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

GreenNinja67 said:
Thanks both,

I'll do some research.

The Sand Martins and Oyster Catchers are calling me!
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Caveat emptor Trevor , I bought a used one last week a 9+ from Wex as new condition,worked great on close stuff on my om1 and e.m1x but took it out to a local NR over longer distances and out of 200+ shots not one was useable , lens returned and refunded .. the first one I had was super sharp but there are variables with them , a better but slightly more expensive lens is the 300mm f4 +a 1.4tc gives you 420mm true reach or 840 mm in ff terms at f5.6 and super sharp shots from here to eternity .. that’s what I use 99% of the time and it’s my go to lens
 
alfbranch said:
Where did you get it converted as I want one of my E-M1ii converted
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I didn’t get it converted. It was already converted when I bought it secondhand on eBay. When I was looking to get one converted, I found it was cheaper to get a secondhand camera already converted. I couldn’t tell you where it got converted. Sorry. If you search MPB for IR converted camera, you may stumble across a bargain
 
https://flic.kr/p/2qXZgWD
View: https://flic.kr/p/2qXZgWD

So, I recently went on holiday and I’m going through my photos and realising I barely touched my e-m1 iii camera with the 12-40mm pro lens and would often opt for the smaller, cheaper e-m5 IR converted camera with the lumix 14mm f2.5 pancake lens. Not because it was IR converted, but mainly because it was smaller and lighter. So, I think I’m gonna ditch the 12-40 lens. It’s a great lens but I’m probably not the target audience. I’m no pro and although it’s a micro four thirds lens, it’s still hefty compared to the primes I’d rather reach for. I may even ditch the em1 iii for a lighter camera like the e-m5 iii instead. I never used the live ND feature, but quite like the joystick. Hmmmm
 
the black fox said:
Caveat emptor Trevor , I bought a used one last week a 9+ from Wex as new condition,worked great on close stuff on my om1 and e.m1x but took it out to a local NR over longer distances and out of 200+ shots not one was useable , lens returned and refunded .. the first one I had was super sharp but there are variables with them , a better but slightly more expensive lens is the 300mm f4 +a 1.4tc gives you 420mm true reach or 840 mm in ff terms at f5.6 and super sharp shots from here to eternity .. that’s what I use 99% of the time and it’s my go to lens
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.... Yep, the OM 300mm F/4 Pro is stellar!
 
After 5 years away with Fuji gear, I’ve just got myself an EM5iii… it’s tiny, I’d forgotten just how small they are (previously had a 5ii). It’s coupled with a pancake at the moment which emphasises the (lack of) size. I’ll be looking for a reasonably priced 40-150 2.8 now, and look forward to hopefully contributing here.
 
popcorn said:
After 5 years away with Fuji gear, I’ve just got myself an EM5iii… it’s tiny, I’d forgotten just how small they are (previously had a 5ii). It’s coupled with a pancake at the moment which emphasises the (lack of) size. I’ll be looking for a reasonably priced 40-150 2.8 now, and look forward to hopefully contributing here.
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I’m considering trading in my em1 iii for an e-m5 iii. I know it’s a downgrade in some specs, but I do like the fact it’s smaller and I mainly shoot with primes anyway.
 
I am also considering the Fuji x-e3 with a prime too though as that also looks tiny. I like the small format with a joystick, but may miss the image stabilisation Olympus offers and the weather sealing. I also don’t have any Fuji lenses atm. Decisions decisions….
 
Petey said:
I am also considering the Fuji x-e3 with a prime too though as that also looks tiny. I like the small format with a joystick, but may miss the image stabilisation Olympus offers and the weather sealing. I also don’t have any Fuji lenses atm. Decisions decisions….
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I have nothing but good things to say about the Fuji kit I had (xh1), I just wanted smaller, but still with a full flip screen, weather sealing and ibis…. Which lead me back here.
 
Has anyone bought from the OM Refurbished 'shop'....

If so, what was your experience in regard to the quality/condition of the kit and how closely the box contents matched(?) a brand new item?
 
popcorn said:
I have nothing but good things to say about the Fuji kit I had (xh1), I just wanted smaller, but still with a full flip screen, weather sealing and ibis…. Which lead me back here.
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With your E-M5 iii, can you do handheld hdr photos? That’s one bonus of an e-m1 iii I found I liked and used often while holidaying with it.
 
