E-P1 is out....

[kiloran]

Originally Posted by xmarcelo

Will Leica M lens's with the use of an adapter, work with this camera?

Yes, although we wait to see how Olympus have implemented manual focus to see how practical their use will be

[Robert Campbell]

Originally Posted by jonoslack

I'd be divorced on the spot . . .

My wife got me one -- well, it's not a proper photog's one, but similar [from Columbia Clothing Co] and very useful for keeping lens hoods and caps in -- and for taking lots of things through airport security

However, I still want a digital Minox 35 with a viewfinder -- I was brought up on the peephole things from the 1950s, so the VF doesn't have to be so very big -- and small enough to fit into a shirt pocket.

[Quentin_Bargate]

I think the E-P1 with pancake lens gets closer for me to the ideal quality carry anywhere compact that I have waited for someone to release. The Sigma DP2 (I already have the DP1) is a possible alternative, but the body is clunky, even though I love the sensor. Great though my A900 is, its hardly a pocketable beast

I think I'll wait for the price to drop a bit first, though. And I am sure I can rely on Jono to buy and field test one first

Quentin

[Brian Mosley]

Have you seen it with the Lumix 7-14 fitted? very cool indeed - and looks so solid too. I love the idea of a metal camera!

Cheers

Brian

[Audii-Dudii]

Originally Posted by Godfrey

looks good to me. beautiful design, nicely conceived and complete. a very compact complement to my existing E-1/L1/G1 plus lens kit.

My thinking follows yours (except I don't have an E-1!) and I decided to pre-order one earlier today. While there are enough differences between the E-P1 and the G1 for me to justify keeping both of them, my suspicion is that one or the other will end up going and it should be interesting to see which of the two it is! Of course, I suppose it's also possible the L1 ends up going ... time does march onward, you know (although if it does go, it will be without the lens as I'm not letting go of that anytime soon!)

[Jorgen Udvang]

To make this thing fly, Olympus needs to launch at least two more primes and a variable viewfinder. 25 and 45mm, both f/2.0 would be nice. We know they can, or at least they could in the past, and Pentax has shown that it's still possible. Actually, Pentax has all the small primes that would be needed for this camera. If they launch something similar, and Samsung has strongly indicated that they will, Olympus may be in for some serious competition.

[Tim]

Don't despair if the E-P1 does not quite meet your needs, this gives insight to whats coming http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09...einterview.asp

some quotes
"We are now preparing for a future product with an EVF."

"we will listen to voices from the market. If customers request prime lenses first, they'll be first on our priorities list. These primes could follow the compact, 'pancake' design of the 17mm lens launched today: "

"with this model we brought in a new image processing engine that allows us to extend the sensitivity range to ISO 6400."

-------------------------
Look here too, there is more room for more models on this page http://asia.olympus-imaging.com/products/dslr/

Pen Series with room for more models on this page

[cjlacz]

Nice interview! I wonder what is the best way to contact them to tell them what lenses I'm interested in. I hope the next camera with the EVF isn't too much bigger.

[Robert Campbell]

Originally Posted by Quentin_Bargate

I am sure I can rely on Jono to buy and field test one first

Quentin

But he's not exactly, well, unbiased, is he?

He'll either trash it, or make us buy one.

[hot]

Hmmm ... Olympus optical viewer = same price like (Ricoh) electr. viewer

[Rawfa]

I've already placed my preorder with Monza (Robert)! I cannot wait to get my hands on this babe. I've been waiting for this camera for a looong time and so far it seems to be everything I've wished for (except I'd have liked if they gave it a 1080p at 24fps and a better codec regarding video shooting). I have to say I'm very impressesed with the high ISO results they've posted at dpreview. It seems to me that 6400 will be usable with BW and even in some instances with color and some post treatment :-)

[pentacon6]

Originally Posted by hot

Hmmm ... Olympus optical viewer = same price like (Ricoh) electr. viewer

Viewfinder is optional, that's not the most arguable point. I would say the 3" 23MP LCD display is the most disappointing feature in today's standard. Only budget consumer product use such a resolution. Just a little step it almost gain the reputation of perfect.

[jonoslack]

Originally Posted by Robert Campbell

But he's not exactly, well, unbiased, is he?

He'll either trash it, or make us buy one.

Does that make me biased? Sounds pretty even handed to me

Mind you, if I were you I'd certainly not listen to me

As for that waistcoat thingy . . . are you sure your wife isn't just taking the piss?

