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Which OM-D to choose? E-M5/E-M5 II/E-M10/E-M10 II

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ryomacska

ryomacska

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I have been using GR DIGITAL III for the past five years and recently I bought a used DMC-GX1 with a Panasonic 14-42mm PZ zoom lens as my first mirrorless camera. I also bought a Panasonic 20mm f1.7, which I like very much.

But I’m not satisfied with the DMC-GX1 and especially I’m not satisfied with the image quality which the PZ lens produces (probably because I owned a GR DIGITAL III). In addition, I realized that I wanted an EVF. Now I’m considering of upgrading my camera and buying a body and a zoom lens from the m4/3 lineup. I really fancy the design of OM-D, so I’m considering of buying one. But I got into a serious trouble which one to choose.

After surveying second-hand camera stores in Tokyo, I listed my possible choices as follows (ordering from the lowest price to the highest):
  1. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 12-50mm kit lens (about $350)
  2. E-M10 + M.ZUIKO 14-42mm pancake lens (about $400)
  3. E-M10 II + M.ZUIKO 14-42mm pancake lens (about $530)
  4. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 14-150mm II (about $580)
  5. E-M5 II + M.ZUIKO 12-50mm kit lens (about $600)
  6. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 12-40mm PRO (about $720)
I can’t afford an E-M5 II + 14-150mm II or 12-40 PRO due to my budget.

It seems that E-M10 and E-M10 II are value for money and compact enough for my primary purpose (snapshooting). But the weatherproof on E-M5/E-M5 Mark II interests me a lot because I live in Tokyo (where it rains a lot) and I’m probably moving to Finland next fall (where it rains and snows a lot). Considering the weather in Finland, the freezeproof on E-M5 II is also attractive. If I buy E-M5 or E-M5 II, I want the lens to be also weathersealed.

It concerns me that E-M5 and E-M10 are bit old, but if I save money on the body, I can afford a better lens. I’m afraid of buying a "mediocre" zoom lens because I’m not satisfied with the IQ of Panasonic 14-42mm PZ…if the IQ of the 12-50mm kit lens or the 14-42mm pancake lens is pretty much the same as the Pan 14-42mm PZ, I don’t think it’s worth buying (though I think it is useful to have a zoom lens in addition to my Pan 20mm f1.7).

Instead of buying a mediocre zoom lens, I was wondering if it would be far more reasonable to buy a good and versatile zoom lens. If I save money on the body (thus, buy E-M5), I can probably afford a 14-150mm II or 12-40 PRO. I’m really interested in the 12-40 PRO though I fear that it would be a little bit too bulky for snapshooting and a bit overkill for my purpose.

I was also wondering if it would be nice to have multiple prime lenses instead of buying a pricy zoom lens. I already own Pan 20mm f1.7, so the next prime lenses would be for example M.ZUIKO 45mm f1.7, SIGMA Art 30mm dn or SIGMA Art 60mm dn. But I want to keep my gear as minimal as possible.

So my question is twofold: first, which OM-D to choose? Second, which is a better solution, buying one zoom lens or buying multiple prime lenses?

Last but not the least, the cheaper the better!

I mostly shoot landscapes and take snapshots. I do not shoot portraits nor do I shoot moving objects. I’m very new to photography and I haven’t yet discovered the world of photography that much, so I want a camera with which I can discover the joy of photography.

Because I’m not interested in current Lumix cameras, I’m not considering of buying a Lumix. In addition, I’m not considering of customizing my DMC-GX1 by adding an EVF on it because I don’t like an extended EVF. Besides, the E-M1 stands outside my consideration because of its size and design. However, any suggestions apart from my list above are very welcomed!

Thank you in advance for your helps!

Ryo
 
I've owned the E-M5, E-M5ii and E-M10.

The E-M5 is lacking some useful features IMHO such as Live Composite, EFCS and Mysets assignable to the mode dial (essential for rapid selection of different shooting settings). It also has less than perfect button positioning and feel. Unless low cost and weather sealing are top of your list, I'd look elsewhere.

The E-M10s are great value for money and the version II offers things the mark 1 doesn't have such as a much better EVF and improved IBIS. It's the bargain of the OMD range I think.

