Momma always said you couldn't have your cake and eat it to, and we suppose it's just about time we stop resisting and just believed. Olympus' decidedly compact
E-450 was recently reviewed over at
PhotographyBLOG, and while image quality was satisfactory for a camera of its stature, it was indubitably missing a few key ingredients. Most notably, the inexplicable lack of image stabilization and the inability to handle video were lamented, and the rudimentary 3-point AutoFocus was called "frankly obsolete for a 2009 model." Indeed, critics pointed out that the
E-620 would likely be a far superior choice for those who didn't mind the additional weight and cost, but even if the E-450 was at the top of your budget, we didn't really get the impression that it was a surefire winner. Check the read link for the full spill.
posted May 29th 2009 11:01AM
That's a shame..whats up olympus?
It really isn't a shame. The Photoblog does a pretty piss poor job of summarizing this camera.
This camera has an MSRP of $699 for the body plus TWO lenses (street price will probably be less). It's significantly cheaper then entry level cameras from other makers. Let's also consider that the Nikon D60/D60 had also only a 3-point AF as well. Yes, this camera doesn't have an in-body image stabilization, but not a single camera from Canon nor Nikon does either.
This camera isn't my cup of tea, but it's extraordinarily compact dSLR that's hundreds of dollars cheaper then the competition.
By now this is another "soccer mom" dSLR like the D40 and D60 - simple, no frills, great results, not that much control. The E420 was going for about $450, so it is really a bargain for someone who doesn't need all the fancy stuff of the upper models or just can't afford it.
The E620 seems excellent - just a little bit bigger, but with a better AF system and image stablization. Screw video mode - I wish my 500D/T1i had in camera stablization for those low light shots. Imagine the night shot possibilities - f2.0 + 1/20 shutter speeds.
I never understood why people bought Olympus. Last year's Canon is always better. I mean, an XTi kit could be had for far less than the MSRP on this thing and produce better results. Almost ditto for the D60.
" but not a single camera from Canon nor Nikon does either."
Well I can get a Canon XS or XSi (which both kill this thing) with two image stabilized lenses for the price of this...
@Patriks7: show me where you can get Canon 450D/500D for $450 with two *good* IS lenses. Because the Oly kit would very very soon hit the $450 price mark. And the kit lenses are *good*. Not exceptional - but good.
Also, E-4x0 are somewhat different cameras. This is something light and simple enough to have always around - yet sufficiently functional to allow you to take good pictures. It is even smaller than Canon 1000D. And Oly's lenses are smaller too. And lighter. Finally, unless you are pixel-peeper, you will not see much difference in IQ too. And if you are pixel-peeper, you would quite soon discover that the kit lenses are *good*, while two cheapo EF-S IS lenses are very so so. And IS will not help much to alleviate that.
There's nothing to be ashamed of. PhotoBlog must be a gadget site that's more about features than photography. This camera exists because it's small, not because it's packed with features. You buy it for the size. With the Olympus 25 mm pancake lens, you can't find a smaller DSLR + lens combo. If you pick it up, it's close enough in size to a Panasonic G1 (i.e., not pocketable, except in a jacket) that you'd just go for the Olympus, which is a real DSLR, if you were smart. Also, the price is great, and it would make a fantastic second DSLR, even for this Nikon user. I'd only need that camera with the 25 mm pancake lens and other such small lenses, so I don't really care about having Olympus system in my line-up.
They still use xD memory cards? wow...
It's got Compact Flash. Read the article.
Unlike Sony, at least some models come with micro SD card adapter.
"dual memory card slots for xD-Picture Card and CompactFlash"
At least they give some kind of choice...
@joeybeast the sony Alpha dslr series all have support for both Memory Stick and SD Cards. I don't know why everyone is hating on sony lately when they're obviously trying to make things right
The Olympus micro-SD adapter isn't compatible with their dSLR line. But there do exist adapters for fitting regular SD cards into a compact flash slot.
sony dslrs have never used compact flash as a sole memory source.
Eat it to what?
AHAHAHAHA
Lack of IS is absurd.
...and eat it TOO.
Seriously, you guys need to check spelling and grammar before posting.
No movie mode? What is this, April 2009? Crazy! Get with the times, Olympus.
You seem to be unaware that no entry level dSLRs at this time have a movie mode. The D90 and T1i are intermediate models. The K-7 is semi-pro.
Sorry, I forgot to close my sarcasm tag. Syntax Error.
[sarcasm]A camera with no movie mode is sooooooooo last month.[/sarcasm]
How's that?
For that price you can get Canon's award winning entry level model the Rebel XSi. It has a larger sensor which should deliver lower noise levels, and an IS lens which should help to combat camera shake. Plus, Canon's Rebel XSi has access to the pro grade "L" lenses. My uncle is wedding photographer and he said that he reccommends Canon. I trusted him and got the 5D Mark II and I was not disappointed. Olympus on the other hand, foolishly decided to go with small sensors while keeping the same price as other competitors. I wish they would die for ripping off customers.
actually that small sensor helpded Olympus make the smallest dslrs on the market. Smaller than the competition's and they advertised that and a lot of people applauded them for being so lightweight. It's not all black-and-white man. Sometimes what works for some doesn't work for others.
The Image Stab isn't there in many other makes, engadget pointed out the lack of it on this cheapo camera and now everyone thinks it's a must although, as someone else pointed out above, it's not. Canon doesn't have it and Nikon don't either, it's always in the lense if it's present.
As for video... get real engadget! there's no entry-level cameras that have it and another generation has to pass for all the pro models to have it aswell. Don't you think that your expectations are a tad too high? Especially since there's no olympus pro models that have video either
Oy vey... iKurt must really get a kick out of all the low ranks.
Man, I should have listened to your uncle...guess I'm going to have to throw out all my Minolta and Sony gear and start over...Tool.
Why am I low ranked? What I said was true.
Letmesee... could it be because you're a troll?
At least with Canon/Nikon you can buy lenses with IS. With an Olympus body with no IS your screwed, if you ever want IS. You'll never get IS since they don't make IS lenses (except for a lens or two released for the Panasonic DSLR). Not worth it, I'd much rather go with Canon/Nikon YMMV.
You forgot to mention IS
> With an Olympus body with no IS your screwed, if you ever want IS.
B.S.
Do some research. Panasonic makes a range of excellent 4/3 lenses with IS.
I like this camera for it's compact size. I think it would be a worthy camera to have around for quick snapshots. It's not quite pocketable, but it is pretty small with the Olympus pancake lens. And while it has a smaller sensor compared to other DSLR cameras, its sensor is huge compared to point and shoots. Image quality is excellent.
I have the e-420 and love it, got it at Circuit City when they were closing for like 300 bucks. I think people choose olympus for the glass.
Regarding IS yeah in lowlight situations it can kind of suck without a tripod.
"@Patriks7: show me where you can get Canon 450D/500D for $450 with two *good* IS lenses. "
Your name reflects everything you are. The poster before said it is reaching a price of 700, and I can get (and will be getting very soon) the 450D with 2 IS lenses for that price.
Brand one and not refurbished? Amazon has :
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens & EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit
Buy new: $1,079.95
If you can get that with 380$ discount its pretty good deal.
I don't buy off Amazon. Those websites are a pile of bullshit.
Also, that 699$ price won't be the retail price as with only 50$ more you can get E520 with camerabody imagestabilition, superior to lens stabilation.
Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera w/ Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens & 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Zuiko Digital Lens + 4GB Deluxe Accessory Kit
Buy new: $759.95
ERRATA:
The text:
"you couldn't have your cake and eat it to"
should read:
"you couldn't have your cake and eat it too"