Why the E-330 is the greatest Live View DSLR out there

[Paul Shields]

This shot was taken with the E-1, but meant that I had to basically lie on the ground to get any kind of interesting angle. Would have been so much easier with the E-330 .

I'm still feeling frustrated with Oly for not doing articulated LCD's in the new cams about to be launched. Also not having the ability to use a secondary sensor for the 'mode A' shots (i.e. live view with full control) is another restriction for this type of shot.



If I'd been using an E-330 then it would have been a simple matter of placing the cam on the ground, flipping the LCD out to view an accurate frame without having to get down low, and instantly getting the shot. People often say that macro opens up a whole new world. Macro + the E-330 expands that world even more. An example of getting a close-up that required no more than placing the E-330 on the ground and framing (mode B in this case). A common or garden daisy:



Hopefully Olympus won't abandon this functionality completely when they come out with 'new' new LV models. It just makes so much more sense than to lock the LCD to the body.

[Mr. Pickles]

Some complained about the two different modes, and some (you..here) want both. A slippery slope for any manufacturer to accomplish when they want to maintain costs and increase features, while keeping the "box" as small or smaller than people expect.

I'd wait till you actually see and use a E-410 or E-510 on the articulating deal. While I see your point, I would imagine that the E-330 has a much narrower viewing angle, wouldn't you? If the new ones increase the viewing angle, then perhaps it would work in a much higher number of instances than you think now.

Personally, if the new pro model "must" have an articulating screen, I'd just wish for it to be removable instead. Either wireless or via a tethered cable. That would be a much better upgrade than having on that swings around...

[Paul Shields]

Well yes I guess the viewing angles may be greater on the E-410/510, but they can not get anywhere near to viewing the LCD directly - which you can do with a tilting LCD a la the E-330 . Imagine if you will that you have a DSLR sitting by your feet in order to take a low shot like the weeds pictures above. If you are relying on a fixed LCD which would be vertical in that position then the viewing angle would need to be pretty impressive to get the shot. If you could tilt the LCD 90 degrees away from the body so that it is 100% viewable at an optimal angle without any bodily contortions, then I'd go for that approach every time - which is what the E-330 gives you .

Interesting angle on the removable LCD + wifi control. Not sure how easy that would be, but I can imagine just holding a little 3" LCD screen and placing the camera anywhere I fancy. What a cool idea! I think you should patent that one quickly .

[Mr. Pickles]

I know what the E-330 gives you, but obviously they think it is cheaper or less warranty issues arise from having a fixed one. I always figured the E-410 should be fixed, and the E-510 should have IS and have an articulating LCD.

But who am I?

If Olympus was looking to "leap" the competition, then an articulating LCD on the "pro" model would be better than the fixed on on the new forthcoming Canon model for sure. But if was detachable? Beat that competition...

[Raist3d]

I like Mr. Pickles idea also. It would be nice if you could remove the LCD on the E-3... but I doubt it.

Paul, just wait for the E3 for LCD articulation I see this is kinda toughie- the articulation of the LCD is sure nice, but at the same time I can see why Olympus decided to yank it off to mak ethe design cleaner. I find the e-330 LCD kinda sticking out in a umm not so pleasant way in a way though it's fine.

The only way I can think of doing that would be to indent the LCD more into the camera's body, but given the size of e-410/e-510 I guess that' snot quite possible.

- Raist

[jan56]

As I'm using the E330 still and got to love the articulating screen, I also thought, what a pity it's not on the E510. Sure you might can do a lot with wider viewing angle, but shooting upwards from low hight, or shooting from high level downwards will still be impossible - only as you have that articulating thing... but as I seen from another forum, there seems to be a kind of adaper out for point and shoot cams, which is an kind of half-mirror in an articulating frame. Just as all images are mirrored - lookes strange and I also don't know about the size and the visibility in day light... may be an idea for Oly to do something similar as an accessory? Think we have to wait.
Sure the E510 will be a great camera and I'm looking very much foreward...
Jan