Olympus E-M1 10 years - Still WORTH getting?

[@christianliesche5917]

I bought my E-M1 I in 2019 used with the 12-40 Pro 2.8 and got more or less instantly fell in love with it. After I got this Jannuary the E-M1 II used to a very good price, I am using the Mark I less, but, it is lighter and smaller, so that I use it when it should belighter. Also my doughte rgets it, when we go for fotowalks together; she uses it also with a high fun and apreciates its usability. The E-M1 I is mostly underated in used markets and is a special tip for all of those who are searching a small but good and cheap entry in the MFT System. Or even any start in a System ;)

[@philplowman2251]

Still my main camera love it.

[@Marco_Chiappetta]

I just gave my daughter a mint silver EM1, with the 14-42mm and 40-150mm kit lenses, also in silver. She just started high school and took photography as an elective.

[@stevemarshall5249]

I switched from Canon full-frame to MFT in 2014 with an EM-1, and loved it from the beginning. It is my only camera, still have it and feel no need to upgrade.

[@nholmes86]

still using mine working like a charming

[@sweden_ove2074]

Happy Birthday ❤. I got it quite early after release, and I loved it, and upgraded to mark3 in 2019. And bought the OM-1 in2022. I will keep these two. I now use my "new" PM-2 a lot, but I also use the OM-1 very much. I know its good enough, but as Jimmy Cheng discovered, they need a bit more mexapixel in a OM-2 version or so. But keep the OM-1 in manufacturing.

[@DerekB931]

Still have my 10 yr old Em1 when I'm walking around with the dogs and several times I photographed Geese taking off from a lake in a torrential rain storm and the camera never failed. I also have the latest EMi and an Em5.

[@DavidBice-w3e]

Hi Peter. I used to shoot underwater photography while scuba diving, at first with the Tough TG-6 (both with and without the underwater housing), and then later upgrading to the PEN E-PL10 with underwater housing so I could switch lenses back and forth between the 14-42mm EZ and the 60mm Macro lenses. At that time, I strictly shot underwater and hardly ever took a picture on land. In November 2022, I got to the point where I could no longer dive, so I switched my genre from underwater to above water and bought a used (but hardly shot) E-M1 Mark II and a couple Olympus PRO lenses from a photographer friend of mine, and I was instantly hooked! I shoot primarily birds/wildlife and landscape, which the Mark II did a fine job of. About a month ago, I decided I wanted to get a second camera, for two reasons: Not having to switch lenses out as much and having a backup camera. So, I purchased an OM-1, which (for me) is much better on birds/wildlife with the 300mm PRO lens than the Mark II was, but I do still use my Mark II with the 7-14mm PRO lens mostly for wide-angle landscape shots and it still works great.

[@martyjwalker]

I'm using mine now, today and will tomorrow and the day after. I'll probably buy another to take travelling next year. Ergonomically, it's second to my D3 in how comfortable it feels to use. The camera marketing departments have tricked us into believing that specs make better pictures, or enable us to make pictures we wouldn't normally make. I take the same kind of photos regardless of what camera I have with me. Long live the E-M1.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I totally agree with you.

[@Hexlord]

Got mine earlier this year, and did a few freelance jobs with the little fella. The camera paid for itself. :)

[@NeekonMike]

E-M1 was truly remarkable, especially the firmware updates! I gave mine to my brother, definitely prefer the larger grips of the later models!

[@daysofgrace2934]

I bought M1 mk 1 in 2019 of an photographer friend, £317 for EM1+ grip+ 3 batteries 41000 shutter count and had a recent service. Use it for landscapes with the two f2.8 Pro and a 9-18mm f4-5.6 semi-pro zooms. I only print to web so 16MP gives massive cropping options and landscaping doesn't really need fast AF or speed. The money I saved allowed me upgrade to Schott tempered glass ND & graduated ND filters and a polariser, along with an E-10 Mk 2 + grip + Leica 25mm F1.4, 45mm f1.8, 9-18mm zoom. I have no intention of buying another camera though the 12mm F1.4 prime for some Astro appeals:)

[@chrispatmore8944]

When I first considered moving from a Canon DSLR to mirrorless, size was an important consideration, along with price. I first tried an EM-10iii and although I liked it, it was a bit too small for me to use comfortably. So I bought a used EM-1 with only 4000 shutter actuations for £250 and added a battery grip for an extra £20. Even without the grip it felt perfect in my hand, just like the OM-1 I have been using for decades. It got me hooked on the system, and it became my main camera. As I like to shoot with two bodies, I added a new EM-1ii shortly afterwards. Six months later I added the EM-1iii and kept the EM-1 for emergency backup. The EM-1iii is my primary camera, and I love its functionality, but I could easily use the original for most shoots. I suppose at some point I should get an EM-1X just to have a full set.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Just bought a used E-M1 iii. Like it so far. Nice and compact.

