OMD long review.mov

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I'm actually very excited for both the EPL5 and the EPM2. For that reason, both are the OMD's sensor w/o the EVF. The L has the flip up LCD but costs $100 more. Both shoot 8fps as well. I actually just picked up a GX1 for $300 to try the format, depending on how that goes (how much I miss the tilt LCD and the FPS and the sensor) I'll either keep it or switch to either the L or M... I'm also very excited about the new 17mm.

[@SirMo]

I got an e-pm2 with that 20mm 1.7 lens. I absolutely love it. It has the same sensor as the OM-D and it's also much cheaper. The IS is not as sophisticated, but if you're concerned about the space it's quite a bit smaller than the OM-D. No EVF and no bulge. Since I got it I almost never take my D5100 anywhere. If Oly made an m4/3 camera with a finder and styling like the x100. It would be a killer camera. With that said OM-D does have its place, for wedding photographers for instance.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I have the epm2 now and it's pretty impressive. The menus are a bit weird as they always come up to a PASM style menu but you get used to that. It's built a lot less well as well and it's hard to grip. But the IQ is great and the price and size are right.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I have a gx1 now and I'm tempted to get an epm2. The omd was the first body with that sensor. The gx1 was dirt cheap so I'm trying it out but I think the epm2 will be what I end up with. That and the new 17mm.

[@aaronleungkh]

Regarding your observation of the touch screen shutter fires even when it can't obtain focus. You can turn off the Rls Priority S setting (P.87) and it shouldn't fire if focus isn't obtained in singular shot mode.

[@Lurker1979]

I always use the view finder on my Ep3, because I use manual lenses were it is needed. This is a welcome feature for me. No needed extra cost.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

no worries, it does get confusing! Just for reference a MFT with the 17mm 1.8 will have just about the same DOF as the Fuji X100 with it's 23mm f/2. So they're that close.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I'll see what I can do. I have the GX1 with the 20mm now. I'm hoping to get a e-pm2 and the oly 17mm next. I'd love to do a comparison of both as well as full reviews of both. So far I like the body size of the GX1 much better but it's missing a lot of features from the OMD, I'm hoping the e-pm2 has what I'm missing in the smaller size (it's even smaller than the GX1).

[@vandenkevin]

I had to choose between those too and chose X100.. Mainly because of the viewfinder & price difference.. But of course, if you need an interchangeable system, you'd have to go for the OM-D...

[@Nebuloid1]

Great review ! Still contemplating this camera, funding issues... And thanks for mentioning the firmware updates for the x100, totally forgot to check those. Now Ive updated everything, really like that I can now set what the raw button does. Set it to film simulation because when I want to switch to b/w I had to go into the menus, really hated that !

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

no but I'd love to try one. It and the XE1 are on my short list to check out at photo expo in a few weeks.

[@mobilepsycho]

Excellent review and comments. Long video but thanks for posting. I have posted my own as well. Even over 1 year post Olympus' announcement, I still think it's a solid CCS to invest in; so I purchased it just 3 days ago! It's a marvel.

[@Mustangous]

Thanks for the review! I have the x100 and the focusing issue is a big one for me. Thinking about selling it. I'll be looking into the omd. Thanks!

[@NorthBorneoLights]

Yup! I find your reviews to be very specific in their criticisms, which I find helpful. Your thing about the pelican cases really vibes with me, might look into them for myself.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

No worries, I honestly appreciate the correction because I know I say it like that too often.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Valid point but the flip side of that is that it makes it easier to fit everything into one frame... I don't want to zoom mid video so it's a tough choice (maybe I should zoom though?).

[@igetsmart]

In many way it is a personal prefr. Maybe not fair to compare the 5n with the OMD - but I am more talking about the 7 when it comes to image and video quality. The fan noise in the OMD just ruins it for me but I love the touch screen which the 7 does not have - screen layout on OMD a bit better to. Sony has a new pancake 16-50 and 35 1.8 which is small and a super wide 10-18 which is not so large so the lenses are coming but you are right many nice once for the OMD

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

yes, all MFT (micro four thirds) cameras use a smaller sensor than APS-C. Not a lot smaller but smaller.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I do however wish they'd put in recessed lugs like canon does on their DSLRs. I know they're making everything as small as possible here so recessing them would probably mean a bigger camera, but these lugs do stick out an extra 2~3mm which matters for some case (pelican boxes).

