Advice Needed: Fuji (XT-20/X-E3) vs. Olympus (E-M10 Mark III/E-M5 Mark) Ecosystem for Hobbyist

[Boston_to_Barcelona]

Not to rehash a bunch of old threads but I’m looking for some camera (system) buying advice. I’m coming from a Nikon D3100 which was my first camera outside of a point and shoot. It was a great camera for me at the time – in the 7 years since I bought it I’ve learned a lot about photography (shooting in manual mode, raw vs. jpeg, lens quality, framing, etc.). Now I’m finally looking to replace it with a new system and mirrorless sounds right for my needs. My main uses would be travel photography and landscapes with occasional street photography too. I value portability and want to be able to take the camera with me most of the time (in my pocket or a small bag). Image quality is important – I like to print and hang (or gift) some of my photos, although I imagine all the cameras I’m looking at would be more than enough for my needs. I will most likely be shooting jpegs as I lack software/knowledge to use PP programs like Lightroom (that is next in my learning process). Good video is nice to have but not a deal breaker as I will be primarily using it for photography. I’m a hobbyist so I don’t have a bunch of money to invest in bodies/lenses frequently and am happy keeping my camera for a while (so I’d prefer not to miss out on some amazing feature that I never knew I needed until it’s too late like IBIS or 4K). I would like to commit to a system and gradually build up lens collection.

After a lot of research I think I’ve settled on either the Olympus or Fuji system. I was mainly looking at the Fujifilm XT-20/X-E3 (not sure which one until I play around with them) or the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (potentially the OM-D E-M5 Mark II used). Both lens ecosystems seem to be great. I understand that Fuji is more limited but it covers what I’m looking for at a good quality/price trade-off. With the Fuji I would be getting the 18-55 kit lens while with the Olympus I would be the 14/42 EZ kit lens - unless people have better lens recommendations? I need my first lens to be versatile as I likely won’t be getting another one right away.

Some questions on the Fujis:

• How portable are the Fujis with non-prime lenses? I would be getting the camera with the ‘kit’ zoom (18-55) to use as my main.
• How important is IBIS? I’ve never had it but I was wondering if it was more of a ‘nice to have’ or ‘need it’ given my mainly travel/landscape focus.
• How important is the bigger sensor in terms of detail (for example shooting landscapes)? Will that extra light and the higher resolution sensor matter that much?

Some questions on the Olympus:

• Not to start a flame war but is the IQ noticeably different outside of more extreme ISOs between the Fujis and the Olympus? I like to print and hang some of my photos and while I imagine the Olympus would be fine (clearly a big improvement from my current camera), not being able to print at larger sizes would be a deal breaker for me. I think 16x20 would be the biggest size.
• Is the high quality lens/reasonable price similar to the Fuji system?

Some questions on the OM-D E-M10 Mark III vs. OM-D E-M5 Mark II

• Weatherproofing sounds great to me but again it is nothing I’ve never had before (I have unfortunately been caught out in a drizzle more than once with my Nikon and haven’t had an issue fortunately). How much is it worth to upgrade over the OM-D E-M10 Mark III? With travel there is always a chance unexpected weather – is this better than carrying around a plastic bag and rubberband?
• How useful is the high resolution mode?
• Does the new processor in the OM-D E-M10 Mark III offer a significant improvement over the older one in the OM-D E-M5 Mark II?

I know I haven’t done the most important step of trying the cameras out in person yet but I hopefully will have a chance next week. I’m not opposed to checking out used equipment or another model that I may have overlooked. My research just led me to believe the above cameras would be the best fit for my needs and preferences (I must admit the retro design of both Olympus and Fuji helped win me over too).

 

[KCook]

I will most likely be shooting jpegs as I lack software/knowledge to use PP programs like Lightroom

JPGs for Oly are good, Fuji can be exquisite, if you put the time and effort into learning the sophisticated film simulation and tonal controls built into every Fuji X-series. As for RAW, the first time I tried Oly RAW with LR I was disappointed that the nice camera profiles I was accustomed to for Canon simply were not there for Oly. Which is a very minor gripe, otherwise Oly RAW with LR is a piece of cake. Fuji RAW is a whole other story. For LR you need to learn special workflow. Or drop LR entirely and switch to a special RAW developer like Capture One.

