OM-1 Any good?

[Graham]

I have been toying with changing systems, I currently have ta Nikon Z611 and just 2 dedicated Z mount lens but various other F mount lens.
I have seen the Oly OM-1 and it looks impressive, the IBIS looks awesome too although most of my photography is Macro.
I have seen many photos with a Oly EM 5 iii system and the OM-1 and I am impressed with the sharpness, Something I can get with my Nikon but I don`t think it`s as good as the OM-1.

I do also like to do Landscape, some Birding and whatever catches my eye at the time.

I know it won`t improve my Photography skills but I am looking for better sharpness in my photos.

Is it worth it ?

Thanks

 

[snerkler]

I have been toying with changing systems, I currently have ta Nikon Z611 and just 2 dedicated Z mount lens but various other F mount lens.
I have seen the Oly OM-1 and it looks impressive, the IBIS looks awesome too although most of my photography is Macro.
I have seen many photos with a Oly EM 5 iii system and the OM-1 and I am impressed with the sharpness, Something I can get with my Nikon but I don`t think it`s as good as the OM-1.

I do also like to do Landscape, some Birding and whatever catches my eye at the time.

I know it won`t improve my Photography skills but I am looking for better sharpness in my photos.

Is it worth it ?

Thanks

In short no, the OM-1 will not improve your sharpness. All things being equal your Full Frame Nikon should produce sharper images, but of course this is dependant on so many factors such as lens, light, technique, etc. The only time the OM-1 might improve sharpness is if you're constantly trying to use very slow shutter speeds whilst hand holding, the IBIS may help with camera shake.

 

[Malfis]

I have been toying with changing systems, I currently have ta Nikon Z611 and just 2 dedicated Z mount lens but various other F mount lens.
I have seen the Oly OM-1 and it looks impressive, the IBIS looks awesome too although most of my photography is Macro.
I have seen many photos with a Oly EM 5 iii system and the OM-1 and I am impressed with the sharpness, Something I can get with my Nikon but I don`t think it`s as good as the OM-1.

I do also like to do Landscape, some Birding and whatever catches my eye at the time.

I know it won`t improve my Photography skills but I am looking for better sharpness in my photos.

Is it worth it ?

Thanks

Obviously a key element of 'sharpness' is the quality of lens being used.
Olympus lenses are usually excellent (and sharp!)

 

[magicolor1]

... All things being equal ...

This is key. If you're doing landscapes with the camera on a tripod, the Nikon will give you better images. If you want to do hand-held birds in flight, I would pick the OM-1 with something like the 300mm f4 Pro lens over anything equivalent (600mm) on the Nikon as it will be much easier to handle. In that scenario, all things are not equal

 

[Dryce]

I know it won`t improve my Photography skills but I am looking for better sharpness in my photos.

Is it worth it ?

Your post suggests that it probably won't and that it isn't.

So if a particular lens stood out for your needs then that would presumably be a good reason.

You don't appear to need the (possibly) better IBIS.

You might get the benefit of additional DOF with the smaller sensor.

If you go out and about then the MFT lenses may be a bit smaller and lighter?

From your own words the only two real tangible benefits I can think of is that the IBIS and potentially smaller and lighter 'equivalent' lenses would possibly benefit you. But that's not really sharpness - that's handling and convenience.

I'm maybe an old carmudgeon but these days I think all the mirrorless MFT, APS-C, FF, and MF cameras are pretty much good enough. So it really comes down to niggles / annoyances and what feels comfortable to use physically or maybe a particular lens or operational mode that suits.

 

[alfbranch]

Graham for Macro the in camera stacking of the OM1 and the 90mm f3.5 is a great combo

I am using an E-M1ii and the 90 f3.5 which offer 2:1 as it comes and with the teleconverters is up 4:1. I bet you can't get an AF lens that does that with Nikon.

Here is s ingle shot with 1.4X TC

Orchesella cincta by Alf Branch, on Flickr

 

[alfbranch]

Graham look here

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

Some Landscapes with my E-M1ii's one with the 8-25mm f4 on a tripod and one with the 12-40mm f2.8 fitted handheld Wasdale reflections and clouds by Alf Branch, on Flickr Wasdale reflections by Alf Branch, on Flickr Screes by Alf Branch, on Flickr

www.talkphotography.co.uk

 

[tijuana taxi]

Reliability would be my only real concern with the OM1, read about a variety of issues.
Not great especially when all repairs require being shipped off to Portugal.

 

[snerkler]

This is key. If you're doing landscapes with the camera on a tripod, the Nikon will give you better images. If you want to do hand-held birds in flight, I would pick the OM-1 with something like the 300mm f4 Pro lens over anything equivalent (600mm) on the Nikon as it will be much easier to handle. In that scenario, all things are not equal

Very true, there’s always differences but my response was purely on the basis of wanting to achieve better sharpness.

