Olympus’s EM1 mk1 Why Choose a Used one in 2021
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Video & stills Shot on: Olympus EM1mk2 body & Olympus 17mm f1.8 lens
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I got two E-M-5 this year and I am happy. Been a photographer since 69. Am I stepping down, no, just letting heavy stuff go and still have quality.
It’s more than amazing that Olympus brought full electronic shutter to the E-M1 with a single firmware upgrade!
I still ❤ my Olympus gear in 2024. OMD EM5 mark II, OMD EM1, OMD EM1X, 17mm 1.8 25mm 1.2, 12mm f/2, 75mm 1.8,
12-40 2.8 Pro, 40-150 2.8 Pro.
This is exactly what we did for my wife. She shoots an OMD EM1 (mk1) with battery grip and the Olympus ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO.
Just picked up the same setup. How does the 12-40 pro perform on the ‘em mki? Just ordered the lens on Amazon…
@@markscott4059 it's great and she loves it.
Just got a EM1 Mk i from MPB Wednesday. "Excellent" condition. 264 quid. It has a yellow blob in the viewfinder right in the view. Camera mechanics and electronics seem great and cosmetic condition pretty good but viewfinder blob is a deal breaker. It's yellow. How did a yellow blob get inside that viewfinder?! Bummer.
@@markscott4059 it perform really great as it was released with the mk1 when it came out. I use it on both my mk1 & Mk3 and it's great on both !
This is my favorite Kombi too
I only really got into OM-D EM-1 at the start of the year. After a couple of false starts from MPB (a camera that was badly graded, secondly a camera that had a serious shutter fault), the third time is a charm and I'm now finally getting to grips with it. What a cracking little device, and it's got all the customisation I could want on it. Not that I'm like to use half of it, I tend to find a basic set-up and stick to it, only exploring extras as I find I need them.
For m4/3 lenses I just started off with the Panasonic 14-45 and the 45-150, not expecting miracles from them, but they aquit themselves well.
Funnily enough, all my DSLR purchases have been made on the basis of how many legacy and vintage lenses they take with adapters.
My Canon 10D and 5Dii, the Nikon D600, and my various Pentaxes are all backwards compatible with the drawers of legacy glass I've got stashed away.
just picked up an E-M1, 45mm 1.8, 25mm 1/7, for about £380 on eBay. Marvellous.
I hope you enjoy it. I’m still using mine and love it. My E-M1 is totally beaten up and looking highly abused but it keeps on working and keeps on being a joy to use. I was using it today for a pre shoot before a job next week. The 45mm is just awesome…just awesome! (Yes, I did mean to say that twice, it’s that good). I’ll admit that I’ve gone off the lumix 25mm 1.7 due to its focus breathing issues compared to the 25mm f1.8 Olympus but for the price both new and used……it’s difficult to really complain about, the Olympus is twice the price.
I bought one this yes and i m loving the camera!!! Cant wait to start learning more photography with it!!!!
I've got my EM-10 mark3 damaged somehow during a holiday trip in Spain. I found my EM1 mk1 in Barcelona with a mzuiko 12-50, and I'm very happy. I saw this video today, and now I'm happier even..
thank you, from Uruguay
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy using yours
This is an absolutely excellent episode. Watching it for the second time now.
Been waiting for this em1 classic.
thank you brian i was trying to get the mk2 and struggling but this convinced me to get the mk 1 to get me out and shooting
I love your no no nsense down to earth honesty 😉
7:51 The 5 axis in-body image stabilisation on the EM1 or even the EM10 mark ii is great. Can even be used in legacy manual lenses if you enter the focal length in the menu.
Got mine from MPB at Xmas - mint condition, unmarked, boxed, shutter count of around 800. Traded my GX7 towards it - and in the round my EM-1 MKI body cost me about £150. It’s fantastic - the best camera I’ve owned (apart from my old D70s) and most of all I really, really enjoy using it. Ergonomics, VF and features are top notch and more than I’ll probably ever need. I use legacy glass so don’t need the latest AF, and don’t shoot video at all. The firmware updates have really helped, especially the Super Control Menu which really helps usability. I’m sure the MKII and MKIII are good and I’ll likely get one of them in future (for better low light performance) but I’ll let someone else take the depreciation hit first 😀
You beat me on value for money ! I got a used Mk1, not quite immaculate, for £190 a few months back. With the latest firmware installed the image quality and features appear to make it slightly better than the E-M5 mark II, plus it has the benefits of being a pro-built body. Second-hand grip for about £30 plus I already have a number of MFT lenses; E-M1 mark 1 is an under-rated gem of a camera
Very informative video. I bought a new Silver version in 2016. Still very happy with the image quality using either the Olympus 12 to 45 or the Panasonic Leica 12mm, for superb landscape images.
