Olympus OMD E-M1 Hands-On Field Test

[@Febeleh]

I've gotta be honest, I am not even remotely in the market for a camera (although they do interest me), but I mostly watch your videos because they just look so darn beautiful! Not only do you shoot with nice cameras and lenses for better than T.V. quality, but sometimes (like this video) you even shoot the videos in beautiful environments! Your effort is appreciated.

[@dksculpture]

Perhaps the best KZbin channel for video, camera reviews. Nice work. Good to see you back at it.

[@sp10sn]

These videos are clearly from a man that loves his gear. Nice.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I'm editing it right now. TCSTV has your back Marc! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ordinosaurs]

Still an incredible camera today. It goes for pocket change, and the firmware updates along the years have added many contemporary features like electronic shutter, focus stacking and some I forgot, keeping the camera very relevant as a prosumer model. It's got everything the E-M5 mk II (current Olympus prosumer model, for a couple more months) has except super high res mode, and it adds a couple of features of its own like PDAF. 16 Mpix is enough for A1 size prints. Highly recommended if you have the MFT or 4:3rd glass and need a cheap B camera.

[@samsargdong1135]

Hi Chris, excellent job . You couldn't have chosen a better place to present this wonderful camera , sorrounded by "The Giant Rock " . The photos you've taken of her, are really nice . She must be really happy and me even more...!

[@AllanIceman]

Man, I missed you guys. Such a great review style. Glad you're back!

[@cidadejoinville3240]

wool ! this was the best video ever that I saw about one product ! fantastic location, edition, sound captured, explanation, stuning image, very very professional ! congratulations !

[@1337flite]

I'm sooooo 2011, but I still (present tense) love my EM-5. Tnx for the review/video.

[@JohnYoungPhotographer]

great to see you back and love that new feature on the camera where it can appear out of thin air - cool

[@bridgetjohnson8792]

Thank you so much for that wonderful review as I just bought the camera two days ago and am waiting for it to come into the shop.I'm so pleased I'm so excited thank you...!!!😃🙋🏼

[@danieldougan269]

A few years later, firmware 4.0 brought 24p video to this camera, and that really helps.

[@opencoursesnepal]

hi can you share some video footage

[@danieldougan269]

@@opencoursesnepal I shot this video with it. Don't get me wrong, the original OM-D E-M1 is not a great video camera even with the latest firmware, but it's OK. I have the E-M1 II and Panasonic G85 now, and those are much better video cameras. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3zGZHppqbt3ia8

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I've been using the Sony FS700 for a while. This was my first TCSTV video shot with the new S-LOG 2 firmware, and I love the image! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@kenchan7133]

I spent an hour with the EM1 on an Olympus workshop in London and wanted to add that the battery grip that comes with the camera (for early buyers) really makes the EM1 a well balanced and easy to handle studio camera. It adds little weight to the camera and makes portraits a breeze. The battery grip is also a much better fit to the OM1 body itself as there is no step/gap between the body grip and the battery grip - this is a great improvement over the poor EM5 battery grip.

[@ThomasBryant]

Love your videos. SO informative and entertaining. Your reviews and hands-on are what I base most of my professional gear decisions on (on top of my own knowledge and needs). Thank you! Your videos are priceless.

[@XHItube]

Thanks for your efforts guys! Best camera video reviews ever!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We're testing the GX-7 right now. Opinions are coming! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It's possible to get very nice video off the E-M1, but the footage we shot test the camera where it is weakest, handheld shots with lots of movement. For more static stuff, like talking heads the E-M1 will do a nice job. If video is a top priority though, I'd look at the Panasonic GH3 or even GX7. The data rate on the E-M1 is 24Mbps, up from 19. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@stupedrandomname]

Focus peaking does work with other lenses at this point. I use manual lenses more often than not. I get best focusing results when I assign it to the F1 button to Focus Peaking and the F2/highlight-shadows button to the focus magnification. I direct the square to where I am framing from and zoom in to 10x and focus hit the button again to see the framing to be sure and then shoot. Works great.

[@AbrahamArthemius]

yeah ! you guys finally come back great reviews as usual

[@rurounix86]

Thanks for the video. Was a little disappointed that you guys didn't go more in-depth into the quality of the experience in using old 4/3 lenses on the EM-1, since that dual contrast-phase detect focusing sensor is one of the more prominent aspects of this camera. Still, nice video, and thanks always for the camera reviews.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks Blunty, I've added a correction. We spent quite a while trying to get the peaking to work with an Olympus rep on hand for the entire shoot, and couldn't figure out how to activate the peaking with manual glass. We should just hire you to consult next time we shoot one of these. And by 'hire' I mean if you fly over here and volunteer for the shoot, we'd buy you a pint. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TLPhoto1]

Nice to see that there really is grass under the snow that is always in that part of the world when I am there!!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Good to see that The Camera Store crew didn't disappear into a parallel universe the past months.

