Image courtesy: Robin Wong
Robin Wong posted the first part of his E-m10 review with a focus on “Handling, 3-Axis Image Stabilization and the New M.Zuiko 14-42mm EZ Lens“. It’s particularly interesting to read his consideration about the difference between the 3- and 5-axis stabilization. In short he writes:
To be entirely honest, I did not feel any difference using the 3-Axis IS, considering I have been so used to 5-Axis IS all this time.
And this are his thoughts about the new 14-42mm pancake zoom:
The Pancake Zoom lens is reasonably sharp, and I find it a tad bit sharper than what I usually get from the M.Zuiko 12-50mm F3.5-6.3. At wide angle the difference is not that significant, but as you zoom in to the telephoto end, the image quality is evidently better than what you can obtain from the older M.Zuiko 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens.
The second part of the review will be posted next week and in the meantime you can download the “OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 IMAGE SAMPLE DOWNLOAD Part 1” for pixel peeping.
And many new image samples taken with the E-M10 and the new 25mm lens can be downloaded at Optyczne.
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Preorder links for US and Europe:
Special page with all new products at Amazon.
E-M10 Black at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
E-M10 Silver at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
E-M10 with 14-42mm lens Black at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
E-M10 with 14-42mm lens Silver at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
25mm f/1.8 Black at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
25mm f/1.8 Silver at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
14-42mm Black at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
14-42mm Silver at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex UK, Amazon Germany.
Olympus SP-100 at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama.
Olympus TG-850 iHS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama.
Olympus ECG-1 Black Camera Grip for E-M10 at Amazon, Adorama.
Olympus 9mm f8.0 Fisheye Body Cap Lens at Adorama, GetOlympus. In EU at Wex Uk.
Olympus V321200BW000 Macro Converter MCON-P02 (Black) at Amazon,
77 Responses
Robin is a biased liar who is directly paid by Olympus to sell their cameras, I wouldn’t trust a single word he says.
I wouldn’t link to him if it would be so. I know him, he can be trusted.
The thing I always wonder though, does Robin lives in that cave? I mean look at all his pictures in every review.
Well, when you cant’t travel you find yourself shooting in the same locations over and over.
to be fair, it’s an awesome cave . . .
Robin’s reviews have always been even handed and he pulls no punches. The truth is best shown in his photographs.
lets see, who to trust
some nameless nobody who isnt good enough to be paid by anyone
or a working photographer, who is ‘sponsored’ by the company who’s gear he uses and writes on his blog, ‘if’ you choose to read it.
Is he really a liar if the first thing he writes is “I am an Olympus Malaysia employee”?
OMG! Unless you mean he’s lying about THAT and is actually employed by one of Olympus’ competitors! WAKE UP SHEEPLE!!!!
Admin, ban these twats please. The proof is in the photographs.
I don’t believe a word you say and think you are a complete liar.
See how it works?
The saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” applies in this case and there are a lot of very good pictures to do all the talking I need to hear.
Another appropriate one is “seeing is believing.” Robin could write nothing at all and his photos would still speak volumes.
“worth a thousand words”? I don’t know, but it seems in the modern era, we need to discount that value a bit. Maybe we should say “A 16MPx image is worth 692 words”…
Fomo is a biased liar who doesn’t like Olympus cameras for some reason.
If you believe this to be true – post with your full name. You wont because you know that you could be charged with defamation for your baseless assertion.
I do agree with fomo u guy should not believe this guy 100%
look at his re view, Do u really see the different between GM1 with kits lens and EM1 with great lens???
Robin is very fair & the results talks to it selfe!
He often is also critical!
He is a great photographer & does a job very well!
I was feeling the same way.
Until he had described E-M1’s CA collection to be working sorely on Olympus Lenses(which is totally incorrect).
And i could see why he had to pull that stunt, knowing how greatly Panasonic Glasses benefit from inbody CA correction.
Idk if he’s biased because he’s an employee of Olly or he’s just biased for his being fanboy.
Either way, i had stopped being a fan of him.