[Lili]

Hmmmm, been reading every article and quasi-review on this camera and I have to say it really does seem to be on my 'wanted' list.
The thing that clinched it was here;
http://www.dcresource.com/news/newsitem.php?id=3945
the view of the EP overlaid over the e420 is very telling.
We're talking about something the size of a Canonet even with the zoom.
With interchangeable lenses....dang I am now so torn, K7 or EP

[Brian Mosley]

Lili, a girl with your style should be using an E-P1

Have you seen the samples here?
Flickr 'Hands on' photostream

Cheers

Brian

[Rawfa]

Originally Posted by Brian Mosley

Have you seen the samples here?
Flickr 'Hands on' photostream
Cheers

Brian

Off the hook!

[jonoslack]

Originally Posted by Rawfa

Off the hook!

? I don't understand that remark

I've just been looking at the samples on dpreview - the high ISO is surprisingly good - much better than I've ever seen with 4/3 before.

really much MUCH better

Looks as if we already have a lot of "pre-satisfied" Eepy One customers here!

See "endowment effect"...

[Rawfa]

Originally Posted by jonoslack

? I don't understand that remark

I've just been looking at the samples on dpreview - the high ISO is surprisingly good - much better than I've ever seen with 4/3 before.

really much MUCH better

Sorry, I wasn't very clear, was I The pictures look great. Check out the color, dynamic range, texture! Having a smaller sensor I thought would affect the dynamic range much more. I was relieved it wasn't the case. The same goes for high ISO. This little beauty is going to be a hit. I want mine now!

[jonoslack]

Originally Posted by Rawfa

Sorry, I wasn't very clear, was I The pictures look great. Check out the color, dynamic range, texture! Having a smaller sensor I thought would affect the dynamic range much more. I was relieved it wasn't the case. The same goes for high ISO. This little beauty is going to be a hit. I want mine now!

Glad I thought maybe that you hadn't liked the samples and were 'off the hook' of spending the money

I must say, whatever doubts I had have been swept away by the samples,

Incidentally, over at dpreview it's been renamed - this is because it is basically a new PEN camera, and because it has IS

Welcome the
PEN-IS

[Brian Mosley]

Well, what about this sample - the 17mm f2.8 wide open...

From the dpreview sample set here :
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/olympusep1_preview/


Click on the image above to download the full size original - check out the image sharpness... wow!

OK, so there's some dodgy bokeh on that highlight - but for a pancake lens it's certainly plenty sharp enough wide open!

I'm definitely buying this cam.

Kind Regards

Brian

[monza]

With a big back-lit background it's hard to judge bokeh but the lens certainly looks sharp wide open. Now, where is that face algorithm to clean up complexions?

[jonoslack]

Ouch
is that Simon Joinson with the rosy complexion then?

[Rawfa]

[QUOTE=jonoslack;109214] Glad I thought maybe that you hadn't liked the samples and were 'off the hook' of spending the money

I must say, whatever doubts I had have been swept away by the samples,

QUOTE]

No way. Monza better bet getting ready to request a bigger Private Message account here at the forum to lodge all my constant messages asking "Did you receive the E-P1 yet?! Did you receive the E-P1 yet?! Was mine shipped yet?!"

[Diane B]

I was ready to pre order the 17 f/2.8 last night from Amazon for my G1. Monza, do you have a date for availability for separate lens? It is listed on Amazon, but not B & H--and I would like it sooner rather than later LOL--like everyone else.

I think this is a quite interesting camera--as I've said, I can't see my need of one--won't pocket it, do like VF (have real issues with shooting with LCD often)--but I surely think its going to do well. For those that like small cams with LCD, then this is a HUGE step forward.

Diane

[Lili]

Originally Posted by Brian Mosley

Lili, a girl with your style should be using an E-P1

Have you seen the samples here?
Flickr 'Hands on' photostream

Cheers

Brian

LOL thanks Brian! I love the samples there and on DPReview. Complexion aside that shots othe guywith the shades on his head is a seller!

[Ben Rubinstein]

Originally Posted by jonoslack

Glad I thought maybe that you hadn't liked the samples and were 'off the hook' of spending the money

I must say, whatever doubts I had have been swept away by the samples,

Incidentally, over at dpreview it's been renamed - this is because it is basically a new PEN camera, and because it has IS

Welcome the
PEN-IS

Oh dear oh dear....

[jonoslack]

Originally Posted by Ben Rubinstein

Oh dear oh dear....

