camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have three Olympus bodies, the original EM-1, the OM-10 Mk II and the Olympus Pen EP-5 that I often use with the EVF-4. I have used Nikon cameras and lenses since 1963 and to me the M43 system was a great surprise. The cameras were lighter and the lenses smaller. It was a godsend traveling with the new cameras. Image quality was excellent.

Follow the advise of others and jump into the M43 system without neglecting your Nikon cameras. A good start is a second hand body and lens and if you can afford it start with the Zuiko 12-40 f2.8 Pro. I bet you will not regret it.
Good luck to you.

dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY

I unloaded (and it was a load) my Canon gear and switched to M4/3 in 2015. I have had many cameras/systems since 1968, and I must say I have never been more pleased. Olympus' menu system has a steep learning curve; you might want to try Panasonic Lumix before you buy. All M4/3 lenses fit both systems. Good luck.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I was a Nikon ASP-C shooter for years. A couple of years ago I was looking for better options for shooting from a kayak than my old Fuji bridge camera and I started with M4/3. I started with Panasonic and loved so much of what it did well which is almost everything. That kit really saved me on my Bahamas trip where we were only allowed 44 lbs for luggage. The one thing it didn’t do well is track action. I’ve since gone to an Olympus E-M1X and that coupled with either the 40-150 pro or the 300 pro lenses, both of which couple well with the 2x and 1.4x teleconverters have pretty much replaced my D500 with the 200-500. I’m thinking of adding the 100-400, (I salivate over the 150-400 pro but can’t cough up the $7500). All that being said, a year and a half ago I took a step in the other direction and bought a Nikon Z7. If I’m not shooting wildlife it’s my go to camera. As good as the Olympus is there is no comparison to those FF raw files I get out of the Z7.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

SuperflyTNT, be sure to check out Thomas Stirr's website and his argument for his choosing the 100-400 over the 150-400. While there, check out his HHHR shots and see the detail about the room he was shooting in from the 100% image crop with the subject's eye. I still think I will save for the 150-400, but having the 300 plus 1.4X teleconverter, and soon to have the 2X, I am not in too much of a hurry. The zooms are easier, but the 300 is totally usable. Just requires one to move around more to get the shot (look at it as more exercise).

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

My Panasonic G9 and P/L lenses have replaced my Nikon D750 and FX lenses for my travel & everyday photos for over 3 yrs. I have a D500 & 500mm PF 5.6 lens used for BIF. I kept my Tamron 100-400 for my D7100 also. It is true that the G9 weighs slightly more than a Z6 II or Z7 II but the high quality M4/3 lenses are far lighter than the Nikon lenses and the IQ difference is truly negligible. I have taken shots with both of the same scene and I challenge anyone to tell the difference between them in most cases. The stabilization is amazing and at age 77 that feature has become important to me. My wife has a G9 & an Olympus 12-100 f/4 lens and loves it. Olympus is an excellent choice as well. Try MPB & Roberts for high quality used M4/3 gear. I have new and used and like them all. Good luck!

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

I ditched my Nikon D810 and assorted fast glass for the Olympus EM5 2 and haven't looked back. Being 71 years old the relief to my back and shoulders has alone been worth the switch. Where once I was carrying around a heavy 40L backpack, now I can get by with a fanny pack or small shoulder sling bag. The MF3 system has all the latest tech you could need. The Leica and M Zuiko glass I use is sharper than any of my Nikon glass. Even with the 16mp, I have no problem making 36" prints and in the Hi Rez mode, I can get approx 60mp to outperform the res of the D810. The only thing I miss in the least is the noise performance of the D800. The EM5 is adequate for 99% of my shooting.IBIS is great and everything is weather sealed.

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

I like the MFT format for several reasons. The cameras are mostly smaller than other formats but what I really like is the size of the lenses. They are tiny compared to larger formats.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

you don't have to JUMP into anything... each system does things differently and has it's own ups and downs.... Some are more suited to different types of photography than others. I am not going to rehash what everyone else has already pointed out. I support 4 diff. systems because each has merits the others don't... Only you know what your needs are and what is important to you...

