Tuesday 16 June 2009

White Shirt Gang

GRD, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 200, JPG b&w

While in HK I mentioned that I know exactly what I want in my next camera and what it needs to have. It was simple, a camera with the b&w image quality and fast AF from the Ricoh GRD I and the flexibility of the Panasonic LC-1 plus the bigger sensor and maybe interchangeable lenses while staying pocketable.
Today, Olympus finally announced their new m4/3 camera and it is (almost) exactly what I have been looking for. It is the new and highly anticipated Olympus E-P1 and it is the first proper serious compact with interchangeable lenses.
After reading the preview and having a look at the great b&w samples (taken with an Art filter), I can't wait till the camera is released. I already submitted my entry to review the camera for 1 week on the Olympus E-P1 webpage.

There are only a few things holding me back from rushing out and getting the E-P1. The lack of proper wideangle lenses for the m4/3 format and old lenses have to deal with a 2x crop but more importantly the reports about slow AF, this alone could rule the camera out for me.
Another reason is the rumor that Ricoh has something similar planned to replace the GRD II with. Knowing Ricoh, their camera will at least have a selection of wideangle lenses available and if the CX1 is anything to go by also a fast AF.
I sure hope Ricoh will announce something soon because the 25th is not far away and I don't know if I can resist getting a E-P1 ;) .

12 comments:

  1. My advice Cristian is to put the money for a E-P1 into a 60 day Bank A/C. Then after 60 days, if Ricoh haven't met your desires, go out and buy a E-P1. Better still put it in a 90 day A/C, by that time the price will have come down. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. My advice Cristian is to put the money for a E-P1 into a 60 day Bank A/C. Then after 60 days, if Ricoh haven't met your desires, go out and buy a E-P1. Better still put it in a 90 day A/C, by that time the price will have come down. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. My advice Cristian is to put the money for a E-P1 into a 60 day Bank A/C. Then after 60 days, if Ricoh haven't met your desires, go out and buy a E-P1. Better still put it in a 90 day A/C, by that time the price will have come down. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry, looks as if I'm stammering. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. buy both. you know you want them :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well, well well! I think Yesbuts and Tom are both right...Better to wait...Or buy both if you can life is to short. You might drop dead and the money in the bank.Decision decision...You know what fallow your heart and them you dont go wrong....Glad you came with me Sat..I think will be fun...x x

    ReplyDelete
  7. I also want an E-P1, I´m also worried about the AF, but what I really wanted to say is that I love the photo of the White Shirt Gang! Great shot! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a decisive moment photo for me...reminds me of an HCB classic! I share your same thoughts about the E-P1. Although I am satisfied with my Leica DL4, I am holding on for Ricoh. I wish they had an all black E-P1. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is a great shot and the patterns in the walk tiles and shadows accentuate the composition.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yesbuts, I think you are right. Waiting for a bit is probably the best thing and I am very curious to see what Ricoh will release and Panasonic is also rumored to release something new. I also have more than enough cameras to choose from as it is.

    Tom, I will probably end up with the E-P1 at some point even if it's just because I like the looks but for now I will wait a bit.

    Ely, I know what you mean but waiting might be better for now at least till nxt month ;).

    Delacruz, the E-P1 is interesting but I need to see how fast the AF is and would rather trust Ricoh to release good wideangle lenses.
    Thanks for your comment, I really like this picture.

    Thanks James, the reflections and pattern on the floor is what made me take a few pictures there and I tried a few different compositions but this is the best one.

    Thanks John, the patterns on the floor and reflections were what got my attention first and then it was waiting to get the decisive moment.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am personally not so worried about the AF or the lens correction of the E-P1. I was however disappointed to see the first results from the 17mm lens at f/2.8. The bokeh was rather mushy and quite ugly. And I hope it was just a bad example.

    My advice is to wait too Cristi. A new Panasonic with the new 20mm would be nice too, and of course don't forget Ricoh.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are right Wouter, waiting is probably best now and I have a feeling Ricoh will come out with something special this time. I also hope Panasonic will finally release a LC2 based on m4/3, this would be a fantastic camera if they can have the LC1 lens for it.

    ReplyDelete