It's true that the E-1 (and other E-XXX cameras) do not perform as well
as some others (notably from Canon) at high ISO. However, it has merits
in other areas, particularly at the current price point.
I had use of a Canon 5D for a week or so recently and it has extremely
low noise even up to ISO 1600. However, it is in no way near the E-1 in
build quality, had poor AWB, consistently blew highlights, had very poor
quality in the corners of the image (admittedly,the lenses I had weren't
'L' quality - but they didn't show this limitation on film), and within
a week I had enough spots on the sensor that I had to order a cleaning kit.
If I were to go Canon again I'd probably look at the 20D as it has
similar low noise and the sensor crop helps disguise the corner problems
- it also seems slightly less susceptible to dust compared to the 5D (as
well as being much cheaper).
I recently posted some crops of high ISO using the E-1 and the E-330 on
http://www.photocamel.com/index.php/topic,7217.0.html (warning - link
contains many images). I've found the high ISO noise to be fairly easily
dealt with via post processing, particularly as I hardly ever need to
use anything above ISO 400. If I were constantly shooting in the 800 to
1600 range then I'd probably be thinking of getting a Canon.
Paul
Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> I'll let the E thing users respond but my own opinion is that if you
> intend shooting much at 800 and 1600 ISO you're looking at the wrong set
> of cameras. That's why I've never bought an E-1. But ergonomically the
> E-1 is one of the best and has truly professional build quality. You'll
> also have no problems whatsoever shooting manually in the studio at ISO 100.
>
> The downside of the smaller sensor and of these particular sensors is
> noise. Perhaps Oly wasn't concerned about it since it probably performs
> about as well at ISO 800 as ISO 800 film. However the competition has
> moved beyond that noise/grain level.
>
> But if you can live within the range confines of the 14-54 it's today's
> fantastic price deal if it meets your requirements.
>
> Chuck Norcutt
>
> Larry Powers wrote:
>
>
>> I am about to go digital and like the 4/3 format as well as having a
>> prejudice for Olympus cameras. I have seen the e-1 with a 14-54 zoom for
>> $900 and the e-500 at about the same price for the 2 lens kit. I would
>> typically print 8x10's but want the option to go up to 11x14. I also shoot
>> some indoors sports so low light ability is important. Given the same lens
>> does one have better performance at 800 or 1600 ASA? I will also be
>> shooting using studio flash so ease of using manual mode is important.
>>
>> I have read the reviews and I believe that either camera will do what want.
>> I like the idea of the more rugged pro body of the e-1. I also wonder how
>> much difference there is between the 5meg pixel sensor of the e-1 vs the 8
>> meg pixel of the e-500 for making larger prints.
>>
>> Any comments and opinions appreciated.
>>
>> Larry Powers
>>
>>
>>
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