[@petersmitham8273]

I’ve had 4 of them over time, one went to my sister to start her photo ‘career’ , two others to friends and a silver/black one I’ve kept to use…love them even now..❤

[@marcelvancotthem3774]

Thank you Peter for the nice video. There is no doubt that EM1 was ahead of its time. Soon I will get my EM1 mark II back from my daughter-in-law (swith fuji xs20). The EM1 mark ii has never appealed to me like my Fuji X pro3, for example. I have been taking photographs for 40 years and I wonder when a camera brand will make a camera without video specs. An elegant camera (Olympus Pen-F, Leica Q3 or Fuji Xpro3, great sensor, internal memory, perfect autofocus, etc.).

[@kungula]

Hi Peter, in the last ten years I had many Olympus cameras ( and one Panasonic ). My E-M1 and E-M1 mark 2 are sold-, I still use the E-M 1 mark 3 and the Om 1 with 6 lenses. My favorite was probably the E-M1 mark 2 as it came very close to a perfect camera for me. I reckon that today I could easily recommend this one, or the E-M1 mark3.

[@bjornpilot]

I have an OM-D E-M1 mark 1 since many years. Also an OM-2 from 1978, with some fine lenses. Lots of videos on my youtube is shot with the OM-D E-M1 mark 1 since it's so practical to bring along. It did not have a reputation for good videos but 1080 was enough for me. The OM-D does not take much space in my flightbag and the 40-150 2.8 is awesome. I still have my OM-2 that I bought in 1978. I can use it's lenses on the OM-D with an adapter. For example the solid 300mm 4.5. Manual focus of course but it gives super sharp pictures, eq to a 600mm lense. Thinking of upgrading to OM-1, but not sure it's worth it. I still have lots to learn using my old OM-D. 😅 Good video, thank you!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@BelfastBiker]

just bought one again a couple months ago for photo class. I've used Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, APS-C, FF, m43, and it's by far the camera that feels best in the hand.

[@ptcook27]

I bought M1 this week for scubadiving shooting and is amazing camera

[@YoSpiff]

I bought a Mk1 about 3 or 4 years ago. Great camera and I love the way it fits my hand, but I don't use it much any longer. I bought an EM5 Mk3, which is just a little more compact when traveling by air for work. I use an EM10 Mk2 as my backup body because it uses the same batteries as the 5.

[@cmartin_ok]

I bought a used one during lockdown. A professional-grade camera for under £200 (just over EUR200) was a no-brainer

[@lim2001burger]

I acquired my E-M1 quite late, as a very generous friend was downsizing after a big move and gifted me his well cared for E-M1 last year. It's a beautifully made and very sturdy camera and I really appreciate the sizeable grip when I use it with bigger lenses like my f2.8 zooms. It's basically a perfect travel camera because it's weatherproof and portable but still provide great image quality.

[@Mark-qn9xl]

I started with the E-M5 which was a close call over the Fuji Xpro1. I got the E-M1 when it first came out and it was my main camera until 2020 when I got the E-M1 MKII at a great price. I now have the O-M1. I last used the E-M1 a couple of years ago when I went out on a fishing boat trip. I wanted something that I could afford to drop overboard and not cry too much. It worked flawlessly and captured images that I will always treasure.

[@thelazyoverlander]

At 63 I still use my EM-1 that I purchased secondhand 3 years ago, I bought a second EM-1 body (in silver) only just recently, I see no reason for me to upgrade to a MK2 or Mk3. I also have a GH4 that I will never part with. My cameras do everything I need them to do...

[@newjersey1029]

I still have my EM-1 camera to this day.

[@petercameron4380]

I have 4 E-M1 bodies. One is my foul weather camera. It has been frozen (-35C), cooked (+40C), rained on and set in mud for macro work and is still ticking. The mechanical shutter has failed, but it still works fine with the electronic shutter. The second is essentially a beater camera and goes with me when there's a chance the camera will get knocked around. It doesn't look good (the skin is sticky and starting to peel in places), but it always works. The third is a black E-M1 that I had refurbished to as new condition by Olympus just before they sold to OMDS. And the fourth is a silver body I picked up in excellent condition just to have one.

