Is a NEW E-M1 Mk2 worth in 2022 ?

faunagraphy wrote:

Customs duties in India are a mess. If I were you, I'd fly to Dubai, purchase a camera there and get rid of the box (or fold it and pack it separately).

There's really no point in paying an additional 50% or even 100% over the price of an item. And you'd get a small vacation out of it.

Hong Kong is another great place to purchase cameras, esp. used ones, but more expensive to get to and travel in.

Alternatively, if you have friends or family visiting from a country like the US in the coming months, you could purchase the camera on EBay and ask them to bring it with them. I made a few camera purchases this way when I lived in India.

To answer your question, no - a new E-M1ii isn't worth it. Is it worth $800 or $1000 that it costs in the US? Yes, it is. It's great camera. Is it worth purchasing it new when you could get a used one for $550-700? No, it isn't. It's a very well-made camera and a used one in good condition will work well for many years, so it isn't worth it to spend an additional 40% more on a new camera. It won't be "better" than a used one.

Now if the price difference between a new and a used one weren't as much, then of course it would make sense to buy a new one.

That is a good point. Too bad that I used my leaves for a trip 2 months ago.
I should wait for 2-3 months and plan a trip to Dubai and utilize my yearly leave travel allowance. But then I also have to spend extra for my partner as well.

Gwynedd wrote:

E-M1 II has the worst EVF I've ever used, extremely washed out colours and low refresh rate. Otherwise it is a pretty good camera. I would never buy a new one at this point though. Just look for a low shutter count used model.

Wooahh...!!  That is literally new to me. I've heard in comparative like G9 has better EVF. But, I didn't realize that EVF of E-M1.2 is that bad.

Andersonm wrote:

Cameras, probably more than most other things, have an extreme range in how much people use them. From "hardly ever" to "daily".

Right..!!  Although I am not a daily user, I tend to extract the most out of my devices. The same I did with my trusty 12-year-old Sony A100, which I still have in working condition. I even managed to hold 2 local exhibitions (2014, and 2016) with this camera and sold every single print. Also won a sponsored travel photography competition competing with 2 Canon 60D's and 2 600Ds 
I just stopped using it 2 yr ago because of lack of time and its IQ seemed low to my iPhone. Now, I have planned this year and I am sure I can use this camera on at least one weekend trip each month.

And they are engineered to take the most heavy use. If they weren't able to take daily use, those people would make a lot of posts with pictures of their damaged cameras. This in particular for top line models like the EM1.

How do you know how much a camera has been used? Look for two things:

- Shutter count, below 10k or so

- no dents indicating fall damage (paint rubbed off the corners is fine)

For the EM1 mark 2 in particular, there was somehow huge sales of it. Much less of the 3. So there's a LOT of used ones on the market, and the prices have gone very low.

Basically, I don't know what you can get a new one for, but check out the prices of second hand with low shutter count and no visible damage. Have no worries about buying one, many people use cameras less than 1% of what they are designed for.

As I mentioned earlier, I've tried all possible used markets here. The only place I can get a used one here is via Ebay. The cheapest listing is found is $640 (Body) + $487 (12-40mm F2.8) + $50 Shipping = $1177. 
With added import fee/customs in India (approx $350), it would cost me at least $1530
And the exact same kit (Body+12-40mmPro) is available for about $1700 new. That is my issue in buying a used one here. Plus, I can buy that with very low-interest EMI and keep the cash I have for other purposes. 
Or I should try finding in my network, I anyone is coming from or going for a short visit to the USA. Then it will be a great bargain

Aberaeron wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

After a lot of research, I've narrowed down my search to a micro four thirds camera. A brief backround is in this thread's first post.

I have zeroed in my search on the following options ordered by decreasing priority:

E-M1 Mark II: I am more leaned toward this camera as this camera will fulfill all my needs, plus the live composite option would make it easier to work with long exposures.
The issue is that I was not able to find a single used piece here in my area(checked electronics markets in 4 main cities in my state). Apart from Canon and Nikon, used cameras from other brands is almost non-existent here. I am getting a new one line with 12-40 F2.8 Pro lens for about $1700.
As e-m1 mark ii is already 5 yrs old, is it worth spending on a new one in 2022?

I might have already mentioned that I bought a new E-M1 MkII about ten months ago. Brand new it did not cost any more at the time as an used model from a store. It cost UK£620 delivered with warranty. It is undoubtedly a grey market example but was new in original box with all the expected extras including the flash. This was about half the price of a MkIII at the time. I have zero regrets. It is a great camera and will remain so for many years to come.

