Quite the transition for me in M43

I dipped my toe in the M43 water a few years ago with the purchase of a GF3. The intent was to use it as the small, take anywhere camera as an alternative to my Nikon D5000. After 6 months I realized I wasn't using my D5000 anymore so I decided to go all in and sell the D5000 and all my Nikon gear. I purchased a G3 and started to build up the lens collection and flashes, etc. I was never really happy with either camera but I did take thousands of photos with them and I could see the potential of the system. I take photos of my son playing soccer and that was the big area of compromise for me. I was able to continue to get shots but I had to give up the continuous focusing approach and use a single shot, timed approach.

I have gradually upgraded my gear as good deals became available. GX1, E-M10, a few primes, etc. About 6 months ago I decided I wanted the 40-150 F2.8 and bought one during an Olympus 20% off reconditioned gear sale. Almost immediately, I wanted the E-M1 to get the most out of the lens for sports and wildlife.

In the last several months, I have gotten really good deals on the E-P5 and E-M1. Today I purchased a reconditioned 12-40 F2.8 (selling off 4 lenses to fund the purchase). One of the things I missed most about the Nikon was the 18-70 F3.5-4.5 lens. The 12-40 should finally make me forget about that lens.

I now have an E-P5, E-M1, 12-40 F2.8, 40-150 F2.8, 14 F2.5, 25 F1.8, 45, F1.8, and 12-32 F3.5-5.6. I love the fact that I can pack light with the E-P5 and a few primes or pancake zoom, or have the versatility of the Pro zooms in a convenient two lens setup.

I finally feel like I have a minimal compromise setup without having broken the bank to get there. I have taken the E-M1 to a few soccer games over the last two weeks, and I am thrilled with the handling and performance of the camera and lens. There are some really good deals on M43 cameras right now if you are willing to bargain hunt and don't need the latest and greatest gear. I paid less than $800 for the E-P5 and E-M1 combined.

If you are considering M43, IMO, come on in, the water is fine.