Need help: Olympus PEN gift and alternatives...

As I am such a nice guy I want to give my brother a new camera for Christmas. He wants to move away from point and shoot cameras so I was thinking of a PEN E-PL1s, PEN E-PL1 or PEN E-P2 but cannot figure out what the diferences now really are and which camera is best by just staring at the DPReview comparison chart. Which will you recommenrd for a beginning photo-enthusiast?

And of course there are other cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, Pentax K-5, Pentax K-r, Olympus E-620, Nikons and Canons...

As I Olympus user I tend to prefer 3/4s but maybe should look for my brother into Canikon..? Budget is between $500 - 1200. What to do, what to do?

macroen said:

He wants to move away from point and shoot cameras...

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Maybe you could tell us why exactly your brother wants to move away from P&S cameras. Does he need better quality because of the bigger sensors, does he want to look through a viewfinder, does he want all manual settings, ...

The Pens are all wonderful presents (wish someone would be that nice to me hehe), but since we don't know your brother's reasons for switching, it's actually hard to give some recommendations.

cheers,
Wolfgang
--
using free and open source software, and an open camera system
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macroen said:

As I am such a nice guy I want to give my brother a new camera for Christmas. He wants to move away from point and shoot cameras so I was thinking of a PEN E-PL1s, PEN E-PL1 or PEN E-P2 but cannot figure out what the diferences now really are and which camera is best by just staring at the DPReview comparison chart. Which will you recommenrd for a beginning photo-enthusiast?

And of course there are other cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, Pentax K-5, Pentax K-r, Olympus E-620, Nikons and Canons...

As I Olympus user I tend to prefer 3/4s but maybe should look for my brother into Canikon..? Budget is between $500 - 1200. What to do, what to do?

Click to expand...

It is one of those things that each has some features the other lacks. I own an E-P2 (bought on the first day it was available, so at the time the E-PL1 wasn't available). However, it can be hard to give somebody a camera for Christmas, since a lot that goes into the camera is personal choice.

In terms of the differences I've read about, here are some thoughts about them:

• Popup Flash : E-PL1 has it, E-P2/E-P1 do not. This is a big difference, especially for people stepping up from p&s and expect to have a pop-up flash. Now, I tend to be an external flash kind of guy and have a FL-36 already, which I use on the E-P2, but if you were to go the E-P2 you probably should plan to buy a flash in the future. With the pop-up flash, the camera can also control remote flashes, but this is generally advanced user territory. Also, carrying even a small flash can be annoying and makes the camera much larger. There is the FL-14 that is sometimes sold for a discount when you are buying an E-P2, but frankly it doesn't look to be that good of a flash.
• Electronic viewfinder : The E-P1 does not support the VF-2 electronic viewfinder, the E-P2 and E-PL1 do. The original E-P2 came with the VF-2 bundled in, though now some E-P2 kits do not include it, and I don't think the E-PL1 kits include it. This is the one accessory I would recommend thinking about if it doesn't come with a kit, though at $250 it can be pricey. Note, many p&s users aren't used to using a viewfinder and might not notice its lack, but the VF-2 can really help if you are shooting in bright light (where you might not be able to see the LCD) or manually focusing (where focusing with the camera up to your eye is easier, particularly with the VF-2 which is easier to manually focus with than my E-3). I had originally been planning to get the E-P1, and when the E-P2 was announced, this is the one feature that convinced me to go and pay MSRP to get the camera when it was first announced. I don't always use the VF-2, but it is very handy to have when I need it. I would prefer to be able to use the flash and VF-2 at the same time on the E-P2, so that would be a point in the E-PL1's favour.
• Orientation sensor and level sensors : The E-P1 and E-P2 have the sensor while the E-PL1 does not. This is mildly useful in that smart download software can automatically rotate images based on how you are shooting (i.e. if you are shooting in portrait mode, the camera would tag the image so that download software would automatically rotate the image left or right). The level sensor would be interesting if I ever remembered to use it (one of the live view modes shows two graphs so that you can make sure your horizons are level). I don't like how I have to chose to use the orientation sensor or the histogram, I can't do both at the same time.
• Wired shutter release : The E-P1 and E-P2 support the RM-UC1 (wired shutter release) as well as clones you find on ebay, while the E-PL1 does not. I use a wired shutter release when the camera is on a tripod. However, I really hate where Olympus puts the shutter release terminal (under where your right hand goes). For most people this is a non-issue.
• Faster shutter speed : The E-P1 and E-P2 support 1/4000 shutter speed, while E-PL1 only does 1/2000. I rarely shoot at such speeds, so it isn't an issue for me. It is an issue for people shooting with a fast prime wide open for minimal depth of field in bright sun, but generally such pictures don't interest me.
• Buttons vs. dials : The E-P1 and E-P2 have dials to change settings, while the E-PL1 uses buttons (oh the horror!). A lot of people have posted on this issue when the E-PL1 first came out. Frankly I don't change my settings all that frequently that it would make a big difference to the way I was shooting, but evidently some people love to change things every second that it would be a big deal for them. When I was shooting with P&S cameras, I quickly got used to doing things by pressing buttons. Note, I find the dial around the arrow pad easy to move by accident, particularly before I got a leather 1/2 case for the camera, so I do have to get into a routine where I check that the settings are as I expect, I only used a E-PL1 for a shot demo period, so I don't know whether it has a similar issue.

