The Olympus E-P2, and Why I Ended Up with the S90

A lot of buzz has been happening this week regarding the launch of E-P2. Well, it turned out to be a minor tweak to the E-P1. Looking at the specs, I strongly suspect this was what the E-P1 should be. And, knowing that being the fastest to market is key in this new "compact-size, big-sensor" segment, I believe Oly rushed the E-P1 out of the oven. Nothing wrong there, but it may anger a few E-P1 owners especially it's only five months back.

I am for now still not satisfied with what Olympus is putting on the plate. For one, I somehow still want a built-in flash on it, a-la Panasonic's offering with the GF-1! Simply because I want my E-P1/2 to have a wireless-flash commander on it. I have two FL-s, and it's a waste not being able to use it with any E-P1/2 camera!

Enter the Canon S90.

Well, actually to be frank, I did not know about this camera's existence until yesterday. I was merely talking to my regular camera shop guy about the Panasonic LX-3 and it's cool retro looks. You see, I was looking for a photographer's camera that fits in a pocket. And the E-P2 was also in the list until I saw it still lacked the flash!!

He pulled out another LX-3 competitor, the Canon S90. I was not impressed, actually. I am quite hesitant with any Canon's offering except for calculators, printers, scanners and copiers. Then, he showed me the ultra-cool retro aspect of the S90; there's a Control Ring at the lens!!

Kudos!

This little contraption allows many functions that include Zoom steps of 28-35-50-85-105mm (in ancient 135 terms), Manual Focus, ISO selection, Exposure Compensation, and many other stuff. It literally won me over!!! The ease of use, akin to my E-3 and E-30 ability to allow quick access to key photographic controls meant that this the compact that I have been looking for! For many years now I have been dreaming of such a camera.

To top it off, the lens is an F2.0 at least at the wide end!!... And you guys know how am I a sucker for F2.0 lenses. I already have two F2.0 zoom lenses in my Digital Zuiko stable: the pro grades 14-35mm F2.0 and 35-100mm F2.0! With the S90's classic 28-105mm (again in ancient 135 terms) coverage, it is just perfect for nearly 80% of my typical shooting range!

And, the flash is so cool, too!!.... It's tucked nicely hidden to left of the body, which is perfect for some wireless flash action!!! (albeit only with Auto mode slave setting). Then again, the beauty of using compact P&S is the modern leaf shutter design. This means that I can sync up to maximum 1/1600s for outdoor fill-flash; not like the ancient DSLR's focal plane shutter that usually stuck at 1/250s!!!

And here it is, from Canon; which I didn't expect it to be! (pun intended, ;p) That explained why I didn't know about S90's existence until yesterday. Bummer!!!

A few haggles, and the deal was done. I am now a proud owner of a legend-in-the-making camera, similar to the E-P1!!

Here are a couple of shots with it.

Canon S90 with 6-22.5mm f2.0-4.9 lens

6mm (14mm equiv.), f/8.0, 1/1600s, ISO80, -2ev

Canon S90 with 6-22.5mm f2.0-4.9 lens

6mm (14mm equiv.), f/2.0, 1/25s, ISO800

Canon S90 with 6-22.5mm f2.0-4.9 lens

6mm (14mm equiv.), f/2.0, 1/60s, ISO200

These three pictures show the high quality of the images the S90 produce; flare control is good in strong sunlight, high ISO noise at 800 is acceptable, and the wide open bokeh just melts with goodness!

This is one camera that really elevated the standards of pocketable compacts to come.

Zuiko and DSLR 101 Class

My first batch of students...

And they hinted for more stuff....

E-30 with Zuiko Digital ED14-35mm f2.0 SWD + FL-50R

14mm, f/4.0, 1/60s, ISO800

More to be told after I conclude the next session.....

Zuiko and I Am Amused

Just a simple snapshot.. out of five frames, this one was just right.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED35-100mm F2.0

42mm, f/2, 1/100s, ISO1000,+0.3ev

Patience and anticipation for the shot is important. Just waiting for that cute baby gesture.

A bit of contrast push, and some medium level High Pass Filter sharpening.

I love the bokeh of the Zuiko Digital ED35-100mm f2.0 lens. This telephoto marvel just oozes quality in every optical aspect. But the bokeh for me just stood out, even at strong backlight source. There's no harsh spectral effect for this lens; that typically ruins many good lenses.

Zuiko and a Barongan Dancer of Bali

The rim lights provided a regal aura to the girl.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD

101mm, f/3.2, 1/200s, ISO400, -0.3ev

Seated about ten rows away from the stage posed no problem for the Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD lens. And the E-3 had no problem locking focus with the subject in strong backlighting, too.

What I loved most about the stage lighting was how the sunlight was controlled to illuminate the performers. The soft lighting provided exquisite shadow and highlight tones; thus, resulting in sublime colors to the already intricately designed costumes.

Zuiko and Photography Classes

It's confirmed.

I will be conducting a series of classes for Beginner Photography; three classes to be exact. Starting at the end of October, the classes will continue until mid November. Total students? More than 60!!!!

A training company has engaged me for my photography skills and know-how. I am building a curriculum for the next stage, maybe into Lighting and Portraiture. I just hope everything turns out well.

Wish me luck!!!!

Zuiko and the Exora

Well... I did it.

I just got my Proton Exora on Monday, and boy was I amazed with this MPV, aka mini-van.

No pictures here, but I started a new spin-off blog just for the Exora.

I will criss-cross the Zuiko and Exora from now on.

The Exora being a first fully designed Malaysian MPV, there were a lot of hype surrounding it. Hopefully there's lots of things to tell.

Zuiko and the Surfer Child of Bali

The surf, the sand..... and a child.

E-3 with Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD

200mm, f/11, 1/30s, ISO100

When I was on a trip to Bali early last year, I brought along the E-3, Zuiko Digital 11-22mm f2.8-3.5 and Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD in a small shoulder bag. It's just perfect, not too heavy for a couple of hours walking.

During one of the tour, we stopped at a seafood place at Jimbaran beach. While waiting for the sunset, I saw this image of the little girl sitting with a surfboard. I observed her actions for quite a while, before deciding to make the image. The light from the setting sun provided the rim light that I really liked, and without a moments notice I took the shot. Incidentally, that was the only shot!!