Can I get that shipped to India? Even with the added customs, it will be a bargain for me. 

kcdogger wrote:

YES. Definately. It's a great camera for today and tomorrow.. I have both the EM1 ii (and iii) and the G9. I don't use the G9 much, not because it's not a great camera, but I've stuck more with Olympus brands - and live composite - focus, PDAF. and live composite are great on EM1 mark ii. I say - Get it and be happy.

Peace.

John

You give me more confidence to pull the trigger.

Henry Richardson wrote:

I bought one in October 2021 and here is my user review:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65760663

I mostly write about stuff I discover that is not mentioned in other reviews. I recommend reading my further posts in the thread where I provide more info as I discovered more things.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get. The E-M1 II is a very good camera.

Very well articulated review. I think I have to get hold of the camera again and check the EVF issue myself. I may connect to the older acquaintance whose camera I used to decide. Another option I realized just a couple of days ago is that I can get a setup with the main all-India distributor of Olympus.

Aberaeron wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

Aberaeron wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

After a lot of research, I've narrowed down my search to a micro four thirds camera. A brief backround is in this thread's first post.

I have zeroed in my search on the following options ordered by decreasing priority:

E-M1 Mark II: I am more leaned toward this camera as this camera will fulfill all my needs, plus the live composite option would make it easier to work with long exposures.
The issue is that I was not able to find a single used piece here in my area(checked electronics markets in 4 main cities in my state). Apart from Canon and Nikon, used cameras from other brands is almost non-existent here. I am getting a new one line with 12-40 F2.8 Pro lens for about $1700.
As e-m1 mark ii is already 5 yrs old, is it worth spending on a new one in 2022?

I might have already mentioned that I bought a new E-M1 MkII about ten months ago. Brand new it did not cost any more at the time as an used model from a store. It cost UK£620 delivered with warranty. It is undoubtedly a grey market example but was new in original box with all the expected extras including the flash. This was about half the price of a MkIII at the time. I have zero regrets. It is a great camera and will remain so for many years to come.

Can I get that shipped to India? Even with the added customs, it will be a bargain for me.

It has become very difficult to source the MkII here now. My retailer only has various combinations of E-M10 Mk3S and E-M5 MkIII plus E-Mi MkIII body only and E-M1 X

Unfortunately, like everything else here, they have also increased in price. The E-M5 MkIII body now costs £80 more than I paid for the M1 MkII eight months ago.

Production of the MkII stopped long ago and I think I hit near the price sweet spot during their run-down of stock to make way for the E-M1 MkIII

That's interesting...!!

MPB dot com, an online used camera dealer in UK is now selling excellent condition E-M1 MkII bodies for no more than UK £560 and offering just over £300 to buy them in. This company does not list the shutter count. You could enquire about importing one of the many they have in stock.

I've checked already here. They do not ship to India.

Henry Richardson wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

Henry Richardson wrote:

I bought one in October 2021 and here is my user review:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65760663

I mostly write about stuff I discover that is not mentioned in other reviews. I recommend reading my further posts in the thread where I provide more info as I discovered more things.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get. The E-M1 II is a very good camera.

Very well articulated review. I think I have to get hold of the camera again and check the EVF issue myself. I may connect to the older acquaintance whose camera I used to decide. Another option I realized just a couple of days ago is that I can get a setup with the main all-India distributor of Olympus.

Don't worry about it too much. It is very disappointing since it was the high priced flagship camera and this aspect of the EVF is worse than the E-M10, E-M10 II, PEN-F, etc., but it the camera is still very good. Note that as I wrote, you have to use the camera for awhile in various lighting situations to notice what I noticed. It was only after using for awhile that I realized it was not good in many situations that all my other Olympus cameras (that cost much less) are fine with. Most people just complain about the EVF being washed out, low contrast, etc., but they have not carefully examined the issue as I did to try to narrow the problem down.

Yes, I saw some interesting comments.

Again, don't be put off from the E-M1 II because of this. It is a really good camera and since you are in India (I am in Japan) you have to select from what you can actually get at a cost you can pay. In Japan cameras are no problem, but computers are more of an issue which often causes me consternation.

Here are a few of my India photos:

http://www.bakubo.com/Galleries%202/India/index.html

No, I won't because of a singled-out issue. I think I can compensate with small issues like this. I have been using a non-live-view, OVF-only camera (Sony A100) till now.
Lack of money forces you to adapt and compensate.

