Hi, I am not so familiar with flash adjustments, but I would be happy to have my OMD EM5 works with SB-900. Could you please give any tips how to set the camera and the flash up? Thanks!
TomTolentino
May 23, 2020 11:47 am
Hi, I shoot both street photography as a hobby and my kids taekwondo tournaments (they compete at a high level – Dad brag). I had pretty good luck with S-AF, but I do miss a few good shots and they are either soft or blurry. ( I have both the E-m5 Mark I & II) I was thinking of switching to C-AF for my street photography to test out.
Phil
May 19, 2020 7:05 am
Thanks for this review, I have found it really useful.
Agnieszka Chodzba
March 29, 2019 1:11 am
Hi, Thank you for a sensor focused review of EM-5. I will be very grateful if you will advise me the lenses for EM-5 which will help create depth, for portraits and macro? Or the features I should look for, while comparing the micro four thirds lenses? Thanks so much.
Malcolm
April 23, 2018 3:10 pm
Hi Nasim, Thanks the review. Well written and informative. It is a few years old now but that doesn’t make it any less informative. It appears you like the Olympus. As there has been a few new models come out, do you have any plans to review a OM-D EM-M10 Mark III? I am looking at this camera as a step up from my Olympus Tough TG-4 point and shoot. The high end DSLRs are out of my price range and looking for something for travel etc. From a number of reviews, it seems a toss up between the E-M5 Mark II and the E-M10 Mark III. Thanks
Ron Dewar
May 21, 2016 10:34 am
Hi Nasim, this post comes a few/several years after you wrote your review, but , I liked the pictures, I liked what you wrote about the camera, so I found one on eBay and personally I think its a delight to use. I have 3 Nikon DSLRs but sometimes I just want something light and easy to use. In fact I have two of the Olympus Pen lite models – but your review just hit me as exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to write these, much appreciated…and despite any of the other comments I liked the pictures! the only critics of my pictures are family, friends and me.
many thanks for all you do, love reading your posts!
Ron
Cedric
May 6, 2014 1:52 am
E-M5 is an expensive camera that is very fragile, where small parts are not in the right place. It will break just by using it normally (camera strap around the neck). EVF in particular. Please see the link below to find out how cheaply this camera is built : www.olympusomdem5-isatoy.co.nr/
Have had my E-M5 for 14 months now and not a single problem. Mine is built like a tank guess the guy in 91 had a bad one – a friday camera
karla
January 16, 2014 1:57 pm
Hello thank you for all your reviews, I am SO happy I found your webiste. I am torn between this camera and the olympus E-M5 to take pictures of everyday, particularly my kids. It did resonate a lot in the E-M5 review when you wrote about lots of moments where you wished you had your good camera. Which would you recommend? I love non heavy stuff, and I am not particularly fussed about the viewfinder. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Alis Dobler
August 9, 2013 11:37 am
Hi Nasim I discovered your website 3 days ago and spent many hours reading your reviews. I have only 1 word: WOW!!!
I’ve owned a Canon EOS400d vor 6 years now with a EF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5 lens. I shot everything with it. Back then I had no money so I made the best of it. Some pictures were great, some not so much. The biggest problem was the Autofocus for moving objects and performances in low light conditions. This cam gave me the opportunity to see that I’m serious about making great pictures with good IQ. Now I feel ready for something new.
I had a good look at the OM-D, read your review thoroughly and if it weren’t for my dogs I would buy it right away. Unfortunately I really like taking pictures of dogs while at work hence in motion (and I’m in motion too, so that’s a tough one). I decided to go for the Nikon D7100. I’m not a pro and rather invest the money in good lenses.
Thanks also for your reviews on prime lenses. In a few month I’ll get the Nikkor 70-200mm/f4 (f2.8 is just too heavy) but for now I decided go get some nice prime lenses to get started. I’ll get a 35mm f1.8 G, 50mm 1.8G an 85mm 1.8G. I think it’s best for my budget at the moment. Later I’ll probably get some wide angle and mid-range zoom too.
Anyway from now on I’ll check you website on a regular basic. I LOVE your pics and of course… did I say it?… your reviews ;-)
Greetings from Switzeland Alis
AlexRuiz
July 26, 2013 4:29 pm
Ha ha; no I am not trolling here. I guess I am bitter that paid close to $1K for it. Oh well.
I bought this camera based on the overwelmingly positive reviews. However, after owning it for a while, it just has not grown on me the way my Canon S100, or my Nikon D7000, which was later replaced by the D600. I have a business trip to London next month, and while I would like to bring the OM-D (along with Panasonic’s 14mm and 20mm), I am having second thoughts.
