This is the next 43rumors story posted by Chris Vervaeke (AdventuresWithPedro.com). The usual reminder: If you want your story to be published on 43rumors contact me (Ale) at 43rumors@gmail.com. I like to see real on field tests, funny experiments, weird accessory review and everything else that usually don’t get posted on big review sites š
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Chris Vervaeke:
The OMD-EM5 might not have as many pixels as a Canon 5DMk3 or the Nikon D4, but after using my [shoplink 29074]EM5[/shoplink] for the past 6 months traveling, I truly believe itās the best travel camera.
My previous travel camera was an Olympus E-500. Iāve used an older Canon film camera and a very old Minolta film camera. Iāve also owned Nikon and Canon digital point and shoots. My favorite, so far, being Canon ELPH (IXUS) line of cameras. Iāve used many of the IXUS line over the years at work. So while I like Olympus, Iām not married to the brand.
When I decided I was going on a world trip, I realized cameras had come a long way since my trusty and durable E-500 (Iāve dropped it no less than 3 times, once rolling down an embankment almost into a river). My skills and demands as a photographer had also matured. I wanted something I could do more with than just point and press.
The OMD is Small (But Not Too Small)
Iām 6ā tall and have fairly large hands. To be honest I was actually concerned that the OMD might be too small. I nearly purchased the HLD-6 battery grip for it, but in the end, decided to forego and Iām happy I did. Despite its diminutive size, the OMD is actually really comfortable to hold and use for shooting all day.
What I think I like best about the size though is, that with the 20mm Panasonic lens attached I can drop it in a jacket pocket or just about anywhere and carry it around for the day. I would have preferred the 17mm f1.8 Olympus but it wasnāt available when I left the country.
Take a look at this link to camerasize.com to get an idea of how small the OMD-EM5 actually is, compared to a compact camera and a variety of other DSLRs.
The OMD is Light
Ok, so the camera itself isnāt as light as a Canon Rebel, but I wouldnāt consider that its competitor. Iād hazard to put the OMD (652g) up against the likes of the Canon 60D (755g) which weighs a fair bit more and is also significantly bigger.
When one starts to take into consideration the bigger camera bag, bigger filters, and other accessories, the true kit weight really starts to add up.
All this doesnāt take into account the lenses which can be double, triple, quadruple, and even more times the weight for an APS-C or āfull frameā system. A 17mm F1.8 Olympus (136g) vs 35mm F2.0 Canon (210g) or a 45mm F1.8 Olympus (116g) vs. an 85mm F1.8 Canon (425g)
What this means is that if you insist on a DSLR (or ILC) as a travel camera, yet are still trying to follow a mantra of traveling light, the OMD or a similar m43 camera would be your best option.
Photographic Quality
I did a lot of research on DPreview and other review sites before I bought my OMD, as I knew Olympus has not had a great history with their sensors (my E-500 was quite noisy). Iām happy to report that Olympus has finally cleaned up their act and the quality I can get out of the OMD at even fairly high ISOs has really impressed me.
I can see very little reason Iād want to upgrade beyond the EM5 for the foreseeable future. Iām that happy with the quality and features. With the E-500 I was always looking at what came out next, hoping for a camera like the EM5.
Lens Quality
Many of the Olympus lenses, particularly the 12mm f2.0, 45mm f1.8, 60mm f2.8 macro and 75mm f1.8 have been rated some of the highest in their class. A quick look through DxOMark will show you these lenses are higher quality than nearly all but the most expensive of glass from other manufactures.
There are occasional compromises as youād have with any system, but by choosing the m43 diminutive system, you will not be sacrificing on lens quality.
Features
One big factor in my choosing the OMD-EM5 was the controls. I can change f-stop and shutter speeds on separate dials, with ISO just one more button away. The ability to have quick and accurate exposure control has made an amazing change to the way I do my photography. Iāll admit, that before with the EM5 I used one of the auto settings more often than not.
The electronic viewfinder is good enough that I honestly forget that it is digital sometimes, until I seamlessly transition to using the LCD for composition in a tough situation.
