The weather was perfect for hardcourt tennis at Stanford University. One of my favorite matches of the day pitted Shahar Peer from Israel against the defending champion Anna Chakvetadze from Russia. I was there to test the new Olympus E-520 digital SLR. This 10 MP body includes excellent sensor-based image stabilization, with modes for both horizontal and vertical panning. It also supports Autofocus Live View on its 2.7" HyperCrystal LCD, Face Detection, intelligent spot metering modes, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and more. The kit with a 12-40mm lens sells for less than $700.
So there I was in the photographer's area with press pass dangling from my neck going up against the giant Nikons and Canons. I asked the Olympus folks if I could borrow a couple of their pro lenses, and was able to attach a Zuiko ED 150mm f-2.0 (which is the 35mm equivalent to 300mm) both with and without a 2X doubler. I also tested the Zuiko ED 50-200mm f-2.8-3.5. Both lenses include tripod collars, so I felt a little more comfortable on the court with a monopod and some hefty glass. I did however, shoot with the kit lens and the 70-300mm f-4.0-5.6, and both yielded excellent results. I just couldn't stroll into the pro shooters area with only stock glass.
As for the E-520 itself, I was impressed. The Olympus reps suggested that I shoot in Jpeg mode, but the contrasty lighting really demanded Raw. So that's where I set the E-520, and it provided ample frame bursts in Raw (8 shots) to keep up with the action. During the entire day, I only filled up the buffer a couple times. At 3.5 fps, I was able to capture some good sequences without too much spacing between the shots. I set the ISO to 400 for maximum shutter speed, even in the bright sun, and thought the image noise was generally well-controlled and unobtrusive. The shutter sound itself is excellent.
Olympus is a sponsor of the US Open Series. And what a great event it is. The Tournament at Stanford (Bank of the West Classic) featured many stars including Serena Williams. I enjoyed both the event and the Olympus E-520. I'll continue to shoot with the camera and post updates along the way.
Photos of Shahar Peer by Derrick Story. Olympus E-520 with Zuiko ED 50-200mm f-2.8-3.5, ISO 400 in Raw capture mode.
Technorati Tags: Derrick Story, digital photography, Technology, The Digital Story, Olympus E-520
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Posted by dstory on July 17, 2008
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Comments
Yes, I think you're spot on Mia. And I developed major lust for the the Zuiko 150mm f/2. It was just the right amount of heft, beautifully designed, and a very good picture taker. I also tried the Zuiko ED 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/lens/dea/products/lens/8_35F/index.asp). Have some fun shots of the Stanford Swim Center with it. Will post one of those images soon.
Commented by: Derrick at July 18, 2008 10:54 AM
Great photos, want to see more.
The 4/3rds format is 1/2 the size of a 35mm film frame so that makes calculating the actual angle of view in a 35mm equiv. very easy (for us math challenged folks).
The 150mm = a 300mm angle of view, a 4/3rd's based 300mm would equal a 600mm angle of view, etc. Pretty cool because the lenses for the 4/3rds format are much smaller (about half the size)as standard 35mm lenses that produce the same angle of view. At least the tele's are smaller. Some of the extreme wide angle lenses are about equal in size for both formats.
Commented by: Mia at July 18, 2008 10:20 AM
The crop factor is interesting. It's easier to calculate on the Olympus because you simply multiply by 2. So the 150mm f/2 feels like a 300mm f/2. I tried the Olympus doubler also, resulting in a 600mm f/5.6. Wow. And it was sharp.
The 4/3rds dimensions are a little different. In this case 3648 x 2736. But my eye adjusted in just a few minutes.
Commented by: Derrick at July 18, 2008 09:12 AM
So is there a difference using the 150 f/2 on a 4/3" system vs say a 300 on a 5D or a 200 on a d300.
Does the crop factor applied to a focal length really equal the resulting focal length on a full frame DSLR?
I'm curious for choosing lenses if I should compensate for more than just the crop factor.
Commented by: Michael at July 17, 2008 04:48 PM
Awesome,
I've been looking at the 8mm, love wide angle lenses. Can't wait to see the photos....
Commented by: mia at July 21, 2008 10:34 AM