[@SharifAbdou]

@ Jordan and Chris...I've watched this videos about a dozen times already. I've pre-ordered the E-M1, but mid-October feels sooo far away. Not sure if watching this videos makes the wait easier or harder :) Great work as always guys.

[@BluntyTV]

Hey man... Look, you know I dig you guys big time... but I've got people coming to my own review of this camera, quoting you as a source saying that the focus peaking "doesn't work with manual lenses"... I promise you IT ABSOLUTELY DOES! (just as it did with the EP-5.. and that too, some early reviews claimed it didn't... untill I made a video SHOWING it working) All you have to do different is activate it manually via a Fn button instead of it auto-triggering with the focus ring movement.

[@rentedtux1883]

It absolutely works. I use Olympus legacy glass on mine. Works a treat!

[@glennaa11]

Great review! Nice to see some one who really knows what he's talking about.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

This was shot on the Sony FS700 with the new S-LOG 2 firmware. Recorded to an Atomos Samurai. I absolutely love the image I got out of this combination, we'll be using it a lot in the future. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@davidgarrett5242]

Mr blunty your awesome i love your reviews as well as chris's review i have learned alot from your videos

[@beauneo]

This camera paired with the 2.8 12-40 pro lens is still an amazing workhorse. Can grab a brand new lens and a used body for under 1k usd in 2022. Just an amazing camera and lens for the money.

[@SebMeGizle]

I am hoping to see a review from you guys on the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8!! To me it sounds like one of the most interesting micro 4/3 lenses so far!

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

S-LOG 2 firmware had a great image. The dynamic range and the colors are just right.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Olympus and The Camera Store are back together. If you're curious how it happened, check out our video 'Olympus: The Reunion'. It's one of my favourite videos we've done! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ObserveJeremiah]

You guys rock. Its like DigitalRev with a mix of Dave Dugdale. Love the style and quality.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We haven't had a chance to test the Olympus 12-40 yet. I would like to do a standard zoom shootout when it arrives. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Phillydog1958]

Great review as always is the case, Keep up the great work.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We haven't seen one yet. I think we'll do an Oly vs Panny shootout when it shows though... Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@troypast3589]

Great first look, but wow I feel you missed a big point of the camera - how it works with phase detection on the older four thirds lens. Your skate session would have been nice to see how the 50-200mm would have tracked the skater.

[@ntsan]

You have to assign Focus peaking to a button to manually activate it if using manual lens, that happened to some people when they review the E-P5

[@knownaigm]

Great review, great presentation and coverage of information as usual. BONUS, turns out I have more cojones than you! I couldn't stand the "are you sure you want to delete" prompt and turned on the quick erase. Whichever you prefer, I'm really glad Olympus gives that option.

[@jshaw6600]

Olympus, FINALLY!! You guys finally settled your issues?

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

I know this Vlog is quite old now but the camera is still very relevant (I've just picked one up used) as it still produces the goods. It does do focus peaking with legacy glass fitted; you have to assign it to a button to activate it. It doesn't however work with magnify assist; its one or the other.

[@Weider63]

does it work with olympus wifi app?

[@ordinosaurs]

@@Weider63 : yes it does.

[@harrisedgar]

Great video and even better new location..!!! (I love the rock)

[@JohnKwok1314]

Good to see you back. Nice review as usual. How about the GX7 vs EM-1?

[@mrjonnyburkecovers]

Welcome back!

[@relevantdesigns1980]

Missed this soooo much!!

[@reempire888]

Good job! Your review is far better than digitalRev!

[@sjs2657g]

Olympus 4/3 lenses have a new use? Great after 5 years I can use them again. Thanks Olympus. Wait a minute, I have been using the Olympus 12-60mm f-2.8 and the Olympus 75-300mm for years on my GH2. Olympus, you dropped the ball yet again.

[@MuahMan]

I just bought this off Ebay today for $599 with free overnight shipping. :) Patience pays. Plus with Firmware 4.0 it's like a new camera.

[@yashwinning]

What does Firmware 4.0 bring?

[@AhmetKhanTunckaya]

Silent shutter mode also it allows alot more manual control in Video ( frame rates for example) i just bought one about a month ago it was on firmware 2.0 so the update changed the whole thing

[@jonahnieuwenhuizen9492]

Ahmet Khan Tunckaya I'm looking to buy a em1 but I can't decide between the em5 m2, Panasonic gx8 and g85

[@AhmetKhanTunckaya]

Jonah Nieuwenhuizen go for the gx8 or em5ii can't go wrong with either but Olympus stabilisation is do good I can hand hold a second so take that in mind 😊

[@danieldougan8613]

I just got a used one from Amazon yesterday for $439 with a shutter count under 8,000. I'm pretty proud of myself for waiting this long!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We've shot it, it's coming. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@SparkyClark]

Great video! Hope to see a comparison video between this and the GX7 when it's released.

