What's the better beginner camera: EM10, EP5, EPL6, or EPL7?

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Adam

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Adam

EPL6 WITH the lens for $300 is a steal and hard to beat. (If you don't need a VF).

But, if you think that a VF is important, get the E-M10. Better IS (than EPL6), EVF, EFC option - that's a very competent camera and not that expensive. In a worst case scenario it will become your back-up camera.

EPL7 is a E-M10 minus the EVF but the price is the same. Probably not the best choice. EP5 is overpriced IMHO.

If she really wants to learn photography and take on the photography-geek label (and be the girl in the crowd with an old person's camera), then E-M10, by all means.  It is unlikely that a teen will want an ILC, however.

I would strongly urge for you to let her make the decision.  It is really easy to turn kids off to photography forever.

I think it would be better to ask her what she would like, and maybe take her to a shop and let her hold the different  bodystyles and see what she is comfortable with.

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Adam

LOL.  She probably thinks a camera should look like a phone!

The E-PL6 at $299 is a bargain. If it turns out that she tries the camera and prefers her cell phone you won't be out much money. All of the other cameras on your list are more expensive. Even better, go on eBay and get a used PEN E-PL1 for about $100 to $150. It is a good inexpensive learner camera. If and when she outgrows it and if she is still motivated then you could think about a newer, more capable camera.

Alien from Mars wrote:

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Adam

EPL6 WITH the lens for $300 is a steal and hard to beat. (If you don't need a VF).

But, if you think that a VF is important, get the E-M10. Better IS (than EPL6), EVF, EFC option - that's a very competent camera and not that expensive. In a worst case scenario it will become your back-up camera.

EPL7 is a E-M10 minus the EVF but the price is the same. Probably not the best choice. EP5 is overpriced IMHO.

It depends on what sort of photos she'll shoot. I realize it's sort of up to her, but you must know what activities she likes, where she's likely to take photos, what photos she's been taking with a smartphone, etc.

What she'd want for sports or action might be different than what she'd need if doing tons of inside shots in low light. VF is great for outdoors at the football pitch, but maybe not necessary indoors taking pictures of the choir.

I would actually start a beginner on a GM1 or G6  depending on their size and video vs still preferences.

Having owned both Panny and Oly cameras, I think that, especially for a beginner, the Panasonic menu system is easier to learn.

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Size-wise, the GM5 might be a nice option. Lack of built in flash would suck though.

If you decide to go cheap, the GM1 is a wicked bit of fun with an amazingly sharp lens

JoostL wrote:

Does your daughter think an E-M10 looks like a camera should? Or do you only hope she will or think she must? And what's wrong with her using the lcd instead of the evf if that's the way she prefers? I agree with the other poster who answered it's most important to let her decide. If you force something on her only because you think it's the right camera then she may loose interest in photography and that would be a shame, wouldn't it?

Sound advice, this.......

But if you are bent on picking a camera for her, I'd make sure it's something you would like, since in the end, you may end up with it.

That said I chose the PL7 because of the selfie screen and the cool commercial videos on the Oly site for the PL7 like here

D Knisely wrote:

If she really wants to learn photography and take on the photography-geek label (and be the girl in the crowd with an old person's camera), then E-M10, by all means. It is unlikely that a teen will want an ILC, however.

I would strongly urge for you to let her make the decision. It is really easy to turn kids off to photography forever.

That's a great idea. I've been proceeding up to now thinking I know what's best for her. Typical man/dad. I'll involve her more in the process! Thanks for the suggestion.

Adam

I'll bet her most important feature is the color of the camera. She will pick the pink one or the red one. Nothing else matters.

agray88 wrote:

D Knisely wrote:

If she really wants to learn photography and take on the photography-geek label (and be the girl in the crowd with an old person's camera), then E-M10, by all means. It is unlikely that a teen will want an ILC, however.

I would strongly urge for you to let her make the decision. It is really easy to turn kids off to photography forever.

That's a great idea. I've been proceeding up to now thinking I know what's best for her. Typical man/dad. I'll involve her more in the process! Thanks for the suggestion.

Adam

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Adam

Adam,

I recently purchased the E-M10 new in box for $380, and the same place has it now for $390 which is not that much more than the EPL6 you mentioned.  I will admit freely I have not used the EPL series.  For someone new to the hobby, I suspect those will be more than adequate.  In time she will develop her own style, or find out that photography just isn't something she is into.  Otherwise, if you are confident in a longer term relationship with a camera body, I would go with the E-M10.

Well, to be honest I don't think that juveniles are too keen on changing lenses. And I have my doubts that they will protect the sensor as they should if they do so.
In consideration of this situation I'd recommend to buy her the outstanding Panny FZ1000 or - if design and size is more important than IQ in difficult conditions - the Oly Stylus 1s.

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

An add-on feature, be it the EVF or flash, would be too fiddly for a child (IMO).
This rules out the E-P5, E-PL6 and 7, leaving the E-M10 with both built-in EVF and flash.

I'd also expect that the appeal of the EVF may be lost on the iPhone generation.
The social nature of photos for that age might benefit quite a bit by the presence of the flash even if only occasionally used it's there when needed (as opposed to the add-ons for the PL's)

rd

agray88 wrote:

I'm getting my 12 year-old daughter her first ILC and need a little input. Of the above cameras, I'm leaning toward the EM10 because of the combination or size, features, and the presence of a EVF. Plus it just *looks* like a camera should. If she's anything like me, she'll appreciate the beauty of the camera maybe use and respect it a little more than she otherwise might. I'd like for her to learn to hold the camera up to her face properly and learn proper technique. There's something to that, isn't there? Still, the PEN cameras are pretty good deals. I can get an EPL6 for $300! A little background: I have an EM1 and numerous lenses so we could share as necessary. I would probably get her a 12-42 kit lens for her to start. Should I go for the EM10, or should I just go cheap and see how she likes photography? Another option would be to go with the EP5 and get an EVF, although that's a little pricier option. I haven't considered panasonic cameras, mainly because I just familiar with Olympus. I know a G7 would be a great option. I do like the philosophy of the 5 axis IS, though. Thanks in advance for your help!

Adam

I suggest an E-PL7 which is a steal right now. $399 BO / $499 W 14-42.

If your daughter later loses interest, at least you'll have a nice compliment to your E-M1, whereas the EM-10 would be redundant.

I don't know if I'd recommend IBIS at all for a beginner - especially if you're concerned with good shooting posture. IBIS allows you can get away with some mighty sloppy technique!

I started with a manual everything, matched needle only OM-1. However, it was a gift from my parents on my 19th birthday. Don't know what would've been good at 12.