[@buggersofoz]

Such great thoughts! This camera brought me to M43 mount (largely based on your advice) and I've never looked back. I initially kept my 7D2, but only used it once for the extra versatility of my 18-400mm lens... was so let down that sold it instantly after that session, can't really get back from having so many innovative features in a 2013 camera. Only slightly regret not taking a leap into the deep end with the E-M1.2. I've upgraded to the latter a couple of months ago and have been loving every single new feature with ProCapture being my favourite!

[@geriesandmann4485]

Hi Peter…wonderful to see this nice comment on the original Em-1. I used to photograph with E-1 and E-3, but always thought about having a newer system. So I came on the Panasonic G85 in 2016 and that camera was a big upgrade, but I had quite a few 4/3 lenses but they did not match very good with the Pannie. So I bought a secondhand Em-1 and was very pleased to see that my 4/3 lenses worked liked a treat again. I also found that the picture quality seemed to be a bit sharper, but that can be my personal opinion. What I really like about the Em-1 is it’s handling and the menu’s are once you know them very easy to use. All in all still the camera I use daily and happy I own one. Note: I’m also still in love with my ‘old’ E-1 and sometime take it out for a nice ‘vintage’ photowalk. The only problem I had two months ago was that one of the metallic strapholders came loose, but luckely I managed fo glue it. Thanks for your nice and practical video’s. Good luck🍀

[@ImpManiac]

Still got mine. Had it since 2017, and I'll be hanging onto it. It's a fabulous camera! 👌 Great video, Peter, as always. Paul 😎

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@fredriktimren2242]

Still using my EM-1 which I bought back in 2013. Great camera lightweight and easy to use. Had it with me up the mountains paired with the Olympus 75mm 1.8 while hiking in Norway this summer. Great camera for its age!

[@michaelv.jaeger9646]

I have this camera and still think it's fantastic.

[@Impostertot]

Converted my EM1 mark I to a full spectrum IR body and continuing to use and appreciate it.

[@JensMHA]

I have bought two of them within this year, one for my oldest son and one for me, after dabbing with his one. Not much to be faulted and it is not feeling especially dated. Combine it with the underrated 12-50 and it is a very nice economical solution for General Purpose Photography. 🙂 As for a special camera, I would probably put the GX8 into that category. I sold the one I bought new, to salvage the most of its value, but will pick up another one somewhere down the road when it bottoms out price vise.

[@philplowman2251]

I have a EM1 and a GX8 great combo, love them

[@markrowley1223]

I actually bought one earlier this year. With just 11,000 shutter actuations and in very good condition with the optional grip, it cost just under £200. What I really like is the flip up screen, which of course was replaced with flip-out on later models. Also it has a bullet proof feel to it, whilst not being too heavy. I feel happier taking it out as it's not a valuable camera less likely to be stolen for its worth.

[@JuhaKoski]

Oh no, my E-M1 is now a 200 eur beginners camera for children.. :) I bought mine in 2013, I think it was close to it's release date. I went to the local camera shop to buy a Nikon D610 because I wanted that full-frame sensor. Decision had been made. I exited with the D610, and E-M1. We agreed that I can test both for a day or two first. I did plenty of pixel-peeping because.. well you all do it too, don't lie. ;) Once I realized E-M1 had IBIS and how well it worked, Nikon went back to the shop. Today Olympus is still my only camera and works perfectly after all this time. I do still want that full-frame camera but now I have few lenses for MFT system. Then again I'm not planning on selling those so that FF camera would just be an additional camera. Why do you need an FF camera I hear you ask? I don't. I never said I _need_ a FF camera, I just want one. :) I also want one Fujifilm camera too, just because they are very pretty. But I do need to start looking around for something as I do like macro photography and could use more than 16 megapixels. No pixel-shift in the original E-M1. I would also like to go even closer than 1:1 preferably with a native lens and not with any extension tube thing. MFT has a slight edge there with the deeper depth of field, but I'm guessing FF is not that different when we go really close to the subject. Choosing the next camera now just feels very difficult, there are so many options available and new ones coming out frequently. Which one is the one for me...

[@jpsteiner2]

I went from a Pen E-PL6 to the OM-5 because it appeared to have so many of the great EM-1 features packed into a much smaller body. This video has got me thinking about picking up an EM-1 as a rock-solid second, weather sealed option at a good price.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Great video Peter. I know the Em1 Mk1 was the first Olympus camera that I bought two of since the E1 which was 10 years earlier. Some things I miss on the Em1 Mk1 were the iAuto features that are absent in newer cameras.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank.

