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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 16MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3.0-Inch Tilting OLED Touchscreen [Body Only] (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Olympus |
Model Name | FBA_V204040BU000 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Exposure Control Type | Program AE, Aperture priority AE, Shutter priority AE, Automatic |
Form Factor | SLR-style mirrorless |
About this item
- The High Resolution 1.4million dot EVF, with a 120 fps refresh rate, is a 100% accurate high eye point electronic viewfinder,
- 16 megapixel live-mos sensor & truepic vi image processor
- World's fastest autofocus
- In-body image stabilization
- 3" 610,000 dot tilt/touch oled
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This Item OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 16MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3.0-Inch Tilting OLED Touchscreen [Body Only] (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $749.00$749.00 | $2,498.00$2,498.00 | $899.95$899.95 | -17% $999.99$999.99 List: $1,199.99 | $1,999.99$1,999.99 | $1,099.00$1,099.00 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 4 - 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it Apr 4 - 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it Apr 4 - 11 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Image stabilization | 4.8 | 4.8 | — | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Picture quality | 4.7 | 4.8 | — | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
Auto focus | 4.9 | 4.8 | — | 4.4 | — | 5.0 |
Value for money | — | 4.1 | — | 4.6 | 4.0 | — |
Sold By | Camera Wholesalers Authorized Dealer | Amazon.com | Camera Wholesalers Authorized Dealer | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Camera Wholesalers Authorized Dealer |
display type | OLED, LCD | LCD | OLED, LCD | OLED | OLED | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches |
lens type | — | Wide Angle | — | Zoom | — | Interchangeable |
shooting modes | Sports | Auto, Programmed, Aperture, Shutter speed, Manual, Movie | — | Automatic | Bulb Mode, Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority | Automatic |
connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi, Micro USB, Bluetooth, GPS | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi |
video resolution | FHD 1080p | 4320p | FHD 1080p | 3840 x 2160 (4K) / 5fps, 10fps, 15fps, 30fps | High definition 4k, 60p video | FHD 1080p |
optical zoom | 1 multiplier x | 8 multiplier x | 3 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | 0 multiplier x | 1 multiplier x |
Videos
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Olympus EM-5 Overview
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What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Selective single-point, Face Detection, Tracking, Multi-area, Single, Continuous, Live View, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Display Resolution Maximum | 610000 |
Photo Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 16 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 16 MP |
White balance settings | Flash torch |
JPEG quality level | Fine |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 sec |
Video Capture Format | h.264;motion_jpeg |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | Yes |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | Lithium-Ion BLN-1 rechargeable battery & charger |
Battery Weight | 50 Grams |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | True |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 9 |
Wireless Communication Technology | EyeFi |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Special Feature | Lightweight |
Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
Skill Level | Professional |
Form Factor | SLR-style mirrorless |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Audio Recording | Yes |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Optical Zoom | 1 x |
---|---|
Autofocus Points | 35 |
Compatible Mountings | Micro Four Thirds |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 25600 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 200 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Program AE, Aperture priority AE, Shutter priority AE, Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
Shooting Modes | Sports |
Viewfinder Magnification | 1.15x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | OLED, LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Tilting |
Touch Screen Type | Yes |
Diopter Range Description | 9 |
Model Name | FBA_V204040BU000 |
---|---|
Brand | Olympus |
Model Number | V204040BU000 |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #345,531 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #875 in Mirrorless Cameras |
ASIN | B0074WDERI |
Color | Black |
Included Components | SD Card |
Specification Met | No |
Assembly Required | No |
Processor Description | TruePic VI |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.8 x 1.69 x 3.5 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 15.04 ounces |
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Product Description
A new era in Micro Four Thirds technology is about to begin. The new, revolutionary mirrorless camera, the OM-D E-M5, has an exceptionally light and compact body. Its Electronic View Finder enables photographers to check exposure levels, white balance and preview Art Filter effects in real-time.What’s in the box: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Body Only, Black), FL-LM2 Flash Unit, BLN-1 Lithium-Ion Battery, BCN-1 Battery Charger, Body Cap, USB Cable, A/V Cable, Shoulder Strap, Olympus Viewer 2 CD-ROM and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
Use this comparison chart to compare all of the Olympus OM line.
From the Manufacturer
THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW
A new era in digital SLR technology is about to begin. Up to now, digital SLRs simply replaced film with an electronic imaging device, which did not significantly change the products in terms of size, weight and user interface. The new, revolutionary mirrorless camera, the OM-D E-M5, has an exceptionally light and compact body. Its Electronic View Finder enables photographers to check exposure levels, white balance and preview Art Filter effects in real-time. When shooting, the photographer can instantly "create" a truly unique world and preserve it in exceptional quality. The "world" will be transformed from something you see to something you "take part" in.
