E-500 I got it!

[Frank B]

Well I went and did it again! I bought the E-500 dual lens kit. I decided that the new features of the E-500 and the lower weight (with battery, 5 oz less than the E-300 were sufficient justification (that and the need to have the latest! ). I really want a DSLR/lens combination with the lowest weight possible.

[Vance]

Congrats Frank!

[WARP]

Great news Frank Enjoy!!!!!! and don't forget to post some pics soon

Best Regards: Will

[JB]

Great news, Frank. Sounds like it's just what you need. I like the E-500 styling better than the E-300.

[mattchase]

Be sure to let us know how you like it!

[drgonzo]

Awesome frank, glad to see someone holding the 4/3 fort over here. What are your future lens plans?

I still dream of the 7-14mm, but I just don't think it's in the financial cards for me.

[Talvan]

That is great Frank, let us know how you like the combo.

[Frank B]

Thanks everyone. I also like its looks better than the E-300. I love the lighter weight and the large LCD. There are a number of features that I like that the E-300 does not have and there are at least a couple things about the E-300 I like better but, for me, the lower weight of the E-500 is the main advantage.

I am not sure where I am going with lenses yet. I expect at some point to buy the 11-22mm (Dr. G I too dream of the 7-14mm). I have the 50mm f2 Macro (a fine lens) and of course the 14-45mm and 40-150mm. The 50-200mm is too heavy for me. I am considering getting the 14-54mm for its speed, but I wonder whether I could get by most of the time with the 11-22 and 40-150. That is quite appealing as, providing the 18mm gap is not too much, I could cover 22 to 300mm equivalent carrying just those two lenses. Also, even though it is slow the new 18-180mm could be tempting if its resolution can match the 14-45mm. Finally, I have the Sigma 55-200 and it is not that bad and very light. I am going to do some comparison shots with the 40-150mm.

I am pretty much tied down right now and we have had awful weather so it may be a while before I post any pictures from the E-500. My gut on image quality is that the E-300 and E-500 are very close to each other, but there may be some subtle differences, but I am not ready to comment yet.