Camera People- help me, please

[Glacier]

Did you see that?

Nope, where did you see that? I was looking at the Olympus site, which makes it look like you can use the LCD on the E-330 almost like you do on a point & shoot digital. The rest of their d-SLR's you can't use it, except to review pics after they are taken.

I want the E-500 since it comes with more accessories and lenses for about the same price as the E-330.

[Cataholic]

Here is the link:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/e500-review/

And, I went about 2 inches down, on the scroll bar: it is underneath a picture of the back of the camera, after about the tenth illustration down:

One of the big upgrades on the E-500 is its large 2.5" LCD display. This screen has an impressive resolution, too -- there are over 215,000 pixels on this screen, so images are nice and sharp. Do note that as with all digital SLRs, the LCD is only used for reviewing photos after they are taken -- you will always use the optical viewfinder for taking pictures.

And speaking of which, you'll find the E-500's viewfinder directly above the LCD. This large viewfinder shows 95% of the frame, and you can bring things into focus by using the diopter correction knob to its left. The shooting info display is located to the right of the field of view in the viewfinder, and it shows current settings and shots remaining.

[Glacier]

One of the big upgrades on the E-500 is its large 2.5" LCD display.

Ah, yup, now I understand!. It's the E-330 that has live viewing, not the E-500. The E-330 is newer(despite the lower number, Olympus does weird naming things sometimes!). Here's the E-330 review from that site:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/ol...ew/index.shtml

I've been watching the E-500 since it was released. There's only one camera shop here and the owner knows me well! He always lets me know when the price drops..it's almost under 1000 bucks now and I almost have enough saved for it. If I can just convince my dogs to take a break on the vet bills, I'm set!

Have fun with your new toy. I'm looking forward to some pics of your boy!

[moosmom]

Jo,

Nikons are THE best! My Dad used one as a photojournalist and so do all the photographers at the newspaper I worked at. Excellent choice.

[Cataholic]

...WOW! I **love** my new camera! The pics are so crisp, the shots so fast, and I don't even know how to use it yet! Sadly, none of my old SLR lens fit, which figgers.....

Thanks again for the input, and I can't wait to upload some photos.

[cloverfdx]

Congratulations on the new purchase Johanna, i cannot wait to see some photos .

Have more to add later .

[Cataholic]

Nope, where did you see that? I was looking at the Olympus site, which makes it look like you can use the LCD on the E-330 almost like you do on a point & shoot digital. The rest of their d-SLR's you can't use it, except to review pics after they are taken.

I want the E-500 since it comes with more accessories and lenses for about the same price as the E-330.

There ARE cameras that are like an SLR, in alot of ways, but, according to the guy at the camera store, a 'true' SLR can't display the image at the time of the taking of the pic. Too technical for me to re-explain, but, it made sense at the time he said it.

[slleipnir]

There ARE cameras that are like an SLR, in alot of ways, but, according to the guy at the camera store, a 'true' SLC can't display the image at the time of the taking of the pic. Too technical for me to re-explain, but, it made sense at the time he said it.

I've heard that too. When I bought mine I asked why I couldn't take pictures using the display. He explained it but I didn't really get it. I think an SLR takes more exact pictures. You look though the eye thing, and what you see is what you get....where as non SLRs it uses mirrors or something? Anyway, what you take isn't exactly what you see....

sorry I know know technical names or anything so that probably didn't make sense...

[Glacier]

There ARE cameras that are like an SLR, in alot of ways, but, according to the guy at the camera store, a 'true' SLC can't display the image at the time of the taking of the pic. Too technical for me to re-explain, but, it made sense at the time he said it.

I think you mean a "prosumer" camera. That's what my camera guy calls my Olympus C-5060. It's not a point and shoot(although you can set it to fully automatic), not a pocket camera. It has lots of manual options, all sorts of settings and tricks, but you can't change the lense and you can use the LCD to take pics.

[Cataholic]

Glacier, I made a change to my post. I said SLC, when I meant, SLR. No SLR camera gives you the function of viewing the picture AS you are taking it. (or, that is what the guy told me, and the first web site mentioned..... ).

Like Audrey said, hard to articulate, but, it makes sense. I **think**.

I have taken some pics, and WOW what a difference...but, the price was steep. So, I am going to play around with it for a few days, and make the final, final decision.

Thank you all for your input!

Johanna

[slleipnir]

I paid 1500 (with taxes and stuff) for my canon rebel SLR. I don't regret it one bit. I know that's probably too much for a camera, but I really like it. If I could use it better, I would be all set.

[finn's mom]

I know you've already pretty much gotten your answers, but, I wanted to chime in with how odd it has been for me to get back into using a viewfinder to take photos. I had my 35 mm camera for years, so, I knew I could get used to it again. I remember how weird it was to NOT use a viewfinder when I first had access to a digital. The camera I have now is an SLR, and, only uses the display for reviewing, and not taking, photos. I love my camera, though (it's a D80), and, am really enjoying getting to know it. I have a lot more to learn, though, as there are many things it's capable of. I think you will love the Nikon you got, and, definitely do not think it's a waste of money. Have fun with it! Can't wait to see those "toddler in action" shots.

[slleipnir]

I want that camera.

I don't know what you mean...do you mean, you can see stuff on the display before taking the picture?? Mine doesn't do that. I get an image pop up after, but not before...