• How portable are the Fujis with non-prime lenses? I would be getting the camera with the ‘kit’ zoom (18-55) to use as my main.
  In my view M4/3 has a slight advantage. Just not a decisive one. If I ever got a Fuji, it would be for the primes. So my normal zoom would be the lighter 16-50.
• How important is IBIS? I’ve never had it but I was wondering if it was more of a ‘nice to have’ or ‘need it’ given my mainly travel/landscape focus.
  My E-M5 has 5-way IBIS. Which works well. But I do very little low light shooting so this is not a big deal for me.
• How important is the bigger sensor in terms of detail (for example shooting landscapes)? Will that extra light and the higher resolution sensor matter that much?
  Even the 24Mp Fuji does not show much more detail, if any. The real Fuji advantage is the extra DR and lower noise. Which can help in poor lighting. If I do end up with a Fuji, it will certainly be one of the 16Mp models.

While my E-M5 has WR, my lenses do not. So I always carry a small camera bag with me.

My understanding of the Oly Hi-res mode is that a quality tripod is needed. Which I am too cheap to buy.

Panny M4/3 is also worth a look. Links for lots of opinions -

Best mirrorless camera for landscape photography (m43 vs Fuji vs Sony E-mount)

Advice for 1st Fujifilm camera

Olympus OMD EM10iii, no love?

Perfect 2018 family travel combo setup

Kelly Cook

 

[WhoisDoubleA]

I needed a camera for a digital online design course. I hadn’t owned a “real camera” since the ‘90’s- a Bell&Howell Canon from the 60’s.

My hunt was down to the Fuji X-T20 (the X-E3 wasn’t out yet) and the OM-10 a few months ago. I may be attempting to validate my choice but I am delighted with my X-T20. Here is what it boils down to for me between the two:

AF is clearly better in the Fuji.

Better low light / higher ISO performance

bigger sensor/ higher resolution

The “manual” controls feel so familiar and comfortable, but that is a personal thing

The size issue is a wash. They are pretty close to the same size. Fuji’s bigger glass is bigger than M43 big glass but that’s not my bother. I have the 16-50 kit lens, which doesn’t lose out in the resolution dept. but is plastic (light and good for travel & street.)

IBIS? Many lenses have OIS. for me, not crucial. I suppose it would help the Oly perform in low light for static subjects. I don’t think you would miss it if you didn’t have it.

That’s my two cents,

I wish you the best with your new camera, whichever you choose.

 

[Lu1Wang]

If you are not planing to get weather sealed lenses for M4/3, get E-M10ii instead of E-M5ii. They use the same image processing engine, and will yield you the same IQ. E-M10ii still got the fantastic 5-axis IBIS, and so much cheaper than both 5ii and 10iii.

Panasonic gx85 and the newer gx9 are also worthwhile consideration.

As for kit lens, I would recommend 12-32mm panasonic if you want to go wider. You cant go wrong with any of the normal FL primes for M4/3, simply get the FL you like at the cheapest price you can find. If you are willing to spend a bit more, the amazing Oly 12-40 Pro has the ability to replace all of them at a reasonable price. It's a perfect match for E-M5ii.

I used to own Fuji XT-1 and still have X100F. The lens lineup is much smaller than the M4/3, but all available lenses are of exquisite quality, especially the primes. However only if you are willing to pay for them. The lack of IBIS does kill the system for me since I do lots of night time street shooting using primes. If you get Fuji, I do think 18-55 is one of the best kit lens out there, and the OIS certainly helps a lot at the long end.

In the end, you can't go wrong with either system. However, M4/3 IMO is cheaper to start up, and also gave you lots of options to grow the system.

 

[WhoisDoubleA]

Also, I would like to add that whether you have budgetary constraints or not, the XC 16-50mm is a really good lens and it only adds $100 to the body. Also, it’s sister, the XC50-230 is surprisingly good as well (there is a thread on the Fuji-x dp forum.) They are plastic but light and compact, ideal for travel and street, in my opinion. I just saw the whole kit: X-T20, 16-55, 50-230 and the hand grip for $1099 from 2 large, reputable dealers.

