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E-P7 opinions please

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Sam Bennett said:
smeesl said:
I had one and did enjoy it as a take everywhere camera. One thing I was disappointed about though was that it did not let me set a minimum SS for auto iso like you are able to on some OM/Olympus cameras.
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That's not entirely true. You just have to set it up under E. Custom as the "Flash Slow Limit". A dumb place to put it - I'm glad other cameras are more explicit about this - but you can configure it to a particular shutter speed.
Sam Bennett said:
In the end I sold it though as I really just prefer using an EVF and missed having one.
Click to expand...
Right there with ya, that's why I'm selling mine.
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My photo journey began back when the adoption of a film wind lever was still considered innovative, and I've changed brands - and mounts within brands - rather too many times...

As my age has increased, so has my reluctance to carry heavy/large equipment, with 400g or so now my camera limit, 250g for lenses... for example, when an EVF is needed, it's the M10IV that gets taken out - not my ancient E-M1, or the GX9 (which already holds a record as the only camera I've taken on a trip, but left in the hotel the whole time).

There'll be a day soon when the rest gets cleared out, leaving an IBISy kit of M10IV & P7s, with a G100 & GX880 for use in the months that offer better light. Still not quite ideal, but my preferred picks from what's available as "lead" and "second" cameras in M43.

What I'd really like is for Panasonic to make a UWA prime or zoom with OIS - I'd certainly go for an 8-16mm f/3.5-4.5 version of the 12/32... but even just an upgrade on the PL 9mm f/1.7 would do!

Peter
 
Isola Verde said:
Sam Bennett said:
smeesl said:
I had one and did enjoy it as a take everywhere camera. One thing I was disappointed about though was that it did not let me set a minimum SS for auto iso like you are able to on some OM/Olympus cameras.
Click to expand...
That's not entirely true. You just have to set it up under E. Custom as the "Flash Slow Limit". A dumb place to put it - I'm glad other cameras are more explicit about this - but you can configure it to a particular shutter speed.
Isola Verde said:
In the end I sold it though as I really just prefer using an EVF and missed having one.
Click to expand...
Right there with ya, that's why I'm selling mine.
Click to expand...
My photo journey began back when the adoption of a film wind lever was still considered innovative, and I've changed brands - and mounts within brands - rather too many times...

As my age has increased, so has my reluctance to carry heavy/large equipment, with 400g or so now my camera limit, 250g for lenses... for example, when an EVF is needed, it's the M10IV that gets taken out - not my ancient E-M1, or the GX9 (which already holds a record as the only camera I've taken on a trip, but left in the hotel the whole time).

There'll be a day soon when the rest gets cleared out, leaving an IBISy kit of M10IV & P7s, with a G100 & GX880 for use in the months that offer better light. Still not quite ideal, but my preferred picks from what's available as "lead" and "second" cameras in M43.

What I'd really like is for Panasonic to make a UWA prime or zoom with OIS - I'd certainly go for an 8-16mm f/3.5-4.5 version of the 12/32... but even just an upgrade on the PL 9mm f/1.7 would do!

Peter
Click to expand...
The OM5 is only just over your limit at 414g. I can shoot the Laowa 10/2 at 0.8s reliably or 1.5s with effort and the odd miss. The 9m/1.7 is 5g lighter. I realise the G100D is a fair bit lighter, but the OM5 has most of the functions of an EM1.3.

A
 
ahaslett said:
Isola Verde said:
Sam Bennett said:
smeesl said:
I had one and did enjoy it as a take everywhere camera. One thing I was disappointed about though was that it did not let me set a minimum SS for auto iso like you are able to on some OM/Olympus cameras.
Click to expand...
That's not entirely true. You just have to set it up under E. Custom as the "Flash Slow Limit". A dumb place to put it - I'm glad other cameras are more explicit about this - but you can configure it to a particular shutter speed.
ahaslett said:
In the end I sold it though as I really just prefer using an EVF and missed having one.
Click to expand...
Right there with ya, that's why I'm selling mine.
Click to expand...
My photo journey began back when the adoption of a film wind lever was still considered innovative, and I've changed brands - and mounts within brands - rather too many times...