[@johnehman8685]

I have kept my Canon F1 for sentimental purposes. I also recently rediscovered the Kodak 110 camera that I had bought when I was 12, and it brought back a sense of those first days of excitement about photography. (I still have a photo from that first role of film.)

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

I had an EM-1 and really enjoyed that camera. Once I got an EM-1 Mark II, it became a backup camera and unfortunately was stolen. The short time I had with it was awesome since it was my first interchangeable lens camera.

[@andymuzzo8568]

I’ve been using a OM-D EM-5 mark 1 since it came out. It’s my favorite camera. Incredible to use and carry especially with the battery grip attached.

[@rikardpersson9493]

I have one very special camera! For me it was love at first “touch”. My camera shop had the camera on display and I was not that interested in it actually - I thought it was too big and heavy for me! Another customer asked to try it and the sales person got the camera out of the display and gave it to the other customer to try. After a short while he put it down on the counter while saying “it’s too big and heavy”. At that moment I thought to myself - how heavy can that camera actually be? I have to try! I picked up the camera and already before turning it on a just knew! I had to have that camera! It felt soo good for me to hold and then use! I actually left the shop that day, four years ago, with that exact sample and I still have that camera, and use it every day! What camera? OM-D E-M1x. (Now I actually have two EM1x cameras but the original one is special to me!)

[@ben.prescott]

I got my E-M1 late 2015 with the cheapest kit lens MPB had (A LUMIX) and did a lot with adapted manual lenses, as I still do, and a four thirds lens or two. Before that I had cheap point and shoots. It’s a great place to start. Eight years on it still exceeds my skill, and of course if a lens is sharp or soft or characterful, the body makes little difference to that. Later generations built on it, so a lot of deep dives on aspects of the OM1 apply to the previous three generations as well. Mine has developed some intermittent faults: crashing when the shutter opens, ignoring the mode dial and slipping out of aperture priority mode. So I have a pre-loved mk3 coming next week. I will likely keep the mk1 next to the back door for when I see interesting bugs or birds in the garden.

[@gordon3988]

Missed this one. Loved the thumbnail!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks!

[@tomtroler]

i love olympus body comparison in the beginning

[@Daveesrc]

My first camera Agfa Sillett 1958. This 35mm camera gave me good service for 5 years.

[@alangamble3236]

Hi Peter, I bought mine in September 2020 even though I also have the mkii I use my mki with vintage/ legacy lenses. I have the battery grip which makes the handling much better for the heavier lenses and of course the flip screen which I prefer for stills photography.

[@seafreedom334]

I bought a used E-M1 mk1 about a year AFTER I got my mk2. As a back up but mainly for mountaineering. It is even smaller and lighter than the mk2 and so cheap to buy that I don’t stress about it. For wildlife the mk2 is much better but for landscape it’s very hard to tell the difference. I just got an OM-1 but have no intention of unloading the mk1

[@terminusek]

Zenith E, my first...

[@Jbzy3000]

I am thinking about picking up a second as a backup. I just started printing my pictures. I did an 18x24 and the detail is amazing. I will be trying to do a 30x40 print. I bought a new g7 for the silver color. I also love the tilt screen for street photography.

[@pepec4273]

Sport answer... YES!

[@liselottepulver2819]

I still have mine and just got the mark II this year. I also have my E-P1, E-P2 (that VF!) and E-M5. Used the E-M5 for most of the time. Started with 4/3 with the E-620 which does not exist any more. It broke many years ago. Although I also have Sony A7rII beside my Olympus stuff, I just can not get rid of Olympus. There are so many features missing even recent Sony bodies. (Focus Stacking e.g.)

[@blackburneflw]

The E-M1 is far more complex than the DSLR’s of 10 years ago mind you so are motor cars. I bought one because I wanted a smaller camera & it arrived yesterday. I also have a Stylus 1 which is virtually unknown but it’s great for street photography. I’m impressed with both but there is still a place for DSLR’s. I’m looking forward to getting out with the EM-1. Its specs are still impressive and it’s inexpensive. I can’t see the point of spending thousands on new gear when there are cameras like these for a couple of hundred.

