After shooting with the little Olympus E-P1 for a while now I thought I would go deep into my image vault and search for some oldies taken with the Olympus E1. The E1 was their (Olympus) first 4/3 camera and it was built for the PRO’s, or so it was said. When it arrived I remember it being $2200 or something and guess what? I BOUGHT ONE!

THE OLYMPUS E1 - A CLASSIC DSLR

I remember the dealer telling me it was Canon 1ds quality in a small package. I picked up the camera and 14-54, 50 macro and 50-200 lens. At the time, there were not many decent cameras out there in that price range. I think Nikon still had the D100, and canon was probably on the 10D or something like that.

The E1 was a DREAM to hold and shoot. Ergonomics were superb, the build was near perfect, and it even was weatherproof. This was a serious camera and its only drawback was that it was 5MP and had no real high ISO performance.

But at its base ISO it was what I like to call “Delicious”. I shot over 50,000 frames with my E1 cameras and for the most part I loved it. I shot studio shots with it and they are still to this day some of my favorite shots. Here is one I shot in my garage of my son on halloween day using Alien Bee strobes. Yea, I went through a lighting kick back then.

OLYMPUS E-1, SHOT WITH STUDIO LIGHTS IN MY GARAGE 2004

I now consider the E1 a classic. You can find them used for $200-$300 these days and at that price its worth buying not only to mess around with, but if you want to take some seriously cool images, the E1 delivers. While the resolution is low, and the noise is high after ISO 200, the files when shot at base ISO are VERY good. Even the E3 did not replicate the color and look of the E1 images.

I have shot with many DSLR’s over the years and the only two digital cameras that have stuck with me for more than a year are the E1 and Leica M8.

When the E3 came out I purchased one the first week. E1 fans were waiting for 3 years for that E3 and we had high expectations. For me, it was a downgrade ergonomically from the E1. It appeared they were trying to style their camera more like Nikon or Canon. Buttons were changed, and the overall build did not seem as solid as the E1 to me, but still, it was/is a pro build. Much nicer than say a Nikon D90.

I remember getting the E3 and taking it to San Francisco on a family vacation. When I got home I was a little disappointed in the images due to the noise at higher ISO. But today, looking back on those images I actually kind of like them! They are richer and more robust than the EP1 files, with better color. While the EP1 beats the E3 in high ISO noise, the E3 beats the EP1 in color and depth.

So after looking through my E3 files I am sitting here wondering what kind of disease I have. I mean, why did I sell this camera? It could of served me well for this past year and been my DSLR sidekick to my M8. Why did I sell it at a $300 loss? ARG! I remember now! I needed the cash! Same as always!! It is funny how this dreaded camera GAS disease affects us. We are always on the lookout for something new, something better and something that will make us happy. It never ends does it?

When I sold the E3 I think I went to a D700 and was happy, but looking back at both cameras and my images, I think I prefer the E3 “look”. If it only had good high ISO performance. Maybe an E5? Hmmm. I do not know, but I do know I am in the market for a mid range DSLR and I may just consider the E3 with 12-60, 50 macro and 50-200 lenses again and save some money at the same time. That complete “pro” package would cost me $3500, or about the price of one Leica lens!

So yea, this little Olympus EP1 has turned my attention BACK to Olympus and I am glad it did. They make quality cameras and the E1 is now a classic, and the E3 is priced at a pretty competitive price point of about $1300. The rumored Leica M9 may be on the way but be prepared to pay. I have my money saved for it though. Yep, I am ready for that M9!

BTW, I may have a review of the E3 and E30 up soon, so be sure and check back soon! As always, thanks for reading!