pj81156 Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

OK. As a long time Olympus film camera user, (OM2n, OM4ti,) it was easy to choose the the Olympus E-3 and E-30 as digital cameras. I really like them. But now, my granddaughter gave me her Canon Rebel EOS T3i. I like it as well. Can you tell me if either system has an advantage over the other. Lenses aside. I have several for each camera. Thank you. Paul

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The systems probably have not much difference in actual use. When you mention the E-3 / E-30 vs the EOS T3i, you're comparing different generations of digital sensors, a jump from 10 to 12MP from the Olympus bodies to an 18MP EOS. All these pixel resolutions are great for most any possible uses, they're just now 1 or 2 generations behind the current 24 to 30MP standard resolution.

From a composition perspective, both the Olympus and the Canon bodies are 'cropped sensors'. The Olympus is a 2x factor. The Canon is 1.6x. Only if you're 'thinking' about traditional 35mm focal lengths would the crop factors ever even be a consideration. Your lenses 'seem' longer and finding a wider view can sometimes be more difficult, where a lens saying 18mm seems like 24mm on the Canon and 36mm on the Olympus, where 18mm is pretty 'wide' on a full-frame camera.

pj81156 Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks. I expected my first reply to come from chg_canon. And, I expected it to be a straight answer. Thanks again.

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Both systems are at their end.

The Rebel lenses fit the next generation by an OEM adapter. The E3 lenses fit the next generation by an OEM adapter that was discontinued about a year or two ago. Theres still a 3rd party version of it.

In both cases your cameras are SLRs and the adapters are for each makers EVF cameras. Canons format is about 25% larger than Olympus if that matters to you or not.

Seems to me the Rebel and E3 are about equal, so in your shoes I would stick with the familiar, the Olympus.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

At their end?
Please explain as OM has just put out a new and excellent camera and the EF seamlessly works with the RF 100% so any EF lens carries on with no problem.
Both are still very good and very much alive.

Canisdirus

Your granddaughter is young...go with Canon.
Micro 4/3'ds future is iffy...has the most market pressure on it.

Canon's future is pretty much set in concrete.
Unless she wants to buy and sell systems at a loss during her lifetime.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Are they in working condition? Will they meet your needs? Do you intend to want more than these older systems offer? The only real difference is size and weight with what you have. Each camera and camera system has its pros and cons, plus and minus. In digital, you might want to look at the number pixels. It is not the only factor, but it is a good starting point. And how far you intend to expand any of the systems. That could involve size, weight, and costs. And you could sell it all and get something newer.

Based off your post, I would use what you have, as often as possible, and see what I like and don't like.
Then I would decide what I would keep and what let go of. And that would include let go of everything and getting a newer system.

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Both systems are at their end, so its hard to definitely choose one system over the other as the logical keeper. Thaz a very solid assessment.

Given that theres no real difference, I advized sticking with the familiar rather than switching. What more explanation do you need ?

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The OP's Oly E-3 is one of their original 4/3 format DSLRs, among the first digital they created. They have discontinued those and switched to Micro 4/3 format mirrorless, as represented by the new OM-1 that's just been released. With some limitations, the lenses used with the 4/3 format DSLRs can be adapted for use on the Micro 4/3 cameras. (Note: Panasonic shares the M4/3 format with Olympus/OM Systems... most lenses are interchangeable, but some features may not be fully cross-compatible.)

The Canon DSLR system utilizing the EF/EF-S mount lenses is being phased out. The T3i the OP got is an older model within that system (the T8i is available now). No new cameras or lenses will be developed for the Canon DSLR system. Yes, the EF and EF-S lenses can be adapted for use on the R-series cameras. But the RF lenses add some features, plus are updated and improved in various ways... For example, the RF 100mm L Macro lens can do 1.4X magnification and has a bokeh control feature and improved IS compared to the also excellent but older EF 100mm L Macro lens, which is 1.0X mag, no bokeh control and good, but not quite as good IS.

Canon is putting all it's R&D efforts into the R-series cameras and RF-mount lenses. They have already created some innovative and ground-breaking lens designs. Meanwhile, within the last year they've discontinued some 25 EF/EF-S lenses and stopped production of some of the DSLRs. There are still a huge number of EF/EF-S lenses and plenty of the DSLRs on the used market. Canon has neglected their M-series APS-C mirrorless in recent years, too (but currently only has full frame R-series mirrorless). The first few generations of the M-series were treated like ugly step children.... little more than G-series Powershot cameras with interchangeable lenses. And for that system they've only ever developed 9 EF-M lenses (which are incompatible with both the Canon DSLRs and the newer RF mount mirrorless).

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Try reading the openning post ... maybe slowly, and aloud.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I believe Canon is not at the end.
And ANY investment in ANY EF lens is still excellent as unlike Nikon they are still 100% compatible with ALL the latest RF mount cameras and actually have improved features with the control adapter so NO loss in investment in any way. In fact those who do sell out and must have the latest lens to brag with will provide millions of like new EF lenses for great prices.
PS, Canon FD lenses that were the derision of Nikon owners are making a huge comeback and prices on many far exceed their original new prices.
I have not followed Olympus as close, I own a film OM but they seem to be doing just fine and introducing new products.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

One side seems to be talking about Canon and Olympus in general, and the other about specific older model lines. Apples and oranges.

BebuLamar

I keep the E-3. They are both old and as you said at their end but the E-3 was top of the line and the T3i was about bottom of the line. I would much rather keep the top of the line.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Since what the OP has on hand is older equipment, they need to decide if it meets their needs. If one of the systems meets their needs, the "apples and oranges" comparison is less important. If the on hand equipment doesn't meet the OP's needs, then the "apples and oranges" comparison is much more important. Then the OP needs to choose between a bigger, heavier, and more costly system, or a smaller, lighter, and less costly system - a definite "apples and oranges" comparison. And although they are both pro systems, each has its pros and cons.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

I was referring to the fact that one poster was saying that older Oly systems and older Canon systems were at the end of the line, while another poster thought he meant Canon and Olympus in general. Whatever...