Olympus 4/3 Digital SLR Camera Comparison
Best Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds EVOLT DSLRs and Compacts
Jul 8, 2009
Understanding Olympus DSLRs involves understanding the unique Four Thirds (4/3) standard.
The Four Thirds Standard
Olympus (and 4/3 partners Panasonic and Samsung) have bet on a 2x crop image sensor standard that is half the size of the 1.6x and 1.5x crop sensors used by Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax.
Olympus claims certain technical advantages over larger image sensors. Canon, Nikon and Sony not only disagree but have doubled-down with 1x full frame DSLRs that have image sensors 4 times larger than a 4/3 sensor.
Whatever the technical merits, the bottom line is that 4/3 cameras are potentially smaller and lighter, but with worse high ISO (low light) performance. They also produce images with a 4:3 aspect ratio, not the 3:2 aspect ratio used by other DSLRs. Most 4/3 DSLRs do have a 3:2 ratio image option that cuts off the top and bottom of the image.
The Micro Four Thirds Standard
Micro 4/3 cameras use the same size image sensor as 4/3 cameras. This means that the image quality is the same.
The difference is that the lens is closer to the image sensor. The camera is therefore smaller but there is no room for an SLR mirror, which means no optical viewfinder. The camera is basically a compact camera with a DSLR image sensor and interchangeable lenses. No mirror means less noise and less vibration: clearer photos at low shutter speeds.
The number of available Micro 4/3 Olympus lenses is currently limited as the standard is still new:
- 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 zoom (28-84mm equivalent, basically a standard kit zoom).
- 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent) "pancake" .
4/3 lenses can be used on Micro 4/3 cameras if an adapter is used. This solves the lack of lenses problem but bulks up the camera.
Olympus Micro 4/3, Stabilized Image Sensor
Pen E-P1 EVOLT.
The E-P1 takes full advantage of the Micro 4/3 specification. It is a small, almost pocketable retro-looking compact camera with average entry-level DSLR specifications by today's standards. However today's standards are high, and today's entry-level DSLRs have specifications that professionals wouldn't complain much about:
- Spot meter.
- 1/4000 seconds shutter speed.
- 3 frames per second continuous shooting rate.
- 1/180 seconds flash synch speed.
- Manual exposure mode.
- Auto and manual color balance (including Kelvin color temperature).
Advantages:
- Image stabilization.
- Small, 335 grams (0.7 pounds) without the battery.
- Non-threatening, doesn't look like a professional camera. People will pay less attention to it.
Disadvantages:
- No optical or electronic viewfinder. Can be difficult to view image on LCD screen in sunlight.
- Reliance on LCD screen means shorter battery life compared with DSLRs with optical viewfinders.
- No built in flash.
- No autofocus assist lamp for focusing in low light.
- More expensive than similarly specified entry-level Olympus 4/3 DSLRs.
Olympus Entry-Level 4/3, No Stabilization
Olympus E-420 EVOLT, E-450 EVOLT.
These are the smallest 4/3 DSLRs, and have specifications similar to the Pen E-P1:
- Spot meter.
- 1/4000 seconds shutter speed.
- 3.5 frames per second continuous shooting rate.
- 1/180 seconds flash synch speed.
- Manual exposure mode.
- Auto and manual color balance (including Kelvin color temperature).
Additional features and advantages:
- Built in flash.
- Autofocus assist for focusing in low light (using built in flash).
- Wireless control of external flash units.
- Small. Not as small as the Pen EP-1 but still smaller than other DSLRs.
- Pentamirror 95% coverage optical viewfinder.
Disadvantage:
- No image stabilization.
Olympus Entry-Level 4/3, Stabilized Image Sensor
Olympus E-520 EVOLT, E-620 EVOLT.
The basic performance specifications are not much improved (the E-620 goes up to 4 frames per second and has an optional vertical grip), except for the significant addition of image stabilization.
Advantage:
- Image stabilization.
Disadvantage:
- Bigger.
Olympus Semi-Professional 4/3
Olympus E-30 EVOLT.
A slew of additional features puts these DSLRs firmly into the semi-pro category. As with other semi-pro cameras, most casual photographers will not be able to appreciate these often subtle improvements, and will be better off saving their money for lenses.
Advantages
- Two control dials for faster changing of camera settings.
- Top panel LCD display for quick display of main camera settings.
- Higher 1/8000 seconds shutter speed.
- Higher 1/250 seconds flash sync speed.
- Higher 5 frames per second.
- Pentaprism 98% coverage viewfinder.
- Interchangeable focusing screen.
Disadvantage:
- Bigger and heavier.
Olympus Professional 4/3
Olympus E-3 EVOLT.
These are the top-of-the-line Olympus DSLRs, basically tougher than the semi-pro models.
Advantage:
- More rugged body and better weather sealing for outdoor use.
Disadvantages
- Even bigger and heavier, weighing a whopping 800 grams (1.8 pounds) without the battery.
The Best Olympus DSLR
There are two reasons to get a 4/3 Olympus digital camera. For:
- Wildlife photography, to make use of the 2x crop factor to multiply the focal length and zoom in to distant animals.
- Travel photography or every-day-carry, because of the small lightweight cameras and lenses.
Photographers answering "none of the above", especially high-ISO available-light photographers, should take a hard look at the conventional 1.5x, 1.6x and 1x crop DSLRs offered by other brands.
For the many photographers who want a compact camera with DSLR image quality and control, the Micro 4/3 Pen E-P1 is an excellent choice.
 |