Box Brownie said:
Has anyone bought from the OM Refurbished 'shop'....

If so, what was your experience in regard to the quality/condition of the kit and how closely the box contents matched(?) a brand new item?
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No but I have been checking as fancy the 40-150 F2.8 and 8-25 F4. So would be keen to hear from those who have.
 
Looks like we have one or two OM3 users on here now. Interested to hear some real world thoughts. I currently have a Fuji XT4 and an EM5 iii. The Fuji being my 'main' camera and the Olympus is used for travelling lighter and particular when I'm hill walking. I flirted with the idea of replacing both with the OM3 and consolidating to one system but I'm not totally convinced that move will suit me but on the flip side if I could get over the cost, and bought an OM3 as my little travel camera, I'm worried that the slight increase in bulkiness over the EM5iii would be disappointing. It looks a bloody lovely camera and I'm keen to see if I could fit one into my life!
 
@gad-westy
Well, as an OM3 owner for about 5 weeks, having moved from FF Nikon for medical reasons which are totally irrelevant to this discussion, I can say very little bad about it. Yes, it's weightier than the M5 range, but the flip side is that it feels more solid. Not to say there's anything flimsy about the other cameras. I'm not fond of the placement of the "creativity" dial on the front of the camera as it obstructs my fingers somewhat and for my style of photography (Raw only) it's largely irrelevant. But I'm getting used to it, and at least seeing things in mono at the flick of a switch can be useful. The buttons on the top plate are very small and difficult to find in a hurry, especially the "video" button. But I seldom use them anyway. Like wise I personally see no point in the video/stills dial on the left side, as I never have and never will shoot videos. I would sooner see it as an ISO or exposure compensation dial. But that's just me being selfish. The viewfinder is small, but adequate. Some say that it lacks a front grip, but the thumb grip at the rear compensates this. Yes, you could fit a grip plate (they ARE available), but then why not just buy an M1 series? Oh, and the new (to me) menu system is a revelation.
All these gripes sound a lot but they are me being nitpicky, and I do love the camera. I happily use it with the PanaLeica 12-60 and Oly 8-25, but it really comes into its own with small primes.
 
Stephen L said:
@gad-westy
Well, as an OM3 owner for about 5 weeks, having moved from FF Nikon for medical reasons which are totally irrelevant to this discussion, I can say very little bad about it. Yes, it's weightier than the M5 range, but the flip side is that it feels more solid. Not to say there's anything flimsy about the other cameras. I'm not fond of the placement of the "creativity" dial on the front of the camera as it obstructs my fingers somewhat and for my style of photography (Raw only) it's largely irrelevant. But I'm getting used to it, and at least seeing things in mono at the flick of a switch can be useful. The buttons on the top plate are very small and difficult to find in a hurry, especially the "video" button. But I seldom use them anyway. Like wise I personally see no point in the video/stills dial on the left side, as I never have and never will shoot videos. I would sooner see it as an ISO or exposure compensation dial. But that's just me being selfish. The viewfinder is small, but adequate. Some say that it lacks a front grip, but the thumb grip at the rear compensates this. Yes, you could fit a grip plate (they ARE available), but then why not just buy an M1 series? Oh, and the new (to me) menu system is a revelation.
All these gripes sound a lot but they are me being nitpicky, and I do love the camera. I happily use it with the PanaLeica 12-60 and Oly 8-25, but it really comes into its own with small primes.
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Many thanks @Stephen L . That's really good info. I'm perhaps inclined to wait it out for a few months and see if prices soften a little but it does appeal. It's funny you mention the menus. I often said that the EM5iii would be perfect if it had the newer menu system and USBC charging. The OM3 has those now and some other nice upgrades but of course all in a slightly larger, heavier body. Can't have it all! Agree about the small primes thing. That is probably what I enjoy most about m4/3 though when I'm hiking the 14-150 sits on the camera as it's weather sealed and covers everything. The rest of the time, I like smaller lenses. Recently picked up a Lumix 20mm 1.7 and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
 
I haven't had chance to get an OM3 in hand yet but I'm off to wex Birmingham next week (thinking about moving all my FF Lumix stuff on and just sticking with M43rds). Hopefully they have one there I can have a look then.
 
