I spent many weeks researching options for a new camera before reaching a conclusion. I feel that I owe some feedback to anyone embarking on a similar journey. There is an overwhelming amount of choice out there right now which is difficult to put in perspective.
Ultimately, I opted for the Olympus OM-D EM-10 which I believe to be a great choice for any enthusiast. (particularly those looking to 'downsize' from a DSLR). Technical spec for this camera can be found all over the internet. You won't find much detail on that topic here. My take is more of a 'buyer's tale' than 'review'.
If you're giving serious thought towards trading in your bulky DSLR, yet crave the same (sometimes better) image quality in a much smaller package, read on:
Options:
The search for my new camera started back in January.
I'd noticed that my last camera (a Canon 450D DSLR) wasn't getting much use. As I see it, there were a couple of reasons for this.
The 450D was my first DSLR. Now, I wouldn't dream of saying anything negative about Canon. Their reputation is more than justified. It's not that there was anything wrong with this camera or the images it produced as such. I just didn't really gel with it. The idea of taking it out to shoot day to day just didn't appeal. It felt like too much hassle. The enjoyment, and magic of photography (certainly for me) had been lost along the way. I found myself missing the compact convenience of my 'Olympus C770 UZ' a camera that I had enjoyed using for many years prior. Functionality and menus on the C770 were far from ideal. The build quality was no better than your average POS but despite the negatives, something really clicked. I had it with me a lot (backing up that old saying "The best camera is the one you have with you")
I'd identified the criteria for a new camera. Compact size, and great IQ (two things that Olympus seem to provide time and time again)
Mirrorless:
Research put me straight on to the growing range of mirrorless fixed and interchangeable lens cameras.
The Fujifilm 'X Series' seemed attractive, Sony had a respected line of cameras although I was soon drawn towards Panasonic and Olympus' micro four thirds standard (mainly due to the impressive and growing range of compatible prime lenses).
Further research and pixel peeping (as well as my respect for the brand) lead me onto the Olympus E-PL5.
I figured for my budget (around £600) I could get something similar in size to my old 770 but with outstanding IQ and one or two primes.
'Image Test' results with many mirrorless options had far surpassed my expectations. I was surprised how often the phrase "near DSLR quality" was used in reference to decent mirrorless cameras. From what I could see (in a lot of cases) it was better.
I'd discounted the OMD range at the time (EM-5 seemed too expensive). The tumbling price of the E-PL5 (along with the prospect of a couple of nice primes and a free lens through redemption) made for a tempting option.
The E-PL5 was set to be my first camera without a 'view finder'. "No view finder, no problem" I thought. I genuinely didn't see this being a problem until I got one and held it in my hands. Despite being adamant on the E-PL5 being 'the new camera', an element of doubt had crept in. Don't get me wrong. It's a lovely camera. I completely dispute the views of anyone that can't see a place for PEN cameras. You're not going to find this quality in many other cameras that retail for less than £350. It offers the same sensor as the OMD range at nearly half the price of the EM-10. Unfortunately the realisation of living without a viewfinder was a deal breaker.
Enter the new OMD EM10:
When the EM-10 entered the market I weighed up pros over the extra cost (EVF, additional features, fully customisable buttons and dials.) Even at the full entry price, this "poor man's EM-1" seemed to be a good bet.
I should point out that the purchase of this camera (along with a Panny 20mm pancake) had pushed my budget to places it didn't want to go. The pitch to my wife had to be Oscar worthy after this purchase but as soon as this camera arrived I couldn't care less about my conscience.
I was a little concerned about it feeling light or flimsy which thankfully it didn't. The body may be a bit small for some but it's nicely weighted.
It's a beautifully built all metal camera that fully warrants it's entry price tag (never mind any reduced ones that follow).
If you're reading this in a year or so and the EM-10 is a couple of hundred quid less than it was at launch, don't read on JUST BUY ONE.
