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

With all due respect to David, that sounds like a rehearsed response to me, as they must have known they would be inundated with people asking the same question. Afterall, it's the same processor, image sensor and image pipeline as the MK1. I very much doubt that all the new features rely solely on the extra memory module i.e. people/ Face detect now being part of the subject detect group, blackout free shooting at 12.5 & 16fps and possibly also the graduated ND feature. Whilst I'm not a programmer, I've read a response from someone who is and writes AI code for living, and he said if the code is well written and efficient, then it should only take a few kilobytes of space in memory not gigabytes, especially as the OM-1 already has AI subject tracking modes and live ND built in.

If I was a cynic (and I am), then I think this is more to do with the fact that holding back these features from the original OM-1 model in OM-Systems tiny little minds will make everyone upgrade and give them a great sales success with this body. But honestly though, who in their right mind that has an original OM-1 is going to spend that sort of money for these small incremental upgrades ? I can only see three categories of people - those that have money to burn and just want the latest and greatest at any cost. Those (typically pro's), that were looking anyway into getting a second body as a back up to an original OM-1, or thirdly (and most crucial to OM Systems), new users to the system. However as good as the OM-1 is, for the sort of money it would take to purchase an OM1 MK II plus lenses, you could get an equally (or much better) system from Fuji, Nikon, Sony, Canon etc. with arguably better image quality. and much more megapixels (cropability). Also generally speaking FF bodies (excluding the Z8), are not that much larger or heavier than the OM-1 (especially Sony), and with so many lenses to choose from from the main manufacturers as well as Sigma, Tamron, Viltrox etc. you would have much more choice in tailoring your lens choice to suit you.

The big strength of Micro Four thirds was some years ago when all the big boys still produced DSLR's which were big and heavy, and compared to those, M4/3 looked small and svelte. Trouble is now (witness the G9 II in a FF body), micro four third bodies and lenses (aka the 150-600) have got larger, but Mirrorless bodies from Fuji, Canon, Nikon and Sony, have got smaller and lighter at the same time. Couple that with innovations likes Nikon's PF glass making super small but powerful telephoto options a reality, and M4/3 today starts to look less and less attractive, and from what I've seen today, OM Systems new offerings has done nothing to stem that feeling (for me at least).
 
Last edited:
again Andrew a fair and accurate summing up . the two main arguments for me and most other elderly olympus/oms users is weight and price . in the first instance I don't wish to revert to having to lug a tripod and gimbal about again , I love the freedom that MFT brings with it ..
in the second instance a £1500 price differential between a sigma 150-600 C and the new lens is stretching the limits of a pension hobby... I know there's a profit margin to be made but sigma do it and there's also can be tuned via a usb dock .
I recently sold my E.M1X due to weight issues I feel the weight of the new one would tend to make me leave it at home , and as I said elsewhere I have yet to see photos taken with it on previous model bodies .. its the same old round of testers and results and the outcome was always going to be favourable .

as for the MKii body ,will it make me a better photographer , don't think so , will it help me walk further to look for better subjects, not a hope in hell .will I buy one doubt it might have if they had kept there loyal users up to speed with developments but only just bought the mk1
 
Seems like we are on the same page Jeff :D

Please don't misunderstand me, I absolutely don't want OM Systems to fail. The OM-1 was, and still is an incredible camera, it's just that we were indeed promised 2 years ago there would be continued development of the OM-1, we all mistakenly thought this was via proper firmware updates, but I think what they actually meant was, "when we get a collection of new or improved features, we'll badge it as a totally new camera and charge a fortune for it" and "our customers will of course purchase it, as M4/3 users are so loyal to to the brand that we can really do what we want to them and they'll still come back for more" - Sorry no OM-Systems..........just NO.
 
