Reading mode: Light Dark

E620 user; New body or new lens?

Go to last post
A

AzimLiza

Forum Enthusiast
Messages
256
Reaction score
32
Location
Selangor, MY
Greetings to all 4/3, m4/3 shooters.

I have been using E620 for almost 3 years now. Due to my own mistake one of contact pin has been bent when I try to mount an old Pentax PK manual focus lens. I only have the 2 kit lens currently. Occasionally the camera unable to detect the lens and I have to un-mount the lens and pull out the bent contact pin and re-mount the lens again.

Otherwise the E620 works perfectly as it should. The thought of getting new camera is always on my mind and I am contemplating to buy EM5. However the price is too high (expected to be 1500 USD body only) in Malaysia. Today while doing some window shopping just found a heavily discounted E30 body for 650 USD and E3 body for 750 USD.

The dilemma;

For the same price I can buy 14-54mm MkII.The reason I didn't buy the 14-54mm initially because of the intention to fully go m4/3. But as a DSLR user that use viewfinder frequently I am hesitating to buy into PEN line without built in viewfinder (EVF/OVF doesn't matter).

So only left with the excellent Panasonic G3 and Olympus EM5. Now besides those 2 kitlens I shoot with few other manual focus lens like 24mm, 50mm, 200mm, 300mm and 400mm. With G3 I will have no IS for those lens. And now with EM5 everything looks good except for the price.

The main reason for my new purchase for either E30 or 14-54mm is to get better focus in lower light. I know I can always get focus assist with external flash. But most of the time during hiking in the jungle or mountain which I need to focus in lower light I can't bring along my external flash to keep things minimal. So it left with either I have a body that focus faster of lens that focus faster.

Any E620 or even E5xx user which has upgraded to E30 or 14-54mm can kindly give a comment. Thank you.

--
Azimliza
 
With no serious money invested in lenses I would seriously consider switching systems. Nikon, Canon, Sony if you want to stay with DSLR's and systems that have a future.

Another and probably cheaper option is to try to have the E620 repaired.
 
AzimLiza said:
Any E620 or even E5xx user which has upgraded to E30 or 14-54mm can kindly give a comment. Thank you.
Click to expand...
As a former E-30 and current E-3/620 user my opinion is..

Change from the E-620 to E-30 will not bring you the improvement in IQ. It will bring you better handling/ergonomics and some extra features, but with the same sensor and processing engine, the IQ alone will be the same.

Upgrade to 14-54 is ok idea, but I would go for used mkI version. With that, you will jump into f2.8 HG territory for minimum expense.

(Yes mkII is CDAF compatible - as a GF2/14-54 owner also - imo this lens + adapter is too big for any micro body, and it's also too noisy for video.)

So, if I were you I would go for EM-5 and 14-42(micro) or 12-50. Imho this is the best upgrade option in you situation - small with great IQ.

--
cheers
JO

http://kresimir.smugmug.com
 
Yes EM5 is the most logical idea for upgrade or system change, but as I stated it is too expensive now to buy. I have no big problem to wait for cheaper version of EM5 or wait for another 1-2 years for heavily discount price when new version of EM5 come out.

The reason to buy E30 is that currently no local shop has new E620. I can get it online body only for the same price as the E30. I am aware about IQ from E620/E30 which is definitely about the same.

As for the 14-54mm, I found few on Ebay from time to time but even a good condition MkI can have a price around 400-500 USD. Not that cheap. Better buy a new one around 650 USD. Don't care about lens noise because I don't shoot video even later if I have video capable camera.

Thanks for the advice.

--
Azimliza
 
Yes for the price mention above I can get D5100 or Sony A55. Or even older but capable cam like D90. Just doesn't like the idea of new learning curve. Even after using E620 for almost 3 years I feel that I haven't able to master the camera.

The problem with fixing any modern machine or gadget is that most if the time the cost can be as high as 1/2 of the original price or even more. Even for problem as little as bent contact point that we assume a small problem.

