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

RedRobin said:
.... What does "YMMV" stand for please?

As noise is always more visible in the darker more under-exposed areas of an image, isn't leaning towards ETTR an effective way of reducing noise? Of course, noise is the result of a number of other factors too and it all depends on each individual image and more importantly, what you the photographer want to achieve.
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YMMV - your mileage may vary.
 
I was told it helps to ETTR as well but so far I can’t see it makes any difference in wildlife . Any compensation changes can be viewed via the EVF anyway . And I also find that it’s very easy to recover highlights and shadows in Lightroom ,I’m still on a learning curve though but so far I can’t fault it ..
My recent 2 days ago purchase of the EC-14 tc hasn’t proved to be that good on b.i.f and I have been advised to try a micro adjust which I will do in the week .. but both my two main lenses the PL 100-400 ... and the four thirds 50-200 are pin sharp on there own
 
Hi-res Handheld shooting at 50mpx sounds very attractive for static insects such as dragonflies with the ED 60mm F/2.8 PRO [edited] sounds extremely promising but subjects must be static. Apparently it kills noise too. But the downside is it takes valuable time to internally process each image onboard and wildlife doesn't often hang about.

Am I right in thinking that not many photographers here have the E-M1X?
 
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RedRobin said:
Hi-res Handheld shooting at 50mpx sounds very attractive for static insects such as dragonflies with the ED 60mm F/2.8 PRO sounds extremely promising but subjects must be static. Apparently it kills noise too. But it takes time to internally process each image onboard.

Am I right in thinking that not many photographers here have the E-M1X?
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Robin, while the 60mm macro lens is extremely good and well thought of, it isn't one of the Olympus Pro lenses.

I think you're right about the number of users of the E-M1X on here, at least at the moment. With the latest firmware upgrades, the E-M1 mk II is close enough to the flagship model that makes justifying spending nearly twice as much (at least for me anyways) just not worth it for the incremental gains it would deliver in real world shooting. If I was a specialist wildlife or motorsport shooter then that might change things, but the E-M1 mk II is so good, particularly on the latest firmware, that I see no need for what and how I shoot to upgrade.

Cheers,

Simon.
 
RedRobin said:
.... What does "YMMV" stand for please?

As noise is always more visible in the darker more under-exposed areas of an image, isn't leaning towards ETTR an effective way of reducing noise? Of course, noise is the result of a number of other factors too and it all depends on each individual image and more importantly, what you the photographer want to achieve.
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As above, your mileage may vary. Once upon a time ETTR was the preferred, however there's a lot of thought these days that it is unnecessary due to modern day sensor tech. Sometimes to ETTR you have to use higher ISO and could possibly introduce more noise, therefore ETTR only works if using base ISO.

It all gets very confusing as I use two different systems and Nikon tend to underexpose images these days to preserve highlights knowing that shade recovery is so good. I'm still on the fence with Olympus, I've tried ETTR, underexposing a touch and lifting in post, and exposing 'normally'. Olympus certainly don't like underexposing and raising in post, but I've personally had better results exposing 'normally' than ETTR. However, this is in no way scientific it's just what works for me, and of course others should always do what works best for them (y)
 
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If you want to Test and Wow try out for longer than 24hours, see how long you can have kit over a weekend. I borrowed from Friday to Monday.
 
I also looked at the e.mix when I bought mine a couple of months ago , it has a few advantages but the reason I bought min3 was to reduce weight and the mkii fitted the bill with its upgraded firmware , so far looks to be the right choice
 
the black fox said:
I also looked at the e.mix when I bought mine a couple of months ago , it has a few advantages but the reason I bought min3 was to reduce weight and the mkii fitted the bill with its upgraded firmware , so far looks to be the right choice
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I used the EM1-II and EM1x side by side at the BTCC with the 300mm f4 and 40-150mm f2.8 and tbh the extra speed of the EM1x was pretty much undetectable in this scenario for me, however the extra weight wasn't. I'm sure there are scenarios where you may notice the benefit of the EM1x, but I've had no issue with anything, including BIF with the EM1-II and so like you prefer the weight saving. I've always got the option of adding a grip if I want better balance, but as the heaviest lens I've got is the 100-400mm I don't find I need the grip.

