OMG! Look at the EM-1 aka the now official E-M1 Thread

[keithwee]

Bought the EM1 from Cathay yesterday. The lens is heavy and I think the only Oly body that can hold it is the EM1. You won't be able to hold it with the EP5 or even the EM5 and the lens will also tilt forward. First impression wasn't good as the size and weight reminds me of the reason why I ditch the DSLR. No choice as that's the only fast Oly zoom lens now. EVF and IQ are of course no horse run. Just wondering whether I will end up using a compact with a fast lens instead of this if I'm going on a trip......haha

The ergonomics of the 12-40 on the EP5 is one issue that worries me :/ but other than getting one and shooting with it for an extended period of time, I will never know whether it's a go or no go for me.

The EM1 with HLD7 reminds me too much of a SLR setup hence that's why despite all the great improvements , it's not on my must get list yet. Balance of IQ , speed (aperture) and size matters a lot to me.

For now I'm still waiting for my local dealer to call or if I can't wait (which is pretty soon haha) I gonna fly over HK to get the lens.

 

[keithwee]

Thanks Keith! Will go and try my luck then!

hope u haven't flown yet haha. Just checked with my guy in HK. 12-40mm lens brand new (dekitted - just photocopy warranty card and ask for a original receipt to qualify for Oly warranty) approx HKD7500 (maximum), approx SGD1200 and prob can bargain a bit more to around SGD$11xx in my opinion.

EM1 + 12-40 kit approx SGD27xx, i'm thinking approx SGD$26xx after bargaining.

if u can get a better price, share

 

[tomcat]

Bought the EM1 from Cathay yesterday. The lens is heavy and I think the only Oly body that can hold it is the EM1. You won't be able to hold it with the EP5 or even the EM5 and the lens will also tilt forward. First impression wasn't good as the size and weight reminds me of the reason why I ditch the DSLR. No choice as that's the only fast Oly zoom lens now. EVF and IQ are of course no horse run. Just wondering whether I will end up using a compact with a fast lens instead of this if I'm going on a trip......haha

The ergonomics of the 12-40 on the EP5 is one issue that worries me :/ but other than getting one and shooting with it for an extended period of time, I will never know whether it's a go or no go for me.

The EM1 with HLD7 reminds me too much of a SLR setup hence that's why despite all the great improvements , it's not on my must get list yet. Balance of IQ , speed (aperture) and size matters a lot to me.

For now I'm still waiting for my local dealer to call or if I can't wait (which is pretty soon haha) I gonna fly over HK to get the lens.

I don't agree that the 12-40mm is too big and heavy and could only be held with the E-M1. I have used it without any problem on my E-M5. And I have mounted and used much heavier and larger Four-Third lenses on my other m43 cameras too without any issue. The trick with these combinations is to support the camera and lens by holding onto the lens barrel and letting the camera body hang free. It would certainly be foolish to try and mount a 2.2lb lens like the Zuiko 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 onto any m43 camera body and expect to handhold the combination by the camera body anyway, don't you think?

I suppose that users who find the 12-40mm too large and heavy can always sell it and get the much cheaper, smaller and lighter 12-50mm lens instead especially if they don't mind taking the hit in image quality. They would not have any problem in finding willing and eager buyers for the 12-40mm I'm sure.

There is not much difference in IQ and autofocusing between the E-M5 and EP5 which is why I resisted the urge to get the EP5 when it came out. I'm pretty sure that I would get the same dissatisfaction with the EP5 as I did with the E-M5. After a couple of weeks with the E-M1, I'm pleased with the improvements in IQ and autofocussing and low light performance in the E-M1 and do not regret spending my hardearned money on it at all.

 

[keithwee]

I don't agree that the 12-40mm is too big and heavy and could only be held with the E-M1. I have used it without any problem on my E-M5. And I have mounted and used much heavier and larger Four-Third lenses on my other m43 cameras too without any issue. The trick with these combinations is to support the camera and lens by holding onto the lens barrel and letting the camera body hang free. It would certainly be foolish to try and mount a 2.2lb lens like the Zuiko 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 onto any m43 camera body and expect to handhold the combination by the camera body anyway, don't you think?