(see followup for more)

I hate, hate the 6,000 character limit for long replies.

• Look and grip : The E-P1 and E-P2 have a more retro styling while I think the E-PL1 is a thinner grip. I imagine no matter which one you get, you will get used to it.
• Anti-alias filter : The E-PL1 photos are slightly sharper than the E-P2 or E-P1 photos, but I'm not convinced that in general you would notice it if you are looking at 4x6 prints or looking at the photo at normal web resolutions.
• Kit lens : The E-P1 and E-P2 have a slightly different 14-42mm lens than the E-PL1 has (the E-PL1 lens is a little lighter and uses more plastic in the lens assembly). The new E-PL1 respin that is right now a Japan only release, has a third 14-42mm variant. I'm not sure why we need so many versions of the standard lens. I suspect in normal usage, there isn't much difference.
• C-AF/TR : The E-P2 and E-PL1 have continuous focus/tracking mode, where once you lock onto a target, the camera will attempt to track it as it moves, and the E-P1 did not have it. In practice, it doesn't track faster moving subjects, so while it was a minor reason I chose the E-P2 over the E-P1 (the VF-2 being the main reason), in practice it isn't that useful.
• Movie aperture/shutter speed : The E-P1 did not have the ability to set aperture and shutter speed for movies, while the E-P2 and E-PL1 do. I find I prefer to set movie mode to use f/8 to give me more depth of field (yeah, I know the reason a lot of people use it is to get less DOF, but I tend to record events and performances and not shoot art films).

On whole, I think the E-PL1's pop-up flash and somewhat lower price makes the E-PL1. I would suggest thinking about the VF-2 electronic viewfinder.

Very helpful for the OP and I believe not only for him but many people considering the differences of the offerings.

--
Roel Hendrickx

lots of images : http://www.roelh.zenfolio.com

my E-3 user field report from Tunisian Sahara: http://www.biofos.com/ukpsg/roel.html

I think he wants more controle over his settings and be able to change lenses without going for a "full" professional DSLR solution. Thought an entry camera of Olympus / Pentax / Panasonic would be nice for him.

Blasphemy mode on.

I know this is the Olympus section but any recommendations on other brands?

Blasphemy mode off.

Thanks Michael

Michael Meissner said:

• Movie aperture/shutter speed : The E-P1 did not have the ability to set aperture and shutter speed for movies, while the E-P2 and E-PL1 do. I find I prefer to set movie mode to use f/8 to give me more depth of field (yeah, I know the reason a lot of people use it is to get less DOF, but I tend to record events and performances and not shoot art films).

On whole, I think the E-PL1's pop-up flash and somewhat lower price makes the E-PL1. I would suggest thinking about the VF-2 electronic viewfinder.

Click to expand...