The EM1x is a truly great bit of kit, it's just not for me. I got rid of the D850 to save weight and it would make no sense to then get the EM1x which is almost the same weight. I bet the EM1-III is going to be one hell of a camera (y)
 
Pound Coin said:
If you want to Test and Wow try out for longer than 24hours, see how long you can have kit over a weekend. I borrowed from Friday to Monday.
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.... Thanks - That's a good idea. However, having now looked at the Test & Wow website this morning I see that I would have to pick up and return the camera myself and that the scheme only applies to Park Cameras dealer locations which are all a long way away from me. The £1,000 deposit is not a problem and to be expected.

Alternatively both my usual camera suppliers will let me borrow it for as long as 30 days on a 'buy-try-return' option and all shipping would be free of charge. I would have to lay out the full price but that's returned in full if I decide not to buy (subject to any damage of course). Because I am totally unfamiliar with Olympus menus etc, even a weekend is probably not long enough but I thank you for posting about it.

The acid test for me is probably what image quality I can milk out of it as I would be coming from an EOS-R and 1DX-2 plus Canon supertelephoto L lens.

Did you decide to buy or did you return? And what camera system were you coming from please?
 
RedRobin said:
.... Thanks - That's a good idea. However, having now looked at the Test & Wow website this morning I see that I would have to pick up and return the camera myself and that the scheme only applies to Park Cameras dealer locations which are all a long way away from me. The £1,000 deposit is not a problem and to be expected.

Alternatively both my usual camera suppliers will let me borrow it for as long as 30 days on a 'buy-try-return' option and all shipping would be free of charge. I would have to lay out the full price but that's returned in full if I decide not to buy (subject to any damage of course). Because I am totally unfamiliar with Olympus menus etc, even a weekend is probably not long enough but I thank you for posting about it.

The acid test for me is probably what image quality I can milk out of it as I would be coming from an EOS-R and 1DX-2 plus Canon supertelephoto L lens.

Did you decide to buy or did you return? And what camera system were you coming from please?
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I've used the test and wow and didn't have to leave. deposit tbh. I tried the EM1-II, 40-150mm f2.8 and 300mm f4.
 
srhmoto said:
Robin, while the 60mm macro lens is extremely good and well thought of, it isn't one of the Olympus Pro lenses.

I think you're right about the number of users of the E-M1X on here, at least at the moment. With the latest firmware upgrades, the E-M1 mk II is close enough to the flagship model that makes justifying spending nearly twice as much (at least for me anyways) just not worth it for the incremental gains it would deliver in real world shooting. If I was a specialist wildlife or motorsport shooter then that might change things, but the E-M1 mk II is so good, particularly on the latest firmware, that I see no need for what and how I shoot to upgrade.

Cheers,

Simon.
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.... Hi Simon, I knew the ED 60mm Macro is not an Oly PRO lens but it's the only macro lens they offer. I have a rain cover that would probably fit anyway when needed. It's also a lens I would not buy straightaway.

I am a specialist in wildlife and love steam locomotives in action and, when I can (not often nowadays) motorsport. Reading about what the E-M1X offers me personally over a E-M1 mkII, the M1X has some very valuable features. But I can totally understand that a change from M1-II to M1X would not be worthwhile both for you and some others.
 
RedRobin said:
.... Hi Simon, I knew the ED 60mm Macro is not an Oly PRO lens but it's the only macro lens they offer. I have a rain cover that would probably fit anyway when needed. It's also a lens I would not buy straightaway.

I am a specialist in wildlife and love steam locomotives in action and, when I can (not often nowadays) motorsport. Reading about what the E-M1X offers me personally over a E-M1 mkII, the M1X has some very valuable features. But I can totally understand that a change from M1-II to M1X would not be worthwhile both for you and some others.
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(sorry late to the conversation ignore me if I repeat something)

I have the 60mm, really nice. It is Dust, splash & freezeproof even though it's not in the pro range. Works fine when used with the high resolution mode when stopped down.
 