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

I essentially agree with all that's been said. I switched from a Canon camera and Tamron lens to Oly 3 or 4 years ago, starting with the M10,III. Currently using the M1,II. Switched for smaller, lighter weight gear. I have a friend who leads photo trips all over the world that switched and recommended I try it. Fell in love with it. A very few have switched back because of the different menu system, but that's just a matter of getting used to it. There are books available that answer every question and show/explain every feature. Oly lenses are remarkable and for the same quality, significantly less expensive. I have found the 12-100mm, f/4 Pro to be a great walk-around lens and the 40 -150mm, f/2.8 Pro a great companion lens. There are less expensive lenses to cover this range and more, that are really good and a great value. Since there is no perfect camera, there are some drawbacks like low-light performance but that hasn't hindered me in doing what I want to do. You have a head start in that you have some Oly gear. You are the best one to weigh the pros and cons and integrate all that on how it impacts your expectations and what's important to you. As for myself, I'm sold on M4/3's and have, over time invested in it.

Beenthere

Now I know where all the M4/3 users have been hiding. I'm a dedicated Olympus user and love the M4/3 format. It might be of interest to know that I've had no trouble printing large (13x19) images, and anyone who says you can't hasn't quite learned to use their camera. M4/3 is a brilliant technology of which Olympus and Lumix (Panasonic) are champs.

The only other camera I would consider is the new Nikon Zfc APS-C mirrorless, that is, if you think a larger sensor will improve your photography.., It won't. Some here say use both, but if you are trying cut down on weight and bulk, I see no advantage to lugging both around. See if you can find a dealer who will rent one of these M4/3 beauties for a trial period and make up your own mind.

hrblaine

I've used Canons from digital beginning to end (or at least 'till "now"). Dunno why. I have three bodies (two FF) and a bunch of lens. I can't imagine switching to another brand (too many lens) although I do have a Nikon in a drawer somewhere. I started with a Voightlander and a Contax 35mm in the '50s. Both purchased through the PX in Korea during my army days. Taded the V on the Contax, sold it as I needed cash while in college.

I shoot whatever I feel like: bif, landscapes, people (not portraits), two breeds of dogs that I field trial (Eng. Pointers[not GSHs, mine have long tails and are mostly white] and E Cockers) and anything else that captures my interest. I'm 90 so I'm not out and about as I once was, shoot a lot from or near the car or on short walks in town.
Harry

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I made the move from Nikon to Olympus and have never had any regrets! I traded in all my Nikon cameras and lenses for the em5 mark II and just recently upgraded to the m5 III. I’m taking better images and I’m using my camera way more than I used to. Go for it!

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Very well said... Really not much more to add.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Long time since we have heard from OP (flickwet) I wonder if he is still reading?

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

I'm here still, I cannot respond via my phone as the format of UH prohibits it due to some weird loading thing (page goes white and I can read responses but cannot respond).

Well I finally figured out how to lock my focal point, i do a lot of focus and recompose, this has brought me closer to a more "amorous" relationship with the M1, never had a problem with my M5.

Anyway, GAS is a powerful force with me, I do have a minor investment in the more mature versions of the Oly system (E-M1, E-M5 and E-p3) and have been contemplating the disposal of my 80-400 D and D300, and other equally mediocre Nikon gear to fund the purchase of the 75-300 and 12-40 pro lenses (just have the various kit lenses now).
I know full well the pros and cons of my considered action but have difficulty, nostalgia? in disgorging my less than desirable middling Nikons. Biting the bullet so to speak may be the best choice.

The other alternative though, I was going to pursue a D3 to go with my 35-70 f2.8, Confused and unfocussed, hoping a change in approach whether re-dedicating myself to my dear Nikon, or to pursue a younger more attractive mistress, I used to "see" photographs everywhere I looked, that blessing seems to have passed due to age?, but that's how this mind torments it's possessor.

I should like to add, I am truly grateful for all the replies, hearing of other's experiences does greatly soothe the anxiety of decision.