Complete and utter beginner - unable to make a decision!

Charlotte Wilson said:
Thanks very much - I have to admit I am still umming and ahhing over the EM10 mk ii, the EM10 mk iii (although only £130 difference in price) and the EM5 mkii and really as I am such a beginner am I paying a premium just for the weatherproofing, will I get anything out of the EM5 at this stage. Alternatively will I outgrow the EM10? ...And then where to buy them from :confused: The cheaper EM5 might be an option.
If I were to go EM5 plus the pro 12-40 lens is there a cheaper telephoto zoom lens you could recommend which I almost certain to want? I'm not sure I can justify the pro 40-150mm at the moment?
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OK so do you need the weather sealing? No, especially if you're careful. Is it useful even if it's just for a bit of confidence? Yes for some people. As for growing out of the camera, tbh there's no reason that you would grow out of any of the Olympus OMD range, all offer virtually the same image quality (barring the Pen-F and EM1-II which have the newer 20mp sensor), all have enough features and controls to please novices to experienced photographers alike. The only reason that I can see you outgrowing the EM5 or EM10 is if you get into fast moving photography such as sports or birds in flight, or if you really get into it and start getting anal about ultimate image quality ;)

A used EM5 mark I is a good shout, you get a lot of camera for the money. Olympus are very good at updating functions of the older cameras via firmware updates so some of the older cameras do actually have some of the newer features. The only thing that I can think of with the EM5 mark I is that the LCD screen is old and not as sharp and nice to look at as the newer ones. Obviously this does not affect the final image viewed on the computer, but some folk like to look at crisp screens.

The 12-40mm is the best short zoom that Olympus do, and there's a reason it's in the pro range. However, it is considerably bigger and heavier than the 14-42mm pancake so bear this in mind (although still a lot smaller and lighter than equivalent DSLR lenses) as can be seen here.
http://camerasize.com/compact/#633.409,633.412,681.322,ha,t

For a cheap telephoto the 40-150 f4-5.6 R is great. OK so it feels cheap, but image quality is surprisingly good. Can be had circa £80 used and optically it's way better than that price would suggest. Again, not the best examples you'll ever see but these were shot with the 40-150mm f4-5.6 R (better viewed on Flickr)


P6302462-Edit-Edit by TDG-77, on Flickr


Shot through a window

PB293455 by TDG-77, on Flickr

Very gloomy day
[/url
]P2260855 by TDG-77, on Flickr
 
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Charlotte Wilson said:
If I were to go EM5 plus the pro 12-40 lens is there a cheaper telephoto zoom lens you could recommend which I almost certain to want? I'm not sure I can justify the pro 40-150mm at the moment?
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I had the cheap 40-150. I only used it twice.

It's not that bad, it's just that it didn't suit me. When I wanted that kind of focal length I tended to use the 75mm f1.8 - which I've now sold. That is a spectacular lens.
Similarly, i had the Panasonic 100-300 for a while. It's remarkably good value for what it does - and depending on what and how you shoot it may suit you better than the 40-150.
If you buy lenses second hand then you can usually sell them again for little loss other than the eBay fees.

There are a few real bargains and a few really good expensive lenses in the system but I reckon the 12-40 will stand you in good stead for long to come. IMO It really does need a grip on smaller bodies, though.
 
Charlotte I think you have come to a decision... Just a matter of getting the cash together and going for it.. best of luck for your Journey... terry
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
Charlotte I think you have come to a decision... Just a matter of getting the cash together and going for it.. best of luck for your Journey... terry
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Hi Terry you're right! it's just a case of taking the plunge. :D I was going to buy online from the UK but my local camera shop are the same price as WEX pretty much, and they can help me with setting the camera up if I need help; I can rent lenses from them etc. As this is my first photographic purchase I think I will buy from a bricks and mortar store and then I have the support. This is a bit scary but exciting! so maybe this evening!!! :) thanks for your help.
 
