Re: [OM] E-1 4/3 vs. full sensor

[Winsor Crosby]

On Nov 30, 2003, at 3:54 PM, B. D. Colen wrote:

> <x-tad-smaller>You're missing a VERY important point here, Winsor - Neither Nikon nor Canon has designed a line of lenses specifically for use with their digital bodies; and neither company contends that they have specific lenses that produce the best images with their DSLRs. Olympus designed the camera and lenses from the ground up, to be used together, and contend that using other lenses will produce less than optimal images. So, again, why would they want people running around getting less than optimal results with the E-1?
> </x-tad-smaller>

That is not quite true. Nikon has, with more on the way. In addition several new lenses have been issued that address digital issues as well as being useful on 35mm cameras. Lenses improved for digital are also improved for film. I have not followed Canon as much, but I know they have issued new replacement lenses too, in order to deal with digital issues, but they have not done reduced format(except for that recycled APS lens on the 300D), naturally, since they also make a full frame digital. 

What is interesting is that while Nikon seems committed to their DX sensor size by issuing lenses for that format. Canon does not. Makes me wonder whether Canon will in the not too distance future make all their cameras full frame except for the segment represented by the 300D, resulting in another Canon market coup. Sigh.  

From the Nikon web page:
DX Nikkor Lenses for Digital SLRs(digital only)

10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor

12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor

17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor

I think this "less than optimal" argument just has no substance. Olympus and every other camera maker has made an expensive line and a less expensive, "less than optimal" line. Many on this list were very happy with the "less than optimal" 50/1.8 or 35-70/3.5-4.5 and Oly did not object, since they were still selling a lens and it was likely the user might upgrade. What is sad is that Oly seems to have lost sight of the fact that everyone using their OM lenses on a E-1 will get sick of the inconvenience and the doubling of the focal length and buy proper autofocus lenses for their new E-1. It is working quite well for Canon and Nikon. As a result some have moved to Canon because they can use an adaptor. After all you really need to focus manually with a AF lens for macro anyway. Others will chalk up their losses and either buy an E-1 or a camera from another system that hides their customer abandonment a little better. :-)

How is this for an idea? Instead of not making the OM adaptor available, Oly should give one away free with every E-1. Wouldn't that just make you feel so warm and cared for that you would run right down and buy one? 


Winsor
Long Beach, California
USA