The dust reduction system has kept the exposed sensor clean, which was a big concern of mine with a mirrorless camera system.
Video Quality
Iāve just started to use the video feature on the camera and Iām already pretty impressed. Even the built in microphone seemed to be of reasonable quality. At a gig for a friend of mine I ended up doing some impromptu shooting with just a 20mm Panasonic lens and the built in microphone. It doesnāt rival the GH2 or GH3 as far as I know, but itās still sufficient for my needs and should work for upcoming travel videos.
I will be getting the SEMA-1 microphone attachment for the OMD shortly so I can start shooting some more video and have the ability to put a dead cat or foam over the microphone for outdoor shooting. Without a muffler the microphone, built in or not, is useless outside.
Weather Resistance
At the moment the numbers of m43 lenses that can combine with the OMD-EM5 to form a completely sealed system are few and far between (not counting the 43system lenses), but even just the body itself being sealed has its advantages.
I remember in New Zealand leaving my E-500 in the car while headed to go sand dune boarding knowing the inevitable. I then spent the evening disassembling and trying to clean a friendās compact camera of the sand it had acquired to no avail.
My OMD-EM5 with the 12-50mm lens attached has already made a number of trips to the beach and various misty waterfalls without incident. It nice to know a little bit of adverse conditions wonāt leave me without a camera for a multiyear trip.
Conclusion
If youāre looking for a high quality camera system that will give you the photographic quality you demand but not weigh you down, Iād strongly suggest you take the OMD-EM5 into consideration. If the EM5 is out of your budget range, there are still a variety of other cameras in the m43 system that are very good and can utilize the excellent lenses.
My Current Kit
[shoplink 29074]Olympus OMD-EM5[/shoplink]
Olympus 12-50mm f3.5-6.3
[shoplink 23577]Olympus 45mm f1.8[/shoplink]
[shoplink 14796]Panasonic 20mm f1.7[/shoplink]
Lexar Professional SDHC 32GB U1
Trancend SDHC 16GB Class 10
Aftermarket Hood for 45 mm
Aftermarket Hood for 12-50mm
2 extra Aftermarket batteries
B+W circular polarizer for 12-50mm
Tamarac bag
Fusion Universal Battery charger (not considered in the kit)
Chris Vervaeke is a traveler, hiker, photographer, blogger, and friend to a penguin named Pedro. OK Pedroās a puppet, but heās still cute. Follow Chris and Pedro on AdventuresWithPedro.com as they share stories, mishaps, and advice on travel.
101 Responses
Too bad a $1500 version of the OMD-EM1 or whatever its called is on its way with no choice of an $999 OMD-EM5 or OMD-EM6 from what ADMIN says.
Which model of the Fusion batter charger?
I’ve been using the one that came with my 3rd party batteries, Having one that could charge multi-device batteries would be great.
Already an em5 owner.
I really enjoyed your review of the omd!
That’s not a review but merely a blatant advertorial.
I tend to agree: with no negative points mentioned it’s difficult to trust the review.
Besides, as OMD owner myself, I can confirm that video leaves a lot to be desired – even for a non-pro use (autofocus in video mode is a joke, etc…)
I’ve only used the video for static objects until now, for that I’ve generally had good results. For tracking I could see how there would be issues.
You are right: for static objects video works just fine.
I was recording my kids’ school performance on stage recently, and movie looked beautiful while everybody was standing still. But then kids started moving and that was it… Autofocus started jumping with unpredictable gaps, and attempt to focus manually didn’t work too well either :(.
But on a bright side: “not-moving” part of the video and still pics look beautiful!
its a bad idea after all, using caf during video. With a little bit of practise you will achieve much better results with single AF.
Learning the hard way :). Practice indeed is everything…
P.S. Happy for you – that you enjoy camera so much.
I actually do too – even knowing about some shortcomings.
he is just happy with his OMD, so be it.
