Need advice for choosing camera

bronislovas wrote:

I broke my EM5. I loved this body, but always wish have better video. I read a lot of rumors that in next year will be new camera from Olympus. But I do not know the price and spec. So for not long term (or maybe long enougth) I nead new (old) camera, but do not wish spend more then 500 eur. I have only Oly lens without IS and my favorite lens is 12-40. So I need advice:

1. I can get EM1 (5 year old), but still will have problem with video? And I do not use old 4/3 lens, but maybe good still good camera?

Its still a great camera even though its 5 years old but its video features aren't as good as the newer models.

2. I can get EM5 MII. Looks at this moment best choice. No 4k, but maybe HD good?

I've used the E-M5 II for video and its FHD is good, not the best but I find its still pretty good. Just make sure you use A-I or at least SF.

I've seen people try to use the E-M5 II for video, say its unusable then later when they ask for help, I found out they set the camera bit rate to F or N because it fits more footage on the card.

What makes this a good Olympus option for video in my opinion is primary the IBIS followed by the audio jack and the flippy screen.

3. I can get OM MII or MIII. Never tried this models, but maybe good option for small price?

If you want to focus more on photos I'd say get the E-M10 II. Its more geared to advanced users and for photos its feature set isn't too far behind the E-M5 II. Its also probably one of the best deals for Olympus cameras at the moment, you can often find them mint or near mint for close to $300. Less if you don't mind a little wear or some dents and dings.

If you want to focus more on video the E-M10 III has 4k and it looks pretty good, Its IBIS is also noticeably better in video over the E-M10 II. Its menu and feature set have been simplified/limited compared to the E-M10 II but you'll feel it much more with photos than you will with the video.

4. I never tried Panasonic bodies, and now they have IBIS. Maybe DMC-GX7, but this model do not use IBIS in video mode? And how they balance with 12-40? maybe other panasonic models are?

The GX85 is a pretty good deal right now with the two kit lenses bundled together. It has 4K video and while its IBIS isn't quite up to the level of the E-M5 II its still better than a lot of other options in the same price range.

5. Maybe Panasonic GH4?

Never used a Panasonic GH series camera before but the GH4 probably has the best video and video feature set of the cameras you mentioned. I don't think it has IBIS though so if stabilization is important to you, you'd have to look at Panasonic's OIS lenses.

Thanks for your advices!!!