Olympus OM-D E-M5

[Beej]

We are thinking about getting the Olympus OM-D E-M5 to replace our dying point n shoot. Does anyone have any experience with this camera?

THanks, Beej

[photographicsafaris]

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review: Digital Photography Review is a very good and reliable source of information.

The OMD E-M5 is a game changing camera, but bear in mind that you need to put the budget into the lenses to realise all of it's benefits.

Absolute requisite lenses:
Olympus 9-18mm (Panasonic 7-14 is better, but too wide to be an every day lens
Panasonic 20mm f1.7
Olympus 45mm f1.8

On the 14-40odd mm Zoom lens front, unless you are getting the 2.8 zooms get a Panasonic one but not the little pancake, its cute and all, but...
The Olympus cheap zoom's in the 14-45odd mm range are not really worth considering.

Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Products(Lenses)

The Panasonic 14mm f2.5 is worth buying just to have as its rather good and ludicrously small, but the Olympus 12mm f2 is much better.

there is also a Samyang 7.5mm fisheye, which is rather good, if a little impractical, and not everyones cup of tea

its a bit of a trap, deciding which of the lenses to buy, and jumping about between Panasonic and Olympus.

Oh and if you're into video, rather go for the Panasonic GH3, or 4 if the budget takes you that far.

[casperghst42]

I have the OMD-E10, and I must say that the upgrade from my well used Panasonic GF1 was worth every bit.

I am mostly a fix focus shooter, and use the Panny 14mm f/2.5 and Sigma 19 f/2.8

I am trying to find the money for the Olympus 17 f/1.8. It is very seldom I need a tele lense, but at one point I might pick up the 14-140 just to have it.

The Panasonic 14-42 is a very good lense for the price (and reasonably small), or the 14-140. Ultrawide is a hit and miss, I never got along with the results, but we're all different.

[ridetheworld]

They get very good reviews, only thing as good imo are the Fuji X series, which are better (again imo), but are generally aimed very much at enthusiasts and professionals. I bought a X-e1 last year and it was by far the best digital camera I have used, and I have used a fair few.

[casperghst42]

Originally Posted by ridetheworld

They get very good reviews, only thing as good imo are the Fuji X series, which are better (again imo), but are generally aimed very much at enthusiasts and professionals. I bought a X-e1 last year and it was by far the best digital camera I have used, and I have used a fair few.

It is never the tool, it is your ability to use it:confused1:

The OMD-E1 and X-T1 are build for the same market - more or less. They are both very interesting, and equally expensive. Unfortunately the glass to make them even better cost a lot of money....

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by casperghst42

It is never the tool, it is your ability to use it:confused1:

Yeah totally, just giving a my opinion that I prefer Fujis to Oly's

[Sirakor]

I can definitely vouch for the EM5. I've crossed Africa with it on a 6 month trip, and it handled all the abuse well. Being splash- and dust-proof (body and some lenses!) is also a definite plus when travelling on a bike.

And it has one significant advantage over the Fuji/Sony etc cameras in the same market: the lens line-up is great. There's a lot of choice, and a few very great affordable lenses. The same can't be said for the others.

In the end I took the O12-40/2.8 as an everyday lens, the P100-300 for wildlife and the P20/1.7 as a low-light/low-profile/pocketable joker. If I were to go again, I'd probably take the same or a very similar selection.

[gramouk]

Originally Posted by Sirakor

In the end I took the O12-40/2.8 as an everyday lens, the P100-300 for wildlife and the P20/1.7 as a low-light/low-profile/pocketable joker. If I were to go again, I'd probably take the same or a very similar selection.

That's a pretty smart choice of lenses. I'm still dwelling as to what to purchase. I just have the 12-50 kit lens and the 20mm 1.7. The panasonic is simply a treat, wonderful bokeh, perfect in low light and the camera fits in a pocket. I use the zoom when it is sunny, for landscapes ect.
I hesitating between getting the 12mm f2 and the 45 f1.8 and maybe replacing the 20 by the 25mm f1.4.
But maybe it would be better to get a full range f2.8, less stuff and more versatile, don't know how image quality compares to a prime though?

But yes OP, the OM-D is a great camera and the glass available for it is awesome. Check out the OM-D EM5 MK2, and EM1 if you have the budget, crazy shizzle.

[casperghst42]

Originally Posted by gramouk

That's a pretty smart choice of lenses. I'm still dwelling as to what to purchase. I just have the 12-50 kit lens and the 20mm 1.7. The panasonic is simply a treat, wonderful bokeh, perfect in low light and the camera fits in a pocket. I use the zoom when it is sunny, for landscapes ect.
I hesitating between getting the 12mm f2 and the 45 f1.8 and maybe replacing the 20 by the 25mm f1.4.
But maybe it would be better to get a full range f2.8, less stuff and more versatile, don't know how image quality compares to a prime though?

But yes OP, the OM-D is a great camera and the glass available for it is awesome. Check out the OM-D EM5 MK2, and EM1 if you have the budget, crazy shizzle.

I have both the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 and Oly 25mm f/1.8 - I have been happy with the Sigma, but after getting the Oly, I'm now looking at getting the 17mm Oly (f/1.8 is addictive).

I have been thinking about the 12-40 f/2.8 pro, but price / size goes against it (I switched to m4/3 to save space). If I get to the point where I can't live without a Zoom then a I probably switch back to carrying a DSLR (D750 or D810).

And I kind of like zooming with my feet....

[Beej]

Just want to say thank you for everyone who replied to my post and apologies for not replying sooner.

It is great to hear that the camera that we are looking at is thought of highly and that it's been proven as a travelling camera.

We are looking to take the plunge with this soon but are unsure of what a good starting lens would be... we are thinking about getting the Olympus OMD EM5 MKII with 12-50mm F3.5-6.3. Would this be a good starting lens?

Thanks again, Beej