Four-third system

observateur

Salam & salutations.

I am contemplating buying an Olympus DSLR. Can anyone highlight basically the advantages & the disadvantages of the four-third system?

Thank you.

darth_vader

can u pls elaborate what's 4/3 system ?

soulfly

Do you guys know that four thirds has actually been implemented much earlier in compact digicams?  Just take an image from PnS camera, and calculate the resolution, it should be in 4:3 format.

The reason why DSLR still retain 3:2 format is to follow classic 35mm film size, which enables DSLR to use lenses from film SLR.

Standard 4R photo is also in 3:2 format.

If you want to print your 4:3 photo to 4R photo... the image will be cropped.

The FourThirds 'alliance' ... like Olympus, Panasonic, etc decided to use 4:3 format to comply with the digital image standard. PC monitor is in 4:3 format, digital video is in 4:3 format (apart from 16:9 widescreen).

darth_vader

this is some info...thanks !

z-b-i

Originally posted by observateur at 12-1-2008 07:04 PM
Salam & salutations.

I am contemplating buying an Olympus DSLR. Can anyone highlight basically the advantages & the disadvantages of the four-third system?

Thank you.

Advantage: Small Size
Disadvantage: Normally lenses are more expensive than lenses for Canon/Nikon/etc.

But the kit-lens that comes with Olympus DSLR are generally of very good quality.  And all recent Olympus's has live-view if that  is important to you.

For more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Thirds_System

observateur

Thank you, kind sir, for the link. I find it most helpful.

Cheers.

soulfly

But Olympus's Live-View is slow

z-b-i

Originally posted by soulfly at 14-1-2008 03:22 AM
But Olympus's Live-View is slow

Compared to?  Please clarify .

soulfly

i'm not comparing to anything. live view is slower than looking thru the viewfinder

z-b-i

Originally posted by soulfly at 15-1-2008 07:17 AM
i'm not comparing to anything. live view is slower than looking thru the viewfinder

Yes, but Olympus's also have optical view finder.

soulfly

That is true.

Viewfinder > LiveView

that's my point actually.... I'm not referring about the brand.

myown_s

Hey guys...I'm actually 4/3 system user.

Olympus E510 (lens kit)
Flash Lite (FL-50)
Macro Lens (SIGMA 105MM EX DG Macro)

But for me Nikon D300 Live View are much better compared to Olympus E3.
If u wanna see some of the photos I've taken using my DSLR, here is the url: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeppy81/

[ Last edited by  myown_s at 21-1-2008 12:30 PM ]

observateur

Nice pixxies. Are they taken with your E-510? I am interested in getting one.

Olympus might not be as good as Canon or Nikon, but the Olympus kit lenses probably would be better than Canon's or Nikon's kit lenses.

I stand to be corrected.

z-b-i

Originally posted by observateur at 17-1-2008 11:39 PM


Olympus might not be as good as Canon or Nikon, but the Olympus kit lenses probably would be better than Canon's o ...

Many people would agree with you.

myown_s

Yeah..I captured it using E-510. But that type of camera are intended for beginner in DSLR. If u seek for quality and advanced in olympus E-System, I would prefer E-3. Thank u.

soulfly

back to the FourThird topic .... the conclusion is that 4:3 is not a new format for digital photography, but it is a new format for digital slr.

myown_s

Yes u r rite. The aspect ratio of pictures taken with a Four Thirds camera is 4:3, while all other DSLR cameras and full frame 35mm film cameras take pictures with an aspect ratio of 3:2. Four Third Systems consists of the following companies.

    * Fuji
    * Kodak
    * Leica
    * Olympus
    * Panasonic
    * Sanyo
    * Sigma

Just imagine u have one of these camera body. Let say,...Olympus E-3. Then you want to team it with tele-photography lens. Maybe the price for Olympus lens are quite expensive but at the same time u found out that the other companies who produces the same tele lens are quite cheap and can fit the same mounting. So, u have a wide choice of choosing the right lens for you within your budget. Let say SIGMA. Sigma lens also quite expensive but less espensive than olympus. That's for sure i think. Bcos I have a SIGMA 105 MM EX DG macro lens which cost RM 1500. Save me much cost.

observateur

Originally posted by myown_s at 21-1-2008 12:34 PM
Yeah..I captured it using E-510. But that type of camera are intended for beginner in DSLR. If u seek for quality and advanced in olympus E-System, I would prefer E-3. Thank u.

I think e-510 would also cater for advanced user. Not many advanced user could splurge out unless he/she makes a living out of it (or moneyed enuff).

Of course if I have the dough, maybe EOS D1 (latest model) or similar for Nikon with those top flight lenses would be my choice. Even the E-3 is out of my league (RM-wise). I am simply looking for the best bang for my RM. Canon used to fit that bill (I started out with EOS 10) until it caught up with Nikon and somewhat got cocky (expensive).

While I do not question canon/nikon bodies for similarly-priced models, their kit lenses are somewhat suspect (relatively). I guess zuiko has a reputation to saveguard.

What I like about this 4:3 system is the size & depth of field. I happen to be into landscape photos...

Neeway, thank you for all input. REally appreciate that. Keep 'em comin'...

soulfly

I want to sum-up myown_s' points.... all 4:3 format DSLRs can share lenses among each other.

ainnymidie

Originally posted by soulfly at 13-1-2008 01:43 PM
Do you guys know that four thirds has actually been implemented much earlier in compact digicams?  Just take an image from PnS camera, and calculate the resolution, it should be in 4:3 format.

...

so, does it mean we hav to crop any pix taken by 4:3 format to 3:2 format if we want to print it out?