That is a tough decision.
I am not optimistic about the future of 4/3 being competitive with
pro cameras in the future just because of the size of the photosites.
The pixel pitch for any of the 8MP 4/3 sensors is about the same as
the pixel pitch for the 12MP Nikon D2X. Both sensors are really
pushing the limits of acceptable high ISO noise but 12MP is more than
8. The bet that Olympus will discover a method of noise suppression
that does not smear details and is significantly better than the
competition is not one I would take. As pixel counts move higher
along with more sophisticated noise reduction someone else's pro
camera is always going to have about 50 percent more resolution, or
lower noise than the Olympus pro camera. It all depends on what you
want or need.
I would not recommend the S3 Pro based on reviews. I understand it is
an old fashioned camera still based on the D100 body with focusing
and exposure not up to current standards. Evidently Fuji thinks so
too and has already announced the S5 Pro, its replacement. It is said
to be based on the D200 body, but given Fuji's usual pricing will
probably 30 to 40 percent more. The S2 is already gone from B&H.
I think your D80 option is a good one for the money you want to spend.
Winsor
Long Beach, California, USA
On Nov 29, 2006, at 8:51 AM, Daniel Sepke wrote:
> 1. Buy the DZ 7-14mm for my E-1.
>
> 2. Buy a Sigma 12-24mm in N*kon mount and either a D80 or F*ji S3.
>
> Both of these options come in at about the same sort of money
> ($1700) but
> that is not the problem for me. And yes I will acknowledge that
> they are not
> the same coverage the DZ gives 14mm equiv vs.. 18mm from the Sigma.
> In the
> situation I am looking at the max FL of the Sigma should be wide
> enough.
> Most of my concern comes from the future of the professional end of
> the E
> System. Like AG I find myself wondering how long I can sustain the
> E-1 and
> the E System as a professional tool. While I do have a rather
> different
> style of photography business than Ken does I find myself sharing a
> lot of
> his perspectives on where the E System is going and the long term
> view of
> my/our respective needs. Specifically of concern is the specter of
> the E-3
> that haunts us all. Its eventual appearance and impact in the
> market will
> determine if I stay with the E System. This is something I really
> want to do
> but without a significant leap technologically I fear that the
> professional
> end of the E System will be wound down. Unlike Ken what I have not
> done is
> set a date by which something must have happened at Olympus before
> I make a
> switch.
>
> So offer me your perspectives, comments for and against; all are
> welcome.
>
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