Olympus OM or Fuji XT which one would you choose ?

Phiggys

Phiggys

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Well it looks very much like I'm going to have to downsize my photographic gear !
With no real prospects of my condition improving I need to start using a smaller lighter system but one that has a really good anti shake system.
I know there is probably a number of photographers here that have used one if not both the above systems and was looking for feedback/advice from hands on experienced photographers.
I have been considering either a Fuji XT with 18-135mm iOS lens or the Olympus omd-e5 mkII with a 9-150mm. As a basic start into the system.
I do like the fact all lens fitted to the Olympus will be stableised with the in body stableisation but still not convinced about 4/3
Where as I have always had a liking of Fuji for there natural colours but I will need to choose my lenses carefully as it looks like only the zoom are stableised and I still like using primes when possible.
 
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Hmmm two ways to counter shake really - fast shutter or stabilization.

Faster shutter means higher ISO so personally I'd consider the Sony a6000.

Out of your two though, sounds like the E-M1II fits the bill with the camera IBIS.
 
Thanks for reply I suffer rather badly with my nerves and with arthritis I just can't carry heavy gear or handle it like I used too but I do appreciate the mention of Sony as I hadn't even considered that as a possibility cheers :)
 
I too have the shakes and both shoulders are wrecked so traded my Canon gear in for the much lighter Fuji set up.

Even with a light camera and stabilised lens I find it nearly impossible to get sharp photos hand held, just accepted that I need to use a tripod most of the time or find other adequate support.

Happy with the Fuji (X-E1 and X-T1) cameras although i'm sure the others mentioned are equally good, just have to choose what features mean the most to you
 
Another Olympus vote here, as you already said makes all the lenses stabilised plus wider lens choice as well as being able to buy at various price points to give it a try and not worry too much over glass obsolescence if you go on to change bodies.
 
I've had both and personally I prefer Fuji - although if weight is the absolute priority than you may be better with Olympus.

I just love the handling and feel of the Fuji - the lenses too feel like proper lenses, the Olympus lenses are pretty plastic in comparison (ditto nikon, canon etc !)

I have an XT-10 and find it so easy to use - everything is just where it should be and although its tiny it just feels right.

There is no doubt that for the size both brands take great pictures though :)
 
Oh and to echo above the jpegs out if the Fuji and the film simulations are superb...
 
Might be me but after using both I found the Fuji much easier to use, Olympus menu system is much more complicated but guess its just a matter of time and patience to get used to it
 
I am a Olympus user I looked at the Fuji system but the focusing was slow and it is bigger and heavier.

Here is a shot taken 1 handed at 1/6 sec with an Olympus OMD E-M5 with the pancake 14-42 EZ zoom lens (a very small and light set up) my E-M1 was on a tripod and I was holding the cable realease in my other hand

the-aproaching-sea by Alf Branch, on Flickr

Here is ashot taken with the E-M5 and the 12-50 EZ zoom lens ( a small and light set up0 again while the E-M1 was ona tripod

Buttermere-dawn by Alf Branch, on Flickr

Here is a panoramic shot taken with the E-M1 and the 12-40 f2.8 pro lens

Crummock-water-panorama by Alf Branch, on Flickr
 
Phiggys said:
Well it looks very much like I'm going to have to downsize my photographic gear !....
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Just to complicate things further you could add Panasonic to the list of possibilities and maybe also the Sony A7 system too. I have a Panasonic GX7 which has IBIS and of course some of the lenses have IS too and the A7II's have IBIS and again some of the lenses have IS.

Personally I wouldn't worry about Fuji or any other make of camera colours as I think that with cameras of this level you've got to think about shooting raw and surely once you do that you can choose your colours and look.

Good luck choosing.
 
I have just come back from a 2 week holiday in Japan and I bought the OM-D EM5 Mk ii the day before I went. I had hurriedly researched a smaller camera system to take with me and was also torn between mainly Fuji, Olympus and Sony (I didn't disregard Panasonic, but was very pushed for time! ).

In the end I went for the Olympus because I liked the in camera stabilisation and the customisable buttons/dials. I tend to use Manual, so the exposure compensation dial as per Fuji, is not always that useful to me. On the Olympus I can change what the dials do. In fact I've set it up so it is very similar to my Canon. Many don't like the Olympus menu system, but I found it okay. By pressing the OK button, it comes up with a screen where it is easy to select what you want to change. Some things can be a bit buried.

In use, I was blown away by the functionality of the Olympus, and revelled in it's compact, light design after being used to a Canon 5D3. You can also set the touch screen so that it focuses and takes a shot when you touch it, which was great for some street photography.

I've only just downloaded my photos so am still going through them, but I am really impressed with the image stabilisation. Here is a sample taken handheld at 1/10s ISO 200 f/2.8 I have tweaked the shadows and highlights and clarity, but only a little. Low sharpening added to the RAW file.

