A variation....

Willo · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 10:50 PM

... on the "new camera for wildlife photography" theme.

I have been lurking here for a few weeks and am enjoying the great photographs and appreciating the sensible advice that people give out but I am a little puzzled. Out of all the posts and replies concerning which dslr system a budding photographer should invest in there are very few recommendations for Olympus E-system cameras and none, as yet, for the micro-four thirds system. I am just wondering why this is the case. Is it that so few members use them or are there features that make them less suitable for wildlife photography than the big two?

I understand that the micro-four thirds is a relatively new system with a limited range of lenses so I won't be surprised to hear that nobody owns one.

I am currently using an Oly SP550UZ and, having struggled at first, am now taking photos that I am happy with. However I feel that I am hitting up against the limits of this camera. I am in the market for something which will let me continue to develop my skills. It has to be a lightweight system and with the ability to take pictures in light typical to woodland and jungle. It would be nice to have video but not necessary. My budget could extend up to around £1000 depending on how much I can save before my little one arrives in May. I would have thought either of the aforementioned systems would be ideal, particularly the Oly.

I am looking forward to reading your thoughts.

Will

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 11:11 PM

Im not sure why Olys are not put forward more. I guess people stick with what they know and most have Canon or Nikon.
I seriously considered an Oly when I bought a dslr, for the 2x crop factor would have been awesome on a 150-500mm sigma lens I wanted, 1000mm without a teleconvertor!
In the end I opted for a Pentax k20d, simply because I liked the layout and feel in my hands.
As for Oly disadvantages, one apparent problem with the 4 3rds system is the smaller sensor and extra noise associated with it, although Ive not used a Oly or panasonic dlsr to comment on and not seen any evidence in any photos Ive seen.

DavyG · #3 (**permalink**) 13-10-2009, 07:24 AM

Hi Will,

Welcome to WAB.

There are a number of Olympus users on the forum, I am one of them, Jim Ford, I believe, is another.

I am very pleased with my Oly kit, I find the 2 x crop factor very useful for wildlife photography and the Zuiko lenses are excellent.

I've been using Olympus DSLR's for around 3 years now and I think I get reasonable results.

I've posted a few images taken with Oly kit on the WAB Gallery, feel free to take a look, any faults with the images are mine, not the cameras!

I'll try to help should you have any further questions about Oly kit.

Dave

Willo · #4 (**permalink**) 14-10-2009, 06:48 PM

Thank you for the replies you two.

I have had a quick look at both of your galleries. Some lovely pictures there. Certainly something for me to aim towards.

Geoff F · #5 (**permalink**) 14-10-2009, 07:39 PM

The main thing to consider when getting your first DSLR is that once you have invested a lot of money in lenses it becomes rather expensive to change; so with that first purchase you are pledging your soul to that company.

Therefore it makes sense to look at the available lenses for that brand, and consider what you may require in the future.

I used Olympus cameras back in the film days but I chose Canon for a DSLR based chiefly on buying a secondhand camera.

We had a poll on camera brands here recently and Canon was well in the lead with sales; Nikon was second with Olympus and others lagging well behind.

I've moved up to a Canon 40D now and don't regret it, but that wasn't originally a conscious choice.

On the Canon side, a 400D or 450D may well suit you but I wouldn't rule out Olympus, although I would refrain from recommending one simply because I have lost touch with which models (and specifications) are available now.

momji1971 · #6 (**permalink**) 14-10-2009, 08:10 PM

I agree with Geoff. If you print no larger than say A4 ish chances are you wont see much of a quality difference between the cameras. Especially the newer oly models 620 is it?

The most important part of the equation is you, the photographer

I chose Nikon but equally could have gone with that dirty word (canon

) soley because the second hand market for these are massive and could save you pounds in the future.

Oly glass is said to be really good too!

I would take take your time and see if someone will let you have a go of a few different makes and models and five years down the line when you've invested £1,000's in a certain manufacturer it's expensive to change!

good luck.

stu

ellen h · #7 (**permalink**) 14-10-2009, 09:09 PM

I have the Oly e520 camera with Zuiko ED 14-42mm standard zoom,40-150mm Telephoto zoom and 70-300 Super Telephoto zoom lens.
I wanted a DSLR that was relatively light and small enough to carry on my walks.
It fits all the bills and I am pleased with the shots I can get from it.My Gallery contains quite a lot of photos taken with the Oly.
I find it very easy to use and can carry it round my neck for hours-even with the 70-300mm lens attatched-with no problem!
ellen

Willo · #8 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 10:26 PM

Thank you again for the advice and the warm welcome.

I plucked up the courage to pop into a camera shop at the weekend and came away somewhat disappointed. The salesman was obviously well trained and, having learned my budget, tried to sell the most expensive bodies within that budget. A Nikon D90 and a Canon 50D were produced and they felt like bricks. He reluctantly produced the E-520 and E-620. I am very taken by the E-620 specs but to holding it I found that the small grip was uncomfortable. The E-520 was a bit bigger bu easier to hold. The Pana G1 felt much better but, at the moment, has a small range of lenses. Still not an easy choice to make.

I am trying to follow Stu's good advice but finding it hard, unsurprisingly, to find someone willing to lend me these pieces of kit. None of the camera shops I've contacted even do rentals. Probably for similar reasons.

I am very encouraged by some of the excellent pictures the Oly users post here.

Thanks again.

Will

Elean0r · #9 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 11:50 PM

There's not a lot wrong with Olympus cameras, I've now got two (E400 and E30) and am more than happy with them. I haven't got many pictures here on WAB though.

Trouble is that 'big' stores don't often stock Oly because, well, I don't really know why, maybe it's familiarity and good deals from the other manufacturers. The main sellers are CaNikon, but it doesn't mean that other brands aren't capable of taking excellent pictures for a reasonable outlay.

If you stroll around the internet you'll find some 'e-system' user groups where you can see examples of picture quality, and you'll see that the lenses are very good too, including the 'kit' ones that often come with the camera body. If you find a UK-based group you may find somebody who lives quite close to you who would let you have a look at their camera and try it out too.

momji1971 · #10 (**permalink**) 22-10-2009, 08:33 PM

Hi Will,

Try visiting a few places you know will have some sad o's (sorry photographers!

) and just start a conversation when the action is slack. Most are friendly. Quite a few times I've visited martin mere here in the north west and helped out a few newbies with either info, camera setting tips or just let them have a careful quick go with a long lens on the tripod. (they asked why having taken a shot stood next to me, mine looked so much sharper. The old boy had the same camera but a 150mm macro lens! I had the 500mm. His actual target only occupied a tiny space in the frame. After taking a couple of shots with my setup I think he was sold on long lenses!)

I'm always happy to help and answer questions, just ask at them at the right time I'm sure you'll be pleasantly suprised