- build like a tank
- very high resolution even with only 5MP
- bright viewfinder
- AF can combined with manual focus
- moderately heavy
- don't need software to download files, just plug in the camera to the computer and that's it
- nice Bokeh with the 14-54mm

- only 5MP although
- large compared my OM camera
- viewfinder half the size of my OM cameras

In combination with the Zuiko 14-54mm MkI great combo. An Olympus zuiko addict since more than 25 years starting with the OM camera
I had already digital experience with the Canon G7

Customer Service

Not used until now

Similar Products Used:

OM 1, OM2n, OM2sp, Canon G7, Bronica EC TL

* Rugged body
* Weathersealed
* 150K shutter MTBF
* Color Fideliy like film characteristic !

* Slow response (Compare to Nikon/Canon)
* Noise for long expsure more than 5 sec

The cheapest pro D-SLR on market now.
Even only having 5 MP resolution, but the results are amazing !

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

EOS 30D

Build Quality, it's extremely rugged and durable, dust reduction/elimination, well thought out system components, (HLD-2), FL-36, PRICE!!!!! For the cost of my original E-1 purchase(2K), this is what I got: E-1, 14-54 f2.8, 40-150 f4.0, FL-36 Flash, 3 512 MB CF cards, HLD-2 Verticle Grip/PowerSupply, BLL-1 Battery,tripod, LowePro bag. Now lets compare that to the Nikon D-200 for 2K, body, 18-70 Lens, 1 512 MB CF card. True, you get a 10 MP CCD with the Nikon, but I've taken files from the D1X out to 30 x40 and the D1X had a 5.47 MP CCD; same size as the Olympus. After spending a week with the E-1 shooting locally, I went out and spent another 679.00 on another body as a backup. For under 3K, I have a system I can depend on with a backup body. Can't do that with a D200. In terms of bang for the buck, IMHO Olympus wins in a landslide. Zuiko lenses are extremely sharp edge to edge and color saturation is great. Coupled with the FL-36 flash, exposure is dead on. As an experiment, I pulled out the old reliable, the Vivitar 285HV, set the camera manually, and shot around the house. Dead on again. The more I shoot with this camera the more I like it and can feel it becoming an extension of my mind.

Focusing seems slow indoors or in lowlight situations compared to the D2X or D1X.

The E-1 is built like a tank; HLD-2 is a "must" have if you've got large hands.

Customer Service

Online support is good, firmware upgrades are simple and straightforward. Professional support is offered, but I have yet to hear from them.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon D2X, D1X, D1,5700, Kodak DCS 420, DCS 200

100% Viewfinder Dust cleaninng system Solid body, professional quality. Excellent ergonomics PRICE Quiet shutter 4/3 ratio (like my Pentax 6X7) Excellent zoom

Slow AF (only three sensors) Small LCD screen compare to last digital cameras

Why buying the E1 when I couldget for the same price a newer DSLR with higher resolution? Basically after thinking about my needs I realised that my DSLR won't replace my Pentax 6X7, it must be complementary. Previously I used a Pentax 35mm SLR (LX) in addition to my medium format camera, for enlargement up to 20x30cm, for larger picture I used the 6X7. Thus 5MP is not an issue at all, up to 30x45 the resolution is high enough. Another important criteria was the viewfinder, the E1 with 100% is perfect for me (I'm wearing glasses), then the dust issue was also a big concern. I did not want to spend time cleaning the sensor like too many DSLR users. Thus the Olympus dust free system was again the right solution. Of course ergonomic was important too and the E1 fit perfectly my hand, all button are intuitive and I do not need to look at the body to find the right button. Another interesting part in the kit was the 14-54mm lens which is based on picutres I've made the perfect all around lens. Good colors, sharp and consistant in all the range from wide to tele. And quite luminous for a zoom. Other lens I've just bought is the 35mm macro with goes to 1:1, more plastic and less solid than the Pro 14-54 zoom but for the price it's good enough (Around 250euros) AF is slow but for macro under good lighting it's not a big deal. I do not regret at all this purchase, I think I'll keep for a long time, knowing that for large print I'll use my 6x7.

Customer Service

Don't know them yet, but if necessary I can take par the E club and get many services depending on subscription...

Similar Products Used:

None first DSLR.

User friendly, top lenses, splash proof, high end manufacturing

None,really. Maybe minor details,can't remember.

Extraordinary camera, my first digital SLR after many Leicas and 6x6 Rolleis & Hasselblads. I am a user of Canon G5 also, just for snapshots purposes.I was very much in doubt if starting with a quality digital and I think I have found it. Top quality manufacturing and exc + pics. Very user friendly. The price is higher then some competitors but worth very cent. Hopefully 4/3 will not be one of many forgotten standards. Anyway Olympus is back. Do you remember Pen F and OM 1?

Customer Service

not used, web support is excellent.

Similar Products Used:

Canon G5,leicas M,Rollei,Hasselblads,many prosumer digitals

Outstanding surface and constriction work. Give me a feeling of high quality and top class camera. Usually good constricted camera are heavy, but actually the weight is average, only 660g. The image is sharp and in good colour balance. I found images are more natural than some DSLRs. It is easy to use and gives bright viewfinder. Provide anti shock (=mirror lock up) and noise reduction functions are very useful for long time night shoots. Fast and accurate AF focusing. Anti weather sealing.

No built in flash, less convenient. But FL-20 flash is small and not expensive. Like other DCs, you need to fine adjustment in colour if you really need a very accurate colour reproduction. Takes 1-2 sec to start up. Since it is new system, limited choice of lenses and no VR or IS are disadvantage. Thus, I minus one star in value rating.

14-54mm lens covers 28-108mm range which is very useful in all round basis. Also, provide 1:2 Marco. Very good flare control, sharpness and distortion control. It may be the good result of designing lens and CCD size together. I bought in HK at $18000 body with lens and 10D cost at $12800 without lens, so the price of E1 is not expensive in my opinion. May be 100% viewfinder makes it has no built in flash. View finder is bright but not as big as I imagine coz 4/3 system use smaller CCD and also mirror.

Customer Service

No experience.

Similar Products Used:

D100, D1H, S2Pro, E20.