EM-1 or EM-5

letsgofishing said:

I managed to drown my 650D when a wave knocked over my tripod...

I've not been happy with the dynamic range of the 650D and over the past year have been seriously looking at the EM-5. Now the EM-1 arrives to throw a spanner in the works!

I shoot 90% long exposure seascapes at sunrise and sunset - would like to hear opinions on whether you think the EM1 is worth $550 more than the Em5 ( bodies only).

Many thanks.

Click to expand...

Sony APS-C 16mp sensor in Nikon/Pentax dSLRs has 1) the best DR per $ spent and 2) beats Sony's own m43 sensor in DR department by a very big /in sensor world/ margin @ base ISO... you really do not need to bother w/ m43 if 9 out 10 shots require the biggest DR @ base ISO.

Hello,

I have an E-M5 from more than a year, I'm not a pro.

I don't own 43 lenses but only some native micro43 lenses, but I was considering to upgrade to E-M1 mainly in order to get some advantage from the PDAF in continuos AF, wich I found to be the only limit I have in the camera when I try to shoot to my erratic running 4 y.o. son.

Yesterday there was an Olympus event in my city and I have the possibility to try the E-M1 compared with my E-M5, indoor and outdoor. I have tried it with 75/1.8 and the 12-40. On my camera there was my 75/1.8.

Now, before being bashed, let at least me clarify my points, which obviously are subjective:

The E-M1 is a great camera indeed, actually it is the flagship of the m43 arena, well built/sealed and full packed of features. The IQ level is very good as we already know. If you have no budget limit and you get one you cannot go wrong.

The E-M1 is an improved camera under a lot of aspect in comparison to the E-M5, as it should be being more recent and more expensive. I don't want to list all here, but you get an idea: the EVF is bigger/better, the IBIS is improved, the LCD has more resolution, there are more external command and it has the integrated grip, it is more fast with a bigger buffer.

However the IQ is very similar if not equal, the jpeg are better processed/corrected but if you shoot RAW (as I do) this, and all the art filters, are way less important.

That said, I asked myself, main improvement aside being already listed above, for my type of shooting (no 43 lenses, no manual AF, no pro work, RAW only, very little videos), what exactly I can do with the E-M1 that I "cannot" do with the E-M5?

(I'm focusing here on what is impossible/absent, not on what is improved, like the EVF for example).

My answer was:

- PDAF (hybrid C-AF tracking, up to 6fps)

- 1/8000 shutter speed (useful in bright condition, maybe in conjunction with ISO LOW)

- 1/320 flash sync

- focus peaking

- WiFi

- timelapse

- HDR

- micro AF lens adjustment

Yes, maybe I'm missing something and you could add other items to the list, but these are the main I have found, and in addition the only features which are of my "real" interest are only the first three.

Knowing that, I was curious to test the hybrid PDAF+Contrast AF in Continuous/tracking yesterday, being a main reason to consider the upgrade, and frankly, after some test, my conclusion was that this aspect was improved but not so much or, at least, not as I hoped for.

In addition I was not super impressed by the new EVF as other were, neither found the overall feeling/layout of the commands being so decisive. I have the grip on my E-M5 and the E-M1 is similar to an E-M5 with the hand grip only, but I find more effective to have a modular approach, that allows me to put a very slim lens on the bare body and get a small package, which you cannot do with the E-M1, being the grip fixed.

So, my final thoughts after my test, considering all the improvements and including the C-AF tracking comparison, was that in my humble opinion, for what I do, the current big price difference between the E-M1 and E-M5 is not worth what I get in exchange.

Again, this is very personal and based on my requirements, so please, don't flame me.

In my opinion, if your requirements are not specifically and strongly toward what unique/improved the E-M1 has to offer (including the fact of owning some old 43 lenses obviously), and you are budget conscious, I think that the price difference is better spent buying a lens.

In addition, due to the fact you explicitly mention "long exposure shooting", I want to highlights that in long exposure shooting, if you disengage the black frame noise reduction subtraction (as is required for star trails, for example) the E-M1 is surprisingly noticeably worst than the E-M5, as you can see by looking at this thread:

http://www.mu-43.com/showthread.php?t=53621

So,

I suggest you to make your own consideration and, if possible, to try both the camera before deciding,

I hope my experience/opinions could be useful for you in some way.