Just wait for my OMD review about shooting and videographing
my muse Aneu, you will see i will be happy too, not just about
the value of such camera in a once-in-a-lifetime gathering, but about
the exciting moments of a beautiful petite creature with the most beautiful
lips in the world posing for me. i think I will declare my love to her while the video recording is on. I hope she willl dump her friend.
Sorry it seems i am getting offtopic…..bottle of champagne can almost see the bottom here
From an old(er) married guy, ‘half your luck’. š You better hope he (the friend) doesn’t read this. š
Ross, I hope not, as he is a Nikon user. I could always use the fact that I drank too much while I was writing my prev comment as a defense. But fact is also that she has best set of lips I have ever seen. And I am sober now.
Be careful mate. š
>>The OMD-EM5 might not have as many pixels as a Canon 5DMk3 or the Nikon D4,
Actually, both the Oly OMD-EM5 and the Nikon D4 have 16MP š
well, still quality of pixels are different and the D4 is a much better camera, for travel or lowlight the D600 is actually a bit better than the over priced pro body , though.
A friend works with a D4, sent me photos he shot of me whie i was playing electric bass; iso 3200. looked just okay for an expensive body in 24×36. The CAF seems to be very good, but i think heavyweight pro cameras are not a camera which you keep with you all the time, unlike an OMD
You are funny…you have no idea from D4.
Yep, thats why mu d4, d800 and 5dmk3 toting collegues leave most company photography to me with my e-m5, and why the 5dmk3 toting one bought a gh3 recently.
Technically, the d4 certainly has higher quality pixels, but the only thing relevant is if a camera can deliver good enough quality for an application. If highest wuality is all you care about go buy a 645 or leica s, much bigger sensor then that amateur 135 format!
People like you just do not understand that the best camera is the one you have with you.
Amen!
Haha, you’re right. I wrote that originally only mentioning the Canon which I knew and then thought someone might think I was choosing favorites. Should have looked closer.
Good catch and thanks for the correction š
Rotate your photos, Chris. It doesn’t matter which camera you have and how much you love it when your horizon isn’t straight.
throw away that ruler lol
I read the story from beginning to end, and it really confirms what has been said many times about the E-M5 being one of the best travel cameras ever.
I don’t travel but in my own city, due to health, however I can confirm that once set properly the camera doesn’t get in the way of the photog ever, so that you can really think of the image, and forget the rest.
I also like the illustrations, which are punchy without being overprocessed, a rare example of good taste.
Thanks! Glad you liked the photos š
he sounds an extreme fanatic or retarded m43 fanboy, anyone has a bit of brain knows DOF to DOF , there is almost no size and noise difference among the systems.
thus, FF plus super fast primes like f1.4 wins over mft or nex craps.
if you want a good light weight travel kit , get the RX1-R or the Sony A99v +SAL50mmf1.4ZA SSM.
Travel with only a prime? Not for me..
100% agreed on the em5 being the perfect travel-cam
I used to think just like you. The OMD has absolutely changed the way I think. Give it a try, rent one and take it to a concert and you will be blown away. It also looks so good in person and is a great conversation starter. I have shot every level of pro dslr and I must say the Olympus 75mm is one of the most amazing lenses I have ever used.
ĀØlight weight travel kitĀØ and ĀØSony A99vĀØ == CONTRADICTIO IN TERMINIS
Lol
Is the punctuation so bad, or people don know what they talking about, or sheer reaction in high emotion?
or maybe the6D + EF35mm f2ISUSM.
Someone needs to sto study up a bit more on the use of ethos, pathos and logos. š
I’ve got 8 reasons why it’s not
Hahaha!!!! Really?
He said TRAVEL.
Typical Nikon fanboy. š
I just need one reason to show you are wrong: http://camerasize.com/compare/#291,289
Nice opinion article from a user’s perspective, no need to treat it as a review. š
A small typo correction is probably in order, the OM-D E-M5 doesn’t weigh 652g, but around 425g CIPA (with battery and card). The Canon 60D does weigh as stated.
I thought 652 sounded high…I can’t recall where I got that figure from, thanks for the correction.
Maybe the body & grip (E-M5+Hld-6) combined as it is 653.7gm with one battery.