The OM-D is a groundbreaking, new digital interchangeable lens camera perfect for people who want to "take part", "create", and "share".
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER
The OM-D's new high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) features a 100% field-of-view coverage and 1.15x maximum magnification that let you totally immerse yourself in your subject, and actively control image creation. The EVF also enables you to enlarge the focus point for precision focusing in virtually any shooting situation, and can show you the effect of Highlight & Shadow Control, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Aspect Ratio, and a host of other settings and advanced digital image processing functions right in the viewfinder. With improved precision and responsiveness that make it as easy to use as an optical viewfinder, the OM-D's advanced EVF gives you virtually unlimited creative control.
HIGH IMAGE QUALITY
Three key factors contribute to the OM-D's unprecedented image quality: a wide lineup of M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses for sharp, clear subject capture, a new 16-megapixel Live MOS image sensor for rich tonal expression, and an advanced TruePic VI image processor for superb color fidelity. The optimal balance of these factors ensures the high resolution, sensitivity, and color accuracy you need to brilliantly capture the world around you.
FAST AF
The world's fastest* AF system, FAST AF, has been made even faster and more accurate on the OM-D. Improved new 3D Tracking AF assures you won't miss the moment even when subjects move toward or away from you, and the new high-sensitivity image sensor ensures superior AF performance even in dim light. *Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of February 8, 2012, when using the OLYMPUS M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens with the E-M5, based on Olympus in-house measurement conditions.
9 FPS HIGH-SPEED SEQUENTIAL SHOOTING
Thanks to the new 16-megapixel Live MOS image sensor's high-speed read-out performance, the OM-D offers maximum sequential shooting at 9 fps, making it easy to capture sports action or fast-moving subjects such as pets and wildlife. In addition, a compact new high-speed shutter mechanism enables the OM-D to offer this performance without compromising the handling advantages of a light and compact body.
5-AXIS IMAGE STABILIZATION
The OM-D is equipped with the world's first 5-axis image stabilization system, and can compensate for vertical, horizontal, and rotational camera shake that conventional 2-axis systems of the past have been unable to handle. Built into the camera body to ensure effective stabilization with all lenses, its unique 5-axis design makes it particularly effective when taking high-magnification telephoto shots, macro close-ups, and long exposures. In addition, it can be activated by pressing the shutter button halfway, so you can also use it to stabilize the viewfinder image and obtain a crisp, clear view of your subject that makes it easy to frame and compose your shots.
DUST-PROOF & SPLASH-PROOF CONSTRUCTION
Trouble-free shooting in all environments is assured by our proven dust-proof and splash-proof technology. Numerous specially constructed seals throughout the body protect the camera from sand, dust, rain, and water spray, making it ideal for all kinds of outdoor shooting. What's more, this protection extends to the M.ZUIKO ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens, the bundled detachable flash unit, and the optional HLD-6 grip and power battery holder.
TILTING 3-INCH OLED TOUCHSCREEN
In addition to offering dial and button controls, the OM-D is the first Olympus camera to feature a tilting touchscreen monitor for intuitive fingertip operation. The 3-inch OLED touchscreen delivers high-resolution images of your subject with rich color reproduction. It also responds instantly to your touch with fast operation that makes it easy to focus on subjects, play back images, and adjust settings such as exposure and white balance.
LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
In addition to its new electronic motorized M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens with quiet, linear drive AF, the OM-D is supported by an ever-expanding range of wide-angle, macro, portrait, and telephoto Micro Four Thirds M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses. System accessories include cases, straps, filters, external flash units, and mount adapters for Four Thirds System lenses and OM System lenses.
Read about our customers' top-rated cameras and lenses on our review pages: Compact System Cameras, Lenses
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, quality, and size of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it's outstanding, unbeatable, and a world-class camera. They appreciate the compact and lightweight design, and the autofocus is super fast. Customers are also impresseded with the portability, saying that it never feels like a heavy camera.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the camera. They say the resulting pictures are unbelievably sharp, clear, and full of detail. They also say the OMD video is gorgeous and the settings are intuitive. The camera is able to take very nice shots, and the colors and saturation are spot on.