“He often is also critical!”
lol he is never critical of Olympus , which certainly appeals to the diehard Olympus fans who have no ability to face reality
Olympus fan faced with the facts be it equivalence, or the unavoidable fact that a good big sensor always does better than a good smaller sensor
http://platformthing.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/la-la-la-shut-up.gif
The 16mp sensor originally in the E-M5 looks to be going the same way as the 12mp sensor that was in a boatload of FT and mFT cameras. The 16mp sensor { which never even manages to equal the previous gen APS model} is now two years old and is now in what 7-8 cameras.The next gen APS sensor is due in the Nex 7 replacement in the next month or two which will no doubt put mFT even further behind. But don’t worry with your fingers in your ear you do not have to acknowledge facts.
the guys photos speek for them selfs
One reason I would question Robin’s objectivity and lack of Oly connections is why would he keep insisting that this new Oly 14-42 pancake zoom is the smallest in the world when his pictures as well as dimensions and overall size is larger than the Pany 12-32mm one?
Why would you question his “lack of Oly connections”?
The first thing he writes in the post is that he is an employee of Olympus Malaysia.
He started working for them last year, but has always been a fan of Olympus.
However, I have always found him to be honest in his reviews, and his photos are outstanding.
Well Amazon UK seem to believe it:
“The most compact electronic pancake zoom lens* (*World’ s shortest distance between the mount and the front end of the lens, when retracted as of Dec. 27, 2013)”
Safaridon…get real…first of all the Panny 12 -32mm has way less reach and it actually protrudes 2mm MORE than the new OLY (although the Panny is quitesmaller in diameter).. http://www.43rumors.com/pekka-potka-hands-on-on-new-olympus-products But in real terms the shorter the lens the more portable it will be.
I think Robin is fair…he has good credibility because he is actually a photographer and not a chart-shooting, pixel-peeping reviewer. He definitely has some Oly bias(i.e. he won’t be reviewing the Noctcron anytime soon! :-))…but I find what he has to say to be thoughtful and insightful. I always check other sources, as well.
I must first apologize to Robin as I found his article with pictures very good and informative. I was reacting to what I perceived to be Oly propaganda on the 14-42 pancake zoom implying it was better since it was smaller than any other, after having just seen the photo comparisons a day earlier in the 43rumor by Pekka Potka where the 12-32 looks definitely smaller which it is by volume or if you stick it in your pocket. If the article had said thinnest yes but does 2mm or 0.1″ really make that much difference? Many call the Pany 20/1.7 huge on GM1 as much larger diameter yet depth is similar. As others have noted both these pancake zoom lenses are very good one wider and one longer.
Again my apologies as I did not intend to create a firestorm and can now see many like Robin think of small primarily in terms of depth.
Wow! More power to you, safaridon!
Apologies are such a rare thing on the internet..
I am not in the anonymous insulting game and I like the photos posted by Robin Wong , there is however a very strong conflict of interests .When an actual paid employee of a company posts an advertisement and has it linked as a review.
Honestly no company is going to allow its employes to post anything other than praise for its product. I want my reviews to be non-biased , independent and to deal with the weak points of the camera concerned
It is an interesting overview of what the camera does and the type of results available in certain circumstances, it is not a review.
It is smaller by 2 mm. Educate yourself, you are embarrassing yourself.
Panasonic 12-32 is skinnier by 5.3mm and also weighs less. So technically the Panasonic is smaller.
What matters on a pancake style lens is it’s depth not it’s diameter. How much does it collapse determines the overall kit thickness. Your Panasonic bias is silly. I would want the Panny for the 12mm, but the Oly is smaller when collapsed period.
Last time I checked, 1 is smaller than 2, and 2 is smaller than 3. Olympus maybe shorter, but the Panasonic is smaller period. And yes the 12mm advantage is worth the extra 2mm in depth.
So you are just going to ignore the 10mm of reach that the panasonic dos not have a the long end (which is very limiting)…how about a more balanced assessment?
I’m not talking about reach or balance. I’m just talking about size in general. Since DAVE feels the need to “educate ourselves” with numbers because we are “embarrassing ourselves”. But yes, 12mm wide or 42mm tele is a user preference/compromise.
This is like saying that a photograph that is 1 inch x 100 inches is larger and therefore better than a standard 4×6. It’s the combination of dimensions and overall usability that’s important. In the case of a lens, surely how much it protrudes is the most significant parameter?
We’re not debating which one is better. We’re discussing which one is “smaller”. For all we know perhaps, the Olympus is better. But from what is said the Olympus is supposed to be average. I support both camps, I own both Panasonic and Olympus products. But I do own the Panasonic 12-32 and I can confirm it the sharpest “kit” lens I’ve used from either sides.
Panasonic 12-32mm – 55.5mm dia. x 24.0mm H x 70g
Olympus 14-42mm PZ – 60.8mm dia. x 22.5mm H x 93g
I’d say the Olympus is marginally bigger and certainly weighs more, but does it matter? They’re both pretty damn small. More choice. Good for the System!
