I can't be trusted (An Olympus Story)
Nov 1, 2019 00:34:09 #
Comparing OM-D EM-10 mark ii with OM-D EM-10 mark iii
I have been telling my self for a long time I would not buy the EM 10 mark iii because after looking at reviews and video’s I did not feel there was enough difference to justify it over my mark ii. It turns out I was kind of right.
I was waiting to here what the OM-D EM5 mark iii was going to bring to the table. When it was announced and reviewed. It is mostly being called a baby OM-D EM-1 mark ii. I really like my OM-D EM-5 mark ii and the jump to 20 mp was not enough to get me to get on the pre-order line. The additions were appealing but other than the 120 fps added to video there was nothing I could not do with My OM-D EM-1 mark ii. I did like the smaller size and weight but they were not going to offer the additional battery grip only the add on hand grip. The one thing I was hopping to see was newer high bred screen that both tilted and fully articulated. That did not happen. I will say that the smaller field of view on the new OLED on the EVF was calling out to me because it would allow me to see the full view while wearing me glasses.
My OM-D EM-5 mark ii with the battery grip is a real work horse. The battery grip adds very little weight or size to the package and is perfect for when your planned shoot is for lots of images and 2 batteries on board is good insurance and performance is awesome. Anyway it seemed like I was giving up more that what I was getting. This is not to say that down the road I won’t buy one but not right now. I will wait for more field results and a price drop.
OK, so over thinking this a bit. I started thinking maybe it was not a baby EM-1 mark ii but an EM-10 mark iii on steroids. Well it could be :)
OK, so the EM-10 mark iii was offering improvements:
(mostly taking from the EM-1 mark ii)
slightly better image stabilization
faster focus and facial recognition
faster processing engine
a little faster fps in sequential shooting
a simplified menu system
4k video
120 fps video for slow mo
slightly smaller lighter body (more plastic)
The addition of (AP) advanced photo mode (basically a shortcut to special features)
What do you loose:
less flexibility in customization.(this is kind of a big one)
The ability to set video preference through all modes (P,A,S,M)
Perhaps a little less feel to build quality. (Still really good though)
No more My Set
you only have 2 function buttons instead of 3
No add on grip (however, there is a 3d party grip available) works good.
SUMMARY:
I am really a fan of the tilt screen over the fully articulating screen. Olympus only does the tilt screen with there OM10 models. So since my OM10 mark ii is a few years old thought I might take the price advantage and buy a second OM10 mark ii body (just in case). I ultimately decided to take a leap of faith and bought the OM10 mark iii body. I think I made a good choice. The difference between the 2 models arguably similar, with the older model perhaps offering more flexibility. However, the changes for me offer some welcome enhancements for a few dollars more. You can still accomplish all the same things but are somewhat dependent on some well chosen and optimized defaults. My first feeling was a bit of culture shock. For those who feel Olympus menu system was tedious will find this one concise, intuitive, and well organized.
The new AP mode shortcuts features which were more difficult to reach on the older model. It addresses quickly getting to Live Comp, Live Time, HDR, Silent Mode, Panorama, Key Stone effect, and AE & AF bracketing (Note: Silent mode is only achievable with this shortcut). However, In each choice it resets all other choices to factory or what they set as default, may perhaps be parameters which you wish to change. You have to go into the menu system to make the changes (a big one is focus it goes back to 121 area layout, or it will set up VIVID and you want Monochrome. It does not save your changes so when you go out and back in you have to re-set your preferences. Don’t know why they did that.
Also, to get flexibility in video, you have to put the camera in Video mode. Shooting from any other mode defaults you to Program and Standard Video. Which is ok but you have no flexibility.
You must set the camera in video mode if you want 4k, Clip, or High Speed. This takes a little getting use too, but doable and the results are positive.
I have a hunch the more I use the mark iii, it will become my go to camera for general shooting and street photography.
The image quality is pretty much the same they do use the same sensor. I have always gotten great results with my EM 10 and mrk ii. So great is great.
Hope my review was informative and helpful. Thanks for looking.