 
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alfbranch - nice shots :)

Focusing is quicker on the Olympus cameras although its pretty good on the XT-10 which has the new software - certainly fast enough for me...
 
justa1972 said:
alfbranch - nice shots :)

Focusing is quicker on the Olympus cameras although its pretty good on the XT-10 which has the new software - certainly fast enough for me...
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It was the X pro 1 with the 55-200 mm I tried but it was pedestrian.

Though Fuji and Sony are like Olympus and they have added features to its cameras in firmware updates
 
JYC said:
Certainly can't compare the focusing on the X-T series with the original X-Pro 1

Light years apart!
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Definitely !

Not had an xt-10 side by side with a Olympus/Panasonic but the difference can't be great.

I was in Oxford last week and couldn't believe how well the xt-10 language locked on to the cyclists flashing past !
 
Although I've not used any Fuji, I am a Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferer, and have been very happy with the weight and handling of Olympus cameras. I did toy with giving Fuji a try, but the weight of the lenses would have been prohibitive for me. It may be worth handling both systems with a variety of lenses if your Arthritis isn't too bad!
 
I'd strongly advise you to try them out in the flesh. I really wanted to like the Olympus system given I started with an old OM10 when learning photography but I hated the menu system and just couldn't hold the thing (EM5) properly. So I gave Fuji a try and fell for the X-Pro1 boxy rangefinder style - all the things I cared about were controlled by dials and it just fitted my hand. When the XT1 came out I dismissed it as too much like the Olympus but several months later got the chance to have a play and immediately got one, selling the X-Pro1 soon after. Both systems are excellent and given what you have said about the need for stabilisation the Olympus would seem to win on paper. But I found the ergonomic difference enormous compared to the photo quality difference.
 
justa1972 said:
I've had both and personally I prefer Fuji - although if weight is the absolute priority than you may be better with Olympus.

I just love the handling and feel of the Fuji - the lenses too feel like proper lenses, the Olympus lenses are pretty plastic in comparison (ditto nikon, canon etc !)
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:agree: I was looking to downsize from the Canon 5D with 24-105 and 17-40 and tried out the Panny G3 with 14-45 to see how I got on. I found the photo quality to be a bit limited and lacking detail at 1:1 in Lightroom, but the size and weight were a revelation and the 45-150 (90-300) was tiny compared to the Canon 70-300. My decision then was whether I went for a better quality M4/3 camera and lenses, or go with the Fuji system for the bigger sensor and larger files, and I guess the viewfinder swung it for the Fuji X-T1. The kit with the 18-135 appealed as covering most of the focal lengths I would use on a daily basis, but that ends up as being quite a bit bigger and heavier than the G3 and I've kept the Panny for times when I don't want the size and weight of the Fuji. I've now bought the Fuji 14mm and 55-200 and find I need the bag I was using for the 5D kit, so please base your choice on your likely kit purchases, and not just the camera and standard zoom. (y)
 
Having owned m4/3 and Fuji X there is nothing in it weight wise (well there is but you won't notice it). I do think Olympus has better stabilisation, it's an area they have put in a lot of effort - even my old 4/3 E520 DSLR I think was better than the Fuji in lens system which just feels like they put it in as an afterthought really. (you can only turn it off or on for example, panning is not supported). I also feel that my Panasonic GH1 was sharper than my XT1. Fuji has far better image processing though.

I have no plans to change my XT1 though, on balance it feels a better system despite being weaker in some areas.
 
I've had both as well and the stabilisation and the quickness of the Olympus will be better but I love the lenses that Fuji make. The jpegs straight out of the camera of the Fuji are great along with the fuji colours ive had both twice after chopping and changing but I'm sticking with the Fuji which I currently have the XT-10 and an X100s.

Andy
 
I looked at both. There isn't really a great deal between them Just like the Canon/Nikon debate. One does somethings better than the other and vice versa. There isn't a camera that has yet been made that is absolutely perfect in every respect for every user. Both will give you excellent service and produce superb results.
It all boils down to how you feel about each system, and that is a decision only you can make. I plumped for the Fuji X-T1 after looking at them both in the local shop. I tried them both, and took some sample shots onto my own card. Didn't find too much difference between the images when I got home to play with them. Had just about decided to go back and get the Fuji when a good s/h example came up on here so went for that.

'fraid it's all down to your personal choice. Two good systems that will give excellent results. Which do YOU prefer?
 
Both great systems. Both great SOOC. You'd most likely get on with either. Especially if you get the newer models. It'll be some odd detail that's your personal preference, that we can't guess, that would push you one way or the other. Other peoples preference is not likely to help.

Which means you have to get one of each!
 
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First of all thanks for all the replies I really appreciate your response advice and times it's certainly given me food for thought!
A friend visited today and bought his XT1 with 18-55 ois and his Xpro 1 with 35mm f1.4 both had a nice feel in my hands but I'm going to try and visit a dealer that might also have the olympus in stock.
And I won't be ruleing out some of the other options that a number of you have mentioned Sony Panasonic to mention just two.
I do have a near new Canon M with a couple of lenses and adaptor and as good as it is in Daylight it's equally as bad in low light poor slow hunting AF :( and it appears the new M3 isn't much better from what I have read I really thought that was going to be the answer to my problem but not found it to be the case.
I will try to find somewhere to look at alternate options over the weekend if possible.
Thanks again everyone :) I keep you posted !
 
