Panasonic dmc-L1 vs Olympus e-330

[dg1]

I got a Panasonic dmc-l1 about a month and a half ago, and I absolutely think it

is the best digital camera I've used, dslr, or other. I like it so much I'm

considering getting a second body.

 

However, knowing that it is based on the Olympus E-330 design, I'm curious about

the 330 as an alternative, and they are available body-only for quite reasonable

prices.

 

I'm aware that I'd be giving up some of the traditional control layout that

makes the L1 so appealing to me, but the E-330 offers an LCD that can swing up

for waist-level shooting in live view. As I'm in the process of selling my Sony

R1, the E-330 could offset the loss of the R1's top mounted LCD which I like

quite a bit.

 

I don't know much about the E-330 feature set, or internal processing (I tend to

do jpeg shooting). I have an E-410, but really prefer the IQ of the L1 for some

reason.

 

The lenses I'm using right now include the Leica D 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 that came

with the panny, a Konica hexanon 40mm f/1.8, Zuiko OMs: 28mm f/3.5, 35mm /2.8,

50mm f/1.8, and the 2 zoom lens kit from the E-410. The next lens I add will be

the Leica D 25mm f/1.4 (I hope).

 

If anyone has some insight into the E-330, particularly if you're also familiar

with the Panasonic L1 and can compare/contrast, I'd appreciate your thoughts.

 

Thanks

[vrankin]

Is your R1 being sold on a public site? If so, can you give a link or address?

[vrankin]

I found it in the PN classifieds. Thanks.

[GerrySiegel]

Hi Dean, If I had your question I know I would post it also on the 4/3 site, with the expectation that you will receive more dead on response. I have not use either camera,being stuck happily with the o E-1 and its venerable feature set for my needs. I have read that the E 330 offers some unique mode

A nd B -whatever that entails- live mode functions,having a dedicated sensor built in for the live view. Both cameras have their following among members of the below four thirds forum, Obviously the Leica lens will have a different control interface from the Panny body as you know. I would urge you seek out Tony Spore's

E330 review, I couldn't pluck it out right now, a year ago maybe of the E330. I do hope this helps you. Glad you like the Panasonic. ( Mr. DiGeorgio here loves his L-1.)..

 

http://fourthirdsphoto.com/

 

 

aloha,

gs

[dg1]

Thanks Gerry, I'll check that out (hate to cross post, but oh heck). Yes indeed Godfrey's postings about his L1 were an influence on me.

 

I initially went for the lens when the price dropped for the kit recently, but I was completely knocked out by the body itself. The E1 has been another consideration of mine. The pro spec'd and weather proof body would be nice to have, although I don't own any lenses that would be similarly weather resistant.

[GerrySiegel]

E-1 is 5 meg you know. No live view. Rather small LCD in back vs current models. But nice top deck LCD. I haven't tested the weather resistance either,nice to know it is there. Rather well built, like your L-1,difference is more decent pentaprism finder.My store look into L-1 VF was dimsville, hate tor say,big letdown,but some find it 'swell.' The 50mm F 2.0 macro -changing topic,is a very fine lens optically,you may decide on next time there is a rebate.

[dg1]

I find the L1 finder just adequate, yet I seem to be able to manually focus ok under most conditions. I prefer the smallish viewing window, it makes it quicker for me to see the whole frame, but at some expense of detail. Having spent time trying to see through my Fed 2 cloudy green RF window, I'm not spoiled.. but OTOH the *ist DS was really nice, and my MZ-S film slr vf was a treat. So I appreciate what you're saying. I'm probably going to get the katzeye split focussing screen to improve the L1, but it's ok as it is for now.

 

I'll take 5 good megapixels over 10 pretty good megs any day. I print no larger than 13X19 and did quite a few large prints with a Ricoh GX 5meg digicam that turned out just fine. The 7.5 meg L1's dynamic range makes it much less fussy for me than the 10.3mp E-410, and I think this accounts for the main reason I'm preferring the L1.

[godfrey]

<center>

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/godders/01-morning_fog-1040396.jpg"><br>

<i>Panasonic L1 + Vario-Elmarit 14-50/2.8-3.5 ASPH OIS</i><br>

</center>

<br>

Heya Dean,<br>

<br>

Glad to hear you're liking the L1 body. It's been a joy to use, for me. <br>

<br>

Compared to the E-330 body, the L1 has a little more dynamic range supposedly,

according to the AP comparison tests. The E-330's Live View mode A is interesting as is

the articulated LCD, but then again the L1 includes focus indication in manual focus even

with adapted lenses, and IMO easier options to work with the Live View for manual focus

assist. It's kind of a toss up. <br>

<br>

But to me the difference in control organization ... never mind the use of the same

memory cards and batteries ... makes a second L1 body the best "backup". Less confusion,

one set of batteries and cards to carry. I'd buy an E-330 to add to the system for its

complementary feature set, not as a backup. <br>

<br>

I also have acquired a couple of E-1 bodies, very inexpensively these days. I have to say

that it is also a terrific performer, a true pro-class body. Yeah yeah ... small LCD, only

5Mpixel, etc ... but I find it an excellent performer and a pleasure to use. I use the same

lenses I bought for the L1 on it too (Oly 11-22, 35 Macro, 50-200, Leica 25, etc) along

with the Leica 14-50, and the dedicated flash units interchange. Only the battery and card

needs differ. The E-1 has the best viewfinder for manual focus of any of the 4/3 cameras

until the E-3 came out, and when I'm not using the Live View features of the L1 it becomes

my next favorite shooter right now, particularly with the Leica 25mm lens fitted. <br>

<br>

I bought the L1 originally because of the Leica lens and the sharp price reductions last

May. I didn't really expect the body to be all that great, but I've been pleasantly surprised

and it's proven to incite much more interest in the 4/3 System for me. Love the format,

and especially love the results I'm getting with it. <br>

<br>

Godfrey<br>

[dg1]

Hi Godfrey,

 

Lovely photograph, thanks for sharing that. I find the 330 somewhat intriguing, but as I research it more, I don't know that the additional feature set is that important. I do like the flip out screen, but I've had no instances where I've actually missed it with the L1. Considering that the L1 appeals so much it's controls and the technical minimalism it invites, I'm starting to lean back towards a 2nd L1 body. Thinking that having found something I actually like for a change, why screw around. I haven't dismissed the E1 though because I often wish I had a weather proofed body.. but that, like the waist level viewing of the 330, is perhaps more of a concept than a useful necessity for me.