Except….
OMD isn’t a DSLR because it doesn’t have a frigging lens.
Agreed, its not a DSLR, however I’d say it can compete with them which was more the point.
And I believe you meant mirror.
Cheers,
Chris
Too much to drink tonight? I hope you meant mirror?
I agree with Chris that for static shots or with very limited panning the OMD video is very good, the codec only really starts to fall apart with faster movement. The big advantage is the 5-axis stabilisation in movie mode, yes it works with the latest firmware. It makes the OMD a serious consideration for video, you really can get steadycam like results hand held.
The OMD-EM5 unfortunately just isn’t a serious consideration for video no matter how you look at it. The codec breaks down too easily as mentioned before, the software doesn’t support the PAL standard or other frame rates and the SEMA-1 adaptor occupies your only hotshoe, defeating the purpose altogether.
Olympus doesn’t need to fix too many simple things when it comes to video shooting, and would at the same time gain serious advantages over Panasonic with their unique IBIS to boot.
Loved your review. Nearly two years ago I sold every piece of my Nikon gear for the OMD. I now own 2 OMD’s, and the E-PL5. I am a pro who shoots commercial work, weddings, family portraits, modeling, etc. I have not once missed my NIkon gear and the back focus issues NIkon has been famous for as of late are completely gone with the OMD. I can’t believe how razor sharp the images are and the clients love my work. Funny story, I was shooting an award show and was next to photographer who was shooting with the 7D. He could not believe I was shooting mirrorless and we had the opportunity to compare prints side by side. His jaw dropped as he said how much better and sharper my images were than his. Once again thanks for the review and look forward to reading more of your articles.
Liar
Ha! Pissed off a Canon fan with the truth. It actually happened and yes every Nikon or Canon owner I talk to has has backfocus issues. It is a very common trait of the dslr focus systems. The OMD can still claim the worlds fastest autofocus and I never ever have backfocus issues.
I’ve had similar experiences during concert shoots.
Interesting you switched as a professional. Glad things are working out for you!
Chris
i got one big reason olympus omd-em5 is not the best travel dslr.
1) it’s not a dslr.
case closed.
So if it’s not a true dslr that’s fine with me. As good or better image quality, no backfocus issues, and I can actually compose the shot through the evf knowing exactly what my image will look like. Half the size and weight too. I can also get in it so many places where dslrs are not allowed.
still not a dslr.
get it?
Yep I get it! It’s a better system in so many ways! You get it?
There is another reason, which was not mentioned. 5-axis IBIS.
Very true, and that candle light shot wouldn’t have been possible without a good stabilization system.
However most systems have some sort of stabilization and I’m not an expert enough to judge whether the 5-Axis would have made that much of a difference. So in my comparison that didn’t seem like a very strong argument.
None the less, good point.
Chris
Excellent travelogue / review. I’ve only travelled a little (compared to you!) with my E-M5, and am finding it a trusty little companion — particularly now that a few more weather-sealed lenses are available for it. Definitely a lot easier than when I visited the Yucatan with my E-5, although the E-5 had the advantage of potentially doubling as a club if anybody ever tried to rob me.
Now if Oly would just make micro-4/3 versions of the 12-60 and 50-200 lenses for 4/3 cameras…
Looks like they have republished the sensitivity and noise samples at TechRadar using a production version. The color balance looks much better now. GX7 has much more detail than the EP5, EM5 or Nex6. The GX7 has set the bar for low light pictures a little higher (no pun intended :-).
Link:
http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/panasonic-gx7-1168602/review/4#articleContent
All i see on tech radar samples is lots more noise in GX7 samples than e-p5, especially when comparing raw files from gx7 to e-p5. I really don’t know about which bar for low light photography you’re talking about.
That’s what i don’t like about early reviews, you can’t be sure if it’s a problem of early firmware, no software support etc or the actual camera under performs.
Are you sure? GX7 image quality looks bad!
So much noise at ISO 1600 already!!!
