Hands-on Review E-PL1 & PT-EP01

[Ryan]

The strongest macro lens available is ReefNet's Subsee +10, but delivery is pretty sticky on those guys (at least a month, maybe more). The Subsee is also available in a +5 strength.

The Inon UCL-165 M67 is also very popular, and is a +6 diopter.
Inon UCL-165M67 Close-up Lens [ino.456212143162] - $169.00 : Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

 

[Peter Guy]

Phil, I think Doubler has an interesting question and, in my opinion, deserved a more contemplative answer than you gave.

I am going to start by assuming the Oly housing is roughly equivalent to any of the "basic" housings for the Rebel -- thus one wouldn't choose the Rebel because the housing permits much more control.

So, the real issue, again, as far as I can tell, relates to the differences in the cameras themselves.

From the reviews I've read, the biggest differences between the two cameras is the auto-focus speed and the availability of lenses. The resolution, sharpness, etc. are roughly the same and, for all intents and purposes, are no different. (Note, I don't know if the Rebel is 1080p or 1080i which would be a difference if the former.)

It is unlikely the availability of lenses is significant for UW purposes for the vast majority of people since both systems have the general lenses that people want for UW.

Thus, the only significant difference, as far as I know, is in auto-focus speed. What I don't know is if that is at all signifcant? How much faster IS a Rebel's focusing than the Oly? Are those milliseconds really significant?

Comments anyone?

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

The Inon close-up lens Ryan attached a link to is the one I use. I am sure the ReefNet lens will work as well.

Peter,

Why not compare the Pen to the Canon 1Ds mark 111 which cost $8000.00.

DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras are apples and oranges, as are the consumer compacts and the PEN.

If you need a full review of these cameras I suggest Digital Camera Product Reviews: Digital Photography Review

If you want an additional review of the pen system with more photos, follow these links.

FourThirdsPhoto.com | EP-1 and PT-EP01

http://www.uwpmag.com/subscribe/download_issue.php?issue=56

Phil Rudin

 

[Peter Guy]

Phil wrote

DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras are apples and oranges, as are the consumer compacts and the PEN.

But Phil, what is it about the EVILs that make them an "orange" to the DSLR's "apple?" That is my question? The only significant difference I've read is the autofocus system -- and of course the lack of a mirror. But the sensor of the EVIL PEN (I like the way that reads) is of the same class as a dSLR sensor (although smaller than the one used by Nikon and Canon).

I can certainly understand why the S95 or G11 is a "pear" to the "orange" and "apple" (much smaller sensor with significant limits on aperture) and fixed lens, but not the difference between an EVIL and dSLR.

From one of the reviews you provided:

The higher resolution and better JPEG engine of the E-PL1 puts the baby Nikon to shame - with the Olympus trumping the DSLR in every respect. The Nikon D3000 isn't here because it offers class-leading image quality but because its feature set is most closely comparable to the E-PL1, even so the difference is dramatic.

DP Review

Or from Pop Photography and Imaging

If you want a camera that can deliver DSLR-quality imaging and still fit in a jacket pocket or medium-sized purse, the E-PL1 makes a lot of sense.

Phil, I am NOT trying to get into an argument with you but, to the contrary, I'm trying to understand why you put this EVIL into a totally different category than an entry level dSLR. IF there is, in fact, a significant difference between the EVILs and the dSLRs other than the autofocus, I'd really like to know what that difference is.

(Note -- it is my understanding the Four/Thirds cameras ARE dSLRs as opposed to the Micro-Four/Thirds cameras which are EVILS. This is, perhaps, what has me confused since all those cameras use the same lenses and same sensors. And if all that is the same, shouldn't the basic images be the same?)

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

Hi Peter,

Let me see if I can make this clear for everyone. It is quite clear that the image quality overall of the Olympus and Panasonic M. 43 cameras both in JPEG and RAW is everybit as good as any of the sub 35 mm frame cameras at the entry and mid-level. So the difference is not one of image quality but of viewing preference.

The DSLR has and optical viewfinder and a mirror and the PEN does not. To me the difference between looking through a quality full (100%) optical viewfinder with an accessory like the 45 degree Inon finder and looking at an LCD screen is like night and day, even worse than apples and oranges. With my Olympus E-3 in the SeaTool housing with the Inon 45 degree finder I and able to manually focus and fine tune up to four times life-size with complete control.

With an LCD screen you rely on auto focus and as a result end up with less crisp, sharp images compared to a DSLR. Auto focus speed to me is less important than than its accuracy.

To compare apples to apples you would need to shoot the DSLR in "live view" rather than looking through the viewfinder to judge auto focus speed V. the Pen and the Pen would win every time.

But against a DSLR using the viewfinder the Pen will fall a bit short in AF speed. This is because the auto focus systems have two different types of design and while the mirrorless cameras are getting much faster they are not quite up with the current batch of DSLRs.

Regarding video, while the DSLRs may have 1080 V. 760 the mirror is still between the lens and sensor which gives the edge to the mirrorless cameras in terms of the ability to auto focus. Most DSLR people shooting video set focus and then shoot manual for video.

The next major difference is cost, the PEN kit and PT-EP01 housing is just an outstanding value for the quality of images it turns out. In the time I have been using the system I have produced many publishable quality images, several with the KIT lens. With the outstanding ZEN domes, one is coming for the Pany 7-14 you get a wide angle package which size wise is a dream to use in the real world.

To recap for pro quality control and range of use the DSLR is still king, for value and easy of use the PEN is my choice.

Phil Rudin

 

[jhelmuth]

Just a contribution on the PEN kit in action...

 

[jhelmuth]

...another example of what the PEN can do...

 

[jhelmuth]

...and another...

 

[Peter Guy]

Phil,

Thank you very much for the explanation concerning the difference. I had not considered the issue of manual focus and I can certainly understand why you (and most other pros) would consider them apples and oranges.

 

[deeper thoughts]

9-5-10 conch reef

First time using the pen today