Charlotte Wilson said:
Hi Terry you're right! it's just a case of taking the plunge. :D I was going to buy online from the UK but my local camera shop are the same price as WEX pretty much, and they can help me with setting the camera up if I need help; I can rent lenses from them etc. As this is my first photographic purchase I think I will buy from a bricks and mortar store and then I have the support. This is a bit scary but exciting! so maybe this evening!!! :) thanks for your help.
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Looking forward to seeing how you get on... Terry
You will get plenty of encouragement here...
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
Looking forward to seeing how you get on... Terry
You will get plenty of encouragement here...
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I am pretty astounded at the amazing level of support from you all , and I am really grateful... Any hobby with a decent community thoroughly gets my approval. The knitting community is the same fyi ! :D:p
I am sure you'll be seeing lots of inane queries from me in future! Where do you all post your pics? On this site or do you all use Flickr and Instagram?
 
Charlotte Wilson said:
Hi Terry you're right! it's just a case of taking the plunge. :D I was going to buy online from the UK but my local camera shop are the same price as WEX pretty much, and they can help me with setting the camera up if I need help; I can rent lenses from them etc. As this is my first photographic purchase I think I will buy from a bricks and mortar store and then I have the support. This is a bit scary but exciting! so maybe this evening!!! :) thanks for your help.
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I would always advocate that a newbie such as yourself built up a relationship with their local camera specialist shop - might be a few €/FSu/£/$ more expensive but they'll be able to give you personal advice and will allow you to handle the merchandise before you spend your hard earned £ etc.. All too many places have been forced out of business by internet box shifters undercutting them (to the extent that some retailers can't buy UK stock for what some box shifters are selling the same kit at.)
 
Charlotte Wilson said:
I am pretty astounded at the amazing level of support from you all , and I am really grateful... Any hobby with a decent community thoroughly gets my approval. The knitting community is the same fyi ! :D:p
I am sure you'll be seeing lots of inane queries from me in future! Where do you all post your pics? On this site or do you all use Flickr and Instagram?
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Many of us use flickr where this one is..It is the same shot as the one above before the magic Photoshop.
But you can post on this site but they demand a rather smaller file size I always put them on flickr with 1024 pixels to the long edge.

IMG_9665 by Terry Andrews, on Flickr
 
WRT your last post, I now simply use the Upload a File button and post photos directly from my computer (after resizing to meet forum requirements.) I used to use Flickr but have bad memory problems and can't remember my log in details and have also lost the e-mail that I used to sign up (thanks for dumping all .fsnet.co.uk e-mail addresses, EE!) Flickr also has a habit of doing extra sharpening if you allow it to do any resizing for you.
 
Enjoy!

Looking forward to seeing the results - epic mountainscapes there.
 
congratulations on your new purchase Charlotte, I'm sure you will get the hang of it pretty quickly and soon will post some wonderful images from the mountains.

oh, and welcome to the forum, but watch out as many on here love spending other peoples hard earned cash :)
 
Canon f1.8 said:
congratulations on your new purchase Charlotte, I'm sure you will get the hang of it pretty quickly and soon will post some wonderful images from the mountains.

oh, and welcome to the forum, but watch out as many on here love spending other peoples hard earned cash :)
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:):DThank you ! I have been deliberating on getting a proper camera for over a year and thanks to everyone here I feel I've done my research to be sure this was the right decision....thanks everyone :)
 
Charlotte Wilson said:
Mark II :)
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The Mark II is a really nice camera, quite a step up from the Mark I. The mark I's great don't get me wrong, and the there'll be no difference in the final image, but the Mark II feels nice, better dials etc and has a lot of bells and whistles. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to come back and ask questions about it when you need to, and post images. There's an Olympus thread on this forum that you can post on.
 
Charlotte Wilson said:
I am pretty astounded at the amazing level of support from you all , and I am really grateful... Any hobby with a decent community thoroughly gets my approval. The knitting community is the same fyi ! :D:p
I am sure you'll be seeing lots of inane queries from me in future! Where do you all post your pics? On this site or do you all use Flickr and Instagram?
Click to expand...

I doubt many on here know much about knitting to answer your questions...
:D
Most people use Flickr to host their pics and to share on here.
If you hover over almost any pic that has been posted you can click through to the full size images.
Just ask at the time on how to link your images.
 
kendo1 said:
I doubt many on here know much about knitting to answer your questions...
:D
Most people use Flickr to host their pics and to share on here.
If you hover over almost any pic that has been posted you can click through to the full size images.
Just ask at the time on how to link your images.
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I know quite a bit about Wool spinning and weaving and making the necessary wheels and looms.. It was my hobby when photography was my work.
 