The 12-60 with the splashproof adapter is a great choice
Thinking of an EM1 Mk1 to go with my EM10iis that I really like lots and lots. There are quite a few EM1 Mk1s around as of August 2022.
Uniqueness is the gem 💎 of these older cameras. Recently quite a few Fujifilm users are seeking the older gems that shoot with personality. The older Fujifilm cameras have rose in price recently.
Well Brian, that was a really interesting video as I have exactly the system you showed excepting the grip. I can confirm everything you said, including the megapixel comments. I use the EM-1 a lot for bike touring around where I live here in Germany and it's unbeatable for shot quality and, for a cyclist, weight. I also have an Olympus OM-3 at 10mp which I use a lot, but complete with battery grip it weighs so much I need a bloody hand cart to move it around. I have no issues with the 10mp limitation and can't see much difference with the EM-1. I just need to keep up the weightlifting training.....
its the glass and the shooter that makes the difference!!!!!!! you nailed the review! i still use it and feel it lacking only in birds in flight continuous focusing. use 17, 45 and 75mm all f1.8 and 12-40 and 40-150 f2.8 simply magical
I love the older Olympus models. Got my like new em-1 with battery grip for $299 delivered and a like new em-5with weather sealed 12-50 zoom for $298 delivered, both with a 3 digit shutter count. Be tough to find any other pro grade camera from another brand for prices like this. Love that a firmware update can add features. Good review.
Brian, this is a great post. Part of the secret to its value is the information about the software upgrades. In camera focus bracketing and staking are very valuable features. Without this video, I would not know they are available. Thanks!
Just picked one of these up and loving it! I’m in the process of collecting the Sigma 1.4 trio for it :) if you’er worried about it being small or toy like, don’t. I’ve always used big pro bodies (I used to shoot sports for the papers in the UK) and the Olympus feels just as nice. It has a very solid build and all the controls are well layer out for quick operation. It’s stupidly cheap for what it is and everything this guy says in the video is spot on.
My E-M1 cost me around GBP 179 (at current exchange rate) with the MMF-2 adapter in a really nice condition with the original packaging and manuals. It was someone's backup body and had around 10k shutter actuations. Use it exclusively with the legacy 4/3 lenses and it's more than adequate for my needs, but I really prefer the colour output of the original E-1 (especially from that CCD) and the E-3 compared to the E-M1.
Just got in from a visit to the beach after using mine. Had mine for six years and it still looks new. I think I paid around £450 for it from MPB.
Great video - SO helpful in trying to decide which model to get! Thank you :-)
Glad it was helpful!
Mpb are currently offering good condition EM1s for £179. I know this because I ordered one today! Keep up the good work.
This video was very timely. I’ve been considering downsizing from FF to M43 but I’m having difficulty getting my head around the idea. I just found a used E-M1 with 9.9k activations for $450 CDN (about 280#s) including the 14-40 kit lens. To preface, my nephew gave me his old Lumix GF1 with 12 megapixel sensor and the 20 mm kit lens awhile back. I’ve been having a blast using it but wanted better ergonomics. Upon viewing your review I thought “what a brilliant idea, try to find a good used E-M1”, and I did. This gives me the best of both worlds. If I find that my Canon 5d Mk iv and various L lenses is collecting dust due to lack of use, I can sell it off, upgrade my M43 system further and have plenty of cash to put in my pocket. The ideal will be to add some good lens choices to the kit. Once again “brilliant”, thanks for the inspiration.
P.S. I love your “no lens shaming” approach as well.
I think exactly like you. I Have m1 and m2. For video gh4 and gh5. Olympus for video ok, but incomplete. However my first videomaker work I made with the omd em1 m1 and they are good. The Olympus istogram it is very useful because it return two readings, ambientlight and subject
I got mine new in 2014, it was one of those ripped apart sets that were sold without lens or the battery grip which you got then as a deal. It was 800 Euros then and I actually bought from a dealer in the UK which still was easily possible before Brexit. I don't do video and I'm really happy with thet camera. I got me the battery grip later and that was really an upgrade. I would like to have the second card slot but not that badly to pay the same money I paid for a new Mk. 1 for a used Mk. 2. Maybe if the rumored new M43 sensor is out prices will drop again and I can convince myself to buying one. Thanks for sharing your thoughts , Brian.
