The Viewing With the E-3

With the previous generations of E system cameras I have never hidden the fact that I had a very hard time manually focusing lenses. I would assume those more capable photographers than myself could, but I could not. The worst camera viewfinder also had the best live view capabilities, which was the E-330 / L-1. On the E-330 and L-1, Olympus and Panasonic took 20% of the light from the viewfinder and ran it to a second sensor so that you would be able to run a full time live view camera through the LCD. If you only shot using an LCD the E-330 / L-1 would be a great camera to have in your bag, but if you rely on your viewfinder like I do, 99% of the time, it would be a bit of an eye strain.

Even with that said, I still think that there is a place within the system for Liveview on the camera, especially if you shoot a lot of macros or underwater photography. In fact, I cannot think of a better camera and lens combo than the E-330 and the 7-14mm lens for scuba diving. Because of this combo, I have even been itching to get my tanks out of storage and go out to Catalina. Also, for over 6 months, I almost exclusively shot with the L-1, because I really enjoyed the simplicity of the controls, by having a traditional (film-like) camera including an aperture ring, and shutter knob. I also really liked the built-in bounce flash capabilities of the L-1. So all in all, just because I did not like one aspect of a camera, does not mean that I think that the camera is totally useless. I do hope that Olympus and/or Panasonic continue to develop cameras in that line in the years to come.

With the viewfinder of the E-3, Olympus somehow managed to improve the viewfinder in three distinct ways over other cameras in its class. First, it made it quite large. They have made it 20% larger so that it measures to be about the same size as that of an APC sized camera. It still isn't as big as some of the great viewfinders of days gone by, but really, in my opinion, it is now at a happy medium. It provides enough information in the viewfinder so I can see what I need to, but not so much that I get lost. Second, it is very bright - A 40D owner even made that comment when he tried out the E-3 that I lent him. Third, it displays nearly 100% of the image in the viewfinder, which will be captured on your file. I often spend a lot of time framing my shot before I take it, and to have only 95% is not nearly enough of the subject to be happy. It is a beautiful viewfinder. It also is an informative viewfinder in that it displays enough information that I am not always hunting on the external LCD's for info. I can quickly change modes as I shoot and continue shooting, without taking my eye away from my subject.

Shot taken with the 12-60mm - at around 12mm for a wide view...

With live view, the E-3 is again a happy medium, some wish it had a 3" LCD, but I am much happier having a movable LCD. The LCD can basically be positioned in nearly any angle that I would need. When using live view I can place it on the ground or as far over my head as needed, and still with confidence be able to see exactly what I am shooting. I also like how the LCD has a built-in illumination sensor so that it senses how bright the surrounding light is in a room and counters for that. Nothing is more disturbing when in a dark room and a performance is taking place and a super bright LCD lights up the room. The LCD of the E-3, even during most of my daylight tests, is usually bright enough to be seen when outside.

I have not tried any of the extra live view modes such as the golden selection with live view or the multiple grid patterns, because to me that is just more stuff, and instead prefer the simplicity of having a 100% view of your image on the screen. However, one feature that I do miss is the live view A mode, like I mentioned above, with the E-330 and L-1, the camera would not have to drop the mirror to meter or focus the camera, this meant that what you saw is what you got, on the E-3 it does have to drop the mirror to do this, but the whole system is vastly improved over all previous cameras. And for me personally, if I have to either have the camera drop the mirror or loose 20% of my light, I would choose to drop the mirror.

Another great feature of the moveable LCD on the E-3 we are able to protect the screen by stowing it away and protecting it when we don't need it. All in all it is the best screen protection available on any DSLR. The moveable LCD in my opinion should be standard on all SLR's in the future. It really makes live view versatile and usable.

For a bit more about liveview please see this article.

Also please note: to get the camera to focus without taking a shot when using live view, you can push the AEL button; it lifts up the mirror and focuses the camera without taking a picture. After it drops the mirror it shows the area, which is in focus.

But I am assuming that the next generation of 4/3 cameras will again show us some improvements in this department. I think with the L-10, we already are seeing this feature coming to life. (However, I have not physically seen the L-10, but will try to get my hands at least on a loaner before long)

Support Fourthirdsphoto
become a Subscriber today

And click to order products below:

To comment on this article in any fashion please do so in this thread. I have also been update some thoughts and questions as we go in that article. You will most likely want to to quote and/or post a link back to the OP comment because of the length of this article.
All Material published in this article is copywritten by Fourthirdsphoto — If you wish to quote it elsewhere we ask that you at least link back to the original article. None of the material provided, was approved by any manufacturer or in conjunction with them. It is soley the viewpoint of Fourthirdsphoto.