ between both cameras had no appreciable difference.
Verdict after that weekend: I haven't changed my mind... my friend though almost did, and now seriously considers switching to 30...
I have an E-620 w/grip en route . According to the USPS, I'll have it tomorrow.
Once it's in hand and batteries charged, I'll be able to give a better assessment.
As you may know, I'm used to shooting with E-1s that have dual wheels and a top LCD but I also shoot with L1s and an E-330 which have no top LCD and are single wheeled. I've become pretty accustomed to both with little trauma.
Hopefully, I'll be able to provide a better assessment once it's in my hands.
Once it's in hand and batteries charged, I'll be able to give a better assessment.
As you may know, I'm used to shooting with E-1s that have dual wheels and a top LCD but I also shoot with L1s and an E-330 which have no top LCD and are single wheeled. I've become pretty accustomed to both with little trauma.
Hopefully, I'll be able to provide a better assessment once it's in my hands.
sderdiarian
Senior Member
Again, a great series of posts. Gives me a new appreciation of the E-30, even if likely not a deal changer for me given my preference for take anywhere.
A nice example of DPR's forum at its best as well. Only as good as the posters.
A nice example of DPR's forum at its best as well. Only as good as the posters.
amblepath
Leading Member
The 620 with the grip is bigger than the E1 so it's great for flash and big lenses.
I must say though that I find without the grip I have no problem holding the 620 with the 70-300 in one hand.
Take off the grip and add a kit lens and you have a pretty mini camera although I mostly use the 14 - 54. (Seems perfectly balanced to me.) It's like shooting with an Om2 with a grip.(camera not battery grip)
I was thinking about the pancake lens because with it on the 620 you could put it in a coat pocket. But my heart leans to the 9 -18.
My personal feeling was that the extra money for the E30 was not worth it FOR ME.
If the E30 had weathersealing I would have been more interested as an E1 replacer. However the 620 works in conjunction with my E1.
Personally I think the big jump in viewfinders is between the E30 and E3, not between the 620 and 30. I don't find myself noticing the difference between the 620 and E1 viewfinders.
Hopefully I'll own an E3 when it's a generation out of date.
Have fun with the new camera Bill.
--
Thanks, Mike
'Bear' with me!
I must say though that I find without the grip I have no problem holding the 620 with the 70-300 in one hand.
Take off the grip and add a kit lens and you have a pretty mini camera although I mostly use the 14 - 54. (Seems perfectly balanced to me.) It's like shooting with an Om2 with a grip.(camera not battery grip)
I was thinking about the pancake lens because with it on the 620 you could put it in a coat pocket. But my heart leans to the 9 -18.
My personal feeling was that the extra money for the E30 was not worth it FOR ME.
If the E30 had weathersealing I would have been more interested as an E1 replacer. However the 620 works in conjunction with my E1.
Personally I think the big jump in viewfinders is between the E30 and E3, not between the 620 and 30. I don't find myself noticing the difference between the 620 and E1 viewfinders.
Hopefully I'll own an E3 when it's a generation out of date.
Have fun with the new camera Bill.
--
Thanks, Mike
'Bear' with me!
The Big One
Senior Member
Looking forward very much to your comments when you get it. I think it will be interesting to see what an E-1 shooter has to say about the different design.I have an E-620 w/grip en route . According to the USPS, I'll have it tomorrow.
Once it's in hand and batteries charged, I'll be able to give a better assessment.
As you may know, I'm used to shooting with E-1s that have dual wheels and a top LCD but I also shoot with L1s and an E-330 which have no top LCD and are single wheeled. I've become pretty accustomed to both with little trauma.
Hopefully, I'll be able to provide a better assessment once it's in my hands.
Cheers
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
ginsbu
Senior Member
After so many really excellent posts I don't have much to add. I have a 620, mostly on account of cost and size. Unlike one of the previous posters, though, I find the 620 balances very nicely with a 4AA flash (Metz 48 in my case) and the 14-54. With the kit lenses, it's ok but not nearly as good.
In terms of your decision, you've got all the facts you need, so I'd try looking at your decision psychologically. You've got a desire for a higher-end body: if you'll regret having shelled out for a new body that doesn't satisfy that desire, then get the E-30 -- the 620, despite all the improvements it has, just doesn't feel higher-end than the 520 and saving the money isn't worth it to just end up disappointed. But if you'll feel comfortable holding off on satisfying that desire for a E-xx level body for a while, and would be pleased just to get a fix for your 520 situation, you'll be very happy with the 620. I find that thinking in this way, trying to imagine how I'm going to feel about each of the options rather than endlessly comparing specs, helps me to make these sorts of decisions. Good luck in making yours!
In terms of your decision, you've got all the facts you need, so I'd try looking at your decision psychologically. You've got a desire for a higher-end body: if you'll regret having shelled out for a new body that doesn't satisfy that desire, then get the E-30 -- the 620, despite all the improvements it has, just doesn't feel higher-end than the 520 and saving the money isn't worth it to just end up disappointed. But if you'll feel comfortable holding off on satisfying that desire for a E-xx level body for a while, and would be pleased just to get a fix for your 520 situation, you'll be very happy with the 620. I find that thinking in this way, trying to imagine how I'm going to feel about each of the options rather than endlessly comparing specs, helps me to make these sorts of decisions. Good luck in making yours!
I
illy
Guest
i have the E-600 which is the cut down version of the 620, the VF is tiny, i tend to use liveview mostly so it's not a huge problem
--
http://illy.smugmug.com
E620 owner here.
I think people should generally be replacing size advantage with weight .
The E620 is very small, but you only notice that when you take it out of the case. I've yet to see any case for the E620 that wouldn't also take the E30, so the exterior dimensions when it's in a case are identical.
However the weight saving is significant.. though once you add a battery grip I'm not sure how much that still applies!
Personally I still like the small size of the E620 - it looks a little more toy-like to people who you're pointing it at so less intimidating, while I've got all the buttons and gadgets to make me still feel manly
I think people should generally be replacing size advantage with weight .
The E620 is very small, but you only notice that when you take it out of the case. I've yet to see any case for the E620 that wouldn't also take the E30, so the exterior dimensions when it's in a case are identical.
However the weight saving is significant.. though once you add a battery grip I'm not sure how much that still applies!
Personally I still like the small size of the E620 - it looks a little more toy-like to people who you're pointing it at so less intimidating, while I've got all the buttons and gadgets to make me still feel manly
Jeff Charles
Veteran Member
Me too.
I like to hold my camera at my side in my right hand. The E-620's short grip actually makes this less comfortable than holding a heavier camera with a deeper grip.
I bought and returned the battery grip. Great for portrait orientation, but no improvement in landscape for me. My little finger, which usually goes under the camera, was cramped by the grip.
--
Jeff
'If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk?' Laurence J. Peter
The Big One
Senior Member
When I take my cameras hiking, I tend to wear them on a shoulder harness, so the camera bag issue is moot. A lighter kit is definitely welcome, though.
Thanks for your comments, all!
Cheers
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
I use a 620 and I can fit it in an Tamrac explorer 200 with the 14-54 mounted on camera and 50-200 SWD and their lens hoods - I don't think you could fit an E-30 in there, the 620 only just fits. This was one of the reasons I bought the 620 so I could fit it in a small bag that was acceptable at certain events.
Keyboard shortcuts
- f
- Forum