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 PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photography Forum |
| » Number of reviews : 581 - viewing 10 Per Page |
| Last Review Posted by jhawk1000 - posted: Fri May 31, 2013 11:32pm | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 632 |
I love this camera even though I have a D700 and D600. I use this camera for daytime sports, for wildlife etc. Great camera. Rating: 10 |
Product Details: "D2X" by cyclohexane - posted: Fri March 25, 2011 - Rating:  9.33 |
| Last Review Posted by imagequest - posted: Mon May 27, 2013 11:35am | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 47 |
I am a Micro Four Thirds system user. The system is based on a minimalist premise. The sensor size is slightly smaller than the APS-C sensor format. Olympus and Panasonic are the lead manufacturers of products for the format.
The E-PL5 is the fourth model in the Olympus Pen "Lite" series of bodies. Olympus has separated their camera bodies into four groups. They have the OMD series at the top of their lineup followed by the E-P (Pen), the E-PL (Pen Lite), and then the smallest series called the E-PM (Pen Mini) series.
The E-PL5 uses the same Sony sensor as the highly regarded Olympus OMD-5. The body is smaller than the OMD giving up the OMD's built in viewfinder, 5 axis image stabilisation, weather sealing, and several other features that allow the E-PL5 to be smaller, lighter in weight, and less expensive. Although the E-PL5 does not have 5 axis stabilisation, it does have a very good image stabilisation feature offering an extra couple of stops for low shutter speed needs. The IS works nicely with non standard lenses as well as native Micro Four Thirds mount optics.
The camera uses an external three inch LCD screen which has a level of articulation allowing for low level captures as well as self portraits. There are several add on external viewfinders available from Olympus. I purchased the VF2 to use with my camera. The VF2 has excellent viewing properties (1.44 megapixels) and few would likely have any complaints about using it in comparison with an optical viewfinder. The VF2 swivels up 90 degrees for those times when it can be helpful for low angle captures. Olympus is offering a newer, higher resolution viewfinder, the VF4 along with the high end Pen E-P5 due out in early June. Early reports are indicating that it appears to be even nicer than the already well received VF2.
The sensor is 16 megapixels in size. It has a very nice "touch" screen allowing for one touch image capture by touching the area of the on screen image you choose to use for your focus point. The camera focuses quickly and trips the shutter with a simple fingertip touch on the LCD screen. The camera allows the user to customize up to four buttons with "MySet" preset configurations. There are two physical function (fn1 and fn2) buttons with the option to re-assign other external buttons as "MySet" as well. If you want to re-assign a standard button such as the flash button, you can set it to use as your one touch white balance or some other control that you would like to have easier access to quickly. Although customization and presets are not unique to Olympus, the implementation is very well done for the E-PL5.
I also own a Panasonic G5, an Olypus E-P3 which are also models belonging to the Micro Four Thirds system.
The camera has very high image quality image quality, producing output with quite reasonable properties of low noise at higher ISO, goog dynamic range with good color saturation with a smooth rolloff as ISO increases. It will not equal newer FF cameras in overall IQ but it will offer an option that will tempt FF owners to consider utilizing a second more compact system for those times when traveling light is important. The E-PL5 will offer IQ close enough (in many cases better) to give APC-S potential buyers a good reason to consider the Olympus instead.
The lens lineup for the Micro Four Thirds systems is extremely well developed with quite a few primes which have maximum apertures of f1.8 and faster. There are several Voightlander lenses available including some f0.95 maximum aperture lenses. The Olympus 75mm f1.8 (equivalent to 150mm FF in angle of view) has become legendary for it's overall IQ and especially it's wonderful bokeh properties.
I highly recommend that you take a look at this camera when thinking about your next photographic gear purchase. It is generally offered for approximately $599.00 with a standard 14-42 zoom kit lens.
Dan
portlandphotographic.com
Portland, Oregon Rating: 9 |
| Product Details: "E-PL5" by imagequest - posted: Mon May 27, 2013 - Rating: 9.00 |
| Last Review Posted by CurtB - posted: Sat May 11, 2013 10:10am | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 1517 |
I own 1 D300s ND 2 d7000"S USE AS WEDDING AND GENERAL PHOTOGRAPY have owned D700 D1,s etc now
will stick with the 7Ks Rating: 10 |
| Product Details: "D7000" by Jason Hermann - posted: Fri January 21, 2011 - Rating: 9.25 |
| Last Review Posted by bluewolf - posted: Thu May 9, 2013 11:25pm | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 1764 |
Also purchased the Nikon MB10. I have full confidence in using the camera. I bought the book: "Mastering the Nikon D700", by Darrell Young. That book, I suggest you purchase. It made me an expert with knowledge. Rating: 10 |
| Product Details: "Nikon D700" by Jason Hermann - posted: Sun January 10, 2010 - Rating: 9.71 |
| Last Review Posted by ezflyer54 - posted: Sat May 4, 2013 10:04am | [ Post a Review ] |
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Views: 1764 |
I purchased the Nikon D700 right before the D800 was released. I could have waited a bit for a better deal, knowing the release of the D800 would push the price down, however, I didn't want to risk loosing a chance at finding a new D700.
I have not been disappointed. Speculating that the D800, with more MPs could mess up the low light capability, I chose the D700. I have been able to shoot indoors, in very low light at 6400 ISO, hand held and have clear results. It's very rare to see me using a flash with this camera...it just isn't needed.
