Olympus E-3 over the 50D, is there any reason...

...Is there any reason to try the Olympus E-3 over the 50D?

Kind of a short question, just wondering what you all think, even if this a Canon site .

Why wouldn't you? You should try all cameras that you are interested in before making a decision. To do otherwise would be blindly choosing based on what other people thought.

I can give you one reason NOT to...Andre Agassi endorsed the Rebel.

Seriously, the Oly has features and in body styles and filters that may attract you, check it out, perhaps rent it. AND give us some samples!

Try out all options in making your decision. My good friend has olympus before i went canon. He gave me the pros and cons of going oly. His main dicision came down to the size of oly cameras vs other brands. He loved how small the slrs are using the 3/4 system. However, he told me when making a decision you have to decide beyond just body. After that i went canon because of the assortment of lense options you have. It was the best decision i could have made!

In body IS, articulating LCD, dual card slots (though XD/CF)...

but uh, I think the 50D has it for image quality and Canon lenses are where the party's at.

Thanks so far...

To me it seems there is things there in the E-3 that make it worth it, for the price. I have been shopping (well ok saving up) for awhile now for a new camera. In short, I was a bit surprised to see I can get the E-3 body for just a bit over the 50D body, the difference is only $120 more for the E-3. And yes this is from a Olympus dealer, new, not refurb.

Please keep the post coming.

You do realize that it is free to try?

Duncan Frenz wrote in post #8122568
You do realize that it is free to try?

That is if I can find it somewhere around here... I have only looked on line at this time.

My last camera was the 30D, so I know I would be fine with the 50D, it goes without saying and very happy with the options the 50 gives over the 30 (but for some reason I wish Canon would have given the MP maybe a jump to 12mp instead of 15mp).

Really, so far I am more toward the 50 then I am to the E-3.

MrSteve wrote in post #8122605
That is if I can find it somewhere around here... I have only looked on line at this time.

My last camera was the 30D, so I know I would be fine with the 50D, it goes without saying and very happy with the options the 50 gives over the 30 (but for some reason I wish Canon would have given the MP maybe a jump to 12mp instead of 15mp).

A lot of people parrot that statement. Many owners would disagree.

The Oly comes down to the system itself. Can you live with the (lack) choice of lenses?

"Could I live without the choices of lenses?" At this point I have to say yes. Many of the "better" Canon lenses I am not sure if and when I could add to the 50D. With that said, if I went with the 50, I think all the Ls wouldn't happen for me, well maybe one, the 70-200 (non IS). I have already had it in my mind the best I would think was in my price range would be the middle class (if I can use that statement) of lens, USM is the best I could get, non L.

I have looked at some Olympus lenses and this is what I think I would get...


to start
Zuiko 25mm F2.8 Retail $250
Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 $250
Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 $280

Then if possible...
Zuiko 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 $800

The E-3 has by far the best weather sealing compared to all digital SLR's out there, including the 1D series.

When I decided to 'go digital' and give up film entirely, it was a choice made by reasons beyond my control. Digital simply allows me to continue to pursue photography without the constraints of the darkroom.

Once the choice of format was settled my next choice was which camera/system. I looked at every manufacturer and tested many, many, many, many cameras. While some got more of my attention than others, I think I did more than my due diligence in giving them all a fair shake. Unlike many others, I wanted a great body, because I tend to keep them rather than continually upgrading/trading for the next minor improvement.

Anyway, I knew which focal ranges I wanted, and those that I might explore. I looked at each manufacturer's offerings for my 'wish list' and that is when it became clear which system offered the most for the money.

I admit, even after all my research, I still went in half-blind. It has only become obvious to me recently, that I made the absolute best choice for myself by choosing Canon. I think it is one of the few hobbies or interests that I have that I don't feel like I am compromising anything that is important to me. In fact, Canon has more to offer than I will ever find necessary in my lifetime.

It doesn't matter what lenses a system offers, only that they have what you desire. I guess the best advice I, or anyone can offer is; "Know thyself!". Once you know what you seek, clear of mind and devoid of peer pressure; only then can you make a wise decision. It looks like you know what you want out of a system, now you just need to try the E-3 out for yourself and see if it fits your wants/needs. Good luck!

Reevo wrote in post #8123042
The E-3 has by far the best weather sealing compared to all digital SLR's out there, including the 1D series.

I think so as well, well if you believe the advertising. Other things I have seen, that makes it hard to pick what one to go with, not in any order...

*IS in camera, it is said up to 5 stops, wow. Also can turn off one axis or use both.
*100% view finder plus 1+x magnification
*11 point focus and what I have seen, it works really well at low light with no assistance.
*If it is true (because I am not up on it) the Zuiko glass is really good.
*In camera tilt meter, shows y and x live meter
* It is said the best sensor cleaning on the market
* Yep that pull out screen, BUT only 2.5".
I am sure I could point out a few more...

LOL, I'm still not sure what one to go with.

EDIT... Thanks Duncan.

Oly has always had a well deserved good reputation for reliability and weather proofing in their products. There is no (good) reason, not to believe they aren't still as good. Heck, they even make some other electronics that are bullet-proof.

I wish Canon would make their products with as much structural integrity as Oly. Canon isn't horrible by any stretch, but they do tend to reserve the weather proofing as their ace in the hole to upgrade to their pro line. I guess I do have one complaint, and that is the idea of paying for a lot of stuff I do not want to get the quality I am willing to pay for. I'd pay serious extra money for an XXD body with 1 series build. Oh well, Hefty looks good on all cameras and you can get it in a couple of colors too.

MrSteve wrote in post #8122838
I have looked at some Olympus lenses and this is what I think I would get...


to start
Zuiko 25mm F2.8 Retail $250
Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 $250
Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 $280

Then if possible...
Zuiko 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 $800

Basically those are equal to, Canon 18-55 IS ($175), 55-250 IS ($250) and Canon 28mm f2.8 ($200). All those lenses could be found used or refurb for about 75% of that, too. The IQ would be about the same, you would also have IS ('cept on the 28 where you prob don't need it). That is about the lowest-level kit from Canon and it is still pretty dang good, just like the Zuikos.

The E3 is a sweet camera, but it is a couple years old now and still very expensive. Plus, why would you get it and then use it with non-weather sealed lenses? Might as well get the E30 or E620 and save the dough. Also keep in mind that viewfinder mag is in relation to sensor size. So it is not really any bigger than the 50D's.