The GX7 looks like it will be a star. It will be some time before the verdict is in. Still it seems very promising so far, and if I was not already shooting the EM-5, or had deep pockets, I’d be very tempted.
I also first thought the GX7 looked noisy at first. This is because I did not have a point of reference and so I used the EP5 and NEX6 for references.
Find the ISO images in the Raw image section starting at ISO 800 – 3200 (which is where I mostly shoot). Look at several locations in the dark side of the scene: the red yarn, the green yarn and the black tire wheels. For the red yarn, GX7 still retain detail whereas EP5 an NEX6 seem to clip/smear the detail. In the green yarn, you can make out some detail in the GX7 whereas the EP5 and NEX6 look like a black mass. Again, GX7 retain some detail in the back tire of the red car; the EP5 and NEX6 has is a black mass.
Below are links to the noise and sensitivity tests for the 3 cameras in its class, GX7, EP5 and NEX6.
GX7:
http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/panasonic-gx7-1168602/review/4#articleContent
EP5:
http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/olympus-pen-e-p5-1150234/review/7#articleContent
NEX6:
http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/digital-slrs-hybrids/sony-nex-6-1096526/review/7#articleContent
I wrote a review of the OM-D as a travel camera a little over a year ago and agree with a lot of what you said. click on my name for the link.
One year on, and I’m still happy, just wish I had a bigger budget for travel again now. I wish I kept my 12-50mm though, if only for the weather sealing than anything else. I use the Panasonic 25mm f1.4 for night (street) shooting and Panasonic 7-14mm f4 for everything else (great for interior or landscape shots).
I think the GX7 is a good contender for the throne though. If I didn’t have an OMD I might be waiting for that model now.
I’m a bit jealous, I’d love the 7-14 but just couldn’t afford it. Hope you’re getting good shots out of it!
Chris
Many photographers nowadays are switching their gear from DSLR to mirrorless camera,.and is very reasonable apparently OM-D M43 system has become the First choose or the best choice among other mirrorless camera system,.
i believe this is why,.;
Sensor quality- Is more than enough to produce excellent IQ
5Axis IBIS – IS the Best one
Af performance
So many High Glass quality = you can adapt your legacy lenses,.; it almost no boundaries/ or limit due to the sensor size
Size and weight- i still can pack two M43 camera [OM-D& E-P5] plus 12, 25,45,75mm and panny 7-14 ,.two lens on the body and 3 on the bag,.and still more lighter than carry D700= 24-70, 85, & 70-200mm
Nice write-up with a little fanboyisme to it. Nothing really special here. Try the 5d3, d800, d600 or any other good dslr with apsc or ff for real and you be amazed how much better and special youre pictures will look. Or if you dont have the room or strenght for it try a nex or fuji x serie. They also give you so much more in picture quality with the same size and weight. I now al the boys and girls over here are trying to convince thereselfs that 43 is the best but its not………..
I have a D800 and love it. But I find m43 is better for travel because it offers as optimum quality : size ratio. Nex is tempting but you are basically back to DSLR-sized lenses so may as well use the smallest FF camera, D600.
i have Fuji X-E1 with 18, 35 60 & Kitlens,.18-55 too as well as my Nikon FF ,.as for fuji they have great image quality,.but what’s the point if the Lack of AF performance always makes me LOST THE MOMENT because of MISSFOCUSED,.unless if you want to shoot Landscape,.but any way better use D800 and Zeiss ZF2.8/21mm,.and i agree with Michael ,.IQ ,SIZe AF performance,.
btw,.last year,.I watched a Steve Vai concert,.and brought my OMD,.when someone behind me bought a DSLR camera,.but ,.they had to seized his camera because it was A DSLR camera ,.and he could not take a picture’s at all ,.while they allowed me to bring my camera take pictures – LEARN A LESSON
“any other good dslr with apsc” — I own a D7000 and an E-P5. I find the image quality to be identical at all ISO’s, just the E-P5 is more practical and has better prime lenses.
“ff for real and you be amazed how much better and special youre pictures will look” — we own a 6D at work and the pictures don’t really come out better. All in all it’s a very impractical camera with terrible controls. The pictures don’t magically come out better.
