Simon Zeev
Senior Member
I already recomanded Olympua alot.
Now I only recomand m4/3.
Now I only recomand m4/3.
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Would you Recommend a Olympus Camera to Friends or Family.
- Thread starter CollBaxter
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Skeeterbytes
Forum Pro
Cameras are of fleeting interest to the vast majority of folks. The only ones who ever talk with me about my gear are photographers and the only camera that ever attracts photographer's interest is the E-M5. My E-series stuff (other than the 7-14 and 150) might just as well be kitchen appliances or soap. You would not believe how much other photographers oogle the E-M5 touch-display focus and shutter function, then they ponder the tiny size. It's hilarious.
Anyway, I've tried convincing striving move-on-from-compact/cellphone shooters to at least look at µ4/3 or other mirrorless system. Every single one gets a DSLR. It's current DSLR shooters who are smitten by the mirrorless bug.
At this late date I'd never consider pushing 4/3.
Cheers,
Rick
Anyway, I've tried convincing striving move-on-from-compact/cellphone shooters to at least look at µ4/3 or other mirrorless system. Every single one gets a DSLR. It's current DSLR shooters who are smitten by the mirrorless bug.
At this late date I'd never consider pushing 4/3.
Cheers,
Rick
erichK
Veteran Member
She had howed herself to be quite a good photographer, years ago, when she completed a high school photography course, using one of my old OM-1's, so I gave her a Canon S70 and UW housing before one of our diving trips, and later an E620 with the two lens kit.
However, on her honeymoon trip to Europe she ended up taking only the little Canon P&S her husband had given her for her birthday because they were backpacking and staying in hostels.She nevertheless took some really good pictures,, but getting a decent print of one of her best, which I matted and framed for her father-in-law, took all the skills of a couple of Photoshop whiz friends and all my LR and printing artifice.
So I strongly recommended she get and use a better cameras. Because she needed video as well to practice for moot court and interviews (they are both finishing law school) the E-620 would not do, so I recommended the following:
the Panasonic Z-220 (or whatever) already recommended here for versatility and value
the Sony RX 100 for compact image quality
the OM-D for a host of reasons, including access
the Canon TI-4 with its video flexibility swivel screen
She tried them all, almost bought the Pany, disliked the Sony, loved the OM-D but not its price and lack of a swivel screen, and ended up buying the Canon and the 40mm 2.8
The kicker is that most of the pictures we get from her come from her iPhone, as the Canon seems to have joined the E-620! It just won't fit in her big purse or easily into her already bulging book back I suspect that for many, last year's "camera of the year" or its smaller derivatives like the PL5 are indeed the way to go.
As I've mentioned elseswhere, the same friend who bought my E-3 a couple of months ago recently showed up with the OM-D he'd traded in his Nikon 300s to get. Because he's slightly disabled and wants a camera he can carry easily.
This too, not just ISO or AF performance is something to really consider in recommendations to people we want to not only keep as friends, but also share photography with.
However, on her honeymoon trip to Europe she ended up taking only the little Canon P&S her husband had given her for her birthday because they were backpacking and staying in hostels.She nevertheless took some really good pictures,, but getting a decent print of one of her best, which I matted and framed for her father-in-law, took all the skills of a couple of Photoshop whiz friends and all my LR and printing artifice.
So I strongly recommended she get and use a better cameras. Because she needed video as well to practice for moot court and interviews (they are both finishing law school) the E-620 would not do, so I recommended the following:
the Panasonic Z-220 (or whatever) already recommended here for versatility and value
the Sony RX 100 for compact image quality
the OM-D for a host of reasons, including access
the Canon TI-4 with its video flexibility swivel screen
She tried them all, almost bought the Pany, disliked the Sony, loved the OM-D but not its price and lack of a swivel screen, and ended up buying the Canon and the 40mm 2.8
The kicker is that most of the pictures we get from her come from her iPhone, as the Canon seems to have joined the E-620! It just won't fit in her big purse or easily into her already bulging book back I suspect that for many, last year's "camera of the year" or its smaller derivatives like the PL5 are indeed the way to go.
