Olympus E-PL2 for photography classes?

[galahan]

I just signed up for a few photography classes:
- Beginner
- Lighting and composition
- Macro
- High-dynamic range

I'm looking for a beginner DSLR and was debating between the Pentax K-X and Canon Ti1, when I ran across the E-PL2. I like its compact style but I'm not sure if it has the right manual options for my classes. I was thinking it might be useful to add a viewfinder but not sure about the shooting modes and all that. Assume that I know nothing about photography...because it's true

Would the E-PL2 be a good pick or should a go for a more typical DSLR? Budget is around $600-800.

[mtclimber]

No, please do not make any purchase.

Begin to learn, then when things have settled. Begin your camera consideration.

Sarah Joyce

[shoturtle]

It will work just fine for photography class, it will give you all the controls of a dslr, with a much smaller package. I shoot a pen and a dslr, and the only thing that the pen's can not match a dslr in are action shooting and very low light.

And yes the VF-2 is well worth the money spent on it, and staple has it for 199.
http://www.mu-43.com/f89/olympus-vf-...shipping-9997/

Going to class with the camera you have will make the learning allot quicker, as you will get familiar with your camera and how to use it as you learn.

[shoturtle]

PS go handle all three camera see which one feels best in your hand.

[galahan]

Thanks for the replies. I need a camera for the classes so I'll have to get the camera before starting.

Would there be any benefit to getting the EP2 over the E-PL2 in terms of quick access to settings? It seems the EP2 might have an extra settings wheel--not sure if that's accurate.

[shoturtle]

No, as the epl-2 has the better low light performance, and you can use the smaller AF box, 14x vs 10x on the ep2. Also you have a built in flash, that can be used as a master ttl flash if you wish to work on off camera flash photography. And the epl-2 comes with a msc lens, so it is a faster focusing lens then the older lens.

The only thing you really do not get with the epl-2 is the tilt sensor, which automatically orient the photo for landscape or portrait and the full metal body.

[Hards80]

the epl2 should be a good choice. the controls are improved over the epl1 giving it easy access to any manual settings you will need.

[zig-123]

From a price to performance perspective, the E-PL2 is very hard to beat within the Olympus Pen range of micro4/3 camera bodies.

Besides giving you complete ability to control all settings. It includes the latest 14-42mm lens. The fact that this lens, in addition to focuser faster, is designed to focus in both video and still shot mode better than the previous model makes this camera a compelling choice.

Last , this is the latest iteration of sensor, processing engine, and controls released by Olympus.

Zig