“try a nex or fuji x serie” — I’ve tried the X-E1 and X-M1. They are plasticky and feel cheap. The IQ is not as good as a D7000 or E-P5, nothing is ever really sharp and the lenses shoot like 3rd party lenses (Sigma, Tamron). Overrated.
Show your special pictures or it’s all BS.
Excuse me, sir, are you here to tell us that we can’t do nice things with our m43 gear?
And why are you wasting your time and energies on this little sensor forum?
Everyone has its own opinion, obviously, but it’s like going to a restaurant and complaining that pizzas are better.
I have a D600 and a OM-D
For travel, no brainer : OM-D is the best!
The “size and weight”/picture quality ratio is simply outstanding.
And why need to lug around huge dslr kit, when this “better” part you talk about is totally wasted for most of us? I mean, how big you actually print? Which display size using?
Looking back at the article it does seem a bit fanboy and regret that I didn’t mention that when switching from the E-500 I gave serious consideration to the Sony system and came pretty close to buying one until the EM-5 came out. I wasn’t married to Oly at that point but glad I stuck with it if for nothing other than the fair priced awesome lenses.
There are many user experiences of “the best” travel camera. Oly EM5 is certainly one of those who deserv the title.
On my last travel i used my D800, 24/2,8, 85/1.8 and Sony RX100. All in all 2kg. Needless to say the results were brilliant with also RX100 possible to fine tune to be able to print A3 size.
For my next travel I have changed the RX100 for a Fuji EX1 with kit lens. I SHOULD go with just the Fuji and a MF Nikon 35/2 for speedy zone focus photo and a MF 105/2.5 as tele. That is 1.5 kg. Leave the 105 at home and it is 1.1 kg.
Or maybe take the D800 with 24,35 and 85 total 1.9 kg.
The Fuji is a great camera, but needs a special workflow in post processing to achieve sharpness sans smearing. The D800 always delivers excellently and prints A1…..
Of all the great cameras available the best camera for you is the camera is the one you like to work with, that delivers,and you actually use. Be it Olympus, Panasonic, Nikon, Fuji, Canon, Leica, Sony. We do not have one truth here, we have many truths.
up to iso800 the e-m5 is great, above my d7100 is much better.
What I really Don’ t like is not having custumer setings at the Wheel and a direct access to exposure braketing,.. I often use -,33 , o.oo and + o,33 and have to set it manually. š
another point are the small buttons, thats nothing for big fingers.
But in summary I agree, its a great camera, much better than the fuji x.
there you can use iso6400 but it does not help when the af is not aible to focus…
It reminds me that once upon a time 4/3 cameras were considered good travel cameras, althought they had to rent donkeys and sherpas to travel the lenses…
Then came the E-M5 and those poor souls were so jealous at the 1022 Forum at DPR that the decided to ban everything not dSLR, with filthy mod *skeys* in charge of the executions.
One year later their forum is in shambles: all those who are not peabrained have migrated to the E-M5 and other forums, those who stayed behind now having to face the extinction of Olympus dSLR, and having to spend 50% more for the E-M1, foaming at the mouth.
Suits them nicely, the peabrained, now facing exile and destitution. Skeys you’ll have plenty of time to wank in a deserted forum š
R.I.P. Four Thirds and its noisy cameras š
Roll up your sleeve, I have your thorazine shot right here.
First KMA, then count your money. I don’t think that your self appointed job let’s you make any š
Third, please kindly direct us to your photography, because we suspect that you haven’t any.
I probably should save my breath, but I have both 43 (e-5) and m43 (e-p3), so of the same sensor generation. The E-5 provides slightly better quality, overall, probably because there’s no loss due to software correction of distortion. But not so much that any normal person would notice. So unless it’s pi**ing down I take the E-P3. And unless I want to use a lens longer than 45mm. And, frankly, although the EVF2 is very good, the OVF on the E-5 is always a welcome rediscovery.
So that makes me peabrained does it ? IMHO “peabrained” could be better applied to the hamsters on the ever rotating upgrade wheel.