I can set the aperture on my E-P1 for movies. I'm not sure, perhaps this feature was added in with a firmware update - but it's capable of it now. I can't change the aperture once the movie is recording, though (but I didn't think that the E-P2 or E-PL1 could, either). There is no shutter speed control, as you said.

I would also second the suggestion of the E-PL1 for a P&S user. I'm now used to DSLRs and DSLR-style controls, so I ruled the E-PL1 out when I was looking into the Pens in part because of the menu-driven controls. Yet those were the types of controls I was using on my P&S. I probably wouldn't have noticed or felt restricted by it, if I were upgrading from my P&S again.

Long story short:

• The E-PL1 has something the two others do not: a pop up flash. While it seems like nothing in itself, this allows it to support WIRELESS flash sync just as any modern E series dslr, whi the two others can not do (why, oh why did Olympus decide to omit this beats me. But hey. You never know with them).

• Then, it has the connector for the EVF (optional), which the EP-1 doesn't.

That sums it up for me. It's the best of both worlds. The E-PL1 + EVF + an extra lens will boil down to the price of a EP-2.

Thanks guys, if it is going to be an Olympus I would buy the E-PL1. Still any thoughts on a Panasonic GH2 or G2 or a Pentax K-5 or K-r?

Cheers, Mac.

macroen said:

Thanks guys, if it is going to be an Olympus I would buy the E-PL1. Still any thoughts on a Panasonic GH2 or G2 or a Pentax K-5 or K-r?

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Well you know the main motive for getting a Pen is size. If there is no size limitation I think that many will agree that the other two are an excellent choice.

Another way to cut the Gordian knot is to have a close look at the lenses' lineup.

It might not be important in the beginning, but once you are in a system, you are more or less tied.

Am.
--
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Hey Mac,

Greetings. Can I be your brother too? Really nice gift.

It would be super helpful imo to know if your bro values a compact package. Also, what kind of images do you envision him being most interested in? It would also be very helpful to know if he has any brand loyalties built up. Buying within his loyalties would be a nice touch imo.

Here are cameras I would consider:

For compact system:

GF1 + 20mm. Good value right now. This one appeals to me right now because it appears that Panny won't make another like it as an upgrade right away. So it's unique in it's strengths and is likely to remain so for some time. At the same time, the price has settled very nicely on this one. The GF2 was a downgrade in many respects.

EPL1 turns me off because of the max shutter speed. (1/2000). Michael's report above is just awesome though. Super contribution to this community and I think it gives great information to choose between the Oly Pens. I really like the EP2 + EVF + Pany 20mm combo. That would be a very close second choice over the GF1 right now. Cost would be the deciding factor between the two.

Slightly larger DSLR-like systems:

Sony A33 or A55. I would opt for the A33 as I don't need the built in GPS or extra MP. (not worth the extra $100 imo). I feel this new system is tempting the future. It's really quite revolutionary. These are still relatively small bodies. Uses the full Alpha mount, so many lenses available. I'd buy the 30mm and 50mm primes and Tamron 18-250mm to start with. As good as Micro kit lenses. Not as good as Zuiko high grade lenses imo.

The Olympus E620 + 2 lens kit and the Kx are also great values that I feel deserve mention. Both are very good basic DSLRs at exceptional prices. The Kx is a great high ISO shooter. The Olympus kit lenses are probably the best glass for the money. If you could get an E-620 + 14-54mm that would be a excellent solution for a lens upgrade.

There is nothing below the 7D and D7000 that I'd really recommend from Canon or Nikon. These two are very good for anyone having lenses or loyalties to one of the big names. I'm just not enamored with the D5000/D3000 range or the Rebels. But that's just me.

Cheers,
Seth

--
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?

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SirSeth, you would have to put up with me! No brand loyalty so far so that is good.

Personally I don't like Sony much (ok I had a walkman). I always have the feeling their products are overpriced. I am slightly worried about the E620 as there does not seem to come an upgrade for the E-xxx cameras any time soon / not at all. Good thing is that if I would buy into 3/4s we could share lenses etc.

So it will come down to E-PL1 / E620 / GF1 / Kx and I should really go to the shops and handle these cameras. Thanks for all your help.