Any reason to NOT buy an OM-1?

[Quailane]

I've been thinking a lot over the past couple of months about what new camera body to buy. I really just want something with a hand grip, M43, and have usable C-AF. My son is very active and I want to be able to photograph him when he is running towards me. Barring that, just being able to photograph people walking towards me would be nice. My Canon M50 can do it, but I want to sell the Canon gear and replace it with an Olympus body. My mind has been going from the original E-M1 to the OM-1 Mk II and everything in-between.

I feel like an original E-M1 in mint condition would suffice, but without having one, I can't tell for sure. I like the slightly lower weight than Pen-F + ECG-4 grip, same battery as Pen-F, more comfortable form factor, better S-AF and C-AF than Pen-F, and the screen being tilt and not swivel. 16MP is fine too, and I have no problem with ISO performance.

But I got thinking about what if I bought something a little newer? An EM-1 Mk II is pretty cheap and more capable than the original. But why stop there? A new OM-1 Mk II is the same weight and form factor. But with prices being so low for used OM-1's, it just doesn't seem worth buying the Mk II when my needs are so modest.

So if you've read all of that, I just want some assurance (after reading and listening to people say negative things about the OM-1). If I can afford a used OM-1, is there any reason to possibly consider any other body?

 

[Sam Bennett]

I've been thinking a lot over the past couple of months about what new camera body to buy. I really just want something with a hand grip, M43, and have usable C-AF. My son is very active and I want to be able to photograph him when he is running towards me. Barring that, just being able to photograph people walking towards me would be nice. My Canon M50 can do it, but I want to sell the Canon gear and replace it with an Olympus body. My mind has been going from the original E-M1 to the OM-1 Mk II and everything in-between.

I feel like an original E-M1 in mint condition would suffice, but without having one, I can't tell for sure. I like the slightly lower weight than Pen-F + ECG-4 grip, same battery as Pen-F, more comfortable form factor, better S-AF and C-AF than Pen-F, and the screen being tilt and not swivel. 16MP is fine too, and I have no problem with ISO performance.

But I got thinking about what if I bought something a little newer? An EM-1 Mk II is pretty cheap and more capable than the original. But why stop there? A new OM-1 Mk II is the same weight and form factor. But with prices being so low for used OM-1's, it just doesn't seem worth buying the Mk II when my needs are so modest.

So if you've read all of that, I just want some assurance (after reading and listening to people say negative things about the OM-1). If I can afford a used OM-1, is there any reason to possibly consider any other body?

If you're happy with the form factorand can afford it I can't see why you wouldn't go with the OM-1 Mark II. You'll end up with a more capable camera with less mileage on it that will presumably have better support for longer.

The AF system in the E-M1 isn't bad, but the OM-1 Mark II's is fundamentally better in terms of performance, configurability and overall usability. That's just one example, but for me it's the foundation of the experience.

 

[DLBlack]

If money is not an issue I would go for the OM-1 MkII. The reason is that Human Subject AI was added. It makes following a kid running very easy.

 

[BernhardF]

No

 

[luisflorit]

Mine has worked fine without complains for 3 years, until now that the rear dial is hard to turn, a usual problem with this model. And I live in Brazil, so send it for repair turns out to be too expensive.

My old EM-1 and EM-1 II dials still work perfectly.

I wonder if the dials of the OM-1 II will begin to give problems after 1 or 2 years, too?

L.

 

[g7_chord]

My reason would be that this camera is huge, which negates the most important feature of MFT. I got an OM-5 instead.

 

[Adam-T]

Lots of reasons not to buy an EM1 Mk1 - the sensor and AF are behind the times, the dials fail and strap lugs can fall out .. the best value "older" cam is the EM1-II on the used market they`re stupendously good value, the image quality is as good as M43 gets even today and the AF is pretty good at tracking people , even faces if they`re close enough .

Of course the M43 AF king is the OM1-II which can track well without subject detect on. any reasons not to buy an OM1 Mk1 ? . inergonomic dials and that the MK2 is better .. and the EM1-II/III are a lot cheaper used and maybe good enough .

 

[Mephistopheles*]

Em1 mk ii/iii has a much better sensor than the original and handles low light much better with less noise, so I wouldn't go older than that. (Same applies to OM-5 (?) and EM 10 mk iv). It (and perhaps other older models) also has the following advantages over the OM-1:

1. Lighter

2. Ergonomic advantage 1: when you press the playback button, the camera automatically switches from viewfinder to the back screen so you can quickly review your photos. Stupidly, to review your shots, the OM-1 requires you to press another button to switch to the screen from the viewfinder after you press the playback button.

3. Ergonomic advantage 2: stupidly, on the OM-1, they moved the menu button from the right side to the left side, so you now have to hold the camera with 2 hands and use fingers on both to navigate the menus.

The main advantage of the OM-1 is autofocus improvements. It's a big improvement for bird photography, especially. But I've no idea whether it helps for what you are doing.

