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I own a silver Pen F. I have travelled with it for 7 years, capturing great images in several countries.I can buy a brand new OM-5 with similar price to an excellent condition used silver Pen F. Which one shall I buy?
Camera body color serves both practical and emotional purposesDefinitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.
Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry. Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.
Which is which? Neither "reflect the light" or both?I was once told all black vs silver bodies do not reflect the light and therefor minimize the risk of having a detrimental effect on the photo.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?
I believe the person who told me meant stray light reflecting from a silver body into the lens. That was given as the reason why true professionals must prefer black bodies. That was back in the film days.Which is which? Neither "reflect the light" or both?I was once told all black vs silver bodies do not reflect the light and therefor minimize the risk of having a detrimental effect on the photo.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?
I was on the steps of the highly reflective Lincoln Memorial in DC two weeks ago for four hours with two black bodies: an E-M5 III and an E-M1 III. Both got quite hot but the more heat conductive metal bodied E-M1 III was nearly too hot to touch a couple times after dangling idly from a neck strap for short periods. Perhaps silver bodies (which still have a lot of black) might have stayed cooler but not by much. No inordinate noise up to ISO800 which is the highest ISO I used.
Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
Oh yeah, I remember that. I never gave it much credence.I believe the person who told me meant stray light reflecting from a silver body into the lens. That was given as the reason why true professionals must prefer black bodies. That was back in the film days.Which is which? Neither "reflect the light" or both?I was once told all black vs silver bodies do not reflect the light and therefor minimize the risk of having a detrimental effect on the photo.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?
I was on the steps of the highly reflective Lincoln Memorial in DC two weeks ago for four hours with two black bodies: an E-M5 III and an E-M1 III. Both got quite hot but the more heat conductive metal bodied E-M1 III was nearly too hot to touch a couple times after dangling idly from a neck strap for short periods. Perhaps silver bodies (which still have a lot of black) might have stayed cooler but not by much. No inordinate noise up to ISO800 which is the highest ISO I used.
I seldom use a lens hood, so I do not count myself as one of those professionals who thinks he needs a black body. We have a black and a silver Pen-F purely to keep them apart and because we can.
The main advantage of black is that the camera is less noticeable.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know.
All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.
The OM5 is the newer, more well rounded camera. Weather-sealing, PDAF, computational features. Mini DSLR design (EVF on the middle top).I can buy a brand new OM-5 with similar price to a excellent condition used silver Pen-F.
Which one shall I buy?
I like my GM5, really small, but you have to accept some pretty big compromizes to enjoy it.Yes, the GM5 is almost unique for an electronic camera in that it sells for a higher price now, used, than it did when new.My GM5's are holding their value pretty strong and are actually unique in the camera world. Shooting with the Pen-F, for me, was an exercise in frustration.And yet the PEN-F has retained its value better than any other M43 camera.OM-5 and I don't even like that body. The Pen-F has got to be one of the most overrated bodies in recent memory.
S
My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"? And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
Olympus got me used to their dense feeling metal premium camera bodies that have a good heft for their small size; E-M5, E-M1 & E-P5. Then I guess their financial woes likely forced them to cut costs and make the E-M5iii out of plastic. I doubt they wanted to use plastic that looked and felt cheap but that's the impression I was left with. It looks very 'plasticky' and feels cheap.My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"?Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
It is easy to get used to.Olympus got me used to their dense feeling metal premium camera bodies that have a good heft for their small size; E-M5, E-M1 & E-P5. Then I guess their financial woes likely forced them to cut costs and make the E-M5iii out of plastic. I doubt they wanted to use plastic that looked and felt cheap but that's the impression I was left with. It looks very 'plasticky' and feels cheap.My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"?Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
Perhaps for some people. I believe Olympus understood the value in they way a camera looks and feels, which is why they designed them the way they did. I doubt the use of metal for the E-M5 and E-P5 was about durability but instead was a way to communicate a 'premium' product. Removing that is to remove a large part of the what made those cameras desirable to me.It is easy to get used to.Olympus got me used to their dense feeling metal premium camera bodies that have a good heft for their small size; E-M5, E-M1 & E-P5. Then I guess their financial woes likely forced them to cut costs and make the E-M5iii out of plastic. I doubt they wanted to use plastic that looked and felt cheap but that's the impression I was left with. It looks very 'plasticky' and feels cheap.My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"?Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