"...Like the Sigma 19mm MUCH better.Oly 40-150mm - very nice IQ, excellent value for the price, but not flexible enough for me compared to..." Read more
"...Image quality is incredible...." Read more
"...I liked the MF and I liked that it was 1.4. It has good image quality, though it has noticeable glow wide open...." Read more
"...needs that my DSLR does and the impressiveness of it along with good glass produces...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the camera. They say it's a world class camera for a pro and advanced amateur. They also appreciate the large high quality LCD on the back, and the built in IS. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...Best Micro Four Thirds camera for stills*Build quality and feel*Great manual controls combined with touch screen*Battery life*..." Read more
"...the one I bought with the camera and, while not great, it's still pretty darn good!..." Read more
"...I enjoyed the size, the quality of the prime lenses, the built in auto-bracketing etc...." Read more
"...+ Good AF. AF is fast, provided you have a fast lens. My 45mm lens focuses quickly, although my 20mm Panasonic is notably slower...." Read more
Customers like the autofocus of the camera. They say it's super fast, with the right lens. The combo makes a fast, lightweight camera that you can carry around all day. The camera speeds up the focus on their Panasonic 20mm as well as their Olympus 50mm f2.0. The quiet, low-pitched shutter and pretty good frame rate make the camera easy to carry around. The 9-frames per second burst rate is impressive. The static AF is quick enough that you often just press the shutter. The EVF performance is good and the settings are effortless and take only seconds to accomplish.
"...I especially like the Sigma's, they are sharp, very fast to AF on the OMD, high quality and generally underrated, at least by some folks...." Read more
"...I like the slightly telephoto length, the sharpness, the speed, everything...." Read more
"...The 9-frames per second burst rate is damn impressive (would work very well for creating animated GIFs with all the frames)...." Read more
"...In slower sports, the static AF is quick enough that you can often just press the shutter button and grab the shot, as long as your brain is quick..." Read more
Customers find the size of the camera to be relatively small and light. They say the size and handling are perfect, and the camera is a perfect fit in their hand. Customers also appreciate the right balance of size and quality in one camera. They mention that the stock 14-42 lens is tiny, yet amazingly sharp.
"...Yes, it is a bit on the long side, but it is still quite small and lightweight.6). The camera name: OM-D E-M5. Really? Enough said...." Read more
"...I enjoyed the size, the quality of the prime lenses, the built in auto-bracketing etc...." Read more
"...Some Pros:+ Compact size. This may go without saying, but is definitely a plus especially after lugging around much larger DSLRs...." Read more
"...-Who should buy the OM-D?-The OM-D is an excellent compact body with a plenty of great lenses available for it...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the camera. They mention that it is very light, yet sturdy. They also appreciate the easy-to-carry lenses and the professional-grade image quality. Overall, customers are happy with the portable design and functionality of the OM-D.
"...comparable to a DSLR in many circumstances, with a much easier to carry and use kit that also wins you style points...." Read more
"...Yes, it is a bit on the long side, but it is still quite small and lightweight.6). The camera name: OM-D E-M5. Really? Enough said...." Read more
"...the E-M5 is just as functional as the D7000 but much smaller and lighter...." Read more
"...--It's just plain fun to use. These cameras never feel like a burden, and the OM-D is so intuitive and well-designed, that it's even less of a..." Read more
Customers find the digital camera very user friendly and easy to operate. They say the settings are intuitive and the menu system is one of the best and most intuitive they've ever used on a camera. They also say the right dial is easier to use and a huge help in setting up the menus.
"...build quality, sharp as a tack across the zoom range, elegant to operate, extends the UI of your camera with another Fn button. [..." Read more
"...I feel they could be a bit more intuitive. The controls are great if you use the numerous physical controls, but sometimes requires a bit of hunting..." Read more
"...These cameras never feel like a burden, and the OM-D is so intuitive and well-designed, that it's even less of a burden...." Read more
"...just about any setting on the OM-D, which makes it really easy for photographers to adjust the camera's behavior to their liking...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the focus of the camera. Some mention that it's near instantaneous and accurate even in very low light situations, while others say that it has a hard time focusing and has slowed autofocus.
"...It has excellent image quality, and fast focus, but I don't use it as much as the manual prime I have above...." Read more
"...amount of detail through the OM-D. In low-light conditions, focus is a bit slower but manages to lock on as long as there's some tonal contrast in..." Read more
"...a touchscreen that can be used to adjust some of the controls, change the focus point, or trigger the shutter. You don't need to use it however...." Read more
"...- Touch Screen focus/shooting: The tiltable touch-screen will focus (virtually instantly almost every time) and take a shot using the focus point..." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the buttons on the digital camera. They mention that the buttons are small, mushy, and hard to press. Some customers also say that the camera is small and has too many buttons and nobs and wheels. They also mention that common controls are buried in menus.