 

[chrishurley]

The E-M1 Mark II is one of my favorite cameras so far and the prices are really great on them now. I saw one on FM for $400 I think. I was tempted to buy it just because it is still a high performance camera.

Traditional autofocus performance of the E-M1 Mark II is fantastic. This is the pre-Sony pre-machine-learning, pre-subject identification autofocus that people used forever up until a few years ago.

The image quality seems to be basically the same as the OM-1 when I shot them both.

People who are into birding and other wildlife shooting seem to love the OM-1 improvements over the earlier Olympus bodies but used OM-1 seem to be roughly 3 times the price of the E-M1 Mark II. Worth it to some.

 

[Regor250]

I've been thinking a lot over the past couple of months about what new camera body to buy. I really just want something with a hand grip, M43, and have usable C-AF. My son is very active and I want to be able to photograph him when he is running towards me.

By now OMDS should have developed a Toddler Subject AI, which seems the #2 subject after birds!

Barring that, just being able to photograph people walking towards me would be nice. My Canon M50 can do it, but I want to sell the Canon gear and replace it with an Olympus body. My mind has been going from the original E-M1 to the OM-1 Mk II and everything in-between.

I feel like an original E-M1 in mint condition would suffice, but without having one, I can't tell for sure. I like the slightly lower weight than Pen-F + ECG-4 grip, same battery as Pen-F, more comfortable form factor, better S-AF and C-AF than Pen-F, and the screen being tilt and not swivel. 16MP is fine too, and I have no problem with ISO performance.

But I got thinking about what if I bought something a little newer? An EM-1 Mk II is pretty cheap and more capable than the original. But why stop there? A new OM-1 Mk II is the same weight and form factor. But with prices being so low for used OM-1's, it just doesn't seem worth buying the Mk II when my needs are so modest.

So if you've read all of that, I just want some assurance (after reading and listening to people say negative things about the OM-1). If I can afford a used OM-1, is there any reason to possibly consider any other body?

None for me.

 

[ahaslett]

I still have an EM1.1, traded up an EM1.2 for an OM1.1 just after launch, and later bought an OM5.

The IQ and performance jump between the EM1.1 and EM1.2 is large, easily worth the used price difference.

If you want fast burst CAF, then lens AF speed matters.

I’m one of the people complaining about the OM1.1 EyeAF and CAF-Tr without subject detection. I’ve also tried an OM1.2 in a crowded street in Liverpool for about 15minutes.

Both the OM1.1 and OM5 are excellent at burst CAF, once you have EyeAF locked. It all depends on how far away you are from your subject. A Sony A7Riv will lock eyes about twice as far away and track the head in CAF-Tr more seamlessly than the OM1.1. If you are closer than 15ft and the eye is clearly visible, the OM1.1 does CAF really well. It even holds the head if the eye is briefly lost.

The OM1.2 is on another planet!

It can pick up a person 50ft away, lock on that person in a crowd, hold them as someone walks in front of them, lock on the head as they get closer and the eye from maybe 25ft away.

So all the OM branded bodies do burst CAF well. Which one you need depends on burst speed (world class in the OM1 bodies and good for most purposes in the OM5), and how far away you want head and eye lock.

I’d say the OM1.1 is a bargain right now, unless you need human subject detection. Unless you have a 12-40/2.8, I’d buy a kit including that.

Andrew

 

[Skeeterbytes]

I've been thinking a lot over the past couple of months about what new camera body to buy. I really just want something with a hand grip, M43, and have usable C-AF. My son is very active and I want to be able to photograph him when he is running towards me. Barring that, just being able to photograph people walking towards me would be nice. My Canon M50 can do it, but I want to sell the Canon gear and replace it with an Olympus body. My mind has been going from the original E-M1 to the OM-1 Mk II and everything in-between.

I feel like an original E-M1 in mint condition would suffice, but without having one, I can't tell for sure. I like the slightly lower weight than Pen-F + ECG-4 grip, same battery as Pen-F, more comfortable form factor, better S-AF and C-AF than Pen-F, and the screen being tilt and not swivel. 16MP is fine too, and I have no problem with ISO performance.

EM-1 a ground-breaking camera in many ways and one that has since been surpassed in every meaningful category. A pair were my main kit for years and the top and toughest job was photographing the kid, in sports and the various other activities. In sum, I have been in your shoes: film/DSLR/MILC.

It is a better action camera than the Pen F, especially C-AF due to the PDAF focusing, but the Pen F 20MP sensor gives better overall images.

But I got thinking about what if I bought something a little newer? An EM-1 Mk II is pretty cheap and more capable than the original. But why stop there? A new OM-1 Mk II is the same weight and form factor. But with prices being so low for used OM-1's, it just doesn't seem worth buying the Mk II when my needs are so modest.

I went from two E-M1s to a pair of E-M1iis because everything about the newer camera is better--sensor especially--and importantly is a pleasure to use. I would never consider an E-M1 today when the M1ii is vastly better for not that much more money. M1iii better still, adding HHHR and Live ND among other things, but IQ is about on par.

