p.2 #1 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I have been shooting Nikon for some years, both film and DSLR. I currently use a D700 but I still have a D200 plus several film bodies, most of which get little use. I own the big 3 2.8 zooms plus numerous other lenses of all vintages. I've carried various combinations of this gear to all kinds of locations for all kinds of reasons. I am 64 years old and getting very, very sick of the weight. Unless someone's paying me or I don't need to carry a system very far (usually the same situation), it stays at home more and more.
I just bought an OMD. I have the 12-50 slow kit lens but it's small, light, and reasonably weather sealed. I also bought the Panasonic 14/2.5 and 20/1.7 lenses - the former is OK if you don't need sharp corners and the 20mm is excellent even wide open. Both are tiny. I'll be getting the Oly 45mm 1.8 to join them. If I was selling my Nikon gear there are plenty of other lenses I'd consider too. With an adaptor I'm able to use my manual Nikkors - the vf magnification and live histogram makes them a viable proposition if you don't need to shoot fast.
Before buying this camera I'd considered and looked at the V1. I think it's going to develop into an interesting system but it's not there yet. The NEX 7 has a limited range of af lenses which are also large and, I believe, significantly inconvenient controls. The Fuji X-Pro 1 I came really close to buying on IQ considerations alone. But it's over-priced and has several horrible design faults.
The small and (excessively?) customisable controls on the OMD took some getting used to, likewise the menu system. But I'm really happy with it and the Nikon gear seems to have doubled in weight.
p.2 #2 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
Thanks Roy -
What Nikkors do you use with the OM-D? What adapter did you purchase?
I tried out the OM-D E-M5 this afternoon and I found the 12-50 kit zoom to be "adequate" - perhaps the sample I tried was not the best of samples - especially at the wide end. The camera did feel good in my hands, though it did feel a bit small for a DSLR-style body, but still is much more holdable than my LX-5. I am told that with customized menus the user interface can be greatly improved.
p.2 #3 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I've been pondering this question too for some time. But as I look at my D5100 on the desk I ask myself if micro four thirds is really that much smaller than a D3200 or D5100 to justify buying another system?
The main thing is I'm still going to need to carry my shoulder bag as none will fit in a pocket.
The UWA 10-24mm, walk about 16-85mm, telephoto 55-200mm and 28mm/35mm/50mm primes are not really that big and heavy plus DX has a viewfinder and the image quality is superb.
I'll think I'll wait for the next model V1 plus adapter and see what it's like as by then I'll have the 28mm 1.8 to go with my 35mm DX and 50mm and 85mm primes. With the pancake lens on it I could take it everywhere I go along with my wallet and phone in my small bag.
p.2 #4 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
There are adapters for G-lenses, but you have to guess for the aperture(you can open close the aperture but you don't have a value) and some of them are not further than 2.8 bij construction, when you look at the back you see the aperture blades come in from 2.8 up. There is also a shift adapter for small dof creating.
p.2 #6 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I just dropped all my M4/3 gear. I had a GH2 with a 14-45, 45-175, 25mm prime, 45mm macro, and 100-300. It was never about image quality, as I felt the M4/3 did quite well. And the video aspect of the GH2 is so good that in rivals some pro video cameras, especially with the Driftwood hack. For me it was two things. First, and formost, life has dictated to me that I wasn't really in a situation to have two totally seperate kits laying around. I wanted to focus on one kit, and I choose my Nikon. Second, the lack of fast glass was a bit of a drawback for me. With that said, there are about 4 or 5 new lenses coming out from Oly and Panasonic that are supposed to be fast. I could in the future see a potential to grab another GH2 and pair it with the new 12-35/2.8 and 35-100/2.8. That would be a awesome light weight kit, albeit a bit on the expensive side. Right now, my lightweight kit consists of a FZ150....
p.2 #7 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
Mark,
Do you have an adapter to interface your Nikkors to the E-M5? I have some of the same equipment as you, but want to make use of some of my Nikkors on the E-M5.
Tom
mark1958 wrote:
I have a lot of the m4/3 lenses. The 7-14mm is a great lens but subject to flare like the nikon 14-24. i like the 14-140mm as an all purpose lens. The 14-45mm is also quite good. I do not have experience wit h the 12-50mm. In terms of a 45mm, the olympus is great especially for portraits but the panasonic 45mm 2.8 macro is super. It is great as a close up lens and quite good at infinity. The 12mm is good but manual focus. The 20mm is so small and fast at F1.7 -- no brainer in my opinion. Quite sharp too.