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I can totally understand and appreciate that. I just don't personally like the viewfinder and would rather not pay for it or have to take it with me. Because of this I've ordered a e-pm2 as it's got the AF and sensor from the OMD. Hopefully it's controls are tolerable with the lack of dials and switches... get the tool that works best for your needs I say!

[@bmtango05]

Awesome review! Good tips on the pelican case as well as the lens...I like the "might as well get the gf3 with the 14mm lens..." Thanks for your work in this!

[@NorthBorneoLights]

Always love the reviews, Ben.

[@imranvp]

Beautiful review Ben. You touched upon sooo many things which I've been dying to know about!! Very detailed and practical with the end-user in mind :) Just 1 question. I live in Dubai. And here the camera with the kit-lens costs a whopping AED 5800 i.e. USD 1590. I looked up in Amazon to see how much this thing goes for in the US and it shows 1200$. That's a difference of 390$!!! In the Middle East, electronic goods are usually imported from Europe as we use their standards (For eg. PAL)....

[@jazzmanjazzhead]

Hi Ben, thanks for the info on the red string!

[@FireSerpent]

Thanks for posting a "long review" of the OMD. I wish more reviewers would go into more detail on practical use of the camera. I know I may not agree with some of your personal misgivings with the camera--i.e. EVF position and height and power switch location... but they are there for those of us who may take issue with the same things. The Fn button position will be an issue for some people most definitely.

[@melrolleri]

great review....went to the camera store to get a nikon 7000 (going from canon xsi), and since bigger cameras are sometimes harderfor me to handle handheld (because of a birth defect in my right arm), the guy showed me this omd. my mind was blown!! looked great. i'd heard of the NEX-7, but not this. been researching for 2 days non stop!! so, how do you think pics would look when printed. say 20 X 16, or so. nothing huge, but kinda big. that's my only worry with the smaller sensor.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

the red string is how I attach my hand strap or neck strap w/o using those stupid metal rings. I have a video that shows how that works, I've added the link to the description (since I can't here).

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I'm probably the wrong guy to ask. For my travel cameras like this (or the NEX or X100) I want small and somewhat normalish FL wise but also fast. This is one of the reasons I don't like the NEX options. I like the X100's lens and I have a very similar panasonic 20mm 1.7 on the OMD. It's actually the only lens I own for it right now but I plan to add the 7-14mm as well.

[@mbchannel6970]

Thank you, I have the Nikon D7000 and looking for a lighter replacement , and hesitating between the NEX6 and the OMD,I mostly shoot landscape, street and Family , , How do you compare these 2 thanks again

[@twalker294]

This is a fantastic video Ben, thanks so much. I am in the process of selling my Canon gear (40D and 6 lenses,) and I'm going to buy the OM-D with 12-50, 45/1.8 and I already have the 14-42 kit and 20/1.7 that I use on my E-PL1. I'm done with huge cameras and the OM-D is just amazing from what I can see. Thanks for your work making this video -- off to read your blog now :-)

[@DraculaNosferatu123]

The perfect mirrorless camera for me will be one with the sensor of the Fujifilm pro x1, the electronic viewfinder of Sony nex7, the AF and weather sealed body of Olympus OMD E5, wi-fi, share functions and remote viewfinder like the news Samsung NX line, and with zoom lenses like the x from Panasonic. I like the mirrorless cameras but I wait a little bit more... in one year or two maybe I will buy a mirrorless camera with more complete functions.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I have no idea how any of that works, but you might be stuck buying the UK version? Check dpreview and see if both options are in the settings, they might show that. Good Luck! Ben

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

wow, someone didn't click the link to see the written portion of the review complete with sample photos I guess? And the high ISO thing is important if you shoot w/o flash. I do both. My serious work is mostly base ISO. My family and event shooting is mostly high ISO so both are important for me.

