EPM2 or EPL5?

My EPL1 died (LCD cracked after drop). So I am looking for replacement, with the better 16MP sensor. I a in doubt between EPL5 and EPM2 (price nor far apart).

The EPM2 is a bit lighter, but I am worried about "handling", would not like to dive in menu for setting exposure comp and aperture. EPL1 was not ideal in that area either, but I got used to it.

Bas

The EPM2 and EPL5 have the same drawbacks, one control wheel, 2 point IBIS, but the EPL5 has an extra programmable button, is better constructed out of a hard polycarbonate casing rather than plastic and has a better LCD screen from a viewing standpoint.

The EPM2 is quite cheap at the moment, but I would either buy the EPL5 or wait for the EPL7.

The EPL-5 body is mostly metal. It also has a tilting touch screen similar to the OMD-EM5. Great for working on a tripod. Just lightly touch where you want the camera to focus on and the EPL5 will focus there and activate the shutter.

I would go for the e-PL5 for up to $100 extra.

The screen on these (16x9) are practically useless. The actual image is smaller than my 5-year old GF1, and very hard to see in sunlight. Hence, the e-PL5's tilting screen would be very useful.

As someone said, the em10 maybe a better buy these days, since it has a "working" in-body-IS. The one's in the e-pm2/e-pl5 should be turned off to get good pictures.

I actually had both in my hands earlier this week. They're similar, but the EPL5 is easier to use because you don't need to go through the menu. I've found that I use the tilt screen all the time to help me compose, and I immediately missed it.

Having said this, the sharp increase in ease of use from the EPM2 to the EPL5 makes me think that an OMD will be even better. Maybe next year I'll make the leap.

I have the e-pl5.

Today I would buy the e-pm2 at $199 and plan to keep it as backup, then keep a lookout for a deal on the e-pl5 -- or better -- and buy when the price is right.

Bas Hamstra wrote:

My EPL1 died (LCD cracked after drop). So I am looking for replacement, with the better 16MP sensor. I a in doubt between EPL5 and EPM2 (price nor far apart).

The EPM2 is a bit lighter, but I am worried about "handling", would not like to dive in menu for setting exposure comp and aperture. EPL1 was not ideal in that area either, but I got used to it.

I leave my EPM2 in A prio mode, so when I switch it on I can touch the top or bottom of the ring to set aperture and left or right (or spin) to set compensation. It does not get easier than that.

While I loathe the Oly menu system, the super menu takes most of the pain away. I must prefer seeing the settings and clicking them over remember what functions are mapped to what buttons.

Considering the price right now, you would really have to want the minor extras on the EPL5 to go that way. But obviously some on the forum do ...

Note: I shoot the EPM2 with primes and the GM1 with its kit lens. It's a toss up as to which I would go with were I carrying only one, but the GM1 would probably have the edge.

Guy Parsons wrote:

Kim Letkeman wrote:

Considering the price right now, you would really have to want the minor extras on the EPL5 to go that way. But obviously some on the forum do ...

Two big things make life better with the E-PL5, first being the tilt screen. That makes awkward down low shots easy and also removes 90% of screen reflections.

Next is operational, mapping the MySets to the Mode dial makes for a very easy way to drive, lessens menu diving and SCP diving dramatically = ease of use and less mistakes.

I am fully aware of the differences as you go upward in a family of cameras. And yet I recommend the EPM2 anyway. Imagine that.

I see that in the USA the EMP2 goes for 199$ via some weird ebay construction, and I admit that's a no brainer. But no such luck in Holland, where EPM2 and EPL5 go both for around 400EUR. Calculated in dollars, that's 544$!

I think I will wait a bit for a better deal for the moment, as 400EUR doesn't seem right...

Bas

Kim Letkeman wrote:

Guy Parsons wrote:

Kim Letkeman wrote:

Considering the price right now, you would really have to want the minor extras on the EPL5 to go that way. But obviously some on the forum do ...

Two big things make life better with the E-PL5, first being the tilt screen. That makes awkward down low shots easy and also removes 90% of screen reflections.

Next is operational, mapping the MySets to the Mode dial makes for a very easy way to drive, lessens menu diving and SCP diving dramatically = ease of use and less mistakes.

I am fully aware of the differences as you go upward in a family of cameras. And yet I recommend the EPM2 anyway. Imagine that.

Bas Hamstra wrote:

I see that in the USA the EMP2 goes for 199$ via some weird ebay construction, and I admit that's a no brainer. But no such luck in Holland, where EPM2 and EPL5 go both for around 400EUR. Calculated in dollars, that's 544$!

I think I will wait a bit for a better deal for the moment, as 400EUR doesn't seem right...

If you aren't freaked out by buying used, you might try a body from KEH.com ... EPM2 is $325usd shipped to a suburb in Amsterdam (just used as an example.) That's a whole lot less Euros ...

sigala1 wrote:

Bas Hamstra wrote:

My EPL1 died (LCD cracked after drop). So I am looking for replacement, with the better 16MP sensor. I a in doubt between EPL5 and EPM2 (price nor far apart).

The EPM2 is a bit lighter, but I am worried about "handling", would not like to dive in menu for setting exposure comp and aperture. EPL1 was not ideal in that area either, but I got used to it.

Bas

The E-PM2 has been selling for $199 with kit lens, and the extra price of the E-PL5 can't be justified given that it's an identical camera except for a mode dial and a tilting LCD. (And some minor differnences that are ENTIRELY COSMETIC and have nothing to do with image quality of functionality.)

Given the current price of the E-PL5, it's better to step up to an E-M10 if you want the best Olympus camera. Or consider the E-P5 which you may find at deep discount at some lower-tier sellers.

Exactly my logic when I went for the E-PM2 recently. It is in part a question of relative value. I wanted the E-PL5 but couldn't justify paying so much more for it considering what you ge for the money.

It is also a question of what you are looking for. I seriously considered buying a E-P5, but chose not to because it is a much heavier and quite a bit larger camera; it is the same size and 25% heavier than my old E-P1. I wanted to buy a really small camera, but one that also has/takes an electronic finder.

If your size / weight proportion are more flexible, you should definitly consider the E-P5. But then the question of value kicks in again, i.e. if you're going to spend that kind of money for a E-P5, perhaps it makes sense to get a E-M10 with the built-in electronic finder?

I like my E-PM2. It is incredibly light and customisable enough for my use. It lacks the solidity of a metal camera, but it is not "cheap" in the hand either.

Kim Letkeman wrote:

Bas Hamstra wrote:

I see that in the USA the EMP2 goes for 199$ via some weird ebay construction, and I admit that's a no brainer. But no such luck in Holland, where EPM2 and EPL5 go both for around 400EUR. Calculated in dollars, that's 544$!

I think I will wait a bit for a better deal for the moment, as 400EUR doesn't seem right...

If you aren't freaked out by buying used, you might try a body from KEH.com ... EPM2 is $325usd shipped to a suburb in Amsterdam (just used as an example.) That's a whole lot less Euros ...

Hi Kim,

In fact I buy a lot of cams used, just got an S90 for 80 EUR, with extra battery and belt-pouch (easy to wear while skating). Right now I have an option on a used EPL5 for 300EUR, I think I go with that one.

When bying used, I always pick it up in person from the seller, that works brilliant, I have never been disappointed so far.

Bas