Ditch your DSLR for the OMD?

[wallet]

Switched from 60D. Used to have 15-85, 70-200 f/4L IS and 50 f/1.4.

The biggest reason for the switch is due to physical size and weight. I shoot mainly while travelling, and I like to explore places on foot. I often set off at sunrise and return after dark, walking many kilometers in a day. So I need to minimize the weight of camera gear I carry. An added benefit is that the black E-M5 is much more discreet and less imposing than a big DSLR for street photography. I tried using my S95 for that but the focus is not quick enough and composing with the live view screen is not as comfortable as using a viewfinder.

Anyway the 12-50 replaces the 15-85. I am getting the Summilux to replace the 50 f/1.4. The telephoto zoom can probably wait since I didn't use my 70-200 much when I had it.

If I put two pictures of the same scene side by side, you probably cannot tell that one is shot with E-M5 and the other is shot with 60D unless I told you so. You might notice that the colours are a little different and so identify that they are taken by different cameras. But different sensor formats? Probably not.

Tks for sharing. I agree dat m43 are highly portable given compact and lighter. I used to have nikon dslr with lenses in a bag. After a tour i decided to look for smaller systems.

But again bigger systems do have edge over m43 due to better iq and larger sensors.

 

[dannyfoxy]

Tks for sharing. I agree dat m43 are highly portable given compact and lighter. I used to have nikon dslr with lenses in a bag. After a tour i decided to look for smaller systems.

But again bigger systems do have edge over m43 due to better iq and larger sensors.

Buy a M9 full frame, compare the jpeg produce by full frame and m43. Make a conclusion later.

 

[albertri]

Tks for sharing. I agree dat m43 are highly portable given compact and lighter. I used to have nikon dslr with lenses in a bag. After a tour i decided to look for smaller systems.

But again bigger systems do have edge over m43 due to better iq and larger sensors.

IQ doesn't goes with bigger sensor but there are advantages of having large sensor like

1. Field of view e.g. If you're using same focal length lens
2. Dof
3. Better dynamic range coz having large sensor you can create a bigger pixel size.

 

[NiVleK]

My situation is the reverse of the topic... Oops for the OT.

I'm rather new to photography and now I'm trying to get into a more serious affair with my (pre-ordered) OM-D. Quite love the fun I have with the LX3 for the past few years but sometimes lament the limitations that comes with a fixed lens camera.

I'm happy to share that my venture has the full blessing of my wife. She used to be very much against me picking up photography, partly due the terrible impression she has of DSLR fauxtogs past and present. Her resistance over the years have softened significantly and she's rather satisfied by the photos I churn out from time to time with the LX3.

Moreover, she strongly approved the E-M5 being my mistress cos of the sexy look... :bsmilie: ... and patient enough to sit down for the better part of an hour listening to me explaining why I'm about to spend about S$2,500 for a new camera and accessories, about my frustration at being limited to what I can do, and about me holding back the urge buy the GF1, GF2, EP-3 NEX-7 (Yes I almost bought the NEX-7, but didn't due to limited lens and no touchscreen for lazy shooting) and GX-1 just to wait for the right one to come along...

LOL. I had an almost similar situation.

My wife aka CFO was calling me the roti prata king as I told her that I will not buy any more cameras after I got the Canon 60D. =X

 

[Sispecho]

LOL. I had an almost similar situation.

My wife aka CFO was calling me the roti prata king as I told her that I will not buy any more cameras after I got the Canon 60D. =X

Tell your CFO at least she knows where the money goes too.

 

[dannyfoxy]

Tell your CFO at least she knows where the money goes too.

Raise the budget to include LV bag in the procurement list.

 

[wallet]

Switched from a 5dii.

Wow, how do u find little em5compared to 5dmk2 ff? Interesting switch indeed. I am also attracted to em5 look, damn chio!

 

[Sispecho]

Wow, how do u find little em5compared to 5dmk2 ff? Interesting switch indeed. I am also attracted to em5 look, damn chio!

