Olympus OM-D E-M5, E-M1, E-M10 - Mk1, Mk2 & Mk3 Owners Thread

Tracking is more difficult then with the awesome 1d but there are many ways to skin a cat so they say and going back to manual lenses doing it the old film way or zone focussing isn't a replacement but is an option to up your keepers.

I'm attempting a full season of motorsport with Micro 4/3 this year. Starting with a Panasonic G5 but finance dependent I'm hoping to switch to a GH3 and OM-D at various points in the year. The Olympus 75mm 1.8 and Panasonic 100-300 will be the lenses of choice.

Really looking forward to the OM-D, with the grip it looks viable with the 100-300.

I did a few events in 2011 with M4/3 gear, it was far far easier than I had been led to believe. The biggest issue was the staggering range of settings on these cameras, the most reliable method was far from obvious and took a lot of trial and error (the biggy being that SAF / AFS is actually better at tracking than CAF / AFC, which makes no sense).
 
Last edited:
Lindsay D said:
I've just done some interesting comparative field tests with the OMD set against the Canon 5D MkIII in a nature/wildlife scenario. Obviously the MkIII is the tool of choice if I need to invoke fast tracking focus, but the rest of the time the OMD proved to be sensational. If you're interested, you can see the write-up here: http://lindsaydobsonphotography.com/pets/choosing-the-right-kit-for-nature-photography/

Thanks for that Lindsey, sure it will be an interesting read. Also how are going with the Fuji XE-1 in comparison with the OM-D?

In regards to new OM-D I read Rumors that there were potentially be two new OM-Ds, one below the E-M5 and a pro model above.
 
I'm attempting a full season of motorsport with Micro 4/3 this year. Starting with a Panasonic G5 but finance dependent I'm hoping to switch to a GH3 and OM-D at various points in the year. The Olympus 75mm 1.8 and Panasonic 100-300 will be the lenses of choice.

Really looking forward to the OM-D, with the grip it looks viable with the 100-300.

I did a few events in 2011 with M4/3 gear, it was far far easier than I had been led to believe. The biggest issue was the staggering range of settings on these cameras, the most reliable method was far from obvious and took a lot of trial and error (the biggy being that SAF / AFS is actually better at tracking than CAF / AFC, which makes no sense).

It is a learning curve for sure, I had a lot of fun on Skomer last year (2012) trying to shoot the Puffins and Razorbills flying in and found it pretty difficult and then decided to use the zone method in the end as I never had enough time to waste. It was a pretty tough exercise but on saying that I did no worst than previous year using my Canon 40D and my 400L. I am going this year to Skokolm for 4 days so more time and I shall take my old manual lenses to try out too. I did give up very quickly trying to use continuous focus modes and used single focus modes and manual focus.
I have the grip and is makes the camera even more perfect for me.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for that Lindsey, sure it will be an interesting read. Also how are going with the Fuji XE-1 in comparison with the OM-D?

In regards to new OM-D I read Rumors that there were potentially be two new OM-Ds, one below the E-M5 and a pro model above.

Hi Julian, the XE1 and OMD are so different, the OMD is all about performance. For me as a working professional, the XE1 is more for recreational use. When the autofocus is improved and when there is mainstream RAW support, and when there are more X lenses, then the XE1 will be a viable work tool.
 
Those were some great captures Alby, I'd be really proud of getting those with my old 5D2 + 100-400mm combo.

Thanks Lindsay, I've always been intrigued by the image quality potential of the X-Pro-1 and XE-1, a bit alarming that there is no RAW support still. Understand why you pick the OM-D as it's more rounded package.
 
Those were some great captures Alby, I'd be really proud of getting those with my old 5D2 + 100-400mm combo.
Cheers Julian, it was fun trying to get the shot but frustrating until I switched off the tracking focus modes.
 
Cheers Julian, it was fun trying to get the shot but frustrating until I switched off the tracking focus modes.

Not sure if you're doing this (and it appears you did very well!) but if I want to quickly gain focus on a smallish fast moving object, and if there is little else around the object to confuse the camera (a blank sky is ideal) then avoiding the centre focus point and switching to multi-area focus can work very well, the camera will quickly lock onto the centre of your subject without you having to try and do it.
 
Not sure if you're doing this (and it appears you did very well!) but if I want to quickly gain focus on a smallish fast moving object, and if there is little else around the object to confuse the camera (a blank sky is ideal) then avoiding the centre focus point and switching to multi-area focus can work very well, the camera will quickly lock onto the centre of your subject without you having to try and do it.

Thanks for that Lindsey I will try that next time. I do tend to just use the centre spot normally.
 
Ajophotog said:
Yes I read that earlier, the 42.5 f1.2 looks like it could be something quite special and no doubt with a price to match.

Yeah, given the prices of the 12-35 and 35-100 I'd imagine these will be hefty indeed
 
150mm 2.8 is exciting. With all these fast-ish long options appearing a teleconvertor would be a useful addition to the line-up as well.
 
Oly OM-D E-M5 - brand new with 12-50 kit lens. Same marks with 100-300 and with no lens at all.

Anybody seen this before?