[@aaronleungkh]

Wonder why u need a pelican case for OM-D since it's weather sealed (with the 12-50 lens)?

[@patski7105]

so what are top lenses for the omdem10... i needa find some used ones mabye. would slr lenses work on it? i usually shoot street/landscape mix

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

it's a tough decision for sure. Lenses are in the MFT advantage, I prefer the NEX5 body style personally (grip for days and it's tiny, the new dial and Fn button make it VERY easy to use). I just can't commit to sony because the 24mm (the FL I want) is too big AND too expensive (I could deal with one of those issues but not both). I do love sony's wide option though, taking filters is important for me.

[@igetsmart]

Ben, which would you go with for the OMD as an all around travel lens? looking at the Panasonic 14-140mm f4-5.8 for $619 or the Olympus 14-150 f4-5.6? $599 Like to have a similar range as I do on my Tamron 18-200 for my Sony NEX7 - like that long range - anything else you would recommend ?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

IQ they're not all that much different outside of DOF (because both are very good). But the 14mm is MUCH smaller and the 17mm is much better in low light.

[@jolithan]

I would be interested in a OMD/PM2 comparison once you have it. tnx

[@imranvp]

So I checked out the OMD on Amazon UK and surprisingly it costs £1139 i.e. 1731$. Why is it significantly more expensive in the UK? Aren't they both the same camera with the same lens? Or is there a difference in frame-rates when shooting videos or something (PAL/NTSC)? Please tell me if there is any difference between the OMD sold in the US or UK! Because if there isn't then I might as well order mine from the US coz I have a cousin who lives there who will come down to Dubai soon!

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

haven't really noticed that, but I've got pretty big hands which might make a difference.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Well, I don't have a NEX6 (I have the 5) so it's hard to compare straight up, but the real issue is the lenses. Pick the lenses you want and see what system has what you need. Sensor to sensor they're close enough I wouldn't pick on that alone.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

there is more in focus at the same aperture, so however you want to word that. (and I probably said it wrong)

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

define fun. I prefer the look and feel of the x100 but it was very frustrating for me shooting my kids. The AF performance was just that bad and the menus were tough as well. Sucks the fun out of it IMHO. But the look and feel of it are nicer IMHO.

[@gchamp727]

Sorry to nitpick your video, Ben .. you are a pro so certainly you know what you are talking about. I just have been noticing that a lot of people these days think "good depth of field = narrow depth of field" which obviously is apples to oranges. I feel that more precise terminology will help people better understand photography. Enjoyed your video and look forward to more.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I do have an emp2 now (with both the 20mm and 17mm). I've enjoyed it a lot more than the OMD size wise but my issue is it just feels like a toy... The build is terrible but even worse is the grip. It's almost impossible to hold confidently when outside doing stuff (skiing now, but on boats or at the beach in the summer). I've been looking at ways to improve it because the GX1 has this aspect dialed in perfectly, but it's logic is terrible...

[@WorldView22]

What's your experience with the strap lugs? Do you find that the right one rubs against the base of your index finger when holding the camera? I do and it's very annoying... (same issue with E-4x0 series DSLRs)

[@jazzmanjazzhead]

What's the purpose of the red string on the strap loop please?

[@zcarenow]

so the sensor is smaller than the nex5 and fuji x1 pro?

[@Fugue602]

Can you fit the OMD in a jacket pocket with the 14?

[@igetsmart]

I have the NEX5n and NEX7 and the Olympus OMD - all nice cameras - image and video quality is better on the NEX7 - EVF on NEX7 is awesome and tugged away nicely. Like the Navi buttons on the NEX7 better then the soft buttons on OMD and with the Tamron 18-200 and 50mm 1.8 and 16mm 2.8 giving the all around coverage - menu system in OMD is better than Sony - only reason I got OMD is that super super fast focus - but for wedding work etc. I will use my Sony NEX7 better image and video quality

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I've only ever heard the fan noise when doing these reviews (in a dead silent room) to be honest. IQ wise, they're all going to be so good (the OMD beats my 7D easily) it doesn't matter to me much anymore there, what does matter is how well the files play in LR (which has never liked sony files but is getting better there). Lens wise sony's done too little too late and they're too big. I still have my 5, and the 10-18 is tempting, but again it's bigger than I'd like.