Nikon have the superb 400mm f4.5 which can be either be used with a tc or in crop mode on a Z7 II body and would rival or possibly better the IQ and is just as light as the Olympus setup.

If the OP fancies a change of system that’s fine and they won’t be disappointed, but simply to achieve better sharpness would be a waste of time and money imo.

 

[the black fox]

Don’t overlook the E.M1X a bit heavier , and older but updated firmware gives this twin processor beast bird I.d and trains and planes , seven stops of i.s as well I’ve just aquired a 300mm f4 plus both t.c’s and trust me sharp b.I.f shots at 1200mm eqiv reach are easily acheived handheld .
The added bonus is there’s lots available used at silly prices .with a estimated 400 thousand shutter count it’s worth thinking about

 

[moggi1964]

I have been toying with changing systems, I currently have ta Nikon Z611 and just 2 dedicated Z mount lens but various other F mount lens.
I have seen the Oly OM-1 and it looks impressive, the IBIS looks awesome too although most of my photography is Macro.
I have seen many photos with a Oly EM 5 iii system and the OM-1 and I am impressed with the sharpness, Something I can get with my Nikon but I don`t think it`s as good as the OM-1.

I do also like to do Landscape, some Birding and whatever catches my eye at the time.

I know it won`t improve my Photography skills but I am looking for better sharpness in my photos.

Is it worth it ?

Thanks

You could spend less and try an Em1 MkIII and see if the system works for you. If it does then you can swap the body for the OM1.

I don't shoot birds much but following the bird shooters on the Olympus UK forum I see the 300 F/4 as the best lens (unless you have 5k or so). I use the 40-150mm F/2,8 and the 12-40mm F/2,8 for everything I shoot. Fab lenses but I don't have Nikon or Canon experience to compare.

 

[the black fox]

You could spend less and try an Em1 MkIII and see if the system works for you. If it does then you can swap the body for the OM1.

I don't shoot birds much but following the bird shooters on the Olympus UK forum I see the 300 F/4 as the best lens (unless you have 5k or so). I use the 40-150mm F/2,8 and the 12-40mm F/2,8 for everything I shoot. Fab lenses but I don't have Nikon or Canon experience to compare.

Closer to 7k for the 150-400 morris with a years waiting list

 

[moggi1964]

Closer to 7k for the 150-400 morris with a years waiting list

Jeez! Keep playing those lotter numbers I guess, Jeff

 

[snerkler]

Don’t overlook the E.M1X a bit heavier , and older but updated firmware gives this twin processor beast bird I.d and trains and planes , seven stops of i.s as well I’ve just aquired a 300mm f4 plus both t.c’s and trust me sharp b.I.f shots at 1200mm eqiv reach are easily acheived handheld .
The added bonus is there’s lots available used at silly prices .with a estimated 400 thousand shutter count it’s worth thinking about

This is one area you can have an advantage but shooting f8 1/1000 for BIF on m4/3 it’s quite easy to get noisy images in the UK, and at 1200mm you’re likely to get atmospheric aberrations coming into play too. This is all assuming the OP wants to do BIF of course, which they haven’t stated and it could just be static birds.

For landscapes you’re going to lose a couple of stops dynamic range with the Om-1, but on the flip side m4/3 could well be better for macro due to the increased DOF.

I still think the point of the thread is being lost though

 

[SFTPhotography]

I have been toying with changing systems, I currently have ta Nikon Z611 and just 2 dedicated Z mount lens but various other F mount lens.
I have seen the Oly OM-1 and it looks impressive, the IBIS looks awesome too although most of my photography is Macro.
I have seen many photos with a Oly EM 5 iii system and the OM-1 and I am impressed with the sharpness, Something I can get with my Nikon but I don`t think it`s as good as the OM-1.

I do also like to do Landscape, some Birding and whatever catches my eye at the time.

I know it won`t improve my Photography skills but I am looking for better sharpness in my photos.

Is it worth it ?

Thanks

I think a Z9 is what you should get. 45mp, so sharpness and detail galore. IBIS and excellent AF. Also near medium format quality resolution and dynamic range. As close to a mirrorless D850 as you can get.

 

[snerkler]

I think a Z9 is what you should get. 45mp, so sharpness and detail galore. IBIS and excellent AF. Also near medium format quality resolution and dynamic range. As close to a mirrorless D850 as you can get.

Or wait for the Z8?

 

[SFTPhotography]

Or wait for the Z8?

Z9 will probably be cheaper than Z8 if you go grey. Plus integrated vertical grip makes it an attractive option if you shoot with big teles

Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera (Body)

Why Buy From Panamoz.com? Free 3 Year UK/EU/US Local Warranty 14 Day Money Back Guarantee Prices include taxes and duties All inclusive prices with no hidden fees Products are 100% brand new and in box Express shipping with insurance and tracking Delivery in 7-14 business days only Secure...

panamoz.com

It pays to go grey.

