Olympus E-3

Craig,

I wasn't directing the question toward you but just in general. I think Phil's point above was that there was very little advantage of one camera over the other when you add the complete package together. I happen to agree and furthermore the limitations imposed by the water column further mute any differences. From a pure results perspective, it is really tough to tell with the naked eye which camera is better. That is, until you get into the very high ISO range or start cropping in to beyond 100%. Ultimately the creative mind, good use of lighting, a steady hand and a little luck seem to always win the day.

in layman's terms...aren't you splitting hairs so to speak. I remember the fellow that housed the large format camera underwater. The photos were very nice but really not any better in "usable" terms than a full frame photo. In the market that oly competes, it compares favorably with the big two and any difference you see in photos is almost negligible until you get to the higher ISOs. Even on DPReview the cameras side by side perform roughly the same despite the lens advantage given to Canon in the test (f1.4).

In practice, resolution of macro photos are often diffraction limited by the small apertures used to get large depth-of-field and all good macro lenses of a given sensor size format will do about as well. I don't think any brand can gain an advantage in resolution of macro lenses.

Larger sensors have a slight advantage over smaller sensors. I've only shot 1.6x crop and 35mm DSLR's, and have not made enough big prints from either to really have much of a feel of how big the difference is in practice.

The motivation for my last post is just to put in context the often seen claim that Olympus has the sharpest optics around which in itself is not incorrect. However, it seems to me those who repeat these claims always leave out the simple fact that because a 4/3 sensor is half the width of a 35mm sensor, the 4/3 lens has to be twice as sharp to get the same resolution in the final image.

Again in practice, most people will be happy with the resolution of any of the current systems, but I would disagree with those who recommends Olympus over others on the basis of sharper lenses.

Seems like there's going to be quite a few options available for the E-3. Good thing.

 

First of all question, probably mostly aimed at Phil, do you think there will be other brands of housings available for the E-420 apart from the expected Oly and Ike housings? It would be nice to have something as small as the Seatool housing for that one... Talk about small SLR setup.

 

As for the E-3, unless I decide to pick up the E-420 just for UW, I think it stands between the Seatool and the Nexus based on everything I've read here. I would probably go with a couple of Inon Z240 strobes with ULCS arms.

 

Now, the question is whether to go with Seatool or Nexus. Both seem to support FO which I've decided to go with. However, I have a hard time understanding which ports go with Seatool. I really like how the Nexus supports Oly / Athena ports out of the box, but at the same time would prefer the (probably) smaller size of the Seatool.

 

And what about UK-Germany? How do they compare to the others?

KT,

It appears that the E-410/PT-E03 housings are largely out of stock at least in the US and that no more will be forthcoming. The E-410 sold very well and I would expect the E-420 will do just as well. As a result I would expect housings to be available, however small companies like SeaTool will always build based on the number of units sold so Canon and Nikon will always be first in line. Since it appears that SeaTool will be building an E-3 housing it stands to reason that they see the value of the Olympus market.

I have the Nexus housing for the E-3 and just started using it over the weekend. I understand the prototype for the SeaTool may be ready in as little as six weeks. I am sure you would be happy with either housing.

The Nexus housing has the fiber optic ports which I am using with Inon Z-240 strobes and TTL is very accurate. I am sure SeaTool will include fiber optics as well.

Regarding housing size I don't think you will see a large difference. The Nexus E-3 housing seems to be built

around the same size box used for the Nikon D-100. I could see very little difference in size between the Nexus E-3 housing and the SeaTool Canon 40D housing when placed side by side. Since both cameras are in the same size range I would expect the housings to be much the same in size. If size is an issue for you as it seems to be with some here at Wetpixel I have attached a photo of the Nexus E-3 housing beside the Olympus E-410/PT-E03 housing to give you an idea of a starting point for your comparison. I would expect a SeaTool housing for the E-420 to be much smaller if it is made.