[@bridgebolt51]

can you share your omd LR preset.. thanks

[@witherm01]

Priorities mate, priorities! Why did you not buy an Olympus E-PXX if you wanted a smaller camera and don't use the viewfinder?

[@TheCruizer]

I still don't get it: isn't the crop you do on a 4:3 to 3:2 in LR the same crop the OM-D does?

[@MrPacMe]

hi 03:04 what do u say about the focus?

[@SwissAmbush]

Which is more fun x100 or omd?

[@imranvp]

Lol that's funny. So you suggest I buy it from the United States itself? But the American version is not gonna have a different frame-rate for the videos yeah? Or does the OMD all have 30fps regardless if it's bought in the US or UK. Because we never buy video cameras from the US as it's NTSC there and our TVs handle PAL.

[@gchamp727]

Why do you say Micro 4/3 has "less" depth of field? I think what you mean is Micro 4/3 has "MORE" depth of field or better said, Micro 4/3 has a "deeper" depth of field than APS-C or full frame. Depth of Field refers to the thickness of the in focus area.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

weird, all the comparisons I've seen have the OMD beating the 5n and 7. I have a friend who went from the 5n to the OMD and prefers the OMD as well. Either way sony loses on their lens options. The 24 and 50 are massive, they're as big as my 85mm 1.8 for my canon. Had they not been the 24mm would have been an amazing lens for me on my NEX. The 35 is smaller but it's not a FL I love. Sony needs more pancakes to go with their nicely compact bodies.

[@PhotoLighthouse]

great review, thank you very much!

[@jazzmanjazzhead]

Great video, thanks.

[@mimstyle]

Blabla 45mm is phenomenal... At f1.8 is not sharp in the center like the 25mm at f1.4 ;-)

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

lol, I like to tell people the good and the bad about a camera. They're tools for me and typically get no emotional attachements (unless they're really really good) so I can easily share the good and the bad.

[@jazzmanjazzhead]

Hi Ben

[@ducav2]

Nice review. I would just recomment not to use a wide angle lens to frame all cameras for size comparison sake :)

[@tapiaskimbo]

muy interesante

[@SwissAmbush]

So this or x100?

[@shadowblack1987]

Ty for the review :)

[@phootie]

Are you Owen Wilson?

[@zcarenow]

ok..nevermind...i thought MFTs were using APS-C...i'm a newbie to MFT...thanks.

[@aronisink1]

Great vid. You should checkout Sony's new rx 100

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

depends on the jacket... ;)

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

if you have an easy way to source a US camera, DO IT! I'm not sure why but I do know cameras cost more in the UK than they do in the US. We basically pay the same # but they pay in pounds while we pay in the much cheaper US dollar... Lucky us. I've actually heard people can fly here from there, but a camera in NYC, get back on the plain and the entire trip WITH camera is less than buying one there...

[@phootie]

You sound like him!

[@spambryan17]

Hey Ben, Im the guy who bought your x100 from FM lol anyways...

[@flea2181]

sounds more like Don from "The Newsroom"

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

then I wouldn't be able to reach the cameras!

[@MrPacMe]

wow I cant believe I watched 30 mins... that was fast! like + subscribe, AMAZING REVIEW! GOOD JOB!

[@Argle2]

Use a less wide lens and back the camera up -- the perspective will be more correct. ;)

[@dieseldavey]

If that's how you feel about a camera you like I wouldn't like to see a review on one you don't.

[@SwissAmbush]

Lol so get an ep3

[@verlaryder]

no sample photos or videos and an endless obsession with high ISO (typical for a geek). Regular People want outstanding LOW iso picture clarity and detail resolution and your videos tell us NOTHING about which cameras are best for that.

[@BannerOfBlasfemy]

helpful review. thanks and fuck iphone!

[@peace4myheart]

Great review. However, I must say that I find your constant usage of "umm" very distracting.

[@4af]

Long, boring review about nerdy trivial issues. This review does not teach an OMD owner anything about how to shoot good photos and vidoes.