On September 10 at around 6-7am London time Olympus will announce the new E-M1 camera and 12-40mm f/2.8 lens. Almost all specs are well-known. And we have seen pictures from all angles. So it’s time to post a size comparison roundup to see how big the E-M1 is when compared with other cameras. On top you can see the comparison made by 43rumors reader Iwert (the grip is massive!).
More comparison images can be seen at ThePhotoSoup (GH3 vs E-M1), SLRclub (E-30 vs E-M1) and Dicahub.
One more thing: Olympus will also anticipate the new 40-150mm f/2.8 lens but the final production version will come in 2014 only.
187 Responses
The grip isn’t “massive”, it is “massively useable”. The E-M5 grip was to small and slippery to hold the camera properly. This one might just work with the big 4/3 glass.
Proper photographers travel light and don’t have slippery hands. They wash theirs.
-the troll
The grip is not “massive”, especially when compared to my e-5.
It’s not massive when compared to my E-M5 with HLD-6 grip on either. It’s just a little bigger & comes up higher, protuding a little more to the bottom with a nice contoured shape that a ‘Pro’ needs for all day shooting with heavier lenses. BTW, the E-M1 is only 8mm wider than the E-M5 & while most of it is in the grip area it is more about giving more room for controls at the back & more clearance to the lens (for the fingers & front buttons) on the front with the grip being slightly wider.
+1
Grip is one the biggest upgrades over E-M5. Let’s hope future models will have similar ones.
The E-M5 has the flexibility of being small (especially with pancake lenses) or more substantial with grip for larger lenses.
Indeed. Yo me the E-M5 is already borderline. ‘As an always with you’ cam I use an E-PM1. Plus the E-M5 has all sorts of cheap grips, if you need them. A great feature it has is the built in thumb grip,
Ergos are really the last thing that worry me.
If anything I would like a flatter camera. Zooms are not part of my ethos.
“Plus the E-M5 has all sorts of cheap grips”
That’s right & I made my own leather covered grip with battery access plate to start with before I bought the HLD-6. It was needed particularly while I was using the 4/3′ 70-300 lens on it & still appreciated with the smaller & lighter M75-300 lens.
‘Ergos’? Could it be that you mean ‘Egos’?
Seems that in some areas of the World you have problems with a language over 300 words.
Just try a new one every day, and in one year you will have twice as much 🙂
Ergo to dream… 🙂
Ergos = ergonomics
Do you expect people here to understand sarcasm?
The hump makes it impractical and already too large. If you look at it that way, you could say E-P3 is the perfect concept – you can add grips and VF to your liking.
grips for the E-P series are sparse, or did you mean those small plastic parts?
I was referring to the ones that can be screwed to the side of the camera ( E-P3 and E-PL5 ). Yeah, there are only two original, but you can make your own, either out of wood or on a 3D printer.
yeah…I would have been better to show the OMD with the top half of the battery grip, as it would be a more equal comparison. Also, although more costly, buying the grip for the OMD always leaves you with the option to use it on not use it …which is a nice choice.
I think the grip on the M1 looks right for what it intents are..too big for me for MFT…but I think that it is the right camera for the market it is going after. Looks like a killer camera.
Here is a comparison between an OM-4Ti and 90mm f2 macro with the proper Olympus grip and a OM-D E-M5 with grip 1 and 12-50:
http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p794/An0nemu5/Forum/OM-4Ti90mmf2macroE-Mggrips_zpsb379c90f.jpg
Cool. Thanks…I love the OMD with the grip…but that is as big as I will go in MFT land…just got rid of my GX1 and picked up an E-P5 and VF4…(I have come around to believing that Olympus makes the best MFT cameras after extensively using both brands), I like to keep this format small…any bigger and I am just going to grab my FF camera….
If MFT is your only system…then I see a huge case for the M1 as necessary..hell..at the rate the sensors and lenses are going in MFT..I may abandon my FF gear soon!!!!!!!! LOL!
The new 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom looks fantastic on the M1!!! (would look fantastic on my OMD as well, LOL!).
I bought one, but finally don’t use it because it blocks the battery door and it makes the camera way heavier 80gr versus 425gr. for the body)
I own the E-M5 with landscape + battery grip. I have relatively big hands. Not once have I needed to use these add-ons — not even for my 75-300.
Regarding the “massive” grip of the E-M1: the big advantage (to me) is that it allows for a cleaner/more spacious layout of buttons etc, without adding much weight or requiring much mire space in bags.
I think the E-M5 has a cleaner design, though.
Look at the OM-4 picture and the generous gap between the grip and the lens. That is good for the traditional hold, using the left palm to support the camera and its fingers to turn the lens. All the new DSLRs seems to have too little gap there to fit the fingers from both hands comfortably.
There is actually MUCH more room for the fingers that appears when looked at from the top.
http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/picrumors/media/picrumors001/E_M1_04_zps3c6e28f6.jpg.html
Peter
You are right. There is actually much more room.
Not everyone needs to use a big tele 4/3 lens, and therefore need such a solid big grip.
I think it should be smaller or thinner, which would make it look better and more like a reto grip than grafting a DSLR grip on a retro camera.
And I agree. More space between the grip and the lens would be nice.
I announce the Olympus 40-150, too!
You do?!
Where? 😉
+100
+100 for Kevin Sutton said…
What’s that grip on the 4Ti? Home made? A better comparison would have been with the Motor Drive 2 attached…
@Hans,
Yes the OM4Ti never had a grip like that shown in this image. There was a very small one available which screwed on to the front of the camera housing, but nowhere as prominent as shown here. What you see here is not an Olympus “grip” and as you suggest, probably hand-made. However, the E-M1 appears to be very similar in size to the OM4Ti, which is good.
The grip is homemade, an epoxy extension on the Olympus grip. The MD1 or MD2 would have been more massive.
And I don’t have any Motor Drives, defeats the compactness of the system 😉 The grip on the OM-D E-M1 however is smaller towards the bottom.
Since the combination at far left fits in my pocket, I seems that the EM-1 with the new zoom should too. Me likes!
What pockets do u have?
To keep my hands empty I’m out with my retievers, I carry a vest with pockets deep enough to carry leishes, balls, dummies, dog treats, and a camera. No motor drive though, that would be too big. So yes, I have deep pockets 😉
Delicius!
