Since I don't know much about E-Pl-1 ...

[369]

I have been reading two things that are kinda negative. First that the Af speed is slow, slower than a P&S or DSLR? Second that its has only 1/2000 shutter speed.

Please someone educate me becuase this will be my first real camera. For a P&S user like myself and my wife who most of the time would be using the auto or the p mode, will all this effect us. Or is this only for advanced users, who change settings etc. I am interested to know because either way it will affect me, I want to learn photography on this cam.

 

[tpitch14]

Hi 369,
I'll try to answer this with my experiences with the E-PL1 thus far (just about 3 weeks). I came from the P&S world, and like you am very novice and this is my first 'real' camera. I can only compare the Af speed to a family members' Canon XTi that I've fiddled with, but can say that I find the E-PL1 speed to be more than adequate to my needs when compared to my old P&S. In regards to comparing with the Canon, I'd say it's pretty close.

I can't comment on the 1/2000 shutter speed as of now, hopefully someone can chime in. I think for 'casual' users it may not be much of a concern?

The camera is definitely capable in the iAuto / P modes, but to me the fun has been starting to experiment with the more advanced...

 

[BBW]

Wow, I don't know what you've been reading. There are quite a few very happy owners of the E-PL1 on here. Have you read the threads and reviews?
The Visual Science Lab/Kirk Tuck: A quick report on the Olympus EPL

The Visual Science Lab/Kirk Tuck: No more philosophy today. Let's look at a cool, old lens.

https://www.mu-43.com/f42/have-you-all-see-article-steve-huff-e-pl1-review-2134/

https://www.mu-43.com/f42/e-pl1-good-bad-not-much-ugly-1593/
https://www.mu-43.com/f42/how-do-you-like-your-e-pl1-1279/
https://www.mu-43.com/f42/pl1-owners-listen-up-1965/
https://www.mu-43.com/f42/e-p1-vs-e-pl1-2311/
https://www.mu-43.com/f42/e-pl1-bits-bobs-q-1686/
https://www.mu-43.com/f42/e-p1-vs-e-pl1-2311/

And looked at the E-PL1 Image thread? https://www.mu-43.com/f42/e-pl1-image-thread-1590/

369, you and your wife will not have any problems learning how to use the controls in order to learn more than just having the camera on iAuto or if that is what you'd like to do. The E-PL1 has offers Aperture priority, Shutter priority, etc. It does have a shutter speed that goes up to 1/2000 rather than 1/4000 but it also has Sport Mode and other options. I have not found that this limits me at all but I really am not a sports photographer. I do, however, sometimes take pictures of fast moving objects such as dogs who are racing around chasing each other at pretty fast speeds.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/otra/4531855456/" title="Cavorting! by Otra2004, on Flickr">

Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)

"1024" height="576" alt="Cavorting!" /></a>

Perhaps you can ask some specific questions that you are concerned about? If you haven't read those reviews by Kirk Tuck and Steve Huff, and looked a the opinions of members, you might want to take read through. But please do ask your questions, too.

 

[Gusnyc]

Hello 369!
I got the E-PL1 at the last week in February. I am coming from P&S. All I can say is that it has been a blast. I love the quality of the pictures. I am learning about changing lenses (I bought the Panasonic 20mm) and I couldn't be happier. It took me a while to decide about the GF1 and the E-PL1 (there were only previews of the Olympus when I was doing my research). Sometimes you read a lot about technical specs, but at the end of the day for me, it is about learning and having fun. In that regard, the AF has been good (even better with the latest firmware) and the shutter speed was not a challenge so far.

Highly recommended.

Gus

 

[369]

tpitch14, BBW, Gusnyc thanks for your encouraging response.

@bbw - that shot of your dogs is very cool. I also thank you for providing those links, some of which I have already read. But I wanted to hear from the user over here in this forum about those 2 specific questions.

I also read on dpreview forum today about a possible 2 kit combo kit for the E-pl1 soon. I think it will be 9-18 and 14-140mm, I may be wrong, should I wait for that combo? I don't need to buy the camera right away, just in the next 2 months before I go for my vacation.

 

[tpitch14]

369, I've just read about that rumor also, but I don't know how much stock I'd put into it... plus, it's always good to get some face time with the new equipment prior to making a trip! (this was my intent as I have one coming up as well). Just food for thought...

 

[BBW]

Good point tpitch14 - about "face time" before a trip.

369, I must plead ignorance about any upcoming deals. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

 

[tpitch14]

Good point tpitch14 - about "face time" before a trip.

