E-M5 + 17mm f1.8 for Daily Use

Canon DSLR user here dipping into M4/3 for first time. Wanted a compact system to document my little one and street photography as a carry-with-me camera while the 6D sits at home. Have always been curious about M43 systems, so I figured now was a good time to try it out. Ordered an affordable used E-M5+17mm f/1.8 package. Passed on the Fuji X100S for Oly's renowned AF. Built in IS is just a perk. The inclusion of a VF was one reason I chose this body, but I also like the tilt screen for shooting from the hip in public, and also getting low angled shots of the baby.

What do you guys think about this setup? I know that there are mixed reviews about this lens, but I imagine the focal length is sufficient for a prime.

Any perks over Canon DSLRs besides size?

E-M5 is the perfect way to dip your toe into m4/3. I used that combo to chase the toddler around for a while, I think you'll like it. Really no better value for a m4/3 body than the E-M5 right now, if you buy used. I'm not sure why that lens would get mixed reviews, I love it, it's fast and sharp.

Can't overstate the coolness of the in-body IS on the Olys too.

That's great! This will be my daily companion. I plan on keeping this lens on at all times. Don't really want to expand another system yet.

I have had a EM5 in my daily carry around back pack since launch week 2012 1st with a 17mm F2.8 mounted and 45mm F1.8 in reserve, I travel a lot for a living so this rig has lots of miles on it. Then Once the 17 F1.8 was in stock I picked one of those up and it hardly leaves the front of my OMD. Very very good choice for a water testing of the M4/3 format, and makes a wonderful ABC (Always Bring Camera) set up that will handle almost any situation you thorw at it, other than fast moving subject A?F tracking, though the latest film ware up date seems to help that some.

Thanks for your input! I was strongly considering the 17mm 2.8 for it's cheaper price tag and lower profile that can move this camera one step closer towards being pocketable. But I understand that the DOF doubles on a M4/3, so just wanted to play it safe with the 1.8.

How has your EM5 held up after all this time and use? The one I bought has 4k shutter count. I wanna be like you and be able to say that I've carried my camera with me daily for 3 years.

I have gotten it wet, dropped it in the mud and on tarmac once its shows its scars from daily carry, and use and has maybe 10-12k clciks on it. Though to be 100% honest it dose not come out of its crumpler in my bag every day but I use it a lot. Never have had one hicup with it at all. Its been nothing but fantastic and reliable no matter what I have put it though.

this is a great setup, a friend of mine recently got into m43 as well, but with EP5 and 17mm 1.8. was a full frame shooter in the past but he loves the portability and IQ of these smaller cameras.

Been shooting everything on the go, and it's been a blast. Not as good image quality as I can get on my 6D SOOC, but it's still good. Real easy to pickup, point, and shoot---one handed!

My only gripes with the body is that it chews through batteries a lot quicker than I imagined, and the shutter speed dial was not intuitively placed. It seems it is meant for your thumb to reach over to turn it, but that's difficult to do with my finger on the aperture dial.

Does anyone know of a good pouch or case for the em5+17mm prime? I was thinking something like the Manfrotto Nano, but it obviously doesn't fit the protruding lens.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …w_wcB&Q=&is=REG​&A=details

There's a bit more sensor noise from m4/3, but there's a bit more dynamic range too than Canon.

If you're using the 1.7/1.8 lenses, you can get slightly narrower DOF than 2.8 zooms will on DX sized sensors. Combine with IBIS and they're surprisingly good in low light - not darkness mind you, but any situation where you can use ISO 1600 or less.

I'd have to recommend you consider pairing it with a 45 at some point. I have a 45 and a 20 and my only regret is not getting the Olympus 17.

Interesting comments here. I'm looking at picking up either a used EM5 (original - Mark 1) or a new EM10. Currently it seems I can get a new EM10 for less than the price of a used EM5 (I understand that this may be different in other regions around the world).

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions on which camera I should pick up?

A new EM10 is around $450, which is higher than I see most EM5 MkIs going for.

I've got a mint condition EM5 sitting in my drawer if you're looking for a used one still.

I've seen M5s for less than the M10. Not totally sure how different they are (the sensors are the same?). Is the M10 any better (i.e. worth the extra $100 or so?), or is the M5 mk I a better deal right now?