A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Currently I shoot a FF Canon. I truly enjoy the camera and what I am able to do with it. That said, I have been wanting to get a an APC-S camera. The pixel density is alluring for high magnification stacks. I tote my camera with me all the time so reduced size and weight is appealing too. The more I researched Canon APC-S cameras the more I realized the sensors just don’t have the IQ I am looking for. Nikon and Pentax have APC-S cameras that fit the bill but I don’t feel like investing the kind of cash needed to build up a decent system. I started looking into mirrorless options and immediately the Sony grabbed my attention but looking through all the offerings I can’t nail down a model that has all the features I want. Enter the OM-D E-M1, on paper it seems like THE camera but would like to confirm a few things and gather opinions from users.

As I understand it the camera has EFCS?
Supports rear curtain flash sync?
Has a Live View Utility that allows one to shoot tethered to the computer and wirelessly paired with a tablet. Does the program/app show realtime feed from the camera and does it display the captured shot? Does it save file to computer, camera, both?
Can control the FL36R flash wirelessly?
Flash sync is 1/320?

Opinions:

For those of you who have used the E-M5, do you notice a difference in IQ versus E-M1?
How exactly does the pitch, roll and yaw portion of the IS work? I.E. if you are focusing in manual mode and the camera is completely square to the subject does it adjust the sensors so it is square to the subject plane?
Your opinion of focus peaking?
Does diffraction compensation work?
Zuiko 60mm 2.8 macro?
Best adapters for old manual lens?
Any accessories that are must have?

Most importantly what is your opinion of the camera and would you buy it again?

Thanks

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

The answers to most of your questions can be found on the Olympus website. That said I can offer you an opinion on the E-M5. As a professional I use Leica and Canon professional all L series lenses. On a trip to Berlin and Dresden I was loaned an Olypus OMD E-M5 and four prime lenses. The compact size and weight was ideal for travel. In Dresden I did some night shots, without flash and tripod and was suitably impressed with the results.
I purchased the E-M5 with some prime lenses on my return. The 60mm macro lens compares well against my Canon 100mm macro lens print for print in A3 size. The only down side to the OMD E-M5 is slow focusing.
I am now selling my E-M5 to purchase E-M1 which has a Pro spec. I am told the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens is also amazing, now also on my shopping lists.
I have no hesitation in recommending the Olympus 4/3 system to you. I am amazed every time I take it out.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Without going into the manual or to the Olympus website, (for which I just don't have the time at the moment, sorry), I can't give a definite reply to your questions.

What is EFCS?
Electronic Flight Control System? Oh no, that belongs in my son's dictionary, he's the pilot...
Electronic Filmless Camera System? The E-M1 doesn't have one, it is one.

Yes, it will wirelessly control your flash. Can't remember now if you need to put the on-board flash on or not... Summer has been nice, I've not used the flash for many months now.

You mention the Zuiko 60mm macro lens - I have used a 14-54mm and a 50-200mm Zuiko lens with the adapter, and they work very well, with good IQ. I now have the M.Zuiko 12-40mm on the camera, no adapter and a lot less weight. This fall a longer PRO will be released (40-150mm I think) and I've already got my order in with the camera shop.

I have not for a moment regretted buying the OM-D E-M1, and together with my E-5, I've got one fantastic set of tools.
Actually, almost wished the E-M1 couldn't do as much as it can, because there sure is a lot to learn. Then again, I don't have to learn it in one evening....

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I use and like both the EM5 and EM1. I will respond to those questions that I understand:) (EFS?Diffraction Compensation?not sure about those terms...) There is very little IQ difference between the EM1 and EM5 with m43 lenses in general. The EM1 does a far better job with the legacy Olympus lenses, with tracking moving things, and with hard-to-lock-AF stuff like white birds. The EM5, on the other hand, generates less noise in long exposure night shots.

Focus peaking does work. I don't do a lot of manual focus except for macro but I do fine tune AF with M much of the time. Focus peaking is a helpful feature, as is the ability to zoom in via the EVF or rear screen to check/lock critical focus prior to capture.

I don't know exactly how IS works from a technical standpoint but it does work, quietly and accurately, to allow you to use slower shutter speeds handheld than you'd expect. It isn't magic, and you shouldn't throw your tripod away, but it is much easier to get a decent shot without one than with other cameras I've used.

There is wireless control of flash but I can't answer most of your flash questions: I'm a 95% natural light shooter. Wireless control of the camera is by phone or tablet, so that the device works as if it is the rear screen of the camera. I have heard that there is not a direct tethering-to-computer option but have never explored that thoroughly.

I am very pleased with both cameras. I use the EM1 more because I prefer the button array and having all those controls accessible externally. I don't have the 60 but it's on my wish list. I use a mix of Oly m43, Panasonic m43, and legacy Oly lenses with the Oly mmf3 adapter. My most used lenses are the m43 12, 20 and 45 primes, the 40-150 zoom (which is astonishingly good for its low cost), the old Oly 35 macro and the old Oly 12-60. I really like the tiny weightless and deadly sharp primes for the m43 system. I would NEVER go back to hauling a heavy bag of lenses around, and can't imagine going back to the days of hauling a big DSLR all day. My full travel kit with two cameras and 6 lenses weighs about 5 lbs, and a walkabout kit with one camera and 2-3 lenses is around 2 lbs.

