Olympus OM Micro Four Thirds camera!

[Higgs Boson]

Originally Posted by watt100

nice pics, I thinking about getting a mirror-less system for the smaller size but with a zoom lens it seems almost as large as a DSLR

Very similar in size.

[Yohan Pamudji]

Higgs,

I'm as big a fan of m4/3 as anybody, but that's just cheating

[tdp_photos]

5DII 24-70, 550D 18-135, E-M5 12-50


Size comparison by Photos by TDP, on Flickr


Size comparison by Photos by TDP, on Flickr


Size comparison by Photos by TDP, on Flickr


Untitled by Photos by TDP, on Flickr

[RetroBlader]

Originally Posted by watt100

nice pics, I thinking about getting a mirror-less system for the smaller size but with a zoom lens it seems almost as large as a DSLR

Originally Posted by tdp_photos

I have a 5DII and 550D as well. The OM-D E-M5 with kit zoom lens is smaller than the 550D with a 18-135 zoom and it weighs a lot less.

I've been trying to get my GF (now wife) into interchangeable-lens photography for a while now. When I got my 7D, I paired my old Rebel XTi/400D with the 15-85IS, and tried to get her to use the combo instead of her Canon P&S w/ 4x zoom.

No go. She felt it was way too heavy and too big for her.

However, when I got the OM-D E-M5 with the 12-50 (and the Olympus 45/1.8 for shallow DOF, which is her main complaint about P&S compacts, including the S100), she fell in love with the m4/3 system instantly.

As tdp_photos said, the OM-D E-M5 combo looks a lot bigger in photos than when you handles it in person. I pre-ordered it thinking it'll be a bit more portable, but when I picked up the combo in store, I was really surprised by how small it really was.

Maybe it's the weight, or maybe the small diameter -- the 12-50 uses a 52mm filter, and the entire barrel is about the same width. The 15-85IS uses a 72mm filter, and the barrel is even "fatter".

[watt100]

Originally Posted by tdp_photos

5DII 24-70, 550D 18-135, E-M5 12-50


Size comparison by Photos by TDP, on Flickr


Size comparison by Photos by TDP, on Flickr


Size comparison by Photos by TDP, on Flickr

smaller but not pocket size. maybe I'm looking for a mirror-less system with a "pancake" lens

[Higgs Boson]

an iphone is pocket size.
an S100 is pocket size.

an omd is street photography size.

a rebel is tiny hands dslr size.

a FF 5D is the size which all others are based upon. (i keed)

[watt100]

Originally Posted by Higgs Boson

an iphone is pocket size.
an S100 is pocket size.

an omd is street photography size.

a rebel is tiny hands dslr size.

a FF 5D is the size which all others are based upon. (i keed)

OK, "street size" vs pocket size

[RetroBlader]

Originally Posted by Higgs Boson

an iphone is pocket size.
an S100 is pocket size.

an omd is street photography size.

a rebel is tiny hands dslr size.

a FF 5D is the size which all others are based upon. (i keed)

I love your classification system -- succinct but you nailed the most important point right on the head.



For me, I never had any illusions of squeezing any mirrorless into a pocket -- mirrorless is never supposed to compete for pocket-space with an iPhone or something like the S95/S100. It's a new species, ready to carve out its own niche inside serious photographers' camera bags....


Let's face it, as good as the S95/S100 may be, they are still MILES away in terms of IQ when compared to DSLR. Not to mention you are stuck with a fixed lens.
Want something wider than 24/28mm FOV? Sorry, can't do.
Want something longer than 105/120mm FOV? Forget it.
Want portraits with blurred background? Not gonna happen.


So, up until now, I've always carried, happily I might add, my 7D with 3-4 lenses whenever I go on trips. However, the weight quickly adds up even with "travel lenses" like the 70-200/4L IS and 10-22 as the lighter-than-average UWA.

And the bulk -- there is usually not much room left for non-photography items after I stuff my 7D, 3-4 lenses, and 580EX into a carry-on-compliant backpack. In fact, often I'm forced to leave most lens hoods at home, and use a ghetto tri-fold rubber one instead.

But I put up with the weight and the bulk, because there were simply no alternative formats which could offer anything close in terms of IQ.



Well, the OM-D E-M5 is a game-changer.

As mentioned several times already, it's shockingly lighter than a DSLR system. While the 12-50 is still somewhat long, it's amazingly "thin" -- felt like a salt shaker at first. Then the 45/1.8 is simply tiny compared to my 85/1.8 (which is already one of the smallest/lightest Canon lenses with decent IQ). For those not familiar with m4/3, the Olympus 45/1.8 takes a 37mm filter and weighs only 116 g!!

And I haven't even explored the pancakes and folding power-zoom m4/3 lenses out there yet.

However, the main reason the OM-D E-M5 is a game changer for me is its IQ. I haven't done my own head-to-head comparison yet, but DPReview already showed the E-M5 has cleaner ISO3200 and more DR than my 7D. That was what sold me on the m4/3....

Going forward, I still see myself keeping the S95/S100 since one just can't beat that pocketability. Nor do I plan to get rid of my DSLR system -- there are still things even the best m4/3 can't quite do yet. However, the E-M5 will definitely see more and more action in the future.



Of course, YMMV.

[stink tooth]

I have a OMD all paid for and waiting at the store for me, I just cant seem to get back into the office ( I keep getting shuffled all over PA and NY the last 2 weeks) so I can go pick the damm thing up just chomping at the bit here Ughhhh

[Luckypenguin]

Originally Posted by tdp_photos

The E-M5 with some accessories


E-M5 Gear by Photos by TDP, on Flickr

^^ Nice looking half-case! What brand?

[tupper]

Mine finally arrived! I got the flash also, so I'm guessing us Aussies get the flash and 4/3 to m4/3 adaptor for free!
Of course a test shot:


1/30 @f/1.7 IS on handheld.. not too shabby

[efoo]

Originally Posted by tupper

Mine finally arrived! I got the flash also, so I'm guessing us Aussies get the flash and 4/3 to m4/3 adaptor for free!

I thought the clip-on flash is included everywhere around the world, not just Australia

The lens adaptor is the promo product till 30th June. Pre-ordered customers apparently have a choice of this lens adaptor or bigger flash unit (a much better choices I reckon).

[tupper]

Originally Posted by efoo

I thought the clip-on flash is included everywhere around the world, not just Australia

The lens adaptor is the promo product till 30th June. Pre-ordered customers apparently have a choice of this lens adaptor or bigger flash unit (a much better choices I reckon).

Yeah your probably right

[tdp_photos]

Originally Posted by Luckypenguin

^^ Nice looking half-case! What brand?

I ordered it from an online store here in Taiwan and it was dirt cheap. Got it, a black one, a brown leather wrist strap, battery case and lens case for 60 something US.

Helps a ton with holding the camera, just that added amount.

[Higgs Boson]

I had the option to get a lens adapter but I didn't. I'll never use it plus mail in rebates are annoying. If I was to ever buy a 4/3 lens I would just buy a FF lens instead. They aren't cheap.