Olympus PEN E-P1
In 2005, I spent $800 on a prosumer digital camera by Sony called the DSC-F828. Between 2005 and 2010, I shot around 8000 photos(3000 of those were taken in 2008 during my 3 week trip to Europe). The F828 is great in automatic mode, but performs pretty poorly in other areas. The manual mode is clunky and hard to use. It also produces a substantial amount noise in low light situations. It’s also quite big, which is why I never shoot with it.
I came to the conclusion that I want a camera that doesn’t have the same limitations as the F828. I want the ability to interchange lenses, which would allow me to shoot in low light situations. I want a camera that offers a simple manual mode, which will enable me to control the outcome of my photos easily. Lastly, I want a camera that is portable. I theorized that if all of these issues were solved, I would shoot a lot more photos.
Micro Four Thirds, a system developed by Olympus and Panasonic, was announced in 2008. This system does not use a mirror like other conventional DSLRS. What results is camera bodies that are significantly smaller than other entry level DSLRs. Micro Four Thirds cameras are equipped with large sensors and the ability to interchange lenses. They are aimed at consumers who desire high quality photos without the hassle of hauling a metal behemoth around their neck.
Dodd Camera, located in Chicago, let me rent the Olympus E-P1 for free. It came with the FL-14 external flash, 17mm f/2.8 “Pancake” lens, and the 14-42 mm F/3.5-5.6 lens. The E-P1’s design is reminiscent of cameras produced during the 60’s and 70’s. I loved how small both lenses were when mounted on the camera. I could easily fit the camera in my jacket pocket, which is impossible with my F828.
I really wanted to love the E-P1. It seemed to have everything I wanted. It’s highly portable. It has the ability to interchange lenses. It was cute. I wouldn’t look silly whipping it out in social situations.
The problem is that the E-P1’s image quality isn’t stellar. While it would be great for some people, it just didn’t impress me.
I can say that the 14-42 mm lens did provide much better photos than the 17mm “pancake” lens. The truth is, the camera might be wonderful it you bought a $500 dollar lens for it. This leads me to my second complaint, which is price. Say you wanted to buy just the E-P1 body and a great lens. It would end up costing you around $1000, and at that price point you can get a much better DSLR with a larger feature set.
After being disappointed with image quality, I packed a borrowed Nikon D80 DSLR in my bag. I started filling my bag with everything I needed for my day. As my bag filled, I immediately regretted packing the D80. It was the same feeling I had for the last 5 years whenever I considered grabbing my F828 for the day. I unpacked the D80, put the E-P1 in my pocket, and set out for the train station.
While the image quality didn’t blow me away, I do miss the E-P1. It’s charm, size, and portability is what might compel me to buy one (that and a few hundred dollar price cut). It forced me to realize my needs, which is portability. While quality will suffer, I simply don’t need a camera I won’t use.
For photos of my week with the EP-1, please visit my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonsouba/sets/72157622454312968/