Regarding ports, my Olympus and Athena ports work like a dream on the Nexus housing and I would expect the same from SeaTool. The problem lies in the existing gears for the Olympus lenses. Olympus gears have a different outside diameter for each lens. This was overcome in the Olympus DSLR housings by having a floating internal zoom/focus gear, (one that moves slightly in and out to accept the gears). The Nexus housing as delivered has a fixed gear and much smaller teeth. As a result new gears need to be released.

I am now using a twenty-five year old Aquatica gear (from an F-3 housing) for the 50 mm macro and 1.4X tele converter. Ryan (Reefphoto) and I fashioned new gears for the 7 to 14 & 12 to 60 zooms with little problem so I am good to go for the time being. This information will be passed on by Ryan to Nexus and SeaTool in hopes of resolving the issue.

Regarding UK-Germany, they have no dealer in the U.S. so we don't see many of their housings here. In fact I am still waiting for the housing they said they would be building for my Olympus E-1.

Regarding DPReviews statement that "the Olympus 50mm F2 macro lens is one of the sharpest optics we've ever used" I would assume that this was compared to all format size lenses. Since I can't speak for DPReview perhaps someone should ask them what the intent of this statement was.

As Herbko has said "most people wiil be happy with the resolution of any of the current systems" for now DPReview is saying that the Nikon D-300 body is the best body of all the offerings and I have no reason to disagree.

If anyone has anymore questions regarding the Nexus housing please let me know.

Phil Rudin

I have the Nexus housing for the E-3 and just started using it over the weekend. I understand the prototype for the SeaTool may be ready in as little as six weeks. I am sure you would be happy with either housing.

The Nexus housing has the fiber optic ports which I am using with Inon Z-240 strobes and TTL is very accurate. I am sure SeaTool will include fiber optics as well.

 

Regarding housing size I don't think you will see a large difference. The Nexus E-3 housing seems to be built

around the same size box used for the Nikon D-100. I could see very little difference in size between the Nexus E-3 housing and the SeaTool Canon 40D housing when placed side by side. Since both cameras are in the same size range I would expect the housings to be much the same in size. If size is an issue for you as it seems to be with some here at Wetpixel I have attached a photo of the Nexus E-3 housing beside the Olympus E-410/PT-E03 housing to give you an idea of a starting point for your comparison. I would expect a SeaTool housing for the E-420 to be much smaller if it is made.

Sounds really good, thanks for the extensive reply Phil!

Also good to see the comparison. Given that, I don't really see a point in going for an Oly housing for the E-420 to get down in size. Sure, a Seatool would probably be quite small, but I somehow have a hard time seeing that as it could be quite questionable whether people getting a $500 camera would splash out for a $3000 housing for it... And with the market share of Oly compared to Canon and Nikon I doubt they'd be able to get the sales needed.

As for the zoom/focus gears, is this a problem with the fisheye and macro lenses as well? These are the only ones I'd be interested in housing.

Hi Phil

What's the depth rating on the Nexus housing?

KT,

I relay on auto focus most of the time for both macro and the fisheye. If I want to lock in a focus range with the fisheye I focus on my hand for close range or my fin for a further distance then lock the focus. This can be done by just switching to manual or by other means. I do like the manual gear when I want to be sure the lens is racked out as far (close-up) as it will go. Your right regarding the cost of the camera v. cost of the housing. That is why I feel strongly that the E-410/PT-E03 combo is such a good value if you are buying new strobes or already own strobes that will work with fiber optic cables. If you are already invested in Iklite strobes that will work with a new housing then that would be a better way to go for some.

Andy,

The Japanese spec's indicate 75 meters (250 feet) I didn't ask because I don't dive much beyond 160 feet or so anymore so it wasn't an issue for me.

Phil

Thanks Phil, I appreciate the effort you have gone to to keep us informed on developments.

I am considering doing a Trimix course next year, just looking ahead.

