Advice: E-500 or EOS350

[viclam]

Hi all,
Probably a stupid question to ask here... but I'm torn bet these 2 sets. Not too sure which to get. Currently using a Canon S45. S45 is good and functional except I find that shots taken were just not sharp enough.
I normally uses camera for travel, occasional parties and sometimes for work.

Looking for something not too expensive in both kits and accessories.

How are the 3rd party lens and accessories availability for the E-500?

Btw, anyone selling off theirs? I don't mind a good condition 2nd-handed one.

Thanks
Victor

Owned Equipment:
Nikon F-601s /w 28-85 3.5-4.5
Canon S45

[NMSS_2]

Y not wait for a month more for the new e-330 to be out and make your decision then. zuiko lenses is currently the way to go if you are using olympus DSLR.

[hammer_400]

i u want LCD preview den you can wait for the e330 in march...

currently the e-500 is available as a dual lens kit which is real value. giving you the 40-150 also on top of the 14-45....

[viclam]

I see that the E-330 is like 6+ megapixel, right whereas the E-500 is 8 megapixel. Thought the higher the pixel the better?

Anyone know how much the package is right now?

Does it makes sense to buy second-hand?

[chainsmoker]

quite hard to find 2nd hand at a good price, might as well buy brand new for peace of mind e.g someone was doin someone a 'favor' by selling his thing that can onli be used in manual mode. So choose wisely in the very 1st place.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by viclam I see that the E-330 is like 6+ megapixel, right whereas the E-500 is 8 megapixel. Thought the higher the pixel the better?

E-330 is 7.5MP.

[KrY0LiT3]

Originally Posted by viclam I see that the E-330 is like 6+ megapixel, right whereas the E-500 is 8 megapixel. Thought the higher the pixel the better? Anyone know how much the package is right now? Does it makes sense to buy second-hand?

not true that more mp is better. it's the quality... there're so many 8 mp p&s out there but the picture quality pales in comparison with the dslrs with lower mp.

many other factors determine the quality of the sensor. pixel density is one... and noise control, colour, sharpness. of cos lens play a part too.

[viclam]

Hi Hacker,
Thanks for the correction.

Chainsmoker,
Thanks for the advice.

KrY0LiT3,
I do understand that there are other factors that determine whether a camera is better than the other. I've seen the sharpness of my S45 as compared to other 4MP cam like Panasonic and Casio. Can't fight them on that but can fight them on colors and exposure quality. I'm attracted to Olympus set of dedicated digital lens while I prefer Canon's popularity which means that accessories and lens, be it new or 2nd handed, are more available in the market. (You know...the kiasu syndrome...)

[viclam]

Btw, how about the availability of lens from other manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma, etc for the E-500? Is an adapter needed or can fit directly?

[chainsmoker]

Sigma has 3 lenses that adopted the 4/3 system. But i dont know whats their spec. offhand. The duel kit lens is pretty good compared to them

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by viclam Btw, how about the availability of lens from other manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma, etc for the E-500? Is an adapter needed or can fit directly?

If you get the E-500, all you need is the 11-22mm and the 14-54mm lens. Trust me, these lenses are extremely capable.

[chainsmoker]

maybe it'd be helpful to know wats your budget for a start. Then 6-12mths later, how much u'd set aside for upgrade.
The 40-150 is considered good, but u need to be an expert with it like tomcat.

[wind30]

Originally Posted by viclam Btw, how about the availability of lens from other manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma, etc for the E-500? Is an adapter needed or can fit directly?

why you want to buy sigma lens? I think zuiko lens is the major selling point for oly setup. the 14-54 is really good. The second hand market is around $600. For $600 where to find such a good lens from nikon or canon.

If you want resolution, I think canon 350D has higher resolution from some of the test done by review sites. It is a pity that oly lens are limited by the current bodies.

This is one of my reason for thinking to jump ship to other system.

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by wind30 why you want to buy sigma lens? I think zuiko lens is the major selling point for oly setup. the 14-54 is really good. The second hand market is around $600. For $600 where to find such a good lens from nikon or canon.