Havent got it yet, cos i preordered the silver version so ill base my comments on ard 20 mins of playing ard with it at the IT show... Sold my 5d after handling the em5. Gt promised it will arrive earlier but it didnt so had to rely on my 620 and 520 for a recent shoot. Sigh...

It is very small and i suspect that it might strain your hands a bit if you are going to shoot prolonged with it with hotshoe flash on. For shooting where u need hotshoe flash, a battery grip should be a necessity. I personally havent handled it with the grip though... 5d's controls are also pretty much old-sch DSLR stuff so its easier with the small lcd panel on its top to review settings. 5d's photos are stunning outdoors, and as usual if you prefer the 'softer' look of FF cams, then in this dept it wins the 43 hands down.

BUT,
1) I dnt shoot professionally, as in its not my bread and butter. I dont take out my 5d out for family outings and such because i want to enjoy and not worry abt equipment. I cant justify keeping a 3k piece of machinery only for freelance work. ROI is poorer if i were to do so. The e-m5 is vood enough to me for work, as well as family/personal photos. I kill two birds with one camera. It will increase my ROI.

2) Canon L lenses are solid glass. I shot with it before but its so damn expensive. M43 has excellent glass in its lineup as well for much less. Not that canon does not have cheapo little gems but heck, the 43/some m43 glass is really good value. I cant say anythg more than what i already have abt this.

3) M43 gear is also much smaller. Easier to handle (in terms of changing lenses). Compare ef85mm to the m.zuiko 45mm and u'll see what i mean. Even the current m43 beast 25mm panaleica is comparable to my ef 50mm. I shoot mainly on primes so its important for me. My EF bag of primes dnt really make the cut.. Too biv and gets in the way quite often.

4) The Format. It gives me a deep depth of field having to compensate less for flash or sensor sensitivity. This is quite important as well because i have a psychological barrier for anything above iso800 and it can damn save me up on the Flash batteries. Good for group shots. Extremely helpful

5) based on jpeg views (high iso), the Image quality is comparable. 5dii starts to get barely printable photos at 6400 and so is the em5. Though to my gut feeling the oly jpegs are a bit mushier at least6400 on the files i gt at the IT show. Its comparable though and i tell u to come close to the 5dii makes it compelling enough for me to make the switch.

Make no mistake though, the 5dii is a camera that can last you a lifetime if you can manage its size. Awesome imagez aNd i had a good time with it. It gave me good bokehlicious pics on some days when u run out of ideas/options but to use the thin DOF to wow people haha. Its a good creative tool as well and is a different ball game altogether from the 43/.m43 gear. Just that i had to choose 1 and the Oly way of photography fits me best.

Pardon my poor typography. Using my hp la.

 

[wonglp]

Havent got it yet, cos i preordered the silver version so ill base my comments on ard 20 mins of playing ard with it at the IT show... Sold my 5d after handling the em5. Gt promised it will arrive earlier but it didnt so had to rely on my 620 and 520 for a recent shoot. Sigh...

It is very small and i suspect that it might strain your hands a bit if you are going to shoot prolonged with it with hotshoe flash on. For shooting where u need hotshoe flash, a battery grip should be a necessity. I personally havent handled it with the grip though... 5d's controls are also pretty much old-sch DSLR stuff so its easier with the small lcd panel on its top to review settings. 5d's photos are stunning outdoors, and as usual if you prefer the 'softer' look of FF cams, then in this dept it wins the 43 hands down.

BUT,
1) I dnt shoot professionally, as in its not my bread and butter. I dont take out my 5d out for family outings and such because i want to enjoy and not worry abt equipment. I cant justify keeping a 3k piece of machinery only for freelance work. ROI is poorer if i were to do so. The e-m5 is vood enough to me for work, as well as family/personal photos. I kill two birds with one camera. It will increase my ROI.