I relay on auto focus most of the time for both macro and the fisheye. If I want to lock in a focus range with the fisheye I focus on my hand for close range or my fin for a further distance then lock the focus. This can be done by just switching to manual or by other means. I do like the manual gear when I want to be sure the lens is racked out as far (close-up) as it will go. Your right regarding the cost of the camera v. cost of the housing. That is why I feel strongly that the E-410/PT-E03 combo is such a good value if you are buying new strobes or already own strobes that will work with fiber optic cables. If you are already invested in Iklite strobes that will work with a new housing then that would be a better way to go for some.

I too would like to thank you for all your effort, Phil.

So, right now I'm thinking Nexus housing, ULCS handles and arms and INON Z-240 strobes. Athena or Oly ports for the fisheye and 50 macro lenses. Anything I've forgotten?

I can't seem to find any ULCS double handle trays for Nexus, but I suppose those are available as well?

For the two lenses I'm looking at, would Athena or Oly be better when it comes to ports?

Hi KT,

First, the Nexus housing already comes with an outstanding set of grips. For my hand size I added a 10 mm extension to each side of the housing. The housing does have tripod mounts on the bottom but the included grips are all you need.

If the 8 mm fisheye is the only wide angle lens you intend to use I would take a hard look at the Inon fisheye dome port.

I would also take a hard look at the Inon macro port with the magnetic gear. Remember that with the Olympus and Athena macro ports you will need a gear for each configuration, 50 mm, 50 + 1.4X tele converter, 50 + 2X

tele converter if you intend to do manual. This means custom gears for each configuration with the Oly & Athena ports. If you intend to be all auto focus all the time it is not an issue. The Inon port is also a value V. the others. The Oly port would be my last choice. The Inon port in manual is a bit "sloppy" compared to a geared system but it will get the job done at a fraction of the cost.

Both Inon ports shown below.

The Inon Z-240s are great strobes and work quite well with fiber optics.

Phil Rudin

First, the Nexus housing already comes with an outstanding set of grips. For my hand size I added a 10 mm extension to each side of the housing. The housing does have tripod mounts on the bottom but the included grips are all you need.

 

If the 8 mm fisheye is the only wide angle lens you intend to use I would take a hard look at the Inon fisheye dome port.

 

I would also take a hard look at the Inon macro port with the magnetic gear. Remember that with the Olympus and Athena macro ports you will need a gear for each configuration, 50 mm, 50 + 1.4X tele converter, 50 + 2X

tele converter if you intend to do manual. This means custom gears for each configuration with the Oly & Athena ports. If you intend to be all auto focus all the time it is not an issue. The Inon port is also a value V. the others. The Oly port would be my last choice. The Inon port in manual is a bit "sloppy" compared to a geared system but it will get the job done at a fraction of the cost.

 

Both Inon ports shown below.

 

The Inon Z-240s are great strobes and work quite well with fiber optics.

Thanks for taking the time to write another great and very informative reply, Phil!

The Inon ports do sound sweet compared to Oly / Athena. Yes, I do not intend to get the 7-14 at this stage as it is an arm and a leg and I would much rather be able to afford a couple of additional topside lenses such as the new 50-200 SWD.

For some reason I had come under the impression that the Nexus housing shipped without handles, my bad. I guess the extensions could come in handy when diving with dry suit gloves. By the way, have you used the housing with gloves and if so is it easy to handle?

I guess it's going to be Nexus housing, Inon ports, Inon strobes and ULCS arms. How do Inon's arms stack up against the ULCS ones? I'm thinking of package deals and stuff here, but I guess if I place an order for all of that, I'll get a package deal anyways...

Does anyone have tips on retailers in the SF / NY areas that stock both Nexus and Inon, or should I simply try to order everything from UW Digital Camera?

/ Thomas

Hi Thomas,

I would need two 10 mm spacers with my dry-suit gloves, thank god I live in Florida and do most of my diving in relatively warm water.

I have not tried the Inon strobe arms so I can't comment on them.

http://reefphotovideo.com/ has all the items you are looking for in stock as of last Friday.

