OM-D EM-5 Third Party Grip vs. Olympus HLD-6 Grip Review

[@keithmhjc]

Got the JB grip on Amazon, shipped all the way to little old New Zealand. It's wonderful and not flimsy. And have also abandoned the neck strap for a (get this) Nintendo Wii wrist strap. The OM-D is so incredibly light and portable, that's often all it needs... but yes...if all you want is a good extra handgrip for it...the JB is great value. Get it!!!

[@JeanV1986]

"You have selected Microsoft's Sam as the computer default voice."

[@juelzjohnny6858]

i realize I am quite off topic but does anyone know of a good site to stream new series online?

[@kylanevan3909]

@Juelz Johnny i use flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

[@geol4012]

Great review! Like all your other em5 reviews... You mentioned the grip is not metal like the hld-6, so how sturdy is the 3rd party grip part (e.g. Does the grip part shift or wobble ? ) There's another 3rd party grip for em5 from ReallyRightStuff called, BOEM5-G. Any thoughts about it? Would you be able to do a review on that one :D

[@valdriz2008]

OK as a grip, but there is a problem if you try to attach a quick-release plate for use on a tripod - the socket is not deep enough to allow the plate fixing to be fully tightened (this is with a unit delivered late January 2013 - rumour has it that the fixing has been modified, if so, it's still not adequate)

[@Yog_Los_Mas]

I just bought the OMD EM5. waiting for it to get here. I was actually thinking about getting the 300 dollars OMD grip with it too but thank god i decided to hold out on that and look for alternatives. This video convince me to get the 45 dollars version. Seriously. $299 for the grip and battery holder? I can get an extra pocket camera with that, or even better an extra len!

[@igetsmart]

Sony NEX5/6/7 grip so much nicer and bodies lighter - have those as well as the OMD-5 - I love my OMD-5 but it needs a grip as it is a bit heavy - so really like the idea of the 3rd party grip - and like that has open battery comp. So nice review as always. Will order the 3rd party grip. Will miss the extra button but like you mentioned will work and not to large or bulky. No need for grip on Tripod so not a problem. Have the Gariz leather half case - will that be an issue ??

[@photographerjonathan]

with the Olympus grip, can you make the extra dial do something different than the dial on the camera, like one dial for ISO and one for shutter speed ?

[@gastrojim]

I have been looking for a good grip for Olympus E-PL5 and I wonder if this grip would fit. Are there other 3rd party makers for E-PL5. There is a larger grip made for E-P3 (Olympus MCG-2) which is slightly bigger than the original kit but I am not interested in this one as it covers the "Olympus" logo and it does not appear sufficient in size. Thanks.

[@andyvan5692]

nice review of the grip, I have noticed on the Olympus hld-6 the tripod screw is "key-less" it uses a dial to lock it rather than an Allen wrench, this might also save having to carry extra tools with you ; this is supposed to be a 'compact' camera after all:):). plus you also get the battery portion and the extra control buttons which this offers giving you extra battery life (~500-700 shots rather than the default ~350 shots for one battery charge) and the extra buttons, from what I understand from the literature give extra customization (the two buttons add to the two already available on the camera)- and can be programmed for different functions [a total of 4 functions in all] how about that for only $300, a similar grip for nikon would cost ~$400 a great saving.

[@WilliamOwyong]

I don't really agree. The reason the HLD-6 does not have access to the onboard battery compartment is because the other part of the grip is another battery compartment, DC input, and has additional buttons for portrait shooting. The two grips are clearly targeted towards different users- the JBCD grip is great for those wanting a bit more to grasp on to, whereas the HLD-6 is a premium grip for studios and portrait photographers. Sorry but it's the HLD-6 for me

[@know-your-tech4835]

@MirrorlessReviews: I think you can power the camera without the battery by using the HLD-6 at the bottom of the camera. Can you please demonstrate how in a quick video? Also, where can i buy a custom battery and adapter that charges while in use.

[@taikoking1]

I thought that you also got the head phone output jack with the Olympus version?

[@MirrorlessReviews]

I would be happy to do a review on it if I can obtain a sample.

[@ChristinaRedd]

$40!!! Holy goo!! That's insane. I don't feel like there is any logical reason it should be that much.

[@th2006]

Just bought one from Amazon. The new screw can accept QR plate without any problem.

[@Kooppers77]

Thanks for the review ... i was kind of hesitating with this 3rd party grip ... now i know i'll get one :-)

[@erikljonsson]

Well you have to look at the aspect of imbalance if you use a portrait-lens such as the 75mm or simular. If you don't use HLD-6 the camera tilts forward an the imbalance is a fact. So if you're suppose to use a longer and heavier lens, you should also consider the extra grip. I doubt some extra plastic-holding will do the trick when it comes to stability..

[@MirrorlessReviews]

No the dial always does the same as the camera dial.

[@canoeshoe]

Is the third party grip rock solid? It looks way too flimsy. I don't want to hold the camera one handed and have it snap off and break my $1600 gear....

[@valdriz2008]

UPDATE - now been informed as at 1st Feb 2013 the tripod mounting has been revised, therefore, ignore the above comment

What lens is attached to the camera??

[@KLUKVOBOR]

Made in America with pride. I guess about 80% of it is pure pride. Can't go wrong with this one...

[@H00LIGUN]

great review THX!

[@huwjones5879]

Comparing Apples and Oranges. Two completely different functions in these grips. The Olympus grip is a multifunction device that, among other functions, adds another battery, the other is a piece of machined plastic.

[@prehistoricpig]

Justin bieber camera?

[@azizulzulzaha]

blurry all the way.

[@Othercargo]

sweet free money with a grip lol