Why Olympus?

[Paul Shields]

A friend and colleague was chatting to me today as he was about to move into the world of DSLR after growing out of his P&S. He asked me which camera he should be looking at. He is well aware of what's out there, and was edging towards the Canon 350D. I suggested the Oly E-300 two lens kit, which is slightly more expensive than the 350D single lens kit. He seemed impressed, and liked the idea of getting two quality lenses as part of the package.

Funny thing is though, I then started to explain how the Canon 350D would probably be a better deal for him - well regarded image quality, lots of lens choices etc - above all, safe. I almost felt like I was pushing him away from the Oly, and analysing it later I think it was because I would rather he had something that was just going to work fine for him without the baggage that the 4/3rds system brings to the table. The baggage I'm referring to is the perception that this is a dead-end system that is going to be forever a niche in the great scheme of things. He would be bound to stumble across these views on many message boards etc (thankfully, not here yet), so I felt I was pre-empting the inevitable situation when some ignorant person says 'why the heck did you buy into that system?'.

Now, I know and you know that the Olympus E system is actually a very well sorted and expanding platform, with lots of interesting items on the horizon. I know the reasons why I bought into the system (and yes, many of the reasons are sentimental as I'm a long-time OM user and collector).

Maybe it's time to hear from other Olympus users why you made the decision to get on the Olympus train?

[ditto1958]

It all started in 1981 when I was still in college...

My brother got an slr for Christmas-- a Nikon EM. I was impressed by the quality of the pictures he was able to take compared to the average 110 P&S cameras that were popular back then. I wanted an slr, too, and the next year my parents agreed to get me one for Christmas. We went to a camera shop to pick one out. I didn't want an EM-- no manual, just A-P auto exposure. I was afraid to buy a manual camera because I didn't know how easy they were to use so I didn't buy an FM. (Dumb me). Canon AE-1's were huge sellers then, but the salesman told me that weren't built very well compared to the competitors' offerings.

He steered my towards the OM-10FC and I never looked back. While I was waiting for Christmas (I had to wait to get my camera even though I knew I was getting it) I bought a book about Olympus the OM system. I must have read that book from cover to cover about 20 times waiting for Christmas to come. The more I learned about Olympus then and over the ensuing years, the more I became hooked on their products. I have since acquired a relatively decent collection of OM gear.

When it came time to buy a dslr, I did my research with an open mind, but in the end concluded that the E system was indeed a winner and bought an E-300 twin lens kit. I am very satisified with my choice.

Owning Olympus is a little like driving a Volvo or a Saab automobile. Sometimes they're a little weird, but you know the quality is there, you're very happy with what you have, but you often have to do a lot of explaining to others.

[nsurit]

1) Because it was built from the ground up as a digital and it is very well built.
2) Sensor cleaning technology. I've had my e-1 for over a year and a half and have never had to have the sensor cleaned and I treat it just like any other SLR.
3) I can use my OM lenses with the e-1.
4) Olympus has a history of making great lenses and this continues with the e-1 series. i.e. 50mm f2, 300mm f2.8, 7-14mm and so on.

Is it the perfect system? No, and it is coming along. Are there things I'd like to see? Yes, and I hope to see them. I've been pleased with my decision. Bill Barber

[matteo]

For me he started in 1980

A friend of my father lived in Japan ( i live in Italy )* and I ask to him a Nikon F2 camera.
I received a page of price list with Nikon and Olympus ....* *
the friend of my father* came in Italy with a Olympus OM1n a 50mm f.1.8 and a 28mm f 3.5
at the same price and weight of Nikon F2 Body* :P
.....
Actually i have:
OM2 SP , OM4 TI
21 F2, 28 f3.5, 50 f1.8 85 f.2 35-105 f3.5-4.5 , 180 f2.8, 300 f 4.5
2 x T32 Flash a bounce grip flash, winder , some flash cables and connector.* *

last acquisition in July .

an E1 with 14-54 mm !!!!
from July I tacked over 2.000 photos

today i received for gift the OM adapter for E1 from my wife ...... eh eh eh.
Olympus is the better analog camera for the exposure system, weight, integration with accessories
*
bye
Matteo