As I've mentioned elseswhere, the same friend who bought my E-3 a couple of months ago recently showed up with the OM-D he'd traded in his Nikon 300s to get. Because he's slightly disabled and wants a camera he can carry easily.
This too, not just ISO or AF performance is something to really consider in recommendations to people we want to not only keep as friends, but also share photography with.
dave gaines
Veteran Member
Yes, absolutely. Buy my E-5, E-330 and 10 HG & SHG lenses. I can make you a good offer on the FP-1 and SHV-1 too. The RF-11 ring flash is available. I have several Olympus FL-50 as well. I'll even sell you a RRS L-Bracket that fits the E-3, E-5 and/or E-30 perfectly. Please buy my Olympus 4/3 gear.
No, I would not recommend Olympus 4/3 DSLR. Olympus has aboandoned the 4/3 system and left us holding a bag full of very expensive lenses. They cost less than Canikon FF f/2.8 lenses to be sure, but we can't use the 4/3 lenses on a DSLR so they are very expensive for the short term use I got out of them.
For the same reason I would not recommend m4/3. If you buy into Olympus m4/3 and a new set of lenses, there's a high probability that Olympus will leave you holding the bag again, a few years down the road. And those m4/3 prime and zoom lenses are not cheap.
BTW, there's an alternative macro lens for m4/3 that apparently a lot of people have not thought about yet. I recently purchased an MMF-3 and the 35 mm f/3.5 which fits the camera nicely and works pretty well. I got them both used for a total of about $240. Even the new price for a 50 mm f/2 macro and MMF-3 is going to cost less than the m4/3 60 mm macro.
I did buy an E-PL2 for my wife in February. It was on sale with the 14-42 mm kit lens for $200, which made it a good deal. She wanted a simple camera that's easy to use and wasn't interested in switching lenses a lot. I also got her the 40-150 mm lens when it was on sale for $100 about a month later. She's used it a few times and is glad to have it. I would still recommend that kind of deal if they can find it, but only if the person doesn't want anything more than kit lenses. Then m4/3 is a good value. Unfortunatley, the best m4/3 lenses are going to cost you full price.
But if I had to pay $1000 for the E-M5 or $1400 for an E-M1 and another $1000 for the 12-40 f/2.8 I would not buy into Olympus m4/3. I'd be looking at an APS sensor DSLR.
I've been reading about the Canon 5D mkIII and the Nikon 800. The lenses are a lot more expensive, due in part to the FOV multiplier. But either brand of lenses will probably be useful on some form of DSLR for many years to come.
No, I would not recommend Olympus 4/3 DSLR. Olympus has aboandoned the 4/3 system and left us holding a bag full of very expensive lenses. They cost less than Canikon FF f/2.8 lenses to be sure, but we can't use the 4/3 lenses on a DSLR so they are very expensive for the short term use I got out of them.
For the same reason I would not recommend m4/3. If you buy into Olympus m4/3 and a new set of lenses, there's a high probability that Olympus will leave you holding the bag again, a few years down the road. And those m4/3 prime and zoom lenses are not cheap.
BTW, there's an alternative macro lens for m4/3 that apparently a lot of people have not thought about yet. I recently purchased an MMF-3 and the 35 mm f/3.5 which fits the camera nicely and works pretty well. I got them both used for a total of about $240. Even the new price for a 50 mm f/2 macro and MMF-3 is going to cost less than the m4/3 60 mm macro.
I did buy an E-PL2 for my wife in February. It was on sale with the 14-42 mm kit lens for $200, which made it a good deal. She wanted a simple camera that's easy to use and wasn't interested in switching lenses a lot. I also got her the 40-150 mm lens when it was on sale for $100 about a month later. She's used it a few times and is glad to have it. I would still recommend that kind of deal if they can find it, but only if the person doesn't want anything more than kit lenses. Then m4/3 is a good value. Unfortunatley, the best m4/3 lenses are going to cost you full price.