Adamcski said:
I haven't had chance to get an OM3 in hand yet but I'm off to wex Birmingham next week (thinking about moving all my FF Lumix stuff on and just sticking with M43rds). Hopefully they have one there I can have a look then.
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Best thing you can do. Take ALL reviews with a tablespoon of salt, and make your own mind up. Unfortunately we have no camera shops within 30 miles or more, so I couldn't handle one. Even the ones further away didn't hold anything then. But these days there's no such thing as a bad camera. Only ones that don't suit you.
 
@Stephen L

May I ask how you find the 8-25 F4 lens. Did you ever have or compare it to the PL 8-18 at all?

I'm a bit OCD with things you see. I only have Lumix lenses for my S5 ii and would like to have just OM lenses for the OM1. But I've heard and read that the 8-18 is equally as good and internal zoom.

I only have the 90 mm macro and 12-40 F2.8 Pro II for my OM1.

If I get rid of the FF kit I'm thinking I can just buy three lenses (8-25, 40-150 and the 20mm 1.4) and be pretty much done then.
 
This LEO was in quite deep shade and is only a record image. To date I had never seen let alone photographed the LEO.

This was at Elmley Nature Reserve

1/40th, f5.6 @ ISO 12800
So pp'ed to reveal as much detail as possible.

PS as I was using the 300mm & the x1.4 TC = FF FoV of 840mm..................handheld at 1/40th I think my muscle tone is suffering a bit :(


Z4090002_DxO_colour_andUSM_SMTspnWEB.jpg
 
Adamcski said:
@Stephen L

May I ask how you find the 8-25 F4 lens. Did you ever have or compare it to the PL 8-18 at all?

I'm a bit OCD with things you see. I only have Lumix lenses for my S5 ii and would like to have just OM lenses for the OM1. But I've heard and read that the 8-18 is equally as good and internal zoom.

I only have the 90 mm macro and 12-40 F2.8 Pro II for my OM1.

If I get rid of the FF kit I'm thinking I can just buy three lenses (8-25, 40-150 and the 20mm 1.4) and be pretty much done then.
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No, I have never used that PL 8-18. Like you, I prefer to have same-make lenses on bodies. But when a case is presented to vary from this then I will. For instance, the PL 12-60 has a greater focal range than either of Oly standard lenses with no degradation of quality. And I use the PL15mm instead of the Oly 17mm, as I had a very soft 17mm so it had to go. But yes, I love the Oly 8-25, not least because it goes to 25mm and therefore, for my use, I can keep it on the body for more of my shots.
 
Adamcski said:
@Stephen L

May I ask how you find the 8-25 F4 lens. Did you ever have or compare it to the PL 8-18 at all?

I'm a bit OCD with things you see. I only have Lumix lenses for my S5 ii and would like to have just OM lenses for the OM1. But I've heard and read that the 8-18 is equally as good and internal zoom.

I only have the 90 mm macro and 12-40 F2.8 Pro II for my OM1.

If I get rid of the FF kit I'm thinking I can just buy three lenses (8-25, 40-150 and the 20mm 1.4) and be pretty much done then.
Click to expand...
When I had Oly kit the 8-25 was one of my favourite lenses and with great range at 16-50 FF equivalent. Alfbranch on here posts some lovely shots taken with the 8-25.
 
Petey said:
I am also considering the Fuji x-e3 with a prime too though as that also looks tiny. I like the small format with a joystick, but may miss the image stabilisation Olympus offers and the weather sealing. I also don’t have any Fuji lenses atm. Decisions decisions….
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I am in the same place / boat. I have an x-t20 but I miss the IS and a fully articulating screen, so I looked at selling my stuff - MPB offered £730 for the body and 2 Fuji lenses. I have 2 more lenses so perhaps my “no cost” option is £960

I looked at an x-s20 but they’re ~£1000. Yes I keep my lenses but that cost to change is approx £620. And I’m not sure about the AF.

