Olympus E-3

[jarganbright]

<p>I just purchased the E-3. I am super excited to get started using it. Would love any tips that you might have for this camera, must have accessories. I do outdoor portraits, mostly of families. Reviews of the camera are welcome as well. Thank you</p><div></div>

[mukul_dube]

<p>A fine camera, Jennifer. I assume you have the lens or lenses you need. The tips that apply to all digital SLRs apply to it also. You should look for these accessories: memory cards, batteries, tripods. An external flash-gun will be useful for fill lighting and, in my view, a lens hood should always be used.</p>

[charleswood]

<p>I would buy a couple Large Eyecup (AS-EP6 W) as spares since I've lost a few in the great outdoors. The plastic cover for the hot shoe flash tends to get lost and I remove it from the camera before I take it out, putting it in a safe place. I would also recommend buying an extra battery or two, as Mukul suggests. The built in flash helps, and yet an external flash (FL-50R Flash) would probably be my first recommendation for an accessory as opposed to the other items I mention more as supply type items, spare parts. Also a flash bracket similar to the Flash Bracket (FL-BK01) with the Hot Shoe Cable (FL-CB02) to get the flash off the camera a bit, though the bracket I use isn't the one made by Olympus, lots of others to select from. If you are inclined to get a tripod: <a href="http://www.bythom.com/support.htm">http://www.bythom.com/support.htm</a> I learned the hard way that this fellow is absolutely right about tripods and heads.<br /></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e3-sett.html">http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e3-sett.html</a> is a good review of the menu system and the ins and outs, pros and cons of the various choices available. That site also has other reviews of the E-3 that you may find helpful.</p>

<p>You may have already found <a href="../equipment/olympus/">http://www.photo.net/equipment/olympus/</a> here on photo.net.</p>

<p>This link was helpful to me <a href="http://www.olympusdigitalschool.com/Digital_SLR_Cameras/E-3/index.html">http://www.olympusdigitalschool.com/Digital_SLR_Cameras/E-3/index.html</a> with some informative tutorials.</p>

<p>You can have a great time with this camera!</p>

<p> </p>

[marc_batters]

<p>In the flash department, you may want to look at Metz flashes, dedicated to your Olympus. The Metz AF-48 has all the power and features of the Olympus FL-50, but costs the same, (or less) then the Olympus FL-36.</p>

[kevin_mahoney1]

<p>Jennifer, I purchased my E3 the day before the E5 came out...ugh....anywho, it`s my second Oly (I started with an E-510), and at first, I was going through some "separation anxiety"...lol I love my 510, but one has to move on. She still loves me....gives me great photos.....yet she too understands. There isn't much more I can recommend on here, than just have fun with your new baby. Oh, wait.....purchase the 25mm pancake lens. Yes it is a prime, but shooting with a one forces you to think about your composition, as well as think more about how to take the shot. You will have to "zoom with your feet". Many photography schools use this exercise. And it is far less weight to carry....enjoy.<br>

PS don't forget a battery grip....its pricey, but I love mine.</p>

[steve_brantley2]

<p>Here is my advice - read this and learn how to get the best out of your fine E-3 Olympus camera: <br>

http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/e3-sett.html</p>

<p> </p>

[GerrySiegel]

<p>Also second any info from the Wrotniak setups and his other E offerings on line, (where has the good doctor gone lately by the way I do miss his Oly blogging. He convinced me that I was not a heretic by sticking to plain old JPEG when the world told me I was so so unhip :-))<br>

Also, Jennifer do check out the Olymus web site and see the E-3 FAQs, by the way. Have fun, a nice machine indeed, i got it refurbished a year ago and it satisfies greatly. FAQ on E-3:</p>

<p>http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_support_faqs.asp?id=1323</p>