Bob Hartig
EF5
Having gotten some good recommendations for digital SLRs in my price range ($500-$600), I've been researching both the Canon Rebel XTi and the Olympus Evolt E-510. Both have some very strong points, and both have certain weaknesses. Compared to other cameras for this price point, these two are easily out front. As could be expected, sales pros at different reputable camera stores have given me different opinions.
I haven't purchased a camera before, though I understand the essentials and have learned quite a bit. What appears to be the deciding point is the noise factor in storm conditions.
The E-510 looks like a wonderful camera and offers a great starter kit, with not just one, but two highly rated lenses. Unfortunately, noise reportedly becomes a concern at 600 ISO and above. Frankly, I've seen some great night-time and low-light photo samples taken with this camera. But I have no idea how much they've been photoshopped, and I don't know whether the lenses used were starter lenses or priced-beyond-my-means after-market lenses.
The Rebel XTi is clearly highly respected and widely use by members of this forum, and noise doesn't present the same concern as with the E-510. However, the kit lens, while an upgrade from its predecessor, is clearly not of the same caliber as the Olympus kit lenses. And since I don't have a lot of money, I'm going to have to live for a while with the lens(es) that comes with whichever camera I purchase.
With all that said, I'd really appreciate input on the following questions. I understand that lighting conditions can vary, so take these questions to mean "in general."
I haven't purchased a camera before, though I understand the essentials and have learned quite a bit. What appears to be the deciding point is the noise factor in storm conditions.
The E-510 looks like a wonderful camera and offers a great starter kit, with not just one, but two highly rated lenses. Unfortunately, noise reportedly becomes a concern at 600 ISO and above. Frankly, I've seen some great night-time and low-light photo samples taken with this camera. But I have no idea how much they've been photoshopped, and I don't know whether the lenses used were starter lenses or priced-beyond-my-means after-market lenses.
The Rebel XTi is clearly highly respected and widely use by members of this forum, and noise doesn't present the same concern as with the E-510. However, the kit lens, while an upgrade from its predecessor, is clearly not of the same caliber as the Olympus kit lenses. And since I don't have a lot of money, I'm going to have to live for a while with the lens(es) that comes with whichever camera I purchase.
With all that said, I'd really appreciate input on the following questions. I understand that lighting conditions can vary, so take these questions to mean "in general."
- What is the range of ISO you typically use in storm conditions? Can you comfortably go as low as 100 with a lens aperture that goes no lower than 3.5?
- Do you find that lighting conditions often require you to shoot at 600 ISO or above?
- Would you consider most afternoon/evening storm conditions to be low-light photography, or is the ambient light normally sufficient enough that you'd place storms more in the category of daylight landscape photography?
- What the heck is the threshold for "low light," anyway? Night time, or a darkened room as in a club or a rock concert?
- Canon Rebel XTi users: Have you been happy with the results you've gotten using the 18-55 S kit lens?
- Olympus Evolt E-510 users: Has noise been a serious factor for you in storm photography overall?
Last edited by a moderator: