Macworld Magazine has published my full review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5, including lab test scores from the PC Mag lab. The camera earned 4.5 mice, the highest rating for a camera I've personally reviewed.
In short, my pros and cons are:
Pros
- Outstanding image quality
- Highly customizable feature set
- Compact design
- Wide selection of accessories and lenses
- Weather resistant body
- Art Filters add fun factor
- Good macro mode on 12-50mm zoom
- Fast autofocus and burst mode
- Menu system can be daunting
- No built-in mic adapter
- Small buttons can be difficult for large fingers
- Soft humming noise when powered up
Cons
Price when rated: $1000 (body only); $1300 with 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 zoom lens
Now, if I could only get my hands on one for personal use...
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I'm loving mine!
My 2c:
The menu system is very similar to other modern Olympus cameras so could be intimidating only to photographers new to Olympus.
The humming noise is extremely soft. I listened for it when the camera arrived and since then haven't noticed it at all...
Chris
I totally agree on both counts, Chris. I felt I had to mention the (very soft) humming noise just so folks understand it's normal for the camera. It didn't bother me in the least either.
Get one for personal use--you'll love it.
As per the (often cited) issue with the buttons/size with large hands, I keep wondering where this is coming from. I wear 2XL-3XL gloves and I still haven't had any problems hitting the right buttons on this camera. It's small, but not so small to create any ergonomic issues for me. The camera is also easy to hold onto without the optional camera grip, but then again, I'm an old-fashiobned hold it up to your eye with your right hand and hold the lens barrel with your left, sort of shooter.
My only issue with this camera is now whether I keep my OLY e-30 or not.
I absolutely love mine but as a new to Olympus M4/3s (I've been using the Panasonics till now) the menu drives me crazy. I've been trying to fix the single focus point in the center but it keeps moving on me. I know I'll eventually figure it out and have that ah ha moment, but in the meantime I'm pulling out too much already thin hair.
Ed
Ed,
Try this:
1. Menu > Custom A (AF/MF) > [---] Set Home > to what you like e.g. [ - ]
2. Menu > Custom B (Button/Dial) > Button Function > Fn1 Function > [---] Home
Now you can move the focus point around with the arrows and a press of Fn1 will reset it to the centre. Another press of Fn1 will send it back to the previous position.
Hope this helps,
Chris
Chris,
Thanks. That "helps" but doesn't accomplish what I'm trying to do, who is to have it "stick" where I put it. Even though I have selected the single focus point option, it appears to be selecting a single point from the group option. But your suggestion is a nice way to get it back to where I wanted.
Ed
I'm new to the OMD and am struggling with many issues, most frustrating of which is how to access all menu options... The user manual is no use, and the menus seem counter intuitive to say the least. Any advice would be welcome.
Ed, I'm not sure what you mean by sticking, but you might want to try focustracking?