8342139978_31e8dfa2c6_b.jpg


Sensor? Dirt? It's on all images. Help please.
 
Last edited:
There is/was a specific issue with banding when using the Panasonic 20mm 1.7. I'm not sure if they ever fixed it.
 
One of the recent firmware updates was supposed to address the issue with the 20mm
 
Looks like my camera is on it's way back as it was finished today. Something about the sensor so will get a full repair analysis sheet included with the camera. I wonder what they found.
 
Looks like my camera is on it's way back as it was finished today. Something about the sensor so will get a full repair analysis sheet included with the camera. I wonder what they found.


Interesting indeed, maybe the replaced the sensor?
 
Mine packed it's bags yesterday after I dropped it before Christmas. I'll keep you posted on progress.
 
Oly OM-D E-M5 - brand new with 12-50 kit lens. Same marks with 100-300 and with no lens at all.
Sensor? Dirt? It's on all images. Help please.

If there was anyone within this group remotely interested in this problem you will be pleased to know that it is to be exchanged for a new one.

Thanks.
 
Oly OM-D E-M5 - brand new with 12-50 kit lens. Same marks with 100-300 and with no lens at all.

Anybody seen this before?

8342139978_31e8dfa2c6_b.jpg


Sensor? Dirt? It's on all images. Help please.

Mmmm...bizarre Steve :thinking:
 
If there was anyone within this group remotely interested in this problem you will be pleased to know that it is to be exchanged for a new one.

Thanks.
Rightly so too, did they say what the problem might be?
 
My e-m5 arrived back home safe and sound today with a sensor adjust and full clean. Most annoying is all my settings have been defaulted back to factory and even my screen protector has been removed plus I had to reattach the strap. On the plus side all looks fine and dandy :D So if sending away make a note of your settings if you want to get it back to how you had it before.
 
Bet that is a weight lifted and sometimes it does prove the best way is the local way.
 
I expect so. Many moons ago I sent my Olympus C-2000z for repair and it went to Lisbon. How long did your service take?
I popped into the post on the 20th Dec, silly really doing it over the Xmas period but I thought they would be less busy.even so 2 weeks was pretty quick giving the holiday time.
 
I just wondered if anyone had an Olympus m 9-18mm lens, and what the general opinion is of the lens please.
I have done a forum search, and I can't find any info on this lens at all. Whilst I have read reviews, I would rather have real world opinions.
To be honest the Panasonic 7-14mm sounds like the lens to get if money were no object, but price wise the Oly 9-18 micro four thirds seems the way to go!
If I had a camera store close by that held stock of this lens, I would of course try one, but unfortunately I don't have that luxury, so it's a case of buying without trying.
Thanks to anyone who can help me out with this!
 
I just wondered if anyone had an Olympus m 9-18mm lens, and what the general opinion is of the lens please.
I have done a forum search, and I can't find any info on this lens at all. Whilst I have read reviews, I would rather have real world opinions.
To be honest the Panasonic 7-14mm sounds like the lens to get if money were no object, but price wise the Oly 9-18 micro four thirds seems the way to go!
If I had a camera store close by that held stock of this lens, I would of course try one, but unfortunately I don't have that luxury, so it's a case of buying without trying.
Thanks to anyone who can help me out with this!

Marcia,

The 9-18mm is a good lens, as you say the 7-14mm is the perfect wide angle but is very expensive. It's also a much smaller lens than the 7-14 which might be good if size/weight is an issue.
 
Marcia,

The 9-18mm is a good lens, as you say the 7-14mm is the perfect wide angle but is very expensive. It's also a much smaller lens than the 7-14 which might be good if size/weight is an issue.

Thank you Chris. I saw that you used to have a 9-18mm so good to know you thought it was OK.
I don't think the weight would be an issue on the 7-14mm really, but the price is hard to justify if the 9-18mm is good too.
I hope now that Sigma have dipped a toe in the micro four thirds water, that other third party lenses may be in the pipeline!
Hope you are well Chris!
 
I popped into the post on the 20th Dec, silly really doing it over the Xmas period but I thought they would be less busy.even so 2 weeks was pretty quick giving the holiday time.

Thanks. I didn't want mine lying on a shelf over the hols but it looks like I should have sent it.
 
I've been bad. I bought my OMD a panny 100-300 f4-5.6 zoom today. I've always wanted a long zoom. I do have concerns about being able to hold it steady at such high magnifications so it will be interesting to see if I get along with it. I'll try to go and find some birds tomorrow. Does anyone else have this lens?
 
I've been bad. I bought my OMD a panny 100-300 f4-5.6 zoom today. I've always wanted a long zoom. I do have concerns about being able to hold it steady at such high magnifications so it will be interesting to see if I get along with it. I'll try to go and find some birds tomorrow. Does anyone else have this lens?

Yes I have it and one of the my fav lenses. Have absolutely no fear of hand holding, the OMD IBIS should be great. Even on my Panasonic bodies the lens IS is one of the best (after upgrading the lens firmware). rock solid stabilization. I loved my Canon 100-400mm L lens on my Canon 5D2, but this is even better and so little weight too, amazing lens (you can tell I like it)
 
Back
Top