I have been telling my self for a long time I would not buy the EM 10 mark iii because after looking at reviews and video’s I did not feel there was enough difference to justify it over my mark ii. It turns out I was kind of right.
I was waiting to here what the OM-D EM5 mark iii was going to bring to the table. When it was announced and reviewed. It is mostly being called a baby OM-D EM-1 mark ii. I really like my OM-D EM-5 mark ii and the jump to 20 mp was not enough to get me to get on the pre-order line. The additions were appealing but other than the 120 fps added to video there was nothing I could not do with My OM-D EM-1 mark ii. I did like the smaller size and weight but they were not going to offer the additional battery grip only the add on hand grip. The one thing I was hopping to see was newer high bred screen that both tilted and fully articulated. That did not happen. I will say that the smaller field of view on the new OLED on the EVF was calling out to me because it would allow me to see the full view while wearing me glasses.
My OM-D EM-5 mark ii with the battery grip is a real work horse. The battery grip adds very little weight or size to the package and is perfect for when your planned shoot is for lots of images and 2 batteries on board is good insurance and performance is awesome. Anyway it seemed like I was giving up more that what I was getting. This is not to say that down the road I won’t buy one but not right now. I will wait for more field results and a price drop.
OK, so over thinking this a bit. I started thinking maybe it was not a baby EM-1 mark ii but an EM-10 mark iii on steroids. Well it could be :)
OK, so the EM-10 mark iii was offering improvements:
(mostly taking from the EM-1 mark ii)
slightly better image stabilization
faster focus and facial recognition
faster processing engine
a little faster fps in sequential shooting
a simplified menu system
4k video
120 fps video for slow mo
slightly smaller lighter body (more plastic)
The addition of (AP) advanced photo mode (basically a shortcut to special features)
What do you loose:
less flexibility in customization.(this is kind of a big one)
The ability to set video preference through all modes (P,A,S,M)
Perhaps a little less feel to build quality. (Still really good though)
No more My Set
you only have 2 function buttons instead of 3
No add on grip (however, there is a 3d party grip available) works good.
SUMMARY:
I am really a fan of the tilt screen over the fully articulating screen. Olympus only does the tilt screen with there OM10 models. So since my OM10 mark ii is a few years old thought I might take the price advantage and buy a second OM10 mark ii body (just in case). I ultimately decided to take a leap of faith and bought the OM10 mark iii body. I think I made a good choice. The difference between the 2 models arguably similar, with the older model perhaps offering more flexibility. However, the changes for me offer some welcome enhancements for a few dollars more. You can still accomplish all the same things but are somewhat dependent on some well chosen and optimized defaults. My first feeling was a bit of culture shock. For those who feel Olympus menu system was tedious will find this one concise, intuitive, and well organized.
The new AP mode shortcuts features which were more difficult to reach on the older model. It addresses quickly getting to Live Comp, Live Time, HDR, Silent Mode, Panorama, Key Stone effect, and AE & AF bracketing (Note: Silent mode is only achievable with this shortcut). However, In each choice it resets all other choices to factory or what they set as default, may perhaps be parameters which you wish to change. You have to go into the menu system to make the changes (a big one is focus it goes back to 121 area layout, or it will set up VIVID and you want Monochrome. It does not save your changes so when you go out and back in you have to re-set your preferences. Don’t know why they did that.
Also, to get flexibility in video, you have to put the camera in Video mode. Shooting from any other mode defaults you to Program and Standard Video. Which is ok but you have no flexibility.
You must set the camera in video mode if you want 4k, Clip, or High Speed. This takes a little getting use too, but doable and the results are positive.
I have a hunch the more I use the mark iii, it will become my go to camera for general shooting and street photography.
The image quality is pretty much the same they do use the same sensor. I have always gotten great results with my EM 10 and mrk ii. So great is great.
Hope my review was informative and helpful. Thanks for looking.
Nov 1, 2019 11:22:35 #
Many thanks for this review Frankie.
