Macro(micro) photography magnification levels

[flamin lib]

4. Yeah, the early sensors and processors were nowhere as clean as the newest technology.

My E620 produces less noise at ISO 1600 than my E500 did at 400. As far as pixel count goes most people will never notice the difference between 2meg and 20. The E500 (8meg) produced flawless 13x17 inch prints at ISO 100 that held up with my nose stuck to them. I even cropped it to an effective size of 20x30 and it was still better than my Kodachrome 64 slides (RIP Kodachrome). If you shoot it right anything over 5meg is bragging rights, but that's just my opinion.

Photographers are funny tho. Every other graphic artist understands viewing distance: 4x6 is best at 1-2 feet, 8x10 30 inches or so and 16x20 looks best at six feet. Not us photographers! Hell no, we take that 16x20 and pour over it with a 10x loop looking for a misplaced pixel.

One of the things I like about Oly is that all the SLRs, including the Pen series use the same sensor and processor. From the E3 down to the EPL1. Some minor differences in firmware but the hardware is the same. Differences are in construction. My consumer class 620 is all high density plastic (body, frame and all), E30 is poly exterior over aluminum and the E3 uses titanium. Same with lenses, three grades: kit lenses all plastic with brass bearing surfaces the top end lenses are all ball bearing in metal frames. The top end lenses with the E3 are virtually waterproof-- impervious to rain, snow and salt spray. The glass and coatings are comparable but you give up speed, durability and some resolution in some focal lengths in the kit lenses.

Sorry for the shameless plug but I worked for the company for five years, met Mr. Miataini and like other Zuikophyles become a bit evangelical at times . . .