I suppose that users who find the 12-40mm too large and heavy can always sell it and get the much cheaper, smaller and lighter 12-50mm lens instead especially if they don't mind taking the hit in image quality. They would not have any problem in finding willing and eager buyers for the 12-40mm I'm sure.

There is not much difference in IQ and autofocusing between the E-M5 and EP5 which is why I resisted the urge to get the EP5 when it came out. I'm pretty sure that I would get the same dissatisfaction with the EP5 as I did with the E-M5. After a couple of weeks with the E-M1, I'm pleased with the improvements in IQ and autofocussing and low light performance in the E-M1 and do not regret spending my hardearned money on it at all.

I believe nickgoh and me understand the 'trick' to support the body with holding the lens barrel,

Coming from the 12-35 and moving to the 12-40, one issue i worry about is whether will the handgrip of the EP5 allow a good hold, that's pretty much my worry, period. I'm pretty sure the EM5 with the HLD6 gives a comfortable grip on the 12-40. I didn't make a conclusion. I said i needed to use the 12-40 lens on the EP5 for a considerable amt of time to be sure abt it and I will try it though i'm pretty confident its a matter of getting used to. My experiences with the 12-40 so far has only been with the EM1.

erm... honestly i upgraded from the 12-50 to the 12-35... the hit in not just IQ but also lens speed is too big la haha. U're comparing a f2.8 constant vs a f3.5 to f6.3 at the telephoto end. Having used the 12-35 vs the 12-40, I can say that the improvements r enough for me to get it. No one here is running down the EM1 and 12-40.

Even though they share the same sensor, there r discernable improvements in the EP5 vs the EM5 such as faster autofocusing, focus peaking, wifi, much better EVF and such. There's no point listing them. Hence its a pretty unwarranted statement to say that u will share the same dissatisfaction with it and the EM5 but of course, user experiences are personal but i feel i need to share this for a fairer POV.

All in all, of course the improvements in EM1 in AF and low light perf must be better to warrant its tag price of almost $2k for body alone and its position as the flagship model currently. Without any doubt, I'm sure every penny spent on the EM1 is worth it and this I agree.

 

[tomcat]

Even though they share the same sensor, there r discernable improvements in the EP5 vs the EM5 such as faster autofocusing, focus peaking, wifi, much better EVF and such. There's no point listing them. Hence its a pretty unwarranted statement to say that u will share the same dissatisfaction with it and the EM5 but of course, user experiences are personal but i feel i need to share this for a fairer POV.

As you said, user experiences are personal. So I don't consider my statement 'unwarranted' since I was expressing my experience and expectation and why I held back from getting the EP5. While faster autofocusing is desireable, I am hoping for faster autofocusing in low-light situations as I'm quite OK with the E-M5's performance under ideal lighting conditions. Focus peaking, wifi and EVF are really not important to me and their inclusion would not sway me to get any camera with them. Better performance with Zuiko lenses does however as with better low light autofocusing... and it certainly helps that the kit lens is the pro-grade 12-40mm which practically gives the performance of prime lenses.

 

[keithwee]

As you said, user experiences are personal. So I don't consider my statement 'unwarranted' since I was expressing my experience and expectation and why I held back from getting the EP5. While faster autofocusing is desireable, I am hoping for faster autofocusing in low-light situations as I'm quite OK with the E-M5's performance under ideal lighting conditions. Focus peaking, wifi and EVF are really not important to me and their inclusion would not sway me to get any camera with them. Better performance with Zuiko lenses does however as with better low light autofocusing... and it certainly helps that the kit lens is the pro-grade 12-40mm which practically gives the performance of prime lenses.

Sure, so long as differing opinions are shared fairly
Heh , reading your sentence : ' practically gives the performance of prime lenses' makes the 12-40 really more attractive. Any sharing to do with the experiences of the EM1 w/12-40 so far ?