I shoot mostly Panasonic G-9's and GX-85's but a while back bought a refurbished E-M10M2 and 14-42R M2 direct from Olympus. Reason for this gas attack was I wanted to try our the "Keystone" feature on the M10 and am really liking it and the small size of this camera...smallest camera I own! And, the kit compact lens punches way above its weight. So was thinking of maybe getting the M10 M3 and your review, along with a few others, have convinced me to wait on this urge...I'll lay down and take a nap til it passes!!
Thanks again
I shoot mostly Panasonic G-9's and GX-85's but a while back bought a refurbished E-M10M2 and 14-42R M2 direct from Olympus. Reason for this gas attack was I wanted to try our the "Keystone" feature on the M10 and am really liking it and the small size of this camera...smallest camera I own! And, the kit compact lens punches way above its weight. So was thinking of maybe getting the M10 M3 and your review, along with a few others, have convinced me to wait on this urge...I'll lay down and take a nap til it passes!!
Thanks again
Nov 1, 2019 15:12:46 #
jederick wrote:
Many thanks for this review Frankie. br br I shoo... (show quote)
Your Welcome... gas attacks are awful huh? Thank you for taking a look at my review. Have a great day.
Nov 2, 2019 07:21:47 #
Two years ago, I chose the MKII over the MKIII by comparing features and cost. Since I don't shoot 4K movies anyhow, that option was a no-brainer in the MKIII choice. Good review, by the way. Love the little Olympus camera and have few complaints as to the earlier version of the OM-D-E10 verses the newer.
Nov 2, 2019 08:49:34 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
i am waiting for my m5 III to ship. I currently have the m5 II which I love but... GAS aside, I did want the extra pixels and the ProCapture feature offered in the III. The fact that the IS hasbeen improved as well as faster auto focus sealed the deal. We'll see if the GAS was worth the money!
Nov 2, 2019 11:56:48 #
rb61
Loc: Maple Grove, MN
From what I have read, most people that have the 10MKii chose it over the MKiii, or those that already had the MKii did not move to the MKiii in droves. They seem to be very happy with the MKii for reasons that you stated.
Nov 2, 2019 13:04:43 #
I have the MK II and love it. My friend had the MK II and bought the new MK III. But he does a lot of bird photography and wanted the faster camera. I can't really justify getting the MK III for the difference. I'm not even using all the great functions of the MK II.
I had all Canon equipment and sold it all for the Olympus system. I had the Canon 70D - touch screen and articulating viewer. So when I found the Olympus had the same features I had to go with the Olympus over Fugi.
I had all Canon equipment and sold it all for the Olympus system. I had the Canon 70D - touch screen and articulating viewer. So when I found the Olympus had the same features I had to go with the Olympus over Fugi.
Nov 2, 2019 14:42:41 #
I think for a few bucks more the OM d E M1 MkII is abetter deal. The upgrade to firmware 3.0 is like making it a new camera. And the price has dropped from its original $2,000 point to $1500. It is a real good camera.
Nov 3, 2019 11:45:00 #
MoT wrote:
I think for a few bucks more the OM d E M1 MkII is abetter deal. The upgrade to firmware 3.0 is like making it a new camera. And the price has dropped from its original $2,000 point to $1500. It is a real good camera.
I agree, and I already have the OM-D e-m1 mark ii. It really covers all. It just is not always my choice for a carry camera. It really is more to carry especially if you combine it with one of the pro-lenses. If you add the battery pack it becomes a really heavy, most of the time is over kill for what I am going shoot. If you are only going to have one, then that's probably the one. So the best camera for me is the one I have with me. I generally grab smaller and lighter. I was not very good figuring out what need and what I want. Plus, when you have a hobby, having one of each is pretty cool :) I prolly will add that E-M5 mark iii eventually. It's just Toys for Big Boys... (I use to have that patch on my John Player's Special.. jacket). Thank you for contributing and enjoy the day.
Nov 3, 2019 12:04:43 #
WOW... thank you all for sharing. It is really nice to see various perspectives. I hope you enjoyed this topic and thank you for helping me learn and understand more. HAPPY SHOOTING :)
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