Keep in mind that, based on what I have written, I will keep my E-M5, but if someone gift me an E-M1 I will not cry for sure...!

Ciao

If you're going to try drowning it again then I'd recommend an e-m1 with 12-40. No guarantees but it's got the most likelihood of surviving.

It's a tough call, but the good news is you won't go far wrong either way. I think whichever you buy you'll be happy you made the right decision.

I think I'd go for the EM-5, which you can get as a kit with a free optional grip. I like to have the option of using the grip or half the grip or no grip depending on my needs. I like the design of the EM-5 and without the grip it is a bit smaller than the EM-1. Given the price difference as well I think it's a good choice.

Now if you have read that and you're thinking you might get the EM-1 anyway I won't say you are wrong. I don't think you can go wrong.

letsgofishing said:

I managed to drown my 650D when a wave knocked over my tripod...

I've not been happy with the dynamic range of the 650D and over the past year have been seriously looking at the EM-5. Now the EM-1 arrives to throw a spanner in the works!

I shoot 90% long exposure seascapes at sunrise and sunset - would like to hear opinions on whether you think the EM1 is worth $550 more than the Em5 ( bodies only).

Many thanks.

Click to expand...

Tough luck on the 650D.

If I had to start afresh, based on what I've read I would investigate the more recent Nikon and Pentax DSLRs for best dynamic range (at base ISO).

I shoot Canon DSLR and the EM5. I prefer the EM5 for most shooting not because of superior DR but because of portability. If your camera is sitting on a tripod most of the time then I certainly wouldn't get the EM1. Heck, you could get the same IQ using a more budget friendly EPM2, albeit with a more tedious user experience.

Thank you for your replies - much appreciated.

The aspects of the EM1 that potentially attract me are the improved resolution of the LCD and viewfinder and the larger buttons with more space on the camera body.

I live in South Africa and the EM1 is not yet available here, so I cannot personally compare the 2 cameras side by side.

I should also mention that I will be travelling to Central America for three months early next year and have ruled out APS-C due to weight and bulk, but thanks for that opinion.

"In addition, due to the fact you explicitly mention "long exposure shooting", I want to highlights that in long exposure shooting, if you disengage the black frame noise reduction subtraction (as is required for star trails, for example) the E-M1 is surprisingly noticeably worst than the E-M5, as you can see by looking at this thread:

http://www.mu-43.com/showthread.php?t=53621"

This troubles me - any idea if this result is camera-specific or does it apply to all EM-1's?

Martin.au said:

If you're going to try drowning it again then I'd recommend an e-m1 with 12-40. No guarantees but it's got the most likelihood of surviving.

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Isn't the 12-40 ( which I intend getting) also weatherproof on the Em-5?

Hello,

unlucky reading the whole thread you can see that the issue it does not seem to affect only a single bad sample, and there are reported some early Olympus statements that are telling the issue is not fixable.

In any case if you don't do start trails or similar, and you can engage the frame subtraction noise reduction the issue seems to be quite completely solved, so it depends on your planned usage.

Ciao

letsgofishing said:

Thank you for your replies - much appreciated.

The aspects of the EM1 that potentially attract me are the improved resolution of the LCD and viewfinder and the larger buttons with more space on the camera body.

Click to expand...

If you have big hands it could be the E-M1 is better suited. I didn't find the difference so decisive.

Regarding the LCD it is true that it has more resolution, but it is not OLED. In practice yesterday I have seen no big advantages for the resolution and frankly I don't know if in bright sun the E-M5 OLED could be a better choice (yesterday it was cloudy, so I cannot say more on this).

The EVF is bigger, but again, I don't do manual focus and I don't see the difference so decisive as already stated.

Ciao

NeroMetalliko said:

letsgofishing said:

Thank you for your replies - much appreciated.

The aspects of the EM1 that potentially attract me are the improved resolution of the LCD and viewfinder and the larger buttons with more space on the camera body.

