Lens recommendation for EM1

Hi Ajay, for what it's worth, here are a few thoughts:

1. The EM1 is a great camera (i have one) but I'm not sure I'd suggest it for a new photographer as the learning curve is fairly steep. The micro four thirds system is a great choice though, so You may want to look at other less expensive options like the OMD EM5 or Panasonic G6 if you like the slr type camera, If you want a low cost option the G5 is a good choice and a good deal here in the US.

2. Almost any kit lens such as a 14-42 would be smaller and lighter, the new Oly and Panasonic seem to be pretty good. You'll find you end up buying multiple lenses so consider that a start Only.

if you're able, go to a camera store and spend time with some options and see what feels best for you!

Good luck,

Bob

AjayK said:

I am new to photography, hence a naive question -

Buying an EM1 for normal family use -
1. Take baby pictures as they grow up through the years.
2. Occasional vacation pictures
3. Occasional parties at home etc

What kind of lenses should I buy?
The new 12-40mm f/2.8 lens for EM1 seems like an easy choice but I am wondering if it covers all my needs. It is also pretty bulky. Could I cover my needs with a couple of lighter pancake lenses such as the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7?

Primarily looking for lens advice, but will take any camera advice as well. I chose the EM1 after reading about weight and size advantages over DSLR, the 5-axis stability, and the sturdy build.

Thank you !!

Click to expand...

The E-M1 seems like a great camera, I completely agree with that choice.

As for lenses, I think you should start with the 12-40 and not get additional stuff until you're comfortable with it. Then you'll also have an idea what your needs are.

AjayK said:

I am new to photography, hence a naive question -

Buying an EM1 for normal family use -
1. Take baby pictures as they grow up through the years.
2. Occasional vacation pictures
3. Occasional parties at home etc

What kind of lenses should I buy?
The new 12-40mm f/2.8 lens for EM1 seems like an easy choice but I am wondering if it covers all my needs. It is also pretty bulky. Could I cover my needs with a couple of lighter pancake lenses such as the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7?

Primarily looking for lens advice, but will take any camera advice as well. I chose the EM1 after reading about weight and size advantages over DSLR, the 5-axis stability, and the sturdy build.

Thank you !!

Click to expand...

I recently bought the E-M5 cause I felt it was more bang for bucks. But hey, E-M1 is a better camera in almost every aspect so it is great choice. You have done well deciding on the E-M1 so once bought Enjoy the camera

Now the lenses. I have a similar situation to you where I need a good prime for the baby shots. So far I have 12-50 weather seal kit zoom and 25mmm 1.4 prime.

The reason for 12-50mm was that it is weather sealed and the lens complement the weather sealing on the camera making it a total weather sealed package. And the kit zooms are always cheaper than buying it separate. For E-M1 the equivalent is 12-40mm and my advice is to go for it, and buy it as a kit not separately which will save you some bucks. Like the 12-50mm it is a versatile zoom length and you'll not regret having it when shooting in bad weather (one day).

One prime I highly recommend is 25mm 1.4 for baby shots. It is 50mm equivalent on FF and great for indoor shots. And you aren't going to get a similar bokeh from any other M43 lens. The IQ is top notch from my readings. The AF is fast too (I mean it is fast) but not as fast as 17mm 1.8 lens which is instantaneous which was my second choice. But for me f1.4 aperture, boken and IQ were the deciding factors for the 25mm 1.4 as well the 25mm was better suited for me. Its not cheap but it is a great lens.

My advice, first try the 12-40 kit zoom for couple of days and figure out the best focal length for the prime. Because choosing the right focal length means everything for a prime. Everyone's needs are different. Once you know your focal length then check for IQ, AF speed, sharpness, build quality etc etc,.

Check this thread which I started and will give you plenty to read about primes. http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/52427191

Good luck !!!

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Compact to M43. What's next?

Howdy Ajayk, and welcome to DPR

To be honest, since you're new to photography, I think you'll probably be better off with some type of compact point and shoot camera. They can take quite stunning photographs. Jumping right into something like the E-M1 just seems like the wrong approach to me.

You can find quite excellent point and shoot cameras from all the major makers, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, etc. Spend some time over in the various compact camera forums and I'll bet you can find something that works for you.