But if I had to pay $1000 for the E-M5 or $1400 for an E-M1 and another $1000 for the 12-40 f/2.8 I would not buy into Olympus m4/3. I'd be looking at an APS sensor DSLR.
I've been reading about the Canon 5D mkIII and the Nikon 800. The lenses are a lot more expensive, due in part to the FOV multiplier. But either brand of lenses will probably be useful on some form of DSLR for many years to come.
herebefore
Senior Member
I'm already getting flak from the few people that live near me that I recommended Olympus cameras to.
Several of them bought E-620 and a full range of lenses.
Their feelings are "If I wanted to use an EVF I would have stayed with my Point and shoot". They really aren't interested in buying into m4/3.
I have no doubt in my mind that Olympus, for one reason or another, will do the same thing with m4/3 that they did with the OM series, and the 4/3 series. Just drop you like a "hot rock" when they decide to move on or "OUT".
Having done it twice now in their history (OM & 4/3) they will find it easier to drop you when the time comes.
Several of them bought E-620 and a full range of lenses.
Their feelings are "If I wanted to use an EVF I would have stayed with my Point and shoot". They really aren't interested in buying into m4/3.
I have no doubt in my mind that Olympus, for one reason or another, will do the same thing with m4/3 that they did with the OM series, and the 4/3 series. Just drop you like a "hot rock" when they decide to move on or "OUT".
Having done it twice now in their history (OM & 4/3) they will find it easier to drop you when the time comes.
Olymore
Senior Member
Why not ? For most types of photography the latest Olympus cameras are top notch.
If he shoots what you do then no, but that has always been the case and Olympus has always lagged CaNikon in fast focusing, focus tracking etc.
So basically there would be no difference in my recommendation from five years ago and today.
If he shoots what you do then no, but that has always been the case and Olympus has always lagged CaNikon in fast focusing, focus tracking etc.
So basically there would be no difference in my recommendation from five years ago and today.
No...
Olympus killed 4/3 after two years (2007 was when it started becoming popular, 2009 was when it was killed).
m4/3 is doing slightly better in terms of longevity, but only because they are still forcing it; by itself, it's not profitable and probably never will be (unlike 4/3, which *was* profitable due to a much higher volume of sales and a steadily growing marketshare, but trillions of ultrazooms and compacts bled the camera division dry), which means it's only a matter of time until they decide to pull the plug on m4/3 as well (Panasonic will also go out).
Phones are becoming more powerful and more capable. Some of them offer usable ISO 1600-3200 in low light, which is more than I could say for my E-3. In a few years, history will repeat itself - "why should I carry this compact camera with me when my phone is good enough" is going to be "why should I carry this compact m4/3 camera with me when my phone is good enough".
Canikon is going to replace the OVF with an EVF when the EVF and PDAF-on-sensor truly become good enough (they aren't yet) and leave everything else the same: compatibility with existing lenses in existing mounts (no adapters), compatibility with various existing accessories such as batteries, battery grips and hand/neck straps, as well as comfortable camera sizes and good battery life.
That's going to leave us with two categories: phones and DSLM cameras. There is no room for anything else.
(I'm a licensed prophet, you know.)
Olympus killed 4/3 after two years (2007 was when it started becoming popular, 2009 was when it was killed).
m4/3 is doing slightly better in terms of longevity, but only because they are still forcing it; by itself, it's not profitable and probably never will be (unlike 4/3, which *was* profitable due to a much higher volume of sales and a steadily growing marketshare, but trillions of ultrazooms and compacts bled the camera division dry), which means it's only a matter of time until they decide to pull the plug on m4/3 as well (Panasonic will also go out).
Phones are becoming more powerful and more capable. Some of them offer usable ISO 1600-3200 in low light, which is more than I could say for my E-3. In a few years, history will repeat itself - "why should I carry this compact camera with me when my phone is good enough" is going to be "why should I carry this compact m4/3 camera with me when my phone is good enough".
