Change of pace - want to replace my Nikon D80 with...?

[Mr Will]

Don't get me wrong, I can see the appeal. If I had unlimited funds I'd certainly supplement my current kit with an Olympus OMD, a Panasonic GM1 and a selection of lenses to share between them. Either that or perhaps a Sony A7S to share lenses with my rangefinder.

I just don't think they are necessarily the answer to every question. There are still a lot of advantages to a DSLR and a lot of advantages to a compact as well. You need to look closely at your own personal requirements to see what will suit you best.

[Mr Snap]

cornet said:

I was torn between a compact and the Fuji. In the end I went for the Fuji, it's significantly smaller and lighter than my D600 (took it to Glastonbury and just had it clipped to my rucksack straps most of the time or in my waterproof pocket). It doesn't stand out anywhere near as much as a DSLR, nearly everyone that asked me about it thought it was an old film camera.

No it's not pocket able in the true sense but it's small enough that I will just throw it in the car/bag without thinking.

You might also like to try wearing it in the old Leica style, by putting the strap over one shoulder then wearing a jacket on over it. This provides basic protection against rain etc but also keeps the camera almost totally hidden when you're not using it. If you let the camera go it literally falls out of view under your jacket - useful if you're shooting somewhere a bit dodgy. It works even better with a nice 'polished' leather strap (Yes, I know -Ooer, Missus!).

I still use the same technique with DSLR's occasionally but it doesn't work so well, they're too bulky.

[cornet]

Mr Snap said:

You might also like to try wearing it in the old Leica style, by putting the strap over one shoulder then wearing a jacket on over it. This provides basic protection against rain etc but also keeps the camera almost totally hidden when you're not using it. If you let the camera go it literally falls out of view under your jacket - useful if you're shooting somewhere a bit dodgy. It works even better with a nice 'polished' leather strap (Yes, I know -Ooer, Missus!).

I still use the same technique with DSLR's occasionally but it doesn't work so well, they're too bulky.

I have a black rapid strap which i can wear under a jacket. At the moment I've just got some climbing accessory chord attached to one side which can be used as a wrist strap, neck strap (at a push) or clipped to something using a carabiner.

[Mr Snap]

cornet said:

I have a black rapid strap which i can wear under a jacket.

Sorry, I can't compete with innuendo of that quality

[Dr MAD]

I'm currently going through the same thing. Most of my 'big' slr gear has been sold, just my 70-200 f2.8 is usm to go. My research has led to either the Olympus OMD EM1 or the Fuji XT1. Both reckoned to be at the top of the mirrorless tree. I'm leaning towards the Olympus at the moment but surprised that no one has mentioned either on here - am i missing something?

[Mr Will]

Dr MAD said:

I'm currently going through the same thing. Most of my 'big' slr gear has been sold, just my 70-200 f2.8 is usm to go. My research has led to either the Olympus OMD EM1 or the Fuji XT1. Both reckoned to be at the top of the mirrorless tree. I'm leaning towards the Olympus at the moment but surprised that no one has mentioned either on here - am i missing something?

Both great cameras. Choose based on the lenses that you want to buy rather than worrying about the little details between the bodies.

[AdvocatusD]

Thanks for the inputs.

I think it's either the Olympus OMD EM 1 or EM 5 for me. I didn't mention them to overtly at the outset because I didn't want to influence the discussion too much!

What I really need to decide now is which one (the EM5 is smaller, the EM1 is "better").

I also need to decide on which two lenses: which prime and which variable.

Are there any thoughts?

[Elderly]

AdvocatusD said:

What I really need to decide now is which one (the EM5 is smaller, the EM1 is "better").

Handle them both.
Yes the EM5 is smaller but you might not like the ergonomics without (part of) its accessory grip fitted, which once you have fitted it, makes the whole thing a similar size to the EM1 with its built in grip.
Also, once you've fitted the grip to the EM5, you cannot change the battery in the body without removing the grip each time, and battery life is not great on either camera.

The EM-1 is SO much nicer in every way except for the price.

[Dr MAD]

Mr Will said:

Both great cameras. Choose based on the lenses that you want to buy rather than worrying about the little details between the bodies.

Good advice. Thank you!

[Elderly]

Mr Will said:

Dr MAD said:

either the Olympus OMD EM1 or the Fuji XT1. ?

Both great cameras. Choose based on the lenses that you want to buy rather than worrying about the little details between the bodies.

Except that in the case of the above two camera bodies their 'modus operandi'
are so *VERY* different.

[marctwo]

AdvocatusD said:

Thanks for the inputs.

I think it's either the Olympus OMD EM 1 or EM 5 for me. I didn't mention them to overtly at the outset because I didn't want to influence the discussion too much!