Having said that though, the E-M5ii is a peach and I can recommend that if you can stretch to it. However, I'm no fan of the 12-50 so if that's the only lens you can get, I'd drop back to the E-M10ii.

I'm also no fan of the 14-42EZ either. The older 14-42R is better optically at the expense of being bigger. However, unless a zoom is essential for you, I'd suggest a prime or two - since you haves the 20/1.7 pairing it with the 45/1.8 is a great choice. If you buy used, then it won't be too expensive.

Finally, take a look at the Panasonic 12-35, it's smaller than the 12-40, just as good optically and might be good value at the moment used since there is a new v2 out.

--
Paul
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/paul_kaye
 
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I own the E-M5, the E-M5ii ... and the 12-50 :-)

E-M5 and E-M10 have all the features (and more) for landscapes and snapshots.

E-M5ii and E-M10ii have more "refined and modern" features and build...

All 4 are reliable and easy at use with excellent outputs.

I am a fan of the 12-50. It's a very versatile zoom kit lens (light, weatherproof, (pseudo) macro, internal zoom mechanism). In usual lighting conditions it delivers a lot. Not the 12-40 Pro high IQ quality of course, but...

Have a look to this recent thread here to get a first idea:

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

If in your budget I'ld go E-M5ii + 12-50. Great set-up to start with. Shoot great pics and learn to feel the beast, and then collect prime lenses along with your growing progress/need...

Good luck!
 
For the most part I am happy with it. However, since the time I bought it, people are now selling their E-M5ii and E-M1i to buy the EM-1ii.

If I were doing it again, I may not buy a new EM-10ii but rather buy a used E-M5ii or E-M1i.

I did get the 14-150 and like it. It is a great general all-in-one lens. I also got the Panny 20mm and Oly 45 and they are great for low light and are extra sharp. I bought those lenses new because they were on a good sale with a new Oly body, but you could also save $ and buy them all used.
 
My vote would be for the EM5II and the 12-50. The EM5II has better button feel and placement and a more advanced feature set that you'll probably grow into as you improve your skills. It's a body that could last you for a very long time if you're primarily shooting stills. And that weather sealing is a real plus based on your current and future location. I just bought an EM5II. It will be my primary body, while my old EP5 will take on street shooter duty using the OLY 17/1.8.

The 12-50 is IMHO a very under-rated lens. As others have noted, it's near-macro, non extending and has a very useful 24-100 equivalent range. Not the greatest for low light, but then you've got a great stabilized body in the EM5II and you can push your ISO up in the 1600-3200 range without worries. Add another fast prime and you'll be good for a few years, by which time you can have your choice among the OLY/Panny 2.8's or the new Leica 2.8-4.0 short zooms.

And yes, it does rain occasionally in Tokyo! I lived there for a couple of years back in the early 2000's.
 
ryomacska said:
. . . .

After surveying second-hand camera stores in Tokyo, I listed my possible choices as follows (ordering from the lowest price to the highest):
  1. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 12-50mm kit lens (about $350)
  2. E-M10 + M.ZUIKO 14-42mm pancake lens (about $400)
  3. E-M10 II + M.ZUIKO 14-42mm pancake lens (about $530)
  4. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 14-150mm II (about $580)
  5. E-M5 II + M.ZUIKO 12-50mm kit lens (about $600)
  6. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 12-40mm PRO (about $720)
I can’t afford an E-M5 II + 14-150mm II or 12-40 PRO due to my budget.
. . .
Click to expand...
I'd rule out the original E-M5 for several reasons.

Your interest in weather resistance leaves only the E-M5 II.

If you forgo the need for WR, either E-M10 should suffice.
The mkII has better EVF and IBIS, but I'm very happy with my original E-M10.
 
Just some thoughts:

Is weather sealing so important for you?
Is all your equipment (mobile phone, tablet, mp3 player, headphones, ...) weather sealed? What happened to your GR DIGITAL III camera, which is not weather sealed in last 5 years in Tokyo where it rains a lot? Do you really make photos under heavy rain? Can't you wear your camera in a bag (with rain cover eventually)?
Don't forget, that in film days (in pre-digital era) people photographed also in jungle, at the sea, in rain, in Himalaya, in Antarctis, and film was much more sensitive to temperature and humidity than any electronic device. Cameras were also not weather sealed until Pentax LX (in 1985 maybe?) and we brought them everywhere.

