Canon 400d or Olympus e510

Freddie59

Was about to take the plunge with the Canon Eos 400d when I stumbled across some photos taken in 2002 with a then-2MP Olympus. The quality was staggering. I currently own a Fuji s5000 which has served me very well.

Both cameras got very good reviews on Steve's Digicams, a fairly good review site IMHO.

Olympus E510 review:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/e510.html

Canon Eos 400d Review:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/rebelxti.html

Mainly I just want good quality. Not really into the nuts and bolts of the thing. Any opinions?

Many thanks.

Freddie.

magicbastarder

if you want to buy more lenses for it, the canon lenses will be easier to source and probably cheaper.

challengemaster

I use a 400D so if you want pic examples... clickeh sig

remember though, it's not just the camera taking the pictures - its the photographer too

Freddie59

challengemaster wrote: »

I use a 400D so if you want pic examples... clickeh sig

remember though, it's not just the camera taking the pictures - its the photographer too

Precisely. I've always had a reasonable quality camera (back in film days I had Pentax, Olympus, and Konica). Beleive me, I know eactly what my capabilities are.:) Looks like the Olympus would be a good bet for me then?

Thanks for all the help.

PS super photos BTW.

duffarama

If you get the Olympus get the twin lens kit as both lenses are of really good quality. Also all your lenses will be stabilised.

Extra lenses are expensive but they are worth every cent and you'll not spend the money unless you're certain you'll get good use out of them!

Freddie59

duffarama wrote: »

If you get the Olympus get the twin lens kit as both lenses are of really good quality. Also all your lenses will be stabilised.

Extra lenses are expensive but they are worth every cent and you'll not spend the money unless you're certain you'll get good use out of them!

Thanks for that. As I just want good quality when I use the camera (I won't necessarily be using it on a regular basis) it would seem to be the way to go. The Steve's Digicam's review was very good, and, while the Olympus lacks the nine-point focusing system of the Eos it seems to offer good quality and excellent value (with two lenses) for an entry-level DSLR.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to reply.:)

hansdoddema

I'm torn between the E510 and 400d as well! I like the colors of photos made with a E510 and the amount of detail of the 400d.

It will be my first DSLR, so I hope to be able to learn to work with it and be able to shoot a fair variety of shots as well.

Now, if this is going to be a lifelong hobby, is lens support/availability/(switching) cost a factor I should consider? Canon or Olympus..?

I've been using my Olympus SP350 quite a while, which has brought me some decent photos.

Thanks a lot for your input!

challengemaster

Lenses aren't interchangable from different brands, so if you do decide to swap later on, you'll have to sell all your kit and buy new stuff. From what I know, a lot more lenses are made for Canon fit than Olympus - however I'm open to correction there.

The Canon 450D has just been released, which might appeal to you more? Live view, and uses SD cards so you'll be able to use the same ones for your compact digitals(depends on compact digital owned)

hansdoddema

I know they're not interchangeable unfortunately, so I'm trying to plan ahead for the future with the camera I purchase now, hoping that I'll be able to continue to use the lenses when I upgrade a camera.

Or will I be able to have fun with either for a number of years and not worry about switching costs?

Yeah 450d seems nice, but I think I'll prefer a camera a bit cheaper (and sooner .

5uspect

Why not get a second hand 350D or 400D? Lots of people are upgrading to the flashy 40D so you should be able to get a good one on adverts.ie easily enough with relatively low actuations. Then spend that extra cash on good glass because thats where it really counts!

hansdoddema

True. What would be a common, good lens to start off with if I'd opt for a 2nd hand or body 400d?

challengemaster

there's a sticky at the top of the forum

Mainly whats reccomended is the nifty-fifty (prime lens - 50mm f/1.8)
and for a zoom, if you can, Sigma 70-300 is nice
General walkabout, hmm.. you want something like a 28-135mm

Thirdfox

Just a small correction but lenses are interchangable if you willing to lose autofocus and auto exposure (so okay perhaps if you had a macro lens).

