Poll: Will you get a grip for your new OM-D E-M5?

[Mikefellh]

I bought the grip when I bought the body only kit almost a month ago.

For me while I was used to OM sized SLRs before the E-1 came out, the bulkiness of dSLRs since have ruined me and I just feel more comfortable with a (slightly) larger camera. Anyway the last SLR I used (for 20 years) had a bulge which could be used as a grip, so it just made sense to buy the grip at the same time I bought the camera since it was in stock.

As for price, it's only $30 more than the E-3 grip, and considering the grip splits, that's worth the added expense.

The thing that those of you balking at the price may not know about, if you have a battery in the camera and one in the grip, you can tell the camera which battery to use first...so you can keep using the one in the grip and swapping that one out, while leaving the one in the camera unused thereby saving you the hassle of having to remove the grip every time to change the battery (unless you use that one up too of course).

 

[ageha]

I bought the grip when I bought the body only kit almost a month ago.

For me while I was used to OM sized SLRs before the E-1 came out, the bulkiness of dSLRs since have ruined me and I just feel more comfortable with a (slightly) larger camera. Anyway the last SLR I used (for 20 years) had a bulge which could be used as a grip, so it just made sense to buy the grip at the same time I bought the camera since it was in stock.

As for price, it's only $30 more than the E-3 grip, and considering the grip splits, that's worth the added expense.

The thing that those of you balking at the price may not know about, if you have a battery in the camera and one in the grip, you can tell the camera which battery to use first...so you can keep using the one in the grip and swapping that one out, while leaving the one in the camera unused thereby saving you the hassle of having to remove the grip every time to change the battery (unless you use that one up too of course).

Actually you don't even need to put a battery into the camera body, grip only makes the whole thing a tad lighter and more comfortable to swap batteries.

 

[NiVleK]

I bought the grip when I bought the body only kit almost a month ago.

For me while I was used to OM sized SLRs before the E-1 came out, the bulkiness of dSLRs since have ruined me and I just feel more comfortable with a (slightly) larger camera. Anyway the last SLR I used (for 20 years) had a bulge which could be used as a grip, so it just made sense to buy the grip at the same time I bought the camera since it was in stock.

As for price, it's only $30 more than the E-3 grip, and considering the grip splits, that's worth the added expense.

The thing that those of you balking at the price may not know about, if you have a battery in the camera and one in the grip, you can tell the camera which battery to use first...so you can keep using the one in the grip and swapping that one out, while leaving the one in the camera unused thereby saving you the hassle of having to remove the grip every time to change the battery (unless you use that one up too of course).

Is It not very wise to keep a battery inside always charge and nv had any discharging cycles?

 

[Oly5050]

Is It not very wise to keep a battery inside always charge and nv had any discharging cycles?

I think mike is thinking abt hours to days and not months to years of leaving the battery inside.....

 

[ageha]

I think mike is thinking abt hours to days and not months to years of leaving the battery inside.....

I still don't see a point putting a battery in the body, it's annoying to swap.

 

[Oly5050]

I still don't see a point putting a battery in the body, it's annoying to swap.

Well, if you wanna shoot 800-1000 shots without having to change battery, than you better have a second battery in the camera. But if you dun want, sure...just use the grip with one battery. The camera gives you options...

Grip with 2 batteries
Grip with battery in camera
Grip with battery in grip

If I want DSLR level type of battery tolerance, I would put both batteries in. After exhausting all, I can still do a quick swap of the grip battery. Later on when there is more time, you can swap out the camera battery. I really dun see the problem here and considering how I hated to remove the battery cover to install the grip for the E3 and E5, this is a god send. In any case, I dun think Olympus manufactured this camera to perform at the highest pro-level in all ways where even you get to store 2 batteries in the grip. I am so glad that it is modular, that I dun have to take out the battery cover. I would not place any annoyance on the design or the camera and grip.

 

[ageha]

Well, if you wanna shoot 800-1000 shots without having to change battery, than you better have a second battery in the camera.

:-D How long does it take to swap the battery in the grip? 5 seconds? ;-) Anyway, doesn't really matter. :*)

 

[Oly5050]

:-D How long does it take to swap the battery in the grip? 5 seconds? ;-) Anyway, doesn't really matter. :*)

I see...yah lar...if you have no need for 2nd or backup battery and your grip is on nearly all the time, then, just use the battery in the grip. For me, I only use the grip without the battery holder. I have not changed battery for more than 1 week.

 

[dereth]

:-D How long does it take to swap the battery in the grip? 5 seconds? ;-) Anyway, doesn't really matter. :*)

Seconds.

Yes.

I just tried.

 

[Rurouni]

Even though I am not an OM-D user (yet!) when I tried the cam I think the ergonomics are very similar to something like my old Nikon FE. So for casual walkabout shoots with a m43 lens I don't really see a need for a grip as it bulks up the whole system.

However, to cover events and location shoots, the vertical grip would be certainly useful especially when using a larger lens. Will be keen to see more folks using this camera for commercial shoots as I think the CDAF has really come a long way.

 

[zapp!]

Still waiting for 3rd party manufacturers to come out with a grip only, no need battery compartment...

 

[Mikefellh]

You mean like the one on this page:
Fun with the Olympus OMD - Page 7 - The GetDPI Photography Forums

 

[nedy77]

I will not ge the grip as the main intention for me to get this camera is for its size and weight. If its big, I'd rather stick to my dslr

 

[subisisniki]

Same here for me

I will not ge the grip as the main intention for me to get this camera is for its size and weight. If its big, I'd rather stick to my dslr

 

[napalmdog]

even with a grip, it is still smaller and lighter than a similar-featured DSLR. the great thing about the grip is that you can go big or small or in-between. up to you and your use for that day. travelling? dont use it. out for a long photoshoot? a grip and extra batt life will be handy.

if you have a mid-size DSLR, you are stuck with it, no options.

 

[ayuready]

any one know where to get the grip at good price??

called slrr no stock

Thanks a lot for the kind help

 

[-120-]

Not sure about Singapore, but just back from Hongkong, stocks are bountiful there selling at HKD1890 - S$315.

 

[chindaryl]

i would not get the grip.... spent $$ on lenses better... hehee

 

[st3v4nt]

To those who occasionally use 4/3 zoom lens like I do, having an option to use the grip really help.
Yes it's a bit expensive but it's worth the money spend.

 

[theITguy]

Use lens like 100-300 and the upcoming 35-100 is already very useful.

Yes it comes with a price.