Planning on some new toys, anyone want to convince me otherwise?

silversx80

I've been eyeing the new Olympus E-620 for some time now, and plan to bite the bullet on a new body soon enough. I'm looking to get a new lens with the new body, and the 12-60 is nice and appealing, however, expensive. If I go that route, I might just go for a cameta-used lens. I've done that before and I'm really happy with that purchase. If not, it's the 14-54 II for ~$280 less

So that's an Olympus E-620 for ~$600 and a 12-60mm, f/2.8-4.0 for ~$830.

... or the E-620 for ~$600 + the 14-54 II, f/2.8-3.5 for ~$550, which leaves me some dough for more toys.

ziggy53

The E-620 certainly appears to be a wonderful camera.

I think either lens has merit so you need to decide which has the greatest "value" for you. The 12-60mm has some extra FOV over what you have now plus a really nice zoom range.

swintonphoto

I say go for it! I love my E-620. A really spectacular camera. In regards to the lenses, I have the 14-54mm mkI and I am very pleased with it. The version II would give you better live view performance, but if you rarely use live view than I would look for a mkI because they are identical in every other way. The 12-60 sure gets rave reviews from everyone I know that has one. If you have the $ i am sure you will be glad you got it. But, if you want to spend it on something else, the quality of the 14-54 nearly identical. The major differences being the wider zoom range and the SWD for faster focusing. If those are important, go for the 12-60. If you aren't sure, save the money, get the 14-54, and you could always get yourself the 70-300 or sell your 40-150 and get a mk I version of the 50-200 (you could get one of those for a really decent price now). But the 50-200 is a large lens thats for sure. Just some other ideas. You won't really go wrong with any of them.

silversx80

Well, I bit the bullet this morning and called Adorama. I ordered the 620 for $550 and the 14-54 Mk II for $525... they had some sort of deal. I'm very excited because I should have it by the 4th

swintonphoto

Yahoo!!!!

silversx80

SWEET!! It came yesterday and I picked it up at the front office today. I have taken a break from unpacking from my 8-week long trip to UT, just to play with my new camera.

First impressions of the E-620 + 14-54mm mk. II kit (vs. E-410 +14-42mm):
- Heavier. Much heavier but nicely balanced and not over bearing. I will need a new tripod, however.
- Menus are cleaner, yet seem to not give as much info up front
- Focus speed is about the same indoors, outdoors in daylight was never an issue with the previous kit, so I don't expect issues with new one.
- CDAF is nice, but S....... L........ O.................. WWWWWWWWWwwwwwwwwwwwww.
- Couldn't be happier with the new viewfinder.
- LCD is very nice -- Articulation might have a use, but the screen is SO much nicer.
- It's thicker and has a much more pronounced grip, so I have to learn how to hold it again. Not uncomfortable and seems like it'll be more stable in the long-run.
- Buttons are in MUCH different locations, but still well laid out.
- No chance to use the IS yet, but I can't wait for those times I wish I had it with the E-410.

I'll write more later and I cannot wait to use it for the Fourth. One show tomorrow and one on Sat.