Ginme, gimme..! 🙂
E-M5 looks best :-p
This is what Olympus really needs:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/103310937571662022059/posts/5Br3hhBA3Xx
Open API for full WiFi control of the camera.
The options are unlimited.
2nd time you post this…
Open sourced firmware would be better than that IMHO…
better compare E-M1 with E620
Those lenses have me salivating.
I hope they perform as well as we’re all expecting.
Me too. I was surprised at how small the Panasonic 12-35 lens was when I actually saw it. Seems that the 12-40 is only a little larger. I’m holding out for the Olympus lens. I find they just perform better on the Olympus body.
If that photo soup comparison to the GH3 is accurate, I can’t wait to see all the back pedaling from Oly fans who’ve been whining about how big the GH3 is.
It does look to me however, by looking at the lens mount area, like the GH3 is very slightly undersized in that comparison. Very slightly. Unless it’s way off, though, the E-M1 looks to be even bigger than the GH3.
I agree, that doesn’t look right. For all intents and purposes, the E-M1 is just an E-M5 with a grip. (And I’m not talking specs) When I compared my E-M5 next to the GH3, it definitely felt larger than that overlay suggests….
I guess we’ll know for sure when we’re able to hold it in our hands…
The PhotoSoup sizing is WAY OFF!!! The E-M1 is (approx.) 129mm wide while the GH3 is 133mm wide, 4mm wider than the E-M1. If he is going to do a comparison, he should at least try to get it right.
Where did you get the dimensions for the EM-1? I can’t find anything even semi-official.
I compared the front on photo with the E-M5 (that I have), sized it to life size on my computer screen (using the lens mount for a reference) & measured it & determined it to be about 129mm wide & approx. 92mm high.
In other words, you have no accurate, official information either….
Just curious to see a picture with the new MMF5 and a SHG lens on it.35-100 preferably. And maybe the 50-200.
While I’m very satisfied with the E-M5, there are a couple of features I like on the E-M1. The grip being one of them, as well as wifi. However, it won’t be enough to make me want to upgrade. I know this is not being viewed as an E-M5 replacement, but if you ask me, it is. I may purchase this down the road when we see the deep discounts for the next model.
I would like to see this as an addition to an E-M5 body, but I can keep on wishing, I guess. 🙁
Where is the silver version?
+100
Why on earth would you get a m43 camera that is this big? If you are happy with this size you may as well get a DSLR.
IMHO m43 is great because it’s more portable, so I don’t get this at all.
To use bigger lenses!?! You better stick with your E-M5 (or whatever) then, but it certainly isn’t BIG. Just a little bigger (than the E-M5) where it needs to be.
em5 is too big, will sell for gx7 bosh!
That sounds like a good idea if that suits you well.
You should take lenses’ size in account before concluding. EM-1 (or GH-3) mayb be big to *your* m43 standards, but m43 lenses are smaller than their APSc or FF equiv. counterpart…
yes they are, which makes it even more puzzling to stick them on a massive ugly body.
some hamsters, it turns out, are among you!
The GH3 – E-M1 comparison link looks wrong.
Even the bigger E-M1 would be smaller than the GH3.
Since there have been no official specs released, you don’t know that. Why make such bold statements when all you’re doing is guessing?
Because there are some of us who have invested in HG or SHG lenses who would like a sensor upgrade in a camera that can autofocus. While I’m using the EPM1 as a stopgap (got it on the cheap), I wasn’t willing to pay a premium for the EM5 without some native support for 4/3 glass.
I love manual focus, and it’s great for macros, landscapes, and portraits. With longer focal length lenses, and action shots it would be nice to have AF.
And because there are 4/3rds lens options which are simply better than anything similar in m43 (or completely unavailable). I use a 14-54 on my E-M5 because it’s half the price of the Panny 12-35, has a wider range and is as good (arguably better) optically. There’s nothing in m43 mount comparable to either the 11-22 or the 50-200. Not everyone wants slow and/or short-range zooms.
Frankly, I’ll be getting an E-M1. Body Only. And I’ll be using it with m43 primes and HG zooms (well, I might get a 4/3 mount Sigma 150/2.8 macro as well, assuming I can find a good copy). Because that’s the best combination of value & performance. m43 for small primes, HG series for superb zooms, E-M1 for good support for both options.
I can understand why some people would prefer a bigger camera (too many years using DSLRs, handling 4/3 lenses, big hands, etc) but I think Hamster also has a valid point. Is bigger really a good thing for m4/3 ? This recent trend to make m4/3 cameras bigger can only come from Pany and Oly’s realization that mirrorless has not yet penetrated the ILC market as they had hoped and that DSLRs are still dominating, hence, they’re trying to attract DSLR users by disguising m4/3 as proper DSLRs and make the transition smoother for the common consumer (the all-powerful bigger is better mindset hasn’t faded from the collective mind).
But the thing is, 4/3 already tried that strategy and it hit Oly (and briefly Pany) back on their face. Simply put, the sensor will always be a marketing Achilles’s heel for m4/3 just like it was for legacy 4/3, other companies (and their trolls) will always use that issue to attack the system and its unjustifiably large bodies (small sensor + big body = 4/3 fail). Sure, native lenses are small but then where does that leave the E-M1 marketing-wise ? If Oly is going to promote the 4/3 compatibility (and we know they will) then wouldn’t that bring us back to the same 4/3 dilemma of big lenses + big body + small sensor ?
Thankfully there’s more to m4/3 than just the E-M1 and some 4/3 glass, we have options, but will critics (canikony salesmen, trolls, marketing departments) ever mention those options in their attacks ? I don’t expect such kindness.
You answered yourself your issue about the E-M1 being too big. I am sure anyone with a good sense of overview of the m43 system will see the various possibilities to choose from. Ofocurse there will always be people who will say that the GH3 or E-M1 are too big. If Panasonic and Olympus would have brought smaller versions of those bodies, people would complain that these are too small for pro use.
You really nailed it on the head. The ONE angle and advantage that m4/3 has is it’s size. We’ve compromized our sensor to have a more compact system. Why are we moving away from this one advantage? Why are people on this site asking for bigger bodies? Why don’t the just move up a notch to APS-C (Pentax has all those pancake primes too.