"...- great, fairly fast short zoom lens, again, just too slow to AF, and too big and heavy on m4/3 body...." Read more
"...camera is so small the buttons, as many before have said, are likewise quite small...." Read more
"...--The camera on its own isn't all that comfortable to hold...." Read more
"...a good choice for people who want a combination of small site, lots of controls, and not have to sacrifice on quality...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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The Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 zoom is a fabulous complement to the OMD EM5! Outstanding build quality, sharp as a tack across the zoom range, elegant to operate, extends the UI of your camera with another Fn button. Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro Interchangeable Lens
Adding 1-2 stops of speed across this zoom range vs. options like the 12-50 kit lens makes a night and day difference for my everyday shooting, while the convenience to frame via zoom vs. primes has always been a strong preference of mine going back to film days, and now I can do so without compromise as function of focal length. Cool! Indoors, I get way more flexibility in shutter speed (isolate action, avoid blur) and/or ISO (reduce noise). Outdoors, I can play with DOF more without resorting to primes, and can shoot at really low ISO for lowest possible noise. While I knew intellectually that this would be the case, the *degree* to which this lens opens the operating window of my OMD under a wide range of shooting conditions is just remarkable. It's like I was sitting on the head of a pin with some of the other lenses I own, without much room to move before making a big compromise in image quality (e.g., too slow shutter, too high ISO). I'm using my OMD more a result, and having more fun to boot!
Regarding lenses I'll now sell as a result of this purchase, here is the low down: Selling my Sigma 19mm f2.8, Sigma 30mm f2.8 (both very nice primes), the Oly 12-50 kit lens, and my Oly 9-18mm wide angle zoom. Will keep my long zooms, the Oly 14-150 and 75-300 for those occasions when long zoom is needed, and my Pany 14mm f2.5 as my most compact option for those times when total size of camera+lens matters. The one other purchase I am still considering is Oly's new compact zoom, for street shooting and vacation photos in bright light.
But if I could only have one lens to use with the OMD, this would be it for me!
*********************** Original Review ******************************
First, I'm old enough to remember the original film OMD's and I truly love the retro styling and look of the Silver OMD EM5. A huge bonus for me in the coolness department was that all my son's 16 year old friends raved about how it looked as well. As I say, bonus points!
So, what makes this a legit replacement for a (much larger) DSLR?
The biggest one is this: for a similar learning investment in the OMD, you can get image quality quite comparable to a DSLR in many circumstances, with a much easier to carry and use kit that also wins you style points.
Specifically:
*Image Quality - incredibly close to APS-C sensors in DSLRs in resolution and low light performance. The bigger difference now is what lenses you use, and how well do you know how to shoot photos vs. sensor size for IQ.
*AF Speed - equal in good light, and once you learn the tricks to a contrast detection AF system, you can make it work well just about anywhere.
*Size - a big win! The best camera is the one you have with you, as the saying goes, and for most folks, the OMD is going to go more places, and be more socially acceptable to use, than a DSLR.
*Lens Selection - Fast primes, fast zooms, super zooms, wide zooms, just about every niche is now filled, AND the rapid growth of micro four thirds camera sales is attracting even more lens development, meaning selection will grow even more rapidly.
Additional OMD delighters
*Best Micro Four Thirds camera for stills
*Build quality and feel
*Great manual controls combined with touch screen
*Battery life
*Micro Four Thirds ecosystem of lenses, backup bodies and accessories
Limitations
*Learning to shoot really fast moving subjects with CD AF. Can be done, but you have to learn a few tricks.
*Menu complexity - you have to master the menus a bit to get the most out of the OMD, as it is not really a P&S replacement unless you are really ready to step up and learn the basics of photography including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and Depth of Field relationships plus some translations of these into the digital world and the Olympus menus. Worth the effort, but there is a learning curve.
*Very good video, but NOT the top m43 choice if video is your TOP priority, that would go to Panasonic GH2/GX1 and their lens ecosystem.
Recommended lenses
*The kit lens is only so so. OK for the price difference in kit vs. body only, but in general if you want this camera, you'll also want one or more additional lenses to get the most out of it depending on what kinds of shooting you do:
Some lens perspective from another post of mine, below, so you can see what I've chosen and why...
I'd like to present an alternative trinity of prime lenses below, with costs new on Amazon US as point of reference and a bit about why I chose them. I own two of these three.
