I went to Competitive Camera in Dallas, Texas, today to pick up 5 rolls of
E100 VS film(to get the 5 free rolls from Kodak ya know) and got a nice
surprise. The Olympus Rep. was there demonstrating the E 1 to Competitive
Camera sales
people. The Olympus Rep could tell I was interested in the camera and ask if
I had heard of it and would I like to look at it. The demo unit had the large
battery grip and 14-54 zoom. It felt very solid and the build quality looked
excellent. In the short time I had to play with it, I came away very impressed
with the focus speed and the camera's overall feel. It really seemed to fit my
hand well. The rep indicated that Olympus was very interested in establishing
a presence in the pro ranks and currently has the camera in the hands of
about 35 professional photographers around the world. She also said Olympus
hopes
to get some Canon and Nikon converts, but is not counting on that market
segment. Instead, Olympus hopes to attract the large group of film users who
have
yet to commit to any brand of digital SLR. The Oly Rep also said she had seen
the Canon Digital Rebel and was not impressed. The 11-22 zoom should be
available in late November. What about price? About US$1700. And will there be
an OM
to E adapter? Her reply was a resounding NO! Did I like it? Yup. Perhaps it
was just an illusion, but the camera really did have an Olympus feel to it,
whatever that is.
Gary Faulkenberry
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