No pun intended (unless of course you have the EVF :tongue
But honestly, I also have a trip coming up in a few months, and want to feel comfortable with what I'm doing! I think the E-PL1 was already a great value at it's release price point (plus 369, you do have that coupon ). I don't know about the lens package either, but I'm planning on an addition of the 20mm and probably a 45-200 to make up a nice little package that should suit my needs...

 

[369]

I see what you guys are saying and I also like to do that, but I was just curious. Well I should be buying the cam soon now.

 

[tpitch14]

No problem-- hopefully it helped! If you have any other questions just ask, and I (or someone else) will surely try to provide an answer.

 

[daryl70]

hi guy,new here...i am looking to buy the epl1 and get a 17mm f2.8 lens.My question is,will i still have a used for the standard lens that comes with camera if i get a 17mm f2.8? Any information on this will be helpful for my future purchase.Thank you in advance:smile:
Sorry guys,Don't know where to post this...

 

[BBW]

Hi daryl70, yes you'll definitely have a use for the standard lens - it's the 14-42mm zoom. You can read all about it on the Native Lenses forum... Here's a great thread for you: https://www.mu-43.com/f80/olympus-14-42mm-f-3-5-5-6-image-thread-293/

You might want to read through this thread https://www.mu-43.com/f38/how-do-you-like-your-olympus-m-zuiko-14-42mm-lens-350/, though I know there are posts about this lens within other threads, too.... If I can find the thread I am thinking of I'll post it here for you.

I think the photos on the image thread speak louder than words. :smile:

P.S. If you haven't yet read through the links I posted in post #3, you might find them worth while to look at - especially the "Bits and Bobs" one.

 

[daryl70]

Hi BB, thanks for the info.Yup! photos speak loader than words,that's why i thought epl1 camera is good for a guy like me who doesn't know anything about photography.I hope when i get my camera next week you can help me or guide me how to shoot better with the camera.i will let you know as soon as i get my camera.

 

[CalebPhotographer]

If you want to take photos with a DOF like this in sunlight (DOF means how blurred the background is):
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/calebphotographer/4741863130/" title="P6281785 by CalebPhotographer, on Flickr">

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"500" height="375" alt="P6281785"></a>

You will need more than 1/2000. I use my lens in sunlight and it maxes out my shutter speed (1/4000 on EP1) and still overexposes some of the time so that I have to compensate on my computer after I take the shot.

However, if step up your aperture (I think ƒ/4 range) then you should be fine. The image above is ƒ/1.8

 

[usayit]

You will need more than 1/2000. I use my lens in sunlight and it maxes out my shutter speed (1/4000 on EP1) and still overexposes some of the time so that I have to compensate on my computer after I take the shot.

Get an ND filter..... that's what they are for.

 

[Pelao]

Online tech reviews have a very useful part to play in helping us choose our gear. But I believe they are best balanced by reading real life experiences, asking questions on a Forum like this and then trying the camera yourself.

The Olympus auto focus 'issue' is a case in point. Technically, the EP1 was slower than the GF1 (and neither could match my Canon DSLR). Whether or not that difference was noticeable would depend on the use to which the camera is put. I spent a considerable time trying both cameras, and rarely could I find the difference to be significant. In my testing I felt the GF1 autofocus was more reliable / accurate - but that just may be me.

In testing and EP2, with the latest firmware, I could still detect a less snappy response than my GF1, but it would not make a difference to my style of shooting and therefore would not influence results or my choice of purchase.

Sorry for the ramble, but some of the very techie reviews will raise a point that's good to know, and then it becomes blown out of proportion by some - especially on certain naval gazing gearfest forums.

Listen to photographers, meaning people who actually use cameras, and go and test for yourself. Any camera store that won't make you feel comfortable testing is not a real camera store.

I chose the GF1 because I believe the interface is superior for my style of shooting.

This forum is full of utterly classy Olympus M4/3 photographs. If the autofocus is 'slow' to the point of impacting quality, then maybe all cameras should adopt the Olympus system, because all I see are happy photographers and great shots.

 

[CalebPhotographer]

Get an ND filter..... that's what they are for.

Never touched filters before.

 

[dcisive]

As with ANY tool you need to master it's strengths and weaknesses, and find the way to get AROUND those weaknesses. Sure there are some thing you won't overcome, perhaps the one being that it does NOT focus as fast as a competent DSLR in less than decent light, and perhaps does not have quite the dynamic range either. For this (and your 1/2000th shutter speed issue) indeed filters will make up a difference. As yet I have not found greater than a 2 stop ND to be necessary. It's a minimal hit to take considering it's strengths. I wouldn't let it stop your creative energies nor will it. Excellent DOF IS possible with this camera using the proper lens, aperture and working with the light and a ND filter if necessary. Enjoy......