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Archive 2012 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

bobbytan
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p.24 #1 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

Thank you, Ken for the reality check and good tips. I don't mind the smallness of the camera dials and buttons. I loved the old OM Series because of the small form factor ... and the full range of lenses and accessories i.e. it is a full systems camera. Although the system is not as compressive as Canon or Nikon (and will never be) I can live that as I am not a pro and I don't care for extremely wide/long or T/S lenses. I still have an OM-1 with a Zuiko 50/1.2 lens and I used to shoot with the OM-10 before and was totally comfortable with it. But I may rent one to try it out before I decide to dump my Canon gear.

kwalsh wrote:
@bobbytan: Be aware than any MILC/EVIL camera - NEX, m43, whatever - is going to have about half the battery life of any SLR. You can do some things to bridge the gap with some cameras - turn off the LCD and use the EVF eye detector to only turn on the EVF when you are using it on the OM-D for example - but expect to need more spare batteries than you would with a DSLR.

High ISO noise performance is getting to be really good. Maybe not equal to APS-C high ISO, but very close (within one stop) -...Show more →

May 22, 2012 at 12:35 PM

bobbytan
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p.24 #2 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

Thanks! I normally dislike grips but I certainly will check out their grips. Will any of these grips take extra batteries, as that could be a big help. I will look it up.

Jman13 wrote:
One nice thing about the E-M5 from an ergonomic standpoint...if you don't mind shelling out an extra $300...is that the grip really does allow for cusomizing your ergonomic experience. I think the E-M5 feels fine bare, but some people want more grip. I got the grip, and I have to say, the horizontal grip only does add a nice bit of extra handling. Like I said, I'm fine with it bare, but with the grip it's even better. The vertical grip can then be added if you are going to be shooting a lot of verticals or if you'll be...Show more →

May 22, 2012 at 01:05 PM

tmark
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p.24 #3 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

The Olympus grip will take another battery, but it sure looks like it'd only work if you're using the vertical/portrait grip.

That's a shame.

May 22, 2012 at 01:21 PM

Jonas B
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p.24 #4 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

tmark wrote:
The Olympus grip will take another battery, but it sure looks like it'd only work if you're using the vertical/portrait grip.
That's a shame.

?
The grip is a two part construction. The first part, which we can call the kandscape grip doesn't add much to the height of the camera. It is essentially a grip for anyone missing the usual built in grip most cameras have today. The landscape grip takes no battery as there is no room for a battery in it.
The second part can be called portrait grip. When adding the second part you get a traditional grip for portrait or vertical images including an extra shutter release, two programmable buttons and also the traditional opportunity to add an extra battery to the whole contraption.

Why is the opportunity to split the grip in two parts a drawback?

I use the landscape grip only. The drawbacks? A couple of buttons are difficult to reach (I have the REC button set to DOF control) and it's a bit fiddly to switch the battery but the camera is now fits my hands so much better.

I wish Olympus could allow us grip users assign the camera front wheel and shutter button other functions. I don't really need two identically working front wheels.

So, I'm with all those saying it is a personal thing and those managing without the grip are blessed.

May 22, 2012 at 01:30 PM

Jman13
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p.24 #5 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

bobbytan wrote:
Thanks! I normally dislike grips but I certainly will check out their grips. Will any of these grips take extra batteries, as that could be a big help. I will look it up.

The HLD-6 is the grip for the E-M5. It is a two piece set, with a horizontal grip that can be used by itself, and the vertical grip which attaches to the horizontal grip to complete the whole thing (looks like typical vertical grips on DSLRs when both pieces are used). The extra battery compartment is in the vertical piece, so when using the horizontal grip only, you still only have one battery (and you need to take the grip off to access the battery compartment...sort of a pain, but it's so easy to remove it's not a big deal IMO.) See pics of the camera in both configurations on the previous page of this thread (near the bottom).

May 22, 2012 at 01:32 PM

kwalsh
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p.24 #6 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

On the grip end of things I think some people are hoping that the third-party market will end up providing a "landscape only" grip for less than the Olympus package which requires you purchase both. Obviously it will be awhile before that happens, if it ever does.

Ken

May 22, 2012 at 02:04 PM

millsart
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p.24 #7 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

I predict that by summertime we will see some Chinese/Ebay knock-offs of the landscape grip portion, hopefully around $59 or so.

$300 is A LOT of money to spend for a grip, especially when a majority of buyers actually want only the landscape aspect of the grip to improve handling.

Likewise, I'm sure we will see RRS come out with a bottom plate/L bracket package that probably has an attachment for a front grip as well, much like they have for the X100.

IMHO the EM-5 is a camera that just isn't comfortable to hold/shoot without some sort of grip to wrap your hand around, especially if you have larger hands.

Given the demand for such an item, and the insane pricepoint for the OEM, I think the 3rd parties will be all over this just like they were with the Fuji X100 lens hoods. For those that don't know, the Fuji Bayonet hood and adapter ring where a $150 accessory and never in stock. All the 3rd parties came out with knockoffs, near identical to the OEM for about $30 or less. Slight difference in silver paint color but otherwise you couldn't tell them apart.

