What's Your Favorite Camera?

[jalywol]

I don't know that I have one favorite, as they all have different strengths.

For quick and inconspicuous? The GM5, although it is in process of being superseded by the G100, which has notably better IQ.

Right now, my favorite M43 camera is the G95, which is a perfect size to use with the PL 100-400mm, and works VERY well with it.

I had a GX9 for a couple of years, but I was on the fence about it in a few ways. The G95 bests it in overall handling, IBIS, and EVF, so even though it's larger, it works better for my purposes. So, when that G95 is paired with the G100, I have both larger and smaller camera options that use the 20MP sensor, and enable me to optimize what I carry for the lenses I want to use on any given day.

Camera love is a fickle thing. Essentially, since there are no "perfect" cameras, every one of them is going to be a compromise in one way or another. So, even if you have a pretty optimal match with one, future cameras that improve upon things that bug you with the ones you have, are always a temptation, and they may end up being the "best" for that moment, also.

I mean, I loved my GH2, but it when its technology was surpassed, after I used the newer tech bodies it was painful to try and work with, image-wise, when I tried to again. Similarly, the G95 is great, but I'd love a camera with better AF, so if a PDAF one comes out down the road, with that body style (the G9II is too big for me), I could see making the change for that...as long as it also had advances in sensor tech and overall IQ. But it's not a rush to change, like it was in the early days of the format, as you know what? All of the M43 cameras now, are really pretty darn good, and it's not a compromise to use them.

-J

 

[rnder72]

Got three, depends what I am up to...

E-M1 MkIII w. any of the f1.8 primes

Olympus XZ-1 (small camera that slips into a pocket)

Olympus E-1 w. 25mm f2.8 pancake (feeling nostalgic, wanting to slow down)

Film: Rollei 35S

Cheers,

Rick

 

[cba_melbourne]

My favorite is the rare and beautiful special edition Green Lizard GM5

But the one I reach most often for, is my second most loved favorite, the all black GM5

 

[Martin Ocando]

I've been reaching for the GX9 far more than the G9. I understand the advantages of the G9, including ergonomics and performance, but can't beat the GX9 compact size. Besides, the image quality is basically the same.

But every time I can, like when spending a weekend in the woods, I try to take my G9 as much as possible. Is just a pleasure to use.

 

[JoanKauai]

EM1X with 12-100 F/4

 

[roberthd12]

Well, I have five Olys and four Fujis, alternating between the two brands based on mood. Lately, the Pen E-P5 has been my go-to, esp. with vintage lenses (as pictured). I find the Pens to be really fun cameras, and the E-P5 is certainly the most versatile and feature rich. Plus, it's a super sturdy build. (I have never held the Pen-F.)


E-P5 with vintage Tokina EL 28mm lens.



--
Roberthd12

RobertDicks2

Explore RobertDicks2’s 1,228 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[Guy Parsons]

Well, I have five Olys and four Fujis, alternating between the two brands based on mood. Lately, the Pen E-P5 has been my go-to, esp. with vintage lenses (as pictured). I find the Pens to be really fun cameras, and the E-P5 is certainly the most versatile and feature rich. Plus, it's a super sturdy build. (I have never held the Pen-F.)

Also E-P5 here and in my case it is my maim camera.

As for the Pen-F I did have some slight desire but initially too expensive, then there was a significant price drop briefly in Australia, some sort of Olympus promotion, and I looked at the Pen-F more closely. Immediately rejected it as being too clunky for my taste, the E-P5 is a much better design and look and feel with everything in the right place.

For me no EVF needed, must be a tilt screen, and the on/off being on the right side as that little lever works so well. Thus it's E-P5 forever for me.

 

[mikero]

Interesting thread. My take-aways are Panasonic is more popular than Olympus. And OM-1 hardly gets a look-in. Quite a surprise.

Mike

 

[Lepewhi]

I had an FZ200, it was stolen. For such a small sensor, the images were quite pleasing. I took it on a 2 week trip to Portugal and it did really well. I'm actually thinking about getting an FZ300/330 for the long reach, constant 2.8, and weather sealing to complement my M4/3 kit.

 

[imrryr38]

EM10Mk2 with his ECG3 grip. This camera is one of the most balanced product in size/build/price/image-quality of the totality of photo industy in my modest opinion !

give mine to my son ( so it didn't leave the familly ) and purchase a 5Mk3 for weather sealing and dual AF. I love it too but not a "Keeper" like the 10mk2.

nowadays, i see some "youtubers" making contents like: "i was wrong about the 10mk2" ( or m4/3 too) hey guys, when you're blind at this point .... stop photography !

perhaps i'm a little harsh, but it's my real feeling.