@RedRobin just has a look at your photostream, you certainly know what you're doing with a camera and I feel a tad embarrassed posting my pics now. I can't help think that you will find IQ lacking on Olympus having seen your photos, however I am also very intrigued to see what you can get with it. There's a guy on DPreview that gets wildlife photos with Olympus that I can only dream of.
 
RedRobin said:
.... Hi Simon, I knew the ED 60mm Macro is not an Oly PRO lens but it's the only macro lens they offer. I have a rain cover that would probably fit anyway when needed. It's also a lens I would not buy straightaway.

I am a specialist in wildlife and love steam locomotives in action and, when I can (not often nowadays) motorsport. Reading about what the E-M1X offers me personally over a E-M1 mkII, the M1X has some very valuable features. But I can totally understand that a change from M1-II to M1X would not be worthwhile both for you and some others.
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You referred to the 60mm as a Pro lens in the post I quoted ;)

Always horses for horses with camera gear (y)

Cheers,

Simon.
 
@RedRobin

This is the guy I was referring to on DPReview. I can't even begin to have an inkling how he manages to get such great IQ, let alone the amazing pictures. He must have some kind of voodoo magic ;) This site's great as it shows the gear used. Just shows what people say all the time, it really is about the photographer and not the gear. Some of these are as good as any wildlife photos I've seen.

https://500px.com/sulasulacom/galleries/olympus
 
snerkler said:
@RedRobin

Now these are far from the best examples you'll ever see but these are with the 300mm f4 on the EM1x and EM1-II
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.... Many thanks indeed Toby! Those are still very good indeed - You are too modest - and do illustrate the virtually imperceptible differences between the M1X and M1-II.

The ED 300mm F/4 PRO is definitely one of the lenses I would need and buy.

CONGRATS! on winning that Olympus competition!!

snerkler said:
@RedRobin

I think the 100-400mm's a great lens too
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.... Wow! Now that lens looks as if it might have an edge and I notice it's a LEICA DG 100-400/F4.0-6.3. But I would be asking someone if it has the extreme weatherproofing of the Oly PRO lenses. I find zooms very useful indeed and this potentially complicates my lens choices!

Okay, this was shot on my Canon 1DX-2 but I spent 7hrs in a field shooting steam trains in constant rain (this was the heaviest) last week on two separate days and I love photographing birds in the rain too. So I am very attracted to the weatherproofing of the M1X. Yes, I have lens+body raincovers but they get in the way when trying to zoom quickly.

DOUBLE-HEADING NOT TAILGATING!! by Robin Procter, on Flickr

[I am now stalking following you on Flickr]
 
srhmoto said:
You referred to the 60mm as a Pro lens in the post I quoted ;)

Always horses for horses with camera gear (y)

Cheers,

Simon.
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.... My mistake, Simon. Thanks, I have now edited my earlier post accordingly. Cheers!

Far less likely to be using a macro lens in the sort of conditions where an Oly ED PRO standard of weatherproofing might be needed. The minibeasts will have run for cover!
 
RedRobin said:
.... Many thanks indeed Toby! Those are still very good indeed - You are too modest - and do illustrate the virtually imperceptible differences between the M1X and M1-II.

The ED 300mm F/4 PRO is definitely one of the lenses I would need and buy.

CONGRATS! on winning that Olympus competition!!



.... Wow! Now that lens looks as if it might have an edge and I notice it's a LEICA DG 100-400/F4.0-6.3. But I would be asking someone if it has the extreme weatherproofing of the Oly PRO lenses. I find zooms very useful indeed and this potentially complicates my lens choices!

Okay, this was shot on my Canon 1DX-2 but I spent 7hrs in a field shooting steam trains in constant rain (this was the heaviest) last week on two separate days and I love photographing birds in the rain too. So I am very attracted to the weatherproofing of the M1X. Yes, I have lens+body raincovers but they get in the way when trying to zoom quickly.