But it depends on makes - Nikkor on Canon body is okay but Canon on Nikon isn't (size of the mount) In fact Nikon used to make the first lenses to be used on Canon bodies!

Freddie59

hansdoddema wrote: »

I'm torn between the E510 and 400d as well! I like the colors of photos made with a E510 and the amount of detail of the 400d.

It will be my first DSLR, so I hope to be able to learn to work with it and be able to shoot a fair variety of shots as well.

Now, if this is going to be a lifelong hobby, is lens support/availability/(switching) cost a factor I should consider? Canon or Olympus..?

I've been using my Olympus SP350 quite a while, which has brought me some decent photos.

Thanks a lot for your input!

I'm leaning towards the 450D at the minute (but the Olympus is still niggling away at me:)). Hans - this guy is photographing wildlife with an Olympus for 40 years. It's worth a read.

http://www.nwpphotoforum.com/ubbthreads/information/php/2007_Reviews/Isaac/Oly510Review.php

Thanks once again to everyone for the help and suggestions.

Paulw

You'll also find major sports, photojournalists and wildlife photographers who've used Canon all their lives. :-) Look at any major sports event, and count the white lenses - all Canon.

Go to a shop and hold each camera in your hands, then make a decision.

wingnut

challengemaster wrote: »

Lenses aren't interchangable from different brands [/SIZE]

Not true in the case of the Olympus. It is 4/3 system compatile so it will take a 4/3 lens from any brand.

duffarama

Hans,
If you already have xD cards from your sp350 you'll be able to use them in an E-510 as well as being able to add CF cards as your need for memory increases the more you use the camera!

As for lenses, there are some really good quality lenses available from Olympus and Leica, some are affordable and some are rightly very expensive. There are now an increasing number of Sigma lenses available which are a lot cheaper too.

Also, if you get the twin lens kit you'll not be needing a new lens for some time and with the Olympus they'll all be stabilised and you'll very rarely have a problem with dust.

Best of luck with your decision

See comprehensive list of lenses here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/8457/Digital_SLR_Interchangeable_Lenses_for_Olympus.html

Freddie59

Paulw wrote: »

You'll also find major sports, photojournalists and wildlife photographers who've used Canon all their lives. :-) Look at any major sports event, and count the white lenses - all Canon.

Go to a shop and hold each camera in your hands, then make a decision.

I see what you mean. I din't post that to offend Canon users. It's just useful from my perspective to see both sides.:)

Freddie59

OK folks. Looks like I'm going to buy the Eos 450D when it's released in April. It has an IS kit lens of 18-55. As I don't know much about lenses (and the camera will be used mainly for family events with the odd scenery shot) could I please have your opinions on these lenses:


This lens ( http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=308992 ) is available. Would this suit for so-called 'walkabout' purposes?

Is this a reasonable Telephoto lens:

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=321661

I realise both do not have IS, but I don't think this would be too much of an issue (or would it?).

Would they be sufficient for a DSLR beginner like myself?

Many thanks.

Freddie.

PS; I'm going for the Eos, as people have advised me that I'm buying into a camera system rather than just a camera. The lack of affordable Olympus lenses is also an issue, along with the wide availability of good quality 2nd-hand Canon peripherals.

Thirdfox

Well you should take a look at Nikon too (D40, D40x, D60, D80 being the choices within your price range). *biased Nikon user

In regards Canon lenses - IS is quite nice when handholding in okay light. I know that Canon have a 55-250mm IS coming soon (or is it out already?) That may suit you better...

Freddie59

Thirdfox wrote: »

Well you should take a look at Nikon too (D40, D40x, D60, D80 being the choices within your price range). *biased Nikon user

In regards Canon lenses - IS is quite nice when handholding in okay light. I know that Canon have a 55-250mm IS coming soon (or is it out already?) That may suit you better...