So as for camera I would vote for EM-10 Mk II or EM-10 – size, weight, price.

As for lenses – zoom is more practical (no need to change) and cheaper than more primes. You are photographing landscapes, so 12 mm až lower end is probably better for you than 14 mm.
12-40/2.8 PRO is relatively expensive, but it is really first class lens. Other option is Panasonic Lumix 12-32/3.5-5.6 pancake. It is slightly shorter, but on the long end you can crop the image, on the WA end you cannot widen the angle. It is also smaller, lighter (just 73 g) and cheaper.

I have both of them. When going out and I am sure to make photos, I take the 12-40. When just walking around without much chance for photographing, just for sure I take the 12-32 because of its size and especially weight.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to make good decision.
 
Lacko said:
Just some thoughts:

Is weather sealing so important for you?
Is all your equipment (mobile phone, tablet, mp3 player, headphones, ...) weather sealed? What happened to your GR DIGITAL III camera, which is not weather sealed in last 5 years in Tokyo where it rains a lot? Do you really make photos under heavy rain? Can't you wear your camera in a bag (with rain cover eventually)?
Don't forget, that in film days (in pre-digital era) people photographed also in jungle, at the sea, in rain, in Himalaya, in Antarctis, and film was much more sensitive to temperature and humidity than any electronic device. Cameras were also not weather sealed until Pentax LX (in 1985 maybe?) and we brought them everywhere.
Click to expand...
Yes, my phone is weather sealed and I bought this one among others for that reason.

So considering the OP's budget, and the huge gap between E-M5 and E-M5II, I would advise him to go for the E-M5II and the 12-50, both weather sealed. The IBIS of the E-M5II is far more advanced than all others from the given list, and this is IMO an essential criteria of choice. And I'm sure Sync IS will be, in the future years, a feature of prime importance.

I advise him also to look for reviews of the 12-50. I agree with gobzy who says it is much underrated. The extra range 12-14 and 42-50 improves the versatility, as its macro capabilities, and it's great for video. And f5.6 vs f6.3 is not a huge difference at the longest focal. People who did not use or at least owned this lens should not criticize it ...

I also advise the OP to shoot RAW and do post-processing. It makes a huge difference, especially for CA, which is the main weakness of this lens. With a software using correction profile for that lens, for example DxO Optics Pro, you can moreover mitigate the corner softness at the wide end.

The OP owns a 20mmf1.7 which is a very good prime for low light situations or social shots when he'll want to isolate his subject with a slightly blurred background.

And one day, the OP will have budget for buying more performing lenses. But his body will be just fine for many years.
 
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Thanks Paul for your opinion!
pdk42 said:
Finally, take a look at the Panasonic 12-35, it's smaller than the 12-40, just as good optically and might be good value at the moment used since there is a new v2 out.
Click to expand...
Yeah, the Panny 12-35 looks like a great lens. My only concern is it's not weather-sealed...but the range of the filed of view fits amazingly my purpose.
 
Gobzy said:
Have a look to this recent thread here to get a first idea:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4094205

If in your budget I'ld go E-M5ii + 12-50. Great set-up to start with. Shoot great pics and learn to feel the beast, and then collect prime lenses along with your growing progress/need...

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks for a great link! Recently I have seen many forum posts/blog posts reevaluating the 12-50mm lens...you can get it now for $100 in Japan and it's really a bargain :D
 
UtahValleyGuy said:
For the most part I am happy with it. However, since the time I bought it, people are now selling their E-M5ii and E-M1i to buy the EM-1ii.

If I were doing it again, I may not buy a new EM-10ii but rather buy a used E-M5ii or E-M1i.

I did get the 14-150 and like it. It is a great general all-in-one lens. I also got the Panny 20mm and Oly 45 and they are great for low light and are extra sharp. I bought those lenses new because they were on a good sale with a new Oly body, but you could also save $ and buy them all used.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your experience! Actually I like the design of E-M10 Mark II (though I know some people complain about the right wing for being "crowded" with 3 dials) and I especially like the dials. But yeah, a used E-M5 II is not far from E-M10 II in terms of price.
 
