Olympus EVOLT E-500 vs Canon Rebel XT

Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 3

I am considering cameras for my girlfriend who needs to shoot her artwork up-close for portfolios (studio photography of sculptural work with an average size of about 3 feet). I know she will definitely need some kind of Macro lense. Ok i know nothing about the technical aspects of the digital SLRs out there. I know she needs something with manual aperature and shutter speed control. Now my question: How does the Olympus EVOLT E-500 and Evolt E-300 compare to the Canon Rebel XT? The Olympus cameras are more in my price range, so I am hoping these will do fine. ALso, which is better, the E-300 or E-500. I assumed the E-500 would be better (because its a higher number), but I actually found an E-500 body for cheper than the E-300, so I am not sure. When I look at the specs of the cameras I really have no idea what I am looking at to be honest, so thats why I need help, and I am trying to surprise her, so I want to try to do this without asking her directly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:06 pm

The Evolts should be ok for taking the photos you need, also you can pickup a 35mm macro lens for the evolt for around $200.

I have an XT and love it because of the option for lenses seems like its enormous but for what she needs it for the E-300 should be pretty good.

Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks for the reply. So is the E-300 better than the E-500?

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 1:02 pm

E500 is nicer..lower noise and better lens aspects and such...the e-300 has a 2x magnification factor which can affect how your lens works..I think the E-500 is only a 1x magnifier..

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 4:45 pm

No, it is 2x. But that doesnt hurt anything as most dSLR have some sort of factor other than full frame. It is just a comparison to the difference between the CCD and a regular 35mm. I believe the 20D has a 1.6 factor.

The E-500 is really what Olympus meant to put out there as their first true prosumer dSLR to rival the Rebel. And I think for what you are doing with it the single lens kit and then the 50mm f2.0 macro lens would work well. Though at three feet the 14-45mm would do a good job also. If you dont plan on getting the macro lens, look at the 2 lens kit for only $100 more. The 40-150mm lens is a nice walk around lens, more than I thought it would be.

PM me if you have any questions about the E-500.

Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 3

Ok thanks. I will definitely PM you once i get a chance to look over the specs some more and feel out what she needs exactly.

Joined: 18 Feb 2006 Posts: 268

I have the E-500 and just love it. The dual lens kit is the best deal going. I prefer the E-500 over the Rebel but only barely but with the two lens kit I felt it was a better deal. Only problem I have now is my wife now wants to go more places for me to take pictures.

-Kerry