So i commonly bring the 7-14, 14-140, 45mm macro, and 100-300mm. If space is an issue then i take the 14-45mm in place of the 14-140mm
p.2 #8 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
John - i woulf say just do it. For different reasons, health, age , etc. I started into the M4/3s last fall with the Panasonic system. I just added the OM-D body. I purchased it for the ibis. I kept my 500 mirror and a Vivitar 135 close focusing lens. I then went into some FD lenses, which work well and are generally cheaper than their Nikon counter parts. The G-adapter works well and you can use your Ai, Ais lenses on it also. You can set minimum apt. and use the adapter ring to controll it or just use the apt. numbers on the lens. I have the Lumix 14 and 20 primes. On a recent trip to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, i took 7000 images with my two Panasonic bodies. I would say they approach my old D300 photos, but as expected, dont better the APS c photos. Two weeks ago i went to the New Jersey State Fair. I was there 7 hours and carried two bodies and four lenses around in a small old Army sholder bag. Had that been my old D300, i would still be in the recovery room.
Harry Palmer
p.2 #9 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I have a OMD and a D800 and to be honest im using the Olympus more than the D800. I find it so easy to pick up and not worry about lugging round big heavy lenses. I have had prints of 16-12" and the image quality is superb. Hope this helps
Definitely one of the reasons to get the OM-D E-M5..
Also, the new 75/1.8 Oly is getting fantastic reviews.
I'm thinking of selling off a lot of my Nikon gear - the lesser used lenses - and getting the OM-D OR the rumored GH-3 (which is rumored to have weather sealing).
So I'd have two systems, a heavy and a light:
D800 + 17-35/2.8 + 50/1.8G + 80-200AFS + 16/3.5 + 105/2.5 AIS + 200/4 AIS + 400/5.6 ED AI
p.2 #11 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I shoot with D800 and have an OM-D E-M5 for when I want to go light and compact. I think older non autofocus lenses with aperture rings are much better suited to being used with the OM-D than the new G lenses. Since the crop factor is 2x it is difficult choosing lenses that will work well in both systems. I have several M4/3lenses and appreciate the small size and fit to the system. I still have some Contax G glass but I used that mostly before some of the newer native M4/3 lenses were available.
p.2 #12 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I have the Panasonic GX1, and the following lenses:
Panny 14 2.5
Panny 20 1.7
Olympus 45 1.8
Olympus 9-18
Panny 14-42 OIS X
The m4/3 stuff is great for travel and hiking. My entire m/43 kit fits in a bag smaller than a lunch box.
The IQ isn't quite as good as APS-C sensors despite what people say about the OM-D (especially not as good as Nikon sensors). The noise still has a patchy/blotchiness, at least with my GX1. The OM-D is probably similar, but the OM-D has better DR. Still, it's a VERY fun kit to use.
I thin it's the funnest mirrorless platform if you like a variety of inexpensive lenses. Otherwise the APS-C mirrorless options probably given a bit better IQ (but way less interesting lens selection).
p.2 #13 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
At high ISO's, the OM-D performs brilliantly.
However, it's purpose should be for light travel. For that it works well.
Becomes very pricey if you get all those nice little primes though.
p.2 #14 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I love my Nikon gear. My local camera store can see me coming a mile away. One of the guys that works there lead me on to the OMD just before it was released. I followed it closely and got to play with one 2-3 weeks before they hit the shelves from the Olympus Rep that comes to the store all the time. I bought, used and resold a X100 within 4 days, was not my cup of tea. The x100 is like the Kim Kardashian of cameras, looks very very nice but dumb as a rock. Anyway, picked up a OMD and some lens's and honestly have not been able to put it down since. I still sue my Nikon gear for money making gigs and was using the OMD for play and family fun. But I went out on a limb this past saturday and used it as a second body to my d700 cover a event and it performed brilliantly. Low light is amazing with the IBIS.
Here are a couple shots taken with it... kit lens (12-50 not the 14-24). The 12-50 amazes me everytime i use it.
p.2 #15 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I like my m4/3 stuff, but in the end its not small enough. I bought just a starter kit to see if it could work for me, but two or three years from now I'll know if it really works as my travel kit.
Image quality is very good, but not as good as the D7000 especially if you use the 14 bit.
If the E-p4 has 1080P @ 60 FPS I might change out bodies if it's as good as the Gh3 is rumored to be (well know soon).