Click to expand...

If you have big hands it could be the E-M1 is better suited. I didn't find the difference so decisive.

Regarding the LCD it is true that it has more resolution, but it is not OLED. In practice yesterday I have seen no big advantages for the resolution and frankly I don't know if in bright sun the E-M5 OLED could be a better choice (yesterday it was cloudy, so I cannot say more on this).

Ciao

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Thanks Nero

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The DP1M (or DP2M) might suit you, considering your interests.

I have several m4/3 cameras (EM-5, GH3, etc.), but they can't really touch my DP2M for stills, so it goes into the bag as well. Quite portable, and it complements the Pany/Oly cameras quite well. I often use the GH3 for video and the Sigma for stills on the same outing. People can argue endlessly about the difference in stills between the OM-D cameras, or the GH3 and one of the OM-D cameras, but it is slight or non-existent. If you already have one, such as the EM-5, try adding something else to your kit.

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letsgofishing said:

Martin.au said:

If you're going to try drowning it again then I'd recommend an e-m1 with 12-40. No guarantees but it's got the most likelihood of surviving.

Click to expand...

Isn't the 12-40 ( which I intend getting) also weatherproof on the Em-5?

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That's right. The 12-40mm can go with the E-M5 just as the 12-50mm can go with the E-M1. They're all whether-proof.

letsgofishing said:

I managed to drown my 650D when a wave knocked over my tripod...

I've not been happy with the dynamic range of the 650D and over the past year have been seriously looking at the EM-5. Now the EM-1 arrives to throw a spanner in the works!

I shoot 90% long exposure seascapes at sunrise and sunset - would like to hear opinions on whether you think the EM1 is worth $550 more than the Em5 ( bodies only).

Click to expand...

For just long exposures the E-M5 would probably be enough and either would work just fine.

If money isn't an issue and the slight weight increase doesn't bother you every feature of the E-M5 has been improved in the E-M1. When you really look at it, it's hard to find an area of the camera that Oly hasn't improved. AF, the EVF, shutter, buffer, IBIS, controls, HDR, better build, more interesting in camera editing, disabled the EVF switcher when the LCD is pulled out (important for touch). Some features like the EVF and controls you'll get to appreciate all the time. Others you may never use? It it worth $550 more? I think it is. For 90% long exposure landscapes? Not sure.

Considering Oly tends to upgrade their pro level cameras every 3 years (2.5 this time), I'd probably get the newest technology knowing I'd be comfortable holding onto it a long time. I'm not expecting it to drop in price like lower end models.

WOW Nerometalliko! Great analysis! Yesterday I too was at a presentation of the EM1 in my city... What is your city?
--
(equipment in profile)

stefano-italy

stefano888 said:

WOW Nerometalliko! Great analysis! Yesterday I too was at a presentation of the EM1 in my city... What is your city?
--
(equipment in profile)

stefano-italy

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Ciao Stefano,

Verona

slimandy said:

It's a tough call, but the good news is you won't go far wrong either way. I think whichever you buy you'll be happy you made the right decision.

I think I'd go for the EM-5, which you can get as a kit with a free optional grip. I like to have the option of using the grip or half the grip or no grip depending on my needs. I like the design of the EM-5 and without the grip it is a bit smaller than the EM-1. Given the price difference as well I think it's a good choice.

Now if you have read that and you're thinking you might get the EM-1 anyway I won't say you are wrong. I don't think you can go wrong.

--
www.andrewsandersphotography.co.uk

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I fully agree, as stated in my previuos answer too,

E-M5 or E-M1 you cannot go wrong.

letsgofishing said:

I managed to drown my 650D when a wave knocked over my tripod...

I've not been happy with the dynamic range of the 650D and over the past year have been seriously looking at the EM-5. Now the EM-1 arrives to throw a spanner in the works!

I shoot 90% long exposure seascapes at sunrise and sunset - would like to hear opinions on whether you think the EM1 is worth $550 more than the Em5 ( bodies only).

Many thanks.

Click to expand...

If your changing systems, get the EM5 and with the difference you would have spent on the EM1 get some decent glass.