Or I could get the o-m5 for £680-ish. Then a 12-45 f4 for another £260. So £940 for a camera with ibis, built in ND and 1 lens. I’d want more than 1 lens. Then I get worried about how accurate the AF of the 5 is and wonder if I should go for an o-m1 but they’re £1050 and bigger than the 5. Same size approximately as the xs20…

Fuji would bring shallower DoF which I like. And, arguably, less noise when the ISO ramps up..But then again, this is supposed to be a travel system…

Is the 5 mk2 just round the corner ? The rumour sites think so…

And here I am, battling with myself. Again. And making zero decision .
 
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damianmkv said:
I am in the same place / boat. I have an x-t20 but I miss the IS and a fully articulating screen, so I looked at selling my stuff - MPB offered £730 for the body and 2 Fuji lenses. I have 2 more lenses so perhaps my “no cost” option is £960

I looked at an x-s20 but they’re ~£1000. Yes I keep my lenses but that cost to change is approx £620. And I’m not sure about the AF.

Or I could get the o-m5 for £680-ish. Then a 12-45 f4 for another £260. So £940 for a camera with ibis, built in ND and 1 lens. I’d want more than 1 lens. Then I get worried about how accurate the AF of the 5 is and wonder if I should go for an o-m1 but they’re £1050 and bigger than the 5. Same size approximately as the xs20…

Fuji would bring shallower DoF which I like. And, arguably, less noise when the ISO ramps up..But then again, this is supposed to be a travel system…

Is the 5 mk2 just round the corner ? The rumour sites think so…

And here I am, battling with myself. Again. And making zero decision .
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Never base a decision on rumour sites, nor waiting for the next best thing. Go for the moment!
 
damianmkv said:
I am in the same place / boat. I have an x-t20 but I miss the IS and a fully articulating screen, so I looked at selling my stuff - MPB offered £730 for the body and 2 Fuji lenses. I have 2 more lenses so perhaps my “no cost” option is £960

I looked at an x-s20 but they’re ~£1000. Yes I keep my lenses but that cost to change is approx £620. And I’m not sure about the AF.

Or I could get the o-m5 for £680-ish. Then a 12-45 f4 for another £260. So £940 for a camera with ibis, built in ND and 1 lens. I’d want more than 1 lens. Then I get worried about how accurate the AF of the 5 is and wonder if I should go for an o-m1 but they’re £1050 and bigger than the 5. Same size approximately as the xs20…

Fuji would bring shallower DoF which I like. And, arguably, less noise when the ISO ramps up..But then again, this is supposed to be a travel system…

Is the 5 mk2 just round the corner ? The rumour sites think so…

And here I am, battling with myself. Again. And making zero decision .
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I can’t see an OM-5 ii around the corner with the recent release of the OM-3. I’ve already got plenty of mft primes, so think I’ll stick with the mft system. Took my EM1 iii out today and thought it’s too much camera for me. I’m no pro and don’t need the dual sd card slots. I’ve not once used live nd either which was something I thought I’d use a bunch and I found the joystick a little fiddly to get the focus point I wanted. So, I think I’ll be listing a couple of items tomorrow. My EM1 iii and maybe a couple of primes to get either an EM5 iii or well priced OM5 and the new splash proof 17mm f1.8. I would’ve preferred a pen f ii to another OM model, but I’m not gonna wait for one as it may never get released. I used to rock a Fuji XE-2 a while back which I loved and paired with a 35mm f0.95 it was a combo I don’t think mft could match, so that’s the only pull back to Fuji that’s calling atm. It was great for portraits of my dog and also a bit of street photography, but mft have plenty of other good lenses and amazing IBIS.
 
