Buying used EM-5 II vs EM-1

Going January on a combination south African cruise and 4-day safari at Kruger. In addition, the cruise will have half day tours (approx 5 hrs) to:

• Botlierskop game Reserve - Mossel Bay port
• Hluhluwe Game Reserve - Richards Bay port
• Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve - East London port
• Pumba Private Game Reserve - Port Elizabeth
• Nambi desert via off-road vehicles - Walvis Bay port

Bringing my Em-1 and GX7 along with Oly 12-40, 40-150 with TC, Pany 15 f1.7, and 100-300 MkI lenses.

As the EM-5 Mk III won't be out by the time I leave, I am considering getting a used EM-5MkII, GX-8 or Em-1 Mk1. Still considering renting the 100-400 and bringing it in lieu of the 100-300, although my copy is pretty good and I am pleased with its sharpness.

Planning on shooting mainly large animals and carrying the least amount of equipment in term of weight.

Pros for both the EM5 and EM1 is both use the same battery, weather sealing, and similar operations.

I am very reluctant of spending any money on a used EM1, since my camera had the rear dial issue repaired under warranty, but would not be so lucky buying used. Plus there is also the lug issue. Although that would be the best camera in overall terms on having two cameras with the same setup functions. I would going to use the GX7 with the 12-40/15 lenses.

A used EM5 in LN condition is around $570 US and new $800 from KEH. The GX8 is a tad higher in price used, but is weather sealed, has a great EVF and is a range finder like my GX7 which I like. However, the EM% mk II is smaller and lighter than the GX8 if I recall correctly.

As far as the EM-5. I have not found any real issues noted in the forums with it like those found with the EM-1. Maybe I have not searched properly.

Any thoughts on which camera is a good bet buying used?

My concern is used reliability and not having a warranty. Note I don't use my cameras often, perhaps a couple of times a year on trips and some family outing. If it works and meets my needs I hold onto to for quite a while. The third camera is primarily going to be a replacement for the GX7 which I will be giving to my daughter in the near future.

One last note, I am open to other camera bodies in a similar price range of $800 or less., but will have to consider buying additional OEM batteries which could raise the total cost an additional $100.

You can get a used EM1 cheaper than an EM5 ii. The difference is significant. The rear dial and strap lug failures are "yets" that might or might not happen. Basically, you're gambling the possibility of one of these failures, neither of which automatically takes the camera out of action (you might adjust your style to not use the rear dial, or you might catch the camera before it hits the ground or notice the loose lug), against a substantially lower price and 100% instant usability in that you won't have to remember which camera you are using, plus whatever advantages, real or perceived the EM1 might have.

I'd go with the second EM1, unless you REALLY want the EM5 ii and are looking for an excuse.

My main camera is an EM1 Mk II. Like you, I’m going on a photographic trip shortly and wanted a backup/secondary camera. I also looked at both the EM1 Mk I and the EM5 Mk II (both secondhand). You can pick up secondhand EM1’s really cheaply now, but in the end I bought a virtual mint (2500 shutter activations) EM5 Mk II and am very happy with it indeed. I wanted a smaller camera, and the EM5 Mk II is very solidly built and I immediately liked it. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now, and in no way regret my decision. The only recommendation I would make if you buy an EM5 is to get an add-on grip for it, particularly if you’re going to be shooting with longer lenses with it. I bought a cheap Chinese-made grip from Amazon and it’s made the camera much more stable to hold.

Good luck with your decision,

Chris

Both EM-5 II and EM-1 are almost identical (EM5 smaller, EM1 more sturdy). Since EM5-II is newer it has better video (but still no 4k) and slightly better IBIS. IQ regarding the sensor is practically the same...

I recommend it depends on the offers you get (price/shape of body)...

Wolfgang

Hello

Great trip you have planned.....

Like most said the EM5 MKII and the EM1 MKI are much the same, EM5 MKII has video, 40MP option image which is great. It has 2 add on grip options, one with shutter button and other without, I found the 2nd great to add just that little extra real estate to the body. Never buy the silver body....silver goes off and really bad for reselling...

Another awesome option is the 20MP Panny GX8. They sell over in the EU new at low prices and 2nd hand at a steal. These are wonderful bodies, huge EVF, IBIS, 4K with great video plus plus.

What is cost of 100-400m rent plus EM5 MKII? Would that buyout a 2nd hand EM1 MKII? They awesome and does not have the problems the MKI had....

Best

Siegfried

averacpa wrote:

VideoPic wrote:

Hello

Great trip you have planned.....

