Any E-3 / E-5 users also own the E-M5? Opinion needed on EVF

Hi,

Have owned E1/E3/E5.  Also sold my E3 recently with several lenses.

Purchased EM-5 several months ago with intention of using it as travel, family, event camera and backup to E5.

For the most part works well.  A bit disappointed with many of the native m4/3 lenses compared to HG & SHG.  As a result overall IQ is similar (and in some cases better) to E5 with HG (not SHG) lenses.  I do think the sensor is better on the EM-5 vs. E5 (and I would buy an E6/7 with EM-5 guts.  EM-5 IBIS, DR, ISO is clearly better.  I am largely unimpressed with Oly zooms for m4/3 notably the 12-50, 14-42, 40-150 and feel the standard SG 4/3 equivalents are notably better.  Unfortunately the primes which are quite good (12mm, 75mm) and are similar to HG (not SHG) in quality are unfortunately NOT sealed.  I have a 60 macro on order.  I have been unimpressed using the HG 4/3 lenses on the EM-5 due to the inability to have acceptably fast AF with the 4/3 lenses I use most (12-60, 50-200 SWD, 50 macro).

That said I am much happier with the Pan zooms particularly the 12-35 2.8.  It is weather sealed (and I have stress tested it in Florida and recently in Iceland) and though not the 14-35 F2, it is roughly optically equivalent to the 12-60.  I am also impressed with the 7-14 (and hope they reintroduce it with weather sealing) and have a 35-100 2.8 on order.  I do process with LR4 so CA has really not been an issue.  The 12-35 has been so good I am not sure that I need my Oly 12 F2.

As for the EM-5 finder, it is about as bright and clear as any EVF I have seen.  During my experience with it, there has been NO lag whatsoever.  I am also impressed by the reliability of the auto switch from the rear screen to the EVF and the fact that unlike several others I have tried, there is NO delay in the switch.  The EVF is bright but in the strong sunlight in Florida, it can be hard to see fine details.  Interestingly, I am visually impaired and have always had difficulty seeing the exposure values in the OVF on the E3 & E5 in bright sunlight.  I have NO problem reading the technical details in any light on the EM-5's EVF.  Also working at night is MUCH easier for me using the EVF than an OVF (again may be my eyes and night blindness).  BTW I bought the large eyecup which does help a lot in bright daylight.

My biggest issue with the EM-5 has been the controls.  First, with the 12-35, I always use the upper half of the grip, and since the 12-35 is the lens which appears to live on the EM-5, so does the grip.  The controls dials are too easy to change position (and do so spontaneously in my ThinkTank Retro 5 bag( so that I now find myself turning off the camera when placing in it the bag, something I never do with my E5 in the retro 10.  Also the buttons on the back and directional arrows are definitely on the fiddly side and are hard to use in any inclement or cold weather (eg horizontal rain/sleet in Iceland and forget trying to use the buttons in even light gloves) and they are neither easy to note without looking and respond poorly.  As a result I am seriously contemplating switching the EM-5 for the GH3 if the still IQ is equivalent as the controls at least appear beefier in pictures.  With grip and flash, there is really no size, weight (or price) difference, but I doubt there is any improvement in AF with classic 4/3 lenses.  I do hope Oly comes out with a bit larger (GH3 size) pro body which will focus 4/3 lenses better and I hope they introduce some add'l m4/3 lenses with weather sealing.

All of that said, I have enjoyed shooting with the EM-5 and find the results with some of the Oly primes and Pan 12-35 outstanding.  For general stuff including family, travel, event (once the 35-100 makes its appearance), I do not miss the E5. I took it as my sole camera for 2 weeks in Iceland and felt it performed admirably.  IQ was as good as or better than the E5 +12-60.  However, were I going on safari or any "animal in the wild" shooting, I would still take my E5.

Hope this rambling helps,

Ed