If you want bigger cameras they already exist! Stop steering the direction of this format off a cliff!
“Why are people on this site asking for bigger bodies?”
Simply because present 4/3’s DSLR users needed a Pro M4/3’s camera to hang their ‘you beaut’ expensive & very good HG & SHG lenses on & this ‘Pro’ body isn’t meant for all the ‘Joe Bloggs’ that want a small camera to fit in their pockets. This is the Top of Line Pro M4/3’s body for Pro users (using appropriate M4/3’s lenses too) & wasn’t meant to small & cheap. There are other models that fit that bill & are (should be) coming next year.
Size is really good, there are plenty of options already for when you want smallest body. This is for people who value ergonomics and usability over little increase in size. Anyway whole system stays tiny compared to a dslr. Compare to a dslr with 2 big f2.8 zooms, uwa zoom and wide prime for low light.
Usability? Ergonomics? Better controls? A better user experience?
Some people value ease of use over ease of carrying. This camera is for them. Olympus makes other cameras for you.
And with lenses, this is still a lot smaller than any DSLR, and dramatically smaller than any DSLR with similar build quality and performance.
Size is largely a psychological thing, i.e. the more protrusions it has the bigger it will feel. So it’s a good tool for 4/3ers and those who imagine themselves as pros 🙂
The serious blunder Oly made, is the E-P5. Once it finds a way to put an EVF in there without altering the form factor, then the ethos of m4/3 will be back. It is about successful miniaturization, while preserving IQ.
A little man with a littlle mind…
True. He tries to say something intelligent but he’s still the same perverted racist. LOL today he learnt a new word, ethos: expect to find it in his next “wannabecool” comments.
You people make this site look like some personal blog, kinda like ¨Amalric and his personal trolls¨. Why do you care so much about him ? why do you waste your and our time attacking him ? who gives a fck ? This isn’t his our your site, it’s everyone’s so stop wasting space and limit yourself to the topic at hand. Whether you consider him a troll or not doesn’t add the the discussion. Why does it have to come to this crap in every thread ? You people act like kindergarteners, seriously.
Whether he’s a troll or you are trolls (I don’t give a fck sincerely) he still makes a valid point, the E-M1 will serve a very confined purpose, this isn’t the second coming of the E-M5, that’s for sure. The real fail for Oly was indeed the E-P5, the OMD line is being well taken care of, but that has very little impact on the actual success of the system, in the sense that the real battle is being fought at base level, we’re talking about the Pen range (their most profitable) and how it really needs a proper re-structuring, the first step towards that was improving its competitiveness by including an EVF in their flagship, but they didn’t, now we’ll have to wait who knows how many months (or a year+) for the next E-P iteration and even then an EVF is not a sure thing. By that time Pany will have a GX9 (maybe even with 5 axis or similar), Sony will have their Nex 6/7 upgrades (also with Oly’s own 5 axis), Fuji with the Xpro 2 and XE2, canikon could come forth with something too, by that time it’ll be ¨too little, too late¨ for Oly ( I say this in terms of market-wide perception but personally I would be 1st in line for a pen with EVF even if it adds very little over the E-P5).
Making fun of amalric requires neither much effort nor much time. Your own diatribe is rather lengthy, though!
You may be right. I’m looking at the EM-5 (EM-1 is not in my budget) because I want an integrated EVF. PEN serie would be enough for my needs, but I just can’t get used to shoot without an EVF.
I think Panasonic got it right on this aspect with the GX7. I have no doubt Olympus will follow.
The pictures do not look right, the hotshoes are of different sizes. They all have to be the same size. OM-4Ti hotshoe looks so small, so in reality it should be much bigger.
Conversely, E-M1 hotshoe is the biggest of all, even bigger than E-M5, so it should smaller.
They do not have to be the same size: the OM-4Ti hot shoe sits lower, so in perspective it will be smaller. I took the width/length of the E-M5 and made that to scale with the OM-4Ti. The OM-4 picture is also a bit more wide angle. (Taken with pen FT 38mm macro lens)
Exactly! E-M5 and E-M1 have exactly the same hotshoes. In comparison image E-M1 is too big.
That 12-40 looks huge for a m43 lens! Seems like 80x80mm
Ok, more like 75x85mm
The em-1 is teh sex! So what it’s a little bigger. It’s still considerably smaller than d7100 or d600-800 for that matter. If you want to put something in your man purse just get an ep5.
Still don’t know if ill replace the em5 with the 1 , will wait for final specs. But I’m all about that 12-40. And I’d love to see silver pics admin!!! I have all silver lenses!!!
Man you are comparing this with D600/800????
And why not, m43 lenses are good. If you don’t plan on printing really big or not going for ultra thin dof, the difference in the end result is getting really really tiny.
You dont no what you talk about.
What is the problem of comparing the OM-D with the D800? Pekka Potka made such a comparison, see http://www.pekkapotka.com/journal/2013/5/3/nikon-d800e-and-olympus-om-d.html. Steve Huff made such a comparison.
They don’t know what they are talking about? Oh, sure, they don’t and you do.
OM4 is 35mm camera …ok I am quite:-)
The em1 is bigger than the gh3! Backpedal you fanboys, backpedal! I cant wait to hear the excuses
This site is full of fools that fans on all sides. I have several of both mfg but I think 95% of the comments like these are comments from immature people with no life but to post here. Those that can actually benefit from the changes and features on this camera will buy it and use it to their benefit. I sold all my FF “pro” equipment so I could have a compact system for portability, this still helps in this regard but it is not a choice for me over the ME-5. If m43 builds nothing but larger cams it will eventually hurt the format unless all FF goes away.
This site has become a sandbox of children that make only a handful of comments worth reading and really a sad place for opinions, it is starting to read like a tuner car forum or comments on a political site between electric cars and gas vehicles.
Admin, my login no longer works. I will register again if you make everyone register, I know you will loose some traffic but you will gain quality posters and add value to your site. Don’t have a site that ends up like all the other trash out there! This is a good place for aggregated news but that’s about it, the comments and characters are growing tired like so many places on the internet.
Truer words have never been spoken!
