EPL-1 vs. EPL-2 vs. EPL-3 -- Value?

[deeper thoughts]

The E-PL1, -2, and -3 have the same 12.3mp sensor. Image quality is the same, for a particular lens. With the very latest firmware in all versions, I doubt you will know the difference. The kit lens is much better on the -2 and -3 (same 14-42mm II lens), and if you have the -1 it is worth upgrading to the newer lens. (The newer lens is quieter during video, faster focusing, and does not have the shutter vibration problem at shutter speeds between 1/100th and 1/150th that the original loosy-goosey lens had.)

I upgraded the firmware in my E-PL1 to the latest version and upgraded the lens to a type II. I'm content. Rather than upgrading, I'm buying lenses and ports. But if buying today, I would go with the E-PL2 because of its better kit lens. At this date, mid-December 2011, the E-PL3 is not widely available in the USA, but can be bought from Europe or Japan. So again the E-PL2 is the better option if you are in need of a camera and housing immediately. By January the E-PL3 will be more available if you care to wait.

Cost differences are significant at the level of the camera and housing, but not when you consider the whole system. After you add strobes, tray and arms, focus light etc., you spend perhaps $2500 for the E-PL2 system, or perhaps $2800 for the E-PL3. I reckon this is about half the cost of a tricked out DSLR system, and it's much more compact for traveling.

Hi quick ? for you. I have the 14-42 with the EPL1. I do not shoot much vid but that being said do you still think it would be worth upgrading to the 14-42 2(for pix). thnx alot in adavnce

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

I think I would want to wait and have a look at this new Olympus 12 to 50 mm zoom with macro range before making a switch. It is due out in February. Google translation from Olympus JP.




More info at DPReview.com

4.2 times power zoom lens is about 24mm wide-angle take large at the beginning. The linear drive motor to achieve fast and quiet AF control than ever before, "the new MSC mechanism" and, because it incorporates motorized zoom mechanism that allows stable operation at a constant speed zoom, also video stills It is also recommended. In addition, 0.36-fold magnification(equivalent to 0.72 times the equivalent size 35mm) and also features a macro mode allows close-up photography. Themechanism for dust and water.




Equivalent 24-100mm (equivalent size 35mm)
M. ZUIKO DIGITAL
ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ

47,500 yen (49,875 yen with tax)

Will be released late January 2012

High-Speed ​​Imager AF (Organization MSC), dust and water mechanism

Lens cap (LC-52C), Lens Rear Cap (LR-2), Instruction Manual, Olympus Worldwide Warranty Card

Protection Filter (PRF-D52 PRO), Lens Hood (LH-55B), Lens Case (LSC-0814)

 

[Peter Guy]

Phil -- this wasn't good to see! This may mean that I will need to get the Zen port AND this new lens! Oh well, it's only money, right?

Quick question -- IS the older kit lens sharper at 42 mm than the newer one?

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

Not that I can tell, the old lens may look a bit better on the newer cameras but I like the new lens for its speed.

I will have an article on the M43 8mm fisheye and 12mm with the E-PL3 and the Nauticam NA-EPL3 housing using the 4.33 inch dome port coming in the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Underwater Photography magazine, UWPMAG.com in the next few weeks.

Phil

 

[deeper thoughts]

View attachment 110671I think I would want to wait and have a look at this new Olympus 12 to 50 mm zoom with macro range before making a switch. It is due out in February. Google translation from Olympus JP.




More info at DPReview.com

4.2 times power zoom lens is about 24mm wide-angle take large at the beginning. The linear drive motor to achieve fast and quiet AF control than ever before, "the new MSC mechanism" and, because it incorporates motorized zoom mechanism that allows stable operation at a constant speed zoom, also video stills It is also recommended. In addition, 0.36-fold magnification(equivalent to 0.72 times the equivalent size 35mm) and also features a macro mode allows close-up photography. Themechanism for dust and water.




Equivalent 24-100mm (equivalent size 35mm)
M. ZUIKO DIGITAL
ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ

47,500 yen (49,875 yen with tax)

Will be released late January 2012

High-Speed ​​Imager AF (Organization MSC), dust and water mechanism

Lens cap (LC-52C), Lens Rear Cap (LR-2), Instruction Manual, Olympus Worldwide Warranty Card

Protection Filter (PRF-D52 PRO), Lens Hood (LH-55B), Lens Case (LSC-0814)

Phil would this fit in the Epl1 housing and if so what dome would I need(zen?)
Thank You

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

First if the lens did fit at 12mm behind a flat port image quality would be as bad as the 9-18 behind a flat port. Time will tell if it will fit the ZEN 9-18 / 14-42 port, looks a little big to me.

Phil

 

[deeper thoughts]

First if the lens did fit at 12mm behind a flat port image quality would be as bad as the 9-18 behind a flat port. Time will tell if it will fit the ZEN 9-18 / 14-42 port, looks a little big to me.

Phil

Thnx maybe they will come out with a port. I do have the zen port now.

 

[nudibranco]

I also read that you need to press a macro switch and push on the zoom control to activate macro function... it does look like a complicated task and a bit too long a lens... oh well maybe a new port...

 

[Queequeg]

47,500 yen (49,875 yen with tax)

Now how the hell is this helpful?

:whack:

 

[cardog]

Now how the hell is this helpful?

:whack:

Agreed. I think it's about 620 U.S. dollars.