IBIS E-PM2, E-M5 vs Pentax K-30

Hi, I own a E-PM2 and a Pentax K-30 and have noticed a difference on the rear lcd when image stabilisation is on. On my K-30 when I use live view and SR (IBIS) is on, the image is stabilised on the rear lcd, I then can magnify the view to manually focus and the image is still stabilised. However on my E-PM2 the image on the rear lcd seems to never be stabilised, IS (1) is on and the correct focal length is entered (I use manual focus lenses). If I magnify the image it gets even worse jumping around.

I've had the E-PM2 since last year and have just accepted this as a difference between the 2. So am I missing something or is this how IS works on the E-PM2?

I'm now considering trading the E-PM2 in for the E-M5 to get the viewfinder. Reading the E-M5 manual there is a setting 'Half way RIS with IS', which says 'Select [On] to enable image stabilization when the shutter button is pressed halfway'. This option is missing on my E-PM2 so I'm assuming the E-M5 will then act more like my K-30 and stabilise the image either on the rear lcd or in the evf dependent on which I'm using. Is this correct? If I then magnify the view is the image still stabilised?

Also I've had problems with shutter shock on my E-PM2, my first one was almost unusable at certain speeds. I returned this one and got a 2nd one which was a lot better but still has a bit of a problem with it. Olympus have a zero second anti-shock setting on their newer models to resolve this. Does the E-M5 (mark 1) have this setting?

FYI - I mainly use my cameras for macro and telephoto so that's a 100 macro and 300 telephoto. It maybe that I notice shutter shock and lack of IBIS more than normal because of this.

Thanks.

Hi Walt,

The 5-axis IBIS in the OM-D line is very differnt from the IBIS found in the PM2 (I have both).

I made a shutter shock experiment here, there you can find PM2 samples too:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53456685

You can see the PM2 is significantly worse than the OMDs.

You say that you are using long tele lenses and macro. I had my first meeting with shutter shock while using a 300mm lens. I think your assumption that you should avoid shutter shock is very valid.

I would put the three cameras PM2, EM5 and EM1x into the following order:

• PM2: The camera body is light, the IBIS is not the best and the shutter drive is a little bit rough: Failry big amount of shutter shock.
• EM5: camara is heavier, IBIS is good and the shutter is smooth: with macro and light tele lenses you will see some double lines or blur at around 1/100s
• EM1 or EM10: camara body similar to EM5, good IBIS and electronic first curtain: nearly no shutter shock

Therfore I would give you the advice to go for the EM10. It is less expensive than the EM1 but offers similar features, most of all the half-electronic shutter.Even better: the newer cameras have the option "shutter delay=short" which will load the shutter springs after the photo, not before.

Pictures will be much clearer between 1/50 and 1/320s, see the test pictures above...

Christof

Walt_A wrote:

Any chance some kind soul could let me know if my understanding of the image stabilisation on the E-PM2 and E-M5 are correct in the original post?

Thanks

Oh yes, missed that, must have been to easy to answer.

Yes, the OM-Ds have a mode where the EVF is stibilizeed. Very neat feature ...

Christof

tjdean01 wrote:

I have troubles with my pm2 and often keep ibis off. I have the 1/8 delay activated. Is 0s delay different than delay off?

Yes, 0-second AS is different from AS off as well as regular AS (1/8 s or longer). A shutter on a mirrorless camera normally goes through four phases when it operates: 1) first curtain closes (to prepare the sensor for exposure), 2) first curtain opens (to start exposure), 3) second curtain closes (to end exposure and read the sensor), and 4) second curtain opens (to resume live view). Regular AS introduces a pause between phase 1 and 2. 0-second AS instead introduces a short pause (about 1/40 s) after phase 2 and then resets the sensor and starts exposure electronically. This is known as an electronic first curtain shutter (EFCS). The important difference compared to regular antishock is that it not only eliminates the blur to phase 1 but also that due to phase 2 (which as a rule is the more serious problem).

On the E-M5 II (and in all likelihood all forthcoming Oly bodies), the first curtain does not move at all when the EFCS is used (0-second AS on). Consequently, no delay is required.

Also, based on your tests, electronic shutter is much better than mechanical. Is this only at slower shutter speeds?

The electronic shutter will be better with regard to shutter shock whenever there is blur due to the latter. The peak of the shutter-shock problem usually occurs at about 1/125 s (give or take 1/3 EV). It gradually disappears as you switch to faster as well as slower shutter speeds.

Finally, based on what you know, would a GM1 or a PL7 be a better performer than a PM2?

With regard to shutter shock: Yes certainly. The GM1 always uses EFCS with its mechanical shutter (it has no mechanical first curtain) and has a fully electronic shutter as well. The E-PL7 has the 0-second AS feature.

Thanks!