Last edited:
what I can't get my head round is the pure lack of what we need . there development team must have there heads up there anus's looking at why most of us buy into the system it would have been far more logical to develop a 500mm f5.6 prime or longer in a lightweight format i.e like the canon drainpipe lens . no bells and whistles just long reach and lightweight .the majority of long lens users buy a zoom and use it fully extended or with t.c's 99.9% of the time .
i'm also peed off with there control over there Facebook sections as they delete posts that don't comply with direction i.e we couldn't post these comments on FB as they would be deleted in minutes....I don't like being controlled
 
Sootchucker said:
Well the obvious "Fors" for M4/3 and the OM-1 is that it and the lenses are still generally smaller and lighter than their full frame equivalents (although not the new 150-600). The Olympus bodies have always had a nice rounded feature set (pro-capture, Live ND, Live Time, Hand Held and Tripod High Res, Live Composite etc). However a number of those unique to Olympus features have started appearing on other brands too. I like the ergonomics of the OM-1 (never had a problem with the dials or buttons), and it has a lovely EVF. Decent (but not great) video performance, with sketchy AF-C performance, but shooting in 10 bit is only available in Log-400 or HLG, no standard picture profiles. No 4K 120 in any bit depth. Subject tracking AF performance ( mainly Birds), is excellent, and whilst any improvement would be welcome, it's currently good enough for me. Still amazing best in class IBIS performance.

For My Nikon Z system and primary the Z8, well I see it as almost 3 cameras in one. It's a beast of a FF camera with 45mp and glorious picture quality. It's also an extremely capable DX (APS-C) camera as well with nearly 20mp, in my preferred 3:2 ratio. Thirdly it's an amazing video tool - 4K up to 120fps, in 8 or 10 bit. 8K 60 and Raw in camera. Excellent focussing and tracking (as good as the Olympus, but not necessarily better). Fantastic buffer depth if the right CFExpress card used. Great Ergonomics. Great choice of long lenses (and lenses in general), at all price points from affordable to super exotic. Downsides, I can only really think of 2 big ones. Firstly is that generally the Z8 and chosen lens is usually bigger and heavier than the M4/3 equivalents, and secondly price - with the OM-1 II being £2,200, even buying grey the Z8 is still more expensive at £2,850 (E-Infinity), and against the original OM-1 even dearer, as that can be had for only £1,185 grey.

There will be lots of little pros and cons for each system that I haven't mentioned, as I think you're all probably tired of reading my drivel already today :D
Click to expand...
Thanks Andrew for your response. Do you use the two cameras in different situations or just like more than one bit of kit?
 
I really think om1 mki users should boycott the mk ii version and wait for the mkiii version it might teach om systems a valuable lesson for the future. Don't alienate your loyal customers.
I'm willing to bet people won't be able to resist though.
It might be interesting in the future with Sigma lens production. We may find these 2 companies do a lot more together.
 
Last edited:
The Useless Snapper said:
I really think om1 mki users should boycott the mk ii version and wait for the mkiii version it might teach om systems a valuable lesson for the future. Don't alienate your loyal customers.
I'm willing to bet people won't be able to resist though.
It might be interesting in the future with Sigma lens production. We may find these 2 companies do a lot more together.
Click to expand...
Not if they've read this forum today :ROFLMAO:
 
I was looking fwd to the mark ii and wanted to see anything impressive to make me upgrade but tbh that has to be one of the weakest body updates ive ever seen since starting digital photography in 2003. Considering the competition they are up against at the moment as well.
I cant see who would upgrade to it to be honest. When you can get an om1 new for 1200 the mark ii is not worth double. No way.
 
I bought an OM-1 and it still is an OM-1, still doing what lead me to buy it. If there is a new camera out, then I need to decide if I want its features. If not, I’ll stick.

In the old days (15-20 years ago) camera tech changed dramatically in short periods of time. Now, it doesn’t.
 
Sootchucker said:
The big strength of Micro Four thirds was some years ago when all the big boys still produced DSLR's which were big and heavy, and compared to those, M4/3 looked small and svelte. Trouble is now (witness the G9 II in a FF body), micro four third bodies and lenses (aka the 150-600) have got larger, but Mirrorless bodies from Fuji, Canon, Nikon and Sony, have got smaller and lighter at the same time.
Click to expand...

This was exactly right. I bought an EM1 Mark 2 when it came out, it was my lightweight travel camera. I also bought an A7R3 not not after and was surprised to see that there was barely any size or weight difference. The lenses are ultimately where you might see any weight savings now but for me, I got to the point where I could see little benefit in a M4/3 system and ended up getting rid as low light performance became more important than any weight savings I was seeing. The Mark 2 is still a great body though and I use M4/3 on a daily basis for work, though I use an old EP3.
 
