searching for E-20!

[ParkertR]

Hi oly guys,
im searching for an oly E-20. does anyone have one to let go of?

[shutterfly]

Maybe you want to state your budget as well.

[ParkertR]

looking at the tune of around $800 + - around $50? im trying to sell my FZ20... im taking a lot of portraits/ event coverage that's more indoor than outdoor and the evf of the FZ20 is absolutely not meant for indoor and low light situations though the lens is a fast one. If anyone wants to trade (doubt so) an E20 for my FZ20 and accessories, you're most welocme to! its a brand new FZ20 as stated on the Buy/Sell forum~

[shutterfly]

I would suggest you go for a 2nd hand 300D + kit lens if yr budget is < $1000. E20 might have an optical viewfinder but its AF is not really fast at low lighting and it is heavy. You may end up with more blurry shots since you are used to having a stabilizer.

[ParkertR]

hmm, would anyone have a 300D for less than 1k? im like... *ugh!!* cuz i spent over 1K for my FZ20... and it's not exactly working very well for me any lobangz u have?

[shutterfly]

Originally Posted by ParkertR hmm, would anyone have a 300D for less than 1k? im like... *ugh!!* cuz i spent over 1K for my FZ20... and it's not exactly working very well for me any lobangz u have?

Body + kit lens should be ard 1k. That is the cheapest option possible. You might also need to get a flash. Have you tried getting a flash for your fz20?

[ParkertR]

hmm... body n kit lens used or new? im using a flash for the fz20... thats when framing becomes a pain in the ***. the evf goes really dark when u put the external flash on cuz it locks the shutter speed to 1/60 slowest. even with aperature wide open at 2.8 the evf is dark. that's on manual setting. can't focus very well manually as compared to optical finder... pictures have come out one time too many out of focus. the auto focusing isnt the most accurate too... picks out the background sometimes when i use auto. The spot focusing is accurate but when using external flash and framing the picture... it's tough. Got to disable flash (evf brightens up), frame, enable flash, fire...

[kegler]

brand new 300D = $1550 2weeks ago.... probably still the same now.... but for now u get the 1gb lexar 80($169) and original batt($80?) and a funny looking air revitalise ($50?).... the cost of the 300D kit would be around $1250..... add abit more for the black color n warrenty.... most 300D on sale r the silver ones....usually out of warrenty too....

Save abit more than buy lor.... prices r dropping almost everyday....lol

[shutterfly]

Definitely used and maybe no warranty already.

I thought if you used aperture priority, EVF will definitely brighten up? It will only be dark only in manual mode?

[ParkertR]

yeap, thats right but in low light, the image lags significantly and it's difficult to frame the subject... especially when most of my shots are event coverage... musicals/ dance etc... ahh. im !*Y*(!@*!@ *sigh*

[shutterfly]

Originally Posted by ParkertR yeap, thats right but in low light, the image lags significantly and it's difficult to frame the subject... especially when most of my shots are event coverage... musicals/ dance etc... ahh. im !*Y*(!@*!@ *sigh*

There will definitely be trade off. Once you get the DSLR, you will miss the stablizer, the range and the light weight of FZ20.

One other alternative is to look at older models like D30/D60.

[ParkertR]

true, true... the stabilizer... and also especially the lens versatility. sigh~ but what to do at the moment? Mmmm~ i dont need huge megapixel capabilities. i print largest... 12R - even a 3mp camera can pull off a 12R print! :P

[shutterfly]

Originally Posted by ParkertR true, true... the stabilizer... and also especially the lens versatility. sigh~ but what to do at the moment? Mmmm~ i dont need huge megapixel capabilities. i print largest... 12R - even a 3mp camera can pull off a 12R print! :P

Then get a D30 and keep your FZ20.

[ParkertR]

possible! if i can find a buyer hehe~ will try for an EOS 300D i guess... black one. and get a nice all rounder lens. mmmz~

[Caussway]

I don't deny E-20 is a very solid camera. However E-10 / 20 is well known for slow CF write time. This can be serious limitation if you're planning to use for event coverage. Check the reviews.

Originally Posted by ParkertR possible! if i can find a buyer hehe~ will try for an EOS 300D i guess... black one. and get a nice all rounder lens. mmmz~

[ParkertR]

just came to my attention.. the E10/20 is an old model... will the shutter last :S im a snapperrrrrrrrr

[sehsuan]

Originally Posted by ParkertR just came to my attention.. the E10/20 is an old model... will the shutter last :S im a snapperrrrrrrrr

uh, then how come you were suddenly asking for it? mixed up with the E1?

[chancy]

Originally Posted by ParkertR Hi oly guys, im searching for an oly E-20. does anyone have one to let go of?

Hello ParkertR,

The E20 is an oldie but goodie. What got you looking at it in the first place ?

With due respect to those who recommend alternative brands & your eventual choice of an FZ20 replacement, as a matter of general knowledge & in the face of technology changes since E20 intro in 2001, I thought I'll throw some light on its strength & unque characteristics.

The viewfinder operates using a beam splitter principle. The image through the lens goes to the viewing prism & the CCD sensor simultaneously. It can be used as a digicam (tiltable LCD) or an SLR (real time optical image) to view subjects under various situations. This is a rare & unique feature of the E10/20 series which is unavailable from subsquent Oly cameras (and digital competitors)

A great deal of the pro-spec E1 ergonomics are drawn from the E20, which means that operating controls are intuitive & within easy reach.

The aperture which also functions as the shutter plus the absence of any mirror means the E20 operates very quietly.

The camera is of solid build & the internal materials are of durable material this gives confidence when used.

The optics of the E20 are first rate. Olympus has dedicated ED & LD lens coatings & incorporated telecentric designs to maximise digital image quality. The non-interchangeable lens has a useful range & frees you from the worry of dust bunnies. The fast F2-2.4 lens means the ability to use faster shutter speeds in low light, better depth-of-field control, brighter viewfinder for composition & manual focus where need be.

Do budget for a flash that recycles at a rate that'll keep up you your digicam if you're likely to exceed Olympus 4-shot burst facility at 2.5fps, since the recovery time past the buffer limit is known to be long :-)

Good luck with your choice, whichever way you go, take a look at the strength & weaknesses then decide on your compromises :-)

[ParkertR]

haha sehsuan, i kinda meant that as most of these cameras would have been well used... *i know itz an old model* i wonder how long the shutter would last as i snap a lot of photos~

[mpenza]

the use of the splitter also means that the viewfinder is rather dark though compared to a "normal" slr.