I paid way more than that for mine in 2013. I still have it in 2022 and it has been from Detroit to Florida to California and again to Japan , Philippines and Singapore all Without a single hiccup... EVER. I have the Superb 45mm lens along with a 12mm manual fish eye and the kit lens. Love Love Love it and also have the identical internals EPL5 camera which is a great pocket camera with any pancake lens. Thanks for the great video. I help feed some kids in the Philippines so no coffee from me but Thanks for taking the time to make this show. by the way my Ancestors are from southern Scotland, is that where you are? if so then you have a lot of relatives here in the Appalachian mountains and you are welcome here anytime.
I'm happy with my two em1s with the 16 megapixel sensor. Please do a comparative video of the 16mps and 20mps sensors and particularly interested to hear advantages of sticking to 16mps. Thanks
Very good advice on a fine video. I've never felt the need to "upgrade" from my G85 and GX85 with their 16 MP sensors. Of course, I have other cameras when I want a lot of resolution, but these cameras have never let me down. The images are great, and the cameras are a joy to use. For those on a budget, this is golden advice.
Gx85 I consider a down grade
I've been looking at used GH3 to start my budget build.
Great video Brian. I was very lucky to pick up a lightly used mint EM1 classic for just a little over 100 GBP equivalent here Down under. I was an EM5 classic user for the better part of 5 years and absolutely loved that camera till it sadly died on me after a long life of taking photos around the world. Then I picked up my used EM1 classic and I was actually really impressed with how well built and how great it handles. It feels much superior in the hand and damn that EVF is a true pleasure to compose my shots with.
I fully agree with you in that it's a wonderful starting camera for those who don't have the biggest budget yet want great results. Though it's an 8 year old system I'm still going to be recommending it to others who begin their journey with photography. I know I'll definitely have mine for some years to come!
That’s an absolute bargain price. Nice one
8 /8 /21 Hi Brian, I own the Olympus EM1 Mk1, EM5 Mk1, and the EM10 Mk2. They are all great cameras, but if I had to choose my preference it would be the EM 10 Mk2, then the EM 1 Mk1, then the EM 5 Mk1. I have the battery grip for the EM 1 and EM 5 which I like because of the extra battery and button controls. The EM 1 and EM 5 use the same battery size and the EM10 Mk2 a slightly longer one, wish they all were the same. Like the fact I can use Kit lenses 14-42, 40-150 that autofocus and sys with the camera body, Plus being able to use my Olympus OM film lenses in manual with focus peaking as if I were shooting film.
Just picked one up a nice copy today for less than $300 Canadian which is very cheap considering the price of used gear here in Canada. I’m very happy with that price for such a great camera. Can’t wait to use it.
Enjoy
I bought one too. Absolutely fantastic if you are not a pixel peeper! Have a Lumix G6 too and can used my 3 lenses on both cameras.
So many features it will keep you occupied forever, but can be used from the get-go by anyone. Such quality had me gasping when I unpacked it!
Check out the Kowa 6mm or the Azure 6.5 mm F2. Both fully cover the sensor in video mode on the GH4 and come v close on Oly cameras
It’s certainly a beautiful compact camera I dipped my toe into Olympus 4/3 system with a used OMD-em5mkII and was really impressed with the quality size and weight I just purchased a used 17mm f2.8 pancake lens which after reading poor reviews on it I wasn’t expecting a great deal from it. Shortly after I picked up a used OMD-EM 1 MK1 at a great price with battery grip and started collect a set of primes a superb pieces of optical quality. Great review I’ve just subscribed 😊👍🏼
To clarify that micro 4/3 four thirds are older and cheap great fun for ccd sensors
thanks brian
I shoot with a gx80 day in day out. Its a quality camera with all the features i need.
Also you made me overthink my plans to buy a lumix g91🤔
3:31. That version of the 14-42mm zoom is probably better than the EZ pancake version because the EZ one seems to break all the time. At least both of mine did. They came with the camera kits.
Got mine, almost brand new for less than 150 pounds (in my home country, Norway) a great cam. Still have lots of mft-lenses which I never sold after buying into Sony FF-system, to be honest an “old” A7 rll, which I also love, paired with Samyang small’s.
Never buy new cameras, and like to be in several systems.