Petey said:
I can’t see an OM-5 ii around the corner with the recent release of the OM-3. I’ve already got plenty of mft primes, so think I’ll stick with the mft system. Took my EM1 iii out today and thought it’s too much camera for me. I’m no pro and don’t need the dual sd card slots. I’ve not once used live nd either which was something I thought I’d use a bunch and I found the joystick a little fiddly to get the focus point I wanted. So, I think I’ll be listing a couple of items tomorrow. My EM1 iii and maybe a couple of primes to get either an EM5 iii or well priced OM5 and the new splash proof 17mm f1.8. I would’ve preferred a pen f ii to another OM model, but I’m not gonna wait for one as it may never get released. I used to rock a Fuji XE-2 a while back which I loved and paired with a 35mm f0.95 it was a combo I don’t think mft could match, so that’s the only pull back to Fuji that’s calling atm. It was great for portraits of my dog and also a bit of street photography, but mft have plenty of other good lenses and amazing IBIS.
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If you’re going to be listing either a 25mm or possibly a 12mm I will keep my eyes out.
 
nog said:
When I had Oly kit the 8-25 was one of my favourite lenses and with great range at 16-50 FF equivalent. Alfbranch on here posts some lovely shots taken with the 8-25.
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.... I bought the Oly 8-25mm Pro from HDEW (cheaper) a couple of years ago and have hardly used it ~ Less than a dozen sessions! I was seriously thinking of selling it but having now seen Alf Branch's work with it I am going to try it on some wildlife close-ups before deciding as it focusses down to 0.23m! I have recently got the OM 90mm Macro but the wider angle 8-25mm plus being zoom might offer additional perspectives.

I'm sure I don't have to remind people that the wide angle views can distort the verticals although keystone edits in post can help IF it's a problem.
 
Adamcski said:
@Stephen L

May I ask how you find the 8-25 F4 lens. Did you ever have or compare it to the PL 8-18 at all?

I'm a bit OCD with things you see. I only have Lumix lenses for my S5 ii and would like to have just OM lenses for the OM1. But I've heard and read that the 8-18 is equally as good and internal zoom.

I only have the 90 mm macro and 12-40 F2.8 Pro II for my OM1.

If I get rid of the FF kit I'm thinking I can just buy three lenses (8-25, 40-150 and the 20mm 1.4) and be pretty much done then.
Click to expand...

I moved from a PL8-18mm to a 8-25mm they are both good lenses but the manual clutch (I use MF a lot for landscapes) and the zoom turn direction plus the extra reach made the decision for me and I am happy with the 8-25mm

The 8-25mm is versatile

Bee on chives by Alf Branch, on Flickr

Robin by Alf Branch, on Flickr

feeding fly by Alf Branch, on Flickr
 
After this happened (my fault) to my PL8-18 and Panasonic could not repair it in Europe (I believe that has changed) and my only option was a new at a very small discount thankfully paid by insurance I had a downer on the PL

H-E08018 broken lens mount by Alf Branch, on Flickr
 
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alfbranch said:
I moved from a PL8-18mm to a 8-25mm they are both good lenses but the manual clutch (I use MF a lot for landscapes) and the zoom turn direction plus the extra reach made the decision for me and I am happy with the 8-25mm

The 8-25mm is versatile

Bee on chives by Alf Branch, on Flickr

Robin by Alf Branch, on Flickr

feeding fly by Alf Branch, on Flickr
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.... Stunning pictures Alf!!

The 8-25mm also looks like it has deeper DoF than a proper Macro lens. Am gonna try mine out on 'macro' today and with Godox V1Pro + Diffuser. You have inspired me!
 
RedRobin said:
.... I bought the Oly 8-25mm Pro from HDEW (cheaper) a couple of years ago and have hardly used it ~ Less than a dozen sessions! I was seriously thinking of selling it but having now seen Alf Branch's work with it I am going to try it on some wildlife close-ups before deciding as it focusses down to 0.23m! I have recently got the OM 90mm Macro but the wider angle 8-25mm plus being zoom might offer additional perspectives.

I'm sure I don't have to remind people that the wide angle views can distort the verticals although keystone edits in post can help IF it's a problem.
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I got lucky, I think. I bought mine about 3 weeks ago new from Amazon for £711. That included all taxes and duties paid (I tracked it through customs) as it came from Germany in 2 days.
 
alfbranch said:
How is the OM-3 I fancy one as my travel/seconf body.
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In a word (2, actually), love it! Just that tad bigger than the OM5, and more substantial. Got the latest menu system, which is a bonus.
 
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