This is the standard to beat @ the $$ and performance which = superb value.

[viclam]

Originally Posted by chainsmoker maybe it'd be helpful to know wats your budget for a start. Then 6-12mths later, how much u'd set aside for upgrade. The 40-150 is considered good, but u need to be an expert with it like tomcat.

Budget? I'm looking at about $1000-1200 I guess. But I'm also looking at long term. The dual lens package seems logical to me. I do understand that I'll most like not be purchasing other lens for a while if I have that range (14-150) for a long time. I'm a casual photographer...not like you guys here...

Victor
My Gallery: http://gallery.clubsnap.com/showgall...0&ppuser=16021

[Hacker]

Originally Posted by viclam Budget? I'm looking at about $1000-1200 I guess. But I'm also looking at long term. The dual lens package seems logical to me. I do understand that I'll most like not be purchasing other lens for a while if I have that range (14-150) for a long time. I'm a casual photographer...not like you guys here... Victor My Gallery: http://gallery.clubsnap.com/showgall...0&ppuser=16021

Then the lens that you have stated is perfect. And you will still have an upgrade path with the 11-22mm and the 14-54mm if you need to.

[mephesto]

Originally Posted by viclam Hi all, Probably a stupid question to ask here... but I'm torn bet these 2 sets. Not too sure which to get. Currently using a Canon S45. S45 is good and functional except I find that shots taken were just not sharp enough. I normally uses camera for travel, occasional parties and sometimes for work. Looking for something not too expensive in both kits and accessories. How are the 3rd party lens and accessories availability for the E-500? Btw, anyone selling off theirs? I don't mind a good condition 2nd-handed one. Thanks Victor Owned Equipment: Nikon F-601s /w 28-85 3.5-4.5 Canon S45

Asking this in the Olympus forum will give you more Olympus specific responses, so I'll give it from the point of view of a non-Olympus user.
If you want to get a camera second hand, go for Canon, there's a much larger user base, so there's alwyas someone selling something. You can check out the Buy and Sell (B&S) and there'll be many choices to choose from (lots of ppl suffering from the upgrade bug or decide no liquidate thier assets - heh heh). I'd ask you to consider the 20D (loads, and I mean LOADS of people seem to be selling theirs off now, in anticipation of the follow-up model coming out in the next few months), but since you'd want to use it to travel, I think you'll find the size of the 350D more appealing.

Seeing you currently do not own any system, either choice is good for you (no lenses, interface preference - though you'd find the menu on the 350D more familiar as you have used the S45, no bias). As I do not own an Olympus system (only tried out the e-300 in the shops) I cannot comment on the Olympus system (which I'm sure is very competent). I will attempt to list out the pros and cons of using a canon system (some points 350D specific).

Pros:
1) Fast start-up (near instant at 0.2sec)
2) Fast response
3) slightly higher continuous fps (comparing the 350D to the E-500 - not a deal breaker)
4) low noise at high ISO
5) Loads of lenses to choose from (as you can use both the EF (non-digital) and EF-S (digital) lenses and a whole host of 3rd party lenses that have the EF mount)
6) Larger use base:
5i) easier to buy stuff 2nd hand (I find this an advantage, cuts the losses - of course you need to be prudent when buying 2nd hand)
5ii) more MO for lenses etc
5iii) more user opinions (not always a good thing) and if you have friends using the same system, can try out their stuff first before buying.
7) IS - image stabilization, helps reduce handshake by up to 3 stops
8) L-lenses!!!
9) Lenses (EF mount) can be used across different mediums (on both APCS DSLR bodies and flim/full frame DSLR bodies - good if you decide to try out film)
10) Possibly the fastest AF system, partially body dependent, but the USM (ultrasonic motor) helps heaps (and super silent as well)!

Cons:
1) EF Lenses (especially the constant appeture ones) can be big and heavy in comparison to the 350D body
2) You'll get L-fever ('cos they're just so good) - fatal to your wallet
3) IS - you've got to pay a premium for this feature
4) Canon pricing in Singapore sucks! Canon Singapore bleeds you dry.