The amount of nitpicking, bashing and trolling going on around here is really affecting my fondness for this site, comments are no longer a source of knowledge like it use to. There’s always been a fair amount of trolls here but they’re rampant nowadays, there’s hardly any moderation (if at all) and most thread go off topic with the same arguments by the same people, it’s really turning this place into a shthole.
The healthiest thing to do is to skip the comments entirely.
I’ll come back to 43rumors once they sort the commenting system out.
Looks to me like you’re still here. You have to leave before you can return.
This has been going on for some time. There are people here that post negative comment in a host of niks every waking hour. What would motivate this other than money?
I suggest people ditch their login to force change, that all niks are registered and only registered niks post
nothing more worse then a brand addicted person 😉
It won’t work, the annoying people will definitely rejoin. Get Smart replies: “That’s profiling and I will have nothing to do with it”
Well I just realized that in fact GH3 is bigger than EM-1. I really apologize guys, I’m really sorry. I hope you’ll forgive my stupid mistake.
hahahahahahahaha did anyone here believe I said that? grow some balls and post using your own name
You could actually grow some & be man enough to admit you made a mistake & apologise.
Very well put @Homer! Excuses, excuses….
Based on the pictures posted the EM-1 is about the same size as 35mm camera, but with 1/4-sized sensor! The exact same shortcomings and disadvantages that killed Four-Thirds are still present.
For roughly the same size or a bit bigger, I’d rather use an APS-C or full-frame DSLR with real optical viewfinder, live-view, and at least 1 and 2 stops better low light performance (which are some reasons why Four-Thirds never took hold and died on the vine). So much for the “micro” size advantage. The only thing that m43 has over APS-C is a price advantage when the various end-of-life models go on fire-sale (e.g., Panasonic G5 at $250; EPL3 with lens at $200!) and maybe the poorer resale values on used equipment (on the buyer’s side). However, Olympus’s new releases are never price-competitiveness as they are consistently overpriced (something like Sigma SD-1 pricing fiasco, Olympus is trying up-market pricing with a down-market sensor size), and the E-M1 will very likely not change this pattern.
Unfortunately for Olympus, if they go bigger in size, they lose the only real advantage they have, because it’s a “whatever you (Olympus) can do, we (APS-C and Full Frame) can do better” situation.
No it’s not but you are still an idiot. Btw, I don’t think thr GH-3 is to big either.
and youre a coward, just like eeeeevery other anonymous fantard here
@true homer
To quote you, “The em1 is bigger than the gh3! Backpedal you fanboys, backpedal! I cant wait to hear the excuses”
Try using your brain before making stupid comments. The guy that did that overlay at photosoup didn’t use his as the E-M1 is smaller than the GH3 by approximately 4mm in width & maybe 1mm lower at the hotshoe.
And you know this based on the specs olympus privately sent you? If im dumb for saying something based in what I SAW then youre a fantard for saying something based on NOTHING
If I want a behemoth I’ll use my 5D MK 3.
Geeze OLy and Panny, keep it small like the sensor or put a FF sensor in there.
Small in size, high in price; low in quality.
the words of a real intellect
Here is a perfect example of an opinion from a person that has never touched the camera but will next post that they have extensively… As I said above, this place is getting worse and worse. Please leave your shovels at home or stay there.
It’s your brain, so I suppose you can say anything you like about it, but if I was so inadequately endowed, I wouldn’t be so public about it.
You reply with insults, but no facts… Troll
Well, what facts do you have then? So far e-m1 looks anything but low quality camera. Same trolling
Heres a fact: 1500$ gets me a 6d, a camera that without having seen one em1 file is guaranteed to beat it.
so you are still here, instead of going and buy that, why exactly?
I do have other m43s cameras. There ARE other models other than the em1. You know that, right? you just called attention to yourself a bit
Don’t forget most Nikon and Sony cameras as well. For performannce to price ratio, you can’t do much worse than this overpriced, mediocre piece of cheap plastic from Olympus
You definitely have never held an Olympus, whereas I have held plenty of Canikon, sorry but when you compare their lines versus Olympus, the build quality is equal if not superior when it comes to Olympus. It would be interesting to see a site on failure rates like there are with cars. I think Olympus would be ahead of Canikon there too when talking to a few pros who had to take backup cameras due to failures before going on a trip
Of course, that 6D with a few lenses weighs more than double what an equivalent EM-1 kit weighs. And for 99% of real-world photographs (instead of DXO test charts), you’d never notice the difference on a monitor or print.
But you’ll feel much more manly showing off your 12 pounds of FF kit, won’t you?
Its funny…….Big body and lens, Big price and tiny sensor. Its just an average size DSLR with weak performance.
and another rocket scientist
Don’t worry, we have a lot like him in stock 🙂
LOL
You folks are feeding the pigeons, don’t and they will go away. It works on many forums very well.
You fangirls are funny. You cant take the truth. Everybody who is not impressed with this toy is marked as troll. Really sad.
You trolls are funny. You cant take the truth. Everybody who is not impressed with this toy is marked as fangirl. Really sad.
Well in fact I’m a real dumbass, I admit it.
You wish you where Shenkie you loser.
Hey! Look! we can all play the troll game! YAY!
What if we all posted as Shenkie or Full Frame ?
Seriously, we need to get rid of these wankers.
Sometimes I wonder if these badmouthers are actually hired shills. It just doesn’t make sense to me why would people troll these sites just for fun when clearly they have no interest in the mirrorless systems. I certainly have better things to do.
Companies do this all the time, as a mod on another forum I check IP addresses and often they are very revealing. Besides this type of activity there are plenty of regulars that do the same. The admin can easily check this out if he care about the noise here. I ban these types all the time when they use multiple logins form the same IP or are clearly astroturfing.
Getting fed up, trolls and racists being allowed to take over, might give 43rumors a miss 🙁
Trolls are like the old HAM radio people decades ago. Just scanning frequencies and stirring the pot for fun and bored one release. Maybe it’s fun !!! Lets all go on dpreview Canon Mark 5 whatever forum and rey to convince them to go m 4/3.
Shenkie
Real Camera Owner
FullFrame
I think all these wankers are actually just one sad and lonely loser in disguise, the actual amount of people behind most of the trolling here may not be more than 4 or 5 different people at most. Admin should make an IP ban list as well as a sidebar to the right with a list of repetitive offenders so that people don’t respond to them (if they somehow get past the IP ban).