As my age has increased, so has my reluctance to carry heavy/large equipment, with 400g or so now my camera limit, 250g for lenses... for example, when an EVF is needed, it's the M10IV that gets taken out - not my ancient E-M1, or the GX9 (which already holds a record as the only camera I've taken on a trip, but left in the hotel the whole time).

There'll be a day soon when the rest gets cleared out, leaving an IBISy kit of M10IV & P7s, with a G100 & GX880 for use in the months that offer better light. Still not quite ideal, but my preferred picks from what's available as "lead" and "second" cameras in M43.

What I'd really like is for Panasonic to make a UWA prime or zoom with OIS - I'd certainly go for an 8-16mm f/3.5-4.5 version of the 12/32... but even just an upgrade on the PL 9mm f/1.7 would do!

Peter
Click to expand...
The OM5 is only just over your limit at 414g. I can shoot the Laowa 10/2 at 0.8s reliably or 1.5s with effort and the odd miss. The 9m/1.7 is 5g lighter. I realise the G100D is a fair bit lighter, but the OM5 has most of the functions of an EM1.3.

A
Click to expand...
Ah but I already own the M10IV, and am very comfortable with how close it is in use to the E-P7...

The G100 purchase was a piece of tomfoolery really (I'd have preferred a 20MP GX890) - but I'm seeing that more as a replacement for my GM5.

After 17 years with a long series of Panasonics, my eyes, mind and muscles all seem to work much better "their way" than when pushed in Olympus mode... a road I took mostly so as to have a Pen camera as the stable platform for their very amenable 9-18 UWA zoom... a task the P7 currently fulfils nicely!

Peter
 
uniball said:
I have an EP7, GM1 and 3 RX100’s (3&6&7).

The EP7 was purchased as a replacement for the GM1. It hasn’t. Better image files, horrible UI, weird metering algorithm due to excellent ibis has you shootings at ridiculously low ss all the time. Best use S or M mode. Feels delicate/flimsy. Mine’s never had a problem but I treat it gingerly. It’s a camera aimed at a certain segment of Japanese photographers that use cameras as jewelry and iPads for photography.

We have different views of RX100’s. I find them very rugged and a bargain given the size and capability. But fiddly and better used for travel than occasional shooting.

I’d suggest adding the Panasonic G100 to your list. Better UI, evf, more robust. Strikes me as a camera rather than a statement.

For a backpack/pocket camera I use an RX100 with a filter to protect the lens cover and a ziplock bag for dust.
Click to expand...
Hi - thanks for this. I eliminated the G100 as I do not want a large EVF hump. My adverse experiences with the Rx100 series are

(1) RX100 iii control ring stopped working, repaired under store extended warranty (back to Sony)

(2) repaired camera stopped working again a few months later, refunded by store.

(3) Mk iv, lens extension/retraction mechanism started clunking then intermittently refusing to open or shut. Repair quote out of warranty approx £350.

Despite that I like them. I’m considering a Va, but they are very expensive for what they are (£800), and the vi or vii are over £1000. Crazy. I don’t need or want the long zoom either.

Used Va copies are hard to find, or obviously abused with dents, scratches etc. I look after my equipment.

I hoped the EP-7 might be a good alternative, not as small, but based on advice here I think I will give it a miss.
 
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Again thanks for all views. I may be able to get a used Pen F at a reasonable price (not outrageous!). and pair that with the 14-42 ez. What are your views on the Pen F? It’s an older camera but seems to have a strong following. I can’t get to see one physically unfortunately.
 