Hey, and I don’t hide behind pseudonyms either. Guess I’m a total luser fanboy.
You are not getting it. I am not saying that the E-5 is a bad camera, I am mentioning a forum that refused wholeheartedly the notion of mirrorless, to the point of changing its name, into 43 *DSLR* forum.
Amd yet it was clear, even a year ago or more that with the E-M5 mirrorless had spread its wings. Instead of preparing for the transition they basked in jealousy, and now they are stuck in a quandary because nobody is going to frequent a forum for disappeared dSLR – LOL.
As for using a pesudonym, since I have been using for 6 years consistently, it might be considered the equivalent of an art name. If you want to use your name and surname, that’s your choice. I OTH have no respect for inquisitive, nosey people, informants and lynchers like SKEYS and that nice little community has turned to be.
However if you like dSLR and the goose step, more kudos to you š
All bluery shots. Typically omd.
“bluery”???? Typical Canikon user?
Wasn’t Oly a pioneer in eliminating the AA filter? That was a considerable difference with the 4/3 E-620 that smothered all details.
Although it’s only a theory, I always considered that it was the improvement of in-camera denoisers that allowed the removal of the AA filter.
The net results that m4/3 thrives with sharp lenses, and thus can compete with the best cameras despite it has a smallr sensor.
You premise is erroneous, because as of yet there is not a single Olympus camera body without a lowpass filter.
Not erroneous at all. In fact I can even date the occurrence from the E-PL1, and it was duly remarked by its reviewers.
Additionally I could well tell the difference with my E-620.
So if you have a different *theory* you might as well state the facts supporting it.
The E-PL1 has a weak AA filter. The E5 has an even weaker AA filter. The E-620 has a relatively strong AA filter. Again, every Oly camera thus far has an AA filter.
Yet you have not proven it. Let me jnow how you prove it, I am really curious.
amalric, you are an idiot.
By asking a question containing a factually incorrect premise, you have proven that you are either unknowledgeable or dishonest, or both.
LOL, seems you are another of those gear trolls with no photography. They are a dime a dozen in these parts.
You are the one who desperately attributed a feature, cameras without AA filter, to Olympus, and you call me a gearhead? This must be your way of admitting the factual error you made.
Problem with nearly all m43 cameras from Olympus (apart from original E-PL1) is that the buttons are way too flimsy and small. You cant use the camera with gloves on, which would be totally annoying for me for shooting in winter. Please Olympus have a look at Sigma DP Merrills.
The only thing that, for me, stops it being the *ideal* travel camera is the battery life. I can get up to about 600 shots per charge if I stop things like auto preview, eye detect etc but that is still nowhere near what I can get with my 7D (and, nostalgically, in the good old days the film I could go months between battery changes). So go anywhere without ready access to electricity for recharging and you need to ration the shooting (something I have lost since moving to digital, dammit).
Third party batteries are so cheap, that three will last you until you find an electricity source.
BTW I love the picture of the girl with the candle looking at the globe. It really captures the anticipation of travel and being on a journey too, in an intimate way.
And of course it shows how good the sensor and/or the processing is.
My weather beaten camera (not OMD) is my best travel camera. No fear of it getting more wear and tear or getting stolen.
For the author a back packer to claim the EM5 is very small for travel is misleading, ie compared to GX7 just consider the facts. First the EM5 is 1/2 inch taller than the GX7, lacks a built in flash, and when using its std 12-50mm lens is more than twice as much depth as the GX7 with its 14-42 kit lens! Size means everything to backpacker or traveler and that is why I use my compacts much more frequently for travel than any DSLR and a couple of ounces of extra weight is not a big thing. Now availability of a camera like the cmpact GX7 its use for this purpose becomes even more viable.
The GX7 didn’t exist at the time I bought my camera and thus I ended up with the EM5 as it fit my purposes the best at the time. I’d say that just about any of the newer m43 cameras would likely do the job for you.
As for lenses, its really a matter of preference, the 3 lenses I carry are combined much bigger than the 14-42 but suit my purposes without being much of a burden.