 

[BG28]

I haven't had any Fuji equipment, so I can't comment there, but for doing a lot of low light work, an APS-C sensor seems like the better objective choice, though you may only see the difference on rare occasions or conditions (not a flamer, just saying). However: While I'm not a pro, I've done plenty of night street shooting and had no issues with an f1.7 prime or even an f3.5 (with more work put in to help stabilize things, obviously) in m43.

For general all-around use, m43 has a ton of capable bodies and lenses, the Oly 12-40 f2.8 being my favorite all-in-one, right now. You might try getting an older (cheaper) m43 body like an EPL-5-6-7 or EP-5 or GX85 and seeing how you like it. I guess if you want a viewfinder, maybe look for an EM-10II. Anyway, lots of deals out there. Check 43rumors and Olympus USA for discounted stuff. Good luck!

 

[NowHearThis]

Not to rehash a bunch of old threads but I’m looking for some camera (system) buying advice. I’m coming from a Nikon D3100 which was my first camera outside of a point and shoot. It was a great camera for me at the time – in the 7 years since I bought it I’ve learned a lot about photography (shooting in manual mode, raw vs. jpeg, lens quality, framing, etc.). Now I’m finally looking to replace it with a new system and mirrorless sounds right for my needs. My main uses would be travel photography and landscapes with occasional street photography too. I value portability and want to be able to take the camera with me most of the time (in my pocket or a small bag). Image quality is important – I like to print and hang (or gift) some of my photos, although I imagine all the cameras I’m looking at would be more than enough for my needs. I will most likely be shooting jpegs as I lack software/knowledge to use PP programs like Lightroom (that is next in my learning process). Good video is nice to have but not a deal breaker as I will be primarily using it for photography. I’m a hobbyist so I don’t have a bunch of money to invest in bodies/lenses frequently and am happy keeping my camera for a while (so I’d prefer not to miss out on some amazing feature that I never knew I needed until it’s too late like IBIS or 4K). I would like to commit to a system and gradually build up lens collection.

After a lot of research I think I’ve settled on either the Olympus or Fuji system. I was mainly looking at the Fujifilm XT-20/X-E3 (not sure which one until I play around with them) or the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (potentially the OM-D E-M5 Mark II used). Both lens ecosystems seem to be great. I understand that Fuji is more limited but it covers what I’m looking for at a good quality/price trade-off. With the Fuji I would be getting the 18-55 kit lens while with the Olympus I would be the 14/42 EZ kit lens - unless people have better lens recommendations?

Yes, the Olympus E-M10 can be bundled with the 12-40/2.8 for a total of $1250. And the E-M5 II with the same lens is $1500. Both of these are close to what you’d spend on the Fuji X-E3 kit.

I need my first lens to be versatile as I likely won’t be getting another one right away.

Some questions on the Fujis:

• How portable are the Fujis with non-prime lenses? I would be getting the camera with the ‘kit’ zoom (18-55) to use as my main.

Very

• How important is IBIS? I’ve never had it but I was wondering if it was more of a ‘nice to have’ or ‘need it’ given my mainly travel/landscape focus.

Daytime not very much (unless you like a steady viewfinder as I do).

• How important is the bigger sensor in terms of detail (for example shooting landscapes)? Will that extra light and the higher resolution sensor matter that much?

Not that much. At least for me. I’ve reshot images with both my Olympus cameras that I shot with my NEX7 and while the detail in the NEX7 is greater than in my EM10, the Hi-Res images from my Pen-F are much better than my NEX7. And regular images are even better on my Pen-F due to the much better lens.

Some questions on the Olympus:

• Not to start a flame war but is the IQ noticeably different outside of more extreme ISOs between the Fujis and the Olympus? I like to print and hang some of my photos and while I imagine the Olympus would be fine (clearly a big improvement from my current camera), not being able to print at larger sizes would be a deal breaker for me. I think 16x20 would be the biggest size.