2) Canon L lenses are solid glass. I shot with it before but its so damn expensive. M43 has excellent glass in its lineup as well for much less. Not that canon does not have cheapo little gems but heck, the 43/some m43 glass is really good value. I cant say anythg more than what i already have abt this.

3) M43 gear is also much smaller. Easier to handle (in terms of changing lenses). Compare ef85mm to the m.zuiko 45mm and u'll see what i mean. Even the current m43 beast 25mm panaleica is comparable to my ef 50mm. I shoot mainly on primes so its important for me. My EF bag of primes dnt really make the cut.. Too biv and gets in the way quite often.

4) The Format. It gives me a deep depth of field having to compensate less for flash or sensor sensitivity. This is quite important as well because i have a psychological barrier for anything above iso800 and it can damn save me up on the Flash batteries. Good for group shots. Extremely helpful

5) based on jpeg views (high iso), the Image quality is comparable. 5dii starts to get barely printable photos at 6400 and so is the em5. Though to my gut feeling the oly jpegs are a bit mushier at least6400 on the files i gt at the IT show. Its comparable though and i tell u to come close to the 5dii makes it compelling enough for me to make the switch.

Make no mistake though, the 5dii is a camera that can last you a lifetime if you can manage its size. Awesome imagez aNd i had a good time with it. It gave me good bokehlicious pics on some days when u run out of ideas/options but to use the thin DOF to wow people haha. Its a good creative tool as well and is a different ball game altogether from the 43/.m43 gear. Just that i had to choose 1 and the Oly way of photography fits me best.

Pardon my poor typography. Using my hp la.

Have to agree with the above. FF DOF & DR can be mind blowing, something that m43 can't do as well, can only do good enough. Though to bring 5D out everyday is just not practical for me, and as a frequent flyer, mirrorless is the way to go. The short time I had FF, never once did I consider carrying it for work travel, so no matter how good the pictures it may give, i still reach for the mirrorless. Mirrorless pictures are not that crappy to start with, especially if one mounts great lenses on it.

 

[albertri]

Have to agree with the above. FF DOF & DR can be mind blowing, something that m43 can't do as well, can only do good enough. Though to bring 5D out everyday is just not practical for me, and as a frequent flyer, mirrorless is the way to go. The short time I had FF, never once did I consider carrying it for work travel, so no matter how good the pictures it may give, i still reach for the mirrorless. Mirrorless pictures are not that crappy to start with, especially if one mounts great lenses on it.

have to agree with bro Wonglp we kinda know each other since I started my Oly love affair (EPL1) I guess he still holding his EPL1... I move from mirrorless to DSLR body now my main DSLT body got even bigger (A77 + VG) Like bro Wonglp I travel a bit also due to nature of work last trip at Ireland I have with me my A77 minus the VG coz it's just way too big and heavy for me and bring in only two lenses (11-16 and 16-80) but this setup still bulky and heavy specially I'm on business trip not shooting trip, laptop plus my gear = back pain. So that's why i've decided to go back to mirrorless. Now I have my EPL2 with me almost always as I could just dump it in my laptop bag. Going out with family no special occation just my m4/3 is more than enough. Like Bro Wonglp we love MF lenses so having m4/3 we could have all the MF lenses we like .

Anyways going back to OM-D or EM5 saw the comparission (EP3) wow it's as big as my current m4/3 rightnow I am just holding back as the BBBB virus is once again infecting me.... ( I hate you all showing off your OM-D specially bro Wonglp even asking me to play around with his EM5!) lolz

But as I mentioned I wont ditch my A77 plus my Minolta AF lenses, good part is I could use almost all of my A-Mount lenses over my m4/3 (yey!)

