Made the decision - OMD EM1

Years ago I played with old Olympus m43 cameras but wasn't really sold on them. Since then I have found I've been using my cell phone while walking around for images and hardly shooting because I don't like walking around new places with a DSLR hanging from my neck. I tried a Canon M (original) and have enjoyed that size for street photography while I travel, but that camera is just not working for me because of the horrible autofocus speed. After seeing the new specs of where Olympus is moving with their OMD EM-1 Mark II I decided to pick up an original EM-1. If this camera can do the small amount of actual portraits I need to take I might just make the plunge and sell all of my other gear. I have done some forum search and read reviews but I am leaning to the 12-40 pro, is the hype real? I am looking forward to learning this camera and discussions in this forum!

Congratulations! I think you will enjoy using the E-M1. I have the 12-40 Pro, and it is a wonderful lens. My copy is very sharp, and the zoom ring works smoothly. A little on the heavy side, but that's to be expected becuae of its build quality.

I had the EM-1 for a while. I eventually abandoned it for a bunch of reasons but overall it is a good camera and will do very well for you if you get along with it well. I used a lot of lenses and the 12-40 is not hype. It is a really good, solid performer. Worth every penny. The 17 1.8 is a great performer too.

I think my first lens will be the 12-24. If this camera works for me and the Mark
II version isn't a heart stopping price when it's released I will most likely stick with this system. I'm happy to have something that I know will motive me to shoot more. I still carry the M when out and about, I love the 22 that came with it, but it's not working for me.

Any quirks with the EM1 that I might run into?

Not sure if you would call this a quirk, but there have been many reports of the right side strap lug breaking off, sometimes even taking a piece of the camera body with it. I've seen some of the pictures, and it isn't pretty.

Used to use a sling-style strap attached to that right lug until I saw what could happen if that lug broke off and the camera crashed to the floor. Don't use that strap set up any more.

yendikeno wrote in post #18140464
Not sure if you would call this a quirk, but there have been many reports of the right side strap lug breaking off, sometimes even taking a piece of the camera body with it. I've seen some of the pictures, and it isn't pretty.

Used to use a sling-style strap attached to that right lug until I saw what could happen if that lug broke off and the camera crashed to the floor. Don't use that strap set up any more.

Thanks for the heads up. I'd be pretty mad if that happened to me!

Ronin1 wrote in post #18139746
I think my first lens will be the 12-24. If this camera works for me and the Mark
II version isn't a heart stopping price when it's released I will most likely stick with this system. I'm happy to have something that I know will motive me to shoot more. I still carry the M when out and about, I love the 22 that came with it, but it's not working for me.

Any quirks with the EM1 that I might run into?

Which lens are you referring to? I'm not aware of a 12-24 lens.

I love the E-M1, I owned it on 3 seperate occassions and to this day it remains one of my favorite cameras if you consider all aspects of the camera and not just sensor size and what it can't do. Ergonomically it just fit my hand like a glove and inspired confidence to just go out and shoot. I look forward to the MII version with the improved AF, improved build, and faster camera. Combined with the small primes, it's a fantastic camera and will give you many years of shooting bliss.

TMaG82 wrote in post #18142949
Which lens are you referring to? I'm not aware of a 12-24 lens.

I love the E-M1, I owned it on 3 seperate occassions and to this day it remains one of my favorite cameras if you consider all aspects of the camera and not just sensor size and what it can't do. Ergonomically it just fit my hand like a glove and inspired confidence to just go out and shoot. I look forward to the MII version with the improved AF, improved build, and faster camera. Combined with the small primes, it's a fantastic camera and will give you many years of shooting bliss.

Oops I mistyped that, 12-40 2.8 pro, lens is what I meant. I figured I'd give the EM1 a try to see if I like the camera before jumping to the Mark II. What things can't the camera do?