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

[AdvocatusD]

I've had my D80 Nikon for 7 years now and it's been great, but I find myself more reluctant to use it as time goes by.

I tend to take pictures on the fly and on the go, and I think the size is what is putting me off.

What I want is something that is smaller, but has most of the function.

I guess I'm wondering whether I should be looking at "bridge cameras" or whether I should just go for the smallest DSLR I can find?

The smallest DSLR around send to be the Canon EOS 100 SL1. Any experience of this camera?

I'd be grateful for some advice from people who might have had my thoughts?

[AdvocatusD]

Hi all, thanks for the contributions thus far. A little more thought and I think what I want is this in terms of priority:

1. Small size
2. Interchangeable lens
3. As much DSLR capability as possible

[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?

[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...

[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

[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

[AdvocatusD]

Just handled the EM10. Was "assisted" by an absolutely clueless shop assistant at Dixons who didn't even know how to put it on!

Anyway, lovely size and I don't doubt its credentials but I was put off by the EVF. It does look quite artificial and enhanced when you look through.

Any thoughts on this?

Maybe the Cannon Rebel is the better option?

[AdvocatusD]

Drat! I'm right where I started now I think.

I went to Selridges and had another play with the EM1 with a far more knowledgeable salesman to hand. I raised the point about the EVF and he said that most people use the LCD display to focus. Does that sound right to the Olympus OMD EMx users here? It's growing on me and the size is perfect.

I also had a look at Cannon EOS 100D which is also called the Rebel SL1. Nice size for a DSLR but the lenses look/feel plasticky?

I'm not stuck on staying with Nikon. I can easily sell my stuff and get another system...

[AdvocatusD]

marctwo said:

Are you really going to be manually focusing? The Olympus AF system is one of the fastest in the world...

It might take a bit of getting used to but I think it's worth it.

Thanks marctwo, that's good to hear. Every review I have read seems to shout the camera's praises. I'm not a particularly accomplished photographer at all and very much an (occasionally) enthusiastic amateur.

In relation to manual focusing, I was thinking of using it for shots like this which I do tend to take a few of. When there a variety of depths within a short distance (not necessarily exemplified below) I'd definitely use manual focussing, unless the AF is that good?

marctwo said:

The main area in which DSLRs / phase detect AF still has the edge is continuous AF and tracking. If you are going to be shooting a lot of moving subjects e.g. football / motorsports then a DSLR is going to be better.

I don't do a lot of panning but I would want any camera to be up to motorsports, etc. The shot below was taken with my D80. I'm assuming I can expect at least this for the Olympus?

Edited by AdvocatusD on Monday 21st July 10:07

[AdvocatusD]

I'm searching eBay for a good deal at the moment and a thought has just struck me.

Are there any adapters for the OMD that allow you to use Nikon D80 lenses? I have a nice Sigma 28 - 200 and a the kit 28 - 70 Nikon lens for my D80.

Will I be able to use these Nikon D80 lenses with the Olympus EM10?

What functionality would I lose? I assume autofocus is not an option and you'd have to manually focus everything?

[AdvocatusD]

I've taken the plunge!

I've just pressed the button and bought this kit below:

Olympus OM-D EM-10 16.1 MP Silver, 14-42mm and 40-150mm lenses, Grip and 16GB Card

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201138926980?_trksid=p20...

Pleased with the price I got in the end, buyer seems a good chap.

Any really good online tutorials for the OMD menu system/camera in general that you can recommend?

Thank you all for the assistance