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drsnoopy said:
Again thanks for all views. I may be able to get a used Pen F at a reasonable price (not outrageous!). and pair that with the 14-42 ez. What are your views on the Pen F? It’s an older camera but seems to have a strong following. I can’t get to see one physically unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Most of the initial reviews said that the AF was poor compared to other existing models of the time and that included the EP5.

The AF speed and accuracy of the EP5 was up there with the likes of the EM5 whereas the Pen F was quite a bit worse. There are videos that demonstrate this.

Other than that it has a built-in EVF compared to the EP5's clip-on EVF, the main claim to fame of the F is the jpeg processing tools. While the EP5 has some of those tools, the F has more - all great if you shoot jpeg - which I do sometimes with all my cameras.

Some, here, rave about the 20mp sensor over the 16mp. I have cameras with the 16mp and with the 20mp and, really, I have yet to see any real difference. If you shoot a lot of low light and raw, then, possibly, the 20mp will be better. The raw processor will make a bigger difference. I use DXO PhotoLab.

Regarding the lens, the 14-42 ez is not the best in that category. There are some others to look at, for example, the Panasonic 14-42 MkII.

My main lens for my EP5 is the Panasonic 12-32. This photo is taken with that combination.

Allan

EP5 with P12-32

EP5 with P12-32
 
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drsnoopy said:
Again thanks for all views. I may be able to get a used Pen F at a reasonable price (not outrageous!). and pair that with the 14-42 ez. What are your views on the Pen F? It’s an older camera but seems to have a strong following. I can’t get to see one physically unfortunately.
Click to expand...
What is it about the PEN-F that appeals over the E-P7? PEN-Fs are going at stupid prices, so you have to check what the premium is over the E-P7 as well.
 
yslee2 said:
drsnoopy said:
Again thanks for all views. I may be able to get a used Pen F at a reasonable price (not outrageous!). and pair that with the 14-42 ez. What are your views on the Pen F? It’s an older camera but seems to have a strong following. I can’t get to see one physically unfortunately.
Click to expand...
What is it about the PEN-F that appeals over the E-P7? PEN-Fs are going at stupid prices, so you have to check what the premium is over the E-P7 as well.
Click to expand...
It has a viewfinder (which I thoroughly disliked), better build quality, and is maybe a bit prettier?
 
yslee2 said:
drsnoopy said:
Again thanks for all views. I may be able to get a used Pen F at a reasonable price (not outrageous!). and pair that with the 14-42 ez. What are your views on the Pen F? It’s an older camera but seems to have a strong following. I can’t get to see one physically unfortunately.
Click to expand...
What is it about the PEN-F that appeals over the E-P7? PEN-Fs are going at stupid prices, so you have to check what the premium is over the E-P7 as well.
Click to expand...
The EVF, and perceived build quality.But I’m beginning to feel a bit disillusioned about small(ish) cameras. Anything that’s any good has shot up in price since the Fuji X100 series became “de rigeur”, and the effect that’s had on the market, used and new!
 
drsnoopy said:
The EVF, and perceived build quality.But I’m beginning to feel a bit disillusioned about small(ish) cameras. Anything that’s any good has shot up in price since the Fuji X100 series became “de rigeur”, and the effect that’s had on the market, used and new!
Click to expand...
X100’s are a joy to shoot. I’ve had 4 of them. Compromised, certainly. But a joy to shoot.

And yes, small cameras have become quite dear. I’ve been focusing on small cameras for years. I like them and am willing to accept their lack of features. I also trade them quite frequently. While I don’t keep track, they’re basically free or making me money. As small sensored cameras grow in size and large sensored cameras are stuck with large glass, the supply of small has vanished while demand is probably about the same. It’s not that they’re the rage, it’s because there’s not many being produced.
 
uniball said:
drsnoopy said:
The EVF, and perceived build quality.But I’m beginning to feel a bit disillusioned about small(ish) cameras. Anything that’s any good has shot up in price since the Fuji X100 series became “de rigeur”, and the effect that’s had on the market, used and new!
Click to expand...
X100’s are a joy to shoot. I’ve had 4 of them. Compromised, certainly. But a joy to shoot.

