Olympus E-3 (body only)

December 2, 2007 09:10

4.5/5
After having used many DSLR's from different brands, I have finally found the camera that meet most of my expectations.
If you can past the rather meaningless choice of marketing cameras classifications ( pro, semi-pro, prosumer) it is obvious that this camera will meet the needs of many Photographers out there.
The main difference of the Olympus system is that it use the 4/3 system, offering a 4:3 ratio that matches better the images ratio (8x10 and others) for print or magazines purposes
This sensor is slightly smaller than the APS, but in practical use , considering its more pleasant ratio ( especially in vertical shots) there is no significant quality difference with APS sensor DSLR's
Having designed lenses specifically for digital, Olympus has in its line lenses offering amazing quality from the center to the corners of the image.
The E3 also manages to offer a great viewfinder, which was not the case before with previous Olympus offerings
Some people will rejoice over the 1/8000 max shutter speed or over the 5 FPS motor capacity but for me this great viewfinder is the best sign of a pro body.
The dust system and weathersealing makes you confortable using this camera in lots of unfavorable outdoor situations
the Live view, pioneered by Olympus, takes all its significance with the 2.5" articulated screen , which will become very handy when , for instance, photographing over the crowd, or taking low angle pictures without having to sit or lay on the ground
Navigating along the different options is also pretty easy once the many buttons have been used and you have direct access to important parameters (ISO, shoot mode, WB) which is also very handy on the field
With the E3 , you will access an amazing DSLR system

- harold67