Thank you Ben . . . I thought the silence was reproachful

I won't even go into the issue of envy.

[monza]

Originally Posted by Diane B

I was ready to pre order the 17 f/2.8 last night from Amazon for my G1. Monza, do you have a date for availability for separate lens? It is listed on Amazon, but not B & H--and I would like it sooner rather than later LOL--like everyone else.

Hi Diane, the Oly rep is supposed to come by with a demo and have all the details...I hope to get some hands on, and try out some adapted lenses to try the manual focus. I'll bring an M adapter and Pen F adapter and lenses.

[jonoslack]

Originally Posted by monza

Hi Diane, the Oly rep is supposed to come by with a demo and have all the details...I hope to get some hands on, and try out some adapted lenses to try the manual focus. I'll bring an M adapter and Pen F adapter and lenses.

HI Monza
that would be great . . where is your business by the way, people seem to be ordering from you . . . I wasn't aware.

[Diane B]

Originally Posted by jonoslack

HI Monza
that would be great . . where is your business by the way, people seem to be ordering from you . . . I wasn't aware.

Thanks for asking Jono. I was going to--but then decided he was not in US, so not very helpful for me.

I am looking forward to your tests though Monza. I try to be openminded about this--love the camera otherwise except for the VF issue. I Just know that I have problems with it. I read on the Oly forum about someone that holds his LCD just a foot from his face--but I need readers LOL--and not sure I could find any that would allow that. I'm going to try shooting with the G1 with only the LCD for a bit (if it ever EVER quits raining--inside, its no issue) and see. I need another camera like a hole in the head, but I admit I'm intrigued by this one with the 17 mounted.

Diane

Originally Posted by monza

Hi Diane, the Oly rep is supposed to come by with a demo and have all the details...I hope to get some hands on, and try out some adapted lenses to try the manual focus. I'll bring an M adapter and Pen F adapter and lenses.

Yes, the manual-focus thing is hugely important to a lot of us here (including you, I know) and it's also the kind of thing that the big-name sites are likely to overlook or underplay in their reports, so will be very interested in what you think.

As a user proposition, the Eepy One doesn't make much sense to me so far (although I'm smitten by its looks and size like everyone else) but if it has good manual-focus capability, I could begin to see the logic of it.

I wonder if Hoodman is working on a designer shade for the LCD...

PS -- Monza, I take it you're a dealer? Would it violate anti-plug etiquette to ask for a pointer to your website/store info/whatever?

[Diane B]

Uwe Steinmueller is using one (Hoodman) on 3" LCD (not sure what camera, but small one) and I wondered about that for my G9--but if I'm going to do that--might as well carry the G1.

http://www.outbackphoto.com/CONTENT_...der/index.html

Diane

Originally Posted by Diane B

Uwe Steinmueller is using one (Hoodman) on 3" LCD (not sure what camera, but small one)

I'm sure they've got one that will fit -- but if it isn't color-coordinated, it is not going to harmonize with the whole Eepy One aesthetic...

[Vivek]

Shouldn't we be all typing in matching colors while chatting about the EePey one (love that, sounds matchingly classy, IMHO)?

While on the matching accessories- why are those two lenses from Oly shown without any hoods (matching colors, naturally, goes without saying)?

[peterb]

When the G1 came out I rushed to get it. I thought (and still think) it is a superb compact picture taking device. I like the EVF. And only wish that Oly will offer up the MFT equiv's of the luscious 4/3 Zuiko lenses they've created, that are fully AF functional.

I'm gonna hold back on the Pen for now. For several reasons. One, while I'm okay with an add-on VF (like the voightlander I'd jury rigged on my LX-1 several years back) for say, the fixed f2.8 17mm (34mm equiv) that makes a great walk about lens/camera combo, I was hoping that there would have been an internal EVF tucked away in the camera providing the SLR like framing the original film Pen had. So use with the zooms would be more useful. I am encouraged by the new processing engine that may be a great step forward in mft image quality at higher ISOs. Currently it seems to spaz out at 800 or so. Although 1600 is, in my opinion, useable, certainly in BW which has a nice nostalgic feel to it.

Two (and perhaps most significantly) I'm mainly troubled that the AF is apparently somewhat slow. I wasn't expecting something lightning fast like on a Canon or Nikon top of the line DSLR but I wish OLY had considered Pana's vastly improved contrast detection at the very least. THAT is the price of admission today. And while some here have expressed optimism that the somewhat less than typical resolution expected today on the rear LCD will certainly suffice in focusing lenses manual via the electronic blow up, I have my doubts. And would have preferred at least ONE form of the EVF to be of sufficient resolution where that wouldn't be a concern.