DOUBLE-HEADING NOT TAILGATING!! by Robin Procter, on Flickr

[I am now stalking following you on Flickr]
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Thanks very much. I believe the 100-400mm is weather sealed and I've used it in the rain without issue. However, would I trust it was much as the Olympus Pro lenses? TBH I'm not a fan of using any zoom that extends in the rain as once it gets onto the extended part of the barrel I always worry that when you retract the lens you risk drawing water into the lens. I'm sure this isn't true though and just my paranoia, after all I've used the 12-40mm f2.8 in horrendous weather. No matter what my gear though if I know I'm going to be shooting in heavy rain I tend to put a cover on the lens.
 
snerkler said:
@RedRobin just has a look at your photostream, you certainly know what you're doing with a camera and I feel a tad embarrassed posting my pics now. I can't help think that you will find IQ lacking on Olympus having seen your photos, however I am also very intrigued to see what you can get with it. There's a guy on DPreview that gets wildlife photos with Olympus that I can only dream of.
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snerkler said:
@RedRobin

This is the guy I was referring to on DPReview. I can't even begin to have an inkling how he manages to get such great IQ, let alone the amazing pictures. He must have some kind of voodoo magic ;) This site's great as it shows the gear used. Just shows what people say all the time, it really is about the photographer and not the gear. Some of these are as good as any wildlife photos I've seen.

https://500px.com/sulasulacom/galleries/olympus
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.... Firstly, a big thanks for your compliment - We are all always encouraged with compliments as we strive to better our efforts. Much appreciated! :). Honestly, you should NOT be even "a tad embarrassed" by your own efforts! < For what it's worth, I say this with my 'retired-but-hardwired' professional Art Director hat on and have assessed quite a few photos in my time [and been paid handsomely to do so].

O M G !!!! Fooking 'ell !!! Petr Bambousek's work is outstanding! Something to aspire to and absolute proof (if indeed it was ever needed) of Ansel Adams' quote "The camera takes the photograph, the photographer makes the photograph" but of course good camera tools are more enabling and can justify their price.

Really, if Petr Bambousek can get results from an E-M1X like that, then I think I am sold! It's a standard I would strive to achieve. I am good friends with Canon shooter professional Guy Edwardes and he was my hero when my daughter gave me his '100 wildlife tips' book before I ever met him. I am going to be teasing him about having a new hero!

Thankyou so much Toby - I feel very inspired and I haven't even had breakfast yet! What time do my friendly retailers open!!?
 
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snerkler said:
Thanks very much. I believe the 100-400mm is weather sealed and I've used it in the rain without issue. However, would I trust it was much as the Olympus Pro lenses? TBH I'm not a fan of using any zoom that extends in the rain as once it gets onto the extended part of the barrel I always worry that when you retract the lens you risk drawing water into the lens. I'm sure this isn't true though and just my paranoia, after all I've used the 12-40mm f2.8 in horrendous weather. No matter what my gear though if I know I'm going to be shooting in heavy rain I tend to put a cover on the lens.
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.... That's a good point about the possibility of water ingress on zoom lenses and I nearly always carry raincovers anyway. But with ED PRO lenses there would be less panic and rush to cover and also it's not just rain but other extreme weather or sand conditions which can be an enemy. I would rather be over proteced than under protected - It's rather like the huge braking power all round I have on my modified car in that I would rather have big brakes and not need them, rather than not have them and need them! Plus they don't overheat even on trackdays. Anyroadup, I digress.
 
jono2002 said:
(sorry late to the conversation ignore me if I repeat something)

I have the 60mm, really nice. It is Dust, splash & freezeproof even though it's not in the pro range. Works fine when used with the high resolution mode when stopped down.
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.... Please do not apologise for repeating something - This thread has over 16,000 posts and I am totally new to Olympus and new to the thread. I prefer not to need to read even 1,000 posts.

What you say about your experience with the 60mm Macro is music to my ears and it confirms my theoretical hope that the Hi-res mode (in both handheld and tripod selections) is a viable option I can decide to select.

It's features like this that can be an advantage over the undoubtedly excellent Canon EOS system macro lens and options.