OM-1 is a different ballgame altogether and a "safer" choice from the standpoint of firmware updates, service and parts. I do not have the mkii but it has some attractive advances, while also being hundreds more to buy than the first.

"Futureproofing" the kit is important and what I learned as the kid grew, was the demands on my skills and gear grew along with her. By high school it's like photographing pro sports and I've now followed along through college athletics.

So if you've read all of that, I just want some assurance (after reading and listening to people say negative things about the OM-1). If I can afford a used OM-1, is there any reason to possibly consider any other body?

I would not hesitate to get the first OM-1. Since you don't mention lenses I suggest budgeting for the whole kit, starting with the best lenses you can afford, then see how much is left for the camera. Kits grow and the lenses last a loooong time--I'm using 20YO glass on the OM-1 along with newer ones. The bodies come and go.

In sum, the gear can do the job. I think it's important the kit is also a pleasure to use and I'm happy in this sandbox—not that there aren't a lot of other choices!

Good luck,

Rick

 

[chrishurley]

OM-1 is a different ballgame altogether and a "safer" choice from the standpoint of firmware updates, service and parts. I do not have the mkii but it has some attractive advances, while also being hundreds more to buy than the first.

I think a lot of people, myself included, aren't very confident in OMDS future in terms of firmware updates. This may as much be a sign of the times as anything else because I think Fujifilm also has cut back on the "kaizen" and they like Olympus had some periods of significantly beneficial firmware updates.

I wish more companies handled updates and upgrades like Fractal Audio but apples and oranges.

 

[SteveY80]

I'm not a big fan of the OM-1. I don't particularly like the controls/ergonomics, and there are a lot of little annoyances that add up to make it a camera I don't particularly enjoy using.

That said, it does have a "hand grip, M43, and usable C-AF" so it meets your basic criteria.

The rest largely comes down to personal preference. For example, I think the OM-1 has the worst focus peaking implementation I've ever used, but not everyone agrees, and of course it's completely irrelevant to anyone who doesn't use that feature.

If possible, I'd suggest trying the OM-1 before you buy. See how it feels in your hand, and whether any of its quirks get on your nerves. I bought an OM-1 without doing that, and for me there were quite a few nasty surprises, but plenty of people are happier with it than I am.

 

[JosephScha]

Look at the G9 II. It might be that good reason!

 

[chrishurley]

I'm not a big fan of the OM-1. I don't particularly like the controls/ergonomics, and there are a lot of little annoyances that add up to make it a camera I don't particularly enjoy using.

I agree with you. I am not a fan of the ergo changes or a number of other changes where operational stuff seemed to be changed for no particular reason like the histogram position

 

[TTphotos]

Em1 mk ii/iii has a much better sensor than the original and handles low light much better with less noise, so I wouldn't go older than that. (Same applies to OM-5 (?) and EM 10 mk iv). It (and perhaps other older models) also has the following advantages over the OM-1:

1. Lighter

20-25g is not exactly any lighter.

2. Ergonomic advantage 1: when you press the playback button, the camera automatically switches from viewfinder to the back screen so you can quickly review your photos. Stupidly, to review your shots, the OM-1 requires you to press another button to switch to the screen from the viewfinder after you press the playback button.

The OM-1 doesn't require that. You just need to choose the appropriate setting.

3. Ergonomic advantage 2: stupidly, on the OM-1, they moved the menu button from the right side to the left side, so you now have to hold the camera with 2 hands and use fingers on both to navigate the menus.

The EM1 mkIII also has the Menu on the left (in exchange for the added joystick), but the OM-1 is promised with a coming FW with the ability to set the Delete as Menu button.

The main advantage of the OM-1 is autofocus improvements. It's a big improvement for bird photography, especially. But I've no idea whether it helps for what you are doing.

 

[David5833]

If my main goal in buying a camera was to shoot my kid in motion, I'd probably try to determine which brands and models have the best human subject tracking AF performance. There are always compromises and there may be other redeeming qualities, but reliable, sticky human subject tracking AF isn't often praised as a strong suit of any of the Oly/OM cameras. I'm happy with the performance of my OM-1, but I bought it for other reasons than people photos.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/143821723@N06/

 

[Sam Bennett]

If my main goal in buying a camera was to shoot my kid in motion, I'd probably try to determine which brands and models have the best human subject tracking AF performance. There are always compromises and there may be other redeeming qualities, but reliable, sticky human subject tracking AF isn't often praised as a strong suit of any of the Oly/OM cameras. I'm happy with the performance of my OM-1, but I bought it for other reasons than people photos.

 

[Cornflake7]

I'm not a big fan of the OM-1. I don't particularly like the controls/ergonomics, and there are a lot of little annoyances that add up to make it a camera I don't particularly enjoy using.

I agree with you. I am not a fan of the ergo changes or a number of other changes where operational stuff seemed to be changed for no particular reason like the histogram position

At least they could give us more options where to display histogram. I dont like exposure values are part of SCP now, I prefer pre-OM1 position bellow SCP.