PEN ??? as backup to EM-1

Ok, having upgraded both of my OMD bodies to EM-1s, I'm wondering which of the PENs could be credible backups for an EM-1?

I'm thinking of field work where I don't want to carry both EM-1 bodies but do want some sort of backup to the single body I do carry.

Thanks

I think all three of the current Pens would provide image quality similar to an E-M1. I have the lowliest of them all, the PM2 and with the same lens, its images are almost indistinguishable from those taken with the E-M1.

I'd imagine it comes down to layout and IBIS, with the P5 being closest to the E-M1 (twin dials and 5-axis IBIS), the PL5 having a tilting screen plus a mode dial and the PM2 having only minimal external controls. With the Super Control Panel, though, any of them have accessible controls.

If size is an issue, the PM2 is of course the smallest of the bunch.

--I wanted a backup to my M5

I chose an E-PM2 that best buy was trying to unload.

I had been carrying a Nikon 1V1 with two lenses as backup. that didn't work well.
DaveL
Toronto

newsposter said:

Ok, having upgraded both of my OMD bodies to EM-1s, I'm wondering which of the PENs could be credible backups for an EM-1?

I'm thinking of field work where I don't want to carry both EM-1 bodies but do want some sort of backup to the single body I do carry.

Thanks

Click to expand...

you really ought to consider backups for your backups as well, and don't forget that those will need backups too. you can never be too safe

If compatible batteries come into it, I think you've only got the EP5. I'm pretty sure the EPL5 and backwards all use the older Pen battery.

Regards

Max P

It has the same battery, which makes carrying spare batteries and charger much easier.

Also, the E-P5 has the same features as the E-M1, including the updated WiFi option.

To me, the E-P5 is like the poor man's Leica

--
My nickel, since the penny is being discontinued...
Jeff.

Only the ep5 shares a battery but I like a built-in evf. I picked up a used em5 as a 2nd...totally compatible and noticeably smaller to pack.

The VF-4 comes off when storing the camera I only use it outdoors, in bright sun. Otherwise it stays in the bag. Having focus peaking for macro use, extended ISO and shutter speed for my 75, makes the E-P5 more desirable for me. I sold my E-M5 to fund the E-P5. No regrets.

The directly related camera to the EM5 is the PEN E-P5 and the E-PL5. The difference between an E-M5 and E-Pl5 is one extra mode dial and 3 extra IBIS points. It's neither here nor there, the E-PL5 is a very easy to use camera despite having one less mode dial.

The PEN and PEN Lite are the poor mans range finder, where the OMD is the poor mans DSLR.

Lumixdude said:

The directly related camera to the EM5 is the PEN E-P5 and the E-PL5. The difference between an E-M5 and E-Pl5 is one extra mode dial and 3 extra IBIS points. It's neither here nor there, the E-PL5 is a very easy to use camera despite having one less mode dial.

The PEN and PEN Lite are the poor mans range finder, where the OMD is the poor mans DSLR.

Click to expand...

The OP is trying to get a backup camera for the E-M1, not the E-M5. The E-P5 has all the features of the E-M1 except PDAF.

Hey what's up guys !

just a quick newbie question. What you mean by "backup camera" ? I see this all the time in the forum and I don't understand the whole concept.

Thanks !

edgardz said:

Hey what's up guys !

just a quick newbie question. What you mean by "backup camera" ? I see this all the time in the forum and I don't understand the whole concept.

Thanks !

Click to expand...

A backup camera is an extra camera body (or fixed lens camera) that can be used if the main camera breaks (if you are on vacation, for instance), or if you want to have both bodies with you to avoid lens changes in certain circumstances, or if you want one of a different size, or with different setups. For example: The EM1 would be a great choice for using long lenses on or in bright sunshine due to its good grip and EVF, or if you want to do more complex flash work. On the other hand, having a small camera like a GM1 to go along with it would enable use of the M43 lenses, but in an unobtrusive and highly portable package, and might enable you to get shots in situations where the larger camera might draw too much attention to itself. Or, if you have both with you on a hike, the larger camera can have the long lens and the smaller the shorter or macro, and you don't have to keep switching out lenses and missing photo opportunities....

Of course, for a lot of us, the second body thing is just a manifestation of G.A.S. (otherwise known as gear acquisition syndrome).....Not that it won't get used, but there is just always the temptation to get neat new gear if there is any possible justification for it

-J