Olympus SG E300 Event 28 Dec 04 - Summary of sorts

[chancy]

We're into the last days of '04 & I was late as usual 2nd time round for the E300 event.

I shall not dwell on the contents of the presentation since it's already be described before; other than the fact that the presenters are more polished in their delivery than before & managed to deliver key advantages of the Oly E system even better.

Oly SG has published list of RCP (S$) for its E-System product lineup, hopefully street prices will vary for the better :-)

I've lifted some items of interest:

1) FL-36 Flash - $369
2) VA-1 Right Angle Finder - $349
3) HLD-3 Power Battery Holder for E300 - $179
4) Olympus Studio 1.2 - $179
5) Zuiko Digital 150 F2 - $4,290
6) Zuiko Digital 40-150 3.5-4.5 - $499
7) Zuiko Digital 7-14 F4 - $3,299

As I've been informed by Oly tech, it's unknown at this point if the E300 power grip will improve autofocus performance, they're keen to get a prototype/production version to verify. A dose of patience needed here for E300 owners.

In the absence of bariq, I raised the OM adaptor issue (again) with senior sales reps from Oly SG and expressed concerns posed by those on this forum. In short, further clarifications were made on the nature & function of the adaptor. I can only say that the issue will be followed-up by them and has been since the first E300 event. With no consistent manner in which the adaptor was provided around the world & the availability of 3rd party alternatives, the availability of the adaptor (free or otherwise) can go either way. This is my intepretation on this touchy subject. It certainly would have helped if more were around to put forward their concerns yesterday.

As I understand, this isn't a one-off product event from Oly SG. There should be line-up of talks & seminars to cater to Oly owners in time. I see this as a positive step for us and urge constructive support / feedback to Oly SG where possible. Oly SG is also aware of the E300 birding test conducted by Allan Teo. They're also aware that their website needs a fresh coat of paint. I guess they need some patience from us :-)

Turnout from Oly CS is one more than last time, numbering three :-) We chatted at a corner and eventually, Oly's tech & sales rep joined in. The atmosphere of discussion was open, frank with good exchange of views. I guess the future can only get better when you get an Oly product :-)

I'll let the other attendees chime in their experiences. Hey, we've got an underwater Oly user amongst us :-) Divers beware ;-)

And in case you're (ever) wondered, I ain't no Oly spokesperson and I'm making it a habit not to turn up twice for the same event :-) Hopefully Oly SG gives us an appropriate venue to meetup :-)

Smileys Galore & Cheers,

[raycsk]

it was a nice frank discussion and I must say Chancy did put up a strong case for all of us relating his personal struggle with the adapter to the right person.

Thanks and it was really a pleasure to meet you Chancy.

We managed to identify 3 of us... Chii, Chancy and myself at the event.

Chii and I took the opportunity to test the various lens with our own cam.

Might be worthwhile for you to bring you own cam if you plan to attend the event.

They had a dealer with ready stocks for those to make that on the spot purchase last night. We did not know of anyone who had bought cause we were all busy talking over at one corner after testing the various lens.

[raycsk]

I also took the opportunity to suggest to them again the idea of a protector for the screen cause a PDA screen write will not prevent ahrd knocks from cracking the screen. I guess they were rather amused at my fabricated protector.

[Merciless_Knight]

Hey, I am on the event too....hehehehe.... Got to test out every lens...

[chancy]

Originally Posted by raycsk I also took the opportunity to suggest to them again the idea of a protector for the screen cause a PDA screen write will not prevent ahrd knocks from cracking the screen. I guess they were rather amused at my fabricated protector.

Hello Raycsk,

It was a pleasure to meeting you & Chii in person (plus Philshots too), missed you Merciless Knight. Well, it certainly looks like you're the only one on the planet with the Oly E300i (i=improved).

I've found your diving experienced enlightening and certainly would be valuable to underwater-inclined Oly CS members.

Signing-up for part-time Oly R&D ?

-Cheers,

[Merciless_Knight]

Originally Posted by chancy Oly SG has published list of RCP (S$) for its E-System product lineup, hopefully street prices will vary for the better :-) I've lifted some items of interest: 1) FL-36 Flash - $369 2) VA-1 Right Angle Finder - $349 3) HLD-3 Power Battery Holder for E300 - $179 4) Olympus Studio 1.2 - $179 5) Zuiko Digital 150 F2 - $4,290 6) Zuiko Digital 40-150 3.5-4.5 - $499 7) Zuiko Digital 7-14 F4 - $3,299

For further clarfication E-300 uses HLD 3 battery holder. Only E-1 uses HLD 2 battery holder.

[chancy]

Originally Posted by Merciless_Knight For further clarfication E-300 uses HLD 3 battery holder. Only E-1 uses HLD 2 battery holder.

Hello Merciless Knight.

Oops, corrected my original entry.

Thanks for your 'merciless' proofing :-)

Cheers,

[raycsk]

Hi Chancy,

After hearing your experiences makes me realise how much I have forgotten and needed to learn and read up all over again.

I'm seriously considering taking this underwater and see how well she performs for macros. My C3040 is still one of the best in its class I must say.

E300i? Ha ha with all the protection taping all over the body. Its like I was bring out a new car for test run under spy shots.

[raycsk]

Merciless Knight,

Sorry we missed you at the event. We were huddle over at the other end of the room talking to the mkt'g mgr and director.

[Merciless_Knight]

Originally Posted by chancy Hello Merciless Knight. Oops, corrected my original entry. Thanks for your 'merciless' proofing :-) Cheers,

Oh...
One good News, FL-36 flash is expecting to seen on the shelves next week.

