Olympus E-300

Yeah, I am finding the new Panasonic Lumix much better at light enhancing and blur correction. I am actually really pumped by the hi res - 800 JKI optimisation on the olympus though. However I would prefer to use it during day;ight hours and maybe thake the superior Panasonic out during dusk/nighttime. The overall impression is that of grey awe in the Olympus and total ONE Golden Plus towards the Panasonic Lumix. One has to applaud Panasonic's ecclectic Super Zoom Reverse tangent option. AA.

I have run the Olympus e-300 for best part of 4 years>

It has always been reliable and never broken down.

Battery life is excellent.

But:

Viewfinder is a bit dim.

No live preview.

The camera is good for hand held usage but the data base and remote control + battery pack is heavy and difficult to use. ( this is not really a negative since all simialr packages have the same fault!)

Image quality is more than good enough for me at ISO 400 or below.. There is a definite weakness at 800 and the accelerated ISO 1600, with the image becoming a bit noisy when enlarged. This is more than apparent when using a 70-300 zoom where the objective diameter is relatively small, and Higher shutter speeds are forced to reduce shake. I normally brace as firmly as I can to make good the reach of the lens.

BundleD software "Olympus master" is more than good enough, dont throw it away as it is also the method to upgrade your camera and lens software.

Remember to upgrade camera and lens software regularly as some of the early issues have been subsequently addressed by software mods and patches.

I find the zuiko lenses expensive but convenient to use with excellent image quality.There is a lot of glass in the teles so remember that they will be heavier with more losses than a fixed. I have good results with a range of 3 teles but I am conscious that quality is not so good as a fixed.

Some lenses are beginning to become available on the second-hand market so prices are beginning to fall.

The higher specification cameras certainly have more features, but auto features and "scenes" are a quick dial-in solution to stuff that could be done post-production anyway. My own thoughts are that they dont add value.

A downside is the relatively low ISO range and limited shutter speed options.

However, for general consumer photography this is a good, reliable hard working piece of kit.

I would reccommend it.

I like the olympus e-300 because it is a durable strong high quality camera with good features and is easy to use. The only thing that i don't really like about is the wait between shooting in multi shot. Overall it suites me.

I've used the Olympus E-300 camera extensively for over two years and it's been very good. As a second hand buy now, it's really hard to beat! Many people list the lack of lenses as a negative, but there is a good selection (certainly enough for any amateur or professional) both new and second hand (take a look on ebay), and the prices are at least comparable with Canon and Nikon.

Overall, a very serious contender particularly for the budget minded, and the lenses will fit the E3 when you're ready to upgrade.

This Olympus E300 was my second sideways move from the canon 350D as a second hand camera which came with 2 lenses it has been a good little camera, the menu is easy to use but I do feel its being outgrown fairly quickly. Copes well with difficult situations however I do find the point and shoot white balance sometimes a little off.

Bit heavier than the cannon but still a good camera for professional and personal use alike, I have sold images taken with it to magazines and private customers.

I love this Olympus E-300 Camera. I have had it for about a year and have been doing freelance news photography with great success. Very easy to use and set up. Very forgiving when it comes to the learning curve. I would have to say this is a great starter for those wanting to get into Digital SLR Cameras. Not a bad price at all when you consider it comes with 2 lenses included.