Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Ok, so I just had the discussion with wife, and I have the go ahead for the em1ii, if I want (her present to me).

Or...we also discussed me keeping the em1 and get the equivalent $$$ in glass (but I'd have to quit sending her em1ii emails). I do miss my old O7-14 f4, 50f2 and 50-200swd w/ec-14...and I've always been intrigued with the 150f2.

I do honestly feel that my current em1 is still quite the capable camera, but there's always the mystique of a new camera/body. I like to print big (larger than 30") and while can (and do) tile multiple images to achieve the resolution I desire, it sure would be nice with the highrez mode to not have to do that.

The only caveat is that $350 of has to be used on amazon (due to gift cards). The rest can be used wherever, and I'm not opposed to going the used route to stretch the money. She also said I need to take more time to go shoot...did I mention she's a keeper?

New em1ii and a couple of batteries and I'd also need a camera plate for my tripod
Or a combination of the following glass options
7-14mm f2.8
40-150 pro w/emc-14
60mm macro
50-200swd
150mm f2 with ec20

What would you do (keeping in consideration my gear list in my signature)?

BebuLamar

You're torn between 2 cameras. Would you considered where they were made as a factor? I believe the 2 EM1 and EM1 Mkii made in different places.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

That doesn't play into the factor for me.

Keep using my em1 and get glass or buy a new em1ii. That's the question I'm posing.

Dan O Loc: Shrewsbury, Pa

i vote for new glass.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

A new lens will outlast a new camera

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

What can the new camera, without a new lens do that your old camera can't do with an extra lens?

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

....sure hope she feels the same way about you

tdekany Loc: Oregon

In case you haven't seen it, Imaging Resources named the new em1 "Camera Of The Year"

On a more personal note, I'd go for the camera if you are into landscape photography. 80pm RAW file is 80mp. That is what I want as well. Also in case you didn't know, the cameras are getting to their destinations. People are reporting the arrival of their new EM1s. Everyone is happy. I know the hi res mode is an improved version in the em1, but you could get the penf for half the price and get the 80mp files, plus you could some glass.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Mogul - the new em1 is a much much improved camera. The new one can CAF and track like a champ. 4K cinema recording. Supposedly better than the A6500 even. 60 frames per second. 80mp raw files, 50 mp JPEGs, Etc....

In this case, as good as the original em1 still is, I'd go for the camera. But that is my opinion only. The OP already has a good selection of lenses that can work. For his birthday he can ask for new lenses

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Mogul - the new em1 is a much much improved camera. The new one can CAF and track like a champ. 4K cinema recording. Supposedly better than the A6500 even.(af, caf, tracking) 60 frames per second. 80mp raw files, 50 mp JPEGs, Etc....

In this case, as good as the original em1 still is, I'd go for the camera. But that is my opinion only. The OP already has a good selection of lenses that can work. For his birthday he can ask for new lenses

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

One thing that might help you with your decision is that when printing the pixels needed are calculated expediently, a 10 X 14 print requires 4X the pixels to print at the same resolution as a 5 X 7 because actually 4 5 X 7's will fit on top of a 10 X 14. So, for macro shooters and pixel peepers a jump in resolution may mean more than for landscape photography, not sure what you shoot but 4 megapixels is not a huge jump, in the above example it would require an additional 48 mega pixels and if you are already printing large the math gets huge.

BTW I remember that you purchased an old Takumar lens from me, I am still collecting and picked up a few great old Pentax Lenses in the last few weeks, a 35mm f/2.3 Auto Takumar, a 105mm f/2.8 Auto Takumar, both older than the solid black Taks, and a Pentax SMC K 50mm f/1.2 all to keep in my collection.... Those are my Christmas gifts to me so you know which way I lean, my two camera bodies I figure will do just fine for a few more years. I will probably be listing several old Taks in a few weeks in the buy sell section, it is time to weed out some of the duplicate lenses that I have.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Hey blurry - the camera has an 80mp file option

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

OK, I will accept that the new model is superior. I suppose I am more interested in whether the OP will be willing and able to take on the challenges of such improvements, thus improving his images. From a personal perspective, the advanced features of D500 would be wasted on someone with my lack of talent, so I'll stick with my (still too far advanced) D7100.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Still thinking. The biggest features that I'd use would be the high Rez mode and the new c-af tracking. 4K recording doesn't hurt either, but I'm not really a video guy...I'd only use it for short clips.

But then there is glass.

Still torn...ya'll need to keep trying to sway me.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

Consider this option: an EM1 mark II and the Olympus 12 - 100mm f4 PRO. The 12 - 100mm f4 covers a fair bit of what you have listed, though not the bottom or top ends. But, how often would you use 7mm or 200mm? I have been fortunate enough to have a play with an EM1 mark II and a 12 - 100mm f4 PRO and have had both on pre order since day 1. The close focus distance at 12mm is very, very good and the close focus at 100mm is useful. I have a 60mm f2.8 macro and I am part ex-ing it, along with my 12 - 40mm f2.8 PRO and 40 - 150mm f2.8 PRO in favour of the 12 - 100mm f4. In fairness, I do have the Oly 300mm f4 PRO + 1.4 TC, so I can shoot at longer distances. The mark II apparently works very well with the Oly 43 lenses via the adapter, should you stick with those older lenses.