Anyhow, all I am saying is that the OM-D is a good camera, but I strongly feel it gets much more credit than it warrants. Yes, MY opinion.
yes.. $$$, but when cellphones first were ‘miniaturized’, they were very expensive. i remember seeing one of the first flip phones… i think it was back in the 80s ?.. it was $1200 here in canada. now you can get one for $50.. The camera companies are trying to get back their R&D investment in all this new mirrorless technology.. Smaller DOES COST MORE.. i’m considering a move from my d7000 to a smaller mirrorless, and i’m not crazy about the prices of the top of the line mirror less, but if people like us jump in at this point in history, we have to accept the gouging. (well, not REALLY too much gouging.. it DOES cost more to miniaturize… anyway. i understand the next OMD will have an advanced EVF… for myself, i am waiting for the OMD-EM6, the OMD-PRO, the Fuji x-pro2, or maybe this new lumix GX7.. or whatever comes out.. A camera is like a marriage.. your partner is not perfect, and if you learn to live with its shortcomings and find work-arounds with the issues, you will be happier… good luck, happy shooting… and enjoy your craft !!! and the rest of the summer too !
about the d7000.. funny, i have spoken to one photographer who told me the images on the OMD is PRETTY close to the d7000. even sometimes better !.. also read that in some posts on the web.. can you be more specific on comparing the 2 cameras. in other words, try to talk me out of changing my nikon for a small mirror less (i’m doing that cause most of my shooting is travelling the world, and i dont like lugging my camera with 18-200 lends ALL DAY.. and then theres the “OH MY.. YOU MUST BE A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER ” or “CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE A PICTURE OF US WITH YOUR FANCY CAMERA ?” lol, the last trip i took i had alot of comments.. but one guy i was with (with his OMD) was totally ignored by everyone.. he laughed .. his last trip was with a big canon setup… he says his pics are just find and he can take lots of street shots without being noticed… so that’s where i am Gracias ! and Buenos Dias (or however you spell that) s
I don’t believe DSLR’s get noticed any more than an iPhone or point and shoot camera. Truth is, DSLR’s are so common nowadays that nobody cares. I spent the afternoon at Millennium Park in Chicago last weekend, and every other tourist/visitor had a Canon Rebel or something similar. In my travels to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, my D7000 did not get any more attention than the average tourist taking pictures with their iPhone. Or at least I did not notice it.
I cannot do a head to head comparison D7000 vs. OM-D, as I no longer have the D7000 (replaced by the D600). What I will tell you, is that my experience shooting with the D7000 was much more enjoyable than with the OM-D. The image quality was marginally better, but the LCD was better, the View Finder was way better, the flash system was better, battery life was way better, dynamic range was better, and shallow DOF (a personal touch in my pictures) was more effective. But yes, it weighed 2x as much as the OMD.
I am not trying to talk you out of buying an OM-D. In fact, I encourage you to buy one and find out for yourself if it works for you. What I don’t recommend, however, is buying the battery grip, as it essentially doubles the bulk of the camera, and the benefits of miniaturization are gone.
And yes, lots of shooting this summer. Today, Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Hi, I am not so familiar with flash adjustments, but I would be happy to have my OMD EM5 works with SB-900. Could you please give any tips how to set the camera and the flash up? Thanks!
Hi, I shoot both street photography as a hobby and my kids taekwondo tournaments (they compete at a high level – Dad brag). I had pretty good luck with S-AF, but I do miss a few good shots and they are either soft or blurry. ( I have both the E-m5 Mark I & II) I was thinking of switching to C-AF for my street photography to test out.
Thanks for this review, I have found it really useful.
Hi,
Thank you for a sensor focused review of EM-5.
I will be very grateful if you will advise me the lenses for EM-5 which will help create depth, for portraits and macro? Or the features I should look for, while comparing the micro four thirds lenses?
Thanks so much.
Hi Nasim,
Thanks the review. Well written and informative. It is a few years old now but that doesn’t make it any less informative. It appears you like the Olympus.
As there has been a few new models come out, do you have any plans to review a OM-D EM-M10 Mark III?
I am looking at this camera as a step up from my Olympus Tough TG-4 point and shoot. The high end DSLRs are out of my price range and looking for something for travel etc.
From a number of reviews, it seems a toss up between the E-M5 Mark II and the E-M10 Mark III.
Thanks
Hi Nasim,
this post comes a few/several years after you wrote your review, but , I liked the pictures, I liked what you wrote about the camera, so I found one on eBay and personally I think its a delight to use. I have 3 Nikon DSLRs but sometimes I just want something light and easy to use. In fact I have two of the Olympus Pen lite models – but your review just hit me as exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to write these, much appreciated…and despite any of the other comments I liked the pictures! the only critics of my pictures are family, friends and me.
many thanks for all you do, love reading your posts!
Ron
E-M5 is an expensive camera that is very fragile, where small parts are not in the right place. It will break just by using it normally (camera strap around the neck). EVF in particular.
Please see the link below to find out how cheaply this camera is built :
www.olympusomdem5-isatoy.co.nr/
Have had my E-M5 for 14 months now and not a single problem. Mine is built like a tank guess the guy in 91 had a bad one – a friday camera
Hello
thank you for all your reviews, I am SO happy I found your webiste.
I am torn between this camera and the olympus E-M5 to take pictures of everyday, particularly my kids. It did resonate a lot in the E-M5 review when you wrote about lots of moments where you wished you had your good camera.
