went to Hairloom & Caramel at Shaw Tower for a Sat afternoon coffee. Lucky me that it was my first time there and it is open. I have heard and pass-by before and will see that it is always close. I spent quite a while inside there on there cakes and enjoying the ambient of the place. Do drop by if you can. Its a colorful and fun places to hang out!
Chance upon this do sun bathing on the island of Hydra. Apparently ignore my presence happily snapping away.
Some interesting finding i have since i had the free time to do it. Both image are taken with the same PEN-2 i had, with the exact same setting except the f-stop. Click on the images to download in higher resolution for comparison.
Taken from PEN-2 Lumix G 20mm f1.7 lens
ISO speed: ISO-400
Exposure program: Aperture Priority
Exposure compensation: +0.3 step
Exposure time: 1/40 sec
F-number: F/2.5
Taken from PEN-2 with Lumix G 20mm f1.7 lens
ISO speed: ISO-400
Exposure program: Aperture Priority
Exposure compensation: +0.3 step
Exposure time: 1/40 sec
F-number: F/1.7
surprisingly the f2.5 is sharper than f1.7 and brighter too. But the bokeh will not be as nice as f1.7. This definitely help me alot in taking grouping photo. Especially those standing at different distance from the photographer.
My favourite photo of the day. I still could remember the cat was giving me the cold shoulder while i was even 30cm away from it. I got tons of shot of the cat with different setting concerning that it may just leap off and I will miss a great close up shot like those cats that we had back at home.
However it show me this face instead….
What else could I say… 
Just manage to compile a small list of accessories that i find it tempting to get my hands on it. However i end up getting my half case from Chiff Cameras.
Skins/Leather case jacket/Handstrap for m4/3 cameras
SGPStore.com
Aki-Asahi.com
Gariz.com
Ichiyajyo.com
Jnk-handworks.com
Ciesta.co.kr
Kojima-shouten.com
OLYMPUS E-P2 - Yes, finally i decide today to write about the Olympus E-P2
Anyway, Almost everyone knows about EP-1 which is similar to Ep-2, so i am not going to write about the same stuff and what the camera here today have on and on but is more on what i thinks is the pro and cons about the camera with my lens and setting that i have explore.
I was having a tough time choosing between Panasonic GF-1 and E-P2, Olympus know the market well, thus coming out with a small and compact camera body that is light, sleek and fun to use! With idea base on the old days of the Olympus PEN F film camera. The PEN was a half frame film camera that was smaller than the average SLR and many loved it for its take anywhere size.
Take a look at the PEN Anniversary teaser
Too bad that the E-P2 was sold in black only outside Japan. However after some dressing with the PEN, i love it even more now. The PEN became a hit with so many people who were tired of lugging around 3lb DSLR’s with lenses and i am one of them. I use to resist owning a DSLR but couldn’t resist using one. Its kind of contradicting. Finally i decide to ditch all the cameras i have including my fav Lumix LX who has brave all weathers and countries with me for the EP-2. A leap of faith i believe in.
I decided EP-2 over GF-1 because of the in-built IS and looks, although it loses out in AF speed and built-in flash. I kept seeing some users who choose GF-1 over E-P1/2 complained about its auto focus being somewhat slow, AF point size too large and respond slow in forum. Indeed it couldn’t be compare to a DSLR but it was fine. At least for me. I had no complaints about missing a shot due to its AF or so. However in summary, the E-P2 is identical to E-P1 with a few new add-on only.
M4/3 PANNY 20/1.7 LENSES
Well, i was one of them that thought that E-P2 will surface and have faster AF, maybe more megapixel, a viewfinder and ultimately built-in flash. But i was wrong. Olympus come out with identical PEN. Then Panny came out with the beautiful 20 1.7 lens which is small and i Felt is so much better than Oly 17 2.8 lens. This is a lens I could recommend for those who want a lens for traveling street or travel shots.
It has arrive!! – The new EVF
Finally Oly decided to come with the EVF which is better than the one with GF-1 and slightly better than Ricoh GXR. Neither less i am still a support of Ricoh GRD and GXR. The largest sensor is both thumbs up for this m3/4 camera category.
I adore the cool new Black look is the addition of the new EVF. Since the various complain bombardment from consumer from the lack of EVF similar to Panny G-F1. The positive thing is that Oly has decide to provide with a better EVF. I love that it tilts up and down allowing you to get shots while looking down into the finder. The quality of the EVF is very good and probably the best EVF I have shot with to date but I have NOT shot with the G-F1 EVF. It’s a great addition to the camera and even has a built-in diopter for those who wear glasses. But surprisingly PEN automatically adjusts contrast, exposure, and color depending on the setting.
But i was wondering is there any way to dim the EVF? it just seems very bright and will it drain battery life span in comparison to the usage of normal LCD? I seldom use it as i felt that it is too bulk and tends to be prone to be knock off when it is in the bag or shoulder strap carrying.
Minolta 50/1.7 LENSES with MD adapter on E-P2
This is another lens that i got it for a steal! I got it half price from the second 2ndhand shop at Peninsula Plaza for my Minolta X700. Bokeh is excellent except it is 100mm when mounted on m3/4. I realize that i keep shooting food with this lens as i felt that the Bokeh is awesome.
However the MD mount adapter is kind of pricey. Equivalent to Lecia/M Mount adapter. Bought is at Chiif Camera shop at a reasonable price.
It is equivalent to 100 1.7 mounted on m4/3 camera.