What I really need to decide now is which one (the EM5 is smaller, the EM1 is "better").

I also need to decide on which two lenses: which prime and which variable.

Are there any thoughts?

I've not handled an E-M1 but I have owned an E-M5 since release and I love it. The only thing missing from it is focus peeking but it's not an issue with AF lenses. The E-M1 looks a good deal bulkier.

If I were you I'd probably look at the E-M10. IQ is slightly better than the E-M5 as it uses the processor from the E-M1. It's only 3 axis IBIS but most people can't seem to tell the difference compared to the 5 axis in the E-M5. It's also cheaper. Comparison here

In terms of lenses it rather depends on what kind of photos you take. For 90% of the time I carry my E-M5, Panasonic 25mm f1.4 and 14mm f2.5. The rest of the time it's either the Samyang 7.5mm fisheye or the Olympus 45mm f1.8. I don't really like zoom lenses but I have 2: the Olympus 12-50mm kit lens which I really don't like, and the Panasonic 14-42mm 'X' pancake which is nice and compact and handy for video. The Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 is the one to get if you can afford it. I'm saving up for the 7-14 which is due out next year.

[cornet]

Mr Snap said:

cornet said:

I have a black rapid strap which i can wear under a jacket.

Sorry, I can't compete with innuendo of that quality

[AdvocatusD]

Having read this review and considered the prices involved, I think it's got to be the The Olympus E-M10 and 12-40 f/2.8.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2014/03/17/the-olymp...

It's the smallest of the Olympus micro 4/3rds I have come across and the price fits. The 12 - 40mm lens seems to be a corker as well.

Could we focus our chat on thoughts/reviews/experiences on the Olympus OMD EM-x range?

It's really down to EM1 vs EM10 for me...

[Elderly]

I would think that the EM-10 body is too small to partner the 12-40 mm f2.8 lens;
I doubt it would be a well balanced combination.

[Mr Will]

If you've got the cash, I'd go for the EM1 and pick up a second hand PEN E-PM1 (~£75) or similar for when size matters. You'll be able to share all the lenses between the two and the quality will still be pretty good (especially in decent light).

[marctwo]

Mr Will said:

If you've got the cash, I'd go for the EM1 and pick up a second hand PEN E-PM1 (~£75) or similar for when size matters. You'll be able to share all the lenses between the two and the quality will still be pretty good (especially in decent light).

The E-M1 is certainly an excellent camera. But if you don't need the weather sealing, the phase detect AF and 5 axis IBIS then the E-M10 is 80% of the camera for 50% of the price and it's noticeably smaller:

http://camerasize.com/compact/#482.412,521.412,ha,...

[AdvocatusD]

marctwo said:

Mr Will said:

If you've got the cash, I'd go for the EM1 and pick up a second hand PEN E-PM1 (~£75) or similar for when size matters. You'll be able to share all the lenses between the two and the quality will still be pretty good (especially in decent light).

The E-M1 is certainly an excellent camera. But if you don't need the weather sealing, the phase detect AF and 5 axis IBIS then the E-M10 is 80% of the camera for 50% of the price and it's noticeably smaller:

http://camerasize.com/compact/#482.412,521.412,ha,...

Exactly my reason for picking the M10(subject to handling it).

Could we focus on the lens options for the M10 now please? Most shooting is down in bad light (so a good prime needed) and I'll need a zoom that can pan at Goodwood.

Again, small size is a big consideration.

Edited by AdvocatusD on Friday 11th July 11:11

[marctwo]

AdvocatusD said:

Exactly my reason for picking the M10(subject to handling it).

Could we focus on the lens options for the M10 now please? Most shooting is down in bad light (so a good prime needed) and I'll need a zoom that can pan at Goodwood.

Again, small size is a big consideration.

Edited by AdvocatusD on Friday 11th July 11:11

For the prime I'd go for the Olympus 17mm f1.8 or 25mm f1.8 depending on your focal length preference. For the zoom, the Oly 12-40mm is the best but I don't know if it will be long enough for you? It's also quite large.

http://camerasize.com/compact/#521.412,521.411,ha,...

[marctwo]

marctwo said:

It's also quite large.

It's all relative though...

http://camerasize.com/compact/#521.412,216.327,ha,...

[AdvocatusD]

marctwo said:

For the prime I'd go for the Olympus 17mm f1.8 or 25mm f1.8 depending on your focal length preference. For the zoom, the Oly 12-40mm is the best but I don't know if it will be long enough for you? It's also quite large.

http://camerasize.com/compact/#521.412,521.411,ha,...

It is relative indeed! I think 80 is probably just long enough for the usual stuff.

Are pancake lenses recommended at all?

What's the best place in London to go and have a chat and see the range of lenses available?

Edited by AdvocatusD on Friday 11th July 13:28