New camera…

[veruca]

Was informed by my other half that as a Christmas/Birthday combo gift I could go ahead and pick out a new digi SLR. Yay! 😀 So I’m trying to keep the budget under a grand if possible and came across this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830111169

I’m not so familiar with the Olympus line; does this look like a good deal or a too good to be true deal? Input and suggestions welcomed. Poll added for extra poll-y goodness.

Edited to add that this is what I’m currently shooting with and plan to use in addition to the new one:
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25513

[Anonymous]

Probably too late, but I like the D50 or D70, but then I’m a Nikon Girl 🙂

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13342705&bct=t1134

[veruca]

Probably too late, but I like the D50 or D70, but then I’m a Nikon Girl 🙂

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13342705&bct=t1134

See? I love me some Nikon as well. I was just thinking this deal had some bang for the buck and the D70 is a wee bit out of my price range at the moment. Maybe I should just save my pennies for a couple more months?

[Klahanie]

Was informed by my other half that as a Christmas/Birthday combo gift I could go ahead and pick out a new digi SLR. Yay! 😀 So I’m trying to keep the budget under a grand if possible and came across this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830111169

I’m not so familiar with the Olympus line; does this look like a good deal or a too good to be true deal? Input and suggestions welcomed. Poll added for extra poll-y goodness.

Edited to add that this is what I’m currently shooting with and plan to use in addition to the new one:
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25513

I have no idea, but color me green with envy.

[stupido]

Its past Christmas so I assum you have gotten it already.

Good sites:

http://www.dpreview.com

http://www.steves-digicams.com

I got a Pentax *istDS this summer 🙂 I have lots of Pentax film equipment so that was a driving force. I had considered the Digital Rebel but I really do not like the feel of the low end version.

Try to go to a store and play with them. Check out the controls etc. What might be right for me could be very wrong for you.

[stupido]

BTW, the OLYMPUS E-500 is a 4/3 type camera. That is a new format based on a smaller than 35mm sensor. There is no 35mm equivalent of this camera. Hence no used 35mm lenses either.

So when they say full frame it is a bit misleading. All 4/3 cameras are full frame for the 4/3 format. Full frame in the 35mm based DSLR means the sensor is the same size as a 35mm negative. This one is smaller.

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/index_01.htm

The size is actually 18×13.5 versus 36×24 for a full frame 35mm.

My Pentax is 23.5×15.7 Canon and Nikon reduced frame cameras are similar. So if you are one who believes in large sensors, then this may not be the best camera for you.

Its not a big deal really. The 4/3 system was desgned from the ground up for that sensor size, so there indeed advantages. Smaller body, lense etc.

[veruca]

Thanks for the links, stupido. I read the dpreview article on the E-500 and I didn’t come across any glaring NO! STOP! issues. That article on 4/3 is very interesting and good to know as well.

I haven’t purchased yet as I’m still weighing my options. Birthday is in about two weeks so I’ll probably pick one over this coming weekend.

[Anonymous]

veruca

Another thing to ask, do you have any SLR lenses now? Flashes? If so will they work with any DSLR on the market? That was a significant factor in my decision. I also like Pentax cameras in the way they feel and work. Others don’t.

My only major concern on the 4/3s system is its longivity. Will it survive? Olympus makes nice equipment but I have not seen alot of 3rd party stuff yet.

But here’s some conversions:
http://www.fourthirdsphoto.com/

I have touched a E500 or E300. The E10 and E20 were very nice. THey were DSLRs but did not have interchangeable lenses

[Anonymous]

Should have been ” I have not touched…”

[Anonymous]

This camera is the best deal you can get for a new DSLR. 2 sharp lenses, and a very nice camera.
But then I own it’s big brother, the E-1. 🙂

[Full Custom]

Too late, but I’d say either Minolta’s new Maxxum5D or the D Rebel by canon.

[Absorber]

I second Full Custom’s nod to Minolta’s Maxxum 5D. I just got one and it takes beautiful shots. I didn’t really look at any other brands because I have a nice set of lenses for my Minolta 35mm and they all fit the 5D so it was a no-brainer.

[veruca]

Every time I think I have my mind made up I come back and there’s another suggestion. Not a complaint by any means – I’m learning a lot just reading the reviews.

I’m seriously considering the Minolta now:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=407236&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

That kit comes with a 1 gig flash card at a pretty good price. I like the fact that it’s compatible with so many lenses. The Olympus is still pretty proprietary at this point.

Still shopping, still looking. Thanks to all for inputs. Oh and I have no old lenses or anything which would lead me in a particular direction.

[veruca]

Wanted to thank everyone again for inputs.

In the end, I went with the Minolta. The proprietary and 3rd party aspect of shooting ratio and lack of lenses for the E500 was pretty much what sealed the deal for me. So now that I didn’t choose that line I am sure it will become very popular 😛

But thanks ya’ll. It should get here some time this week and I can’t wait to take it out for a first spin.

[idle_hands]

congrats on your new camera!

[Author]

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