This issue comes down to general common sense and education, simply do not respond to trolls, do not feed them, at all.
Sorry for my behavior. There notting that i would love more then being accepted by the fangirlclub. So here is my try:
Wow what a beautiful camera. Its so small and ligthweigth. Its smaller then all other mirrorless and much much better. Its sensor is the best, even better then all the FF sensors. Its just perfect. I also love the lenses they are the best in the world. I don’t care about DOF. DOF is for people who can not take a decent picture. I never print large and when i do the prints are even better then a FF print. I don’t care about filming. This is a picture camera. The ibis is the best. Due to the ibis i am a real pro. This camera is not expensive. When you think about it its real cheap because its a pro camera and better then everything els. This camera fits my big hands real good. Its a perfect camera for real men. I don’t think it looks like a toy camera. Its real pro.
Much, much better. And speaking the truth. Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?
Look you sad parody of a person, here’s the thing, it’s not longer about m4/3 vs FF, it’s not about your views, it’s not about who’s right or wrong. Your behavior has nothing to do with cameras or specs or what system is better (such a thing doesn’t exist), you have a pathological disorder, you feel the need to spend hours on end on this site trying to stir things up just to get some attention, to compensate for some existential void in your pathetic worthless little turd of a life.
There are countless users who have both FF AND m4/3, people who use them both to complement each other, the vast majority find advantages in both of them, no one put m4/3 against FF in the first place, that was you (and your gazillion other aliases), they’re tools and they serve different purposes, get it into your little head.
M4/3 is not the perfect system (although it’s the most convenient IMO), APS-C isn’t either nor is it FF. If you need someone to put things into perspective for you then I have news for you, FF is not the holy grail, it’s only what your pathetic day job affords you in your quest to get the ¨best ever¨, it’s the system you’re stuck at because you can’t afford or can’t operate medium or Large format (not that MF or LF are the holy grail either, but your personality as a gear head demands you get the perceivable best) that’s why you try to defend it so vehemently when other systems become successful, you feel you have to justify your lack of skill and monetary limitations by attacking other people’s choices, but that only makes you look like a pathetic spec-wanker. What is so great about FF (or any other format you ever choose) ? Does it allow you to become a better photographer ? I doubt any other system would make a difference for you, you’re not into photography, you’re into collecting gear. What have you accomplished with your beautiful FF system ? would that have been different with other systems ? doubtful.
Like many pathetic gear heads your lust for ¨THE BEST¨ has only incremented your underlying pathological issues and you’re now nothing more than yet another pathetic internet troll, your parents must be proud. Do yourself a favor, get out of this site, get your precious FF (or any other system you choose to defend as ¨THE BEST¨ only because that’s what you have) and actually use it to take fcking photographs.
And for everyone else, this goes to Pany and Oly fanboys as well, stop arguing about stupid brands and start using the whole system, that’s what it’s designed for, go out and enjoy photography once in your pathetic lives. I’m sick and tired of the BS on this site.
So you’d just rather sit around in a circle j*erk with all your m43 buddies and not hear criticism? That’s the definition of a fan-boy.
I like the idea of the Pens and use one. Image quality has mostly gotten to the good-enough stage. But often I wonder if m43 won’t die the same fate as regular Four-Thirds.
Olympus abandoned Four-Thirds because of bad decisions about market placement and competitiveness–the E-3 and E-5 were as big as a D300/50D, but with a 1/4 sized sensor, and that repeated down the entire product line. It does not take an economist to figure out that would not sell in a competitive market. Olympus and Panasonic got hits with more advanced photographers (not so much with PS upgraders it seems in the US) with small mirrorless cameras. However, both are now going bigger, but the sensor, the raison d’etre of these cameras, have remained small, all the while their competititors’ cameras are about the same size but with better measured performance.
Plus, it’s entertaining to read some of the mostly silly arguments and excuses about equivalence and such other depth-of-field nonsense propounded by m43 users attempting to justify their purchases. Just accept that a smaller lens has more depth of field and use it as an advantage. If you want bokeh, m43 isn’t really the best tool for the job–you can certainly do it, but I prefer using at least full frame, if not medium format (all things being equal). It’s like trying to shoot sports with a point-and-shoot; yes, it can be done, but it is not the optimal tool. If you really want bokeh and creamy tones, though, shoot a LF Deardoff by window light, or a least a huge bank light. THAT is bokeh…..
I agree that Pany and Oly are making the wrong move (in the long term) by going bigger, that’s what made 4/3 fail, we should all be aware of that. On the other hand m4/3 has plenty of diversity, so it’s not only big cameras like 4/3 was (thankfully), so m4/3 can still expand into the base consumer and enthusiast markets. M4/3 could become the next best thing in photography (if anyone cares about such a thing) just as well as it could fail like 4/3 did, the future of the format is in the hands of marketing, that’s for sure.
In terms of silly arguments, what’s the purpose of them ? what difference does it make to discuss about those things here ? does it change anything ? More DOF, less DOF, better high ISO, more DR…Does anyone here actually take advantage of those things ? does anyone here actually produce any meaningful photography ? would those specs make a difference ? Does the public see that difference ? I doubt it. Medium and Large format should dominate the market as the common consumer format since they have the best specs in accordance to gear heads but no one uses them massively, there’s no need nor justification for it, just like there’s no need for everyone to have a Ferrari or Bugatti Veyron.
Gear sites are the cancer of photography, they have created this culture of specs-wankers just like in many other hobbies. People here discussing all this BS don’t make any difference in the end, people will choose what’s the most convenient tool for their needs, and so far it’s smartphones (wonder if we would see the same troll names on those sites). A decade ago you NEEDED to have a camera to take pics, that’s why P&S existed, well, not anymore; nowadays camera companies are fighting over a small minority of people who have an actual interest in photography or need better equipment, the question is how much better? And smartphones are bringing that bar down, maybe even m4/3 is too much already, so for all the FF evangelist, sorry to say this but FF will not become mainstream no matter how cheap it gets, physics will always dictate the size of a system and in today’s age convenience is king.
all points valid, the problem is that those that troll here could care less about photography. They are at best consumers. What is important in their lives is; Brand, Status, Consumption. Look at the arguments they reiterate over and again … “Panasonic is better than Olympus”, “Olympus is better than Panasonic” (while ignoring the fact that they share a ‘common system’) Which is the only Multiple Brand system in decades. Yet, they waste 90% of their and the forum’s time and breath on rallying around one vs the other.