Whay aye man from Australia ..... good on ya from a fellow Geordie
What ye deeeing upside doon mate?
i still have my Em1 and its a fantastic camera even in 2021. For a lightweight travel cam when you are going to be sweating it out walking trails in tropical heat, I don't want my full frame kit with me. I want a light camera and lens that weighs next to nothing :)
Can only agree with you - I have used mine for almost 8 years. However, since mk II and especially after mk III came on the market, I have gone and sighed for an upgrade, but the need has not been big enough for the expense (according to my wife), but since I am (too much) a pixel peeper, I have not been happy to go over ISO 800 - until I became aware of DxO PureRaw, so now I go up to ISO 3200 without any problems.
When the money is there, I buy a mk IV with an 8-25 mm. and my wife 'inherits' my mk I with the 12-40 mm.
In addition to that I have an 'old' 4/3 7-14 mm. F: 4.0, and in m4/3 a 75-300 mm., 45 mm. and 75 mm. both F: 1.8 so we are well covered.
I do not make videos and my wife uses her iPhone for it so everything is as it should be.
Consider adding the Topaz DeNoise product which cleans up that grainy noise issue - This ability to have crystal clear photos is a game change for micro 4'3rds!
I use DXO Pure RAW. it's fantastic
Great video mate 👏
Thanks
Got mine from MPB a few weeks ago. Still learning everything it can do. Surprised by the quality of the images, love the touch screen to take pictures. I have an auto 110 pentax lens, f2.8 with an adapter, looks cool on the body and actually makes very good images, but that lens is manual focus only. Subbed.
How do you like the video?
I've been using the MK I from since it's launch. It's a good camera but one thing that want me to replace it is the focusing system.
The biggest drawback of the e-m1 mk 1 is and always has been the phase detect system which only works with the 4/3 lenses not the m43 lenses. Was a bit of kop out when Olympus did that as the adapters with 4/3 lenses were never great. Other than that though, the mk 1 was and is still a great camera. Also for me if I was going to get a lens for it I'd probably get the old 12-50 macro lens as it's weather sealed :)
I just started photography last winter (Nov 2021) I bought the E-M1 Mark 1 with the 40-150 zoom and 45mm prime. I just got a 75mm and the image quality from that lens is amazing.
The 75mm f1.8 Olympus lens is astounding. It is super sharp and the contrast awesome. Great choice.
I use the EM-1 Mark One too, in 2024, I bought the Hld-7 for 6 Euro at MPB in mint Condition, My camera i have bought for 210 in mint condition with 2000 Shots, So i have a professionell Camera Setup for 400 Euro with 50mm 1.7. Great Quality and great nice Pictures. The Photographer make the Picture 😉
Just love it that your "Micro 4/3 guy intro features a Canon camera. ;-)
Oh yes, I cannot forget my roots lol. I’m actually surprised that with over 400 videos on line with that title you are the very first to mention it .
Comforting video for somebody who yesterday sold his last Fujifilm camera and two lenses to MPB in exchange for an EM1 mk1 an a 12-40mm f2.8 PRO and money back :-). I never shoot video an the resolution on my to most used cameras (Canon 5D and Nikon D700) is 12 megapixel 😊
I had a em10II, but wanted more bells and whistles and a better grip, so I’ve shipped it + a 9mm body cap lens off to MPB in trade for a em1I in excellent condition. If all goes well, I’ll only be out $64! 😁 I appreciate your approach to gear-it is so refreshing to have someone like you who believes that we don’t need to spend a ton of money to get good camera gear. Knowing how to use the gear you have makes more of a difference in your pics than the gear itself.
$64? Did it go well?b
Enjoyed the video - I always like the reviews of older kit as it offers so much better value for money than new tech. I'm on my second E-M1 (the first developed a fault that Olympus tried to fix but couldn't - I had no hesitation in buying a replacement E-M1) and I've honestly been pleasantly surprised by the video output. You may not have the high degree of parameter setting you'd really like but I'd encourage anyone thinking about video work to give it a try. Personally, I think the video side is better than most reviews suggest.
Agreed
I curious about video capabilities of the em1 mark 1 after the updated firmware, especially about the af is it good? Does it utillized the pdaf or only cdaf?
I have printed some 16x20 inch posters from my old EM5 mk1 and I was totally happy with the print. 16MP is enough for most of us.
No one wants to your dong that big....😂
Yeah, mamy people don't realise what level of quality is available relatively cheap these days. Having said that, Mk II gets cheaper, I managed to find new + 2.8 pro lens for 1.2kEuros, that's not too bad 🙂 It will be a great companion for Z5. One other big advantage of the 1 series is PDAF: one can use classic 4/3 lenses like 14-54. It was one of the main reason to look for one in my case. I can bring this great lens back to life again, I can also check how 40-150 3.5-4.5 holds after 18 years. I remember I was very happy with it back then. If you have 14-54 of 12-60 by chance, maybe you could consider making video about them? On the battery front, MK2 is jus so much more convenient with a bigger battery + mk2 does have FW updates from the X.