I've actually got a generic grip on my Nikon D7000 as well, which was $60 from Adorama and it seems every bit as good as the $200 one.

May 22, 2012 at 02:06 PM

Jonas B
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p.24 #8 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

kwalsh wrote:
On the grip end of things I think some people are hoping that the third-party market will end up providing a "landscape only" grip for less than the Olympus package which requires you purchase both. Obviously it will be awhile before that happens, if it ever does.

Ken

Of course - I know I wish there was one. Then I decided I had to pay for being an early adapter - so be it. One thing about future third party products to look out for is that they may not be weather sealed.

May 22, 2012 at 02:15 PM

millsart
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p.24 #9 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

Jonas B wrote:
Of course - I know I wish there was one. Then I decided I had to pay for being an early adapter - so be it. One thing about future third party products to look out for is that they may not be weather sealed.

Neither are 95% of the m4/3 lens that most users enjoy though either. Which to me makes weather sealing a bit of a moot point because while I do appreciate the extra resistance to dust and such, if the lens isn't sealed at the mount, or the lens body itself, you've still got that to worry about.

May 22, 2012 at 02:31 PM

Jonas B
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p.24 #10 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

I wrote:

Of course - I know I wish there was one. Then I decided I had to pay for being an early adapter - so be it. One thing about future third party products to look out for is that they may not be weather sealed.

millsart wrote:

Neither are 95% of the m4/3 lens that most users enjoy though either. Which to me makes weather sealing a bit of a moot point because while I do appreciate the extra resistance to dust and such, if the lens isn't sealed at the mount, or the lens body itself, you've still got that to worry about.

Ah, isn't that some negative thinking? If the cameras aren't sealed there is no reason to make a sealed lens? If the lenses aren't sealed there is no reason to make a sealed body? Look at Pentax; they had nothing sealed a couple of years ago, now there is quite some cameras and lenses which are.

I believe micro 4/3 can go the same way. That's why I bought the not top notch but usable Zuiko 12-50 zoom together with the E-M5. That's why I like to have the grip sealed. Now the coming Panasonic 12-35/2.8 is said to have some sort of mediocre sealing which I think is a step in the right direction. If the GH3 will be sealed the better. Then more lenses will follow, then suddenly having a sealed grip is not a bad idea.

This was a lot of words so I hope parts of it make sense...

May 22, 2012 at 02:53 PM

bobbytan
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p.24 #11 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

Wow, thanks for the responses on the grip. I kind of like the idea that the grip comes in 2 parts. I like the fact that you can have a nice horizontal grip for those casual shoots ... and you can stick on the battery/vertical grip if you need to shoot a lot or if if you are doing a portrait shoot and do a lot of verticals. I also like the idea that there may be or probably will be inexpensive 3rd party grip options.

On another note, how good is the EVF? How does it compare to the PEN VF-2 the Fuji X Pro 1?

May 22, 2012 at 03:53 PM

tmark
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p.24 #12 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

Jonas B wrote:
?

Why is the opportunity to split the grip in two parts a drawback?

I have no problem with the grip being in two pieces. However, I am one of those people who would mostly be using it in landscape mode... and for me, the absence of an extra battery in that configuration would be missed...I find the battery to be lacking compared to, say,my Gh1.

I was about to pick once up from my dealer today but now I think I may wait to see what the aftermarket does...seems a shame to buy the full grip when I won't use most of the kit.

On another note, has anyone lost the rubber piece around the viewfinder yet? I was noticing that mine did not seem to be very secure, and sure enough,a few hours later out was no where to be seen..

May 22, 2012 at 04:07 PM

kwalsh
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p.24 #13 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

EVF is based on the same element that is in the VF2, but optics and refresh rate apparently make it nicer on the OM-D (I don't have a VF2 to compare).

http://www.mu-43.com/f42/how-good-bad-om-ds-evf-23892/

Ken

May 22, 2012 at 05:22 PM

bobbytan
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p.24 #14 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

Thanks! The OM-D is looking like it is the best Micro 4/3rd camera out there so far, and possibly as good as or better than any other mirrorless or rangefinder camera with the exception of the M9. That's encouraging!

kwalsh wrote:
EVF is based on the same element that is in the VF2, but optics and refresh rate apparently make it nicer on the OM-D (I don't have a VF2 to compare).

http://www.mu-43.com/f42/how-good-bad-om-ds-evf-23892/

Ken

May 22, 2012 at 05:57 PM

kwalsh
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p.24 #15 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

bobbytan wrote:
Thanks! The OM-D is looking like it is the best Micro 4/3rd camera out there so far, and possibly as good as or better than any other mirrorless or rangefinder camera with the exception of the M9. That's encouraging!

Taken as a whole that's a reasonable conclusion. For specific tasks and specifications there are of course specific cameras that do specific things better.

The GH2 bests it in video, if that is your thing, especially when hacked. The NEX7 is a resolution machine, the NEX5n is a high ISO and dynamic range machine - but neither have the lens line up of m43. The M9 is a rangefinder, whether that's a plus or a minus is up to the photographer. The G3 is probably the best bang for the buck out there with the newer sensors. The older EPs and the GF3 can be had ridiculously cheap.