The 12-32mm is supposedly very good, while the new Oly 14-42mm PZ is average. Of course, we’ll need to see real tests to say for sure.
The depth is the most important measurement when the lens is attached to a camera.
Unless the H and W measurements exceed the size of the camera of course.
I agree that it’s all irrelevant in this case and you should buy the focal length that best meets your needs.
If size was that important to me then the GM1 kit would be the obvious way to go as the camera size would be far more significant than any lens size differences.
I haven’t seen a lot of change in his approach or his writing style from when he wasn’t employed by Olympus to know. To the poster who seeks to discredit him, I’d gently suggest that you justignore his blog and read the material that is credible.
As to the lenses, I’m paying a lot of attention to what is said about the 25/1.8. If it is close to the 45 in quality, then Olympus will have made lightning strick twice. I’m disappointed they didn’t make the little lens start at 12 mm. There’s a big difference between 12 and 14, so I’m waiting for some more thoughts about the little Pany on my E-M5. The important thing is the gaps in the m4/3s are getting smaller and smaller.
Not sure you can call this a review. He is paid by Olympus.
As a photographer, this is the best review I have seen for the camera and lens.
I was curious when we’d start hearing about the 3 axis IS. Everyone being all, “not 5 axis, do not want” seemed to be prematurely judging. The reviews suggest that it is not very far below the 5 axis.
The problem with Robin Wong is he makes every camera look good with his skills. You can tell he enjoys photography and doesn’t fret about the tiny little differences between lenses and sensors like numbskull gearheads do.
I think you hit the nail on the head. You have to hone your skills first, then worry about what equipment you want later. The VAST majority of the advanced cameras out there can do everything you could ever need them to do. It just comes down to personal preference after.
I agree, that for some very specialized work you may need full frame, or faster focus, etc. However, for 95% of needs, there’s not a single advanced camera that can’t do the job these days.
Anyone who unfairly bashes these cameras or any other system for that matter is simply a gear-head. That’s not to say improvements can’t be made, and wish lists aren’t valid, etc. I just laugh when people get so venomous about “nothing”.
+100!
In fact, it’s darn near depressing. 😉
Exactly.
And this should be a lesson for those always looking for the newest gear.
I think i figured out the differences between 5axis and 3axis stabilization – and all OM-D users can check it for themselves:
E-M1 and E-M5: The 3 rotational out of 5 degrees of freedom are stabilized mechanically.
By contrast the 2 shifting degrees of freedom are compensated by software and only in video-mode!
If you compare viewing angle in videomode once with stabilizing and once without, you will notice a cropped video image when stabilizer is on! This indicates a software correction comparable to post processing stabilization.
E-M10: Only has 3-axis stabi, which seems to be the same good for stills as the E-M1. No wonder if the the 2 shift axis are only stabilize in video.
Benefit: Same mechanical (complex) stabilizer parts for all OM-D and e-p5 cams. Costs for the development and production are at the minimum.
So what did Oly do to distinguish the new “cheap” model? Simply a restriction by software for free 😉
What would be interesting now is, how both cameras compare in video- and if there is a disadvantage for the E-M10.
Who can confirm my theory? (All Oly engineers smiling now ^^)
From what I’ve read, the E-M10 adds software correction for vertical and horizontal movements, but only in video.
The E-M1 and E-M5 use mechanical stabilization for all 5 axes and that’s why they can support stills with all 5.
Sorry, no prize for you. Try again: http://www.pekkapotka.com/journal/2012/2/24/olympus-e-m5-5-axis-image-stabilization.html
You’re article delivered no further technical investigation, beside showing how good it works.
But how do you justify video cropping with stabi on, if not for getting stabilizer space?
And it makes totally sense to compansate translatoric movements by software, if you can save hardware costs.
I bet Oly restricted not only stabi by software, but also fps. Also focus peaking came alive one the E-M5 only cause Oly wants to sell it newly packed as premium model ^^
Oly will make you buy a new camera every few years!
Fuji wants you to “use you camera longer and longer” and invest in lenses.
Love to Fuji!!
Are you trying to convince fuji owners to be happy with their camera? Do you think that is necessary?
Sorry, but you’re wrong. In the 5-axis models all degrees of freedom are stabilized mechanically. Here’s a video showing shifting and rotation. Tilt isn’t shown but it’s mechanical as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxgnE6xY0OA
Poor E-M1 users!
