Scott Brady
Founder
I have been reviewing various camera systems for the past 14 months, ever since I decided my 20D was past its prime, and in line for replacement. The prosumer Canons never excited me much, but their lenses are fantastic. As of a few weeks ago, my camera kit had dwindled to only the 20D and a 24-105mm lens. I had moved a 10d over to Jeremy, and purchased a new 28-105mm lens for him. Chris had a 17-35 Sigma and 70-200mm Canon L of mine, and he was putting them to good use. SO, that left me with a prime opportunity to REALLY evaluate and even possibly jump ship on Canon.
I considered everything, even the Leica M8.2 Safari, which despite my pure lust of it, there was no practical application in what we do. So, like most things I try to make a decision on, I listed out my requirements.
1. Durable
2. Excellent dust and water resistance
3. 10 mp + resolution
4. Good availability of lenses
5. CF Card (I have thousands of dollars in CF cards)
And for the first time ever, I was really concerned about size and bulk. Having a big, heavy camera is endearing at first, but after the Trans-America trail and various treks, etc., I came to the very clear realization that bulk and weight were absolutely a factor on my trips. And with Stephanie coming to Central America with me, we would now have two cameras. In addition, Jeremy came up with a cool idea of using the Tuffy center console as a lockable camera/lens storage area in the EarthRoamer, so that the cameras were super easy to access, yet totally secure.
So with a clean slate, I began researching various cameras, starting with the Leicas, then the Canon G10, etc. The Digilux 3 is a nice camera, and uses the 4/3 system, but is essentially a legacy body at 7mp. Despite my lust for the M8.2, it is just not practical (i.e. AF for fast action, etc) and very expensive.
The Digilux got me looking at the 4/3 lens systems and associated bodies. All of the lenses are small, even half the size of the 35mm equivalents. This would allow a smaller package while trekking, or on the KTM, and twice the number of lenses in nearly the same space for other situations.
Looking at my criteria, there was only one body in the 4/3 system with pro-level features, 10mp and solid construction/weatherproofing. That led me to research the Olympus e-3. The features are good, and the magnesium body and heavy weather sealing made it look like a good choice. The body price was on-par with the 5D or 50D Canons. They also had a new e-520, which has IS built in, and a super small footprint and weight. That would make a good camera for Stephanie.
I will be sure to report on performance, and they will be fully tested all the way to Antarctica!
So, long story now short, I have made the jump to Olympus, including a gaggle of lenses and other accessories.
click on the image for full-size.
Olympus E-3, 10mp, Image Stabilization
Zuiko 50mm F2.0 Macro
Zuiko 9-18mm F4.0-5.6
Zuiko 12-60mm F2.8-4.0
Zuiko 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD
Most of these are also Dust/Splash Proof
Stephanie's kit, and a good Adventure Moto Kit
E-520
Zuiko 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0-5.6
We also picked up:
FL-50R Flash Unit and a few extra batteries. Both cameras can share all lenses and batteries - slick.
Pretty exciting, but now for the ultimate test, some images... I will post some up soon.
I considered everything, even the Leica M8.2 Safari, which despite my pure lust of it, there was no practical application in what we do. So, like most things I try to make a decision on, I listed out my requirements.
1. Durable
2. Excellent dust and water resistance
3. 10 mp + resolution
4. Good availability of lenses
5. CF Card (I have thousands of dollars in CF cards)
And for the first time ever, I was really concerned about size and bulk. Having a big, heavy camera is endearing at first, but after the Trans-America trail and various treks, etc., I came to the very clear realization that bulk and weight were absolutely a factor on my trips. And with Stephanie coming to Central America with me, we would now have two cameras. In addition, Jeremy came up with a cool idea of using the Tuffy center console as a lockable camera/lens storage area in the EarthRoamer, so that the cameras were super easy to access, yet totally secure.
So with a clean slate, I began researching various cameras, starting with the Leicas, then the Canon G10, etc. The Digilux 3 is a nice camera, and uses the 4/3 system, but is essentially a legacy body at 7mp. Despite my lust for the M8.2, it is just not practical (i.e. AF for fast action, etc) and very expensive.
The Digilux got me looking at the 4/3 lens systems and associated bodies. All of the lenses are small, even half the size of the 35mm equivalents. This would allow a smaller package while trekking, or on the KTM, and twice the number of lenses in nearly the same space for other situations.
Looking at my criteria, there was only one body in the 4/3 system with pro-level features, 10mp and solid construction/weatherproofing. That led me to research the Olympus e-3. The features are good, and the magnesium body and heavy weather sealing made it look like a good choice. The body price was on-par with the 5D or 50D Canons. They also had a new e-520, which has IS built in, and a super small footprint and weight. That would make a good camera for Stephanie.
I will be sure to report on performance, and they will be fully tested all the way to Antarctica!
So, long story now short, I have made the jump to Olympus, including a gaggle of lenses and other accessories.
click on the image for full-size.
Olympus E-3, 10mp, Image Stabilization
Zuiko 50mm F2.0 Macro
Zuiko 9-18mm F4.0-5.6
Zuiko 12-60mm F2.8-4.0
Zuiko 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD
Most of these are also Dust/Splash Proof
Stephanie's kit, and a good Adventure Moto Kit
E-520
Zuiko 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0-5.6
We also picked up:
FL-50R Flash Unit and a few extra batteries. Both cameras can share all lenses and batteries - slick.
Pretty exciting, but now for the ultimate test, some images... I will post some up soon.