I bought one about a year ago. About 25000 clicks on it, no visual damage. Even the hot shoe cover was present. I paid €225. It will still be my second camera. And the camera to take to places with extra risks. But I'm really curious to see how my mark III that'll be delivered after the weekend will perform. I do have some challenges with the autofocus system in the E-M1. I'm still really happy that I chose this camera last year, because it still is a great camera (and yes, much better IQ than the Nikon 1 J5 with 25MP sensor that is about the same age)
Great content. While I understand what you are getting at as to the low cost of a decent camera and lens I think you accidentally got a little confusing there on mixing the guys $400 budget with the under $300 theme of your video. When you added the second lens it went over the $300 limit, but stayed in his $400 budget. I think most people figured I out though. I enjoy your channel!
Got mine a month ago for around 200 with vertical grip included. A very nice camera indeed, and only 11000 shutter count
Absolute bargain. Enjoy it
For anyone who thinks that 16MP is a problem... consider how many pros use the iPhone 12 which is brand new and only 12MP! That's 33% fewer pixels to the Olympus! The 16MP sensor is a bit old, but 16MP with no low pass is really good and the current Olympus PEN in the US/LATAM market is still on that sensor for brand new PENs and only replaced on the top of the line PEN this month in the UK to the 20MP (but that's a $1000+ PEN!)
I need only 4-6 Mpix to make excellent prints at 70x50 cm size.
It all depends do I get photo properly captured (sharp, properly frame, exposure proper for final image etc).
But if I need to crop because I don't have ie 150 mm as I have only 75 mm then I need that 12-16Mpix.
MPB is a major dealer in the USA as well. I use them to get my Olympus gear as well! I'm not based in the States, but I buy from the USA store and then ship to LATAM as we have no dealers here. But they are great to use on both sides of the pond and have the best selection of Oly M.Zuiko lenses for sure.
Thanks for that info. I didn’t realise the worked both sides.
@@ThatMicro43Guy Yeah, from what I can tell they are one of the big two over in the US. MPB and KEH. KEH seems to have more overall, but MPB seems to be really strong in Olympus gear. The prices and service are great. I bought a new body and three lenses from them just this week. Now I just have to fly to the States to pick them up, lol.
For holiday stuff, consider an Olympus PEN E-PL8 or E-PL9 which have the same sensor, are a little newer, will let you share lenses with the Mk1 but are so much smaller, lighter and easy to keep safe on vacation (and so much easier to replace if stolen.)
Yes, but they only have 3-axis image stabilisation, not 5-axis of the E-M1
@@cmartin_ok good point, that bit sucks for sure.
Wealth of info, getting it!
I’m really impressed that you do many videos outdoors. I feel so shy to speak to the camera in public, I can only get a few words out. I feel comfortable making videos in my house, and adding clips from outside. Does it get easier with practice, I hope?
Hi April, I tend to void places where there are lots of people as, like you, I get shy doing pieces to camera in front of people. However, yes it does get easier with practice. My biggest problem where I live is the bad weather stopping me from getting out.
I’ve watched a few of your videos too. All you need to do is transfer what you currently do to somewhere outdoors and it will work out great. Don’t try to change your style to suit the environment you are in.
Don't overlook the 12-50 as a budget kit lens and a good match for the E-M1. It has macro capabilities, and it's weather-sealed. You might want to start off with the 25mm and/or 45mm f1.8 primes instead of one of those kit zooms. It's good to learn to zoom with your feet, and fast primes have other advantages too.
I have a whole range of lenses, but my 12-40 and 40-150mm f2.8 PRO lenses do get the most use. If I could only have one general purpose lens, it would probably be that 12-40. It's so versatile and so sharp, and it gets pretty close to a standard portrait focal length. It's fast enough to get some background separation as well. If you can fit it into your budget, it's absolutely worth the price on the used market, as is the 40-150 f2.8.