[@Antti882]

I bought mine 2 years ago and it`s my second camera. Good enough for me and its good to handle. Don`t weight too much. Just need that newest firmware update. :)

[@jalakanen]

Special ones are olympus e-1 and Sinar norma,

[@gordon3988]

E-M1 is somewhat of a classic (in a short term sense) and can undoubtedly still do more than many folks need. Moving to the other end of the spectrum (old to new) is the G9ii the new camera you are looking for? Photography focused, but with so many high end video features it should tick the boxes for many. And may play well with most of your existing lenses.

[@andrea-gb3cs]

still fantastic camera apart from continuous AF and tracking (but with single AF it is still excellent). ibis, tropicalization, construction, weight, size, 0sec antishock with burst (low), electronic shutter with burst, live view/live composite/focus stacking and a perfectly usable large viewfinder. At the price it's used for, it's a steal. pay attention only to the rear ring which in some cases loses a few clicks

[@jalakanen]

I still have and i use it untill it breaks. Perfect size camera to use with four thirds lenses.

[@lyleshoostine1683]

Thank you for your EM1 review. You are the only one mentioning firmware for this camera. When people mention their camera, they do not mention theie firmware version. I still jave my original firmware as I have no way for downloading (is this still possible? )updating. Do you have pros and cons for updating firmware for the OMD EM1? Appreciate your answer. Thank you.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is still possible. You have to use OM Workshop and download it using that. Unfortunately E-M1 cannot be updated using the app. Firmware updates in E-M1 will give you a lot of new features.

[@JavoxAlcala]

Peter , which one is the latest update for the OM-D E-M1 in Firmware 4.0 ?

[@林沅慶-i9h]

@@JavoxAlcala no new is 4.6

[@JavoxAlcala]

What is the latest update of the Firmware for the EM-1 Original 4.0 ?

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is 4.6. 4.0 was the last big one with features. The ones after taht are more about bug fixes and compitability updates. Here you can see the updates: support.jp.omsystem.com/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

Still have one, but, doesn't see much use because I am switching to Fujifilm. Have the E-M5III, PEN E-P5 and E-M10 Mk IV, all will be traded to KEH eventually.

[@AnandaSim]

My LCD screen one day suddenly showed stripes rather an image one day. My good and generous friend gave me his since it was not being used. However, the leatherette on the right back area has half peeled. Does anyone know a supplier who makes new leatherette skins please. I still like the E-M1 even though I know have an E-M1 iii

[@ForsgardPeter]

Unfortunately I do not know. have you asked the local OM SYSTEM representative?

[@25palex]

she was great for her time

[@newlypaz]

Hi Peter, may I know what camera are you using in recording this vlog? Thanks

[@ForsgardPeter]

I used the Fuji X-S20 and Eterna Cinema film simulation.

[@nizammahmadi2963]

Hi Peter. I am contemplating to get a camera for family photos, a bit of videos and a bit of street photography and I just wondering, is it better to get a used EM1 mk1 or get a new EM10 mk ii? Price wise the EM1 mk1 with kit lens are slightly expensive than equivalent EM10 mkii with kit lens in my country.

[@ForsgardPeter]

That is a tough call. Both will most likely do the job. E-M-1 has better gtip and is more durable. Image Quality is about the same so there is no difference.

[@nizammahmadi2963]

@@ForsgardPeter Thanks Peter for the quick reply. I think I will check the EM1 more (shutter count etc.) with the seller first. If it doesn't get through I'll get the EM10 mk ii instead. I am planning to get either one and couple it with a Panasonic 20mm f1.7 in addition with the kit lens so that I could carry it in my chest bag and take pictures everyday. Weather sealing probably not really important because I doubt the lenses are weather proof too.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sounds like a good idea. I hope you find something that you will enjoy!

[@elijahmodnar1]

gonna sell mine and get something smaller

[@Odd-gv8kf]

I have all em1's, mostly I use my mk3 or my x, I use my mk1 when I play tourist in Copenhagen for street photos. The others are used mostly for nature. When I go retro and use film, then I use my om4ti.

[@ishdv7069]

Hi Peter! I've been watching your videos for quite some time now. I've been thinking about getting an E-M1 Mark 1 for doing video podcasts. Is it any good if I put it side by side with my Lumix GH5? Would you recommend getting it or just get a Lumix G85? The reason I've been looking at it is because I don't want to break my bank. Thanks so much!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Unfortunately I cannot say about Panasonic cameras that much. E-M1 mark 1 is not that good in video. I would look for E-M5 Mark III. That one is much better.

[@ishdv7069]

@@ForsgardPeter thank you so much! This is a big help.