Modern maker branding logic doesn’t share. You don’t make widget X to function with Gizmo Y. I expect the mFT systems drives those that sell their soul and allegiance to one Logo, crazy. To read their sputtering, defensive remarks here only proves the point.
Expanding beyond the mFT system, the alliance/bias aspect is an offshoot again of branding allegiance once again. Not one camera maker has all the answers. What they all try to do is serve a niche or profitable market. They are not the panacea for all needs photographic. Serving up arguments to this aspect is sadly commonplace and it clouds the actual interesting prospects of new technology trends in the camera industry.
The fact this forum likely generates its income off of consumers, this type will always be here to voice their agendas. After all, what better consumer is there than the brand-rabid fanatic? They after all are likely to buy the biggest heap of goods, never satisfied and always wanting the newest, which of course means, best. They don’t have use these things, status is in ownership, not application. Defense of their purchases will likely fuel their opinions and rants. Insecurity is a big issue with the retail consumer. Thank marketers for that.
People who are actually photographers, in general tend to be anti- or at least brand shy. The black gear concept came originally from a time when Camera Makers actually built products that worked on more than one system. “Pros” would buy what worked best and didn’t care who made it as long as it was the best tool, the habit was to cover up labels with black tape. Generic was always a pro concept.
This doesn’t mean brands don’t count. I got hooked on Olympus in the 70’s. Their designs kicked the industry in the arse and created trends we accept as commonplace now. And yes, every bitch and moan you hear about Olympus in 2013 … same shit 30 years ago. 1) Too expensive 2) What the hell are they thinking? You can also read in the 1920’s when Leitz had the same complaints from the opinion of camera wonks, and to this day, those same complaints come up again and again: 1) Too expensive! 2) What the hell are they thinking? And I own useful camera gear made by both makers, as well as other brands.
Trolls can be ignored. They are like pigeons, rats and roaches, you can’t eradicate them, and if you are going to feed them, make sure you add a bit of poison to the snack, culling keeps their numbers low.
bob2, legitimate criticism is one thing. Uninformed opinion, incorrect “facts” and misleading statements is just trolling. Something you’re very good at.
Only four days to go! Can’t wait for reviews of PDAF performance! Hopefully it bridges one of the few remaining advantages SLRs have over mirrorless. Not a feature I need, but good for the whole mirrorless concept.
Again it strikes me how impatient we have become. In the old days… 🙂
==========
On a camera using same/similar technology, from Techradar’s review of Canon 70D:
“Although Canon’s new Dual Pixel AF system is faster than its previous Live View AF systems, it isn’t quite as fast as the contrast detection systems in Panasonic’s recent G series compact system cameras such as the Panasonic G6 and Panasonic GX7, or Olympus’s PEN range including the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 and Olympus PEN E-P5.”
I couldn’t find anything for the a3000, yet.
Yes. Just 4 more days then we will be beyond endless rumors, possible and improbable leaks and a cascade of believable or unbelievable images. Of course, there will be the endless naysayers and prophets of doom after that. But that is okay. Hopefully more of us will be away from the computer and happily enjoying the tools of our choice, regardless of what they would be.
I wonder if there is still room for any positive surprises, even a small one? We will find out soon enough.
Impatient? Not really. A few months ago my E-M5 had to go back to Olympus for repair. Took seven weeks before it was returned. By comparison, 4 days is not a long wait at all.
People writing here may be “impatient”, but are even better described as “contentious”, as well as “petty”, “juvenile”, and “ill-mannered”. You know who you are. (Those who don’t know it are in deeper trouble than I can imagine.)
Interesting quote re: Canon 70D. It’s a clue that we must be prepared.
The reviews of the E-M1 will NOT be totally and uniformly positive. The camera will have WARTS. Everything does. So everyone: get ready, cover your virtual ears, the noise will be unbearable (for about 2.5 months and then everone will say, “the E-M1, hey, it’s pretty good”).
Happens every time.
Me conumdrum. I have FT glass including 12-60 , 50-200 and 7-14. Given that even berter sensors are expected in one or two years time and Ihave OMD should I
1. Buy EM-1 and use FT glass until advanced sensors come out and sell OMD then EM-1
2. Buy new 12-40 and sell 12-60 use other FT glass then buy an advance sensor camera. Then sell OMD
What body do you have now? If it is an FT, E-M1 sensor will already be quite an improvement, at least 2 stops, maybe 3.
Also, I think very few of us need more than 12 bits of dynamic range that the current generation of Olympus sensors offer. For me, the need to wait for better image quality has long passed.
I have an E-PM1, and, as of today, I’m planning to wait till it dies and get whatever is available then. 10-bit DR is good enough for me. 🙂
DR of 10 v 12? It is very noticeable, you will enjoy it.
Just a couple of dans folks to see what it really is, be happy with the trolls no better sign of envy as that…
For me it is simple I want a new smaller weatherproof body to focus my swd 43 glass so a em1 or probably new em5ii is likely to fit that bill, and since coming from a e3 performance is likely to go up a big bit, of course I will mis the ovf and flash from time to time but I am certain that for my kind of photography it is likely to pan out positive.
But I will be patient because I have an e3 which still works and I am not in a hurry, who knows maybe pana brings us a sealed gx7 pro focusing swd….
Having shifted from E5 myself, I think you will find the EVF a huge advantage not a disadvantage
Admin, you say we know all the specs. Do we know if EM1 has electronic (silent) shutter feature like Panasonic G5?
Doesnt look much bigger than the E-m5+add-on grip. I’d like to see it compared to the GX7 E-P5 and some DSLRs
i really don’t understand…micro 4/3 should focus on the advantage of size compared to normal DSLR…
size are now comparable to other DSLR and they didn’t even found a space for the Flash that you have to bring with you every time.
