Minority Camera??

[bpalmer]

maybe i can get some info without starting a flame war....i hope

i bought my 1st digital camera about 9 years ago,3.34 mp olympus camedia. fantastic camera,never ever let me down in any way,and took pretty good pics too,for a p&s. so based on its superb reliability i looked to olympus when i decided to upgrade my equipment as well as my skills. i did some research,dpreview and the like,where i found the e series cameras always received stellar reviews. i also found that olympus lenses where often touted as some of the finest glass around especially when coupled with the 4/3 system.
now that i found other forums and have further immersed myself into this adventure,it seems,olympus is certainly in the minority.
is this because olympus simply does not make a super high end camera(above the e3) ?? or is there something i am missing here ?
cc is appreciated...
bp

[LensBaby]

OK ..this is my opinion only, but I think most photographers use either NIKON or CANON, and they think that they are the best cameras that you can buy. I have actually had people be very MEAN and RUDE to me because I use a Sony A700 (my camera before my DSLRs was an OLYMPUS p&s and it took the best photos, but it broke, so I went with a DSLR when I bought a new camera. These people that think that you either have to own a NIKON or a CANON need to do a little research, and educate themselves. Yes, I agree Nikon and Canon are great cameras, but not the only option, and these cameras may not meet the needs of the person that is purchasing it. (Maybe they do not like the way that it feels in their hands)I have been told that the Olympus E3 is a GREAT camera, and I am sure for Olympus lovers it is. I bought my camera at Best Buy, and they didn't have any Olympus DSLR cameras in stock at the time, or I probably would have went with and Olympus. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that if the Olympus does what you want it to, and it feel good in your hands, then you have the camera for you! Don't let anyone tell you different.

[dkippen]

bpalmer -

Go with what works for you. Keep in mind that it's not just the camera that takes good pictures, it's the photographer behind the camera that sets up the shot, gets the metering right, and "sees" what no one else can see. I agree with Sue, there are many cameras out there, do your research and pick what works for you.

[jerryph]

Not everyone has the same budget, skills, needs and desires in photography. With the quality level of equipment out there today and the fact that it is always rising, take what feels best in your hands.

As far as Nikon owners snubbing Sony owners, I think you need to ask them where most of the Nikon camera sensors came from. Yes, you guessed it... Sony... lol.

I made a choice to go Nikon becuase my father used Nikon "back in the day" and I went Nikon with the E8800. When I decided to get a little more serious, by then I was brand loyal to Nikon and it is more that than any real techical reason why I stuck with them and chose the D200. My next one will again be a Nikon, likely a "D400" or equivalent, when released in about a year's time.

If Olympus cameras make you feel good... go for it and with confidence. As mentioned, 90% of a good picture comes from WHO is behind the camera... not the brand/make/model.

[bpalmer]

THANKS FOR THE INPUT FOLKS !!

i am really wanting to make a career change in the next year or so,up to this point i have been very happy with my choice. it seems to me especially with the new lenses i have received in the last week there is a lot of room for me to grow, without being limited by my equipment.

bp

[arrowind]

BP
One consideration on this line is future purchases. You state you would like to make a career change to photography. Check and see that the brand you choose to start with has the quality and selection of equipment you would use as a professional.
I bought my first Nikon in 1970. I have stuck with that brand and have some new equipment now. Everything from lens, filters, and a lot of things work when I upgrade to newer generation cameras. That is why I am brand loyal.
Just something to think about.
Kenny

[daltoned]

Bp, I know what you mean, I think I must be the only one on the forum with a Pentax, which seems to be in an even smaller minority.
As I've only recently bought it ( K10d ) and only now getting out to use it, its too early to say if I've made the right choice for me.
EddieD

[dkippen]

Kenny makes a very good point with equipment being compatible with what you have or what may be available in the future.

For example, I am going out of town with weekend with a friend that uses a Canon that takes film. The advantage is that most of her lenses will work on my camera, which is digital. I also have a neighbor that has an older Canon digital and has offered to loan any of his lenses out to me. When I bought my camera, I also took into account of what the professionals use, which for me was important. I don't ever see myself going professional, but I noticed most professionals use the Nikon or Canon.

Bottom line - it's a matter of personal preference. You'll see that many different brands that take wonderful shots are represented here.

[jerryph]

In all honesty, its VERY rare that what you start out with is what you will grow into a professional with... pros invest a lot in their equipment and they also invest in higher end quality lenses. If you choose right, your lenses in general will outlast your body choices. While cameras constantly improve and advance, good glass is good glass forever.

[ladyups]

Well, I guess I've never been one to follow the crowd. I was in a photo shop to check into buying a Rebel XT and the clerk talked me into the Sony. Since I didn't have any equipment that I was carrying over into my upgrade, I didn't see anything wrong with it. And I am very happy with my purchase. I love the in camera stabilization, the feel in my hands and the ease of the controls. I'll be sticking with Sony...not necessarily as brand loyal but because I like the camera and now I have equipment to carry over. Had I known about Olympus having a slr, I probably would have went with one of those cause I had an Olympus c300z and loved it...it took the most awesome pictures and did have manual controls but I never used them. I was happy with the results of the auto settings back then.
I, personally, don't care what camera you all use, I just want to see the exposures you get out of them...

[jacqui2]

hi, eddie i also have a pentax (k200d) and am very happy with it. the guy in the local camera shop who is a photographer of many years said it was a good quality brand just not enough publicity. apparently all camera shops push canon and nikon over most other makes, not that there is anything wrong with them, but there are other makes that really are very good cameras. im happy with mine anyway.:) one reason i went for it was in entry levels its one of a very few that still has a top lcd imformation plate, couldnt do without that, and also a very solid build and weatherproofing.:)

[LensBaby]

I agree with Mary. I really do not care what brand of equipment I have either, just as long as it works, and I can educate myself enough to take decent photos. Ok so I want to take better than decent photos. I also like Olympus as well, because I have had good luck with their equipment in the past. I personally like how the camera fits in my hand, because I have it in my hands enough.

[jerryph]

I recently lost a friend over their snobbishness over cameras (of all things to lose a friend over!!). They were Mr. Canon and to them I was Mr. Nikon... I was glad to have been able to air my feelings about his childishness and wished him lots of luck in his hobby and coming professional photography career.

Some people need to grow up.

As far as Pentax, I am not too familiar with them, but know that there is a relationship with Minolta in there and that Pentax had about 50 lenses from the 1970's to present and that if you have the right model, most of these lenses will directly fit and work on the newer Pentax digital cameras.