 

[wonglp]

have to agree with bro Wonglp we kinda know each other since I started my Oly love affair (EPL1) I guess he still holding his EPL1... I move from mirrorless to DSLR body now my main DSLT body got even bigger (A77 + VG) Like bro Wonglp I travel a bit also due to nature of work last trip at Ireland I have with me my A77 minus the VG coz it's just way too big and heavy for me and bring in only two lenses (11-16 and 16-80) but this setup still bulky and heavy specially I'm on business trip not shooting trip, laptop plus my gear = back pain. So that's why i've decided to go back to mirrorless. Now I have my EPL2 with me almost always as I could just dump it in my laptop bag. Going out with family no special occation just my m4/3 is more than enough. Like Bro Wonglp we love MF lenses so having m4/3 we could have all the MF lenses we like .

Anyways going back to OM-D or EM5 saw the comparission (EP3) wow it's as big as my current m4/3 rightnow I am just holding back as the BBBB virus is once again infecting me.... ( I hate you all showing off your OM-D specially bro Wonglp even asking me to play around with his EM5!) lolz

But as I mentioned I wont ditch my A77 plus my Minolta AF lenses, good part is I could use almost all of my A-Mount lenses over my m4/3 (yey!)

How to show off when I haven't got if yet? maybe once you really tried it you won't touch your A77. oh oh...

 

[wallet]

Havent got it yet, cos i preordered the silver version so ill base my comments on ard 20 mins of playing ard with it at the IT show... Sold my 5d after handling the em5. Gt promised it will arrive earlier but it didnt so had to rely on my 620 and 520 for a recent shoot. Sigh...

It is very small and i suspect that it might strain your hands a bit if you are going to shoot prolonged with it with hotshoe flash on. For shooting where u need hotshoe flash, a battery grip should be a necessity. I personally havent handled it with the grip though... 5d's controls are also pretty much old-sch DSLR stuff so its easier with the small lcd panel on its top to review settings. 5d's photos are stunning outdoors, and as usual if you prefer the 'softer' look of FF cams, then in this dept it wins the 43 hands down.

BUT,
1) I dnt shoot professionally, as in its not my bread and butter. I dont take out my 5d out for family outings and such because i want to enjoy and not worry abt equipment. I cant justify keeping a 3k piece of machinery only for freelance work. ROI is poorer if i were to do so. The e-m5 is vood enough to me for work, as well as family/personal photos. I kill two birds with one camera. It will increase my ROI.

2) Canon L lenses are solid glass. I shot with it before but its so damn expensive. M43 has excellent glass in its lineup as well for much less. Not that canon does not have cheapo little gems but heck, the 43/some m43 glass is really good value. I cant say anythg more than what i already have abt this.

3) M43 gear is also much smaller. Easier to handle (in terms of changing lenses). Compare ef85mm to the m.zuiko 45mm and u'll see what i mean. Even the current m43 beast 25mm panaleica is comparable to my ef 50mm. I shoot mainly on primes so its important for me. My EF bag of primes dnt really make the cut.. Too biv and gets in the way quite often.

4) The Format. It gives me a deep depth of field having to compensate less for flash or sensor sensitivity. This is quite important as well because i have a psychological barrier for anything above iso800 and it can damn save me up on the Flash batteries. Good for group shots. Extremely helpful

5) based on jpeg views (high iso), the Image quality is comparable. 5dii starts to get barely printable photos at 6400 and so is the em5. Though to my gut feeling the oly jpegs are a bit mushier at least6400 on the files i gt at the IT show. Its comparable though and i tell u to come close to the 5dii makes it compelling enough for me to make the switch.

Make no mistake though, the 5dii is a camera that can last you a lifetime if you can manage its size. Awesome imagez aNd i had a good time with it. It gave me good bokehlicious pics on some days when u run out of ideas/options but to use the thin DOF to wow people haha. Its a good creative tool as well and is a different ball game altogether from the 43/.m43 gear. Just that i had to choose 1 and the Oly way of photography fits me best.

Pardon my poor typography. Using my hp la.

Hey bro, thanks for sharing. I was once a DSLR owner then M43. I didnt think much about ROI anyway, unless its bread n butter for me, for me it is a hobby.

as the new 5dmk3 is out, the forum is going hot and many 5dmk2 owners are jumping to upgrade. so i find your move very interesting n valid, as you had shared wif us.

i agree i will never bring heavy dslr to family outing or tour. running around kids with the heavy gears can be a challenge. ha.

