Noob, Looking for help deciding on a camera. Is Olympus E-420 any good?

[K1SSRSS]

Hi guys, I am new to the site. I have taken a class or two on photography, but the last time I really did much with any thing other than a point and shoot camera was about 10 years ago.

I am looking at getting my first DSLR and was wandering if you guys happen to know any thing about the Olympus E-420, would this be a good starter camera?

I have found one for $300 with a 14-42mm lense, is this a good deal.

I plan on mainly taking photos of cars with a good background, but I will definately be trying to use it for everything from scenery to wildlife. I ultimately would like to get a Nikon D 5000 series, but I want to start cheap and make sure I stick with it before I drop a bunch on money into this hobby.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[K1SSRSS]

75 views and no comments?

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I'm not familiar with it but these folks are reliable. Welcome to the forum.

Olympus E-420 Review: Digital Photography Review

 

[K1SSRSS]

I'm not familiar with it but these folks are reliable. Welcome to the forum.

Olympus E-420 Review: Digital Photography Review

Awesome thanks.

 

[IByte]

Hello, the reason why people are not responding is because they receive so many "Is this the right camera for me?" day in day out. Just some advice the more information you are bringing to the table, the more help you are going to receive.

What's your overall goal in this hobby?
What genre of photography do you see yourself in?
Does the camera, and it's button layout feel right to you regardless of brand?

I had the d5000 for two years and it served me very well. My advice is get a camera that has enough features for your skills to grow in.
One thing I learned from this forum is that glass, and a strong grasp of camera triangle fundamentals will help produce great pictures not the body. Sorry I cannot help you more still learning myself. Welcome put on your thick skin and good luck.

 

[Hackett]

The 420 when it came out in 08 was the smallest DSLR on the market, it might even still be close. It has a 4/3rds sensor and the kit lens it comes with isn't bad.
There are more lenses out there for it, for sure, and it does do relatively well.

I've been eyeballing the e520 (basically the same just a little bigger and a slightly different control layout) to use as a random grab and go camera.

The 420 uses CF and XD cards and still catches up to $350 on the used market.

Hope that helps.

 

[DScience]

It's a Micro four thirds camera, so be aware.

 

[K1SSRSS]

Hello, the reason why people are not responding is because they receive so many "Is this the right camera for me?" day in day out. Just some advice the more information you are bringing to the table, the more help you are going to receive.

What's your overall goal in this hobby?
What genre of photography do you see yourself in?
Does the camera, and it's button layout feel right to you regardless of brand?

I had the d5000 for two years and it served me very well. My advice is get a camera that has enough features for your skills to grow in.
One thing I learned from this forum is that glass, and a strong grasp of camera triangle fundamentals will help produce great pictures not the body. Sorry I cannot help you more still learning myself. Welcome put on your thick skin and good luck.

My overall goal would be to be able to take high quality photos of cars, as I am an avid car collector.
This camera does feel kind of small for me, but I am having a hard time getting over the price.

I just went through a forensic photography training course a couple of weeks ago, where we used the D5100, it felt good and I was able to use it decently. I am just having a hard time justifying the additional $250 to get into the Nikon as I have found the Olympus E-420 on clearance for $300, just to find out if it is something I will stick with as a hobby or not..

In your guys opinion is the Nikon worth the extra $250? There is also the possibility that my department will get us the Nikons down the road, my interest is just peaked right now and I want to start taking some quality photos.

Also does anybody know of any other decent DSLRs that come with a lense that are in the $300 price range?

 

[usayit]

It's a Micro four thirds camera, so be aware.

um no.

Its a four thirds camera not a micro four thirds camera.

 

[o hey tyler]

I like the fact that it has "420" in the name.

However, I'd never consider buying it. Not when Canon and Nikon are equally as accessible and far more versatile.

 

[StandingBear1983]

I would suggest buying the Nikon D3200 its has the new sensor, mic-in as in the d5100 (which wasn't in the D3100), very good in low light for a starter DSLR, get it with the kit lens 18-55 and you will get a good thing to see if you want to continue with photography, worst case you can sell it.

I think that's the minimum you should invest...or get a D3100 second hand if you don't have the cash...i wouldn't buy a camera that is almost 5 years old, specially not 4/3 of a sensor...i wouldn't invest in it 100$ even...the ISO performance in low light of the sensor is CRAP compared to today's sensors.

Lets say 10mp is enough (and it is), the major issue is with the dated smaller sensor of that camera. - it will shoot great in perfect conditions - but so will your P&S. - you buy a DSLR to have more options thet a P&S can't do, and today's P&S's are better then that old DSLR 4/3 camera. - my 2 cents.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Get a film camera. Knock the socks off the E-420.

 

[usayit]

My thoughts Four thirds

* Although they have excellent and some of the fastest lenses, the body and sensor itself didn't bring much value to the table in comparison to the competition. Sensor wise it was always lagging behind the competition in regards to High ISO performance. Otherwise, they are excellent performers
* Those fast high quality lenses... EXPENSIVE!!!!
* New system built from scratch for the purpose of digital == less lenses on the used market.
* Olympus seems to be focused on developing their MICRO four thirds systems.

My recommendation:

* Save up or buy older Nikon or Canon. More stuff on the market. When you move up in experience, the system can grow with you more easily.
* Spend about the same and get a newer MICRO four thirds system camera. Newer sensor. More quality lenses at reasonable prices. Small compact... all the advantages (and yes.. disadvantages) of mirrorless camera.

 

[cgipson1]

With the current legal issues Olympus is facing... will they be there for you in the future? Just something to think about! If they get bought out by someone else, are you willing to risk the changes that could occur?

I am with the consensus... Nikon or Canon. Lower end for learning.. after you outgrow that, you will KNOW what you want and need to get the shots you want! Right now you probably don't have that knowledge!

 

[usayit]

The consensus is that the legal problems are not impacting the camera system directly. In fact, with the exception of the US market, the micro 43 system is doing quite well.... Extremely well.

Worst case scenario Panasonic steps in as it's clear that they are in this for he long haul.

The traction and fast growing marketshare within the consumer market for the micro 43 system is one reason why I can't recommend the four thirds system over the micro four thirds. There are some very interesting glass popping up not to mention adapted legacy and backward compatibility with four thirds