Thanks Jonathan :)
 
RedRobin said:
.... That's a good point about the possibility of water ingress on zoom lenses and I nearly always carry raincovers anyway. But with ED PRO lenses there would be less panic and rush to cover and also it's not just rain but other extreme weather or sand conditions which can be an enemy. I would rather be over proteced than under protected - It's rather like the huge braking power all round I have on my modified car in that I would rather have big brakes and not need them, rather than not have them and need them! Plus they don't overheat even on trackdays. Anyroadup, I digress.
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There is some doubt about weather sealing if you mix Olympus bodies and Panasonic lenses
 
RedRobin said:
.... Firstly, a big thanks for your compliment - We are all always encouraged with compliments as we strive to better our efforts. Much appreciated! :). Honestly, you should NOT be even "a tad embarrassed" by your own efforts! < For what it's worth, I say this with my 'retired-but-hardwired' professional Art Director hat on and have assessed quite a few photos in my time [and been paid handsomely to do so].

O M G !!!! Fooking 'ell !!! Petr Bambousek's work is outstanding! Something to aspire to and absolute proof (if indeed it was ever needed) of Ansel Adams' quote "The camera takes the photograph, the photographer makes the photograph" but of course good camera tools are more enabling and can justify their price.

Really, if Petr Bambousek can get results from an E-M1X like that, then I think I am sold! It's a standard I would strive to achieve. I am good friends with Canon shooter professional Guy Edwardes and he was my hero when my daughter gave me his '100 wildlife tips' book before I ever met him. I am going to be teasing him about having a new hero!

Thankyou so much Toby - I feel very inspired and I haven't even had breakfast yet! What time do my friendly retailers open!!?
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Thanks very much. Glad to be of help.
 
RedRobin said:
.... My mistake, Simon. Thanks, I have now edited my earlier post accordingly. Cheers!

Far less likely to be using a macro lens in the sort of conditions where an Oly ED PRO standard of weatherproofing might be needed. The minibeasts will have run for cover!
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There is a rumoured 100mm macro pro lens in development :)
 
being a PL 100-400 user as well the one advantage that's being missed is it has a close focus switch , this is incredibly good for close summer work with butterflies and insects and the d.o.f adds to the equation .. .. now the thing is robin are you going to be happy with the i.q its no good if your constantly comparing one against the other .. most of us have been there done that .. etc.
you will lose in some sectors and gain in others ,will you need two tripods I doubt it , will you feel as light as a feather climbing hills yes definitely , will you lose reach no , will i.q suffer probably not, as you only like most of us post online . is there anything coming that will boost what we do YES , the new Olympus lens due next year will be the ultimate game changer depending on price ???
 
the black fox said:
I was told it helps to ETTR as well but so far I can’t see it makes any difference in wildlife . Any compensation changes can be viewed via the EVF anyway . And I also find that it’s very easy to recover highlights and shadows in Lightroom ,I’m still on a learning curve though but so far I can’t fault it ..
My recent 2 days ago purchase of the EC-14 tc hasn’t proved to be that good on b.i.f and I have been advised to try a micro adjust which I will do in the week .. but both my two main lenses the PL 100-400 ... and the four thirds 50-200 are pin sharp on there own
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Olympus do update the tc but I think this is only when fitted to Oly lenses so this could be the problem Jeff.
Rob.
 
GyRob said:
Olympus do update the tc but I think this is only when fitted to Oly lenses so this could be the problem Jeff.
Rob.
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checked firmware rob its up to date for that t.c. plus it is on a olympus lens
 
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the black fox said:
My recent 2 days ago purchase of the EC-14 tc hasn’t proved to be that good on b.i.f and I have been advised to try a micro adjust which I will do in the week .. but both my two main lenses the PL 100-400 ... and the four thirds 50-200 are pin sharp on there own
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.... I have just got off the phone to Olympus UK Customer Support (very friendly and helpful and the lady I spoke to is a photographer using Olympus herself) and I had questions about the MC-14 Teleconverter being PRO standard weatherproof (it is) because the website doesn't make it clear < It will do in due course because they agreed with my feedback.

Any adjustments are probably down to combining with a PL (Panasonic?) lens rather than an ED PRO which is what it is primarily but not exclusively designed for.

