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After much agonizing, I picked up an EP-2 from Precision Camera in Austin (Thanks Robert) and thought I would share some thoughts with the forum.
First off, this is my first m43 camera so I won't be comparing it directly to other m43 models other than some comments on the viewfinder vs. the GF1's.
Quick backstory, as an owner of an LX3 I was heart set on picking up a GF1 and had actually purchased a GF1 body on eBay. The day the body came in (Friday), I went up to Precision to talk to Robert (Monza) about his upcoming Contax G lens adapter and while I was there I spotted the EP-2. Robert spent some time with me comparing the cameras and their EVFs. Long story, short, I sold the GF1 body, GF1 viewfinder and bought an EP-2.
I'll preface my pros and cons by saying I was looking for a modern replacement for the Contax T2/T3/G line and was also interested in using some fast legacy lenses, mostly for video.
EP-2 Pros
Viewfinder is amazing. Comparing it to the GF1's was a joke. Magnification is at least 100% with no discernible pixels. Really, really nice. I can shoot this viewfinder with both eyes open as compared to squinting hard with one eye to see the tiny GF1 EVF output. Manual focusing legacy lenses with the EVF (or LCD) is quite simple, although I wish Oly would optimize the interface a bit (see cons).
In body stabilization (but you already knew this)
Stereo audio in movie mode is a huge surprise. Crystal clear, stereo sound. Best sounding footage I've taken with an on camera mic. Better than my Canon HV20 camcorder. Video isn't too shabby either!
IQ - Since I'm new to m43 but understand the limitations, I wasn't expecting to be blown away and I can't say that I am. I love the Oly 17mm for the 34mm view it gives me (comparable to my Contax and Yashica T cameras) and it certainly gives a nice shallow depth of field without presenting as a bokeh whore. So far, total IQ is not leaps and bounds better than my LX3 however, without Adobe support for the EP-2 RAW format, I'm unable to do my own RAW processing and am limited to in camera jpeg. Overall, I'm sure IQ is going to be sufficient for my expectations.
CONS
Slow low light focusing. Without the a focus assist lamp like the GF1 and LX3 have, the EP-2 is a real dog in low light. Frustrating, considering I have the darn accessory flash on the camera, just waiting to flood the scene but the camera can't hold up it's end of the bargain. Not good.
Frustrating Interface. For the most part, I've quickly become accustomed to the Olympus interface and find it easy to use. However, there are some glaring issues that either need to be addressed or perhaps I am missing something.
1. While it is easy to focus a legacy (non m43s) lens in manual focus mode, getting there, and then having quick access to other settings is a real chore and frustration. First of all, the only display mode that is really usable for MF on legacy lenses is the "Zoom Display" mode. This mode is essential to quick access of the 7x and 10x focus assist (or zoom). Unfortunately, once in Zoom Display mode, you cannot use the quick buttons to access ISO, WB and Drive settings. Pushing any of the quick buttons on the wheel simply moves the focus point. I'm going to play around with the control customizations but so far the controls for MF with a legacy lens are poor. In fairness to Oly, the controls work fine with m43s lenses and I really like how the focus assist is triggered automatically in MF mode when you engage the focus ring on the lens.
2. When shooting with the EVF, you can't review shots on the LCD without pushing the EVF/LCD button. There needs to be a menu option to either shoot with: a. image review on the EVF b. image review on the LCD, or c. no image review. Please fix this quick Oly!
Given the processing power of these systems, I'd love to see a "Legacy Mode" that emulates a split level view with info display from an older OM system camera while retaining quick access to vital functions like ISO, EV compensation, etc. Ok, now I've ventured into daydreaming...
Overall, a really nice system and I'm pretty sure, for my needs at least, the right choice. I'm still holding out for a manufacturer to make an affordable version of the Leica X1 (no changeable lenses please) for a truly pocketable DSLR alternative. And while they're at it, full frame would be nice too.
First off, this is my first m43 camera so I won't be comparing it directly to other m43 models other than some comments on the viewfinder vs. the GF1's.
Quick backstory, as an owner of an LX3 I was heart set on picking up a GF1 and had actually purchased a GF1 body on eBay. The day the body came in (Friday), I went up to Precision to talk to Robert (Monza) about his upcoming Contax G lens adapter and while I was there I spotted the EP-2. Robert spent some time with me comparing the cameras and their EVFs. Long story, short, I sold the GF1 body, GF1 viewfinder and bought an EP-2.
I'll preface my pros and cons by saying I was looking for a modern replacement for the Contax T2/T3/G line and was also interested in using some fast legacy lenses, mostly for video.
EP-2 Pros
Viewfinder is amazing. Comparing it to the GF1's was a joke. Magnification is at least 100% with no discernible pixels. Really, really nice. I can shoot this viewfinder with both eyes open as compared to squinting hard with one eye to see the tiny GF1 EVF output. Manual focusing legacy lenses with the EVF (or LCD) is quite simple, although I wish Oly would optimize the interface a bit (see cons).
In body stabilization (but you already knew this)
Stereo audio in movie mode is a huge surprise. Crystal clear, stereo sound. Best sounding footage I've taken with an on camera mic. Better than my Canon HV20 camcorder. Video isn't too shabby either!
IQ - Since I'm new to m43 but understand the limitations, I wasn't expecting to be blown away and I can't say that I am. I love the Oly 17mm for the 34mm view it gives me (comparable to my Contax and Yashica T cameras) and it certainly gives a nice shallow depth of field without presenting as a bokeh whore. So far, total IQ is not leaps and bounds better than my LX3 however, without Adobe support for the EP-2 RAW format, I'm unable to do my own RAW processing and am limited to in camera jpeg. Overall, I'm sure IQ is going to be sufficient for my expectations.
CONS
Slow low light focusing. Without the a focus assist lamp like the GF1 and LX3 have, the EP-2 is a real dog in low light. Frustrating, considering I have the darn accessory flash on the camera, just waiting to flood the scene but the camera can't hold up it's end of the bargain. Not good.
Frustrating Interface. For the most part, I've quickly become accustomed to the Olympus interface and find it easy to use. However, there are some glaring issues that either need to be addressed or perhaps I am missing something.
1. While it is easy to focus a legacy (non m43s) lens in manual focus mode, getting there, and then having quick access to other settings is a real chore and frustration. First of all, the only display mode that is really usable for MF on legacy lenses is the "Zoom Display" mode. This mode is essential to quick access of the 7x and 10x focus assist (or zoom). Unfortunately, once in Zoom Display mode, you cannot use the quick buttons to access ISO, WB and Drive settings. Pushing any of the quick buttons on the wheel simply moves the focus point. I'm going to play around with the control customizations but so far the controls for MF with a legacy lens are poor. In fairness to Oly, the controls work fine with m43s lenses and I really like how the focus assist is triggered automatically in MF mode when you engage the focus ring on the lens.
2. When shooting with the EVF, you can't review shots on the LCD without pushing the EVF/LCD button. There needs to be a menu option to either shoot with: a. image review on the EVF b. image review on the LCD, or c. no image review. Please fix this quick Oly!
Given the processing power of these systems, I'd love to see a "Legacy Mode" that emulates a split level view with info display from an older OM system camera while retaining quick access to vital functions like ISO, EV compensation, etc. Ok, now I've ventured into daydreaming...
Overall, a really nice system and I'm pretty sure, for my needs at least, the right choice. I'm still holding out for a manufacturer to make an affordable version of the Leica X1 (no changeable lenses please) for a truly pocketable DSLR alternative. And while they're at it, full frame would be nice too.
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