And bought another camera. This time I think I have a buyer for the last one.
Picked up an Olympus E-PL1. I wanted this for a couple of reasons. I want a camera even smaller than the G1 for trips. This one qualifies. I wanted a m43 camera with IS in the body. I wanted a video camera. This one makes nice videos.
It is small with the kit lens retracted but it is really small with the panasonic 20mm f1.7. Now effectively stabilized this should make a nice combination.
The big issue I have with this camera is the lack of controls. Its control system is totally modal. This isn’t too bad since I do not have the view finder so I’m staring at my fingers which makes it easier. If I buy the optional electronic view finder (only if it drops under $200) the camera will instantly become a PITA. Hopefully I’ll know how to work it by then.
It has a better sensor than the G1. That is immediately clear.
It is not that much smaller than the G1, tho. Very nearly the same size. Not quite as tall and a smaller grip but right in the ballpark. The kit lens makes all the difference. Put the 20mm on either to get a very tidy camera.
Edit: I did buy the optional EVF and the camera did not instantly become a PITA. The EVF puts your fingers in the right position. So the controls become much easier to work.
Not sure what happened to the second half of this planned two photo stitch. I like this half. The other didn’t come out. Too bad since I needed it to be a square photo for this to work. (Might be able to crop it down a bit and get something out of it.)
I love these things for creative lighting. So bright an small. They throw a lot of light and you can hide them in a lot of places. I used one once on my guitar, amp and booze photo to just add some highlights. I saw the light through my fish oil pills today and decided to shoot them. I put two LED flashlights under the jar and took a few.
It was all of $10 at National Camera. F2.8 ISO 3200 sample below.
I tossed the extension tube from my 50mm f3.5 macro on the Vivitar and tried this one. The top of the rose is cut off but it was the only time I was able to keep it in focus. (Handholding the damned thing and all.)
I’ve been sick all weekend. So when I finally felt better I decided to take a short walk in the park. The trails are pretty dry but everything still looks dead. I suppose it is still March. Got one shot I kind of like. Taken with the Minolta MD 50mm f3.5 Macro.
Some of you reading this may be mildly offended by the tone of what I’ve written. Or even majorly offended. Too bad. This is the kind of attitude that Jim respected and liked. I’m really sorry he’s gone, and he’d be happy to know that I’m really sorry he’s gone. Jim always wanted badly to be liked. And I really did like that royal pain in the ass. But if I got all pious and holy and handwringing on him now, his ghost would rise up to haunt me, rattling chains and saying, as Jim frequently did, “F*ck that sh*t, man!”
I can’t wait to see the photos the man is gonna send back from hell. They are going to be dynamite!
It is small with the kit lens retracted but it is really small with the panasonic 20mm f1.7. Now effectively stabilized this should make a nice combination.
The big issue I have with this camera is the lack of controls. Its control system is totally modal. This isn’t too bad since I do not have the view finder so I’m staring at my fingers which makes it easier. If I buy the optional electronic view finder (only if it drops under $200) the camera will instantly become a PITA. Hopefully I’ll know how to work it by then.