I am about to buy the 50-200 SWD myself, I am very happy with the 12 to 60 SWD.

Phil

Phil,

Have you housed the 12-60? I've been lusting after than lens since it came out.

Hi Gary,

Yes I have used the 12 to 60 zoom in two housings, however since no port/extension combo has yet been released and no gear is out you may want to wait to see if it will be supported. Ryan made a custom gear for the lens and I used the 7 to 14 extension and the Oly dome. The 35 mm equivalent range of 24 to 120 mm is

quite nice behind a dome.

You can be the judge of the results.

The 12 mm end is with the E-410 and the 60 mm end is with the E-3.

The Turtle is being held by Dr. Berry Krueger in Barbados where he is doing research for the Barbados Sea Turtle Project.

Phil Rudin

I would need two 10 mm spacers with my dry-suit gloves, thank god I live in Florida and do most of my diving in relatively warm water.

 

I have not tried the Inon strobe arms so I can't comment on them.

 

http://reefphotovideo.com/ has all the items you are looking for in stock as of last Friday.

 

I am about to buy the 50-200 SWD myself, I am very happy with the 12 to 60 SWD.

Again, thanks!

I definitely think I will be needing the extension spacers seeing that picture! 50% of my dives are in Sweden...

As for Reef Photo, they don't seem to have the Nexus housings, do they? Also, comparing prices on Inon, Nexus and other Japanese made gear, it seems the prices are better when getting them from Japan, with the lack of VAT when buying locally being the redeeming factor for getting them in the US.

The 50-200 looks excellent, and I agree with you - the 12-60 is absolutely brilliant! Tack sharp with great corner sharpness and overall detail from about 4 and definitely useful even at 2.8.

I'm still a bit uncertain about whether I'll be able to afford all of this when taking upcoming trips into account, so the 420 is still definitely an option, especially when looking at sample images that are popping up all over the Net now (seems to be very close to the E-3 if not identical!). However, I can't really see myself getting a housing that only goes to 130', and with everything I've learned in this thread I'm fairly sure I want to go with Inon strobes and a metal housing.

/ Thomas

Seatool has annoinced image of housing for the E-3.

http://seatool.net/list/E3.htm

Seatool housing is scheduled to be available in May.

Body material ：Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy

Depth rating： 60m(200 ft)

Yoko

We do stock the Nexus housing for the E-3, but do not buy it from the established USA channels of distribution, making it a gray market item. It is in the queue to be added to our public site...

All this means is that our customers need to return their housings to us or Nexus Japan for repair work, not Nexus USA / Marine Camera Distributors.

Seatool has released picture of prototype housing for the E-3 on May 8th.

http://seatool.net/list/E3.htm

Yoko

... The grip can also be removed and used from a remote location via fiber optic cable.

Should be interesting to see how this works in the real world.

We had a plastic prototype at the BOOT. After a few changes we're now producing the first batch.

I've assembled the electronic parts and the control works as expected (still in the topside prototype shell).

The housing is queued for milling while I'm soldering the PCBs for the first series.

The main goal was to allow tilting the grip (or the housing) while holding the controls comfortably single handed. The grip may be removed for transport and service. The remote feature was a give-away of the design.

I'll post a report as soon as I'm diving it first time!

Helge ;-)=)

Seatool has released picture of prototype housing for the E-3.

http://seatool.net/list/E3.htm

Seatool housing, SDH-OME3 is scheduled to be available in June.

Body material ：Corrosion resistant aluminum alloy

Dimensions (WxHxD): 208x183x121mm

Weight: 1,800g

Depth rating： 60m(200 ft)

Yoko

The first olympus E3 were sold in November 2007.

The seatool housing is coming on June 2008?

I think seven month are too much time to wait.

Now camera models are changing every year , if we have to wait so long we are one year back in cameras technologies.

They should change their minds and do the housings with one month since the model is in stock.