At that print size, no.

• Is the high quality lens/reasonable price similar to the Fuji system?

Yes, overall. Each will have some lenses more and less than the other, there are not a lot of direct match ups.

Some questions on the OM-D E-M10 Mark III vs. OM-D E-M5 Mark II

• Weatherproofing sounds great to me but again it is nothing I’ve never had before (I have unfortunately been caught out in a drizzle more than once with my Nikon and haven’t had an issue fortunately). How much is it worth to upgrade over the OM-D E-M10 Mark III? With travel there is always a chance unexpected weather – is this better than carrying around a plastic bag and rubberband?

Weatherproofing is subjective, I’ve never needed it and have been shooting for almost 30 years. Other live and die by it.

• How useful is the high resolution mode?

Invaluable, in my option. Especially since I’m a landscape shooter mostly (50% or more).

• Does the new processor in the OM-D E-M10 Mark III offer a significant improvement over the older one in the OM-D E-M5 Mark II?

Any gains will be slight. Stepping up to the 20MP sensor cameras produces a bigger difference.

I know I haven’t done the most important step of trying the cameras out in person yet but I hopefully will have a chance next week. I’m not opposed to checking out used equipment or another model that I may have overlooked. My research just led me to believe the above cameras would be the best fit for my needs and preferences (I must admit the retro design of both Olympus and Fuji helped win me over too).

From your list the Fuji’s look like very strong options, I don’t find the Shutter Priority dial useful on them as I’m an Aperture Priority shooter. But the 18-55 is a good lens and Fuji cameras produce great SOOC images.

Since you said you are “not opposed to checking out...another model that [you] may have overlooked” I’ll throw my personal favorite out there.

Olympus Pen-F. You can add the 12-40/2.8 and get it for $1700. The lens is fantastic and the camera has the 50MP Hi-Res mode, 5axis IBIS, a great 20MP sensor, and tons of customizability in camera for your images to look how you want them will little need for editing. I still do on some of them, but it’s nice not needing to do much. Now the Pen-F is not a video making powerhouse. I’m fine with it’s simple 1080 video quality but it would have been nice to have a mic input like the E-M5 II and the 2 Fuji’s you are considering.

If the Pen-F is out of your budget, my next choice for you from this list would probably be... the X-T20.

 

[KCook]

* I know, old thread. But the title might catch some XT-20 vs Oly searches, so here is an update. *

• How important is the bigger sensor in terms of detail (for example shooting landscapes)? Will that extra light and the higher resolution sensor matter that much?

Some questions on the Olympus:

• Not to start a flame war but is the IQ noticeably different outside of more extreme ISOs between the Fujis and the Olympus? I like to print and hang some of my photos and while I imagine the Olympus would be fine (clearly a big improvement from my current camera), not being able to print at larger sizes would be a deal breaker for me. I think 16x20 would be the biggest size.

I have just put up a photo essay on my blog with a direct comparison of RAW results for both brands, in a landscape situation. Linky -


Shadow lifting with Fujifilm and Olympus RAW files

You may now return to your regular channel viewing

twilight

 

[mobi1]

I value portability and want to be able to take the camera with me most of the time

I am in same situation (shot with D3100 for last few years). But even after many postings in DPR still confused what is best camera for me!

Real portability comes when your camera size is reduced drastically so that you no longer keep your camera in shoulder bag but it fits in your palm. I thought about Fuji XT100, but it is only 200 g lighter than my Nikon D3100. I'd be still carrying my shoulder bag if I get it.

Some MFT lenses are nearly as big as their APSC counterparts. So, not every MFT system is compact.

You need to consider both camera body and lens. Unless you go for pancake lenses it is not going to be compact - especially if you go for zoom lenses.

On the body, you need something like Rangefinder style for compactness.

Panasonic GX80/GX85 is a compact body with 12-32 mm kit lens will fit in your palm.

But be aware of battery life. You can compose your shots without using battery in DSLR. But in MILC, as long as you are using LCD/EVF you will burn battery. Even more if your lens is power zoom.

Buy a camera based on how you will actually use it rather than how you think you'd use it.