Pany 14mm f2.5 ($280 vs. $799 for 12mm f2) - own it - my fast wide prime for indoor groups
Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5 G Aspherical Lens for Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Cameras
Sigma 19mm f2.8 ($199 vs. $799 for 25mm f1.4) - own it - my street/night/candid prime and most used lens overall
Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN -Micro 4/3 400963
Sigma 30 mm f2.8 ($199 vs. $399 for 45mm f1.8) - my choice for a candid portrait/more tightly framed street shots
Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN- Micro 4/3 330963
Total cost $678 vs. $1997.
I especially like the Sigma's, they are sharp, very fast to AF on the OMD, high quality and generally underrated, at least by some folks.
Not to say that Jim's original trinity might not be better for your needs, rather, just sharing another option for your consideration, one with high IQ, bit different focal lengths, perhaps less panache' but much lower costs.
Zooms:
My keepers:
Oly 9-18mm - wide landscape/day/crowded street shooting
Olympus M ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 micro Four Thirds Lens for Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Third Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
Oly 14-150mm - my casual/travel/daylight walk around zoom, my copy just a bit soft wide open, good from about 20mm on, mounted on my OMD most often other than the Sigma 19mm. Got this as part of an EPL1 kit for less than the cost of the lens alone, which provided me with both the lens I wanted, and a "free" backup camera emoticon - grin.
Olympus ED 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 micro Four Thirds Lens for Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Third Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera
Oly 75-300mm - long/super zoom. What a great FUN lens to have in my kit. 600mm equivalent in good light rocks!
Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8 Lens for Olympus Pen Cameras, Micro Four-Thirds Mount Cameras
Kit Zooms:
Oly 12-50mm - first shots with this were unimpressive, but plan to use it more now that I'm more fluent with the OMD and see what the actual quality is. Potential replacement: Pany X 12-35mm f2.8
Oly 14-42mm compact zoom - everyday lens for the EPL1. Potential replacement (to create an even more compact backup kit): Pany X 14-42 pancake zoom, but ONLY when blurriness issues are fully resolved!
Bought and Sold
Pany 20mm f1.7 - great on my original m4/3 kit (Pany GF1 and GH1), but AF speed and reliability in low light were too frustrating on the OMD. Like the Sigma 19mm MUCH better.
Oly 40-150mm - very nice IQ, excellent value for the price, but not flexible enough for me compared to the 14-150.
Oly 14-54 FT + Adapter - great, fairly fast short zoom lens, again, just too slow to AF, and too big and heavy on m4/3 body.
If you get an OMD, have fun selecting your glass, you can create a very high quality, flexible, and portable digital camera kit that is customized to your needs and shooting style.
Some random thoughts:
1). Definitely a small camera which took some getting used to, but now that I've used it for a while the camera works well with my shooting style. And it is much more pleasurable to carry around all day and is more discrete than the Nikon D300.
2). Because the camera is so small the buttons, as many before have said, are likewise quite small. I don't know if there is any solution for that, but after using the camera for a while their use becomes second nature. Also, there has been much said about the "mushy" feel of the buttons. I don't understand that criticism. They seem just fine to me.
3). Image quality is incredible. So far I've been shooting auto ISO up to ISO 1600 (RAW+JPEG) with extremely good results with little post processing required in most images.
4). When I read other reviews regarding the separate flash it didn't bother me too much as I intend to do mostly available light work and use the flash for occasional fill. What all those reviews did not mention is that to attach the flash to the camera requires removing three tiny pieces of plastic (one from the flash and two from the camera). C'mon Olympus, fix that.
5). The Kit Lens: The new 12-50mm kit lens gets mixed reviews online. That's the one I bought with the camera and, while not great, it's still pretty darn good! The macro, for a kit zoom lens, is a real bonus and I think works very well. Much has been written about how slow the lens is at the long end. While it certainly would be nice if this lens was f5.6 instead of f6.3 at 50mm, consider this: All other M4/3 kit lenses are 3X zoom ending with f5.6 maximum aperture at the long end. The Olympus zoom is a 4X zoom. With the lens on the camera I zoomed in to 36mm, which would be a 3X zoom, and the maximum aperture available read f5.6 on the camera. So, at 3X zoom the available maximum aperture appears to be no different than any of the other kit lenses plus you get the added zoom range, albeit at a dimmer F6.3. Oh, and when you look at pictures of the lens on the camera, it looks longish and large. Yes, it is a bit on the long side, but it is still quite small and lightweight.
6). The camera name: OM-D E-M5. Really? Enough said.
7). I'd give 5 stars if it weren't for the awkward flash arrangement.
So bottom line: I will likely sell all the Nikon stuff and stick with the M4/3 gear. I've also purchased the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 lens. Will begin to add some of the faster primes once the money coffer is replenished.