Olympus D-SLR: 2003-2010...?!? (E5 commentary)
You might have missed the announcement that the Olympus E-System is now dead.
It was cleverly disguised as a product announcement for the long awaited Olympus E5, the next, greatest and possibly last four-thirds Digital SLR camera.
For readers not interested in Olympus camera commentary, stop reading here! The shot is taken with the Panasonic GF1 + 20mm f1.7. (This camera is a better clue to the Oly future than the E5)Rather than killing off the DSLRs quickly, the company's position as to whether there will be another Oly DSLR seems to be somewhere between: "the E-5 definitely will not have been the last four-thirds DSLR" (my translation of the German) Photokina report and "we haven't decided yet" Quesabesde.
What is however clear is that the system is now firmly in maintenance mode. The lights are still flickering, but the serious work is being done down the corridor on the PENs in the mFT department (or so we hope).
Looking at the specs of the current E5, the really mystifying thing is why Olympus left it so long to release. In essence its an EPL-1 in an E3 shell. NOTE: this is not a bad thing (apart from the delay).
Olympus E5 Image Quality -vs- Nikon D300s -vs- Canon 7d
After the production models come out, the pixel-peepers can start fawning over 100% samples and debating in earnest.
For those that don't want to wait, a small clue can be found here: Dpreview comparison with the Nikon D3000
For over 12 months Olympus has had a dirty little secret. If you wanted their best image quality (based on virtually every measurable quality) it was to be found in its PEN series, first in the EP-1, then extended that little bit further by the even cheaper EPL-1. Of course you'd never really know this unless you actually put proper four-thirds glass on the front instead of the lackluster kit offerings.
The other factor to consider is that the little PENs also put quite a few APS-C offerings in their place, again when combined with the 4/3rds lenses. In a way its a shame dpreview didn't line the EPL1 up against the Nikon D300s or Canon 7d. You can just by changing the camera selection on their relatively new comparison tool. What this shows is actually how small the differences now are.
Apparently Olympus is pinning its hopes on the quality of the Olympus glass compared to the rival offerings. As a photographer I can't really argue with this logic - but its (as always with Olympus DSLRs) a marketing nightmare.
So Where does this all Lead to?
If Olympus marketing are to be believed, next year will see the entry of some pro-spec Olympus mFT cameras and the next wave of glass, presumably to match.
For those with an investment in 4/3 glass, the apparent direction is that there will be a tricking up over time of technology from the developments in micro4/3, and hints of a crossover product that will accept both varieties of glass.
In the meantime, E5 buyers will get a camera that's:
- Splash-proof, tank-like construction
- HD-video capable
- takes both CF and SD cards
- compatible with some of the best lenses currently available
- Offers the best Image quality in the range
Marketing isn't pleased, but I suspect more than a few photographers will be thrilled.
Olympus DSLRs
I was waiting for the E-5 but when it came out I bought an E-PL1 instead. As you wrote in your post, it's virtually the same camera in micro 4/3 format. If the price of the E-5 was much lower I would have bought it instead. But there are other advantages with the E-PL1 - I'm going to use it for underwater photography because the housing is also much better priced. I love the Olympus lenses and look forward to using them for a long time!
You make a good point - for
You make a good point - for use underwater a camera like the EPL-1 is a great option. Olympus seems to be supporting most of its cameras with underwater housings, and I suspect that a smaller total volume of the equipment is a big advantage.
I've wanted something like this for a long time, but the combination of the bulk and price has meant that its just not a realistic option. I just noticed that the price is a lot less than I thought for the EPL1: PT_EP01 Underwater Housing at B&HPhoto for $489 - so you can have a camera + housing for about $1000 - think my bank account is going to take another hit soon!
Thanks!
Thanks for the post! I think 12MP is about all my computer can handle so the E5 looks perfect!
So, does this mean that you
So, does this mean that you are leaving the 4/3rds world and going to M4/3rds? And what's up with the 5Dmk2 vs GF1 tests? I am curious what your personal gear bag is or will be in 6 months.
I enjoyed your perspective on the earlier oly cameras and agreed with a lot (but not all) of your conclusions.
Cheers
JD in Adelaide
At the moment I'm shooting
At the moment I'm shooting mainly with the 5D mk2 - I license my images through iStock so shooting anything less than 22MP means that the images aren't available at the highest prices. I also have a GF1 & the 20mm with a selection of my 4/3 glass. Down the track I'm planning to start using the GF1 to do time lapse, but will probably only take the 20mm and maybe a wide angle prime. For the near future I'll be using mainly Canon gear, but thats from economic reasons more than anything else. There is something special about the Olympus lenses - colour rendition, contrast and overall sharpness that I do still miss though!
I shot with Olympus for the
I shot with Olympus for the last few years and I love their cameras. I have recently switched to A full frame Nikon D700 and it is a great camera but I really miss my Olympus E-3. I travel often and spent a month in the Middle East this year. All of the photos I took were with an Olympus E-3, 12-60 & a 50-200 lens. I also used A Panasonic GF1 with the 20mm F1.7 lens.
With that combo I would say it is the ultimate travel camera system. I will be returning to Olympus soon. This time with an E-5.
If you would like to see some of my 4/3rds Travel photography please check out the following link.
http://www.light-play.com/?p=243
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