 

[tomcat]

Sure, so long as differing opinions are shared fairly
Heh , reading your sentence : ' practically gives the performance of prime lenses' makes the 12-40 really more attractive. Any sharing to do with the experiences of the EM1 w/12-40 so far ?

The one feature that does it for me with the 12-40mm is that it is supersharp wide opened at f/2.8. Nothing disappoints me like getting a zoom lens or even a prime lens that's useless wide opened, eg. the supposedly superb prime lens of the Fuji X100/X100s which is supersoft wide opened. No point claiming that it's a fast lens with f/2 aperture but needs to be stopped down to smaller than f/2.8 to get sharp.

It's bokeh is also quite pleasant to me. Of course bokeh appreciation is quite subjective and could vary from individual to individual.

This review seems to speak very well of the the 12-40mm though.
http://m43blog.com/new-reviews-olympus-12-40mm-f2-8-pro-lens/
Be forewarned... do not read it if you do not want to be seriously poisoned.

 

[weekh]

Who is using 35-70 in en1? Purple fringe all over. Is there a function to deactivate this?

 

[microcosm]

I am going HK next week. Any idea if the freebie can be redeemed at the shop or must go to the olympus office in HK? Also, does olympus offer international warranty for both lens and body?

Olympus Hong Kong at Langham Place, Mongkok.

 

[microcosm]

hope u haven't flown yet haha. Just checked with my guy in HK. 12-40mm lens brand new (dekitted - just photocopy warranty card and ask for a original receipt to qualify for Oly warranty) approx HKD7500 (maximum), approx SGD1200 and prob can bargain a bit more to around SGD$11xx in my opinion.

EM1 + 12-40 kit approx SGD27xx, i'm thinking approx SGD$26xx after bargaining.

if u can get a better price, share

This week until first week of December, stocks are low in Hong Kong and prices are getting inflated. Prices will lower mid December. Just spoke to some of the dealers there.

 

[keithwee]

This week until first week of December, stocks are low in Hong Kong and prices are getting inflated. Prices will lower mid December. Just spoke to some of the dealers there.

thanks ! Looking forward to seeing a HKD7000 for the 12-40 kekeke.

 

[nickgoh6]

I don't agree that the 12-40mm is too big and heavy and could only be held with the E-M1. I have used it without any problem on my E-M5. And I have mounted and used much heavier and larger Four-Third lenses on my other m43 cameras too without any issue. The trick with these combinations is to support the camera and lens by holding onto the lens barrel and letting the camera body hang free. It would certainly be foolish to try and mount a 2.2lb lens like the Zuiko 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 onto any m43 camera body and expect to handhold the combination by the camera body anyway, don't you think? I suppose that users who find the 12-40mm too large and heavy can always sell it and get the much cheaper, smaller and lighter 12-50mm lens instead especially if they don't mind taking the hit in image quality. They would not have any problem in finding willing and eager buyers for the 12-40mm I'm sure. There is not much difference in IQ and autofocusing between the E-M5 and EP5 which is why I resisted the urge to get the EP5 when it came out. I'm pretty sure that I would get the same dissatisfaction with the EP5 as I did with the E-M5. After a couple of weeks with the E-M1, I'm pleased with the improvements in IQ and autofocussing and low light performance in the E-M1 and do not regret spending my hardearned money on it at all.

Of course I know how to hold a camera but the whole purpose of M43 is the smaller size and weight or else why would so many people switch from dslr to m43. It is very awkward to hold a heavy lens in a small body esp without a proper grip. It's even more difficult to hold if you are using the screen to shoot. The 12-50 and the 12-40 lens are 2 different animals so how to compare?

AF for EP5 is faster and better than EM5 esp in low light where EM5 can struggle and sometimes cannot even focus. EP5 never fails to focus. I prefer a built in flash over a EVF. I love the EP5 so much I eventually bought 3 sets.