 

[snerkler]

Z9 will probably be cheaper than Z8 if you go grey. Plus integrated vertical grip makes it an attractive option if you shoot with big teles

Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera (Body)

Why Buy From Panamoz.com? Free 3 Year UK/EU/US Local Warranty 14 Day Money Back Guarantee Prices include taxes and duties All inclusive prices with no hidden fees Products are 100% brand new and in box Express shipping with insurance and tracking Delivery in 7-14 business days only Secure...

panamoz.com

It pays to go grey.

I don’t like the big bodies, YMMV

 

[Deleted member 68495]

IMHO all modern cameras are capable of great sharpness and you already have a great camera. Again, IMVHO, I think if you are honest with yourself, you want a new camera system because you do and you just have GAS, bad GAS; but hey, if you've got the money, go for it. However, I suspect that swapping one modern camera system for another will only change your camera system, it won't change your photographs, only you can do that. Just a thought

 

[Graham]

Thanks for all the replies, now imo and maybe others opinions every camera has a different sharpness, my last Z6 was great but it had a power button problem so it went back, shame, it was sharp, I just feel this Z6ii is not as sharp. As for a Z9, a waste for what I would use it for, 97% is macro. BIF, I do BIF (vultures) when I pop over to the Gorge du Verdon here in the VAR (France)
I've never held a mft camera tbh so I've no idea what the weight is like although I'm not that bothered about weight.

 

[snerkler]

Thanks for all the replies, now imo and maybe others opinions every camera has a different sharpness, my last Z6 was great but it had a power button problem so it went back, shame, it was sharp, I just feel this Z6ii is not as sharp. As for a Z9, a waste for what I would use it for, 97% is macro. BIF, I do BIF (vultures) when I pop over to the Gorge du Verdon here in the VAR (France)
I've never held a mft camera tbh so I've no idea what the weight is like although I'm not that bothered about weight.

The Z6 and Z6ii have the same sensor so you shouldn’t be seeing a difference in sharpness in terms of the camera per se, however if you’re using adapted lenses maybe the Z6ii doesn’t “play as nice” and is not as accurate with the autofocus, although I’ve not seen any reports about this and they actually say the AF on the mark II is better.

Other than the ability to affect the critical focus cameras can affect sharpness via sensor size, resolution, aa filter, noise handling, micro lenses and probably a few other things I’ve forgotten. As I’ve said already though the Z6 and Z6ii share the same sensor.

All this being said, pretty much all modern interchangeable lens cameras can produce sharp images. If you’re not getting sharp shots with your Z6ii I’d suggest trying to problem solve than invest in new gear.

 

[Stephen L]

Just to chuck my tuppence in - the most noticeable weight advantage to be gained from m4/3 is not necessarily from bodies, but from lenses.

 

[woof woof]

I have been toying with changing systems, I currently have ta Nikon Z611 and just 2 dedicated Z mount lens but various other F mount lens.
I have seen the Oly OM-1 and it looks impressive, the IBIS looks awesome too although most of my photography is Macro.
I have seen many photos with a Oly EM 5 iii system and the OM-1 and I am impressed with the sharpness, Something I can get with my Nikon but I don`t think it`s as good as the OM-1.

Do yourself a favour and before you spend any money google your way to pictures other people are taking with the same camera and lenses as you've got. I'd be surprised if you can't find pictures which look good and sharp.

 

[Graham]

The Z6 and Z6ii have the same sensor so you shouldn’t be seeing a difference in sharpness in terms of the camera per se, however if you’re using adapted lenses maybe the Z6ii doesn’t “play as nice” and is not as accurate with the autofocus, although I’ve not seen any reports about this and they actually say the AF on the mark II is better.

Other than the ability to affect the critical focus cameras can affect sharpness via sensor size, resolution, aa filter, noise handling, micro lenses and probably a few other things I’ve forgotten. As I’ve said already though the Z6 and Z6ii share the same sensor.

All this being said, pretty much all modern interchangeable lens cameras can produce sharp images. If you’re not getting sharp shots with your Z6ii I’d suggest trying to problem solve than invest in new gear.

I am sure that between some Camera bodies there is a micro difference that affects the sharpness or maybe it is the lens that is "Tack" sharp but I still think that if I put a "Tack" sharp lens on my Camera it would not be as "Tack" sharp as on the Camera it came from before.

 

[Graham]

Do yourself a favour and before you spend any money google your way to pictures other people are taking with the same camera and lenses as you've got. I'd be surprised if you can't find pictures which look good and sharp.

Thanks, I have seen hundreds of photos from the same cameras, I still think people are luckier than others with their Cameras.
Maybe it is my Eyes that are OOF lol although I do wear Glasses for reading and looking for Bugs etc.