Now as we found out that E-M10 delivers same performance for less than half the price.
The E-M1 looks damn expensive, considering you can get a fullframe A7 or lovely X-T1 for same or less.
You’re trolling, yet you have a point.
Until it starts raining, or you’re caught in a blizzard- and feel like taking photos.
Or want to use the new Fuji prime wide open during the day with your ISO 200 and 1/4000 max shutter speed.
Of course, the weather-resistance counts. It’s just that I’d rather think of using it in a tropical downpour, much more nice and warm than a blizzard!
Both the A7 and the X-T1 are weather sealed.
“Honey, looks like a blizzard and a monsoon are coming, I’m going out and taking pictures.”
“But darling, last time you did we couldn’t see what you took a picture of. There was too much snow coming down between your lens and your subject, and too much rain between your lens and your subject, not to mention running water spilling down the front of the lens.”
“Honey, that’s not the point. I paid twice as much for this porky EM-1 body alone as you paid for your Canon DSLR and two lenses. I’m going to prove it was money well spent.”
“That’s nice darling. Pick up some bread.”
Both the A7 and XT1 are weather sealed
Well, you have a point. I am an E-M1 owner considering “downgrading” to the E-M10.
I sold my almost 2 year-old E-M5 to buy the E-M1 and then regretted it. Even though the “1” has many new features, I don’t use most of them enough to justify the premium price. For me, the biggest improvement is the little lever that switches the function of the dials. Now it turns out that, with the E-M10, you can program one of the function buttons to do just that.
Plus the E-M10 is smaller, lighter and has a built-in flash which is the one feature I missed the most from the other two models. I don’t need weather sealing or focus tracking either. For me, the E-M10 seems to be the best of the three.
Given that different people approach photography differently, it still boggles my mind that people argue about what camera is “best” as if there’s only a single definition of “best” (vs. “best *for you*”). Ultimately, a camera is just a tool, and you ought to be using the best tools for the job you do.
My style of shooting tends to involve limited-time visits to oddball places, so I place a premium on weather- and dust-sealing (since I won’t have an opportunity to “go back” when the weather’s better). Meanwhile, I’ve got big hands, so the E-M10’s smaller size wouldn’t do me a bit of good (the E-M1 fits me better than does even the E-M5 with extra grip).
If you don’t need the weather-sealing, and can handle the E-M10’s ergonomics, then why not go for it? It’s nothing against the E-M1 (or any other camera for that matter) if it’s not the best fit for you.
He just mentioned his opinion. You felt compelled to criticize him for offering his opinion, then felt justified to go right ahead and mention your own opinion.
I do like the traditional controls on the Fuji and like the company.
I’ve considered buying into the Fuji system (as an additional system) but what puts me off is the x-trans sensor.
When you look at the results Fuji got from their bayer sensor camera (XA-1, XM-1 ?) there’s virtually no difference in IQ between it and the X-trans without any of the raw developer issues.
An unnecessary complication for me.
If they were to release an XE-2 and XT-1 bayer sensor equivalent then I would probably buy in.
No regrets about the E-M1 here. For me it is all about the handling. The E-M1 will still be head and shoulders above the E-M5 and E-M10 when it comes to that.
“To be entirely honest, I did not feel any difference using the 3-Axis IS, considering I have been so used to 5-Axis IS all this time.”
Working for Olympus, what else you expect him to say?? 😉
I would expect an Olympus shill to say that 5 axis is noticeably better because they are charging a premium for it.
Otherwise there is no added value to it.
I think this comment proves that he is being honest.
Its a double edge knife. You may say 3 is no different from 5 so at this stage 3 is more value since its half the price and may cannibalise em1 or em5 5 axis feature.
In my opinion Robin a very honest guy.
And I trust him 100% when he says “to be entirely honest, I did not feel any difference using the 3-axis image IS”
The 5-axis IBIS is more of marketing gimmick for Olympus to charge high price. In real life you only need image stabilization in 3-axis (Yaw, Pitch and Roll movements).
Though Robin is certainly biased I wouldn’t call him a liar. I just think the over enthusiasm in some areas of the “review” may require some grains of salt but I still think his reviews are useful.
I think that his regular disclosures at the top
Of the article are pretty fair, and I commend him for them.
I will agree with him that overall there shouldn’t be a notable difference between 5-axis and 3-axis ibis. I think that ibis has been overrated and the 3-axis covers the more general cases fine.
