Author Topic: Which Olympus PEN for someone who cares about usability (Read 568 times)

rparmar · « **on:** February 05, 2012, 08:34:26 AM »

I have the Olympus PEN E-P1 and it's OK as a backup to my Pentax, especially considering I got it for a song. I am wondering if there is a better camera for me, since I want to use a viewfinder and this forces a new purchase. So far I have been unimpressed with the models that have come after, since they seem to be either missing key features or too expensive for me. But I could be wrong and so ask for the help of those more knowledgeable than I!

I shoot mostly in Av and so need direct access to aperture, exposure compensation and ISO. That's very basic, but my E-P1 does not let me assign ISO to one of the soft buttons. I have learned to live with using the OK menu for this, but it's not ideal, since OK has other functions.

It would be great to use a flash trigger and viewfinder at the same time, though I think no model manages this. So, OK, another compromise.

I use legacy lenses and need quick access to the focus magnification. The E-P1 ties this in with info screen selection, which is a PITA. This bugs me a lot.

IBIS is essential, since I work in available light a good amount of the time. This is why I am only considering Olympus. Reports indicate the IBIS on the E-PM1 is broken, so that one's out of the running. Any other models I should eliminate?

I don't care about extraneous "features" like touch screens and don't need to have the most recent model, unless it really makes photography better. Faster burst rates and AF mean nothing to me.

P.S. I am posting this on three forums out of curiosity, to see where I get the best info.

voyager · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2012, 02:14:12 PM »

The new E-M5 sounds like a good choice, but since we don't know much about the actual usability of it, I just put that as a reservation.

The E-P3 has improved a lot of the things that you complain about in the E-P1. I also do not like the magnification to focus, so I understand your frustrations with it.

rparmar · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2012, 02:34:08 PM »

There's now a nice discussion going on somewhere else. (Not sure if saying where is against forum rules. Some places are pretty anal about basic internet sharing and linking.)

rparmar · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2012, 02:38:46 PM »

Quote from: voyager on February 05, 2012, 02:14:12 PM

The new E-M5 sounds like a good choice, but since we don't know much about the actual usability of it, I just put that as a reservation.

The E-P3 has improved a lot of the things that you complain about in the E-P1. I also do not like the magnification to focus, so I understand your frustrations with it.

Thanks Voyager. Unfortunately my budget is minimal. I got the E-P1 for under 150 pounds and would like to stay not too far from that in future. I am willing to be patient to make that happen.

Unfortunately the second generation bodies did not significantly improve on the E-P1, so I need to go to third gen units, with costs around 300 quid. The E-P3 is too rich for me; for that much I'd be better off buying a Pentax.

Currently evaluating E-PL2, E-PM1, E-PL3.

voyager · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2012, 02:55:49 PM »

I've heard great things about the E-PM1, if you're willing to do a bit more menu diving to change certain settings. I've even tried one out a few times and it's a lot smaller than it looks, while still very usable.

Which Olympus PEN for someone who cares about usability