wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

And one more odd thing is happening. I am noticing more and more that there are photographers buying one brand for their prime camera and buying the other brand for their backup camera. Then they choose whatever lenses meets their needs, be it either brand (over a 100 choices). That way they end up with the best of both brands features. Can't really do that successfully with Canon and Nikon.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I owned my EM1 mark II for about 18 months and found it to be a brilliant wildlife camera system. It is also great for photographing parties, as it is small and lightweight and some of the wide angle lenses are fabulous. I used mine alongside a Nikon D500, so I only used an Olympus 300mm f4 + Oly 1.4TC and Olympus 12 - 100mm f4 (other focal lengths/macro were covered by my Nikon system). The EM1.2 produces stunning images in good light but I did obtain some cracking images at ISO 5000 - should you require to view them let me know. The ProCapture is brilliant and I used it quite often. Though it didn't quite match my D500 for birds in flight, it wasn't that far off; and I had no hesitation using it for BIF when I had my macro lens on my D500. I once carried out a test between my EM1 mark II + Oly 300mm f4 (+/- the 1.4TC), my PanaLeica 100 - 400mm f4/6.3 and my Nikkor 300mm PF ED VR (+/- TC14EIII). I found it difficult to distinguish between the Oly 300mm and the Nikkor 300mm f4, both with and without their respective 1.4TC's. The PanaLeica images did not quite match the two 300's but it was quite close. The EM1.2 is solidly and beautifully built, though a couple of members of the Olympus EM1II Facebook site reported their handgrip covers were coming away. I did not experience any build issues with my camera. Though some feel the menus are over-complicated I had no problems; and once set they can be forgotten. The three pre-sets on the top rotary dial are incredibly sophisticated and are a real boon for wildlife photographers. In a number of respects, I found the EM1.2 to be a better camera than my D500: and if I were to take out only one camera it would be the EM1.2. Only at longer ranges did the larger APS-C format provide better images, though most of the time I could not tell the difference between them. I won't bore you with the reasons as to why I swapped my D500 and EM1 mark II for a Sony A7III, but I can assure you it had nothing to do with image or build quality. In fact, I was very tempted to swap my D500 system for a second EM1.2. Prior to purchasing my EM1.2 I owned 2 x EM1 bodies, together with the PanaLeica 100 - 400, Oly 60mm f2.8 macro, Oly 12 - 40mm f2.8 and Oly 40 - 150mm f2.8. I can honestly say all are fabulous lenses; but the Oly 300mm f4 is a bit special. To sum up: the EM1.2 is a quality camera, it is lightweight but robust, it is one of the best weather sealed cameras on the market, has an array of excellent features and great AF.

CaptainPhoto

I bought the M1-Mark II last year and love it. I went all out and got the PRO lenses. For the MACRO lens I went with the Panasonic 45mm. Later I got the Olympus 50-150 telephoto with the 1.2 extender. Then this year I invested in the Panasonic 100-400 lens - that's equal to an 800mm lens.

If your going to use the Focus Stacking feature of the Olympus you need a Olympus lens. I used that feature on some flower shoots and just works great.

If your going to got the route of renting one for a period you're going to want to get it for a good amount of time, the menu system in the Olympus M1 is very extensive and takes time to learn. I love the OK button feature of the camera because it brings up all the settings in one window that I can change as I need to. A great feature of this camera. Over all the features of the M1 are way ahead of any other camera on the market. You have so many options right at your fingertips.

I had the Canon 70D with touch screen and articulating LCD screen. I loved that feature about the Canon - and that was the reason I went with the Olympus M1; all the other mirroless cameras did not offer that feature. If your shooting macro and you have to get really down low the articulating screen will be a real life savor.

I had 3 different Canon cameras - APC - full frame, lots of lenses. Sold all of it and invested in the Olympus system. No regrets. I have a friend that is an avid bird shooter that had tons of Nikon equipment including a telephotos lens the size of a small canon and weighted a ton (well almost) . He sold it all and went Olympus. Because Olympus's telephoto lens option was the 40-150 (= to 80-300) was not enough reach he went with the Panasonic 100-400. You do lose some of the cameras features with the Panasonic lenses, but not that much.

One of the best tutorials I have found are the video series by John Greengo - check out Creative Live - I think it runs around $39 - well worth it. He goes over every feature of the camera and all the menus. A good book that covers the menu system is The Olympus E-M1 MlII Menu System by David Thorpe. Another really good book on the M1 is by Tony Philips. Only issue with that book is that it is only an e-Book. But it covers every bit of the camera. David Bush has some hard copy books, but his book does not cover the latest version of the software and leaves out some stuff.

I think if you go with the M1 you will be very happy. Others have some of the other versions of Olympus cameras. The M1 has combined the features of many of the other models. The M1 is Olympus's top of the line camera with a ton of features. So look at what your needs are and see if the M1 fits the bill. Maybe it has more than you need.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The Panasonic Lumix G9 offers a very similar feature set as the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, but with a more logically intuitive menu system and control layout. The body ergonomics and button placement are often easier to adapt to for photographers with medium to large hands who are coming from Canons.

Both cameras mentioned here are Micro 4/3, so they share over 90 lenses and can adapt plenty of others (sometimes with various functional limitations).