Perhaps the next model. And one also available in black. (I know some folks like the silver bodies but they've always come off like a fishing lure to me when I want to be somewhat unobtrusive as I snap away.) Or, if the posted images I saw on this thread are somewhat accurate, what Panasonic may have up their clever sleeves...a compact DSLR like MFT that doesn't feel the need to mimic the prism hump of a DSLR to gain acceptance as a bona fide picture taking machine.

So in the meantime I'll continue with my G1 and see what the two MFT brothers offer next.

[monza]

Originally Posted by Diane B

Thanks for asking Jono. I was going to--but then decided he was not in US, so not very helpful for me.

No, you're right, I'm not in the USA, I'm in Texas, we have our own Republic here.

As is the norm, the authorized dealers are the last to know anything. I hope to change that...

-Robert

[Diane B]

Originally Posted by monza

No, you're right, I'm not in the USA, I'm in Texas, we have our own Republic here.

As is the norm, the authorized dealers are the last to know anything. I hope to change that...

-Robert

Well, dadgum--who woulda' thunk that (guess I haven't been around long enough to know that).

So--nice to know you are an authorized Oly dealer (Panny too by any chance??). Would be nice to do business with a forum member.

Diane

[Bill Gordon]

Hi Monza

would you happen to be the famous

http://www.arlingtoncamera.com/shop/...nses-41-1.html

[m3photo]

Originally Posted by Diane B

I need another camera like a hole in the head, but I admit I'm intrigued by this one with the 17 mounted.

My thoughts entirely ...

[Godfrey]

Originally Posted by robertasumendi

Just curious, does no one here with a G1 use the LCD to manual focus? I do it all the time... not at "arm's length" but a foot or so away. It's super-useful! Though I have to say the articulation is a big part of that. ...

Like this one, ISO 100 @ f/2.8 @ 1/50 second, G1 in front of me with the Olympus G.Zuiko 40mm f/1.4 on it, about 1.8' focusing distance...

Nothing special in the picture, of course: just a simple still life. :-)

[Terry]

Godfrey,
I use the G1 to manual focus all the time, but again like you say generally not out too far in front of me and with the LCD tilted.

[Diane B]

I use the LCD to manual focus if its close, an otherwise odd subject placement or tripod primarily. Works okay if sunlight isn't an issue. I always tilt the LCD though.

Diane

[Brian Mosley]

Yes, an articulating LCD is infinitely preferable to a fixed one... when I first saw the rear of the E-P1, I wondered whether the LCD would articulate - but no luck this time

Kind Regards

Brian

[Terry]

I wasn't going to give it a try and then I did read that the Panny lenses were focusing much faster than the Oly lenses so I have hope that maybe there is something they can do in firmware.
I ordered the 17mm kit and we shall see how it goes. I've gotten better at selling things so there is always an out if I don't like it.

[Tim]

Some more samples here, including RAW files for the pixel peepers.

http://www.photographyblog.com/artic...us_e-p1_photos

[monza]

Originally Posted by Diane B

Well, dadgum--who woulda' thunk that (guess I haven't been around long enough to know that).

So--nice to know you are an authorized Oly dealer (Panny too by any chance??). Would be nice to do business with a forum member.

Premier Olympus, as well as Leica, Nikon, Zeiss, etc.

Originally Posted by Bill Gordon

Hi Monza

would you happen to be the famous

http://www.arlingtoncamera.com/shop/...nses-41-1.html

No, farther south

http://www.precision-camera.com

[HiredArm]

Cool... I'm always for helping out a fellow Texan. I may drop in to see what yall have when I come through Austin in a couple weeks if I get time on my vacation.

Somebody got an Eepy One and took it apart!

Interesting blend of metal and plastic in there...

[Diane B]

Originally Posted by TEBnewyork

I wasn't going to give it a try and then I did read that the Panny lenses were focusing much faster than the Oly lenses so I have hope that maybe there is something they can do in firmware.
I ordered the 17mm kit and we shall see how it goes. I've gotten better at selling things so there is always an out if I don't like it.

I'm glad you did. I'm wavering on the 17 f/2.8 for the G1 but won't buy the EP-1 at this point. IF I did, I would need to sell the G9 and the 400D--and I'm terrible about selling things.

Diane