Cameras and Photography

 
We're working on the approach we take to cameras. Since we just got the Olympus E-P1 in this week, I thought we'd try something new with it. In this Test Log thread, I'll post observations as they come up, so this will be a running review of sorts. Feel free to comment on this approach. You can ask questions, too.
 
Things I Like About the E-P1
 

 Rochester, N.Y. (AP) - Eastman Kodak Co. is retiring its most senior film, the iconic Kodachrome, because of declining demand in this digital age.

 May have to pick one up. Love the 3 shot auto hdr feature.
thanks
barondla

 Have lots of cameras ( not sure how many). Most used is Pentax K20D. Also have K10D. It is nice but doesn't hold my attention like the K20D. K20D just does every thing a little better. Most used film camera would be between Leica M4P and Olympus OM4ti.
thanks
barondla

If you use a manual focus lens (like a Leica M) on the G1, does the focus confirm light work?

I see that dpreview has posted images from the new Fuji camera that offers extended dynamic range and better low light capability. Ricoh seems to have the dynamic range thing too. Will this work? Is Fuji's approach to grouping pixels new, or have we seen that before? Either way, does it work?
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09022304f200exrgallery.asp

My 17 year-old-son is interested in photography and would like to "graduate" to an SLR camera. He is considering the Canon EOS Rebel XS. Any thoughts on this or other recommendations?

 I've had my Panasonic G-1 for less than a week and I'm totally smitten.

It is easily the most flexible and easy to work with digital camera I've ever owned (including DSLRs).

I've been a semi-serious photographer for many years and, in the heyday of film, owned virtually every kind of camera on the market--from Sinar, Deardorf, and Toyo 8x10s to Linhof, Sinar, and Toyo 4x5s to Hasselblad, Mamiya, and Rollei 2-1/4s to Nikon, Leica, Canon, Minolta, and Contax 35s. Though my experience with digital cameras is relatively limited, I have to say that--compared to film cameras--Canon's latest "advanced" point-and-shooter, the 15Mp G10, is a model of excellence and convenience.