Which EP to get

[Packhorse]

Im looking at getting a new camera and the Olympus EP range looks like it ticks all the boxes.


I will more than likely use a Oly housing, but the question is which camera is the best to get?
Can you get Oly housings for all the EP range?

 

[orenbvip]

If money is an issue the Ep-1 is the cheapest and yields the same photos. i

 

[TheTrickster]

They all share the same sensor, so the picture quality will be pretty much equal. The housings are different, and are not interchangeable. But are of the same quality/build.

They can all accept the add-on Zen port lenses - which are great!

The only real advantage you get from the E-PL3 is the faster focusing and the 1080p60 video, but having said that, I'm finding I'm sticking with 720p as its easier to work with, so for me that 'was' a reason to get the latest greatest one - only for me not to use the feature!

Pricewise the E-PL1 is a steal at the moment and so too is the E-PL2! And if I was to buy again, I would consider the E-PL2 instead and it would of saved me a few $$$$.

Be careful, underwater photography, once you get serious is VERY expensive.

* Camera
* WA Lens
* Housing
* Ports
* Strobes
* Tray and Arms
* Carry case

The list goes on and on... The cost of the E-PL3 was peanuts compared to the 2x Inon z240 I've just got for the system... It's addictive!


Regards

Richard

 

[chris196]

You probably know this, but be careful what you're talking about.
I assume you mean the E-PL1/2/3 and not the EP1/2/3. There are no olympus housings for the latter cameras.

I have the EPL2 and love it. Haven't done much video, but plan to in the future. The stills produced from the camera with the 9-18 and Zen dome are outstanding.

 

[TheTrickster]

I agree, that was the main reason for my entry into a more 'professional' underwater camera, the wide angle is outstanding with the zen dome.

Give the video a go, I'm getting some lovely stuff with it, in fact I'm taking more video at present!

The stills produced from the camera with the 9-18 and Zen dome are outstanding.

Regards

Richard

 

[Peter Guy]

The differences among the EPL series (as someone noted, NOT the EP series) are (I believe):

"1" -- cheapest right now (I imagine until the current supply is ended) -- has same sensor as other two, same processor as the "2" -- slowest focusing speed with the kit lens -- "Some Say" the kit lens is a bit sharper at the zoom (macro) end

"2" -- good price, cheaper than "3" -- same processor as "1" -- faster focus on kit lens and the kit lens is better (I understand) at video focus

"3" -- upgraded processor from "1" and "2" -- fastest focusing system (but honestly, don't know how much real life difference from "2" or for that matter "1") -- 1080p video

FOR THE MONEY, I think the "1" with the 14-42 kit lens and 40-150 telephoto is a great deal.

I believe the Oly housings for "1" and "2" are just about the same price whereas the "3" housing is more.

 

[Packhorse]

Thanks, What lenses will fit in the EPL2 housing?
I'm into macro photography mainly. Whats a good macro lens and would I need any additional ports/parts for the housing?

Can anyone tell me the diameter of the lens barrel on the housing? I have a macro light system for my Canon and it requires a 100mm barrel or smaller.

 

[DSR-3]

For the PT-EP01 (E-PL1) The front of the stock port is 120mm max OD.

I've only made 1 trip with my "new" E-PL1 setup, but I really like it. This was also my first time using a wet-diopter, and that was so worth the effort to mount- I used it a bunch. It helped that it was "macro heaven"... I liked the option to remove it and shoot just the (14-42) lens on the same dive.

As others have written, I doubt that you would be disappointed in any of the E-PL flavors. Budget was my constraint, so I sold my old rig, started with a used E-PL1 and went from there.

Pic's from my trip.

 

[cardog]

For the PT-EP01 (E-PL1) The front of the stock port is 120mm max OD.

I've only made 1 trip with my "new" E-PL1 setup, but I really like it. This was also my first time using a wet-diopter, and that was so worth the effort to mount- I used it a bunch. It helped that it was "macro heaven"... I liked the option to remove it and shoot just the (14-42) lens on the same dive.

As others have written, I doubt that you would be disappointed in any of the E-PL flavors. Budget was my constraint, so I sold my old rig, started with a used E-PL1 and went from there.

Pic's from my trip.

Beautiful pics! Which wet diopter are you using and which strobes?
I have the Dyron +7 for my E- PL2 and I have a heck of a time locking in my focus!

 

[chris196]

Thanks, What lenses will fit in the EPL2 housing?
I'm into macro photography mainly. Whats a good macro lens and would I need any additional ports/parts for the housing?

Can anyone tell me the diameter of the lens barrel on the housing? I have a macro light system for my Canon and it requires a 100mm barrel or smaller.

Olympus lists the stock housing as working with the 14-42 kit lense and the 9-18.
Seems like most people who buy the 9-18 also get the Zen dome, but that really drives up the cost.
The 9-18 is not a cheap lense.
If budget is a major concern, I'd just get the stock camera and housing and snap away.
It will take great photos.