 

[albertri]

How to show off when I haven't got if yet? maybe once you really tried it you won't touch your A77. oh oh...

I seldom use my A77 these day only bring out when I need it like your Canon 5Dmk2

 

[Sispecho]

I seldom use my A77 these day only bring out when I need it like your Canon 5Dmk2

And when is it that you Really need it? I cant find a time when its die2 for me to have unless dark ballroom envirobment la. Haha.

I have resigned myself to renting when i do need it. Just mark up quote only la... No loss for me.

 

[Sispecho]

Hey bro, thanks for sharing. I was once a DSLR owner then M43. I didnt think much about ROI anyway, unless its bread n butter for me, for me it is a hobby.

as the new 5dmk3 is out, the forum is going hot and many 5dmk2 owners are jumping to upgrade. so i find your move very interesting n valid, as you had shared wif us.

i agree i will never bring heavy dslr to family outing or tour. running around kids with the heavy gears can be a challenge. ha.

Im only talking about 5dii. If 5diii i thk its another level of awesomeness already. Who really shoots at 25600? Only F1 season maybe la. Haha.

Ok lets not digress, but i sometimes feel that an 'upgrade' is actually a downgrade, especially when u dnt really need it.

For DOF i thk i better revive my SLR already, and buy a light meter, bcos i seriously dnt understand how that damn camera meters! Im DIY-ing my film strip scanner based on the e620 and macro lens!

 

[snip3r]

From handphone cam to LX3 to EP3. Never even want to touch the dSLR.
Now looking at EM5 or only other mirrorless

 

[Sispecho]

From handphone cam to LX3 to EP3. Never even want to touch the dSLR.
Now looking at EM5 or only other mirrorless

Wah.. How come leh? Wanna share?

 

[rhema83]

Have to agree with the above. FF DOF & DR can be mind blowing, something that m43 can't do as well, can only do good enough. Though to bring 5D out everyday is just not practical for me, and as a frequent flyer, mirrorless is the way to go. The short time I had FF, never once did I consider carrying it for work travel, so no matter how good the pictures it may give, i still reach for the mirrorless. Mirrorless pictures are not that crappy to start with, especially if one mounts great lenses on it.

The feeling is the same over here. Canon 60D is not exactly the biggest and heaviest DSLR around, but for travelling I really don't want to carry such a bulky set of camera gear around. This is especially true for business trips where I have to lug around the laptop, or adventurous trips where I am off the asphalt road (on foot or on an enduro bike) half the time. So despite my strong preference for the handling and versatility of the 60D + 15-85 combo, I will end up using my S95, which is a little gem in its own right but has many compromises in order to keep it small.

This is where m4/3 shines: big performance in a reasonably small package. The image quality is definitely good enough for non-professional use, and there is a good selection of high-quality native glass. It also draws much less attention than a big imposing DSLR, and so is much more suitable for bringing around everywhere to take random shots. The weather-sealing and IMHO handsome styling of the E-M5 are just icing on the cake, as I was already considering the GX1 last year. So I ended up selling my 1 yr 5 mths old 60D which only had around 8,000+ shutter count (really low ROI right there!) to fund my E-M5 kit.

 

[snip3r]

Wah.. How come leh? Wanna share?

I think what Sispecho is spot on.

To me
1) Form factor is a must as I use it a lot for travel. But after getting the EP3, venturing into street.
2) Wife also like Olympus
3) It's stylish
4) Good enough IQ
5) Fast AF to take pics of my pet.

Haha now looking at 45/1.8.

 

[theITguy]

The first OMD is not there yet for AF performance compared to the DSLR. Perhaps another 2 generation of OMDs it will at least be competing well in this respect.

Form factor is sweet with a 20/1.7 or the Panasonic 14-42x. 14-42x and OMD will be a great combo for travel light and compact.