There is something about exploring a new thing where you truly get to know it by pushing it to the boundary line.
Like trying the Metabones adapted Sigma DC 4.5mm f2.8 circular fisheye. Not so much as a common lens but the Metabones adapter interfaces any EF mount lenses well with the standard M4/3 mount system bodies.
I already knew that this lens works brilliantly with any Olympus/Panasonic body.
Tried it again with a GM5
Switch on - practically instantaneous - Set to 1:1 capture (easy), point camera at subject - AF quick and accurate (first shutter press) - EV was pre-set to -2/3 - leave it there as it is working well and self sorting out DR - f5.6 - maybe the shutter could have been faster, but the ISO adjusts easily to shoot both indoors available light and outdoors (bright light today) - EV copes well, no need to fiddle. Oh, battery expires gracefully in the middle of the test - no worries I have a spare already charged - insert, place dead battery on charger and keep going. Ready for next shot immediately - great buffer no fuss.
Z-Cam experience
Switch on - waiting, waiting, top screen icon shows - we know we have life - shortly afterwards lcd staggers into view. Only shoots 4:3 - no options. Point camera at subject - has DR problems with EV needing to be optimised for different lighting conditions - dark foreground partly backit and bright background send EV and DR into a tither - but it can be compensated for - just needs a little work. Press shutter - AF struggles then fails. Try the up-down buttons for capture - up (focus) needs a couple of tries but will auto focus most subjects (use patience) - moving focus ring on lens will auto magnify lcd screen into MF assist mode and over-ride AF focus attempt (useful), press down button (capture) capture made. I had set jpg + dng and it takes longer to record. But it is possible to keep capturing more shots while the record light keeps winking away. Battery flat? - no it did not happen, but if it had then I would have had the spare of course but recharging would have to wait until I could connect camera to a power source and then it would have to be a sequential in-camera re-charging effort (in mobile use down time).
I suspect that all chipped M4/3 mount lenses will work nomally. But adapted EF lenses might be more hit or miss. I cannot say that the Sigma lens I tried was an abject failure but it certainly did not work as well on the Z E1 as well as Olympus or Panasonic bodies. The Canon EF 50/1.2 worked quite well on the Z E1 when adapted with an Ultra but needed a bit of EV setting fiddling to image well (which it could do).
Not that adapting EF lenses to a Z E1 is a normal thing that users would be expected to do but my trial exposes where the limits might lie in a torture test.
I have yet to try adapting a “normal” dumb lens to it - that might be my next project
I am not trying to damage the Z E1 cameras credibility - I still think that it is an interesting camera that needs respect. I am only seeing where the boundaries lie. It may pip the GM series camera in the video area. Its boxy format might also suit video more - it certainly does not help make it more pleasant to use as a stills camera. In fact the GM1 might be wider but it is also considerably slimmer. When the displaced volume is compared I suggest that there is very little in it. The Z E1 might be a fraction less volume but I am not about to put either into a bucket of water to test out the Archimedes factor.
Nor would I recommend the Z E1 to those that found the GM1 difficult to grip or those that complained about “the wheel”.
Once I find the use-boundaries I will use mine within these boundaries and be happy.
