Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Senior]

My GF can shoot a half decent photo. I'm thinking about getting her this.

http://gen.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=179701388&pos_shop_cd=SH&pos_class_cd=111111111&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=olympus+pen&search_keyword=olympus%20pen

Partly because it's probably one of the most damned good looking cameras I've seen in a long time. And also because the latest version just came out, so it should drop precipitously in price in the next couple of months.

Does anyone have any advice about the best place to get this version, or perhaps a similar model in the same form factor (I would feel bad giving something as ugly as a modern DSLR to someone as a gift) for the best price?

[oskinny1]

There are a lot of them coming out recently, but the main thing for me would be what kind of lenses are available? I have a Lumix LX3 (that has a nice look to it) which is basically a glorified point and shoot but takes amazing photos. The newish Canon G11 is also supposed to be great but built like a tank.

That Olympus is a handsome camera though.

[makemischief]

Ep-2 and Panasonic GF1 are both great, but I'm waiting for the next round to come out this summer/fall, as both models just need a bit more before they become true contenders. Still- amazing machines- I love the form factor.

[Gatsby]

You need to think carefully about what exactly you need and want in a camera.

If you put a 10x zoom on a Micro Four-thirds camera, you are going to get a pretty hefty camera. With most models you do not get an EVF, just an LCD display.

If you stick to a smaller lens, you will have an upscale point and shoot type camera you can stick in your jacket pocket. If you get a model with an EVF and 10x lens, you will have one more like a DSLR, and will feel like one hanging from your neck.

Ask yourself, do you really need interchangeable lenses, and will you pay the extra cash to buy one or more?

So far there is no sign of other camera manufacturers joining the Olympus-Panasonic standard, and hardly any secondary lens manufacturers making lenses for the standard. Plus, there are few lenses made by Olympus or Panasonic. At this point, it looks like the 4/3rds standard will eventually go the way of the XD card, a "standard" used by Olympus and Fuji.

Compare that to any established DSLR line, such as Sony, which offers lots of lenses and bodies to serve a variety of needs.

And look at the new crop of APS cameras, that are like DSLRs without interchangeable lenses.

The Micro Four-Thirds standard has potential. But so far it is mostly hype, with a handful of overpriced cameras.

However, if you find one that meets your needs, it is still worth considering.

[Senior]

The form factor, for me, is probably the main selling point of this camera. The ability to change lenses, probably isn't as important.

[Gatsby]

I'm not sure what you mean by form factor.

If you want a slim pocket camera, you need a P&S type. If you don't mind a protruding lens, you can get an APS, DSLR or micro 4/3rds.

If you want to keep your 4/3rds slim, you need a pancake prime lens.

If you want image quality superior to most P&S, you could put a first-rate prime lens on it, i.e., a fixed focal length lens. A 35 mm F 2 lens that is really sharp would make a 4/3rds worthwhile for someone who needs superior image quality, provided you could be happy with a fixed focal length, or at least alternate with the kit zoom.

I was looking for info on 4/3rds lenses, and found this list of companies in the 4/3rds consortium, as of 2006:

Fuji
Kodak
Leica
Olympus
Panasonic
Sanyo
Sigma

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Thirds_system

And it turns out there are new models coming out from Panasonic and Olympus:

http://fourthirds-user.com/2010/03/panasonic_unveils_its_new_g2_and_g10_models_early.php

[Senior]

[Gatsby]

[Dodgy Al]

I got the gf1 recently and absolutely love it. The main reason I hadn't bought a DSLR was cos of the physical size of them, so the gf1 suits my needs perfectly, and am very pleased with the photos. Am a complete noob when it comes to photography though, so I guess this is my entry level camera. I have the 20mm lens and was surprised the camera didn't zoom! That's how much of a clue I had before I bought it. lol We all start somewhere eh!

[Gatsby]

The good news, Dodgy Al, is you have a sharp, fast compact lens. The Lumix zooms are slow, ie, they have a lower maximum F stop and admit less light.

The bad news is you have no image stabilization. So you should not shoot at less than about 1/25th of a second if you want sharp photos. Actually, you would do better to stay above 1/100th of a second.

When you get a new camera, do some systematic tests to get to know it. Take a scene and shoot it at a range of shutter speeds, F stops and ISO settings. Then examine each frame closely to see how sharp it is and how much noise there is. Also look at how much depth of field you have - this lens should be good for that. Look at how sharp the picture is shot hand held at different shutter speeds to get an idea of how fast the shutter needs to be.

A fixed focal length lens is the best way to learn photography. If you use it enough you can learn to "see" the frame of a picture at that focal length. And as long as the camera is very steady, you will get the maximum sharpness this camera is capable of.

A tripod would help sometimes. But if you get one, make sure it is a reasonably heavy, sturdy one, not one of those tinfoil jobs. You can also try finding walls or posts you can put the camera on or hold it against.

Did you know you can add an EVF to the GF1? Apparently it is usable, but not great.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMW-LVF1-External-Viewfinder-Interchangeable/dp/B002IKLJUU/ref=pd_sim_p_3

This camera has a huge number of settings, both manual and automatic. It will take you awhile to get to know all of them. If you want to learn photography, get to know the aperture priority and shutter priority settings early on. But the auto options are pretty sophisticated, too.

The best images, potentially, will come from shooting some raw files and processing them yourself. There is no compression in raw files, so you will see the true potential of your camera and lens.

You should be able to activate a digital zoom feature that will produce lower MP files. Or you can crop your raw files to get telephoto images.

[jdog2050]

I'm not horribly sure what the market for micro four-thirds is. I mean, for me the best thing is the fact that a lot of them will shoot HD with changeable lenses. That's neat. Otherwise, they seem to be in a crappy position. At their price points you could really just as well get a cheap DSLR.

[wishfullthinkng]

[blackjack]

I have the canon sx200. it's over a year old so there may be better ones out by now

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/canon/powershot-sx200-is/canon-powershot-sx200-is-review-2.html

It's a point in shoot but comes with a massive 12 times zoom. It takes amazing photos, can fit it in your pocket (if your pants are loose. Has a whole range of auto and manual controls

[Senior]

We ended up getting the Canon Ixus 210. Not quite what I had in mind, but she gets what she wants.

[eamo]

I bought an Olympus PEN EP-1 last week.....too early for a verdict but first impressions are good.

I got the two lens kit which came to around 1.1mill.