Burt Hollen Loc: King of Prussia, Pa

I just bought the OMD EM-10 and the 12-40 f2.8 pro lens and can tell you that the 12-40 is spectacular. It focuses very close and although it isn't a true macro, it still takes beautiful close shots. Low light focusing is a slow, but generally the IQ is really good. Below are two shots I took with the 12-40 while practicing with it.

jcboy3

I shoot Olympus (E-M1, E-M5) and Panasonic. In answer to your questions:

1. The E-M1 has Electronic First Curtain Shutter, enabled with the most recent firmware update, and useful to reduce the effects of shutter shock. Works only in single shot mode, not enabled for continuous shooting.

2. The E-M1 has a wireless smartphone app. I do not find it as useful as the Panasonic app (which I use on the GH3). There is no computer application allowing tethered shooting, but you can hook up the HDMI output for viewing. Files are saved to camera, can be transferred over wifi with browser, but this will interfere with remote control via smartphone.

3. The EM1 can control the FL36R, FL50R, and Metz58 remotely (optically) using the supplied flash. Neither Olympus nor Panasonic support wireless TTL, and there are no third party applications AFAIK (but I'm still looking).

4. Spec sync speed is 1/320 with the supplied flash (which is puny), 1/250 with other flashes. The camera has a PC sync port which will sync to 1/400, and will sync to 1/500 if cropped to 3:2. The E-M1 also supports FP sync to 1/8000.

Opinions:

Differences between E-M1 and E-M5 IQ are subtle, due to the different sensor and lack of AA filter on E-M1. I have noticed moire on the E-M1 in unexpected situations, but it's rare for me.

Image stabilization in E-M1 and E-M5 is same 5-axis. Not sure what you are asking about squaring up; if the camera is squared to the subject, the sensor will be as well.

I use focus peaking if I'm shooting quickly and don't have time to inspect for focus; it works okay but I usually miss critical focus. For critical focus, I use image magnification, but it's a tradeoff between time for the shot and composition.

I have not used diffraction compensation, as I usually shoot RAW and don't set aperture below f/8, but cameralabs.com has test images showing the feature as invaluable for small aperture shots.

The 60mm macro is a great lens, shoots true 1:1 with good working distance (much better working distance than my Zuiko 50mm with EX-25 extension).

I think the best adapters for manual lenses are Metabones, but I have limited experience with Nikon and Olympus lenses.

Accessories:

a. The battery grip for the E-M1 is a must have for me, for the backup battery and because I shoot portrait mode a lot.

b. I use a lot of Olympus 4/3 lenses, so have several MMF adapters.

c. I have several remote shutter cables and a wireless shutter release.

d. I use TTL cables for off camera flash (Canon compatible cables work just fine).

e. I use Pixel Soldiers for wireless flash (manual mode only, but 3 group control).

f. I use a Polaris flash meter.

g. I have OpTech utility loops attached so I can easily clip on/off a camera strap.

h. I have an AC adapter (you need the battery grip to use it) but haven't used it; but I am looking into hacking it for use with an external battery (this is one feature Panasonic supports but Olympus does not).

i. I have CPL, ND, and GND filters for all lenses.

I think the camera is very good. At some point I will probably trade my E-M5 for another E-M1. My main complaint is that Olympus doesn't support full EVF operation, and the EVF/LCD button is located on the left for the E-M1 but on the right for the E-M5. I shoot a lot of concerts, and try not to use the LCD screen. Menu and playback operations always come up on the LCD and must be transferred to the EVF with the button; easy to do on the E-M5 but requires the left hand on the E-M1.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

It'll fire the fl-36r, but I'd recommend the fl600r as the recycle time on the fl36r is slow.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

IF this is true - you might want to wait until September:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-238267-1.html
Hot and heavy rumors regarding the 7D Mk-II
And ALL your L lenses will work.

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

I don't understand the half of what you are asking but I too have been looking for a smaller camera as I like street photography and my Canon 600D DSLR with 18-200 lens freaks people out. I would prefer to blend in. This is one of the camera's I have been looking at. Have you checked out -

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-om-d-e-m10

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

Phil Steele has done a review of the EM5 here and compares it with the Fuji X100S. Briefly mentions the EM10 at the end.

http://steelevisions.com/blog/review-olympus-omd-em5/

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Slap one of the many small primes on it, and you'll have one fine street shooting rigs.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

For starters, the E-M1 is truly exceptional in every comparable stat: weather sealing, build quality, features, 5-axis stabilization, lenses, accessories, and Image Quality. I had one until it got stolen, and miss it a lot, and will one day replace it.
The rig to get is the E-M1, 12-40 f2.8Pro, 75mm, and the 17mm for street photography. The FL600R flash is the right flash for that system, and the battery grip is a must. This system renders world-class images. :thumbup: :D