EM1 is good but somehow it just take the fun and cool out of M43 systems. It is not much diff from a entry/mid level dslr in terms of size and weight. I also never like the idea of taking in/out the flash. I reckon most people don't really need it and would be better off with a Pen. I'm one of those suckers that is using it just to hold the kit lens that is god damn good

 

[josshing]

hope u haven't flown yet haha. Just checked with my guy in HK. 12-40mm lens brand new (dekitted - just photocopy warranty card and ask for a original receipt to qualify for Oly warranty) approx HKD7500 (maximum), approx SGD1200 and prob can bargain a bit more to around SGD$11xx in my opinion.

EM1 + 12-40 kit approx SGD27xx, i'm thinking approx SGD$26xx after bargaining.

if u can get a better price, share

Thanks for the info Keith. Will get going there this weekend. Will share on the price if i can get any good deal. Thanks!

 

[wonglp]

Who is using 35-70 in en1? Purple fringe all over. Is there a function to deactivate this?

you mean P35-100? if so, purple fringing will be there for high contrasty shots, and wide open. EM1 is able to correct in camera CA, but afaik only Oly lenses, even some previous Pen camera doesn't correct CA and you can see on bright primes rather easily like 17/1.8 & 75/1.8 once you shoot high contrasty situations. Likely the trend will continue so as to achieve a small enough yet digitally corrected lens. The best is possibly to post process (e.g Lightroom) to correct it, it seems.

 

[Errz]

[video=youtube_share;U07A8ssc7DY]http://youtu.be/U07A8ssc7DY[/video]
Top Photo Gear Episode 1 - "Flagships" (Nikon D4 vs. Olympus OM-D E-M1)

Very entertaining :bsmilie:

 

[Oly5050]

Video Link: http://youtu.be/U07A8ssc7DY
Top Photo Gear Episode 1 - "Flagships" (Nikon D4 vs. Olympus OM-D E-M1)

Very entertaining :bsmilie:

Excellent video!

 

[keithwee]

[video=youtube_share;U07A8ssc7DY]http://youtu.be/U07A8ssc7DY[/video]
Top Photo Gear Episode 1 - "Flagships" (Nikon D4 vs. Olympus OM-D E-M1)

Very entertaining :bsmilie:

made my morning haha. Good 10 mins spent

 

[Agrivar]

made my morning haha. Good 10 mins spent

Yep!! But true!

 

[JW73]

Of course I know how to hold a camera but the whole purpose of M43 is the smaller size and weight or else why would so many people switch from dslr to m43. It is very awkward to hold a heavy lens in a small body esp without a proper grip. It's even more difficult to hold if you are using the screen to shoot. The 12-50 and the 12-40 lens are 2 different animals so how to compare?

AF for EP5 is faster and better than EM5 esp in low light where EM5 can struggle and sometimes cannot even focus. EP5 never fails to focus. I prefer a built in flash over a EVF. I love the EP5 so much I eventually bought 3 sets.

EM1 is good but somehow it just take the fun and cool out of M43 systems. It is not much diff from a entry/mid level dslr in terms of size and weight. I also never like the idea of taking in/out the flash. I reckon most people don't really need it and would be better off with a Pen. I'm one of those suckers that is using it just to hold the kit lens that is god damn good

After 4 years with m4/3..I think IMHO m4/3 fixed lens are the best assets in the system. Great image quailty and small package.

 

[weekh]

you mean P35-100? if so, purple fringing will be there for high contrasty shots, and wide open. EM1 is able to correct in camera CA, but afaik only Oly lenses, even some previous Pen camera doesn't correct CA and you can see on bright primes rather easily like 17/1.8 & 75/1.8 once you shoot high contrasty situations. Likely the trend will continue so as to achieve a small enough yet digitally corrected lens. The best is possibly to post process (e.g Lightroom) to correct it, it seems.

I mean the lumix 12-35mm lens. Can't Olympus support lumix lenses? Purposely one.