Ken

May 22, 2012 at 06:34 PM

douglasf13
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p.24 #16 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

kwalsh wrote:
Taken as a whole that's a reasonable conclusion. For specific tasks and specifications there are of course specific cameras that do specific things better.

The GH2 bests it in video, if that is your thing, especially when hacked. The NEX7 is a resolution machine, the NEX5n is a high ISO and dynamic range machine - but neither have the lens line up of m43. The M9 is a rangefinder, whether that's a plus or a minus is up to the photographer. The G3 is probably the best bang for the buck out there with the newer sensors. The older EPs...Show more →

Agreed. I recommended a GH2 to a couple of friends, recently, and my other pal is using the OM-D and likes it (except for the hump.) I'm using the NEX-7 (sold the 5N,) but NEX is an easier choice for me, because I only need a few primes, rather than a large lens assortment, and Sigma saved the day for NEX. It all depends on your style and needs.

May 22, 2012 at 06:38 PM

FlyPenFly
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p.24 #17 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

If I thought the OM-D delivered better IQ than my Nex-7, I would have bought one yesterday. Heck, if it delivered better IQ than even my C3, I would have bought one already as well.

The MFT lens line up is for the most part far superior with the exception of 2 lenses.

May 22, 2012 at 06:42 PM

bobbytan
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p.24 #18 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

I personally don't care for the video IQ. The Fuji and NEX bodies are pretty much rangefinder cameras with a EVF, right ... and so is the Samsung NX-210. What about the Samsung NX-20 - does anyone know anything about it?

kwalsh wrote:
Taken as a whole that's a reasonable conclusion. For specific tasks and specifications there are of course specific cameras that do specific things better.

The GH2 bests it in video, if that is your thing, especially when hacked. The NEX7 is a resolution machine, the NEX5n is a high ISO and dynamic range machine - but neither have the lens line up of m43. The M9 is a rangefinder, whether that's a plus or a minus is up to the photographer. The G3 is probably the best bang for the buck out there with the newer sensors. The older EPs...Show more →

May 22, 2012 at 07:41 PM

Edgardo Maguyo
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p.24 #19 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

I'm selling my 5N and lenses..to replace it with an OMD. First reason is the IBIS! I shoot pics equally as much as video, so IBIS is truly miraculous, magical and revolutionary to me.

Man...all these new videos on vimeo and YT just made me put all my Nex gear up for sale to replace it with this! 5 days ago, I didn't even care of this new OMD and was very content and happy with my 5N and was fine just keeping the 5N (I'm an ex 60D and 5D2 user too). But this IBIS really is freakin miraculous and revolutionary imo.

Anyways... why I am selling my entire Sony Nex 5N set-up pronto and replacing it with the new Olympus om-d e-m5 is first and foremost the IBIS!

Yes, it's only m43 and it's kind of a downgrade from my awesomely sharp and low-light capable 5N... and the OMD is only 30p too.. BUT stable video is much much more important to me and the viewers than 24p or bigger sensor. Afterall, what people see first and foremost is Shake, amateur jiggle, etc. Laymen and non-video heads don't even know wtf 24p is! But, laymen and everyday people, will instantly notice jiggle and shaky footage. As for 24p...I can always convert the 30p to 24p in fcp compressor, albeit not perfect I admit and will have that missing frame jitter every other frame from the conversion; but again, this is hardly noticeable, especially to laymen.. and IBIS is much more welcome.

Additionally, how much do people spend and are willing to put up with Merlin and arm and chest stabilizers, dollys, cranes etc?? Exactly...people are willing to pay top dollar and will even put up with massive amounts of stabilization gear, JUST for stable video... Which makes the little OMD's IBIS truly magical and very much worth it over my Nex 5N (and maybe even all other DSLR's), even if it does only have dinky m43 and 30p. (but imagine the IQ if it was hacked

Since I am for sure getting one and already selling my Nex 5N setup..and also really concerned on the IQ from the big switch from apsc/crop to m43... I've done more research on the still IQ and to sum it up, it far far exceeds all and any other m43 camera. They even compare it to and say it's similar in IQ to the Nex 5N and 7 (which says a lot, as the Nex apsc sensor and IQ is proven better than any current Canon apsc camera). So it seems it stacks up to apsc cameras. 1600, 3200, 6400 and up also is surprisingly cleaner than past m43; seems like a good 1 to maybe even 2 stops better than older m43 cams's iso. As for dynamic range, I read and seen comparison pics that it is a good 1-2 stops better than previous m43 cameras and can take complex DR pictures like no other m43 camera and maintain detail in highlight and shadows (which are the biggest con of m43 - dynamic range). Only thing of course it will never to catch up on is the dof and bokeh, obviously.

If anyone has experience and have owned, used, compared and can give opinions on Nex 5N/7 vs new OMD.. in regards to IQ, DR, Iso, etc., or anything else please chime in!

May 22, 2012 at 07:42 PM

Edgardo Maguyo
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p.24 #20 · Olympus OM-D EM-5

May 22, 2012 at 07:45 PM

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