The size is still very small. Have you ever seen an OM-4 camera? It is tiny compared to any dslr,
it was even tiny in 35mm times. The 100f2 seems big in this picture, but filter size is 55mm.
The 12-40 is a bit bigger, but there is the option of a 14-42 or a prime as well…
http://camerasize.com/compare/#289,290
Nice comparison site! Thanks for the link.
Micro-4/3 pretty much *is* focused on smaller camera body sizes. Problem is, the smaller cameras aren’t selling all that well outside of Asia. Oly needs at least one larger body to sell to pros / semi-pros / enthusiasts in North America.
And you know, if you think the E-M1 is too big for you, nobody is forcing you to buy it. Get a Pen if that’s more your style.
I agree. The E-M1 is only a bit wider than the E-M5. By all means it is still a small camera, which can however carry bigger lenses.
IMHO the limit is the price: How many of those is Oly going to sell? With accessories it enters FF territory. Will the size advantage play into its hands in the US? Will Asian sales be enough?
Having said that each serious brand needs a flagship, which is usually expensive. It defines a terminus ad quem, the upper border.
One can certainly enjoy the lesser expensive cameras, with little or no loss of performance (sensor), which is a remarkable feature of m4/3.
I think making the grip larger with more space for the buttons was a good call. Not that it was a big deal, but I thought not having a larger grip or more space between the buttons was a problem for the E-M5. Additionally if you want to use larger 4/3 glass then you definitely will want a larger grip.
However, fussing about adding the grip seems silly because, as shown in the pictures, the length of just about every lens will dwarf the protrusion of the grip.
lol
Like others, I’ve wondered about the size of the EM1 vs. DSLR. Particularly, having experienced the E-1’s superlative ergonomics, I’m curious about how it compares. It’s good to see how much the EM1 has been made to reflect the essence of the E-1 distilled into a modernized and beautifully contoured design.
That lineage clearly shows in the area around the grip and shutter release. Based on the latest pictures, the “finger space” between the grip and lens is about the same as the E-1 (~26mm) which suggests the new camera should be very comfortable to use even with bigger FT lenses.
OTOH, one concern is shape of the eyepiece. It seems to protrude due to being deeply curved as viewed from the top. The question is how suitable it will be for people wearing eyeglasses. I assume the eyepiece can be replaced. Does anyone know if the flatter eyepiece of the E-M5 would fit?
Otherwise, the EM1 sure looks like it will be a great camera.
Grip too big!
OK. E-M5, grip “too small”. Now, E-M1, grip “too big”. No winning for losing. Guess Oly just can’t do anything “right”.
Well, then I have the PERFECT GRIP SOLUTION!!
I think Oly should make the grip INFLATABLE. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Now you can pump it up to JUST THE RIGHT SIZE for whatever your weird paws require.
Of course, there will be something wrong with that too…
Grip just right. The problem must be with your hands.
Now I want a native 100mm f2 lens!
And I’d sell my soul to the devil for it to be 1:2 macro too!
Maybe a 200mm f/2.8 with dedicated/built-in focal reducer?
Why are people so defensive in this site?
A sign if strength is the ability to respond to criticism in a calm and respectful manner.
Judging by the responses on this site, there are a lot of weak, insecure users here.
There is a logical dynamic: smaller sensor means smaller lenses means smaller body.
Whenever a m43 body starts getting close to the size of a DSLR, the logic behind the smaller sensor breaks down.
I’m lucky enough to treat this as a hobby, and can spend a bit of cash if I want.
I went m43 because its smaller and still has quality.
It doesn’t make me an anti m43 troll, because I think the em1 is getting too big, and the ep5 was a half baked missed opportunity.
And that the em1 is as ugly as all hell.
Panasonic should buy olympus, put their ibis in the gx9, and I’ll not be back on this site for two or three years.
Yeah
But the funny thing is when some people talk about wanting a smaller package, at the same time they bitxh about not having ultra bright lenses….
The problem is that the vast majority of m4/3 users actually want a phone with a decent camera, but either don’t realize it, or are in serious denial. “Make it smaller, much smaller, I want the camera to fit in my trouser pocket so I can always carry it with me when I leave home in order to take snapshots and be a stealthy street voyeur!”
Technology progresses. Just like phones killed the CSC market, they’ll kill m4/3 as well – and what’s left is going to be DSLR and DSLM, until DSLM takes over – but without any reduction in size. Prosumer DSLR users always progress towards bigger and more capable bodies with better ergonomics and more button control. Sensor size is unimportant.
Buying into m4/3 is a waste of money; five years from now, phones will have larger and good enough sensors and optics for most m4/3 users, and the recent Sony QX lenses and the Nokia 1020 (which delivers usable ISO 3200!!!) are a wonderful, wonderful glimpse into the future. After all, why would you carry a phone, a camera and a set of lenses when you can carry just a phone and a set of lenses? Or even just a phone?
Remember these words, and if 43 Rumors still exists in 2018-2020, bring them up.
Question – clearly neither side likes the idea of one camera for 4/3rd & M4/3rd . With Slr cameras clearly winning in sales why does Olympus want to end the E series and piss off everybody ?
That’s an interesting question, but one should have been made 4 years ago. People who stayed with 4/3 have no excuses at all – Oly’s change of strategy was clearly formulated then. The waste was not one of a commercially failed system, but of a collection of v. good optics.
Now this has been atoned for, but there is no doubt at all that the E-M1 is a m4/3 camera, take it or leave it.
If some will rate it for SAF with 4/3 lenses the majority will rate it for CAF, which was already appalling in 4/3 *despite* it was a true reflex system. Albeit one which couldn’t compete.
So give us a break, 4/3ers: get some use from the camera if you can. You are not going to make any difference to the pass or fail of the new camera, and especially for the success of mirrorless which accounts for almost ten times more that of 4/3.
Those of us with a vocabulary over 300 words know that you do not make a question, but that you ask it.
Oh, do we have something to excuse now?
Tell me, what..?!
It’s 3 years since the E-5 was released. Now we have the E-M1, materializing the OBS, just in due time for a normal pro-body replacement cycle. In the mean time my E-5 and 4/3 Zuikos have served me just fine. Oly has now followed their stated intention, by releasing a PDAF enabled body for the 4/3 lenses. Moreover, its size, ergonomics and specs comply w/ those intentions, for catering those invested in the 4/3 gear and lens lineup. If you want smaller, there’s plenty of choices. If you want simpler, lots of that too.
