[nickthetasmaniac]

I'm curious what camera settings and post-processing you've used for this? There's way more noise than there should be...?

epl2 and 14mm panasonic

[pingflood]

Can I play? Was looking at getting a 20/1.7 which normally runs like 400 EUR here, then found it _with_ a GF1 for 300 EUR on clearance.

So, GF1+20/1.7, not the most recent gear but performs well enough.

[ivoire]

I'm curious what camera settings and post-processing you've used for this? There's way more noise than there should be...?

iso200 and f5.6. but not sure what processing was done. this does have more noise than i like. heres another version

[wombat2go]

I am trying to use the Oly E-PL1 with PK lenses at the skating rink.
Everthing is right at the limit, iso 1600 seems a bit better than iso 2000
Today I tried the 1:2.8 135mm at f/4 100th sec with IS on.

My biggest problem is that I can't focus the thing. I don't want to spend on M43 AF lenses.
Not sure why the camera does not have focus indication in completely manual mode, like the Pentax dslrs do.
I would like to ask anybody who has the VF-2 if it allows sharper manual focussing?
-without going into the focus zoom mode which is hopeless for moving subjects?
Also does it have the diopter adjustments?
Thanks

[Laurentiu Cristofor]

I am trying to use the Oly E-PL1 with PK lenses at the skating rink.

The problem with the E-PL1 is that the LCD resolution is rather low. With the E-PL2 I can sometimes focus accurately without zooming in, just using the snappiness of the image on the LCD.

You could also try prefocusing and waiting for the subject to return to an area. That should work well at the skating rink.

[pingflood]

Went to maritime day here.

[westmill]

epl2 and 14mm panasonic

Loving that last pic great concept. pass me the brush... he is waiting to be painted

[nickthetasmaniac]

iso200 and f5.6. but not sure what processing was done. this does have more noise than i like. heres another version

Did you have 'Auto Gradation' set to 'ON'? Because there's something seriously wrong there for 200iso...

[rparmar]

My biggest problem is that I can't focus the thing. I don't want to spend on M43 AF lenses.
Not sure why the camera does not have focus indication in completely manual mode, like the Pentax dslrs do.
I would like to ask anybody who has the VF-2 if it allows sharper manual focussing?
-without going into the focus zoom mode which is hopeless for moving subjects?
Also does it have the diopter adjustments?

The VF-2 is essential, IMO. Which is not to say I use it all the time; sometimes the back LCD is more appropriate. But in most cases being able to keep the camera at your eye makes everything easier, including focusing. Yes, it does have diopter adjustment, which makes it usable with my wonky eyes.

The 135mm lens is equivalent to a classic 270mm field of view. People generally used such long telephotos on tripods. So it's a miracle the camera can stabilise it at all. I have to agree that you wouldn't be using the zoom view to focus with this, since you are cutting the field of view by another factor of 5 or more. You will need to take the advice above and learn to see focus without zooming. This improves with practice but your hit rate is always going to be low. The EVF makes it significantly easier, however.

Zone focusing is also a good idea, so long as your DOF is deep enough. but for moving subjects in an ill-lit space, this is a bit of a luxury. I find I can use ISO1600 with no worries, so long as I nail the exposure.

It's true that some sort of a focus indicator would be useful, but a simple icon is not as nice as the focus peaking function on other cameras. That's something the Olympus PENs are missing, unfortunately.

I note that the VF-2 cost me more than the camera itself, but the used market prices have been driven lower by the E-M5, so now is a good time to get one.

[wombat2go]

Rparmar,
Yes the VF2 is more $ than the body, but may be worthwhile if it lets me use the PK lenses, till I see what Pentax is offering for next year
The Oly is better in low light then the old ist ds I have, and I like some of its other features like the M & A modes and the fill flash.
Another low cost option i was looking at is to get a used Vivitar series 1 1:3.5~4.5 19~35mm just for manual mode because it has an aperture ring.
Might not need the VF2 with that lens.
Thanks for the detailed reply.

[rparmar]

A VF-2 helps with any lens, since you can hold the camera more steady with it up to your eye. And the display is crisp and responsive. I would prioritise purchase of this item, unless you are saving up for the E-M5.

Even then, the VF-2 can tilt up 90 degrees, whereas the E-M5 viewfinder is fixed. So some shooters use it in addition. (The screen tilts, however, but that is a different use case.)

P.S. Slow zooms are not my thing, but the new Panasonic f/2.8 sure looks sweet!

[rparmar]

Time for some photos, all with E-PL2.


St. Mary Magdalene Friary with Panasonic 14mm


vent with G. Zuiko 40mm f/1.4


SSO with G. Zuiko 40mm f/1.4

[westmill]

Oh boy ! these are a bit old lol
Not Micro but four thirds at least
These were shot on my Olympus E1
Printed realy nice and sharp at 12 x 16 and only 5 milion pixel

[wombat2go]

I made my first video today using M4/3 with a very heavy old 1:3.5 39 ~ 90mm zoom handheld
School talent show indoors at 1/100th and f/5.6 and iso 1600
We are quite pleased with the quality, maybe a bit soft.
Audio was good too.
Next time I will try a tripod and iso 800.
I can't put up the kids, but here is the blunderbuss
https://www.box.com/s/7aae97f349d2c1bf0cf3

[Laurentiu Cristofor]

With the 17.5/0.95. More here.