Also, If you're looking at the OMD EM-5 as an alternative ask yourself this. "Am I willing to pay £100 more for weather proofing and 5 axis stabilisation?" (trust me, 3 axis I.S is adequate. It does what it needs to).
The reported cure for 'shutter shock' problems seen in previous Olympus offerings should also give the EM-10 an advantage (as well as it's smaller size, built in flash, additional features etc.)
The OMD EM10 with Panasonic 20mm F1.7 pancake lens:
I've never owned a prime lens before. The fabled Panasonic 20mm F1.7 pancake and Olympus 45mm F1.8 were top of my list. I figured the Panny would be a good (if not expensive) place to start because of it's compact size and versatile focal length. This proved to be a sound buy as when paired up with the EM-10 it has definatly lived up to the hype.
Personally, I find the 20mm focal length very workable for most shooting scenarios.
Allow me to contest the two sticking points (and main criticisms) of this lens by saying:
Q - Does the autofocus hunt in low light?
A - Yes. A little, but you won't care when you see the quality of images it can produce at ISO 1600 (and beyond). Manual focus is always an option too.
Q - Does it sound like Darth Vader and take longer for the AF to lock than other micro four thirds lenses?
A - Yes, but for real world day to day photography it is still plenty fast. In any case, if you mainly shoot 'sports' (or have similar dependance on ultra fast AF time) you probably won't be considering M4/3 anyway? There are few sacrifices to make when moving from a similar price DSLR although continuous AF ability does seem to be a trade off with mirrorless (certainly at this time anyway).
Feel, Form and Function:
On page one of the manual you will see reference to "Preparing the camera and flow of operations"
Despite criticism surrounding functionality in the past I think Olympus have nailed it this time.
There are a mind bending number of options and settings on the EM-10 but everything is found, set, and assigned very easily. I've not found any settings that have been completely buried as Oly users will have experienced in the past. There is still the slight bug bear of some questionable default settings but the great thing about this camera is how customisable everything is. As soon as you've found and assigned the settings and functions you use most, you'll know exactly where they are. This has certainly made me feel more comfortable with the setup from day one than any other camera I've owned.
The once hidden 'Super Control Panel' is immediately available for touch screen alterations. When using the EVF it's useful to have the SCP on screen for anything you haven't already assigned to a dial or button.
Alternatively, the 'Live View' allows touch screen AF, or touch screen AF and shoot. With the screen being tiltable, this covers any angle of shot that might not be practical when using the EVF.
There are a raft of clever features on this camera. The ability to take pics whilst in movie mode, built in HDR modes, and the various 'Art Filters' are just a few of the features that I've briefly had chance to trial since the camera arrived just over a week ago.
I wasn't expecting to use any of the 'Art Filters' as I would typically shoot RAW and apply any 'post production' alterations in 'Adobe Lightroom' and/or 'Photoshop'. That said, a filter that really stood out to me was 'Dramatic Tone'. Despite having only taken a few shots in this mode I love it. Some EM-10 users in web forums describe 'Dramatic Tone addiction' which I can completely relate to. Initial results are more favourable than HDR to my eyes.
Overall, although I've only owned my EM10 for little more than a week, I love it. It's biggest selling point for me has been the speed and convenience of setup alongside the ease of use thereafter. I've instinctively gelled with this camera (like my 770). I use it as if I've had it for months already. My only disappointments so far have been:
* The lack of case and bag options for this OMD particularly those offered by Olympus. Their accessories are both limited and generally overpriced
* The battery life which is still no better than my 10 year old 770 UZ (a spare battery is a must)
Conclusion:
If you've been waiting for a good reason to downsize from DSLR, this is it.
Olympus have reminded us that they understand the merits of their history (with this delightful retro nod to the original OM series) but have also packed in all of the technology and features enthusiasts are likely to need for the foreseeable future.
The OMD EM-10 feels like more than just another throw away piece of current technology. It feels like it's trying to earn it's place in history again.
Like the photographs I hope to take with it, it's a keeper.