[@gkuon92]

Dear TCS, do try the 5-axis IBIS more intensely with handholding at 1 or 2 sec. YOU WILL BE STUNNED!!! :D

[@nikoforu]

The EM1 still a couple of key features going for it (and the camera store has reviewed the A7/A7R so you can compare a bit already): IBIS, for video and stills. Even legacy glass benefits. Faster AF Faster Continuous shooting with bigger buffer to boot Faster flash synch Bigger, better EVF Better Weather sealing Better, more rugged build Cheaper Quieter shutter :)

[@MichaelGerrard]

Great video! Keep them coming!

[@33lp84]

still using my OM 1 analog camera ,fun thing is i go in a shop to buy a nikon 500d and i finally took a new Om-5 who work just great!

[@ArturoTabera]

With 1/320s flash sync it IS a monster. Most DSLRs have only 1/160s. So ONE stop difference. And I bet they are already working on the Mk II.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I hate that GH3 lock! I had it pop open while filming the Underwater Camera Shootout. The E-M1 lock is nice, feels very solid. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Alex1130]

very nice review, i was really hoping they would have brought a 12-40 2.8 lens because i think i want one for my e-pl5. I dont think they're ready to show it off yet :(

[@tptrsn]

I'm glad I watched this video (it's great as usual from you guys!!!), because it gives a different perspective on the video... I'm not sure if it's because he was shooting his video with a much wider lens, but Blunty's video from this camera looked fantastic. The video you guys got was definitely a good average. Any thoughts? Oh, and what video bitrate is this camera putting out? Thanks again for putting out SUPER videos!!! :)

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

Great review. Would love to see a Vs video with the GH3 for stills. Jordan the lighting in this video is really good. Are you still filming with the Sony Nex FS100?

[@CHNCAT]

FANTASTIC

[@LifeSouthCBC]

great video even though im not interested in this camera... What was this video filmed with?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Its filmed. I'm working on it. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@GavinHardy]

Another good video, cheers chaps. Camera looks nice, as does the Pana 35-100 2.8 on it.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We did, check out our Sony 70-400 vs Nikkor 80-400 shootout video to get your Louise on. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Xzefreeman]

OMFG, Blunty + Camera store! Canaussie crossover! EPICNESS!

[@Needacreate]

As a Pentaxian I definitely have a soft spot for capable, rugged, portable field cameras which are still somehow affordable. If I wasn't shooting Pentax, this Oly would be quite appealing to me. Though it's got an EVF, in a sense it'll compete with Pentax's own new K-3, I guess. Any chance we're going to see a review of that one, too?

[@herambpatil5333]

my father is always a fan of olympus using since roll camera and still using olympus lenses and really olympus offers a great quality

[@NiekkieNick]

Still got mine and don't see the need for an upgrade!

[@snapfella]

Hey guys, nice one! How about gx7? You're not gonna take a look at it?

[@debankar94]

i lovee the video.. lovely grade..!! which camera did u guys use..? :)

[@photographerjonathan]

you left out that 4/3 has many smaller and lighter lenses, a touch screen, and touch focus and shoot witch is a feature that I really love, but man I love that A7/A7r, and then wear does the XE2 fall into the mix ?

[@adeadetayo]

Jordan, love the video, thought it was an F5 or F55, But looks like FS700 shoots just as well with an external recorder Chris, thanks, Loved the content, are you planning to do an auto focus test for video?

[@tkarlmann]

Chris: Loved the shot with you blowing dust off the 4/3 lens! Hey, what type of focus motors are used in the 4/3 35-100/f2 and the 150/f2 lenses? Are they quiet enough to be used in Church for a Wedding Ceremony? I cannot find any info on this. Thanks!!

[@Marsubleu]

Hey, why not doing a comparative shootout with the Fuji X-E2? Or maybe after the CES in January, with the new EM-5 and the Pro2?

[@MarkFarrellyphoto]

Hi Chris, Great review as usual. I'm a bit confused, the whole Idea behind the mirrorless cameras is that they are smaller, cheaper but they have less images quality than say canon FF DSLRs. I just bought a canon 6D for $1590. Why would I buy an EM1 or GH3 if they are now expensive DSLR shaped maybe not as big as a FF but as you said the GH3 is as big as a DSLR. No matter how much they try and convince me the FF is a better image. I think I will buy the NEX7 update if it ever comes out.