Rob answers this too but your abbreviated terms are throwing me because I am a beginner at Oly-speak. So I am probably barking (quietly) up the wrong tree! :D
 
the black fox said:
being a PL 100-400 user as well the one advantage that's being missed is it has a close focus switch , this is incredibly good for close summer work with butterflies and insects and the d.o.f adds to the equation .. .. now the thing is robin are you going to be happy with the i.q its no good if your constantly comparing one against the other .. most of us have been there done that .. etc.
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.... I agree - What matters most is what I can milk out of whatever gear I am shooting with. The rest is just history. Work by other good photographers illustrate by real-world examples that excellent images are achievable on the Oly E-M1 series and ED lenses. Much of it is up to me the photographer. You want more bokeh? Then move position to increase the background distance or avoid what it is.

the black fox said:
you will lose in some sectors and gain in others ,will you need two tripods I doubt it , will you feel as light as a feather climbing hills yes definitely , will you lose reach no , will i.q suffer probably not, as you only like most of us post online . is there anything coming that will boost what we do YES , the new Olympus lens due next year will be the ultimate game changer depending on price ???
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.... I was discussing just now with Olympus UK about their new ED 150-400mm PRO with integral 1.4x and they are expecting it next Summer 2020. Obviously no-one has a clue about price yet. One assumes that this new lens will be lightweight enough to be practical to handhold for longer than just a minute or two.

My most used tripod+head by far is my Gitzo Traveller with FlexShooter head + RRS Panning A-S clamp with QR lever - I have a Manfrotto tripod shoulder bag and hardly know I am carrying it to a stakeout location which needs a tripod, so I will definitely be keeping it. I will almost certainly sell my big Gitzo carbon 3-series tripod and Gitzo Fluid Gimbal and also monopod.
 
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Rob ,this is with a four thirds pro lens the 50-200swd with a EC.14 tc older lenses work using the correct adaptor .anyway now done the MA as it was front focussing slightly will try later
 
I just want to double check this because the guy at WEX told me differently : My understanding is that the Oly ED 40-150mm F/2.8 PRO is 80-300mm in full-frame-speak and therefore becomes 112-420mm in full-frame-speak when a 1.4x Teleconverter is mounted which is as near as damnit equivalent to my Canon EF 100-400mm L II < I am correct aren't I, please?

Mounting the 2x would make the ED 40-150mm equivalent to 160-600mm but with an aperture compromise.

But the Oly PRO lens has an advantage of being much more weatherproof and a fixed aperture throughout the zoom and also the zoom barrel does not extend to increase its length like a horse's cock. Hmm, I am liking Olympus more and more.

Methinks that the E-M1X + ED 40-150mm PRO + MC-14 Teleconverter is what I shall be testing (with the option to return) to decide my system's future.
 
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That gives you 420mm in full frame speak
 
RedRobin said:
.

.... I was discussing just now with Olympus UK about their new ED 150-400mm PRO with integral 1.4x and they are expecting it next Summer 2020. Obviously no-one has a clue about price yet. One assumes that this new lens will be lightweight enough to be practical to handhold for longer than just a minute or two.

.
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My guess based on absolute nothing but thin air is £3500-4000 weighing around the 2-2.5kg mark.
 
snerkler said:
I didn't realise there was a close focus switch (runs off to check the lens ;))
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Yep focus limiter to use the correct terminology
 
snerkler said:
My guess based on absolute nothing but thin air is £3500-4000 weighing around the 2-2.5kg mark.
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.... My guess is that your guess is pretty close. I tend to think that they will prefer to keep the £-sterling price beginning with a '3' rather than a '4' for the same reasons that 3,999 of any currency including cents or pesetas appears cheaper and a better deal than 4,000.

I could live with 2.5kg - Hey, I come from D-SLR Canon supertelephoto land!

Btw, the nice lady I spoke to at Olympus didn't know yet if this new ED 150-400mm+1.4x PRO would have a physically extendable zoom or not. I refrained from using my "horse's cock" description in our conversation. She thought that like the 40-150mm, its twist action zoom would not extend the lens' overall length.

If it's going to be available next summer I am tempted to perhaps leave the 300mm prime until more info is officially released about the new 150-400mm including its price and work with the 40-150mm and both 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters. Or, buy the 300mm prime and sell it if I want the 150-400mm next summer < I am assuming that the total sales of all my Canon gear will cover my provisional plans.
 
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