Which would you recommend?
I love non heavy stuff, and I am not particularly fussed about the viewfinder. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Nasim
I discovered your website 3 days ago and spent many hours reading your reviews. I have only 1 word: WOW!!!
I’ve owned a Canon EOS400d vor 6 years now with a EF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5 lens. I shot everything with it. Back then I had no money so I made the best of it. Some pictures were great, some not so much. The biggest problem was the Autofocus for moving objects and performances in low light conditions. This cam gave me the opportunity to see that I’m serious about making great pictures with good IQ. Now I feel ready for something new.
I had a good look at the OM-D, read your review thoroughly and if it weren’t for my dogs I would buy it right away. Unfortunately I really like taking pictures of dogs while at work hence in motion (and I’m in motion too, so that’s a tough one). I decided to go for the Nikon D7100. I’m not a pro and rather invest the money in good lenses.
Thanks also for your reviews on prime lenses. In a few month I’ll get the Nikkor 70-200mm/f4 (f2.8 is just too heavy) but for now I decided go get some nice prime lenses to get started. I’ll get a 35mm f1.8 G, 50mm 1.8G an 85mm 1.8G. I think it’s best for my budget at the moment. Later I’ll probably get some wide angle and mid-range zoom too.
Anyway from now on I’ll check you website on a regular basic. I LOVE your pics and of course… did I say it?… your reviews ;-)
Greetings from Switzeland
Alis
Ha ha; no I am not trolling here. I guess I am bitter that paid close to $1K for it. Oh well.
I bought this camera based on the overwelmingly positive reviews. However, after owning it for a while, it just has not grown on me the way my Canon S100, or my Nikon D7000, which was later replaced by the D600. I have a business trip to London next month, and while I would like to bring the OM-D (along with Panasonic’s 14mm and 20mm), I am having second thoughts.
Anyhow, all I am saying is that the OM-D is a good camera, but I strongly feel it gets much more credit than it warrants. Yes, MY opinion.
yes.. $$$, but when cellphones first were ‘miniaturized’, they were very expensive. i remember seeing one of the first flip phones… i think it was back in the 80s ?.. it was $1200 here in canada. now you can get one for $50.. The camera companies are trying to get back their R&D investment in all this new mirrorless technology.. Smaller DOES COST MORE.. i’m considering a move from my d7000 to a smaller mirrorless, and i’m not crazy about the prices of the top of the line mirror less, but if people like us jump in at this point in history, we have to accept the gouging. (well, not REALLY too much gouging.. it DOES cost more to miniaturize…
anyway. i understand the next OMD will have an advanced EVF… for myself, i am waiting for the OMD-EM6, the OMD-PRO, the Fuji x-pro2, or maybe this new lumix GX7.. or whatever comes out..
A camera is like a marriage.. your partner is not perfect, and if you learn to live with its shortcomings and find work-arounds with the issues, you will be happier…
good luck, happy shooting… and enjoy your craft !!!
and the rest of the summer too !
about the d7000.. funny, i have spoken to one photographer who told me the images on the OMD is PRETTY close to the d7000. even sometimes better !.. also read that in some posts on the web..
can you be more specific on comparing the 2 cameras. in other words, try to talk me out of changing my nikon for a small mirror less
(i’m doing that cause most of my shooting is travelling the world, and i dont like lugging my camera with 18-200 lends ALL DAY.. and then theres the “OH MY.. YOU MUST BE A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER ” or “CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE A PICTURE OF US WITH YOUR FANCY CAMERA ?” lol, the last trip i took i had alot of comments.. but one guy i was with (with his OMD) was totally ignored by everyone.. he laughed .. his last trip was with a big canon setup… he says his pics are just find and he can take lots of street shots without being noticed… so that’s where i am
Gracias ! and Buenos Dias (or however you spell that)
s
I don’t believe DSLR’s get noticed any more than an iPhone or point and shoot camera. Truth is, DSLR’s are so common nowadays that nobody cares. I spent the afternoon at Millennium Park in Chicago last weekend, and every other tourist/visitor had a Canon Rebel or something similar. In my travels to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, my D7000 did not get any more attention than the average tourist taking pictures with their iPhone. Or at least I did not notice it.
I cannot do a head to head comparison D7000 vs. OM-D, as I no longer have the D7000 (replaced by the D600). What I will tell you, is that my experience shooting with the D7000 was much more enjoyable than with the OM-D. The image quality was marginally better, but the LCD was better, the View Finder was way better, the flash system was better, battery life was way better, dynamic range was better, and shallow DOF (a personal touch in my pictures) was more effective. But yes, it weighed 2x as much as the OMD.
I am not trying to talk you out of buying an OM-D. In fact, I encourage you to buy one and find out for yourself if it works for you. What I don’t recommend, however, is buying the battery grip, as it essentially doubles the bulk of the camera, and the benefits of miniaturization are gone.
And yes, lots of shooting this summer. Today, Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Cheers,
Alex