Thanks Thirdfox.:) I did look at the Nikon D80 (and WAS tempted) but the facilty of Live View etc on the Eos kinda swung me. Any opinion on those two lenses?

nilhg

Freddie59 wrote: »

OK folks. Looks like I'm going to buy the Eos 450D when it's released in April. It has an IS kit lens of 18-55. As I don't know much about lenses (and the camera will be used mainly for family events with the odd scenery shot) could I please have your opinions on these lenses:


This lens ( http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=308992 ) is available. Would this suit for so-called 'walkabout' purposes?

Is this a reasonable Telephoto lens:

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=321661

I realise both do not have IS, but I don't think this would be too much of an issue (or would it?).

Would they be sufficient for a DSLR beginner like myself?

Many thanks.

Freddie.

PS; I'm going for the Eos, as people have advised me that I'm buying into a camera system rather than just a camera. The lack of affordable Olympus lenses is also an issue, along with the wide availability of good quality 2nd-hand Canon peripherals.

Firstly the disclaimer, I own an E510...

I have to say that I wonder about the sense in waiting 3 months to buy a brand new model which will be at a premium price for another couple of months after that, I understand that it will have new features but the 400D (or E510) is a very capable camera.

I know very little about the lenses you picked except to say that the 50 always gets kind words here, the longer lens is slow and depending on what you intend to use it for will probably struggle without IS/VR.

I also have to say that I find it hard to understand the comment about the lack of affordable Oly lenses, especially as the twin lens kit is commonly described as the highest quality best value combination on the market and when you mount them on the E510 they are stabilised too! Just wondering how you formed this opinion?

Thirdfox

Just to add further confusion - the newly announced Sony A350 looks fantastic on paper (especially with what could be a superior implementation of live view - may be important in your case)

They have a swivel LCD screen too. And built in IS/VR/AS (as they call it). Handy if you want to use old lenses (as a budget conscious consumer)...

Trojan911

I'm also looking at the Canon 400D but was recently introduced to the Pentax K10D. It has a TIPA award and an EISA best product award.

Anyone got any opinions on the Pentax?

Thanks.

Thirdfox

There's a newer K20D coming out... ThOnda is a Pentax user and should be able to tell you more.

pete4130

Live view wouldn't sway my decision. It does nothing to improve or enhance image quality. For me, I see it as a gimmick. I've got it and don't use it, I can't see a use for it in my everyday, normal shooting. I can see more practical uses for it with Olympus cameras that have a flip out LCD screen. I'd still much rather look thru a viewfinder to compose.

Trojan911

Thirdfox wrote: »

There's a newer K20D coming out... ThOnda is a Pentax user and should be able to tell you more.

Thanks,

I priced up the Canon 400D here in Cork, The cheapest I found was €749.00 with the standard 18-55mm lens. I can source one from the States for €439.00 same lens with a silver body, which is what I want. The Pentax K10D is going for around €779 with standard 18-55mm lens here in Cork.

Thirdfox

Pentax also have their K100D and the newer K200D lines...may be worth looking into.

Haven't seen you in the legal discussion forum for a long time now (not that I go often anymore either) hope you're keeping well.

Buying from the States is great (just the problem of paying the customs duties).

Trojan911

Thirdfox wrote: »

Haven't seen you in the legal discussion forum for a long time now (not that I go often anymore either) hope you're keeping well.

Still poke the nose in every now & then but otherwise keeping good thanks.

Thirdfox wrote: »

Buying from the States is great (just the problem of paying the customs duties).

Hmmm .... yes ...

Freddie59

nilhg wrote: »

Firstly the disclaimer, I own an E510...

I have to say that I wonder about the sense in waiting 3 months to buy a brand new model which will be at a premium price for another couple of months after that, I understand that it will have new features but the 400D (or E510) is a very capable camera.

I know very little about the lenses you picked except to say that the 50 always gets kind words here, the longer lens is slow and depending on what you intend to use it for will probably struggle without IS/VR.

