Do you use your EM1/GH4 for Full Time PRO Photography?

So - following some threads here about EM1 is for "PRO" usage... I wonder how many people here are using EM1 for PRO photography.

If you're not using EM1 or GH4, please skip this poll

OzRay wrote:

Richard Head. Go back to your IT job.

?????

slartz wrote:

So - following some threads here about EM1 is for "PRO" usage... I wonder how many people here are using EM1 for PRO photography.

If you're not using EM1 or GH4, please skip this poll

I'm retired so sell my images + one:one training as a way of making enough money to cover all my costs and have enough over each year to buy at least one "big ticket" item

Before the EM's arrived I shot exclusively canon, APS-C and FF with L lenses but when the EM's came on the scene I was getting bit physically decrepit (old age and abuse of my body with stupid sports when younger ) so I went over to the EM's

There was no noticeable change in sales, if anything they went up but this was primarily because I was getting more widely known and had a growing customer base

I still maintain that for most users its not what you use but how you use it that is important (with obvious exceptions)

I'm wondering what the point of the survey is, what is it you are looking to find out and why?

Brian Wadie wrote:

slartz wrote:

So - following some threads here about EM1 is for "PRO" usage... I wonder how many people here are using EM1 for PRO photography.

If you're not using EM1 or GH4, please skip this poll

I'm retired so sell my images + one:one training as a way of making enough money to cover all my costs and have enough over each year to buy at least one "big ticket" item

Before the EM's arrived I shot exclusively canon, APS-C and FF with L lenses but when the EM's came on the scene I was getting bit physically decrepit (old age and abuse of my body with stupid sports when younger ) so I went over to the EM's

There was no noticeable change in sales, if anything they went up but this was primarily because I was getting more widely known and had a growing customer base

I still maintain that for most users its not what you use but how you use it that is important (with obvious exceptions)

I'm wondering what the point of the survey is, what is it you are looking to find out and why?

the point of the survey is to show that there are more enthusiasts using EM1 than Pro photographers. People claim that the target market of the EM1 is the Pro market. and I claim that while some Pro photographers use it, the main target market is enthusiasts and hobbyists who are willing to buy a "pro" branded camera.

Saying that Olympus now "doenst care" about the hobbyist is ridiculous in my eyes. But, let's see the data over the course of this poll

Unlike Lindsay, I am not a full time pro. I have a day job, but I do paid photo work. Photographically speaking, I primarily earn money through events and weddings.

I've been using an EM-1 and EM-5 mk1 for all of my work. Having two light bodies allows me to carry two different lenses mounted at all times, and not break my back. The difference in size and weight as compared to a pair of 5Dmk2s and lenses is huge. In a tight event I can move quickly, get where I want to be, and have the correct fast prime or zoom already loaded and ready to go. I should also point out, some people definitely feel less intimidated by the smaller lens pointed at them (I've read a number of professionals who feel they don't get respected by clients without a "big professional looking" kit, but that hasn't been my case).

The downside of the EM-1 and 5 for me is high ISO performance. We (the studio I shoot for and myself) have agreed ISO2000 is as high as I can run and still meet their wedding album quality requirements. ISO2000 is about one stop lower than I want in dark churches and places where I can't or won't use a flash. I get around this with fast primes, IBIS (not so useful with moving subjects), and careful shot selection.

If the EM-1mk2 gets me one more stop of useable ISO (or even 2/3), it will be worth it to me. It will solve my single biggest headache.

So I pre ordered it; which according to the forum is extreme folly. But the timing works for me. Because this is a business purchase (and I operate a registered business), I can take the first year 10% Capital Cost Allowance this year and write down the full 20% next year. If I wait until spring to buy it (just in time for wedding season), then for next year's taxes I'll only be able write down 10%. I'm going to keep the camera just as long either way, so I might as well get the write downs earlier.

I'm not suggesting anyone else run out an pre-order the EM1mk2, just as I don't suggest everyone run out an buy a D5, 5dmk4, or anything else. The tool has to fit your needs and your budget. If it doesn't fit either one, just don't buy it. I really don't understand all the anger on here about the camera and it's price.

slartz wrote:

the point of the survey is to show that there are more enthusiasts using EM1 than Pro photographers. People claim that the target market of the EM1 is the Pro market. and I claim that while some Pro photographers use it, the main target market is enthusiasts and hobbyists who are willing to buy a "pro" branded camera.

Saying that Olympus now "doenst care" about the hobbyist is ridiculous in my eyes. But, let's see the data over the course of this poll

As someone else already mentioned, this is mostly an enthusiast's based forum. Why would many pro's come to this forum to being with? A lot would have more important things to do...like taking photos... Your target sample is wrong therefore your pole results would be absolutely meaningless...except to confirm the enthusiasts to pro ratio is large in favour of the prior.

Just how many threads do you need to start bashing Olympus?

Saying that Olympus now "doenst care" about the hobbyist is ridiculous in my eyes.

Surprise! No one has said anything of the sort.

u obviously dont follow the threads. several people said that

Just because one specific camera is oriented at the pro market, doesn't mean they have abandoned the enthusiast market. That's nonsense.

And as I said elsewhere: EVERY camera maker does this. Most Nikon and Canon DSLRs are sold to enthusiasts, not pros. Almost every Leica is sold to affluent enthusiasts, not pros. Pros buy Fuji and Pentax medium format cameras, while enthusiasts buy their APS cameras.

right. that's exactly my point. saying that "This is a PRO camera and not for hobbyist" is a ridiculous claim. Many people have said it justifying the cost. that's all.

SpinOne wrote:

Brian Wadie wrote:

slartz wrote:

So - following some threads here about EM1 is for "PRO" usage... I wonder how many people here are using EM1 for PRO photography.

If you're not using EM1 or GH4, please skip this poll

I'm retired so sell my images + one:one training as a way of making enough money to cover all my costs and have enough over each year to buy at least one "big ticket" item

This is also my plan, though I hope to show and sell some work long before I retire, including images I'm currently making. I've got a few years to go.

I live in a small coastal town in the South of England and we have a strong local art and craft scene down here. My wife is a skilled ceramic painter with her own studio and with my photography we have one major gallery exhibition each year and a few high quality craft fairs. The great thing for us is that it gets us in touch with many other like minded people so we have a great social life, have made many new friends in addition to making enough cash to be able to carry on with both our hobbies. Its a great life

Go for it and have fun!