Canikon is going to replace the OVF with an EVF when the EVF and PDAF-on-sensor truly become good enough (they aren't yet) and leave everything else the same: compatibility with existing lenses in existing mounts (no adapters), compatibility with various existing accessories such as batteries, battery grips and hand/neck straps, as well as comfortable camera sizes and good battery life.
That's going to leave us with two categories: phones and DSLM cameras. There is no room for anything else.
(I'm a licensed prophet, you know.)
danijel973
Leading Member
Would I recommend an Olympus camera - yes. Would I buy a $1000 lens for an Olympus system... well, not really. That part is risky. I had very good experiences with Olympus lenses and cameras but the anxiety about "when will they make the next E-x or this or that lens" was tiresome and I don't feel like going through that again.
CollBaxter
Forum Pro
Glen Barrington
Forum Pro
I'm not licensed, but I'm freakin' brilliant. Now if everyone would just stop talking and do what I say. . .
Yeah, well, let me know when you get your license! Until then, I foresee lots of futility in your commands...
I come from a view camera background. Shooting everything from 4x5 to 11 x 14 sheet film so naturally bigger was always better to me.
BUT I recently purchased a 43 Panasonic G5 camera system. I justified the purchase by saying that the price was right and I liked the smaller lighter body. In the back of my mind I had the nagging feeling that a larger sensor would have been a better choice and that my pictures would be better when I moved up to a larger sensor. So far this camera has exceeded my expectations.
Then I started to see the smart phone pictures that are cropping up and while they sometimes lack the technical qualities that I sometimes look for ,they are pretty amazing.
They bring to mind 2 basic photographic axioms. The skill of the photographer and being at the right place at the right time can often trump the equipment being used.
BUT I recently purchased a 43 Panasonic G5 camera system. I justified the purchase by saying that the price was right and I liked the smaller lighter body. In the back of my mind I had the nagging feeling that a larger sensor would have been a better choice and that my pictures would be better when I moved up to a larger sensor. So far this camera has exceeded my expectations.
Then I started to see the smart phone pictures that are cropping up and while they sometimes lack the technical qualities that I sometimes look for ,they are pretty amazing.
They bring to mind 2 basic photographic axioms. The skill of the photographer and being at the right place at the right time can often trump the equipment being used.
CollBaxter
Forum Pro
Na you guys most probably bribed the license officer or he/she is a family member.
I will check on this when I go to see the sangoma. With 3 live chickens a goat and a bottle of brandy plus $50. I will ask him to foretell the truth in this matter and them we can decide who give the commands.
CollBaxter
Forum Pro
Thank you to those that have participated and any who continue to vote.
It actually quite interesting. You can burn/flame me later.
OK The way I see it is like this. ( I am purely subjective here)
Draw you own conclusion on the totals.
A ) No. I want friends still to be friends and family still family and keep the neighbours , neighbourly.
Don't trust Olympus and/or the Equipment . Do not want to feel responsible when things go pear shaped. Have doughts as to the long term viability of product and brand but are using the system and may even like it . These users will probably continue using Olympus products as they are invested in them and like them. But will not recommend them with a clear conscious.
B) Yes. I would.
Say it all does it not. They believe in the brand and product. Old users and new users , product fans etc. They maybe would only recommend specific models ( The original question was a bit broad)
C) Yes . but wilt a disclaimer.
This group like the brand or equipment but will give warnings as to weakness in product or brand. They don' want the responsibility of anything going pear shaped or a bad product . " I like the equipment , but I must warn you there could be dragons. "
D) Yes. But would point out other options out there that might suit the person.
This is an interesting group. Which I believe we all should be in as not cameras system have all the strengths. All users requirements are not the same. That's why there is goldilocks and the three bears and one size shoe does not fit all ( I have seen some attempts at this Ieeeesh ) . This group recognises the weaknesses / strengths of camera systems and tries to fit the shoe to the foot. They do not believe that 99% ( Or is it 95%) of all cameras users requirements can be covered by one product. They do believe in the product for their environments and specific environments and will try to be knowledgeable and honest. ( For some of us that will be a first.)
d) No. There are better options out there
This group is a bit bigger than I expected after hearing all the hype out there. The users don't believe in the brand or products or the long term viability of the brand or product . They have either had bad experiences or think the equipment ordinary or the future murky or the highway to hell (Read between the lines).