I also have to say that I find it hard to understand the comment about the lack of affordable Oly lenses, especially as the twin lens kit is commonly described as the highest quality best value combination on the market and when you mount them on the E510 they are stabilised too! Just wondering how you formed this opinion?

Well it is the result of hours of reading endless reviews, etc across various fora regarding the e510 or the 450D. The general consensus is that you are buying into a system - not a camera. And while I agree that general opinion does favour the reproduction of the Oly lenses, the 450D will come with a bundled 18-55 IS lens. Additional Canon/Sigma/Tamron lenses for the Eos are far more widely availavble....and cheaper; and perform as well as the Zuikos. Thus my decision.:)

Freddie59

Trojan911 wrote: »

Thanks,

I priced up the Canon 400D here in Cork, The cheapest I found was €749.00 with the standard 18-55mm lens. I can source one from the States for €439.00 same lens with a silver body, which is what I want. The Pentax K10D is going for around €779 with standard 18-55mm lens here in Cork.

www.komplett.ie will retail the new 450D for €749. (http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=345550 ). Body only €649. Available (according to them) March 5th.

nilhg

Freddie59 wrote: »

Well it is the result of hours of reading endless reviews, etc across various fora regarding the e510 or the 450D. The general consensus is that you are buying into a system - not a camera. And while I agree that general opinion does favour the reproduction of the Oly lenses, the 450D will come with a bundled 18-55 IS lens. Additional Canon/Sigma/Tamron lenses for the Eos are far more widely availavble....and cheaper; and perform as well as the Zuikos. Thus my decision.:)

Fair enough, I hope you enjoy your new camera, I still can't quite understand how the easy availability of a good range of decent glass for Canon equates to a lack of affordable 4/3 fit lenses, I'm quite happy with what I've got in my bag without having broken the bank.;)

Paulw

Ok, I know Canon stuff fairly well, but I was browsing the Olympus site. They list 3 types of lens - "standard", "pro" and "top pro". What's the difference?

I know Canon have their EF-S, EF and then EF L lenses. EF and EF-S are just the adptor, so Canon have two sets of lenses - L and non-L.

Canon, and Nikon seem to have a very wide variety and cost of lenses.

duffarama

Paulw wrote: »

Ok, I know Canon stuff fairly well, but I was browsing the Olympus site. They list 3 types of lens - "standard", "pro" and "top pro". What's the difference?

I know Canon have their EF-S, EF and then EF L lenses. EF and EF-S are just the adptor, so Canon have two sets of lenses - L and non-L.

Canon, and Nikon seem to have a very wide variety and cost of lenses.

You have to keep in mind it's an entirely new system from the ground up which started with the E-1 about 5 years ago, so currently the lens range wouldn't be as wide as Canon/Nikon. Olympus appear to have started at the top in terms of lenses, the good ones are VERY good and built to an extremely high standard.

The differences according to the Olympus site are...

Standard:
The standard lenses are ideal for all-round applications for advanced amateurs and ambitious hobby users. They are special dedicated digital lenses with a near telecentric design for perfect image quality. For all needs, the perfect lens can be offered from a standard, telephoto & ultra zoom to a macro lens.

Pro:
In addition to a near telecentric design, the pro lenses are also dust and splash proofed to meet the special requirements of professional use.
These high-performance models are robust and bright for a pros daily work.

Top Pro:
The Top Pro lenses are designed for highest professional requirements. Big maximum apertures over the whole zoom range as well as dust & splash proof construction distinguish these lenses. They all contain ED glass elements for best edge-to-edge image quality. They are specially marked with a platinum ring round the front lens.

Freddie59

nilhg wrote: »

Fair enough, I hope you enjoy your new camera, I still can't quite understand how the easy availability of a good range of decent glass for Canon equates to a lack of affordable 4/3 fit lenses, I'm quite happy with what I've got in my bag without having broken the bank.;)

Cheers for that.:)