New SLR from Olympus, EVOLT E410 is not likely to rock fancy of any advanced photographer. This camera has the same as E400 17.3x13.0mm, rather small, ten megapixel sensor, which (for some unknown reasons) allows Olympus guys to say:' Thanks to a powerful 10-megapixel Live-MOS sensor, you'll see more detail in your pictures than ever before. And you'll have the flexibility to crop and still produce large, detailed prints.' Of course this new result of Kodak and Matsushita marriage may be more interesting than Olympus' previous sensors. But my skepticism about its ability to make images with low noise still remains. For more look through Nikon from D50 to D40, Panasonic DMC-L1 vs. Olympus E330 – which is great? and The summary table of the most interestingt 6-7-8 megapixel DSLR camera specifications.The Live View mode and some other features
Instead the new cool feature as through-the-lens Live View mode can impress any amateur photographer. Certainly this ability can't help you make a masterpiece. But I hope that Live View can withdraw attention from SLR-like cameras which are so popular now.
I choose some Olympus Evolt E410 specs for illustrate the new camera:
• Memory - CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive, xD-Picture Card (Dual-Slot);
• Dust reduction - Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system for image sensor);
• Recording format - DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III;
• File format - RAW (12-bit), JPEG, RAW+JPEG;
• Recording image size - RAW 3648 x 2736 pixels, JPEG 3648 x 2736 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels;
• File size – RAW 3648 x 2736 compressed approx. 11MB, SHQ: 3648 x 2736 Approx. 1/2.7 compressed approx. 6.8MB;
• Preview can be checked (when Left arrow pad is set in preview mode), selectable from the optical viewfinder or rear-mounted LCD monitor;
• Live View - Live MOS Sensor for still picture shooting is used for100% field of view, Exposure adjustment pre-view, White balance adjustment pre-view, Grid line displayable, 7x/10x magnification is possible, MF/S-AF, AF frame display, AF point display, Shooting information, Histogram, Heat warning;
• AF - Available with phase -difference detection system;
• Product type - HyperCrystal LCD (semi- transmissible TFT color LCD);
• Size is 2.5 inches;
• Total no. of pixels is approx. 230,000 pixels;
• Playback field of view is100%;
• Scene select is enormous: AEPortrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Children, Sport, High Key, Low Key, Digital Image Stabilization, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Fireworks, Documents, Panorama ( Available with the Olympus xD-Picture Card), Beach & Snow, Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro;
• ISO sensitivity - AUTO / ISO 100 - 1600 (AUTO: Automatic control is available in AUTO, Program, A, Scene program, Scene select, Flash be fired. Up to ISO 800) Information - Battery information, Exposure mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity, Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, BKT warning, NR warning, WB, WB compensation value, Picture mode, Flash mode, Record mode, Image size, Card information, Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode, FP warning
• AF frame, AF illuminator, Color mode, Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Gradation, IS activating mode, Heat warning.
What can I say about Olympus E410? It was introduced to me this spring. Evolt E410 gives pleasure for a while because of the light weight and two new lenses: ZUIKO Digital 14 - 42 mm F3.5 - F5.6 (28 - 84 mm equiv. FOV, 3.0x zoom) and Kit lens for E-410 / E-510 and ZUIKO Digital 40 - 150mm F4.0 - F5.6 (80 - 300 mm equiv. FOV, 3.75x zoom). Although a great many cool features can impress not more than Canon Powershot S5's abilities because they are not so useful. It's good for playing but useless for shooting. For example look at this picture. It’s made by 'simple' Nikon D70 (without Live View). But I can't avert my eyes from this girl because I consider the pic a masterpiece taken by a great photographer who doesn't want to know about groovy SLR's features.Conclusion
As for our comparison, I think that it is impossible to equalize an excellent SLR such as Canon EOS400D / XTi (10.1 megapixel; 22.2 x 14.8mm CMOS) with Evolt E410 (10.0 megapixel; 17.3 x 13 mm LiveMOS). It's not the same level. But Nikon D40x which has a great Sony's 23.7 x 15.6 mm CCD but short-cut features can compete successfully. In that case camera prices are more important and your personal favors are priority. For more look through Canon EOS400/XTi, Nikon D40x and Pentax K10 pros& cons; SLR over SLR-like triple benefits.
As for SLR lenses look through:
- Olympus ZUIKO High Grade lenses: from 8mm F3.5 Fisheye to 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 Tele
- Olympus Standard ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses: 35mm Macro up to 70-300mm Tele
- How to shoot with 10 great Sony Alpha lenses and not to be beaten by salesmen
- Choosing DSLR camera lenses: take a shoot before buying.
You are wrong. Olympus SLR’s image noise isn't so bad. It is much better than most compacts and SLR-like cameras, though not as good as some of the best DSLRs such as Nikon D200. At ISO 100 images are very clean, though noise creeps in as you increase from there. By ISO 400 there's noticeable texturing to the colors, though it stays as acceptable luminance noise even up into ISO 800. Only by ISO 1600 is there a real impact to image quality, as the noise changes to RGB and disrupts the colors. But how much is the NikonD80?
ReplyDeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteOlympus noise may not be so bad. I think the size 23.6 x 15.8 mm of Nikon D80, D200 and Sony A100 sensor has greatly lower noise. I don’t know why Olympus put in such a small (18.00 x 13.50) mm sensor. So if you don’t like Nikon high prices, the manufacture of this sensor the Sony sells its Alpha100 much cheaper.