Great suggestion. I've made outstanding prints from MFT 16MP cameras, both Olympus and Panasonic, unless you're zooming in 200% and pixel-peeping, can't tell the difference between shots take with full frame. Look no further than E-M1 mk1
Very good analysis Brian. I have the E-M1 Mkll, and two E-M1 Mk1's all with grips (my wife still has my old E-M5 Mkl w/grip and loves that camera). Prior to the Covid nonsense I was shooting professionally, but have since decided to retire from pro work. That said, I have photographed all kinds of weddings, portraits, and mostly corporate events with those two E-M1 Mkl's, and they have produced outstanding results that all of my clients were thrilled with. I used the Mkll for about a year and loved it, however, I must say that even though I love the articulating LCD on the Mkll, I found the old E-M1 Mkl 'flipping' LCD to be better for event work -- if you need to grab a quick high or low angle shot, the flipping screen is instant vs the slower 'flip and twist screen'. To your point about the pricing, the E-M1 Mkl is currently an outstanding, pro quality camera that is dirt cheap (as long as one doesn't feel the need for the dual card slots). Thanks for the excellent video.
Yes, there are a few times I’ve noticed that the tilt/swivel screen can be slower and more fiddly. I also tend to worry that it’s more vulnerable when extended compared to the tilt screen on the mk1
@@ThatMicro43Guy
I have a Mk 1 and a Mk 3. Lots of things to love about the Mk 3, but that swivel screen is my least favourite feature. I think cameras have gone that way to cater for video shooters and vloggers, but for street shooting the true waist-level screen on the Mk 1 can't be beat.
It's always about quality glass because for 95% of you 10 megapixeles is all you need for a decent A3 print. Having said that I'd go with the EM5 Mark ii for everyday camera because it's smaller, has most of the features of the EM1 Mark I and the build quality, all magnesium alloy plus weather sealing and image stabilisation makes it ideal tool.
I have a few prime Nikon lenses, manual focus AI-S lenses and AF-D lenses with aperture ring. What would be a good adapter to adapt these lenses on to EM1?
The three features that I am looking for are focus peeking for manual focusing, focus bracketing and live time.
Do I need to update the firmware for the EM1 Mk1 to get these 3 features?
yeah , since Canon 5D mk1 , 1/8000 Flash sync , when i hear 1/360 , its like give me a break . But it will do for most things in studio , but it wont do outside , you are stuck with available light , does anyone know if EM1 has HSS flash with external flash .
nice one
Greetings from the U.S.! I could not agree with you more about this camera. A friend of mine wanted something new for his hobby of astrophotography, and decided on a Canon system. To help pay for it, he sold me his EM-1, the 12-40 f2.8 Pro lens, the 40-150 f4-5.6, and an HLD-7 battery grip along with 8 batteries and other accessories, all for $600 USD (442 pounds). The body only had about 2500 clicks on it. I love this camera, especially how well it is made. I was a bit concerned about the single card slot on this model, but came up with an inexpensive solution. I found another EM-1 body, like new in box, with 400 clicks on it which I was able to buy off of eBay for $240 USD (177 pounds). I just decided that if I needed to shoot anything truly critical like a wedding, which is fairly rare for me now, I'd just shoot the "must have" shots with both bodies. So for about 600 pounds I think I've got a pretty decent setup for stills.
You're also right that video isn't this camera's strong point. I've got a 6 year old iPhone that shoots better video clips. But other than that and maybe a fully articulated LCD, I see little reason now for me to upgrade to a MKII, much less a MKIII now that I'm retired. And about that 16 megapixel sensor, I have a wall full of framed A3+ prints from it that look great. i love the colors that come straight out of my EM-1. They remind me of what I used to get out of my old D700. Using the EM-1 is a bit like driving a 30 year old Mercedes-Benz. It may not be the latest anymore, but you can still feel the quality. Bought you a coffee!
Thank you
Still using the E-M1 mk1 paired with a Leica 12-60 for all weather work. The weather sealing and build quality holds up (better than the A7R2) and the burst speed is still respectable. The Panasonic sensor does show its age: I'm a big fan of silent shooting and the 1/8s lower limit on silent shutter is annoying. Also suffers from high read noise for long exposures, necessitating long exposure NR to be turned on which wastes imaging time for astro or lightning. You can get away with not having long exposure NR on a Sony sensor such as the E-M10 mk2. C-AF slightly more reliable than CDAF only cameras. IBIS is less reliable than the E-M10 mk2 but still better than A7R2. I'd say E-M5 mk2 is a more reasonable choice unless you want speed.
Using the Panasonic Leica 14-50 elmarit 2.8
I bought the E-M1 when first released. In 2019 I added the E-M5 II and added the body grip & battery holder. I will not upgrade.
