E-PL1 -- Results yet?

[Peter Guy]

I got my E-PL1 a few days ago (a week?) and have now used it in the hot tub but was not all that pleased with the results. The focus was pretty soft -- especially using the macro add-on (but that may also have been because I didn't get the thing locked on properly! -- I have also now installed the OS upgrade).

I also found the zoom adjustment to be hard to manage and with dry gloves I'm thinking it will be VERY difficult (this is using the 14-42 kit lens).

I'm hoping to get the camera into the water for some real pictures later this week.

BTW, I did use it as a video camera shooting video of my wife riding in an indoor arena (read, not much light) and was very pleased with the video.

I have high hopes for the unit.

Who else has now used one?

 

[ae3753]

Peter,

I've been waiting for your report! Common, get it wet!

 

[Peter Guy]

NO - NO -- I NEVER want to get "it" wet!

Thursday I think -- kit lens, no macro, Inon D-2000 strobe -- JPEG, not RAW (baby steps and I don't want the post-processing hassle yet)

I did take some land shots last night with some strange light (we've been having storms so the light was very soft yet vibrant) and the images turned out very well.

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

A few shots from the pool using AV light. Not much to comment on other than to say that the colors are very accurate using auto white balance and that in bright conditions that the auto focus worked quite well. You will see in the 14 mm shots, (first three) that the closer you get to your subject the more the corners begin to go soft with the 14 to 42 "kit" lens behind a flat port. Not bad but I think the 9 to 18 will get worse. At the 42 end (last photo) good sharpness and detail at the point of focus.

Phil Rudin

#1 14 mm ISO 200 at F/7.1, 1/160th
#2 same
#3 ISO 200 F/9 at 1/160th
#4 42 mm ISO 200 at F/18, 1/250th

Olympus PT-EP01 housing with flat port.

 

[nohara]

what the housing model do u used ?
PT-EP01 or others.

 

[Peter Guy]

I finally got the camera in the water last night at our local watering hole. I decided to take the easy way out and set it to Program Mode with a forced flash (I was going to use auto but it wouldn't force the flash so switched to Program). (After looking at the images, next time I'll play with both Ap priority with a high f-stop and manual with a high f-stop and 1/60th.) I'm using the Pen housing and an Inon D-2000 strobe and shot JPEG at the highest resolution. (Oh, and the viz was awful -- about 5 feet.)

I've put up several images on FB with no editing except cropping (and reducing resolution "for the web"). Cove 2 through the E-PL1

The following are from the same image with different crops:

A depth of field image -- f5.6 at 42 mm:

 

[scubagoldmc]

Peter,

Like the photos. My wife just ordered an E-PL1 yesterday. I'm sure she would like to compare notes when she has had a chance to use it.

I'm hoping to be up in your area in Sept. I've already PMd Lynne and will be doing so again as our plans firm up.

Hope to see you then,

Mike

 

[Dee]

Nice shots, Peter!

 

[Peter Guy]

Thanks. Mike, look forward to talking with your wife about the camera. I must say I like it BUT I wish the focus was quicker -- but I think a good focus light could make a big difference.

Re September -- I hope you'll be coming up either early Sept or late - I intend (hope?) to be at our Regional Championship Horse Show in mid-Sept!

 

[promocop]

Has Backscatter posted a review yet? Saw it at the Scuba show and was impressed with its size and ergonomics but cant decide of the pictures/video are better then the G-11. I'm awaiting official test results before deciding which to buy. The Olympus is much cheaper. and will the El-2 fit in the Olympus housing?