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[OM] Re: E-500 or E-1

Subject: [OM] Re: E-500 or E-1
From: Paul <paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 09 Apr 2006 00:28:09 +0100
It's true that the E-1 (and other E-XXX cameras) do not perform as well 
as some others (notably from Canon) at high ISO. However, it has merits 
in other areas, particularly at the current price point.

I had use of a Canon 5D for a week or so recently and it has extremely 
low noise even up to ISO 1600. However, it is in no way near the E-1 in 
build quality, had poor AWB, consistently blew highlights, had very poor 
quality in the corners of the image (admittedly,the lenses I had weren't 
'L' quality - but they didn't show this limitation on film), and within 
a week I had enough spots on the sensor that I had to order a cleaning kit.

If I were to go Canon again I'd probably look at the 20D as it has 
similar low noise and the sensor crop helps disguise the corner problems 
- it also seems slightly less susceptible to dust compared to the 5D (as 
well as being much cheaper).

I recently posted some crops of high ISO using the E-1 and the E-330 on 
http://www.photocamel.com/index.php/topic,7217.0.html (warning - link 
contains many images). I've found the high ISO noise to be fairly easily 
dealt with via post processing, particularly as I hardly ever need to 
use anything above ISO 400. If I were constantly shooting in the 800 to 
1600 range then I'd probably be thinking of getting a Canon.

Paul


Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> I'll let the E thing users respond but my own opinion is that if you 
> intend shooting much at 800 and 1600 ISO you're looking at the wrong set 
> of cameras.  That's why I've never bought an E-1.  But ergonomically the 
> E-1 is one of the best and has truly professional build quality.  You'll 
> also have no problems whatsoever shooting manually in the studio at ISO 100.
>
> The downside of the smaller sensor and of these particular sensors is 
> noise.  Perhaps Oly wasn't concerned about it since it probably performs 
> about as well at ISO 800 as ISO 800 film.  However the competition has 
> moved beyond that noise/grain level.
>
> But if you can live within the range confines of the 14-54 it's today's 
> fantastic price deal if it meets your requirements.
>
> Chuck Norcutt
>
> Larry Powers wrote:
>
>   
>> I am  about to go digital and like the 4/3 format as well as having a 
>> prejudice for Olympus cameras.  I have seen the e-1 with a 14-54 zoom for 
>> $900 and the e-500 at about the same price for the 2 lens kit.  I would 
>> typically print 8x10's but want the option to go  up to 11x14.  I also shoot 
>> some indoors sports so low light ability is important.  Given the same lens 
>> does one have better performance at 800 or 1600 ASA?  I will also be 
>> shooting using studio flash so ease of using manual mode is important.
>>
>> I have read the reviews and I believe that either camera will do what want.  
>> I like the idea of the more rugged pro body of the e-1.  I also wonder how 
>> much difference there is between the 5meg pixel sensor of the e-1 vs the 8 
>> meg pixel of the e-500 for making larger prints.
>>
>> Any comments and opinions appreciated.
>>
>> Larry Powers
>>
>>
>>
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