Fuji X-E1 or Olly OM-D E-M5

jhob

jhob

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So, I'm a long time Fuji S5-pro user. I've stuck with that camera as I just love the IQ, beautiful skin tones, great dynamic range and very film-like noise pattern.

However, particularly since having kids, I have found that I now shoot almost exclusively on my Panasonic GF-1 as it is so much more portable. I have the kit zoom and 20mm and find that I mostly use the 20mm. I shoot in aperture priority or manual and always to RAW.

I've now got to the point where I am seriously considering selling all of my D-SLR kit and moving to a mirrorless format and am torn between sticking with m43 or jumping over to fuji x series.

The advantages/disadvantages for me are:

Fuji X-E1
Advantages
  • APS-C sensor (DOF)
  • Better low light performance
  • Fuji colours

Disadvantages
  • Limited lens line-up and no direct replacement for panny 20mm
  • Fiddly focus point selection (one of my main bugbears with the GF1)
  • Poor AF

Olympus OM-D E-M5
Advantages
  • Already have investment in m43
  • Easy focus point selection
  • Great auto-focus
  • Seems the more versatile camera
  • m43 platform is more mature

Disadvantages
  • Noiser, and seemingly uglier noise than the fuji
  • Smaller sensor, less DOF - although countered somewhat by fast lenses

I think at the moment I am swaying towards the fuji, mainly because it is likely that I will prefer the images is produces. My main concerns are around some of the practical aspects of the camera, which the olly seems to have nailed.

I would welcome the opinions and experience of others who have used one or both cameras to help me make a more definitely choice!

I have a bit of time to decide, It won't be until the Autumn that I make a purchase, I just want to make sure that I make the right decision.
 
Have you considered the E-P5? Olympus have taken some of the criticism of the E-M5 (such as the dreadful Myset implementation) and improved them.

The E-M5 is a nice camera (I own one), but compared to my old GF2 it's quite a bit bigger and heavier. This is less of an issue with bigger lenses (I use a superzoom a fair bit), where the size difference is less noticeable, but with a 20mm pancake I think the smaller body will make quite a difference, especially if you use flash (the E-P5 has a built in one, whereas the E-M5 does not).

http://camerasize.com/compact/#289.30,459.30,ha,t
 
No, I had not considered the E-P5. I'll take a look into it. Cheers for the tip! :)
 
I have the XE-1 so I am a bit biased, never owned the E-M5 but I was trying it out at SRS when they were still had only 5-6 of them circulating as demo models from store to store.

I can't really compare the quality of the images, though what I get from the Fuji is pretty darn great, equal or better to what I get from my K-5.

The lineup is limited but it is actually useful and the ones that are coming out look really interesting choices. Let alone that pretty much every single one of them has been a hit. Actually there will be a 27mm 2.8 pancake which is your 20mm replacement, and if you want something a bit faster there is also going to be a 23mm 1.4 as well though a tiny bit wider.

Also on the lens front there is the best compromise standard zoom on any system as far as I have seen. The 18-55 2.8-4, well priced very compact and with amazing IQ.

The other thing that you might want to consider is that the external controls are really great. It is a camera you will not need to move your eye from the VF to make basic adjustments and it does fit very nicely in the hand with enough weight and heft to feel solid without being uncomfortable.

Even with the EP5 out I'd still go for the Fuji.
 
The 23mm 1.4 could well swing it! I do have an MF OM-fit 28mm f2.8 that I was thinking of using in the iterim anyway. Just wish fuji would implement focus peeking as has now been implemented in the the EP5, would make MF so much more usable! Any idea when the 23m might be coming out?

The kit zoom does look really great and is a definitely a selling point for the camera.

The main thing that I think is now putting me off the X-E1 is the cumbersome AF area selection, would love it if the 4-way control could default to selecting focus area as I use that all the time. Never been too keen on face detection. It's even worse on the GF1, I have to press two buttons and then I can move the AF area point.
 
I see that the 27mm is a pancake - that makes it a very interesting proposition. Should be able to get similar DOF as my 20mm @ f1.7 given the smaller sensor.
 
There is a rumoured functionality/AF updating FW coming in July. The AF point selection has been one of the most requested features to be included so there is a chance that it might make it and make your choice even easier.

And yes it is a pancake, and if you go by the consistency of the release of their previous lenses it will be some time this summer that you will see it available. Both the 14 and the 55-200 came out within the quarter that Fuji specified in their lens roadmap.

I am after the 10-24 actually which is scheduled for last quarter release, bit late but oh well!
 
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I've owned both, for me the Fuji has that something special, almost full frame like quality that puts things like AF speed (which isn't that bad) in the shade. Yes I miss the swivel screen and a few clever features, but despite owning some lovely lens (25mm 1.4, 75mm 1.8) I was immediately far more impressed with the Fuji 35mm 1.4.