This is an early 19th century German double flyer flax wheel that I bought at an auction in Kent in 1978. It was just bits in a cardboard box with half of them missing. At some stage it had been over painted red. It made a nice restoration project. Double flyer wheels were rare as the spinner had to learn to spin single handed, one thread with each hand at the same time.
I can spin with either hand but not both at the same time.
wheel combined2 by Terry Andrews, on Flickr
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
I know quite a bit about Wool spinning and weaving and making the necessary wheels and looms.. It was my hobby when photography was my work.
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And didn’t traditionally they used hedgehogs to comb out the wool before spinning? :). :exit:

I’m sure I remember reading that in one of those Beatrix Potter fact books...
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
This is an early 19th century German double flyer flax wheel that I bought at an auction in Kent in 1978. It was just bits in a cardboard box with half of them missing. At some stage it had been over painted red. It made a nice restoration project. Double flyer wheels were rare as the spinner had to learn to spin single handed, one thread with each hand at the same time.
I can spin with either hand but not both at the same time.
wheel combined2 by Terry Andrews, on Flickr
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My dad made one I the 80's. I think my eldest sister has it now.

Back on topic... hopefully not too long until Charlotte posts some pics :)
 
Eloise said:
And didn’t traditionally they used hedgehogs to comb out the wool before spinning? :). :exit:

I’m sure I remember reading that in one of those Beatrix Potter fact books...
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Nice like her books. It would be great if you to train them to do it by them selves.

The closest is perhaps the King Teasel used once for dressing the nap of cloth
Prior to spinning Flax is hackled, and wool is carded to make a woollen yarn, Wool is combed for a worsted yarn.
It all more complex than photography.
 
Not many beginners start out with such a nice selection of kit. but give Charlotte time to get to grips with it.
We can chatter to fill any amount of waiting time, there is no pressure and no time scale.
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
Wool is combed for a worsted yarn.
It all more complex than photography.
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I just remember Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall making felt by ... erm ... no I don’t think I should mention that on a family thread...

Sorry for corrupting your thread Charlotte.
 
snerkler said:
Forgot to ask the REALLY important question, which colour? :LOL:
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No idea what Charlotte bought... but I do like silver (well two-tone) cameras though lenses should be black. But that might just be cause of my old AE1 back in the day!
 
Eloise said:
No idea what Charlotte bought... but I do like silver (well two-tone) cameras though lenses should be black. But that might just be cause of my old AE1 back in the day!
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Yeah I prefer Silver too, all my Olympus cameras have been Silver. I’m really surprised Olympus have no plans to make the EM1-II in Silver :(
 
Eloise said:
Well that’s the E-M1 II off my wants list!
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Seems silly doesn't it but it has put me off. I even contacted Olympus who were the ones that informed me they have no plans for Silver. You never know though, by the time it comes down to a price that I can afford they might have changed their minds ;)
 
Wow Terry - I knit, but those spinning wheels are something else! you clearly are a pro in that area too!

Terrywoodenpic said:
Not many beginners start out with such a nice selection of kit. but give Charlotte time to get to grips with it.
We can chatter to fill any amount of waiting time, there is no pressure and no time scale.
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It is going to take a WHILE - I had to work out how to take the lens on and off yesterday :ROFLMAO::rolleyes: I am looking forward to spending some time going through the manual this weekend...


snerkler said:
Forgot to ask the REALLY important question, which colour? :LOL:
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I went for Silver - it just looks nicer - my boyfriend is constantly rolling his eyes when I choose equipment, be it skis, bikes, rucksacks based on colour but there it is :)

Eloise said:
I just remember Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall making felt by ... erm ... no I don’t think I should mention that on a family thread...

Sorry for corrupting your thread Charlotte.
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I have no idea what this is about but I am intrigued :D


Can I ask another couple of stupid newbie questions?:

- What do you all use to clean lenses?
- I was going to buy a waterproof insert for my rucksack for my camera when I don't want to wear it on my rucksack strap - would this be padded enough if I were take my camera skiing? Actually should I even take the camera skiing - Could I damage the camera it if I am skiing quite fast/hard?

Thanks

C
 
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