Compacts are also a great option for travel but didn’t really suit my purposes.
Great points, thanks!
Chris
Tough, dependable, optics, size was the main reason I got the e3, 12-60 & 50-200 for traveling, but I got a xz2 as an extra for those occasions you don’t want to lug 2,5kg which though perform superb wreck your body. Hmmm can oly get a weatherproofed Konica Minolta a2 copy and stick the inner life of a xz2 in that one… Do not mind a 1k price tag…
So would I mind trading all stuff in for a m43 nope as long as the optics are as great. But would definitely want a 14-150 weatherproof lens even it has lesser optics and Mary that one with a omd or the pro.
So will be waiting for the em1 and see if it focuses or not and shave at least 500g of the difference with a e3 not to mention a bit more room in my bag
hmm.. i’m thinking to get a lens for bf but I’ve no idea what lens should i buy. He’s using OMD EM5 that i bought for him.. he has a kitlens.. a wide angle lens.. and a potrait lens d.. fish eye is a no-no.. hmm..
Hi There, I’ve just read your blog about the EM-5. I only took up photography a year ago, so it’s my first SLR. I have four lenses, 17mm, 45mm, 60mm and the kit 12-50mm. By now you have probably got the EM-1 which I’ve heard so much about and read many different opinions on it. I was tempted to get it! But being realistic, I hardly know what all the features do on my EM-5 and still learning. Until I’ve mastered this little piece of beauty, I won’t be upgrading! I’ve heard that the image quality on the EM1 isn’t that much different from the EM5, so not quite convinced its worth the upgrade! I still think that Olympus may bring out another upgrade at the end of next year early 2015, so until then I’m sitting tight and really getting to know my EM5. I don’t even own a battery grip, because I like the retro feel and it’s so lightweight! It’s a wonderful camera! There are a lot of full on camera buffs out there that can’t wait to get their hands on it! I’d like to hear your comments on it!
Kind regards
Nikki Johnson
Nikki,
I have no intention of buying the EM-1 or any other camera for that matter for at least a few years. The EM-5 is small, takes great pictures, and works fantastic. Sure I’d love to have a few of the new features from the EM-1, but realistically I think my money is better saved and spent on a new lens first.
Get to know the EM-5 first, learn what you want in your next camera and you’ll know when you actually NEED to upgrade to meet those desires. Till then, keep taking great photos with what you’ve got.
Cheers,
Chris
Hi everyone, I have been using the em5. Only one problem or maybe it’s just my skills (I’ve only been shooting since the em5 came out…it’s the reason I got interested in photography). I find that when indoors and in low light (but not very dark, just low light), the em5’s focusing sometimes ‘goes all over the place’, as if trying to hunt. Images end up not sharp. Is this the nature of the focusing system? I wonder if the em1 uses the same focusing tech (I know it’s got phase and contrast, but phase is used only for 43 lens, while contrast is still used for m43, so no change from em5 when I’m using m43 lens, am I correct?). I am using the 14-150 M.Zuiko lens most of the time.
As an avid backpacker I finally found OMD EM5 to be a perfect travel camera to document our backpacking adventures. Professionally I shoot with Canon 5D3 but caring it while traveling is such a hassle. It’s heavy so it would always be in my backpack, which means I would rarely take it out while walking. With Olympus, I attached small Lowepro bag to my hip belt and and I’m ready to shoot at any time. I use 2 lenses: 20 mm 1.7 and 45 1.8. Both fit perfectly inside the Lowpro bag and the whole kit is amazingly light and gives me superb quality. I recommend this set up to any backpackers or travelers for that matter.
I want to share couple of photo posts taken exclusively with this set up (OMD EM5, 17mm & 45mm) as I think it shows how great this camera with these 2 lenses can be. Hope you guys don’t take it as a spam. Cheers.
http://www.marktrela.com/2013/11/13/michigan-travel-photographer-nordhouse-dunes/
http://www.marktrela.com/2013/07/16/north-manitou-island-trip/