Olympus E-P1: A Few Months Out
If you recall, I reviewed the Olympus E-P1 with very high remarks here. Since then, I’ve added a black leatherette, Lumix 20mm f/1.7, ditched the OVF and never looked back. With the announcement of the Panasonic GF1, the E-P2 and the latest E-PL1, I really did think about “upgrading” however the E-P2 isn’t much of an upgrade and the GF1, though faster in operation, lacks some key features I love about the E-P1. Those features being the in-body stabilization and retro design. I can’t get enough of how this amazing this camera looks.
I never realized how useful IBIS is until using this camera. I have Canon lenses with IS and it works great but to think about having it for every lens is pretty awesome. The fact that I could shoot at slower shutter speeds with the f/1.7 lens is just amazing. Most of my subjects aren’t moving, people I’m shooting are adults so they could pose for a second or two without moving and my dog… well, if I have a treat she will pretty much wait for anything, so the IBIS really shines for me. The art filters are pretty cool too, esp. pinhole. Some say it’s a gimmick, but I find them to be pretty useful.
Unlike the Sigma DP2, I found the E-P1 operation to still be fantastic. I reviewed the DP2 awhile back and loved the image quality and felt that was more than enough to carry the weight of the horrendous operation of the camera… but after a month of shooting, it took it’s toll. The E-P1 on the other hand, is just a joy to use.
Anyway, there’s not much more I can say about the camera except that it’s the perfect companion for that photographer who doesn’t want to lug around 6 pounds worth of equipment on a weekends walk. It’s for the photographer looking for a mini dslr because the compact piece of shit sensor they have is just not cuttin’ it in the IQ department. It’s for me, the guy that likes to take pictures of crap on his desk, snap away at random things because in my head, I’m seeing something really fantastic or take quality photos of friends and family even if it’s just at a coffee shop.
Here are a few images taken with the E-P1. My little diamond in a rough mini workhorse:
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I have owned my E-P1 since release in June. I have since purchased the Lumix 20mm/1.7 as well and I must say that i feel exactly the same way about the E-P1 as you do. What a great camera. It makes you feel like taking photos. Hands down best looking camera on the market as well, IMHO. Great photos Migs! keep it up.
I agree also. I’ve had the E-P1 since July and I still get a kick out of using it. My K20D is my main system but I love the two-lens kit on the E-P1, plus I can put some of my old Pentax lenses on there. It’s just a blast to use, and I still love the looks. (Someone called it the “PT Cruiser” of digital cameras, and while I don’t really agree, I thought it was funny.)
I see that this camera because of it size and innovations has made a hit with certain people like the Olympus Pen FT did over forty years ago. I bought one while in the army with a 200mm lens that was equivalent to a 400 mm lens with the half frame format. The guys laughed at my “toy” and didn’t take it seriously, what with their Canons, Pentaxes and Topcons, etc. But when they were reloading another roll of film, I had just as many left in my Pen. And the quality of the half frame format was excellent. In trying to catch up with the times, I have scanned those old negatives and slides and am still amazed at what my “toy” camera did. And like you mentioned, it was so compact that I could carry it in my pocket and hang the “400″mm lens case on my belt. No lugging a camera bag full of film and huge lenses. I do hope this 4/3 format will live longer than the Pen FT. We FT owners were few. You have encouraged me in saving up for the E-PL1.
I have the EP2 + 20mm 1.7. It can take great pictures. I just wish it was quieter and had faster/accurate AF. Since leica doesn’t make cheap camera’s and lenses Ill stick with this for a while.
*lust* , subjects are sharp and the bokeh is creamy. size = smaller is better <3