This poll maybe allowed to many buts and if's so is weighted one way or another I did try and give the benefit of more than black or white ( I think) . Being a open poll there could be outside influences like system fanboys / brandboys and on the other side the jilted , the user that has move to another brand so read into it what you want.
Thanks again Folks.
OK Burn me if you want fro my silly , FUD.
It actually quite interesting. You can burn/flame me later.
OK The way I see it is like this. ( I am purely subjective here)
Draw you own conclusion on the totals. A ) No. I want friends still to be friends and family still family and keep the neighbours , neighbourly.
Don't trust Olympus and/or the Equipment . Do not want to feel responsible when things go pear shaped. Have doughts as to the long term viability of product and brand but are using the system and may even like it . These users will probably continue using Olympus products as they are invested in them and like them. But will not recommend them with a clear conscious.
B) Yes. I would.
Say it all does it not. They believe in the brand and product. Old users and new users , product fans etc. They maybe would only recommend specific models ( The original question was a bit broad)
C) Yes . but wilt a disclaimer.
This group like the brand or equipment but will give warnings as to weakness in product or brand. They don' want the responsibility of anything going pear shaped or a bad product . " I like the equipment , but I must warn you there could be dragons. "
D) Yes. But would point out other options out there that might suit the person.
This is an interesting group. Which I believe we all should be in as not cameras system have all the strengths. All users requirements are not the same. That's why there is goldilocks and the three bears and one size shoe does not fit all ( I have seen some attempts at this Ieeeesh ) . This group recognises the weaknesses / strengths of camera systems and tries to fit the shoe to the foot. They do not believe that 99% ( Or is it 95%) of all cameras users requirements can be covered by one product. They do believe in the product for their environments and specific environments and will try to be knowledgeable and honest. ( For some of us that will be a first.)
d) No. There are better options out there
This group is a bit bigger than I expected after hearing all the hype out there. The users don't believe in the brand or products or the long term viability of the brand or product . They have either had bad experiences or think the equipment ordinary or the future murky or the highway to hell (Read between the lines).
This poll maybe allowed to many buts and if's so is weighted one way or another I did try and give the benefit of more than black or white ( I think) . Being a open poll there could be outside influences like system fanboys / brandboys and on the other side the jilted , the user that has move to another brand so read into it what you want.
Thanks again Folks.
OK Burn me if you want fro my silly , FUD.
most of the people i know, who ask me for advice about cameras, are best served with compacts. i hand them my 5d and the weight usually scares them off from pro bodies. I hand them the d5100, and they seem to like it, bc it meets their expectations. i hand them the pen, and they ask for the d5100 back.. and this is before i point out which images were shot with which camera.. i believe that it has to do with their expectations.
the few that express the desire to shoot a certain style, i suggest that they compile a folder of images, or links to images, that show what kind of camera and lens is being used to achieve those results.. and then i try to answer their questions, to the best of my ability. we talk about composition, and try to reverse engineer the image, and then i send them off to try to apply the composition principles we discussed while exploring the images they selected. often times, they come back and tell me that they want to talk about cameras more, because they are more able to talk about the limitations of the photography system that they are using. That's when the process becomes more tool oriented. we select the best examples from the images they collected, and then look at focal lengths and iso settings, and then we weight the cameras based on the limiting factors: starting budget, kit lens, cost of future lenses, upgrade path, etc.
i love my pen, i have always used it for street photography, as that is why i bought it. it is a lovely camera, and the images it captures are perfect for what i need it to do, but it's not the general purpose camera that my dads d5100 is, nor is it able to handle the extremes like my 5dii does.