Rich K said:
My vote would be for the EM5II and the 12-50. The EM5II has better button feel and placement and a more advanced feature set that you'll probably grow into as you improve your skills. It's a body that could last you for a very long time if you're primarily shooting stills. And that weather sealing is a real plus based on your current and future location. I just bought an EM5II. It will be my primary body, while my old EP5 will take on street shooter duty using the OLY 17/1.8.

The 12-50 is IMHO a very under-rated lens. As others have noted, it's near-macro, non extending and has a very useful 24-100 equivalent range. Not the greatest for low light, but then you've got a great stabilized body in the EM5II and you can push your ISO up in the 1600-3200 range without worries. Add another fast prime and you'll be good for a few years, by which time you can have your choice among the OLY/Panny 2.8's or the new Leica 2.8-4.0 short zooms.
Click to expand...
You exactly pointed out my point – I actually want a gear which I can use for a long period of time. If I buy E-M10 now, I will definitely begin to want an E-M5 II sooner or later. Maybe in the longer term E-M5 II is cheaper then. :)
Rich K said:
And yes, it does rain occasionally in Tokyo! I lived there for a couple of years back in the early 2000's.
Click to expand...
Yes it does! Especially in June...
 
RedDog Steve said:
I'd rule out the original E-M5 for several reasons.

Your interest in weather resistance leaves only the E-M5 II.

If you forgo the need for WR, either E-M10 should suffice.
The mkII has better EVF and IBIS, but I'm very happy with my original E-M10.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your opinion from an E-M10 owner's perspective! E-M5 II is actually twice as expensive as E-M10...E-M10 seems really a bargain now.
 
Lacko said:
Just some thoughts:

Is weather sealing so important for you?
Is all your equipment (mobile phone, tablet, mp3 player, headphones, ...) weather sealed? What happened to your GR DIGITAL III camera, which is not weather sealed in last 5 years in Tokyo where it rains a lot? Do you really make photos under heavy rain? Can't you wear your camera in a bag (with rain cover eventually)?
Don't forget, that in film days (in pre-digital era) people photographed also in jungle, at the sea, in rain, in Himalaya, in Antarctis, and film was much more sensitive to temperature and humidity than any electronic device. Cameras were also not weather sealed until Pentax LX (in 1985 maybe?) and we brought them everywhere.
Click to expand...
That's true. Actually I have never shot in heavy rain (because of low light). And my GR DIGITAL III worked well in every occasion. When I lived in Finland I used the camera in -20 degrees celsius and even used in snowing situations. But nothing happened. Actually the GR DIGITAL III was really a tough camera.
Lacko said:
As for lenses – zoom is more practical (no need to change) and cheaper than more primes. You are photographing landscapes, so 12 mm až lower end is probably better for you than 14 mm.
12-40/2.8 PRO is relatively expensive, but it is really first class lens. Other option is Panasonic Lumix 12-32/3.5-5.6 pancake. It is slightly shorter, but on the long end you can crop the image, on the WA end you cannot widen the angle. It is also smaller, lighter (just 73 g) and cheaper.

I have both of them. When going out and I am sure to make photos, I take the 12-40. When just walking around without much chance for photographing, just for sure I take the 12-32 because of its size and especially weight.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to make good decision.
Click to expand...
Is the image quality of Panny 12-32 any better than Panny 12-42 PZ? Today I went to a camera shop and I realized that the 12-40 PRO lens is actually not that big or heavy. Nor is Oly 14-150mm II. The Panny 12-35 lens interests me still, but if the Panny pancake 12-32 produces sufficient image quality, I would be happy with that.
 
ryomacska said:
After surveying second-hand camera stores in Tokyo, I listed my possible choices as follows (ordering from the lowest price to the highest):
  1. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 12-50mm kit lens (about $350)
  2. E-M10 + M.ZUIKO 14-42mm pancake lens (about $400)
  3. E-M10 II + M.ZUIKO 14-42mm pancake lens (about $530)
  4. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 14-150mm II (about $580)
  5. E-M5 II + M.ZUIKO 12-50mm kit lens (about $600)
  6. E-M5 + M.ZUIKO 12-40mm PRO (about $720)
Click to expand...
This one. The body is old, but weather resistant and 12-40 is as good as it gets when it comes to zooms (and weather sealed as well). Image quality wise, all Olympus 16mp cameras offer almost identical image quality (E-M1 is a bit different as it uses different sensor). The original E-M5 lacks some of the nicer features of newer models, but it is a perfectly usable camera even now.

