Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

I understand as a beginner my focus should be on basic camera functionality and meeting requirements for current and upcoming projects. The goal, focus not so much on equipment but my artistic eye! Here is my issue. I haven't purchased a camera yet. I need 4k video with a flip-out screen. So.. My eye was on the Canon EOS RP or the Nikon 7500. I considered the Sony A6400 but it's too freakin small and missing the flip-out screen!!! Side-note///When will the camera industry make the flip-out screen, mic jack, and dual card slot standard? Pardon the rant back to the topic...

I noticed today Olympus has a firmware update on the E-M1 II. This camera is over two years old but it has a lot of what I need and the body is weatherproof. Though it's a four third's camera it meets my needs in two areas, photography and 4k video with autofocus. Canon released firmware updates for a few cameras in the EOS line. I'm a little done with Canon right now. Their M50, if it wasn't so small and they didn't screw up the 4k i'd settle for that to start.

I need a little guidance before fully committing to the Olympus OM-D E-MII. I plan to buy a new body and new or used lenses.

1) Can Canon lenses be used with the E-MII?
2) Can Sigma lenses be used with the E-MII?
3) Does the E-MII have a limited video recording time?

Also if anyone has a suggestion for a solid beginner camera that is weatherproof under 1800 USD i'm all ears. Thanks in advance for the read and response.


-Coast2Coast

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

The needs of a ‘still photographer’ and a ‘videographer’ are more different than many of us realized. The manufacturers may have to go back to separate ‘cameras’ and ‘camcorders’ to meet the needs of both.

Some still photographers prefer larger cameras than others, but from your words, videographers lean towards larger cameras.

Still photographers are not in agreement, but I believe more of us prefer flip-back screens, while videographers prefer fold-out screens.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

While not weather proof, I have a Nikon D5300 (24mp) which does video, has a fully movable screen. It's a crop body, but comparing images to my FF bodies I'm hard pressed to see a difference. I have kept it because it is light, works well for still and video, has a fully articulating screen and ... is paid for. The FFs are heavier and demand more expensive glass to get the best results. Just a thought.

papaluv4gd Loc: durham,ct

Pretty much any camera can use any other manufacterers lenses using the appropriate adaptors.
If you want to retain all auto focus,infinity,and other functions ,you will need an adapter with all the electronic pins so the camera and lenses can communicate. That requires something akin to a seriously overpriced metabones adapter. Although I saw one on ebay for around $160.00 or so. supposed to be equal to the metabones unit. I have a couple of olympus e-m1 m1. Don't do too much video, but in my experience, your video run time is limited only by the capacity of the SD card. Though about getting the e-m1 mii, but I don't like the fold out screen. The flipout screen keeps the image sensor in line with the lens. feels more natural to me. I may reconsider just to have some of the upgraded features. Not sure yet. Hope this helps.

JR45 Loc: Montgomery County, TX

From your post it seems that you are more interested in video.
About 10 years back I thought I would give it a try. I found that
video was not in my wheel house. I think I used a Sony Handycam
series camera that had single shot capability. I still take an occasional
video with my Nikon's, but it's still not for me.
Maybe you need to look at video cams with single shot capabilities.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

My observation is that insisting on a flip out screen as opposed to a tilt screen eliminates a lot of good camera options.

Bret Perry

You might try https://www.videomaker.com/ for reviews of video-capable cameras.
https://www.videomaker.com/buyers-guide/how-to-buy-an-interchangeable-lens-camera
But they haven't covered Olympus since 2012 from what I see.

Video pros often use rigs that add larger grips, separate screens, pro audio recorder, manual controls for pull-focus/zoom, etc. so small size is not an issue... Auto-focus is often not helpful and can result in too much focus hunting except in limited situations, although it is getting better and better.

Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

Interesting point of view. Sounds like a drawing board discussion from both industries. I'm looking to match my need regarding still and video all in one unit. Mobility is vital as well as remaining under 2000 usd for a weather-sealed body. The more i look at my need the more i lean toward the Olympus as my beginning camera. Thanks for taking the time to read and reply to my rant.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I don't think so, because camcorders are still produced - from less expensive consumer models with fixed lenses to professional models with interchangeable lenses. And nowadays, the demand for a still photography camera without video feature is too low.

Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

Though the 5300 or D5300 has a flip-out or fold-out screen is doesn't have 4k video. For my needs, it doesn't perform well in low light conditions for still or video as well. Even with prime glass. The 7500 or the D7500 which i mentioned in the post, for me would be the better option if i bought a Nikon line as my beginning camera. Thanks for reading and responding to my post.

Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

Thank a million! I was a little concerned about the video recording time. The recent 3.0 firmware update on the mark II and to find it is weather-sealed changed my mind from buying the Canon EOS RP. The RP has limited video recording time and the 4k has the usual canon draw-backs for my needs. I saw the metabones adapters you mentioned and you are correct. I'll take your advice and do my homework on adapters. Thanks for reading and responding to my post.

Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

There are a few lines in the point and shoot department made by Sony and Canon. For my needs, they don't qualify. They are too small, aren't up to professional specs, weather-sealed, limited or not able to add glass (lenses). As a few examples. Just not worth it for what i need. A camcorder definitely won't work. I'm mobile and need both features of still and video in one unit under 2000 usd for the body. I think i've found it in the Mark II. I appreciate your read and response.

Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

Thanks. I'll keep this in mind when purchasing my second / back-up camera in the future. I'll rent one so i can experience the perfomance myself before i buy.

Coast2Coast Loc: The Lone Star State / Texas

For my needs, the extra's mentioned in your reply regarding rig/equipment is a no can do for me. I need to be able to switch modes from still to video with the same or different lens whenever needed, in one unit. Having separate equipment for each is defeating the purpose of my mobile need. I will review the link you mentioned. Thanks for reading and your suggestions.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

You’ll find the Olympus with its articulated touch screen is a joy to use. The stabilization is superb! One thing to check is if you’ll retain autofocus with your lenses and converter. I’ve been told that in micro 4/3ds world that Panasonic is better for video, but I only have Olympus experience.