Eventually I may just give up and just buy a new one. As for now the problem is not that bothering. Probably after I shoot 400-500 pict then only the contact point give problem.
--
Azimliza
 
AzimLiza said:
I have been using E620 for almost 3 years now. Due to my own mistake one of contact pin has been bent. Otherwise the E620 works perfectly as it should.
Click to expand...
You should ship it to Olympus and at least get a price for repair, you might be pleasantly surprised. The camera likely could use a cleaning in any case given its age.
AzimLiza said:
The thought of getting new camera is always on my mind and I am contemplating to buy EM5. However the price is too high.
Click to expand...
So rule it out for now.
AzimLiza said:
Today while doing some window shopping just found a heavily discounted E30 body for 650 USD and E3 body for 750 USD.
Click to expand...
E-30 has same sensor as the E-620 and will give you no tangible benefits in low light. The E-3, while weather sealed, has an even more outdated sensor. No deal.
AzimLiza said:
The dilemma;

For the same price I can buy 14-54mm MkII.The reason I didn't buy the 14-54mm initially because of the intention to fully go m4/3. But as a DSLR user that use viewfinder frequently I am hesitating to buy into PEN line without built in viewfinder (EVF/OVF doesn't matter).

So only left with the excellent Panasonic G3 and Olympus EM5. With G3 I will have no IS for those lens. And now with EM5 everything looks good except for the price.

The main reason for my new purchase for either E30 or 14-54mm is to get better focus in lower light. I know I can always get focus assist with external flash. But most of the time during hiking in the jungle or mountain which I need to focus in lower light I can't bring along my external flash to keep things minimal. So it left with either I have a body that focus faster of lens that focus faster.
Click to expand...
I think you answered your question here. You hike, so you want a compact and light camera. You shoot in low light, so you want a current sensor that's good at ISO's as high as 1600 minimum, and even more is better. I'm an Olympus user (E-510, E-620, E-PM1), but the G3 really seems to fit your needs given available money. The kit lens has OIS, it's very compact, has an articulated LCD and a built-in EVF.

With my E-PM1 I've gotten used to shooting without IBIS (it doesn't work well in the E-PM1) and really haven't been missing it since I can just bump the ISO up to 1600 for faster shutter speeds. Actually, if you're totally sold on Olympus JPEG's (I am), you might even consider an E-PM1 with the VF-2, likely close in price to the G3 kit. It also has a better kit lens:
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1400/cat/15

I love my E-620, but must admit my E-PM1 takes better pictures due to its newer sensor/processor. It's also a joy to just always be able to have the E-PM1 along given its tiny size. Same pretty much applies to the G3.

Hey, you can also always sell and upgrade to an OM-D a year from now, so no real pressure whatever course you elect. But if buying new, given your love for hiking, I'd be inclined to go small, not DSLR.

--
Sailin' Steve
 
AzimLiza said:
Yes EM5 is the most logical idea for upgrade or system change, but as I stated it is too expensive now to buy. I have no big problem to wait for cheaper version of EM5 or wait for another 1-2 years for heavily discount price when new version of EM5 come out.
Click to expand...
great, so revive this thread in 2014. :)
AzimLiza said:
The reason to buy E30 is that currently no local shop has new E620. I can get it online body only for the same price as the E30. I am aware about IQ from E620/E30 which is definitely about the same.
Click to expand...
If the price is same go for the E-30. The good thing is there will be no secrets for you in post processing. The bad thing is you will still have SG kit lenses only.
AzimLiza said:
As for the 14-54mm, I found few on Ebay from time to time but even a good condition MkI can have a price around 400-500 USD. Not that cheap. Better buy a new one around 650 USD. Don't care about lens noise because I don't shoot video even later if I have video capable camera.
Click to expand...
As I can see 14-54mkI are around $200 at four thirds photo forum and below $300 in BH or Adorama used departments. Be patient and check frequently.
--
cheers
JO

http://kresimir.smugmug.com
 
Jolly Oly said:
sderdiarian said:
The E-3, while weather sealed, has an even more outdated sensor. No deal.
Click to expand...
The E-3 with more outdated sensor still takes the better pictures than the E-620. I have both and I love my '620, but trust me on this.
--
cheers
JO
Click to expand...
Could be true if it's the same as in my E-510 with its low AA filter, and Olympus likely did some things to better prevent highlight clipping. A friend used his for quite some time, just made the switch to the E-5 and finds it better still. Too large for me, plain and simple.