I have both the EM5.ii and EM5.iii. Honestly, I prefer the 'plastic' EM5.iii over its predecessor. I know I'm probably in the minority. To me, the EM5.ii is noticeably heavier. In fact it's my heaviest camera out of my 5 bodies - EM5.iii, EM5.ii, PEN-F, GX85 and GM1.Perhaps for some people. I believe Olympus understood the value in they way a camera looks and feels, which is why they designed them the way they did. I doubt the use of metal for the E-M5 and E-P5 was about durability but instead was a way to communicate a 'premium' product. Removing that is to remove a large part of the what made those cameras desirable to me.It is easy to get used to.Olympus got me used to their dense feeling metal premium camera bodies that have a good heft for their small size; E-M5, E-M1 & E-P5. Then I guess their financial woes likely forced them to cut costs and make the E-M5iii out of plastic. I doubt they wanted to use plastic that looked and felt cheap but that's the impression I was left with. It looks very 'plasticky' and feels cheap.My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"?Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
the EM5ii is a premium body with strength and looks to matchMy E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"? And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
i'll take the extra ~55g in return for the extra strength and durabilityI have both the EM5.ii and EM5.iii. Honestly, I prefer the 'plastic' EM5.iii over its predecessor. I know I'm probably in the minority. To me, the EM5.ii is noticeably heavier
Most people use an aftermarket baseplate or L-plate to make the EM5.3 more stable on a tripod. And to prevent damage to the fragile tripod nut. Such plate adds between 130 and 230g weight, depending on model and price range you choose.I have both the EM5.ii and EM5.iii. Honestly, I prefer the 'plastic' EM5.iii over its predecessor. I know I'm probably in the minority. To me, the EM5.ii is noticeably heavier. In fact it's my heaviest camera out of my 5 bodies - EM5.iii, EM5.ii, PEN-F, GX85 and GM1.Perhaps for some people. I believe Olympus understood the value in they way a camera looks and feels, which is why they designed them the way they did. I doubt the use of metal for the E-M5 and E-P5 was about durability but instead was a way to communicate a 'premium' product. Removing that is to remove a large part of the what made those cameras desirable to me.It is easy to get used to.Olympus got me used to their dense feeling metal premium camera bodies that have a good heft for their small size; E-M5, E-M1 & E-P5. Then I guess their financial woes likely forced them to cut costs and make the E-M5iii out of plastic. I doubt they wanted to use plastic that looked and felt cheap but that's the impression I was left with. It looks very 'plasticky' and feels cheap.My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"?Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.
I prefer the additional heft and feel of the E-M5ii metal body.I have both the EM5.ii and EM5.iii. Honestly, I prefer the 'plastic' EM5.iii over its predecessor. I know I'm probably in the minority. To me, the EM5.ii is noticeably heavier.Perhaps for some people. I believe Olympus understood the value in they way a camera looks and feels, which is why they designed them the way they did. I doubt the use of metal for the E-M5 and E-P5 was about durability but instead was a way to communicate a 'premium' product. Removing that is to remove a large part of the what made those cameras desirable to me.It is easy to get used to.Olympus got me used to their dense feeling metal premium camera bodies that have a good heft for their small size; E-M5, E-M1 & E-P5. Then I guess their financial woes likely forced them to cut costs and make the E-M5iii out of plastic. I doubt they wanted to use plastic that looked and felt cheap but that's the impression I was left with. It looks very 'plasticky' and feels cheap.My E-M5 III with a lightweight and comfortable body is "premium"?Olympus/OMS do plastic bodies for premium cameras really badly!Aesthetics, yes. Tactile experience, no. I've had an X-T30, X-T3, X-T4, X-S10, X-Pro2 and X-Pro3. Olympus and Panasonic do physical machining, dampening and calibrating of dials and buttons better than anyone in the industry.Definitely. And what function does all-black offer?True, but that's for function, not form. Originally that was to minimize the effects of expansion on long lenses that are often sitting in the sun on the sidelines of sports games or in the savannah. Now you could argue its a bit of both, since it's become an iconic look for Canon.I gues, for bodies anyway. But then if you look at the most expensive supertelephotos from pretty much any brand, they are always white or pearl!They certainly could, and there were even silver versions of the E-M1 Mark I and Mark II. If I was to guess, these models didn't sell particularly well - likely since people perceive these cameras as the "pro" or more "serious" models in the lineup, and for better or worse that translates to an all-black camera for Sony, Canon and Nikon.Why can’t Oly make the OM1 especially, but also the OM5, a beautiful object?![]()
Nothing as far as I know. All-black bodies will heat up faster in direct sun compared to silver ones. Same with orher all-black telephotos like the 300 f4.
Why reserve non-black for just a few options? The OM5 is less premium than the OM1 but is silver. The OM1 is marketed for wildlife photography, a situation in which it will likely be exposed to sun… It makes no sense
The only explanation is that these colors are not assigned by function but for branding. For lenses the pearl signifies bragging rights. For bodies, for some reason, all black signifies it is premium and feature packed. Or that their marketing researchers thought they couldnt sell enough silver to justify making it.
Fuji does a better job on aesthetics. I think if oly did better on that I would not be torn between the two as I consider my next system.E-M5iii/OM5. They should go back to using the metal of the E-M5ii.
In fact it's my heaviest camera out of my 5 bodies - EM5.iii, EM5.ii, PEN-F, GX85 and GM1.
And all this time I thought the 5 series were 2nd rate.
Fuji makes pretty stuff, but it feels poor. I always hated taking my X-Pro2 out of my bag and finding the dials had shifted from just being jostled around.