Indeed the macro len that I tested is proved to be good, one bad thing is that it is noisy that all. Hope that this will not cause to scare off the insects that I am about to take pictures on them.

[Merciless_Knight]

Originally Posted by raycsk Merciless Knight, Sorry we missed you at the event. We were huddle over at the other end of the room talking to the mkt'g mgr and director.

Actually I am missed twice ... the 1st event is the collection of E-300 at Funan on the 15 of Dec....

hmm... so I know whom r u all liao....

[raycsk]

Originally Posted by Merciless_Knight Actually I am missed twice ... the 1st event is the collection of E-300 at Funan on the 15 of Dec.... hmm... so I know whom r u all liao....

Oh Dear (as the perspiration runs down my forehead).

Mybe will will not miss you during the training and expedition. Anyone signed up yet?

I tried the 50mm and 300mm. Man the 300mm was heavy.

[Merciless_Knight]

Originally Posted by raycsk Oh Dear (as the perspiration runs down my forehead= ). Mybe will will not miss you during the training and expedition. Anyone signed up yet? I tried the 50mm and 300mm. Man the 300mm was heavy.

300mm is weight around slightly more than 3kg....hehehe it is order to make item...hehehe... cost wise, I think all of us know liao.

[chancy]

Originally Posted by Merciless_Knight 300mm is weight around slightly more than 3kg....hehehe it is order to make item...hehehe... cost wise, I think all of us know liao.

Hello Merciless Knight,

I remember vividly at the E1 launch which mentioned that this $17k wonderlens has glass that is polished & grinded by hand of selected Oly master grinders !

This series of development secrets of Oly E-1 makes good read and gives some insights of Oly's design & engineering culture.

Well, I guess, one is paying for craftmanship as well.

Cheers,

[bariq]

Originally Posted by chancy We're into the last days of '04 & I was late as usual 2nd time round for the E300 event. I shall not dwell on the contents of the presentation since it's already be described before; other than the fact that the presenters are more polished in their delivery than before & managed to deliver key advantages of the Oly E system even better. Oly SG has published list of RCP (S$) for its E-System product lineup, hopefully street prices will vary for the better :-) I've lifted some items of interest: 1) FL-36 Flash - $369 2) VA-1 Right Angle Finder - $349 3) HLD-3 Power Battery Holder for E300 - $179 4) Olympus Studio 1.2 - $179 5) Zuiko Digital 150 F2 - $4,290 6) Zuiko Digital 40-150 3.5-4.5 - $499 7) Zuiko Digital 7-14 F4 - $3,299 As I've been informed by Oly tech, it's unknown at this point if the E300 power grip will improve autofocus performance, they're keen to get a prototype/production version to verify. A dose of patience needed here for E300 owners. In the absence of bariq, I raised the OM adaptor issue (again) with senior sales reps from Oly SG and expressed concerns posed by those on this forum. In short, further clarifications were made on the nature & function of the adaptor. I can only say that the issue will be followed-up by them and has been since the first E300 event. With no consistent manner in which the adaptor was provided around the world & the availability of 3rd party alternatives, the availability of the adaptor (free or otherwise) can go either way. This is my intepretation on this touchy subject. It certainly would have helped if more were around to put forward their concerns yesterday. As I understand, this isn't a one-off product event from Oly SG. There should be line-up of talks & seminars to cater to Oly owners in time. I see this as a positive step for us and urge constructive support / feedback to Oly SG where possible. Oly SG is also aware of the E300 birding test conducted by Allan Teo. They're also aware that their website needs a fresh coat of paint. I guess they need some patience from us :-) Turnout from Oly CS is one more than last time, numbering three :-) We chatted at a corner and eventually, Oly's tech & sales rep joined in. The atmosphere of discussion was open, frank with good exchange of views. I guess the future can only get better when you get an Oly product :-) I'll let the other attendees chime in their experiences. Hey, we've got an underwater Oly user amongst us :-) Divers beware ;-) And in case you're (ever) wondered, I ain't no Oly spokesperson and I'm making it a habit not to turn up twice for the same event :-) Hopefully Oly SG gives us an appropriate venue to meetup :-) Smileys Galore & Cheers,

sorry guys i was down with flu and diarrhea. Anyways its nice of you guys to put forward the adapter request.

[chii]

Originally Posted by chancy Hello Merciless Knight, I remember vividly at the E1 launch which mentioned that this $17k wonderlens has glass that is polished & grinded by hand of selected Oly master grinders ! This series of development secrets of Oly E-1 makes good read and gives some insights of Oly's design & engineering culture. Well, I guess, one is paying for craftmanship as well. Cheers,

hand ground lens.

no wonder its 17K.

[chii]

Originally Posted by Merciless_Knight Actually I am missed twice ... the 1st event is the collection of E-300 at Funan on the 15 of Dec.... hmm... so I know whom r u all liao....

hannor U should have worn your Greens


den we would have been able to spot U.

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by chancy I remember vividly at the E1 launch which mentioned that this $17k wonderlens has glass that is polished & grinded by hand of selected Oly master grinders !

Is that really the local price for this lens?
It costs only US$7,000 in the States. At S$17k, we could have shipped in both the 150mm and 300m lenses from the States via express courier, pay the 5% GST and still have change.

[bariq]

Originally Posted by tomcat Is that really the local price for this lens? It costs only US$7,000 in the States. At S$17k, we could have shipped in both the 150mm and 300m lenses from the States via express courier, pay the 5% GST and still have change.

Damn hearing tat price made my flu go worse

[Evilmerlin]

Hmm the prices look alright. I'll be getting the FL-36 and the 40-150 lens.

Looks like I missed quite abit man! Wasted couldn't make it!