if an olympus meets their needs, and offers enough room for them to grow and develop as a photographer, and affords the option to branch out, then i would recommend an olympus to them. lately, it's been nikon dlsr's.. my dad keeps teasing me about eventually shooting nikon, as that's what he has always used
the few that express the desire to shoot a certain style, i suggest that they compile a folder of images, or links to images, that show what kind of camera and lens is being used to achieve those results.. and then i try to answer their questions, to the best of my ability. we talk about composition, and try to reverse engineer the image, and then i send them off to try to apply the composition principles we discussed while exploring the images they selected. often times, they come back and tell me that they want to talk about cameras more, because they are more able to talk about the limitations of the photography system that they are using. That's when the process becomes more tool oriented. we select the best examples from the images they collected, and then look at focal lengths and iso settings, and then we weight the cameras based on the limiting factors: starting budget, kit lens, cost of future lenses, upgrade path, etc.
i love my pen, i have always used it for street photography, as that is why i bought it. it is a lovely camera, and the images it captures are perfect for what i need it to do, but it's not the general purpose camera that my dads d5100 is, nor is it able to handle the extremes like my 5dii does.
if an olympus meets their needs, and offers enough room for them to grow and develop as a photographer, and affords the option to branch out, then i would recommend an olympus to them. lately, it's been nikon dlsr's.. my dad keeps teasing me about eventually shooting nikon, as that's what he has always used
AccidntlTourist
Leading Member
I almost agree, but I see it this way:
First, I don't think of "micros" as compact cameras.
Second, cell phones have pretty much replaced pocket and compact cameras.
So, that leaves the average shooter choosing between the cell phone or something better.
Something better (compared to the size and convenience of a cell phone) - will be a micro with interchangeable lenses.
Above that category will be the hardcore enthusiasts and pros who will begin transitioning to smaller second bodies/kits and eventually most will go to small full-time.
Ten years from now - small (micro) will be the norm.
Cellphone cameras will get better and better.
Micro will get better and better (in this, Oly innovation - bodies and glass will excel).
FF & 4/3 will be relegated to the nostalgic, and pros trying to impress clients who don't know any better.
Well, that's the way forward - as I see it - painting with broad strokes.
First, I don't think of "micros" as compact cameras.
Second, cell phones have pretty much replaced pocket and compact cameras.
So, that leaves the average shooter choosing between the cell phone or something better.
Something better (compared to the size and convenience of a cell phone) - will be a micro with interchangeable lenses.
Above that category will be the hardcore enthusiasts and pros who will begin transitioning to smaller second bodies/kits and eventually most will go to small full-time.
Ten years from now - small (micro) will be the norm.
Cellphone cameras will get better and better.
Micro will get better and better (in this, Oly innovation - bodies and glass will excel).
FF & 4/3 will be relegated to the nostalgic, and pros trying to impress clients who don't know any better.
Well, that's the way forward - as I see it - painting with broad strokes.
dave gaines
Veteran Member
There's an alternative macro lens for m4/3 that apparently a lot of people have not thought about yet. I recently purchased an MMF-3 and the 35 mm f/3.5 which fits the camera nicely and works pretty well. I got them both used for a total of about $240. Even the new price for a 50 mm f/2 macro and MMF-3 is going to cost less than the m4/3 60 mm macro.
I posted this below but no one commented. I'm surprised no one has mentioned this.
I posted this below but no one commented. I'm surprised no one has mentioned this.
dave gaines
Veteran Member
Hi Larry,
I agree. That's pretty much what I said above. In that post I forgot to mention all the money I've invested in underwater camera housings.
I recommended the E-330 and lenses for underwater photography to a good friend a couple of years ago. I'd been using it in an Ikelite housing for a couple of years already and had figured out some of the particulars of the system. I found just the housing for about 1/2 price and paid full price for all of the lens ports. I found a good deal for my friend from another UW photog' I know here in LA. Now we're both getting good results with this system. But soon we'll be faced with changing systems as Olympus abandons 4/3.