And yes, small cameras have become quite dear. I’ve been focusing on small cameras for years. I like them and am willing to accept their lack of features. I also trade them quite frequently. While I don’t keep track, they’re basically free or making me money. As small sensored cameras grow in size and large sensored cameras are stuck with large glass, the supply of small has vanished while demand is probably about the same. It’s not that they’re the rage, it’s because there’s not many being produced.
Click to expand...
I'm with you on all points, except I sometimes lost (potential) money by selling too soon in some cases and on occasion regret selling at all.

I don't lend to collect cameras and if unused I usually sell, but in a few cases that bites me and I re-buy the same model years later - sometimes at a higher price than I paid when new. I've also had four versions of the X100 including the one I have now :-)
 
Allan Brown said:
drsnoopy said:
Again thanks for all views. I may be able to get a used Pen F at a reasonable price (not outrageous!). and pair that with the 14-42 ez. What are your views on the Pen F? It’s an older camera but seems to have a strong following. I can’t get to see one physically unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Most of the initial reviews said that the AF was poor compared to other existing models of the time and that included the EP5.

The AF speed and accuracy of the EP5 was up there with the likes of the EM5 whereas the Pen F was quite a bit worse. There are videos that demonstrate this.

Other than that it has a built-in EVF compared to the EP5's clip-on EVF, the main claim to fame of the F is the jpeg processing tools. While the EP5 has some of those tools, the F has more - all great if you shoot jpeg - which I do sometimes with all my cameras.

Some, here, rave about the 20mp sensor over the 16mp. I have cameras with the 16mp and with the 20mp and, really, I have yet to see any real difference. If you shoot a lot of low light and raw, then, possibly, the 20mp will be better. The raw processor will make a bigger difference. I use DXO PhotoLab.

Regarding the lens, the 14-42 ez is not the best in that category. There are some others to look at, for example, the Panasonic 14-42 MkII.

My main lens for my EP5 is the Panasonic 12-32. This photo is taken with that combination.

Allan

EP5 with P12-32

EP5 with P12-32
Click to expand...
EP5 is an unsung hero. Fit it with a VF2/3/4 and you have superb perspectives on the world. To my mind it is the most beautiful PEN, for me the most beautiful Olympus of all. IQ is fantastic. In reality as MFT evolves, I don't think IQ necessarily moves on by leaps and bounds, as you buy more recent bodies you get more keepers in different photographic scenarios, that's all.
 
John Bean (UK) said:
mmartel said:
uniball said:
I’d suggest adding the Panasonic G100 to your list. Better UI, evf, more robust. Strikes me as a camera rather than a statement.
Click to expand...
Although I think build quality is actually good meaning I'm not worried about the camera breaking, the rear control wheel is flimsy and cheap. IMO it's an obvious failure point and if you are a dirty, grimy, sunscreen and sweat kind of outdoorsy kind of person (like me) rather than a clean, civilized, lint-free leather driving gloves wearing city slicker, I would not have high hopes for the longevity of that rear dial.
Click to expand...
I'm neither of the above, but my G100D rear dial failed with normal use. To add insult to injury it also took two months to get it fixed under warranty as spare parts were not readily available.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear you were also another loser of the Panasonic rear control dial of misfortune game*.

Some are lucky and never have problems.

Some are unlucky and ... Well, we win unfortunate prizes.

I'm sticking with the weather sealed Lumix bodies personally, as they've proved extremely reliable despite even worse treatment in my disgusting, grimy meat mittens than my non-sealed bodies.