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

I own and use the em-1. I have several Oly lenses from 7-14 Pro, 14-40 Pro and the 60 macro. I find the Oly optics to be excellent. The camera menus take some learning but have lots of selectable features including in-camera focus stacking. I enjoy the smaller-lighter m43 format. As for sensor size the em-1 is 16 mp and I have enlarged images to 16 x 20 with great results. I find the em-1 to be pro grade gear. The em-1 mii you are considering has the 20 mp sensor, all of the em-1 features and more. BTW, Olympus has put the em-1 on sale at $1600. Don't know how that strategy fits into their plans for the mkii.

I shoot primarily flowers and landscape. Just getting into macro.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

sroc

I own two OMD EM1s and one OMD EM1 Mark II. The Mark II improved on the excellent original OMD EM1. The IS coupled with either the 12-100mm Pro lens or the 300mm Pro lens allows me to shoot hand held to 1/5 sec. The ability to customize my settings and assign them to three separate functions (C1, C2 and C3) on the mode dial I find indispensable for quickly dialing in my most common shooting settings. This has saved me many times from myself when for various lighting or shooting conditions I change from normal. In addition virtually any button can be programmed to quickly access menu settings. I shoot RAW and find that the camera presents excellent photos. I have the 8 mm PRO fisheye lens and the defishing setting turns it into a quite usable extreme wide angle lens (three different wide angle settings can be selected; Ihace the C3 set up for this purpose). The EVF yields the actual exposure. Back Button focus is easy to set up and implement. I like how light weight the camera is even with the 300 mm lens attached. Ergonomics are excellent. I have a Think Tank URBAN APPROACH™ 15 mirroless pack and can carry the following: 2 EM1s (one with 40-150mm PRO lens attached) one EM1 Mark II all with battery grips; 12-100mm PRO lens; 300mm PRO lens; 8mm PRO fisheye lens; as well as a table; several extra batteries and battery charges and various other gear. All at around 25 lbs and well within the carry on limits of the airlines.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I have been using an EM 1 MK II for about 18 months. I like the size and the features of the camera. Yes, there are many menu choices. However, I initially rented one and began using it immediately without even going to the manual...now, there are many You Tube videos on setting up the camera for various purposes that short cut the learning process.

One suggestion I would add especially if you are going to use any of the longer zooms or lenses is to add the battery grip. It does add some weight but in terms of balancing the body and the lens it is a must have in my opinion. I have the Olympus 12-100 f4 and it is on the camera the majority of the time. I also use the Panasonic 100-400 for birds and wildlife and think it is a very good lens.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Since I am still shots and almost no video, I will stick with my E-M1 mrII. But if needs change, or if a Panasonic body offers something I need or want, it could easily become my second body. No muss, no fuss with the lenses.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I have used Olympus cameras for years, currently the OMD EM1 v2. It is a complex camera, and after nearly a year with it I still haven’t mastered its many special features. One that is crazy wonderful for birds, which I shoot a lot of: Pro Capture, which, once you’ve focused, lets you capture a set of images both before and after you press the shutter.

I’m well satisfied with what I get from it, and especially with its form factor and button array. I do not have the pro lenses other than the 12-40 but I’ve heard they are really awesome and I’ll buy the 300 if ever my ship comes in. I did my first gallery show this past fall, and worried about the quality of large prints, something I’d not done before, but they came out great - they ranged from 16x20 to 24x36 (many of them were from the old EM1 with a 16 mp sensor, and the EM1v2 has a 20 mp sensor). I appreciate the portability of the system when traveling, especially with carryon restrictions by airlines and govts continuing to change. In a few days I will head to British Columbia for 2 weeks with camera, batteries plus 6 lenses in a shoulder bag that will weigh less than 5 lbs.

Do ask any of us any specific questions that you have.

bw79st Loc: New York City

I use an E-M1 Mk2 and love it for its sharpness of the images I shoot. I do not take it to family gatherings, instead I will use my E-PL7 as it is less obtrusive. My E-M1 Mk2 is for carrying around here in NYC where I just take photos of the passing scene or of NYC scenery. Even though I know the camera is a control freak's dream I always shoot in "P" mode. Since I don't foresee using it for many different conditions I don't bother with too much personal control of the camera. I can also capture some good videos of passing ships in the East River and have not had any problem with losing focus. On rare occasions the camera will not be able to find focus. I don't know why that happens but a quick power off and on can fix that.

I'm not a big fan of the articulated screen, but I do use it. I prefer a flip up/down screen as I like to shoot a lot from the waist, as in using a twin lens reflex. The articulated screen is a bit awkward for that.

Because of the accuracy of the autofocus I have given up on the idea of using legacy lenses. Even the Olympus 14-150mm is a very good performer on the Mk2.

I have the HLD-9 battery holder and use it with the GS-5 hand grip. The hand grip is a terrific way to carry the camera when you are actually shooting. I use an Op/Tech neck strap which can be easily unclipped, but I usually leave the strap attached and let it dangle when I carry by hand grip.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Get the 14-150 4-5.6 II lens. I use it on my M5 and it is fabulous as a walkaround lens, weatherproof, splash proof (withstood Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls), dustproof! Excellent image quality, I'm always pleasantly surprised! Enjoy the liberation of the micro 4/3s format.

jburlinson Loc: Austin, TX

It's a great camera, I'm sure; but my problem with it is -- it's too big! I use the EM 5 (original) and it's the perfect size -- little. I've test driven the EM1 and the EM1ii more than once, and every time I come back to the EM5 because it's just so easy to manipulate into the odd positions I like. It would probably be easier to BBF on the EM1, but I just grew my right thumbnail out a little bit and now can use the Fn2 button on the EM5, no problem

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Why haven’t you tried the em10 mark2? You may love it’s small size.