I quite like the lens release. I don't know if it's different to the stock sigma (redesigned elements? Fluorine coating?) but it offers insane reach. Bit expensive perhaps, but again, maybe it's more modified than it seems. The size of a 600mm f6.3 lens will always be massive, so in traditional micro 43 terms, it's only fair to compare it to an equivalent lens in reach (eg the 45mm 1.8 is tiny compared to an 85mm 1.8

The body is a bit of a shame, many would prefer a pen f 2. I reckon that would do well - a pen f 2 with a refreshed 17mm 1.8 and new film sims would really hit the spot for a lot of people. However, if the autofocus is now at Sony level of insanely good, it's a worthwhile upgrade for some in an already incredibly fast camera, especially if you're coming from and em1 mark 2 or 3.

The lens is cool though. If it's sharp it's a fantastic option for those of us who want to rent a lens for a holiday or weekend to get some wildlife.
 
All three are nicely exposed terry the only thing I would do if you use photoshop is lift the exposure in the eyes to draw your focus into them
at the taking stage using centre weighted metering might help as well . T.b.h I found in general the general metering on the M1X was better than the OM1 but that’s something I’m working on
 
Last edited:
the black fox said:
All three are nicely exposed terry the only thing I would do if you use photoshop is lift the exposure in the eyes to draw your focus into them
at the taking stage using centre weighted metering might help as well . T.b.h I found in general the general metering on the M1X was better than the OM1 but that’s something I’m working on
Click to expand...
Thanks Jeff.

I also need to remember to look at the background to ensure it's not too prominent.

Hoping for better weather this week and will try some more.
 
My OM-1 is still performing very well.
Can't lie, I'm interested in the Sony A9iii
But at 50 FPS on the Olympus I'm getting good results. Including action pictures of my Collie.
When going through the frames, I must admit to thinking what if (120 FPS on Sony)
nod to Toby, Pete and Peter @snerkler @imattersuk @macvisual

1
Brody by Trevor, on Flickr

2
P2010242 by Trevor, on Flickr

3
Brody-3 by Trevor, on Flickr

4
Brody-2 by Trevor, on Flickr
 
trevorbray said:
My OM-1 is still performing very well.
Can't lie, I'm interested in the Sony A9iii
But at 50 FPS on the Olympus I'm getting good results. Including action pictures of my Collie.
When going through the frames, I must admit to thinking what if (120 FPS on Sony)
nod to Toby, Pete and Peter @snerkler @imattersuk @macvisual

1
Brody by Trevor, on Flickr

2
P2010242 by Trevor, on Flickr

3
Brody-3 by Trevor, on Flickr

4
Brody-2 by Trevor, on Flickr
Click to expand...

trevorbray said:
And to prove how effective it is at acquisition. This is frame 1 from a long burst
No crop

Brody-4-2 by Trevor, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Yep very impressive, certainly an impressive camera. The only thing I would say when comparing to the Sony though is there's a bg difference in DOF therefore these shots are much easier to get and critical focus is not as important. For example, when I'm shooting Betty her eyes are in focus but her nose is already getting into the OOF area, bearing in mind she is brachycephalic so there's not much distance between her eyes and nose :LOL:

With the last shot I'm really surprised (and disappointed) you're finding the A7RV isn't getting acquisition from that distance/size of dog in teh frame, it's no issue for the A1.

I honestly still get the need for such frame rates, I find 30fps far too many and turn mine down to 15-20fps. 50fps is insane let alone 120fps :eek:
 
I have thought over the last few days of going back to a DSLR or moving to another mirrorless system . But costs and weights don5 compute .. my current gear does all I want and then some so will do nicely ..
what I do need to do is stop buying stuff which always entails a learning curve , trying to figure out a godox flash trigger today
 
the black fox said:
I have thought over the last few days of going back to a DSLR or moving to another mirrorless system . But costs and weights don5 compute .. my current gear does all I want and then some so will do nicely ..
what I do need to do is stop buying stuff which always entails a learning curve , trying to figure out a godox flash trigger today
Click to expand...
I keep considering moving back to Olympus, but I'm the same in that costs and weight don't compute. I'd lose a lot changing over for very little gain (or should I say loss) in weight.
 
the black fox said:
I have thought over the last few days of going back to a DSLR or moving to another mirrorless system . But costs and weights don5 compute .. my current gear does all I want and then some so will do nicely ..
what I do need to do is stop buying stuff which always entails a learning curve , trying to figure out a godox flash trigger today
Click to expand...

