DLSR Help

[KarmaPolice]

Anyone have a E-510? I went to the store today to look at cameras. I am going to Nepal in June and I want to be able to take some good pictures when I am there. I am a complete noob, I don't even have a camera right now, but I am very interested in learning.

The E-510 seems like its a great deal. Two lenses that are ranked well, Image Stabilization, Dust Removal, decent feel, and a good menu system. It seems that if I bought this camera, with the two lenses that are smaller than normal cause of the 4/3 system, I will have all the range I need and have it pretty lightweight and small. I would not need to buy any new lenses for a while..

That being said I hear some bad things.

It sucks at High ISO
the view finder is no good
and the flash/low light focusing stinks as well.



Now I know I am new to all this so I probably won't notice at first. But I am a frugal spender, and when I buy something like this I want it to be the best purchase and to let me grow into it.


I was also considering the K100D, and the D40. I don't like the way the rebels feel.

I would also buy used if i found a good enough deal, but ti seems that cameras keep thier value pretty well.

Thoughts, opinions?

 

[ElFenix]

It sucks at High ISO

it's still better than film was. and it'll be sufficient for regular sized prints.

the view finder is no good

it is very small compared to competing cameras. it's more for composing than checking focus

and the flash/low light focusing stinks as well.

miracles don't happen in this end of the market.

i really like the e-410/510. you'll probably really like the pictures out of the camera. it produces very pleasing colors without much processing needed. just remember to switch the noise filter from something other than standard, as that smudges everything. you can always try to do something with noise later, you can't recover lost detail.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

It sucks at High ISO

it's still better than film was. and it'll be sufficient for regular sized prints.

the view finder is no good

it is very small compared to competing cameras. it's more for composing than checking focus

and the flash/low light focusing stinks as well.

miracles don't happen in this end of the market.

i really like the e-410/510. you'll probably really like the pictures out of the camera. it produces very pleasing colors without much processing needed. just remember to switch the noise filter from something other than standard, as that smudges everything. you can always try to do something with noise later, you can't recover lost detail.

It felt decent in my hands (I picked up a 410, I don't know how you could hold that for a long period of time), and the menu system seemed much more intuitive than the other cameras I picked up.

I plan to really do my homework and learn some skills so while I probably won't reach the limit of this camera in a long time, I still would like it to be able to handle itself well.

I mean the viewfinder was small. It just seemed like it was a little more distant. Also the strobe light was weird..couldn't figure out how to turn it off.

But in all honesty...I really won't notice the difference will I.

 

[OdiN]

My main problem with those cameras is that they are EVF (Electronic View Finder) - they have no optical view finder.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: OdiN
My main problem with those cameras is that they are EVF (Electronic View Finder) - they have no optical view finder.

could you explain why that is a problem?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: OdiN
My main problem with those cameras is that they are EVF (Electronic View Finder) - they have no optical view finder.

what are you talking about? both have a pentamirror.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E510/E510A.HTM



the viewfinder isn't really any more distant than the others, though i've certainly felt like that when i've looked through it. it's just small.

as for the e-410, i'm used to film cameras lacking a grip, so i guess it just feels normal to me. the only things i would change with the e-410 is the right side strap lug placement, add IS, and get rid of the xD slot (if they got rid of the CF slot and replaced both with an SD slot they could probably increase the battery quite a bit, or provide a little more grip by narrowing the camera a bit more).

leicas don't have grips either

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: OdiN
My main problem with those cameras is that they are EVF (Electronic View Finder) - they have no optical view finder.

what are you talking about?

I was under the impression that the image in the view finder comes from the mirrors, not any processing. It goes black when you shoot because some mirror flips correct?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: OdiN
My main problem with those cameras is that they are EVF (Electronic View Finder) - they have no optical view finder.

what are you talking about?

I was under the impression that the image in the view finder comes from the mirrors, not any processing. It goes black when you shoot because some mirror flips correct?

yeah, that is what is happening. OdiN must be confused with some other camera (sony R1? all the olympus E cameras, even the E-10 and E-20, had an optical TTL viewfinder)

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: OdiN
My main problem with those cameras is that they are EVF (Electronic View Finder) - they have no optical view finder.

what are you talking about?

I was under the impression that the image in the view finder comes from the mirrors, not any processing. It goes black when you shoot because some mirror flips correct?

yeah, that is what is happening. OdiN must be confused with some other camera (sony R1? all the olympus E cameras, even the E-10 and E-20, had an optical TTL viewfinder)

Well maybe I'm wrong. But I've seen EVF listed in specs for reviews on that camera....so that's why I thought it had one.

I used to own an E-20N. Decent camera.

Color me misinformed then

 

[dug777]

Good cameras, great lenses, anti-dust system actually works.

If I wasn't Nikon fo lyfe, I'd be an Olympus fanboi