Always consider manual focus lenses, especially the old cine and TV lenses?
wish olympus and panasonic would swap tech know how to help keep m43 alive
Thank you! Your video allows me to feel better about my aging EM1 Mark i, which I purchased in 2014. It is a trooper and there is wear on the body exterior, even though I am careful with it. Of late, I have been concerned that it might die and what would I do? (I'm a little, old lady on Social Security, low-income and disabled with Multiple Sclerosis.) Can't afford the Mark II or Mark III and certainly not the new OM-1. (BTW: My first slr was the original OM-1 MD in 1978; loyal to Olympus' products since then. The ergonomics of the camera and lenses have always worked well for me. I have all the OM prime lenses and use them with the adapter...great results!) I recently rallied the courage to check the shutter actuations: 466+K! I can't believe it! WOW! I am not a pro although a pro told me that I am considered a "prosumer" since I am very serious about this hobby (since 1978!) While I do dig into the old school OM lenses, I mostly use the new school 40-150 (which surprisingly pleases me b/c it is so sharp, bright and crisp) and the 75-300 b/c I became a bird nerd over the past 15 years and I need the auto-focus. Now, if someone gifted me the fancy 100-400, I would not refuse it! :) So, thank you for the information and for assuaging my fears about how I will replace this Mark I when it finally gives up the ghost! Cheers! Happy shooting!
What a lovely mail message. It just goes to show that new is not always better nor needed. It’s around a year since I made this video and mine is still going strong and I actually still use it more often than my mk2 or my G9 lumix. Almost half a million actuations!! If it reaches half a million I’d be tempted to contact OM systems and let them know……and maybe suggest testing their OM-1 for them if a free copy were offered. Lol
Best wishes and yes, keep on enjoying that fabulous and very effective camera for a long time to come.
Brian
@@ThatMicro43Guy Thank you for your reply! Will do! Ya. I don't expect Olympus to offer an OM-1 let alone become and Ambassador, esp. since the sell off. Let's see what bugs they find on this new model, like a new car model. ;) LOL!!! Probably better chances with the lottery or Santa Claus! LOL! :)
what mft cameras from Oly can - wear old Four Third - without adapters ? I know M1 can do that - but I would love to know - is there any others?
I added a EM-1-2 from the Oly refurb site for $844 & have the Oly 12-100 zoom for $950 - Great kit. I had the EM-1 original but it does not have the ability to float the ISO which I require now - plus the larger battery, deeper grip & dual SD card slots are nice with the EM-1-2 model. Overall it is just a much more refined camera - I would take the V2 over the original.
Totally agree but as I said in the video, the budget was £400.00 and our goods basically work at around the same as the dollar rate so yes, a better camera but well over twice the price available.
Ups, sorry ,just press the pay pal request bottom , imstead of sending you a cup of coffee. Greets from Gabi, thanks for the Vid, I will really think about the cam as a backup, just using the 5 bMaark II.
I did wonder lol. However, many thanks for the coffee donation. I hope you enjoy the EM1. I was using the one featured just today and enjoying it too. Best wishes
I converted my E-M1.1 into a full spectrum infrared camera.
Who did the conversion?
Congratulations
Kolari. Just saw your question!@@GeorgeStar
Hi Brian, great fan of your videos. On my OMD E-M1 I have a 2 x magnification option assigned to s button mainly for bird photography. Does this option cause any reduction in sharpness when I use it ?
It will lose sharpness as the magnification is done digitally like a digital zoom you’re effectively lowering the pixel count by a factor of 4 to double the magnification so effectively more pixelated
I think the ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R is a better option than the gen 1 version, and it's not much more... smaller and lighter, and every bit as good...
I have the em1 mark I and with the firmware up dates it does 90% of the em1x and em1 markiii
Em1x is to heavy and the menu button why put on the left
Im thinking of selling my em1x and g9 and getting the em1 markii
If you want to do video on a budget, the FZ200 and FZ300 in the USA are fantastic. I think it is the FZ330 in the UK. Can't swap lenses, but for video, keeping the price and weight down often outweighs (pun intended) the flexibility of interchangeable lenses. The FZ300 is just amazing for video.
Does it make the annoying whirring noise during video recording? I had that issue with the FZ1000
@@truthseeker3536 I've not experienced any whirring sounds on my FZ300 unless zooming.
thanks from holland
You are welcome!
I have the mighty OM10 mark 3 and all my Olympus friends told me that the EM1 mark 1 is not worth it compared to what I have
Very interesting video. I am torn between EM-1 Mark II and EM-5 Mark III. I have used EM-10 Mark II for 3 years and its a great camera and I love it, but it doesn't have a fully articulating screen and the AF, especially the face detect is not good at all. So...What say you?