Totally agree.
 
Rathe nice shots terry . Looks like a hairy headed fly. No idea really
 
Looking very closely at your image, with a bit of enhancement, I'd say it was a Trump Bot Fly.

trump_fly.jpg
 
Makes me laugh a bit the new om1 mkii autofocus is far better says reports.
Maybe the people using it just need to understand the mki a bit better. Locks on and sticks like glue I'm regularly binning perfectly good images. You just get so many keepers.
On the other hand maybe they need to be a bit lucky like I am in the first place.

Sorry OM I'm not convinced we were promised updates you failed to deliver.
For me I shan't be filling your coffers this time I will wait for the mkiii._1132109_DxO-sharpen-Focus.jpg_1141064_DxO-sharpen-Focus.jpg_1131933_DxO-sharpen-Motion-sharpen-Focus.jpg_1144412_DxO-sharpen-Motion.jpg_1132103_DxO-sharpen-Focus.jpg_1145699_DxO-sharpen-Motion.jpg
 
Last edited:
The Useless Snapper said:
Makes me laugh a bit the new om1 mkii autofocus is far better says reports.
Maybe the people using it just need to understand the mki a bit better. Locks on and sticks like glue I'm regularly binning perfectly good images. You just get so many keepers.
On the other hand maybe they need to be a bit lucky like I am in the first place.

Sorry OM I'm not convinced we were promised updates you failed to deliver.
For me I shan't be filling your coffers this time I will wait for the mkiii.View attachment 413742View attachment 413743View attachment 413744View attachment 413745View attachment 413746View attachment 413747
Click to expand...
Wow beautiful shots.
Thanks for sharing, from what I’ve read regarding the om1 mk1 I struggle to see how the autofocus can be made better in any significant way with mk2 too.
 
The Useless Snapper said:
Makes me laugh a bit the new om1 mkii autofocus is far better says reports.
Maybe the people using it just need to understand the mki a bit better. Locks on and sticks like glue I'm regularly binning perfectly good images. You just get so many keepers.
On the other hand maybe they need to be a bit lucky like I am in the first place.

Sorry OM I'm not convinced we were promised updates you failed to deliver.
For me I shan't be filling your coffers this time I will wait for the mkiii.View attachment 413742View attachment 413743View attachment 413744View attachment 413745View attachment 413746View attachment 413747
Click to expand...
bang on p.o.v same here exactly
 
OM SYSTEMS - What disappoints me is:
1 Their flagship body is abandoned after only 2 years
2 The upgrade to OM1 mk 2 is somewhat underwhelming, I am not a tech geek however the specifications look somewhat as a minimal upgrade
3 The information provided about the OM1 MK2 is full of marketing spiel ( IS BS) rather than actual data. The message from all of the 'ambassadors' is somewhat disappointing in that the biggest improvement (for wildlife photographers) is all subjective with little actual data - I look forward to seeing some to back up the marketing BS which will determine how big an improvement the OM1 MK2 actually is.
I have to say that some of the 'ambassadors' have lost some credibility with their weak statements about the 'improvements' of the new model, this also relates to the new lens where one of the strengths of the OM system (portability) seems to be thrown out with the bath water.
My 2p worth
 
I don't know if it's the flagship body being abandoned. Being only a couple of years old, it's more likely the replacement was mostly for branding reasons I guess - and adding extra ran/features is a sweetener, probably aimed at enticing customers like me who don't have an om-1 but still use an em1 mark ii or iii. Edit: a small firmware update for the on-1 would go far though. Perhaps just moving face detect to the new menu, for example, and tweaking the algorithms.

I would like to see a pen f 2, and a refresh of the 17mm or 12mm. Or perhaps a new 14mm to pair it with. Give it 25mp, don't worry about stacked sensor or anything, average frame rates but a beautiful evf and bright rear screen, and easy access to film modes. It would sell well, I'm sure - I'd sell my em1 mark iii for it, especially if it had slightly better autofocus to match the om-1 or a bit worse.
 
Agreed there was a mandatory two year time limit on the use of the Olympus brand name so it’s just a couple of updates. It’s obvious the dials needed changing as it’s currently costing them money to replace them
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top