Skeeterbytes wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

Gwynedd wrote:

E-M1 II has the worst EVF I've ever used, extremely washed out colours and low refresh rate. Otherwise it is a pretty good camera. I would never buy a new one at this point though. Just look for a low shutter count used model.

Wooahh...!! That is literally new to me. I've heard in comparative like G9 has better EVF. But, I didn't realize that EVF of E-M1.2 is that bad.

Clearly a personal thing--never had an issue using it myself. Turning off auto-luminence and live view boost are first steps. Beyond that, the color balance and brightness can be custom set. There are other settings as well.

Cheers,

Rick

Good to know it is a singled-out issue, out of personal preference. Thanks.

gursharan-info wrote:

Aberaeron wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

After a lot of research, I've narrowed down my search to a micro four thirds camera. A brief backround is in this thread's first post.

I have zeroed in my search on the following options ordered by decreasing priority:

E-M1 Mark II: I am more leaned toward this camera as this camera will fulfill all my needs, plus the live composite option would make it easier to work with long exposures.
The issue is that I was not able to find a single used piece here in my area(checked electronics markets in 4 main cities in my state). Apart from Canon and Nikon, used cameras from other brands is almost non-existent here. I am getting a new one line with 12-40 F2.8 Pro lens for about $1700.
As e-m1 mark ii is already 5 yrs old, is it worth spending on a new one in 2022?

I might have already mentioned that I bought a new E-M1 MkII about ten months ago. Brand new it did not cost any more at the time as an used model from a store. It cost UK£620 delivered with warranty. It is undoubtedly a grey market example but was new in original box with all the expected extras including the flash. This was about half the price of a MkIII at the time. I have zero regrets. It is a great camera and will remain so for many years to come.

Can I get that shipped to India? Even with the added customs, it will be a bargain for me.

e-infin.com is a good and reliable place to buy grey market gear. Not sure if they ship to India but I think that they do.

Regarding having to pay for your partner's vacation ... say that you are going on a birding trip. You might be able to get away on your own.

Skeeterbytes wrote:

faunagraphy wrote:

Regarding having to pay for your partner's vacation ... say that you are going on a birding trip. You might be able to get away on your own.

"I have always wanted to photograph swamp birds, and now is my chance."

Something like that?

Cheers,

Rick

"And the only way to find them is to sit chest-deep in the swamp water before sunrise and say 'Psss psss pssss' until they show up. I'm so excited - want to come along?"

Skeeterbytes wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

Gwynedd wrote:

E-M1 II has the worst EVF I've ever used, extremely washed out colours and low refresh rate. Otherwise it is a pretty good camera. I would never buy a new one at this point though. Just look for a low shutter count used model.

Wooahh...!! That is literally new to me. I've heard in comparative like G9 has better EVF. But, I didn't realize that EVF of E-M1.2 is that bad.

Clearly a personal thing--never had an issue using it myself. Turning off auto-luminence and live view boost are first steps. Beyond that, the color balance and brightness can be custom set. There are other settings as well.

Cheers,

Rick

I only had it for about six months so I could have not been using it correctly but I have heard from others that they have found the evf disappointing. I’ve used a lot of cameras and I’ve never seen one that was less like the final image.

Skeeterbytes wrote:

Gwynedd wrote:

Skeeterbytes wrote:

gursharan-info wrote:

Gwynedd wrote:

E-M1 II has the worst EVF I've ever used, extremely washed out colours and low refresh rate. Otherwise it is a pretty good camera. I would never buy a new one at this point though. Just look for a low shutter count used model.

Wooahh...!! That is literally new to me. I've heard in comparative like G9 has better EVF. But, I didn't realize that EVF of E-M1.2 is that bad.

Clearly a personal thing--never had an issue using it myself. Turning off auto-luminence and live view boost are first steps. Beyond that, the color balance and brightness can be custom set. There are other settings as well.

Cheers,

Rick

I only had it for about six months so I could have not been using it correctly but I have heard from others that they have found the evf disappointing. I’ve used a lot of cameras and I’ve never seen one that was less like the final image.

I think Oly contributed to the problem by splitting EVF settings and adjustments between two completely different parts of the menu. You have to know that and even then, chase them all down. Product of the menu evolving over time and until the OM1, not being blown up and redesigned.

Until I mastered it, viewfinder images looked light and desaturated compared to the back display and the actual image taken.

Cheers,

Rick

Good to know actually! Thanks. Those two problems were mine as well. I never had the same problems with my Pen-F interestingly, just the E-M1 II.