What I did have to get used to, was the weight. I always have the battery pack attached, and adding the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED, makes this a beast. In spite of that, I don't think I'll ever sell this camera...it's just that good! Rating: 10 |
| Product Details: "Nikon D700" by Jason Hermann - posted: Sun January 10, 2010 - Rating: 9.71 |
| Last Review Posted by keithinmelbourne - posted: Tue March 5, 2013 5:30am | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 1215 |
I remember for many years dreaming of getting this lens. I made the dream come true two years ago. Despite having the wonderful f1.8 Canon 85mm, the f1.2 stood out, from photographs I had seen, as having its own, unique signature. I knew of its faults: slow focus, weight, focus by wire manual focussing, but the results seemed to far outweigh the negatives.
Since having this lens, I experienced a longish period of not understanding its limitations and its potentialities. I longed for the responsiveness of the f1.8. I persevered, however and put the f1.8 on the shelf and, for many shoots, took nothing but the f1.2. It paid off for me, because the 85 took over the 50 f1.2 as my lens of choice. It still holds a special place amongst my lens collection.
I should also say that I kept my 85 f1.8, because it still has its place as a lighter and quicker lens, when that is needed, especially for travel. As for the responsiveness of the 85 f1.2, it can be quick, if you plan ahead. I should also say that it's not as bad as some reports would have you believe. All in all, the 85 f1.2L II is a classic.
 Rating: 10 |
| Product Details: "EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM" by Jason Hermann - posted: Thu January 21, 2010 - Rating: 8.75 |
| Last Review Posted by keithinmelbourne - posted: Sat March 2, 2013 11:18pm | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 2669 |
I bought this camera new late 2011. It was on special, so I got it very cheap. What can I say? The 1Ds3 is a well-built workhorse of a camera. It has great AF and produces excellent files up to ISO 1600, much better than my 5D2 (sold). I now also have a 6D which I love equally, for different reasons. The 6D has much better high ISO and is lighter. I have kept the 1Ds3 because it is a camera I can use in all sorts of weather, and it still has its advantages in terms of handling and controls. The LCD isn't as good as the new comers, but its battery life is phenomenal and it has 2 card slots. When the 5D3 and 1DX came out, I seriously considered selling the 1Ds3 and getting one of the new cameras, but after weighing up the benefits there was little incentive to change. I rated it 8, allowing for all the improvements in the current crop of cameras, but it could easily have been a 10 still. Rating: 8 |
| Product Details: "EOS-1Ds Mark III" by PhotoCamel - posted: Wed September 26, 2007 - Rating: 9.00 |
| Last Review Posted by keithinmelbourne - posted: Sat March 2, 2013 10:26pm | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 815 |
For me, this lens was pure indulgence. I did not need it. What can I say? It's a huge amount of fun. It's creatively challenging. It's a good landscape lens and an even more effective architectural lens. You can get shots that you may thought were impossible. Optically, it is very good. I have bought a filter set from Fotodiox and this has extended the creative possibilities.
 Rating: 10 |
| Product Details: "TS-E 17mm f/4L" by Jason Hermann - posted: Fri January 22, 2010 - Rating: 10.00 |
| Last Review Posted by keithinmelbourne - posted: Sat March 2, 2013 9:44pm | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 946 |
This is my third Canon 50. I currently have the 50L and the f1.8 plastic fantastic. I previously had the f1.4, which I liked very much. I have had the 50L for 3 or 4 years. It is one of my principal lenses on my 1Ds3. In fact, it seems to be a perfect match in terms of handling and results. The 50L is fast and accurate to focus. It is a little soft at f1.2 and very sharp after f1.6. This lens has got its own look, especially with portraits, but it is also extremely sharp when stopped down for landscapes, etc. I have used this lens attached to the 1Ds3 in heavy downpours and had no problems. I do not believe that this is a lens I would part with.
      Rating: 9 |
| Product Details: "EF 50mm f / 1.2L USM" by Jason Hermann - posted: Thu January 21, 2010 - Rating: 9.00 |
| Last Review Posted by keithinmelbourne - posted: Sat March 2, 2013 9:30pm | [ Post a Review ] |
 Views: 326 |
I bought a 6D as a backup for my 1Ds3. Also I wanted a body that is light enough to be used as a travel camera. I have had the camera for a few weeks now and found it to be very capable. The RAW files match my 1Ds3 at low ISOs and leave it for dead after ISO 800. The body is an enigma for me, because while I love the heft and controls of the 1Ds3, the 6D is light and its controls are more at hand. In many ways I prefer the 6D's body. The grip is deep, the body compact and it is unobtrusive. I had bought an Olympus OMD as my street camera, but the 6D has much faster AF and the controls are more natural.
Despite the AF not having a wide spread of points, all the points are quick and accurate. I have not had to MA any of my lenses yet. Certainly, the AF is a big improvement over the 5D2, which was really only good for the centre point.
I haven't tried the 6D using a studio setup yet, but I don't see any reason for it not to be effective.
The single SD card slot hasn't really been a big deal for me yet and I'm unlikely to use the wi-fi. I might, however, use the GPS when I go travelling. In fact, I'll be heading off to Japan for 4 weeks very soon, so I will see how well the 6D does as a travel camera.
As it stands, though, there is nothing I strongly dislike about this camera and there is a great deal that I love about the 6D.
I'll add shots as I go. The last one was taken when it was nearly dark at ISO6400. I used a 50 f1.2 fully open at 1/90 sec. I added no noise control. It's not a great shot, but I can't blame the camera for that!
The first shots of my grand-daughter demonstrate that the camera can handle reasonable levels of movement.
 Rating: 9 |
| Product Details: "EOS 6D" by PhotoCamel - posted: Sat November 24, 2012 - Rating: 9.00 |