By now I have invested ~ $1500 in the underwater housing and accessories such as lens ports that only fit this camera and the Olympus lenses that perform well underwater. The 11-22 mmm, 8 mm fish eye, 50 mm f/2 macro and 14-54 mm zoom are the best lenses for underwater, pretty much in that order. The first two are both excellent and the 50 mm is the way to go for macro underwater. I have ports that fit all of these lenses plus one for the 7-14 mm f/4, which I found harder to use than the 8 mm FE underwater.
Now I'm faced with selling all of my Olympus gear in order to pay for a FF DSLR for land based photography. I'll need to sell all of my Olympus lenses to pay for a FF upgrade. That means I'll have to replace my underwater housing too. At this point I'll be selling the underwater gear for a big loss. Who knows what my 10 Olympus lenses will be selling for when I get ready to part with them.
I agree. That's pretty much what I said above. In that post I forgot to mention all the money I've invested in underwater camera housings.
I recommended the E-330 and lenses for underwater photography to a good friend a couple of years ago. I'd been using it in an Ikelite housing for a couple of years already and had figured out some of the particulars of the system. I found just the housing for about 1/2 price and paid full price for all of the lens ports. I found a good deal for my friend from another UW photog' I know here in LA. Now we're both getting good results with this system. But soon we'll be faced with changing systems as Olympus abandons 4/3.
By now I have invested ~ $1500 in the underwater housing and accessories such as lens ports that only fit this camera and the Olympus lenses that perform well underwater. The 11-22 mmm, 8 mm fish eye, 50 mm f/2 macro and 14-54 mm zoom are the best lenses for underwater, pretty much in that order. The first two are both excellent and the 50 mm is the way to go for macro underwater. I have ports that fit all of these lenses plus one for the 7-14 mm f/4, which I found harder to use than the 8 mm FE underwater.
Now I'm faced with selling all of my Olympus gear in order to pay for a FF DSLR for land based photography. I'll need to sell all of my Olympus lenses to pay for a FF upgrade. That means I'll have to replace my underwater housing too. At this point I'll be selling the underwater gear for a big loss. Who knows what my 10 Olympus lenses will be selling for when I get ready to part with them.
erichK
Veteran Member
I have a friend who has half a dozen Nikonos cameras and Nikon UW housings -each of the latter of which cost well over a thousand bucks - that are completely obsolete. That was one reason I went from the Nikon F70 and F80 I was shooting to an Olympus C5050Z and housing -which together cost less than a housing for either Nikon would have- when I want to do a bit of it myself.
Unfortunately, UW housings have to be camera-specifics, and in our crazy world of endless new stuff and endless obsolescence and toxic waste, cameras go obsolete pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, UW housings have to be camera-specifics, and in our crazy world of endless new stuff and endless obsolescence and toxic waste, cameras go obsolete pretty quickly.
erichK
Veteran Member
I'm just looking at a 17x22 print I made with my E-620. Looks great and sold well. For actual photography, that camera still works very well. For casual shooting of social events, etc, it's better to get a good point and shoot.
The Olympus OM system was produced by Olympus for thirty years and sold for thirty-one:
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en.wikipedia.org
It is true that they did briefly market a Pentax-Practica mount slr which they essentially abandoned after a year or two, and also that they had a brief attempt and an AF-mount camera. Olympus went as far as they could with the OM, well into the era of virtually universal AF which this mount simply could not accommodate. They hardly dropped it like "a hot rock".
In fact, they even provided a free OM adapter when I bought my E-1 in 2004.
The Olympus (and Panasonic) move to mFT was hardly a flippant decision. Without it, our lenses would likely be worth less, and certainly be less functional, than they are now, as Olympus would likely have had to shut down camera production completely. With the EM-1, their value is actually rising again, as it appears that they will be fully functional, if sometimes a little awkward.
And having friends shooting Nikon and Canon, I can tell you that they continue to give pretty good bang for the buck, especially if size and weight and weather-sealing are a consideration,
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