Like most said the EM5 MKII and the EM1 MKI are much the same, EM5 MKII has video, 40MP option image which is great. It has 2 add on grip options, one with shutter button and other without, I found the 2nd great to add just that little extra real estate to the body. Never buy the silver body....silver goes off and really bad for reselling...

Another awesome option is the 20MP Panny GX8. They sell over in the EU new at low prices and 2nd hand at a steal. These are wonderful bodies, huge EVF, IBIS, 4K with great video plus plus.

What is cost of 100-400m rent plus EM5 MKII? Would that buyout a 2nd hand EM1 MKII? They awesome and does not have the problems the MKI had....

Best

Siegfried

Hi Siegfried,

The rental cost for the 100-400 for a month is about $400 with insurance plus $575 for a LN used EM5 Mk II for a total cost of around $1000. Still on the fence of whether I really need to rent the lens. I know it is the preferred lens for a safari, but my shooting style is to capture the experience which tends towards a wider viewpoint then a tight close up. I think the 40-150 with the TC will do (especially with larger animals) and I have the 100-300 for when I need a longer reach.

To that end, I rather have 3 camera/lens setups vs trying to switch lenses in the field.

A LN used EM1 Mk II is $1300 from KEH. But with the Em1 MK II, I would need to buy 2 additional OEM batteries and that would add another $100. (had back luck with 3rd party brands of batteries mainly with expansion and short life).

I was hoping to find out from those who have used the EM5-Mk II is its reliability as compared with the EM1 Mk I. (has the MkII ever had the rear dial or lug issue?) I really don't like the idea of buying used digital cameras and or lens given the current issues with Panasonic repair program and Olympus issues with the EM-1 camera body.

I have/had camera bodies and lenses from both brands and generally like and use them equally, but I have always bought new with their extended warranty.

Hello

I used the EM5 MKII for little more than 2 1/2 years and had only joy with it, no issues. I am only aware of EM1 MKI adjustment knobs issue (had it myself + Oly great service) My EM1 MKII has no issues.

Lenses. Agree the 12-40mm plus 40-150mm (I do not have this one) should be OK. Being an ex South African spend much time in Kruger & others.

95% time one see animal on safari drives. These drivers are good and they know how to get photographers to best spots. Hardly ever that one need 600mm or 800mm. Probably up to 90% the 40-150mm with or without converter will be on the camera. Even water hole hide outs are well placed.

If you after birds of which South Africa is great then yes you will need reach.

Walking safaris will require something light & portable - I guess the 40-150mm will be great.

From your OP had the feel you have a EM1 MKI - use it.

In South Africa they have a community at link

These guys specialize - see their forum community (had one in the past) they experts and probably know all the spots you will visit...

Best

Siegfried

Since dpreview says you live in the USA, another thought is rather than regular used body from places like KEH.COM is to get a reconditioned E-m5 mark II from the Olympus Outlet store.  That comes with a 90 day warranty, but you can buy an extended warranty within the 90 days, and it will cover two years after the regular 90 warranty goes out.

Note, with the USA Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales going on, Olympus has no refurbished cameras in the outlet.  But I imagine the outlet will be restocked next week.

• https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras.html

Note, while the E-m5 mark II and the E-m1 share the same battery (BLN-1), they do not share the same clip-on flash (FL-LM2 vs. FL-LM3), but that is probably a minor deal.

averacpa wrote:

Just ordered the (LN condition) EM5 MkII with battery and charger from KEH. They have a 15% discount today making the price with free shipping and a 365 extended day warranty for $486. Could not resist the deal....

Good for you! I recently bought a "mint condition" second-hand EM5 Mk II as a backup for my EM1 Mk II. Lovely camera.

Cheers,

Chris

Pleasure......

When I used the EM5 MKI my wife had the EM10 MKII. She now has the MKIII.

Well I kept the MKII....will sell it but I wanted to study it first to write something on it. Today I took it out to do comparison images and immediately I knew why it's still with me. It's "tiny" and its nearly identical t the EM5 MKII. At the time she got it I thought why would I need the EM5 MKII?

Over here the EM10 MKII sells for very little 2nd hand. Plus is can do 120FPS at 720P not bad at all..... The movie functions in the EM10 MKII is interesting.

All the best

Congrats great camera......will you get the small version handgrip? Get one or two spare batteries...... Study using the 40MP function, early mornings/evenings on water scenes....brilliant...

One more...study practice stars...how to photograph with the EM5. South Africa has some of the most amazing night scenes.....

Congrats on your purchase! I love my EM5 mk2, its such a handy little camera.

Every camera has weaknesses. If the OP had gone for the EM1 there would probably have been people warning him about strap lug failures and broken rear dials . As you say, these "common" faults are actually not experienced by 99.9% of owners.

Cheers,

Chris