"For example look at this picture. It’s made by 'simple' Nikon D70 (without Live View). But I can't avert my eyes from this girl because I consider the pic a masterpiece taken by a great photographer who doesn't want to know about groovy SLR's features."
ReplyDeleteare you kidding me?
that photo is garbage.
i have gotten better photos with
an olympus sp350, a point and shoot, than that. i am searching for dslr reviews, and you are spewing trash about olympus cameras, while presenting a horrible shot as (laughingly) a "masterpiece.
this article was completely useless.
but nice try.
For unknown Olympus fan: your name is Harry Potter, isn't it? Because you must be a wizard to make something like this image with your Olympus. Will be so happy to see your outstanding achievements.
ReplyDeleteWhy is there always the Nikon D80, and no compare to the (more likely) D40X ?
ReplyDelete"Although a great many cool features can impress not more than Canon Powershot S5's abilities because they are not so useful. It's good for playing but useless for shooting."
ReplyDeleteAgree, and granted Olympus did not make the greatest camera in the world. But Fototramp, are you getting a little emotion against Olympus?
Taking good photograph is a combination of the equipments and the photographer. I bet you are better photographer than I am. On the equipment side, the sensor is only one small part of the equation. (e.g. more pixels do not make better picture) Lens and other feathers that used (not those that not used) counts. And those features might help me to be better faster or overcome some shortcoming that you don't have.
As you said, it is NOT the features matter, but do you actual see that you keep beating on the ONE single feature of Olympus camera, but not the total package?
BTW, why stick so firmed in full frame which was a limitation of the old sensor (film) might not applied in digital world?
Four third lens could be made way cheaper with exceptional quality just because of the small side (who said expensive equipment would win?), and the noise problem due to entropy could be better as technology advances (who say the noise problem will exist forever? it could be reduced to marginal since the size of full frame and 4/3 are in the same order of magnitude). Although 4/3 system might not fly, I really see it is in a better position to promote DSLR/digital photography in general and take advantage of the new technology.
Hi Fototramp,
ReplyDeleteI have a plan to buy DSLR. I have 2 choice between D70 (2nd under 1000 shutter counter) and E-410. Which on must I brought?
Hi Aguk Raharjo
ReplyDeleteIf this is a true 1000, look only to D70. This is an excellent SLR.
What's with the holy war against olympus/four thirds -system? You keep saying you don't understand the meaning of the four thirds-sized sensor - in my opinion the greatest advantage is having cheaper, smaller, faster, and lighter telephotolenses, though the wide-anle-lenses are a bit more expensive and not so wide. For example, the Zuiko 300 f/2.8 is equivalent to a 600 f/2.8 lens in a 35mm system. The 2x smaller sensor gives (for example an animalphotografer) a huge advantage.
ReplyDeleteUsing a 35mm lens in an "aps-c" -camera is allways a compromise on image-quality. The zuiko lenses are ALL designed for a four thirds sized sensor (unlike the lenses of many other makers).
When it comes to the olympus cameras themselves it's narrow-minded to allways bring up the amount of noise. The world of science goes on like another user mentioned. Every new sensor is getting less and less noisier.
" It’s made by 'simple' Nikon D70 (without Live View)." The ability to use live-view doesn't make a camera worse than a another. It is though a lifesaver, when it comes to shooting macro for example. As for the picture, I think it's sad you concider it a masterpiece (especially when you've taken it yourself). And it doesn't have anything to do with the issue, it could have been taken whit any camera.
How about you focus on what's important, taking photos and not agitating against cameras you know nothing about.
yours truly:
Mikko Hörkkö
To Mikko Hörkkö
ReplyDeleteIf you want to argue your point of view, it's better to demonstrate it with some Olympus's shoots. If you like some wars, it's better to shoot in Afghanistan.
I use the Olympus E 300 and plan to upgrade to the new E 510 in a few months. Olympus has been making cameras for decades and they produce excellent images. Olympus is also considered a best value since they cost a little less than many others.
ReplyDeleteI think you should have atleast researched on why Olympus made the sensors smaller before you even made a comparison.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you have to be a wizard to create great images with e410 even with the kit lens.
Just check out these guys:
http://dingobearfoto.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/e410/
To E410user
ReplyDeleteChill out, man and sorry for my silence. I have a trouble with my health after a road crush. As for Olympus SLRs, I am not a there enemy (look at this Olumpus's user post: Compare digital SLR cameras: Olympus E-1, E400 vs. Nikon D80, D40x or Pentax K10D; 4/3 sensor rules in Pro hands. I'll be glad to post some your photos and your much-detailed opinion in my next post. Thanks
Alex
Yes yes, same old problem, with folks saying Nikon or Canon are so much better but when i go on a field with an Olympus 4/3 system taking fast, dynamic photos, i beat the crap out of both Nikon and Canon.
ReplyDeleteDude, you should comment about what you know, not from your imagination. In one case, I took same photo in a park, with a D80(your beloved) and an E420. The pics took with the Olympus were a class above your D80 in color reproduction and light, so and yes the E420 had the kit lens, while the Nikon had the 16-85mm VR lenses. What you say about that? And abut sensor size.. are you an engineer or Yoda or something ? The cheapest Olympus ZD lenses are sharper than the others high end lenses so what you have to say about that ? If you don't know what you are talking about and you never really used an E-System DSLR and you don't know what 4/3 is and how it works, you should talk about other things, cause folks like you are all to common. You should at least care that talking crap and misinforming people is not cool. Is quite dirty.