Some feature of PEN that i have been using and tested with:
• Compact Design with Pro-system Capabilities-The Olympus E-P2 combines the casual, easy-to-use persona of a pocket-size point-and-shoot camera with the imaging capabilities of a pro-level DSLR with no doubt. But in real precise pixel to pixel comparison with pro-level DSLR. There is still a gap. So do not expect a SGD1.5k PEN to do wonders.
• High-Definition Stills and Video- Indeed unlike some video-enabled DSLRs, the Olympus E-P2 maintains full AF in video mode functionality and image stabilization. A breeze to shoot with choices to apply different Art filter. Eg. applying Diorama playbacks the video in fast forward motion.
• Manual Movie Mode-Manual movie mode that is excellent for short movies recording. Do not expect it to match a high-end video cam output and control setting.
The problem i have when i use the C-AF tracking in movie setting is the irritating sound that constantly try to AF focus on its target. So manual focus is what i recommend provide you are well versed in focusing.
• C-AF Tracking and AF Target Registration-The E-P2’s C-AF Tracking and AF Target Registration locks your subject into focus, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving.
• i Auto mode-This intelligent-auto mode uses advanced automatic detection technology to allow the camera to recognize the six most commonly used scenes automatically. You might want to try this if you are new to it.
• i Enhance for Radiant Colors -i Enhance analyzes colors and brightness. It is my default setting for all shots now. The colors are heightened to be brilliant and closer to the actual scene that you see with your naked eyes. A plus point is the capability to customize the setting under the main menu.
• In-Body Image Stabilization-The in-camera stabilization system allows for up to 4-stops. But i could only found 3-stops. I wonder if i miss it out somewhere. But i am comfortable with IS-2 setting.
• Dust Reduction-Olympus’ Dust Reduction, a nice function to have. So far my sensor is partial and dust free. Oh! have i mention that is just went through full day cruise with body and lens cover with salt from sea and sand partials from mountains. Only question is that is it battery draining whenever i switch it on and off ?
• Multi-Aspect Shooting-So far i have been using the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a wide screen television; and the 3:2. It further expresses your creative vision when combined with Art Filters and multiple exposures.
• Stereo Audio Sound-The E-P2 features uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording capability to capture the rich sound quality of your scene. The E-P2’s audio sounds clear and loud even on the camera itself. Comfortable for playback on the camera itself.
• Digital Leveler-This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit when capturing architecture and landscapes but is also mean choosing between the Digital Leveler and control menu screen….
• Magnified Focus Assist-The Magnified Focus (MF) Assist Function and Magnification Display. When using manual focus, the MF Assist feature aids with critical focus by allowing you to zoom in on part of the image by simply turning the focusing ring on the front of the lens. But do not expect this function to work on lens mounted with adapter as there is no electronic connection at all.
The Magnification Display enables you to selectively enlarge the image on the LCD at the touch of a button. This mode works for both auto focus and manual focus.
• Scene-Select Modes-The E-P2 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes for effortless picture-taking if you are tired of manual selection. There is too much for me to explore which i don’t use it that much except the landscape and sunset mode.
• Art Filters
Diorama- My fav setting. DOF is more like a tilt/shift effect. And also another way to add artificial “bokeh”. Not only can it be use on building to make its setting like miniature but also to street shot, creating a different look and feel. But be careful not to overdo it at every shoot.
Cross Process- A very interesting cross processing technique in silver halide film development. It’s either you love it or hate it.
Pop Art- Finds the color Enhancement is overly done. Not my kind of setting.
Soft Focus- The soft tone will be good for portrait shoot. However it is subjective to individual taste.
Pale & Light Color- Couldn’t think of why i will use this.
Light Tone- I totally discard using this. Couldn’t find any chance to shoot with it.
Grainy Film- I definitely love this mode. it has a different feel to it depending on how you shoot in different light condition. It is not only black & white but with grainy film effect that is acceptable.
Pin Hole- I realise that the pin hole not only create an over cast surrounding, it also chances the color scheme of the original photo.
So while everything about the E-P2 is still the same 12Mp camera with the same performance as the E-P1, the new additions are an improvement to the “fun factor”. The “ART” filters which is what G-F1 does not have. This makes it easy for my to skip Photo-shop and light room for now. However, it is subjective to individual who might or might not use the Art filter to their advantage.
The ART filters are not available on the Panasonic GF-1 and honestly, the only thing I feel the GF1 has over the E-P2 is its super fast AF speed. But considering that the E-P2 has in-body image stabilization and the G-F1 does not! This means your lens has to have it in order for you to have IS on the G-F1. If i would to choose, it will be the E-P2 with Panny 20 1.7 lens. But, with that said, the G-F1 is a great camera and you really can not go wrong with either. Applauds to Panasonic for bringing out some amazing lenses for the m4/3 system.
PRO’s and CON’s of the E-P2
PRO’s:
CONS:
My final thoughts:
Besides the new black color and the Electronic View Finder which i seldom use because of it bulkiness, the E-P2 has only a few additions in reality. If you like the E-P2’s style and features then the best bet would be to buy an E-P2 with the Panny 20 1.7 lens to go with it for those times you want to shoot in low light. Get a few adaptor in favor of the lenses that you will be investing in. With it’s video, great image quality, superb out of camera JPEG, small form factor, and versatility the E-P2 is an easy recommend to most consumer.
These days you can get a small DSLR but is after several upgrading of lenses as you move along everything just gets more and heavier. Although i couldn’t deny the impressive quality output from the pro DSLR. It really bogs down to what you what in the long run. A compact light weight m4/3 or a pro DSLR. Which one will you bring out more?
I hope you enjoyed my review of the Olympus E-P2 and I thank you for reading it!
Some photos taken with Oly PEN 2 and Panny 20mm f1.7.
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