Interesting time to be photographer with the various camera and system choices.
p.2 #16 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
Have you ever thought about the new D3200. It's a very nice compact camera. The D3200 + a 16-85VR would be a great lite combo for hiking/backpacking.
jhinkey wrote:
For me, when I'm doing some serious hiking/backpacking/climbing compactness and weight are the biggest concern and IQ second. Though I like to have it all.
Right now, as I indicated, I have an LX-5 and a D700 and nothing in between.
p.2 #17 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I've just finished selling off the last of my Nikon gear; D300, Nikon 24-70 and 70-200, Sigma 10-20, couple of SB800's, etc.
The majority of my photography is casual/travel/classic cars with the occasional studio shoot.
I was tired of lugging all that gear around so picked up a OM-D with 12-50 to see if I liked it. Wasnt that impressed with the 12-50 but the camera was great. I can do a lot more with the raws than I could with the D300s raws; a fair amout more DR and less noise at base iso. I ended up selling the Nikon gear and so far have the Pany 12-35 2.8 and Oly 45 1.8. I have an Oly 75 1.8 on order and grabbed a Pany 100-300 for the occasional range.
I love it. I havent had this much fun taking pictures in a long time and the whole kit weighs less than the D300/24-70 combo. No regrets at all. Now with that being said, the most important thing to me was size/weight but still great image quality. I dont do sports nor do I have young kids to catch on the run. Coming from years of Nikon, the Oly C-AF is awful so keep that in mind if you use C-AF
Here are a couple with the OM-D and Pany 12-35 (shot raw and processed in LR4.1)
p.2 #18 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
jhinkey wrote:
I've been looking for something smaller than my Nikon D700 and FX lenses for hiking/climbing/backpacking. I handled the Olympus OM-D EM-5 the other day and I have to say that I'm impressed. Solid feel, EVF good enough, small, and light weight. It also has IBIS that works with other glass - like my MF Nikkors. I have not done any test shots, but from what I've seen on the various review sites and user pictures it looks every bit as good as my D300 ever was and likely even better.
So, as the title asks, have any of you Nikon FX owners bought or considered buying the EM-5 as a lighter-weight/smaller alternative to your FX Nkon gear?
I'm asking in this forum because I want to get opinions from Nikon owners specifically, especially if you plan on using any of your Nikon glass on this m43 body.
I have NEX 5N and used the OMW a brief time, I think the 5N has better IQ (not much) but working with OMD and its native lenses was more enjoyable! Focus was a breeze by pressing the screen and it seems quite accurate. On he other hand, the NEX doesnt have touch focus and tends to hunt, the selection of bative lenses lacks behind also. But if you're into adapting lenses from other manufacturers, the NEX has a more friendly crop factor and focus peaking with magnification for accurate focus.
I'd say just wait for the Fotokina ans see what the new Sony NEX camera has to offer and there is some new lenses also. If the new Sony cameras and lenses doesn't float your boat then get the OMD. I have the D700 and waiting to decide wether ditch the 5N for the OMD or the new Sony NEX camera.
The Fuji X100 or X pro 1 have the best IQ but prehistoric AF and is not good for adapting other lenses. Its a different story if Fuji could release an X Pro 2 that cures all the defects but I rather put money on m4/3 or Sony.
p.2 #19 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
String, nice pictures as I particularly liked the colors. Wow that lens was quite expensive for a 24-70 f/5.6 equiv.. Perhaps it would make more sense if they made it an f/2.
p.2 #20 · Nikon DSLR Owners Considering An OM-D EM-5?
I have a D700 and the 2.8 trio. I recently picked up a G2 with the 14-42 kit, and before the G2 I had a GF2 with the 14mm prime. The IQ of the G2 and GF2 simply sucks. Even in RAW I cannot get the files to be sharp AND natural. The sensor quality just is not there at least with the 1st generation M43 sensors. The OM-D is a lot better, but the kit is expensive.
A DX kit (D90/D7000) with the 18-200mm, 55-200, 18-55, is not that much bigger or heavier than a comparable M43 system but the IQ is a lot better. I WILL get an OM-D soon though, because I just have to have it ! I want to pair it with the 12mm prime for low light work. A 16mm F2 prime is something Nikon doesn't have and probably will never make for DX systems.
A Rebel T2i with the 18-55 kit blows any M43 system away as far as cost an IQ is concerned. I like rebels because the viewfinder is a lot bigger than the Nikon counterparts (D5100, D3200, etc...) and the IQ is excellent.
! I want to pair it with the 12mm prime for low light work. A 16mm F2 prime is something Nikon doesn't have and probably will never make for DX systems.