Although it's not a popular opinion, the E-M5 never did it for me, it offered nothing meaningful over the much cheaper Panasonic bodies (I had a G3 and G5), I used them in fairly demanding circumstances and if anything the Pannys had the edge in continuous AF speed and accuracy.
 
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I had a play with an X-E1 mu biggest bugbear is the AF sometimes it doesn't seem to lock on very well,which i know from the past having camera with the problem would start to get to me :)
 
Well, the autofocus on the s5pro is hardly great and I've learnt to adapt to that.

Be interesting to see what changes come about with the new firmware.

Got to say, I'm definitely swaying towards the fuji.

Still, I'm going to miss the DR of the S5pro, but a camera that isn't used isn't of much use.
 
Biased X-E1 owner here, and I've been blown away by the (lack of) noise at high ISO. 6400 is extremely usable and it put my 50D to shame.

Focus on the 35mm is a bit slow, but the "kit" zoom is excellent. I too am waiting for the pancake lens which is scheduled for Q3 (July/Aug/Sept).

Good luck - whatever you decide!

Ian.
 
whatever I go for it's going to knock the socks off the s5pro's noise. Although it has a pleasing character, there is a lot of it!
 
jhob said:
Well, the autofocus on the s5pro is hardly great and I've learnt to adapt to that.

Be interesting to see what changes come about with the new firmware.

Got to say, I'm definitely swaying towards the fuji.

Still, I'm going to miss the DR of the S5pro, but a camera that isn't used isn't of much use.
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Can see where your coming from,their a lot to like about the Fuji,its just one of those bug to do with the way i shoot and what i shoot,the speed of the autofocus count a big + for me :)
 
Don't get me wrong, better auto-focus is always good and it has been a bugbear of mine with the S5pro, it's just been one of those things I've learnt to adapt to, looking for lines of strong contrast to focus on etc.

Slow auto-focus on the other hand is an absolute killer. The panny 20mm is slow and I have missed a lot of shots with it, especially those featuring fast-moving children. I've got rid of a number of lenses over the years because they were just too slow for me.

From what I've read the X-E1 AF speed is pretty ok, 60mm macro lens excepted.
 
I think you'd be pleasantly surprised at the focus speed of the 60mm, I certainly was. It's a lot quicker than I expected it to be given a lot of comments on the web.

The Fuji won't easily focus on fast moving kids, but neither did my NEX7. I think it's just a mirrorless thing which is gradually improving with every incarnation, it won be long before AFC is up there with DSLR's I'm sure.

I have the XE1 after a long list of cameras, it's certainly the most fun unit I have ever owned. It's not an all-rounder, but for fun and outright Image quality it's scores top marks.
 
I handled the Oly E-P5 at SRS in the weekend and absolutely loved it. Next to an OMD the controls blew me away, to me they were in exactly the right location. Yes VF is missing as standard, but I don't mind an add on...

Just a though, oh an in combination with the 75mm and 17mm lenses it was very very quick to focus...The 60mm Macro quite a bit slower though...
 
You could drop Lindsay D a pm, she got both at the same time and used them professionally and later dumped the XE-1.
 
I've been researching exactly the same two cameras for a while now, and I'm coming down in favour of the Fuji as well. They're both very nice, but I just feel the Fuji will give higher quality results due to (a) the larger sensor, (b) the non-bayer pattern of the sensor, and (c) the higher quality lenses. To be fair some of the Olympus lenses are very good, and there are more to choose from, but the Fuji generally seems to be designed for professional customers and the Olympus is more aimed at the pro-am market.

The sensor size difference doesn't seem to be very big, but in my experience comparing micro 4/3rds against APS-C sensors, the larger ones give noticeably better quality results. Results from my (old) NEX-5 for example are definitely better than from the micro-4/3rds cameras I've owned.
 
I've looked at both cameras on line and read lots of threads and looked at lots of images but one thing that I can't seem to get over is the lack of a base ISO of 100 and I'm leaning more towards Nex as they at least have it.
 
woof woof said:
I've looked at both cameras on line and read lots of threads and looked at lots of images but one thing that I can't seem to get over is the lack of a base ISO of 100 and I'm leaning more towards Nex as they at least have it.
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P5 is supposed to have ISO100 and 1/8000 :)
 
dejongj said:
P5 is supposed to have ISO100 and 1/8000 :)
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P5? Olympus Pen?

Good, but it looks like they've made auto start at 200 :thumbsdown: My next question would be can I shoot RAW at ISO 100?

I'm not interested in back screen shooting but it does give me some hope for the future as I just can't understand why manufacturers are leaving the low sensitivities off enthusiast level cameras especially when they've introduced so many fast primes.
 
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Has anyone mentioned the x100s already? 23mm, nice Fuji Trans X Sensor/Colour. Fokus is better than with the X E1. Only downside at the moment would be the price and you stuck at 23mm.
 