 

[Trevor Carpenter]

Interesting thread. My take-aways are Panasonic is more popular than Olympus. And OM-1 hardly gets a look-in. Quite a surprise.

Mike

I think you need to own both to understand. The OM-1 is a better camera in that it opens up opportunities and the IQ is as good and possibly better than the G9. But to me and some others it is a great camera but flawed. When I got the OM-1 I thought I would reach a same level of comfort and enjoyment as I had with the G9 but after well over a year it just hasn't happened. IMHO the G9 is a design masterpiece but I still grab the OM-1 because annoying as it is I will probably increase my chances of that great picture.

 

[ahaslett]

I looked at all the posts so far and tried to interpret the responses in the spirit of OP. A lot of people (like me) have multiple cameras and explained what they use each for. Some (like me) picked one. Thank you to the poster who likes a green lizard skin GM5 - excellent example of a favourite.

I'm struck by how many people have a favourite which is small and not their main camera, but they like having something always with them. I'm also struck by the diversity of favourites and how many people have multiple cameras and indeed systems.

Judge for yourself:

1 vote each for - RX100viii, Contax G2, Nikon Z7, FZ300, X100, EM10.4, GH5, G95, GX85, GX8, EPL9, EM5.3, GM1

2 votes for - EM1.2, EM1.3, EM1X, EP5, GX7

3 votes for - EM10.2

4 votes for - OM1, GX9

5 votes for - G9

I was going to split between Olympus/OMDS, Panasonic and Other but decided not to encourage that kind of thing. I also didn't count the many other cameras which were mentioned but not "the favourite".

Andrew

 

[ahaslett]

Nobody loves the OM5 - aah!

I only counted one of Tom’s GM5s, even though he loves them all. Sorry Tom.

A

 

[NorCal Jim]

Well, I have five Olys and four Fujis, alternating between the two brands based on mood. Lately, the Pen E-P5 has been my go-to, esp. with vintage lenses (as pictured). I find the Pens to be really fun cameras, and the E-P5 is certainly the most versatile and feature rich. Plus, it's a super sturdy build. (I have never held the Pen-F.)

I'm also a fan of the E-P5! It does have a sturdy build and I like the ergonomics (no need for an additional grip or a half-case). One of the key benefits, in my opinion, is the tilt screen--ideal for photography!

The Pen-F is a beautiful camera with some unique features! As good as it looks, it lacks the ergonomics of the E-P5 and I tried to remedy the fit in the hand with an add-on metal grip and finally, a leather half-case. One huge benefit of the Pen-F is the color wheel, which can produce some excellent JPG results, including some unique monochrome looks.

Jim

 

[DLBlack]

I have gone through numerous MFT cameras starting with the E-M5. The cameras I own are the E-M5, E-M5 MkII, OM-5, E-M1, E-M1 MkII, E-M1 MkIII, E-M1 X, OM-1 and Pen F They were all my favorites. Then the replace replacement gets released and it becomes my favorite. The only one I haven't traded in or gave away is the Pen F. It is a classic. I do like two cameras to serve two uses. An OM-1 size camera for it's ergonomics and performance. Then a smaller camera like the OM-5 for its smaller size, but not too small size that will effect its ergonomics. So far I have been really impressed with both the OM-1 and the OM-5 and love them both.

 

[toomix]

Having Fuji XE3 (had XT2 and XT3), Sony a7iii ... my favorite is definitely Olympus E-M1 Mk3, with OM5 second if I need to go small / light ...

 

[jalywol]

Nobody loves the OM5 - aah!

I only counted one of Tom’s GM5s, even though he loves them all. Sorry Tom.

A

But there are no GM5's in your list?

Add one in for me, as it's been one of my all-time favorite cameras, which I still have, and use.

That would make three?

-J

 

[ahaslett]

Nobody loves the OM5 - aah!

I only counted one of Tom’s GM5s, even though he loves them all. Sorry Tom.

A

But there are no GM5's in your list?

Add one in for me, as it's been one of my all-time favorite cameras, which I still have, and use.

That would make three?

-J

My count indeed had 3 GM5s. Left uncrossed off on my count list!

Thanks Janet.

Andrew

 

[addlightness]

and lenses.

• PEN-F + Mitakon 25/f0.95 for street
• GM1 + 15/1.7 for compactness
• EM5.iii + 12-45 + 8/1.8 for all others

 

[cba_melbourne]

Interesting thread. My take-aways are Panasonic is more popular than Olympus. And OM-1 hardly gets a look-in. Quite a surprise.

Mike

It's in the question that was asked:

favorite "a person or thing that is preferred to all others of the same kind or is especially well liked", "one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking"

People that regard their cameras as tools to do a job, are likely to upgrade often for the latest and best features/technology. Since there is always something better, there may not be enough time for an emotional connection to a favorite.