Now if Olympus would simply drop the OM-D 16MP sensor/processor into an E-7xx (articulated OLED, better OVF, better grip) for us small and affordable DSLR fans, our friend would have his answer. As would I ;).
--
Sailin' Steve
 
I would tend to agree here... E-3's IQ & handling > E-620's

For several reasons including ergonomy, AF speed, handling, lens IQ, etc. I would not go for the PEN solution. I would either invest in the upcoming E-M5 or (..personally) look for an E-3/E-30 plus an older 14-54mm (or the insanely amazing 11-22mm!)

I love my E-620, but next to my E-5 (brilliant camera, btw) it feels rather slow.

If ever you want the biggest overall boost while keeping an E-620, however, the fast & contrasty 12-60mm SWD really helps!!!
 
Marathonianbull said:
If ever you want the biggest overall boost while keeping an E-620, however, the fast & contrasty 12-60mm SWD really helps!!!
Click to expand...
This is the direction I've chosen to go - just placed the order for the 12-60 tonight. I have both the 520 and the 620. I prefer the 520's body and use it more often at the moment (with the Sigma 20mm 1.8 attached), but I think the 620 is going to get a lot more use when the 12-60mm lens arrives.

--
Brian Steele
http://mypages.spiceisle.com/brian
 
It's fun to speculate with another person's money. The E-3 is clearly a different class of camera from the E-620 in terms of build, and quite possibly IQ if it has a lower AA filter (never tried one, so no personal experience, but I trust what you say here). But it's quite big and heavy for taking on hikes. And the 12-60 appears out of reach, sounds like he has a budget of around $500-600?

Honestly, perhaps he shouldn't be a slave to the new, but rather just have his E-620 repaired and get a good used 14-54 MkI (not II) for $300 or less. This combination offers all the great E-620 features I've grown to love (fully articulated LCD, compact but comfortable form, backlit buttons for early morning and indoor shooting, lens correction capabilities, good IBIS, etc.) plus provides an excellent zoom for lower light conditions and a tolerable combined weight/size for hiking.

Taking this route, he could then sell it a year or so later and get a discounted OM-D. Of course, by then there will be yet another "trail blazing" camera on the block, it's simply inevitable ;).
--
Sailin' Steve
 
Thank you for all the advice here. I can tolerate something like a size of E30/D90/60D.Even E620 is a bit small for my hand,but I already adapted with the size. Even if I can afford E3 or E5 I will not buy them due to size and weight. I am willing to buy used 14-54 mk1 with price up to 400usd for good copy. More than that it is better to buy new mk2.

As for the body actually I am not really keen to sent it for repair. Most likely If the pin connector eventually failed in near future I will just let it be and use that E620 with manual focus only lens that I also like to use. I will move on to buy new E30 body or like some suggested here a G3 kit.

--
Azimliza
 
The G3's are going very cheap now, have the 16mp sensor, and built-in EVF. You can start building your lens inventory now and still enjoy a better sensor/camera.

Or you can get an E-PM1 + VF2 and lenses. That's what I did to replace my E520 + 14-54 MkI and 70-300.

I have:
E-PM1 + VF2
Pany 14-45 (similar quality to 14-54, but not as fast)
Pany [email protected] (low light monster)
Pany 45-200 (good telephoto)

It produces much better output than my E520 did. You lose the dials and extra buttons on the E-PM1. If that's a concern but you want to stay with Oly, get an E-P2 for a steal these days.
 
AzimLiza said:
Greetings to all 4/3, m4/3 shooters.

I have been using E620 for almost 3 years now. Due to my own mistake one of contact pin has been bent when I try to mount an old Pentax PK manual focus lens. I only have the 2 kit lens currently. Occasionally the camera unable to detect the lens and I have to un-mount the lens and pull out the bent contact pin and re-mount the lens again.

Otherwise the E620 works perfectly as it should. The thought of getting new camera is always on my mind and I am contemplating to buy EM5. However the price is too high (expected to be 1500 USD body only) in Malaysia. Today while doing some window shopping just found a heavily discounted E30 body for 650 USD and E3 body for 750 USD.

