So, I sold me Olympus E-1, my first DSLR, a few months ago. My intended upgrade path was always going to be the Olympus E-3. Whether it was impatience, greed, spontaneity, or not being content, I purchased the Pentax K200D because I had the funds to cover the entire cost of the kit. So far, I have enjoyed it and have gotten some good shots.
But there's something I just can't shake and that is this feeling, which seems to be gripping me tighter, that I want to go back to Olympus. I've already posted my K200D + kit on ebay, craigslist, and Pentax Forums with the hope that it will be bought quickly so I can save (something I opted out of doing the reasons mentioned above) for the E-3.
I'm not really sure why I am feeling this way. I don't know if it's because the Olympus was my first DLSR so there is this fondness for the brand or if I'm just being completely ridiculous. What do you guys think? Any ideas are much appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on August 18, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Do you already have an investment in Olympus lenses or accys?
A Painter's Brush or a Skulpter's Tools are personal items they grow attached to. Much like how a Pro-baseball player has a ritual when the are up to bat that they rarely ever change. I think you have the same feeling as that and it's ok!
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 19, 2008 at 2:23 AM
I've been using an Olympus E-420 for the last few months and I fell in love with it right away (with the 12-60 lens, I must mention). Among other things, I like the way the dials and menu system are set up, and I love the 4:3 image aspect ratio, which I believe is unique to Olympus dSLRs.
Unfortunately I smashed it on a rock a few days ago in the middle of a 7 day backpack trip. Fortunately though, I was able to cram it back together and it worked great for the remainder of my trip! Because the lens ring is bent, I may have to get a replacement (good thing for insurance).
Anyways, fwiw, the last dSLR I used I never really liked that much, but for some actual reasons and some indescribable reasons, I took to the Olympus right away.
First of all, how was your week-long trip? I can't wait to see the photos. Well, I had similar feelings when I got my Olympus E-1 and I never realized how much I would truly miss it after I sold it. Everything about my new Pentax is great (features, IQ, etc., etc.) but there is no connection to it...I see it as just as a tool. With my Olympus it was much more. Thanks for your insight.
James,
Thanks also for your confirmation of my feelings. What you said couldn't be more true. Thanks!
Posted by Bass Sears on August 19, 2008 at 9:15 AM
I'll echo everyone else's post and say the best camera you could possibly use is the one you're comfortable with... when I was shopping for my first DSLR I held a Canon Rebel in my hands for about 5 seconds before I knew it wasn't the one for me, just one feel (no offense, I'd love to have that many lens choices!).
If you're comfortable with what you're shooting you'll have more fun and take more satisfying shots... it's not like there's *that* much variation within a given price range manuf to manuf anyway.
Not ridiculous - everyone gets lens and camera lust - it's just part of the obsession. I've heard it said that you should write down 10 reasons why you want a new piece of gear; but if one of them is simply "I want it", scrap the list and go buy it.
Seriously, everything in the digital world is temporary, and you can look at a gear purchase as a rental of sorts. A photographer friend on this forum buys cameras and sells them within 6 months on EBAY - for near the purchase price. It's taken me awhile to come around from the day when I had a Nikon F5 for 8-9 years and it was still perfect when I sold it. So, my only suggestion is try to make sure you can get a year out of the camera before the next inevitable upgrade.
Discussion
10 repliesBut there's something I just can't shake and that is this feeling, which seems to be gripping me tighter, that I want to go back to Olympus. I've already posted my K200D + kit on ebay, craigslist, and Pentax Forums with the hope that it will be bought quickly so I can save (something I opted out of doing the reasons mentioned above) for the E-3.
I'm not really sure why I am feeling this way. I don't know if it's because the Olympus was my first DLSR so there is this fondness for the brand or if I'm just being completely ridiculous. What do you guys think? Any ideas are much appreciated. Thanks.
Ken
No, I've never had a true investment in any DSLR manufacturer. I just loved my Olympus E-1.
That said, I think you should follow your heart. You'll make better images and have more fun using a tool that you're happy with.
Thanks for your comment...that is exactly how I have been feeling. If only I can sell my K200D.
Unfortunately I smashed it on a rock a few days ago in the middle of a 7 day backpack trip. Fortunately though, I was able to cram it back together and it worked great for the remainder of my trip! Because the lens ring is bent, I may have to get a replacement (good thing for insurance).
Anyways, fwiw, the last dSLR I used I never really liked that much, but for some actual reasons and some indescribable reasons, I took to the Olympus right away.
First of all, how was your week-long trip? I can't wait to see the photos. Well, I had similar feelings when I got my Olympus E-1 and I never realized how much I would truly miss it after I sold it. Everything about my new Pentax is great (features, IQ, etc., etc.) but there is no connection to it...I see it as just as a tool. With my Olympus it was much more. Thanks for your insight.
James,
Thanks also for your confirmation of my feelings. What you said couldn't be more true. Thanks!
If you're comfortable with what you're shooting you'll have more fun and take more satisfying shots... it's not like there's *that* much variation within a given price range manuf to manuf anyway.
-- Bass
Thanks also for your comments.
Seriously, everything in the digital world is temporary, and you can look at a gear purchase as a rental of sorts. A photographer friend on this forum buys cameras and sells them within 6 months on EBAY - for near the purchase price. It's taken me awhile to come around from the day when I had a Nikon F5 for 8-9 years and it was still perfect when I sold it. So, my only suggestion is try to make sure you can get a year out of the camera before the next inevitable upgrade.
Good luck!