I would have really gone for this camera of it had an electronic shutter all quiet option. I like that olympus improved the evf lag while making the camera also smaller.
Well, the anonymous libel by Fromo has been well and truly rebutted.
I’d rather read a blog by Robin Wong who is up-front about his connection with Olympus so that we can judge ourselves any perceived bias. Not only does he seem honest in his opinions, supported by pictures using the gear, but it’s so much better than an anonymous shill dripping in bias.
I just wish Oly had improved their video spec. Coming from a GH2 to an EM1 I gained a ton of IQ and low light ability but gave up wildly better video files (hacked too).
I really don’t want to haul two cameras, especially the biggest of m43. Wondering if the GH4K and the EM10 together might make a better pair for me.
Robin is very trustable. Thus, based on Robin’s opinion about 3-axis Ibis, it concludes that the 5-axis of E-M1, E-M5, and 3-axis of E-M10 give the same performance. This is a big joke from Olympus.
To go from “I did not feel any difference using the 3-Axis IS” to “5-axis of E-M1, E-M5, and 3-axis of E-M10 give the same performance” is a bit of a stretch. He did not test the feature thoroughly. He only gave his impression.
Pekka Potka, on the other hand, had this to say:
– Image Stabilization: The E-M10 has 3-axis stabilization while E-M5 has 5-axis. The difference is in compensating camera movement in a plane, which has now been dropped off. This movement correction is beneficial in macro or close up shooting and shooting video while walking. In normal photography you won´t see the difference. Another matter is the performance of the system itself. I did not test head to head E-M10 versus E-M5. That´s why it remains as an open question for me. The whole system is simplified in E-M10 but it really can be as good, better or worse than E-M5 for those three axis…
So basically, we don’t know yet.
@Tim. “Thus, based on Robin’s opinion about 3-axis Ibis, it concludes that the 5-axis of E-M1, E-M5, and 3-axis of E-M10 give the same performance. This is a big joke from Olympus.”
I agree with you. As an E-M5 user, I’m so frustrated in this fact. Olympus makes all of us like a stupid user paying for an overkill feature.
Yes, he is an excellent photographer. And an engaging read. And Oly Malaysia quite knew why they hired him. Does he ever compare Oly stuff with non-Oly stuff? This newest “practical review” had a too praising tone for me. I will keep looking at his reviews for the photography and some practical tips maybe – but i will not take any buying advice from him.
Most of his reviews are all glowing which is why I said some parts of the review require some salt in general. He works for Olympus- what do you expect him to say? He is effectively an Olympus salesman.
Anyone thinking he isn’t bias just wants to read what they want. That said, I still think a lot of his “review” is still pretty useful, just pick the parts that make the most sense and filter out the glowing. And again- he discloses his relationship so I think on that end it’s pretty fair.
In other non-wong news…
The 25mm samples look very good, some challenging backlit scenes and there’s a lot less purple fringing than I’m used to seeing from all the other lenses around this focal length. Assuming they’ve not been manually corrected.
I agree. Most of his reviews are “glowing” too much. Of course he has mentioned that he is an Olympus employee now so it’s fair that he sugar coats for the sake of his employer. Previously before he was hired by Olympus, his reviews tone and style were the same. Was he eyeing for a position in Olympus all this while? Looks like it.
“Anyone thinking he isn’t bias just wants to read what they want.” I totally agree with this. There was a period where he kept comparing m43 with full frame and said how it measures up with full frame and might be better. I totally disagree with this knowing the fact that he has never use a full frame (nor an APS-C) before (playing with a full frame camera for not more than half an hour doesn’t count).Full frame is full frame, m43 is m43. end of story. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. And when full frame or other m43 competitor such as Panasonic was mentioned, he’s always against them. Then again, he IS an Olympus employee now so can’t say much but just read the parts that are useful and ditch the “glowing” and brand bashing part.
Peace.
We leave in a commercial space, even in many ones, As a former journalist I am used to debunk pretentions and marketing ploys.
Basically the only way is to compare various sources, and check them one against the other, while making a theory. The more you use the more credible it will be.
T. Hogan I find interesting, he said he is going to write about the latter mirrorless cameras. He is sympathetic but he is not ‘bought’ by a mirrorless brand. Or by mirrorless as a formula.
It is indeed important to screen the industry as such, and separate it from the single camera one might or might not like.
As an artist you might be inclined towards a certain tool, but as a journalist you are comparing trends, which is v. different.
n axis IBIS or other disruptive technology might be an intermediate case, because it is, trend setting, drawing new customers.