The dilemma;

For the same price I can buy 14-54mm MkII.The reason I didn't buy the 14-54mm initially because of the intention to fully go m4/3. But as a DSLR user that use
Click to expand...
viewfinder frequently I am hesitating to buy into PEN line without built in viewfinder (EVF/OVF doesn't matter).
AzimLiza said:
So only left with the excellent Panasonic G3 and Olympus EM5. Now besides those 2 kitlens I shoot with few other manual focus lens like 24mm, 50mm, 200mm, 300mm and 400mm. With G3 I will have no IS for those lens. And now with EM5 everything looks good except for the price.

The main reason for my new purchase for either E30 or 14-54mm is to get better focus in lower light. I know I can always get focus assist with external flash. But most of the time during hiking in the jungle or mountain which I need to focus in lower light I can't bring along my external flash to keep things minimal. So it left with either I have a body that focus faster of lens that focus faster.

Any E620 or even E5xx user which has upgraded to E30 or 14-54mm can kindly give a comment. Thank you.

--
Azimliza
Click to expand...
hi, it is true that it great dilemma, but i believe everything can be solve as long as we can compromise with something. firsting first, you don't mention what type of photography do you interest ? cause IMHO PEN series or any olympus mirrorless camera is not SLR in term of speed, but the quality i can say equal, so if you just for street photo, travelling, landscape, macro etc but you will suffer if you have to take photo of sport, bird on the flight.

i think the new EM 5 is worth for the money, let's say 16megapixel (in 4/3 format is denser than on APSC or FF), low noise at high iso, FPS, 5 axis IS and so on, but you must be sure of what you need. if you really need fast reaction of camera i don't have alternative but DSLR, so you can pick between used E3 or new E5 (in indonesia US$ 1200, Body only) i think is fair enough don't be a fool by the megapixel count, cause E5 has no anti aliasing filter, so the resolution might go beyond other 12 megapixel..

hope this will help you, thanks
 
Well G3 is already on my consideration list.

EPM1 with VF2 ? Since my current activity is hiking I can't afford to have VF2

or any extra accessory on camera except for the lens because these accessory can fall of gone to oblivion. Probably EPM1 with lens is enough I believe. Your complete gear-lens collection is very good but for my budget now I can only afford G3 with single lens or EPM1 with twin lens.

I believe by going to PEN line I will have problem with battery life. Even now I always have 2 extra spare battery for my E620 which normally can last up to 500++ shots per battery.

Thank you for suggestion.
--
Azimliza
 
Hi Arief.

E3/E5 is not in consideration list. Wow E5 is so cheap in Indonesia? Here in Malaysia they still sell at full price of 1600-1700 USD body only.

EM5 is definitely what I want now, but it is not within my budget. Too expensive now. I will wait for price drop in 1-2 years. No problem.

You ask me what I shoot -almost anything that you have mentioned. Even if E620 is
not really designed for that kind of shooting I still tried;)





























































Azimliza
 
Hi!

I used the 620 twin lens kit for a year, then got the 14-54 II. Mostly in order to get max sharpness and not to expensive, and also to get better/surer/faster focusing in lesser than perfect light.

Sharpness? Plentiful of it, really sharp, corner-to-corner! A joy in itself.

Quick/sure AF? Not really quicker than the kit 14-42. It gets focus securely but it sorrily takes time also w the 14-54 II. A good asset it it is CD-AF capable, nice since I use liveview quite often (and in liveview AF is pretty slow anyway...thus no action shooting w liveview, the 14-54 II mounted or not...)

But I like it very much anyway b´cause of its sharpness and splendid build quality. It has withstood some semi serious´´ (mis)use, among that a few drops to the ground/floor when mounted on the E-620 & on the E-5 which I also have. Very well built cameras both of them!

Do I have to add that colour and contrast from the 14-54 II is of a very high quality too? Well: they are both very good!

--
Aim & Frame ;-)
 
Thank you for all the input here. Today I just won a used 14-54mm Mk 1 for 290 USD in Ebay from a seller from Australia. With the new lens I hope to prolong the use of E620 until another 1-2 years before I buy a new;

1. E720/ E50 (less likely to ever come out)
2. Heavily discounted new EM5
3. A cheaper version of EM5 -EM6 etc with built in EVF

--
Azimliza
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top