If there are any
differences between the E-10 and the E-20, besides the obvious difference
betwen a 4 and a 5-megapixel image size, they appear to be mostly with
the added Progressive Scan mode, and the extension to both ends of the
range of shutter speeds of the E-20.
Indeed, the image quality of the 5-megapixel E-20 is very similar to
that of the E-10, but makes even larger prints possible. To the user,
getting that best image quality requires the use of the IS (Interlace
Scan) mode, which still limits the camera to a top shutter speed of
1/640.
Aperture: f4, shutter speed:1/200 sec.
This
means that under very sunny conditions the widest apertures are often
unavailable, unless a neutral density filter is attached, and that fast
action is difficult to freeze.
Aperture: f3.2, shutter speed:1/100 sec.
Switching
to the Progressive Scan Mode is the only alternative, but it is only useable
in JPEG, and the image quality is lower as the mode cuts the vertical
resolution in half. Jaggies show along oblique lines in the image, and
a bright source of light can develop smears above the source of light
(blue streaks in the image below).
Yet, if the PS mode is used judiciously and some experience with the quirks
of the system is developed, it can capture images that are otherwise out
of reach for the Interlace Scan system, albeit without its precision.
The PS system will work fine if the source of light is behind the photographer,
and photos print well up to a 5" x 7" size.
Although the system uses only 2.5 million pixels, the images are interpolated
in the camera up to the selected size, and the jaggies along oblique lines
can be minimized to some extent if the sharpness is set to "soft".
Aperture: f2.8, shutter speed: 1/60 sec.
If
the value of extending the shutter speeds at the high end through the
use of a mode that lessens image quality is debatable, the extension at
the low end, and the addition of the noise reduction system won't be.
Aperture: f4, shutter speed: 1/500 sec.
Noise
reduction with the E-20 involves doubling the time required for the exposure.
First the long exposure is taken — for example a 60 sec exposure
— then the camera takes a second frame with the same duration, but
without opening the shutter. This allows the capture of a "reference"
image which serves to identify noise.
At this point, the camera's processor uses the data collected from the
black frame to eliminate the noise in the first shot, and saves the resulting
image.
The results of the E-20's noise reduction system are impressive, especially
when compared to other long exposures made with other digital cameras.
The E-20's images contain virtually no bright pixels, and noise is minimal.
The
E-20 is equipped with the same metering systems as the E-10 — one
of the reasons for the broadly similar look of their photos. Used outdoors,
the E-20 requires more of a "hands-on" attitude from the user:
a willingness to change metering pattern as required and recognize that
need. Even though the E-20 can be used simply using its Program mode,
it will generally yield the best images if the user is willing to tweak
contrast, sharpness, and use the priority modes.
The 4X zoom lens is the same as the E-10's and exhibits the same minor
distortion: a bit of barreling in wide angle but no serious pincushion
at the maximum telephoto; and a bit of chromatic aberration.
Without
a doubt the strengths of the E-20 lie in its design, its crisp and precise
optical viewfinder and its ability to capture images in low light. All
of this with an overall image quality that is one of the better ones available
without going to an interchangeable lens camera.
Another feature of the E-20 is its multiple file formats, including a
RAW mode which delivers the raw output of the CCD, and a TIFF format that
avoids any possibility of degradation from the JPEG compression process.
Aperture: f5, shutter speed:1/640 sec.
Whether
or not the E-20 is truly useable by a professional will depend greatly
on the type of photography involved. Although the camera can be accessoried,
it will not meet the needs of sports and action photos much better than
the E-10 could. But in a work environment where speed isn't critical,
it could take the place of substantially more expensive equipment.
