Just purchased Olympus E-PL6 coming from Sony? Tips?

SonyArtisan wrote:

Aberaeron wrote:

SonyArtisan wrote:

john isaacs wrote:

I have an E-PL6, along with an E-M5, E-M1, and GH3. The E-PL6 has a pretty limited user interface, since it does not have typical control dials.

I do wonder why you bought it, if you weren't familiar with its IQ. It has the same sensor as the E-M5 (which I like for long exposures and low light), but only 3-axis IBIS.

It doesn't have a viewfinder, but I usually use my VF-4 on it. That is a great viewfinder, which I use on my E-M5 or E-M1 as well when I'm shooting low.

I like it with the 14-42 EZ lens, very compact. Or any of the smaller primes (12, 17, 25). Jacket pocketable as long as I don't have the VF-4 attached. With larger lenses (and that's mostly what you have now), I find its user interface too limiting to warrant using it and will go with the E-M1 (or E-M5, which is not much bigger and a lot friendlier).

The camera is HSS compatible (FP mode). It comes with a small flash that can also be used as an RC controller for other flashes; I've used it with the Olympus FL-50R in FP mode. As for a small HSS flash, the FL-36R is also FP and wireless. The FL-300R is a nice small flash, BUT not FP capable.

And, if you add the flash, then one of it's features doesn't work...the flip up selfie mode on the LCD (the flash gets in the way).

I would never recommend this camera to anyone that wasn't going to use it with the 14-42 EZ or small primes, because it doesn't have a viewfinder or typical control dials. If you're going to use bigger lenses, then might as well get a bigger (and more flexible) camera.

I bought it as an inexpensive but capable camera while I save up some funds and decide what I want (most likely an A7II or A7RII). But nothing is set in stone and I figure this is a good chance to try out the Olympus m4/3 system. It was a bit of an impulse buy as it was only in stock for a very short period (Olympus refurb) at $160. If I don't like it I will sell it and may temporarily go back to Sony (A6000?). My goal is a system that is inexpensive but capable with good lenses available. M4/3 seems to be the right choice but we will see this weekend. My main interest is in the very small Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens that I'm hoping will match my old Sony 50mm f1.8 OSS. I loved the RX100IV but do a lot of portraits and found the DOF control and focal length fell short. If I find I like the IQ/lenses but am unhappy with the body/controls I may get an EP5 for $80 more or an EM10 for $160 more if I find I need a viewfinder. I will try them out in a store beforehand if I can find somewhere that stocks them. The rumored EM1 Mk ii also sounds very intriguing and perhaps that could be another option if I find I love the system. Probably getting way ahead of myself but I'll report back Thursday and give my thoughts. Thanks for all the input

It would be even less expensive had you kept your A6000 or A6300.

Save your money and don't buy any more lenses for the Olympus, because you will only have less to spend on the A7RII. My guess is that the Olympus won't be with you for more than a couple of months, so at least wait to see if that is so before spending [wasting?] more money.

Sounds harsh? It's not meant to be. It's meant to be realistic and based on what you have written.

Perhaps, but I have yet to lose money on any gear I've sold (except about $70 on the 50mm f1.8) and a small amount on the A6000 body. I think I'd essentially break even if I sold my Olympus equipment which I'm not planning on if the size, weight, and quality lives up to expectations. I hope it can replace my RX100IV as a go-anywhere camera that excels in portraits (with the 45mm) and offers an option for a longer zoom (40-150mm). The system also appears to offer some "pro" ability with lenses like the 40-150mm f2.8 that I've been researching extensively. It looks virtually flawless (besides the size and weight factor). There's nothing to say Olympus couldn't be my main camera system once they release a body that offers similar AF performance to the A7RII/A6300. (EM1 mk ii?) and maybe a better sensor. I'm all for saving size and weight if performance is comparable. I certainly won't spend any more money on the system until I know if I like it. I think for under $500 with little chance of losing money it is a good opportunity to test two decent zooms, a decent body, and one excellent compact prime. There appears to be a lot of love for Olympus on these forums so I want to see what the hype is about. I'm keeping all options open

Not everyone has your knack of not losing money when changing kit. It has to be admired. To sell right, the secret is to buy at the right money in the first place.