EPM2 or EPL5?

traveler_101 wrote:

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.

There is a huge size and weight difference between an E-PM2 and an E-P5.

I don't know if the E-P5 is so big and heavy because the 5-axis IBIS requires it, or if it's because Olympus gets positive feedback when the cameras are heavy because reviewers say "the camera feels very solid".

However, if you don't mind the extra size and weight, the E-P5 is a much nicer camera, especially now that Olympus added the 0-second anti-shock feature that cures shutter shock. Much better LCD, built-in flash, very nice control wheels. Plus of course the 5-axis IBIS which is what makes Olympus cameras special.