[@teundilles]

The not working focus peaking on this camera might be related to the issue on the ep-5. The focus peaking should work with all lenses which are sharp enough. Perhaps is the 50mm 1.4 just not sharp enough. Have you tried other (sharper) lenses?

[@MyWuffi]

Looks gorgeous and promising from a technical perspective, though the small body seems to force hands into a cramped position. Maybe the battery grip mitigates that issue.

[@TonyLea99]

Yada yada on the WiFi? It does a lot more that upload to social sites. It is very useful as a remote control for the camera and in the M1 it functions in many shooting modes plus CCTV function

[@iflipmac]

Also consider the feature set. Is the D7100 too expensive when the D3200 has the same sensor?

[@Leif_YT]

Focus Peaking worked on the E-P5 with manual lenses as well, so it should with the E-M1 as well. I think there was an option for it.

[@alexandercarder2281]

It looks like they’ve modelled the body on the Olympus E510. It’s almost exactly the same shape and the grip is identical.

[@jakesweeney7467]

Can't wait!!!

[@nikinik7503]

Man just great rewies! Keep the good work! I have one question,what Lav mic you are using for the video? And is it omni or cardioid?

[@xxjohnnyxrocketxx]

If the peaking works anything like the e-P5, you have to activate it by assigning peaking to one of the function buttons. I was confused by this at first but I would assume this shouldn't be any different with the em1.

[@HandDugHistory]

Did I hear you correctly in that there'll be no focus peaking on old manual lenses with no electrical contacts? Dang. I got old pentax 110 lenses I'd love to use, particularly a 70mm f/2.8.

[@PeopleVoicesForObama]

Hey Chris. Nice review as always. Do you know if the Wifi for smartphone work with Android and Window phone or just iOS?

[@igetsmart]

great video as always - keep them coming. Will be nice to see how the M1 compares with the Lumix GX7 vs Pen P5 - I have the OMD-5 and love it but it is a bit heavy so now with M1 heavier ?? Glad Panasonic has the GX7 as still more of a street shooter - M1 turning into Lumix GH3 or a small DSLR - I think that is OK as they are still lighter than the DSLR's - I am sure a new Sony sensor which is fine. Look forward to see your GX7 review -

[@MrBlaarghh]

Ooooo. Okotoks. Snob City, Alberta! I dig this camera, I still have my 4/3 lenses kicking around!

[@meh-hair-Vaughn]

Excellent video!! When are you going to review the new Sony A-3000 and NEX-5T? :-D

[@FenceDaGreat]

Canada sure does have some beautiful areas, then again, all countries have beauty in some regard, but I really love the great mountains and green plains of North America. Great continent to photograph, USA has the best, not only Alaska (which is kinda Canada) but even better, the two most incredible island chains in the hemisphere (maybe the world) the Hawaiian Islands and Florida Keys. Thanks for the video.

[@01061950]

A well balanced and constructive review of this camera. As an OMD EM5 owner was an important factor in convincing me to upgrading to the EM1

[@sebastiaanvanwater]

Still waiting to see what they will do with the E-M5 successor. :)

[@danieldougan269]

So, I'm just a hobbyist with a hobbyist budget. I currently have an E-PL5 with the VF-4 viewfinder. Now that the E-M1 Mark II has come out, I'm able to find the original E-M1 used for about $500 at my local camera store (sorry, I live in Indianapolis so that's a long way from Calgary). The thing that lets me down on my E-PL5 is the autofocus tracking. The hit rate is very low. Is the original E-M1 with all firmware updates a worthwhile upgrade to my E-PL5? Will I be able to go to a soccer match or a football game and finally be able to come away with more keeper action shots?

[@Luger718A1]

I'm still deciding between this and the gx7 for street shooting. This camera is also probably gonna be with me for a whiiiiile. Size wise (do a lot of street stuff) they don't look much different, the e-m1 just has the larger grip and the slight hump for the viewfinder doesn't seem like much of a difference when i compared em online. It looks small enough in your hands.

[@Luger718A1]

Apparently you need to assign focus peaking to a button to be able to use it on manual lenses. Can you guys check?

[@BEairsoftTV]

Great review !

[@pef23]

Great review. Really useful. Thanks!

[@jdubdev]

Very nicely done.

[@Bohemian0522]

how does this compare to the A7/A7R in regards to size and handling? I own a GF1 and a OM-D EM-5, but now I'm really intrigued by the Sony A7/A7R mirrorless. Looks to me the Sony has everything the OM-D has to offer in terms of size / weather-sealing / handling, but with superior full frame and attractive price point!

[@tptrsn]

Thanks Jordan! :)