I have both the OM-D and a X-E1 which i am photoing my kids most of the time, I actually sold all of my DSLR gear as i found it was never getting used even though i could quite easily carry it yet found it bulky in comparison to do so would leave it sat at home 90% of the time.
I do find the OM-D is my main choice with a Pana 35-100mm if im out taking random photos of my kids playing for candid type photo's as why the tracking like most CSC is very hit and miss i find the initial focus almost instantaneous so combined with burst type shooting setting you can get the photo you want most of the time... assuming right condition and settings selected ;)

The X-E1 and its kit lens which is one of best kit lenses ive had are both excellent
The images have the edge on the OM-D (don't be put of the OM-D though there very good) and i prefer the build and slightly more the actual control of the X-E1.. I also like the fact i can view photos ive already captured through the EVF so on sunny days i can look at them better without potential sun reflecting on the screen problem :cool:.
There both great cameras and i really like both yet even if Fuji did get the AF speed upto the OM-D on a new firmware release :love: id still miss the likes of my fast zoom :D

If you do go with the Fuji go and have a look for the quite common 10% discount codes that are about and if you want to save more cash try a refurb model with kit lens ;) on the last 2 times i have purchased refurb i found them too be like new apart from the refurbished product sticker on the box.
 
I currently own a X-E1 with the original 3 primes. IQ wise I can't fault it, it matches my A77 with primes (iso 50 and f11 is the exception for landscapes where I think the A77 has an advantage) and in fact surpasses it in many aspects of IQ (skin tones, per pixel sharpness). I enjoy using it when I can take my time but get frustrated when casual shooting when out walking with the family. Mainly due to af speed, selection of af points and I miss a swivel screen more than I thought I would.

I'm contemplating a swap to the OMD but am concerned about loss of IQ, no direct, affordable replacement or the 35/1.4 and the quality of the 12-50 kit lens. Very much in two minds, I might sell a prime and buy the fuji zoom to make it more flexible for casual shooting or do the swap and buy lenses as I can.

Anyone got any strong opinions formed through experience?
 
magicolor1 said:
I've been researching exactly the same two cameras for a while now, and I'm coming down in favour of the Fuji as well. They're both very nice, but I just feel the Fuji will give higher quality results due to (a) the larger sensor, (b) the non-bayer pattern of the sensor, and (c) the higher quality lenses. To be fair some of the Olympus lenses are very good, and there are more to choose from, but the Fuji generally seems to be designed for professional customers and the Olympus is more aimed at the pro-am market.

The sensor size difference doesn't seem to be very big, but in my experience comparing micro 4/3rds against APS-C sensors, the larger ones give noticeably better quality results. Results from my (old) NEX-5 for example are definitely better than from the micro-4/3rds cameras I've owned.
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I don't either camera is aimed at the pro market,both camera are aimed at the same market the upper end mirrorless range,for people who don't want to lug around an DSLR kit.

Both are capable cameras and will give very good i/q for most people needs.

:)
 
jhob said:
What's rattlesnaking?
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If I understand it correctly, it's the lens very quickly adjusting focus back and forth by small amounts, giving rise to a rattlesnake noise.
I think Olympus fixed it with a firmware update - I've not experienced it myself (but I've only had the lens a couple of weeks and maybe it only occurs in certain circumstances, so it may still be a problem for other people).
 
Ah yes, I think I know the phenomena you mean.

Anyway, from having done lots of research I am pretty convinced that the X-E1 is the camera for me. Only remaining niggle/potential show-stopper I have is with the focus point selection, I'm really hoping that will be fixed in a future firmware update.
 
And thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. It has been really constructive and helpful for me.
 
jhob said:
Hi, You've convinced yourself correctly, you'll not be disappointed they are a terrific bit of kit. Enjoy.:)
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Well I made the change, with a little sadness, but am pleased I have. Ok IQ isn't as good, but it's plenty good enough, unless I view at 100% or print huge (over 30" on the longer side), for my needs.

Advantages are obvious, lens size and choice, AF speed (will track my toddler in most situations or focus quickly enough to get a single grab shot) and usability of the EVF (not as good for static stuff but much better for moving the camera around).

Wish I could have kept the fuji and may well return to the system as a third option for pure IQ and handling pleasure, funds ever allowing :-)
 
I've tried to make this same decision myself.

In the past I've owned several m43 cameras and the Fuji x100. There is no doubt about it, the Fuji XSeries create the most fantastic images. They have a quality about them that's hard to explain. The colours, the sharpness - perfect.

However I really struggled with the X100 in terms of the EVF and the focus speeds. These features felt like early prototypes which should not have been released to market.

When I had my GF1 I wasn't happy either, the low light performance of m43 is obviously not on par with their equivalent crop sensor cousins.

However when I look back now over some of my images from the GF1 they are actually much better than I remember. Tac sharp, print well upto A3.

Given everything I'd probably go with the OMD unless you constantly find yourself wanting to push beyond ISO6400.


.
 
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