Went from Oly to Fuji mainly because the Fuji raw files are cleaner and seem better for landscapes, but in truth there's not a lot to choose between either manufacturer. Or Panasonic, come to that. One way the Oly wins out is with its IBIS. Best if you can handle before you decide.

PS one thing in favour of Fuji for me is that you can see what you're setting by looking at the controls, and don't have to remember what function you've assigned to which button.
 
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Phiggys said:
First of all thanks for all the replies I really appreciate your response advice and times it's certainly given me food for thought!
A friend visited today and bought his XT1 with 18-55 ois and his Xpro 1 with 35mm f1.4 both had a nice feel in my hands but I'm going to try and visit a dealer that might also have the olympus in stock.
And I won't be ruleing out some of the other options that a number of you have mentioned Sony Panasonic to mention just two.
I do have a near new Canon M with a couple of lenses and adaptor and as good as it is in Daylight it's equally as bad in low light poor slow hunting AF :( and it appears the new M3 isn't much better from what I have read I really thought that was going to be the answer to my problem but not found it to be the case.
I will try to find somewhere to look at alternate options over the weekend if possible.
Thanks again everyone :) I keep you posted !
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I found the m3 to be markedly better than the m focus wise in all lights of that helps :)
Shame you are the other side of the country else you could play with various mirrorless options here....although I may be in Ludlow over xmas ish if you are still pondering by then ;)
 
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B1ts said:
I found the m3 to be markedly better than the m focus wise in all lights of that helps :)
Shame you are the other side of the country else you could play with various mirrorless options here....although I may be in Ludlow over xmas ish if you are still pondering by then ;)
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That's interesting to here about the M3 ironically I took the M out yesterday as I thought I would give it a airing and a second chance to prove itself.
I haven't down loaded test shots I did yet but they looked good on the back of the camera screen.
I have decided to take my time on choosing my new system as I really want to make sure I get it right.( I rather rushed into getting the M though it was at a good price at the time(n)
I recently got a voucher to test out the olympus on a 2/3 day trial so seriously thinking of taking that offer up :)
If your in Ludlow over the festive season it would be good to meet you if only to discuss the Mirrorless options including the M3 :)
 
Phiggys said:
I have decided to take my time on choosing my new system as I really want to make sure I get it right.( I rather rushed into getting the M though it was at a good price at the time(n)
I recently got a voucher to test out the olympus on a 2/3 day trial so seriously thinking of taking that offer up :)
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In my experience the Oly's need time to set up to your shooting style, particularly the E-M1. There are so many options when assigning functions to buttons/dials. It took me a good while to get the arrangement right to allow me to intuitively change settings on the fly, something Oly may have recognised hence their 2/3 day loan offer.

I run 2 systems (Nikon FF & Oly) at the moment and have had them long enough to be able to use both intuitively. Although it was initially complex I now much prefer to use the Oly, it's a wonderful piece of kit.

However, as you & the chaps have mentioned above, try as many as you can to see which suits you best ergonomically. In reality that's the most significant difference between them all.

Good luck which your search!
 
Phiggys said:
That's interesting to here about the M3 ironically I took the M out yesterday as I thought I would give it a airing and a second chance to prove itself.
I haven't down loaded test shots I did yet but they looked good on the back of the camera screen.
I have decided to take my time on choosing my new system as I really want to make sure I get it right.( I rather rushed into getting the M though it was at a good price at the time(n)
I recently got a voucher to test out the olympus on a 2/3 day trial so seriously thinking of taking that offer up :)
If your in Ludlow over the festive season it would be good to meet you if only to discuss the Mirrorless options including the M3 :)
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Do you have the 22mm for your M, I find it performs great in the dark, just needs an edge with some contrast to lock focus on. Here is just one example:

Window On Other Worlds by Steve Bennett, on Flickr
 
Steve B said:
Do you have the 22mm for your M, I find it performs great in the dark, just needs an edge with some contrast to lock focus on. Here is just one example:

Window On Other Worlds by Steve Bennett, on Flickr
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Hi Steve yes I do have the 22mm f2 lens and agree it's a lovely little bit of glass.
Love your shot certainly one I would be proud to have in my portfolio
Thanks for your reply to the post :)
 
Well I have done it I pressed the button on the Fuji it was really tough decision tbh but it should be with me tomorrow along with a couple of prime lenses :)
It's gonna be like going back to the early 60s for me with my very first rangefinder camera :)
I really do appreciate everyone's in put and comments here.
Thank you everyone. :):nikon::canon::olympus: And I will be looking for a similar I love Fuji again soon please mods :)
 
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