Buying used EM-5 II vs EM-1

VideoPic wrote:

Hello

Great trip you have planned.....

Like most said the EM5 MKII and the EM1 MKI are much the same, EM5 MKII has video, 40MP option image which is great. It has 2 add on grip options, one with shutter button and other without, I found the 2nd great to add just that little extra real estate to the body. Never buy the silver body....silver goes off and really bad for reselling...

Another awesome option is the 20MP Panny GX8. They sell over in the EU new at low prices and 2nd hand at a steal. These are wonderful bodies, huge EVF, IBIS, 4K with great video plus plus.

What is cost of 100-400m rent plus EM5 MKII? Would that buyout a 2nd hand EM1 MKII? They awesome and does not have the problems the MKI had....

Best

Siegfried

Hi Siegfried,

The rental cost for the 100-400 for a month is about $400 with insurance plus $575 for a LN used EM5 Mk II for a total cost of around $1000.  Still on the fence of whether I really need to rent the lens.  I know it is the preferred lens for a safari, but my shooting style is to capture the experience which tends towards a wider viewpoint then a tight close up.  I think the 40-150 with the TC will do (especially with larger animals) and I have the 100-300 for when I need a longer reach.

To that end, I rather have 3 camera/lens setups vs trying to switch lenses in the field.

A LN used EM1 Mk II is $1300 from KEH.  But with the Em1 MK II, I would need to buy 2 additional OEM batteries and that would add another $100. (had back luck with 3rd party brands of batteries mainly with expansion and short life).

I was hoping to find out from those who have used the EM5-Mk II is its reliability as compared with the EM1 Mk I. (has the MkII ever had the rear dial or lug issue?)  I really don't like the idea of buying used digital cameras and or lens given the current issues with Panasonic repair program and Olympus issues with the EM-1 camera body.

I have/had camera bodies and lenses from both brands and generally like and use them equally, but I have always bought new with their extended warranty.