So what is your problem with this? Are you envious? Are you insulted? Or are you just being selfish? Truth be told, I wouldn’t be surprised by any of that, not even all of it, as it suites your mindset (or lack thereof) and personality just perfect.
“So give us a break, 4/3ers: get some use from the camera if you can. You are not going to make any difference to the pass or fail of the new camera, and especially for the success of mirrorless which accounts for almost ten times more that of 4/3.”
Well, it’s not like m4/3 or OBS is your credit, is it?
It’s rather the other way around, as it’s the long term Oly users, who have bought their products on a steady basis, who have supported the brand regularly, who have build their system around Oly, hence keeping them in business. Those users earn the credit. Not you, an inflated newbie w/ a purse and a single Pen. So give *us* a break, will you? Oly have kept their promise. And so do we, by following suite, and buy the E-M1, and build an OBS from there. I’m sure we will all be content. You on the other hand…
You know Mr. Aseeth, happily in this forum the combination of smearing, denoucing and banning which you very successfully used against us m4/3ers at the 4/3 forum at DPR won’t work. So you are left with useless fangs.
I can exercise here my freedom of speech, and you certainly won’t intimidate with the extent of your past belongings, that had eventually, one day or the other become obsolete.
So it is in your very interest to accept the last gift that has been made, with many condoleances, to a perished system. It won’t drag down anymore the Olympus system as it did for so long. Therefore you are the beggar here, not the master.
We were never properly introduced after all, so learn courtesy if you want any meaningful answer about m4/3. OBS is a nice tale but it requires wise and obedient children 🙂
As White Snow and the Prince Charming we’ll keep it enjoying it for a long time . 🙂
“…happily in this forum the combination of smearing, denoucing and banning which you very successfully used against us m4/3ers at the 4/3 forum at DPR won’t work…”
Had you learned your lesson, you would know that I have never, not once, submitted a single derogatory comment at DPR against the m4/3 system as such, nor to any user of that system. I have repeatedly said though, that m4/3 (prior to the E-M1) is no substitute for 4/3. Simply due to inferior ergonomics, ruggedness, and optics. Hence, as an invested 4/3 user, I’ve awaited the OBS. Which now seems to emerge. As that happens, I will also, in addition to my native 4/3 Zuikos, start building a m4/3 lens lineup around that, for use during (non-photographic) travel, mountaineering and kayaking. That’s what the OBS is about, being able to assemble the appropriate kit for any occasion, all from the same core components, which now finally all will be up for the task.
“…So it is in your very interest to accept the last gift that has been made…”
So wrong. This is for me a natural evolution of the system. But it has to evolve into a useful one, before I buy into it. Oly promised it, and kept their word. The wait is therefore over. And such a wait does not mean your against it, does it? This is by no means any “last gift given”. On the contrary, it’s the first one, in a new technological epoch that seamlessly carries on from the last one. A happy camper am I 🙂
“…so learn courtesy if you want any meaningful answer about m4/3…”
LOL. Yeah, right.
Who has been banned all over the place?
Not me. Nowhere. Not once.
How about you?
Furthermore, I don’t need your “answers” about m4/3, thank you very much.
I believe I know what I need to know about that, and more to come.
Amalric – I know that someone asked you the same before on this forum; but can you PLEASE start an internet blog – you are by far one of the funniest ppl on the web. I’d read it on a daily basis. Promise!
Only if I have the attendant high quality trolls. If you want to give me a hand you can get in touch at my flickr address 🙂
hmmm, I might do that actually – I think we’d make great team. I failed on my project for yesterday which was shooting railway station pubs in the countryside of the Czech republic – so I’ll need a new hobby for the autumn. (and yes….I have to admit shooting that was one of the situations where my 43 gear was just too big and outdated to be able to do so discretely enough. (ISO / DR ETC..shooting E3, horrible….)) – “no photos please!!” – they shouted. In any case – I’ll follow up on your flickr address and we’ll make a scheme.
In the end at least we got to a pub yesterday night in the middle of nowhere w two plump sisters in need of help with a product-style shot of some local wine for some flyers…..how you juts prostitute yourself for free beer!!!….and I shot that on a CANON (I’m a real bitch at the end of the day…)I’ll be in touch…..
Not clear at all,
6000 people vote on this site but only a few are vociferous. There are many who will be happy with this, certainly indicated by the number of bidders on my 43 lenses.
From what I’ve seen so far, the size looks just about perfect.
Looks good to me. I may not even need the battery grip!
If the E-M1 is anything like the E-M5, you may need the battery grip for shooting convenience (extend time between battery swaps) / a socket for an external power supply as much as for anything else.
Has anybody else noticed how large the E-M1’s shutter release button is? Too bad they didn’t make it threaded to allow using a threaded cable release or a little mechanical timer.
Yeah, it’s quite a bit bigger than the E-M5’s button. As for remotes, all of Oly’s 4/3 and micro-4/3 cameras have allowed for non-mechanical cabled remotes (you can get a 3rd-party one off eBay for a few dollars / euros). I’m not sure what a mechanical cable release would do for you other than introduce jitter.
Massive camera. Massive lens. Massive distortion (7%+). Ridiculous prices. Noisy sensor. Fail.
yeah we need compact like a 1dx and a 600mm L
The size versus the GH3 is probably incorrect if you look at
http://camerasize.com/compare/#289,212
Looking at the size comparison with the E-30, it looks to me as if the 12-40 is a 4/3rds lens with a micro adaptor built in – the extension at the back of the lens is precisely the right size. This could be a smart way to design pro-quality “micro” lenses – just restrict the aperture and/or the zoom range to keep the size down.
Whatever the case, the E-M1/12-40 looks like the ideal size for me – not too big, not too small.
Pff i realy do not get this p.. contest going on looks to me like a lot of cases in the sence of i need a car with a bigger bonnet, regardless if you are ever going to use what is under it.
if you think a format for you does not work dont buy it, you do not have to convince others that you did the right thing…
Bottom Line get a Hasselblad and mount a telescope
OM4 is full frame nuff said