Help: Another EM5 or EM1 Quandry

Nivivin wrote:

I'm a beginner looking to move up from EPL-3. I already have a Panasonic 14mm f2.5 (which allows me to put the camera in my pocket when I am walking around), and two Oly kit lens 14-42mm II R and 40-150mm II R. I want a camera primarily to photograph my family, some of whom are ageing, and friends, and to take on my frequent family holidays. I hope to blow up portrait photos taken with my new camera and print them on canvas, which I have done with photos taken on my daughter's Canon. I've never shot in RAW, or used Lightroom or Photoshop, but I intend to now do so. Having said that I know that most of my photos will start and end as JPEGs.

I was looking at the EM1 with 12-40mm Pro lens which retails for the equivalent of USD1680/- in Malaysia. However the store suggested that I should also consider the EM5, which is sold in a bundle with 12-40mm Pro lens, 25mm f1.8, 16GB Eyefi card, and HLD6 grip for the equivalent of USD1550/-. I've handled both, and while I like the comfort and grip of the EM1, I also like the portability of the EM5 especially when used with the Panasonic 14mm and Oly 25mm. I'm also balancing my concern that the EM1 is too much camera for a beginner like me, against the fact that the EM5 has been discontinued and will therefore not get any support in terms of new firmware etc.

Did the nice people at the store tell you that the E-M5 is the oldest of the OM-D bodies and everyone is expecting Olympus to announce it's replacement in February. If you think the E-M1 is too much camera, consider the E-M10; feature wise, it is more advanced then the E-M5, slightly smaller, and has less buttons than the E-M1. It shares the E-M5's sensor, the E-M1s processor, has a better EVF and LCD than the E-M5, and has built in WiFi. However, with the E-M1, you are starting at the top of the line and you can use it as a big point & shoot if you want to; while you advance into more advanced usage.

The 12-40mm f/2.8 was designed to go with the E-M1 and with the 12-40mm, you won't need the 25mm or the 14mm. As for portraits, the Olympus 45mm is a good starter and is relatively inexpensive. Even better would be the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN; also relatively inexpensive. Another consideration, if it's within your budget, is the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8. it is excellent for portraits and you also get a good midrange telephoto. I use the 12-40mm f/2.8 and the 35-100mm f2.8 on my E-M10 and my primes have been sitting on the shelf.

Could some kindly, and undoubtedly far more experienced, dpreview readers please share their thoughts with me about whether I am better off getting the EM5 or the EM1. Thanks