Then, find a good local store where you can try some different cameras and see how they fit your hands. Is it slippery? Is it easy to use or does it seem overly complex? Take lots of pictures of the employees in the store, pretend they're your kids, and see how the photos look.

The nice thing about finding a good compact camera is that you can slip it in a pocket and always have it with you for when those special moments happen. Remember, the BEST camera is the one you have with you!

You should be able to find a nice compact camera for under $300, and if you think you might become more interested in photography down the line, you can always upgrade to something bigger when the need arises.

For the uses you have listed, the 20 is all you need, or the oly 17 1.8

With the E-M1 you're already going towards the heavier setup... (I have the E-M5 which is smaller and lighter and there are many more smaller and lighter choices.)

For the casual photos the most important thing (as others have said) is to have the camera with you. That is infinitely more important than which camera it is.

My pocketable setup was the E-M5 with 20mm prime for some time. Then I got the 14-42X pancake zoom lens and it has become my carry everywhere lens.

For the "home parties" you have to consider available light so it may require a very different choice than the vacation photos.

I just got the 12-40 a few days ago and it is a fantastic lens. For occasions where I expect to take pictures it will be the lens glued to my camera. But my carry-everywhere setup is still the E-M5 + 14-42X lens because of size and weight and it does give very good image quality (but not f/2.8).

--
Slowly learning to use the Olympus OM-D E-M5.
Public pictures at http://debra.zenfolio.com/.

Derek Dean said:

Howdy Ajayk, and welcome to DPR

To be honest, since you're new to photography, I think you'll probably be better off with some type of compact point and shoot camera. They can take quite stunning photographs. Jumping right into something like the E-M1 just seems like the wrong approach to me.

You can find quite excellent point and shoot cameras from all the major makers, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, etc. Spend some time over in the various compact camera forums and I'll bet you can find something that works for you.

Then, find a good local store where you can try some different cameras and see how they fit your hands. Is it slippery? Is it easy to use or does it seem overly complex? Take lots of pictures of the employees in the store, pretend they're your kids, and see how the photos look.

The nice thing about finding a good compact camera is that you can slip it in a pocket and always have it with you for when those special moments happen. Remember, the BEST camera is the one you have with you!

You should be able to find a nice compact camera for under $300, and if you think you might become more interested in photography down the line, you can always upgrade to something bigger when the need arises.

Click to expand...

Hmm.. good advice, but I don't think its best to say go for a point and shoot.

His requirements call for a better camera than point and shoots. I agree that to fully enjoy E-M1 you need a bit of experience like any other ILC but then again until you are ready the iAUTO will do a decent job with the right lens

I mean RX100 ll and all that are great point and shoots and they continue to improve as the gap between smartphones and average point and shoots are closing. But non of those premium compacts aren't going to a decent job as the AUTO mode of a camera like E-M1.

So, while you are right in saying E-M1 is too advance for a beginner, on the other hand recommending a point and shoot is not ideal.

I would forget the 20 1.7 for child photos.

I used to like a lot this lens and it was responsible for most of my photos.

I loved it for landscape and street photos.

But once i got a child , adopted at 4 years so already moving fast i had too many missed photos due to AF that i wont be able to take again.

I never tried the 17 but the 25/45/75 AF is so much better than the 20, i dont have this problem anymore.

I would suggest two lenses:

The Panasonic 25mm 1.4 for baby and family photos

A kit zoom lens such as the Olympus 14-42mm for everything else. You could also add an inexpensive telephoto lens such as the Olympus 40-150mm.

Or you could just get the 12-40mm 2.8 and call it a day.

alan49 said:

I would forget the 20 1.7 for child photos.

I used to like a lot this lens and it was responsible for most of my photos.

I loved it for landscape and street photos.

But once i got a child , adopted at 4 years so already moving fast i had too many missed photos due to AF that i wont be able to take again.

I never tried the 17 but the 25/45/75 AF is so much better than the 20, i dont have this problem anymore.

Click to expand...

I think this is what I have heard as well hence I gave the slip to the 20mm 1.7. And also people say its not as good when used in high ISOs. But beside that it is a good sharp lens.

AF on 17 is better than 25. But can't beat the IQ of 25.