While this is far from an exhaustive list, hope this gives you another perspective (and probably confuse you more).

[wind30]

Originally Posted by mephesto I'd ask you to consider the 20D (loads, and I mean LOADS of people seem to be selling theirs off now, in anticipation of the follow-up model coming out in the next few months), but since you'd want to use it to travel, I think you'll find the size of the 350D more appealing. Seeing you currently do not own any system, either choice is good for you (no lenses, interface preference - though you'd find the menu on the 350D more familiar as you have used the S45, no bias). As I do not own an Olympus system (only tried out the e-300 in the shops) I cannot comment on the Olympus system (which I'm sure is very competent). I will attempt to list out the pros and cons of using a canon system (some points 350D specific). Pros: 1) Fast start-up (near instant at 0.2sec) 2) Fast response 3) slightly higher continuous fps (comparing the 350D to the E-500 - not a deal breaker) 4) low noise at high ISO 5) Loads of lenses to choose from (as you can use both the EF (non-digital) and EF-S (digital) lenses and a whole host of 3rd party lenses that have the EF mount) 6) Larger use base: 5i) easier to buy stuff 2nd hand (I find this an advantage, cuts the losses - of course you need to be prudent when buying 2nd hand) 5ii) more MO for lenses etc 5iii) more user opinions (not always a good thing) and if you have friends using the same system, can try out their stuff first before buying. 7) IS - image stabilization, helps reduce handshake by up to 3 stops 8) L-lenses!!! 9) Lenses (EF mount) can be used across different mediums (on both APCS DSLR bodies and flim/full frame DSLR bodies - good if you decide to try out film) 10) Possibly the fastest AF system, partially body dependent, but the USM (ultrasonic motor) helps heaps (and super silent as well)! Cons: 1) EF Lenses (especially the constant appeture ones) can be big and heavy in comparison to the 350D body 2) You'll get L-fever ('cos they're just so good) - fatal to your wallet 3) IS - you've got to pay a premium for this feature While this is far from an exhaustive list, hope this gives you another perspective (and probably confuse you more).

I am also thinking of the 20D but the price here in Singapore is REALLY unattractive compared to the States. US was having a triple rebate promotion making te 20D mind boggling cheap.

Among the pros you listed, the ONLY one that attracts me is the high ISO performance. Another thing about canon that is attractive is the f4 L-lens for amateurs like us. Reasonable priced at 1k, light, L lens performance, and parfocal. When you are having difficultly in getting accurate AF, you can zoom in focus and then zoom out recompose. The BIG 2nd hand market also helpe but I notice that the oly 2nd hand market is improving recently

[viclam]

Thank you, Mephesto for the detailed explainations on the 350. Now I'm even more frustrated

I'm particular about pics being sharp and exposed correctly. I've used Nikon and Canon manual and semi-auto SLRs before. Nikon being the one with the best color and exposure as compared to Canon (at that time). Only reason I'm not choosing a Nikon again is because I find the body (D50) is a let down. The Nikon lens are great! The pics taken with them have that edginess.

I am definitely not going to do any manual focusing work (eyesight not good) so manual lens are no good for me. Like what you pointed out, I don't have a previous system to depend on, so any brand is ok for me.

Are prices and quality of budget lens comparing between Canon and Olympus similar?

[mephesto]

Sorry, can't help you on the pricing, 'cos I don't know what Olympus lenses cost.

I guess what you can do to help yourself decide is to read reviews and opinions on both cameras (www.dpreview.com is a good resource) and go to any camera shop and try out both cameras, take your time and try out all functions, don't get rushed into anything. I suggest Cathay 'cos they allow you to try out the cameras and they do not give you attitude when you tell them you'll think about it (done that quite a few times).

Alternatively, go to some photo outings here and chat and mingle with people and you can find out more (see the lenses etc) and maybe you can get to try out their cameras.

All the best!