And an excellent lens on an older body will give you better results than a passable lens on a newer body. And that 12-50 zoom is rather pedestrian. In terms of quality it is only slightly better in some areas than a cheap 14-42, but it's real appeal lies in its other areas (power-zoom, internal zooming, weather resistance, near macro capability). The 12-40, on the other hand, is an outstanding lens in all regards. Constant f/2.8 will let you shoot at lower ISO than you can with your GX1 or with the 12-50 or 14-150. And image quality is excellent even wide open. That is a lens you will be using for years to come on whatever newer body you upgrade in the future. Assuming everything is fine with the second hand copy you will get.
ryomacska said:
It concerns me that E-M5 and E-M10 are bit old, but if I save money on the body, I can afford a better lens. I’m afraid of buying a "mediocre" zoom lens because I’m not satisfied with the IQ of Panasonic 14-42mm PZ…if the IQ of the 12-50mm kit lens or the 14-42mm pancake lens is pretty much the same as the Pan 14-42mm PZ, I don’t think it’s worth buying (though I think it is useful to have a zoom lens in addition to my Pan 20mm f1.7).
Click to expand...
That's a fair approach. Especially considering that image quality wise, old E-M5 is not in any way inferior to newer models. I think a 12-40 plus that Panasonic 20mm will offer you a very good starting point.
ryomacska said:
I was also wondering if it would be nice to have multiple prime lenses instead of buying a pricy zoom lens. I already own Pan 20mm f1.7, so the next prime lenses would be for example M.ZUIKO 45mm f1.7, SIGMA Art 30mm dn or SIGMA Art 60mm dn. But I want to keep my gear as minimal as possible.
Click to expand...
Well, would you really be ok with limiting yourself to only one focal length? Or constant switching of lenses? After all, that 12-40 offers you prime like image quality and much more convenience. Sure, it's a bit big, but you will not exactly be carrying an E-M5 in your pocket. Primes vs zoom is not about better or worse, it's more about how you prefer to go about your shooting.

And if you get 12-40 and later decide it's not your cup of tea, you can always sell it and you won't loose much on that transaction, since you will be able to sell for roughly what you paid for it.
 
Personally, I would focus first on the glass and second on the body. That said, I'd figure out how to get the 12-40pro lens. Far away, it is the best of the bunch. That will have more impact on your image quality than any of the bodies you mention. Not only does it have good IQ but is also a stop faster which makes for more flexibility in lower light situations and you can get thinner DoF when you want it. It's a lens that will live past your next body if you upgrade.
 
ryomacska said:
Thanks Paul for your opinion!
ryomacska said:
Finally, take a look at the Panasonic 12-35, it's smaller than the 12-40, just as good optically and might be good value at the moment used since there is a new v2 out.
Click to expand...
Yeah, the Panny 12-35 looks like a great lens. My only concern is it's not weather-sealed...but the range of the filed of view fits amazingly my purpose.
Click to expand...
I think he was referring to the Panny 12-35/2.8, which is weather sealed. And although it's price has declined recently, it's still likely to break your budget unless you find a good used copy at a very lucky price.
 
phil from seattle said:
Personally, I would focus first on the glass and second on the body. That said, I'd figure out how to get the 12-40pro lens. Far away, it is the best of the bunch. That will have more impact on your image quality than any of the bodies you mention. Not only does it have good IQ but is also a stop faster which makes for more flexibility in lower light situations and you can get thinner DoF when you want it. It's a lens that will live past your next body if you upgrade.
Click to expand...
Given the budget constraint, I disagree, I think it's more important to get the E-M5II rather than the other choices available. The 12-50mm is good enough and the OP will have later the opportunity to get a premium zoom if he feels he has this need.

He already owns a good prime standard lens (the 20mm f1.7) for low light situations, he does not need a f2.8 zoom, IMHO.
 
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I think you should do exactly that. However, I will go for good glass first as it will always outlast a good body.
 
phil from seattle said:
I think you should do exactly that. However, I will go for good glass first as it will always outlast a good body.
Click to expand...
This a right general rule. But there may be exceptions ...
 
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