Amateur Photographer Magazine

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Thanks Guys

I've seen posts re 4:3 before and they always seem to go off on a bit of a tangent!

Am I correct in assuming that Oly have committed to 4:3 and that in essence the physical dimensions of the sensor cannot change? In other words, are they relying on improved technology to increase sensitivity and therefore quality in the future?

My only other concern is that the Oly dslr range seems quite small compared to either Canon or Nikon. Are there any rumours re a model in between the 520 and the E3?

Is the twin lens option with the e520 a good option (I suspect from a pricing point of view that it is) or can you guys recommend lens' from other manufacturers? Given my shooting preferences I would need wide angle and reasonable telephoto. I should also mention that low light shooting is important for me.

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Oly have certainly committed to the 4/3rds sensor and yes, future development is likely to be technological advances rather than any change in format size. The smaller sensor is as much an advantage as it is a disadvantage; as a miniaturised format, slightly less than highest quality is compensated for by smaller more portable high quality photography. The quality issue exists, but I don't think it's as big an issue as it's made out to be. Remember, my images appear in company with those from APS-c and FF formats and generally no one is any the wiser (in exhibitions, competitions and as projected images). But if Dr.Pixel comes along and subjects them to magnified scrutiny, he will find a difference. My point is, I don't think any difference is that meaningful for amateur/enthusiast photography, but a pro, or someone who aspired to being a pro might think differently, where ultimate IQ was critical. You must judge for yourself and decide if 4/3rds passes your own quality threshold. To help you do that, have a look here where you will find plenty of examples all captured with Olys (or other 4/3rds cameras). Bear in mind that these have been resized for web publication and the original images will be higher resolution.

A model in between the E-520 and the E-3 might be nice, but most E-510/20 users, (and dare I say E-500 users like myself) are pretty satisfied with what they can deliver anyway.

Persoanlly I think the kit lenses are a good choice. They have a pretty good reputation, although the I believe the 14-42 does have a plastic mount which I don't really approve of (the earlier 14-45 has a metal mount). I just prefer metal, but the plastics are so good these days it probably matters little. I wouldn't limit myself to one super zoom lens to cover the entire range as it seems to defeat the object of having a DSLR. I think you will get better quality pics from using two lenses.

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Rob

Edited by Photocracy (09/07/2008 13:31)

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