 

[Graham]

Again thanks to all, some very positive reading here as per usual.
Lots to look into but a Z9 is not one of them.

 

[snerkler]

I am sure that between some Camera bodies there is a micro difference that affects the sharpness or maybe it is the lens that is "Tack" sharp but I still think that if I put a "Tack" sharp lens on my Camera it would not be as "Tack" sharp as on the Camera it came from before.

I honestly think you’re over thinking it, I’ve never heard of differences in sharpness across the same model camera other than if it had a fault such as AF or shutter shock, but these should be obvious. A fully working Z6ii is absolutely capable of tack sharp images, and yours shouldn’t be any different

 

[mav]

have tried calbrating your Lens , ive heard the some nikon mirrorless cameras can be out

 

[Deleted member 68495]

have tried calbrating your Lens , ive heard the some nikon mirrorless cameras can be out

I had to do that once, I think it was, a D7000 years ago, pretty easy thing to do, just a slight adjustment from the menu IIRC. I think it was for an individual lens though, not the camera itself, but I could be wrong.

 

[snerkler]

have tried calbrating your Lens , ive heard the some nikon mirrorless cameras can be out

I've not heard of mirrorless cameras being out tbh, DSLRs could have issues which could often be fixed with micro adjustments.

 

[mav]

i cant find the item i was looking for
but found this

Mirrorless AF Calibration - Part 1: You SHOULD Calibrate your Mirrorless Autofocus!

We take a look at why you probably should calibrate your mirrorless autofocus with an overview of evidence, and introduction to this series.

blog.reikanfocal.com

 

[tijuana taxi]

I had heard that PDAF on Olympus cameras supported some form of AF adjustment.
Only using Panasonic with DFD I never looked into it any further

 

[the black fox]

When I had the Panasonic 100-400 on an Olympus body it needed MA .. never ever had a problem with any Olympus lenses

 

[Sangoma]

The Panasonic G9 has almost identical performance and specs to the OM-D E-M1X, almost looks like they came from the same place, biggest differences are focus method, size and weight and viewfinder resolution.
For me, the differences are in the G9's favour.

 

[snerkler]

i cant find the item i was looking for
but found this

Mirrorless AF Calibration - Part 1: You SHOULD Calibrate your Mirrorless Autofocus!

We take a look at why you probably should calibrate your mirrorless autofocus with an overview of evidence, and introduction to this series.

blog.reikanfocal.com

If you speak to a manufacturer directly they will actually tell you that AF micro adjustments are not there to correct AF not focussing correctly but are there for user preference if they do not want the camera to focus where it should be by default. I'm not sure why you'd want to do the latter, but I was always advised to send my camera and lenses back for calibration if the AF was off, that being said NIkon never got it right with my D750

 

[the black fox]

The Panasonic G9 has almost identical performance and specs to the OM-D E-M1X, almost looks like they came from the same place, biggest differences are focus method, size and weight and viewfinder resolution.
For me, the differences are in the G9's favour.

Not really single processor V two , Olympus lenses only give full functions with olympus bodies . I have owned and used both and the M1X is far superior .
It’s a bit like America and the u.k same language but different … specs on paper don't equate to in the field use

 

[Sangoma]

Not really single processor V two , Olympus lenses only give full functions with olympus bodies . I have owned and used both and the M1X is far superior .
It’s a bit like America and the u.k same language but different … specs on paper don't equate to in the field use

What is the advantage in this comparison of the dual processor?

I don't like the Olympus to use, so never owned one, only "borrowed" for a relatively short time.

Yes, the lenses for each other don't give full function on the other's bodies, sorry I missed that, I didn't see that the OP had Olympus lenses already..

For me, the G9 viewfinder is a big plus, as is the weight and size, and overall I prefer CD focus.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Not really single processor V two , Olympus lenses only give full functions with olympus bodies . I have owned and used both and the M1X is far superior .
It’s a bit like America and the u.k same language but different … specs on paper don't equate to in the field use

Does it need two batteries to work, never really been sure on that point?

 

[the black fox]

Does it need two batteries to work, never really been sure on that point?

debatable I am led to believe that on certain occasions ? it draws on both ....my limited usage so far has found 95%. of the time its just the end battery but on one or two occasions its a small amount from no2 battery as well ..the juries out

 

[the black fox]

What is the advantage in this comparison of the dual processor?

I don't like the Olympus to use, so never owned one, only "borrowed" for a relatively short time.

Yes, the lenses for each other don't give full function on the other's bodies, sorry I missed that, I didn't see that the OP had Olympus lenses already..

For me, the G9 viewfinder is a big plus, as is the weight and size, and overall I prefer CD focus.

I found that as a specs wearer the G9 evf was horrible so its down to individual choice