* I've played and lost with the GX85 and G100. YMMV. Hope yours hold up better than mine!
John Bean (UK) said:
John Bean (UK) said:
Mine lasted less than 6 months before beginning to act up
Click to expand...
As long as that??? Mine barely managed 300 exposures - and I only use the rear dial for exposure compensation. To be fair though, I had a used a G100 that had no dial problems at all after thousands of exposures, so maybe my G100D was a Friday afternoon job.
Click to expand...
I think the intermittent problems started about 3 or 4 months in but it was my B cam so didn't even use it all that much.

We tried but we weren't meant to be, the G100 and I. 🤷
John Bean (UK) said:
John Bean (UK) said:
The EM5iii/OM5 line (any generation) are extremely light and durable.
Click to expand...
Oddly enough I had a E-M5 III I bought used and it had all the faults you mention and I sold it for a slight profit. I didn't expect to miss it but I did, so just today I ordered a new OM-5 at a good price - cheaper than used from MPB - as it has some useful features the E-M5 lacked along with fixing some of the E-M5's annoyances. I have no idea how the OM-3 will effect OM-5 prices but now seemed a good time to buy, but my timings are historically terrible so..
Click to expand...
 
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mmartel said:
mmartel said:
Oddly enough I had a E-M5 III I bought used and it had all the faults you mention and I sold it for a slight profit. I didn't expect to miss it but I did, so just today I ordered a new OM-5 at a good price - cheaper than used from MPB - as it has some useful features the E-M5 lacked along with fixing some of the E-M5's annoyances. I have no idea how the OM-3 will effect OM-5 prices but now seemed a good time to buy, but my timings are historically terrible so..
Click to expand...
If I were in the market, the OM5 is what I'd be watching too. Out of curiosity, what did you pay for yours?
Click to expand...
£699, body only. Grey market but a reputable source (HDEW) and with a 3-year warranty. It wouldn't surprise me if official UK stock starts to be sold at similar prices when the OM-3 appears but I'm happy enough with the price I paid in the here and now.
 
John Bean (UK) said:
mmartel said:
John Bean (UK) said:
Oddly enough I had a E-M5 III I bought used and it had all the faults you mention and I sold it for a slight profit. I didn't expect to miss it but I did, so just today I ordered a new OM-5 at a good price - cheaper than used from MPB - as it has some useful features the E-M5 lacked along with fixing some of the E-M5's annoyances. I have no idea how the OM-3 will effect OM-5 prices but now seemed a good time to buy, but my timings are historically terrible so..
Click to expand...
If I were in the market, the OM5 is what I'd be watching too. Out of curiosity, what did you pay for yours?
Click to expand...
£699, body only. Grey market but a reputable source (HDEW) and with a 3-year warranty. It wouldn't surprise me if official UK stock starts to be sold at similar prices when the OM-3 appears but I'm happy enough with the price I paid in the here and now.
Click to expand...
In the states the OM5 is on sale for $999..... 200 off retail. I don't envision it going much below that for awhile, if..... If people are right, the OM1 update will come out first, followed by the OM5. That makes sense. So no way is the OM5 going to be steeply discounted although taking $200 is a good price. Let alone gray market, refurbished and used all going for $sub $800.
 
John Bean (UK) said:
mmartel said:
John Bean (UK) said:
Oddly enough I had a E-M5 III I bought used and it had all the faults you mention and I sold it for a slight profit. I didn't expect to miss it but I did, so just today I ordered a new OM-5 at a good price - cheaper than used from MPB - as it has some useful features the E-M5 lacked along with fixing some of the E-M5's annoyances. I have no idea how the OM-3 will effect OM-5 prices but now seemed a good time to buy, but my timings are historically terrible so..
Click to expand...
If I were in the market, the OM5 is what I'd be watching too. Out of curiosity, what did you pay for yours?
Click to expand...
£699, body only. Grey market but a reputable source (HDEW) and with a 3-year warranty. It wouldn't surprise me if official UK stock starts to be sold at similar prices when the OM-3 appears but I'm happy enough with the price I paid in the here and now.
Click to expand...
 
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