Thank you very much for your time and effort.
Both are great cameras. Things you might consider in favor of the E-M1 Mkll -- Much better grip/ergonomics, faster continuous shooting speed, faster EVF refresh rate, better battery life, two card slots vs one on the E-M5 Mklll.
I totally agree. I would also highly recommend the 14-150 lens if you can find a good used one at a reasonable price. It's small, light, sharp, has a great range and is also weather sealed like the EM-1 body. I currently shoot with a Mark III but I actually like the EM-1 body better. since I don't shoot videos, I prefer the rear LCD panel on the EM-1 better. I have an L bracket on my MKIII which pretty much makes the LCD panel very awkward to use. The only thing I like about the fully articulating screen is that it can be turned all the way around to protect it when it's in my camera bag. I very rarely use the LCD for framing my pictures anyway, I much prefer the viewfinder. I find that the viewfinder completely isolates what I'm seeing from surrounding distractions. I also like that the EM-1 has an accessory port. When I had mine I also purchased the VF-4 viewfinder which could be plugged into the accessory port and used for low angle shooting without having to deal with distractions or glare from the LCD. I see very little difference between the 16 and 20 megapixel sensors if any. I do really like the MkIII, it's a truly great camera. I just wish that they could fit it into a MkI body.
I wasn't aware the combo contrast/phase AF was available back then. Thought this was a recent feature addition to newer cameras (EM1 MkIII, EM5 MkIII etc.)?
Yes,it wasn’t on the earlier em5/1 but it was on this, although, most of the time it’s using the contrast on M43 lenses in single focus mode, the combined contrast/phase being used in the continuous AF mode. Olympus finding at the time the contrast AF to be quicker, according to reviews of the time. It would use phase detect in single mode when using older four thirds format lenses in single shot AF mode.
However, this may not hold up to be true now as there have been a lot of enhancements incorporated into the firmware updates . But it certainly does have phase detect.
Best wishes
Brian
I bought one for 69EUR (shipping included). The shutter is stuck so I will have fun repairing it. I recently bought and fixed shutter on em10 so I hope I will have same luck with this one,
Update... the shutter is NOT stuck! I contacted the seller and he said it OCCASIONALLY get stuck... well until now it hasn't. I bought a battery vertical grip with battery separately and it all works perfectly! Wth battery grip, battery... e m1 for 100 eur... incredible.
I've gotten pro grade camera's used with less than a thousand shutter activations for less than half original price. (Sony A7II)
I had my eyes on an $800 A7s, which has the low light performance of a $6000 Sony only with a few less megapixels.
In 2023 i got one for 400€. Olympus battery grip, Olympus 75-300, Olympus 12-40 pro, Lumix 20mm f1.7 inklusive. Have i forgotten something? Maybe. It felt like christmas in August 😂
I still use mine regularly. That sounds like a bargain.
This video couldn't have come at a better time. I'm new to M4/3. I have a EM-10 m3, which is a great little camera, but wanted to move up to something more robust and bigger. I was about to stump up for a new EM-1 m2, but my usual supplier had just sold out. Then I saw this post and looked at MPB, who I've bought lenses from before, and bought one in excellent condition for £234. I only shoot stills so its lack of video features doesn't bother me, neither does not having a full flippy screen or two card slots (I've always managed this far without them). I'm sure I will upgrade to something higher specced at some point, but it's saved me a stack of money while I get a feel for the EM-1. Maybe I'll treat myself to a pro lens to go with it instead.
I’d much rather have an EM1/1 with a pro lens than an EM1 mark2 or 3 or a G9 with a cheaper lens any day if I had to choose.
@@ThatMicro43Guy It arrived today in excellent condition (only 5000 actuations). It even had its little flash in its bag, Olympus battery and charger, all the cables and the strap, and the latest firmware. Can't wait to play with it.
@@chrispatmore8944 excellent. I actually forgot to mention the flash which can be really useful. I actually used it in a studio shoot when I forgot my triggers. I se it’s power really low and used it to trigger my optical trigger built into my strobes. It was a lifesaver. Enjoy your camera, I’m sure you will.
Just as an addition, it does shoot video in 1080/30 but it’s Capabilities are lacking compared to its lumix competition of the time and it’s later Olympus brethren, so don’t write it off as a video camera, it’s just not as good as others. I know of many CZcams videos made on one including one or two of mine
I'll add another consideration. If you enjoy macro work, the Olympus MAL-1 macro light works with the flash 'power port' on the Mkl, and can be found used for about $30.