What do I think of the OM-1 Mk2 camera? Is it all hype or is it actually better then the Mk1for AF?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 เม.ย. 2024
- When the OM-1 Mk2 was first announced I was in no rush to buy. Nothing in the spec excited me. I waited for the price to drop by £450 before ordering one in.
I have had it a few weeks now and what do I think?
Mike Lane wildlife photography www.nature-photography.co.uk/
Glad to see a review that isn't done by an Olympus Ambassador.
What a cliffhanger! I appreciate the honesty, taking the time to review a camera is essential to have a unbiased opinion. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
OM 1.2 is a BIG IMPROVEMENT for me. And that’s the key… What features do you desire? I still have my OM 1.1 which I have truly enjoyed since the first day, yet the upgrades to the OM 1.2 seem to tailored specifically for my applications. A short list of my fav upgrades is quicker & stickier focusing, especially when there are obstructions/distractions. Also the ability to choose a subject from a group for AF/subject detection to follow is sweet…and human detection..wow. Larger buffer is a benefit to me since I shoot lots of action and often both raw and JPEG. Gradient ND is really nice too. As with all tools, what tool is right for you. OM Systems has been listening…they have created an amazing tool for me. Cheers.
very keen for mine to arrive, mainly due to the hopefully better subject detect among branches etc...
I can always sell you a somewhat better designed toilet every year. The question is not if its 5% better tailored for your a**, but why would it make the previous one worth ripping from the bathroom floor.
OM is listening? LOL
So where are those megapixels? People want at least 25 mpx. That's more than enough for M43 for an upgrade permanently..
Great to hear a detailed review from someone who isn’t an ambassador but is very experienced and practical. I only need better AF for video and ProCap. With the latest FW 1.6 I believe the OM1 finds birds hidden in foliage a little better. My ProCap hit rate seems to have improved. Needs more testing -which could take weeks -maybe it’s just wishful thinking because FW 1.6 doesn’t even mention AF improvements. AF improvements are promised in autumn.
I agree with you. With the latest FW update, the OM-1 has no trouble finding and following birds in foliage/branches. It is also more responsive. I must say that I upgraded the firmware of the 100-400mm Olympus lens.
@@dh-oe9wc Apart from AF in video, I can't really complain about the OM1 although I wish the bird detect AF was a bit more sticky in every situation. I'm often fiddling with green focus box - making it bigger or smaller. However, when it comes to bird in a bush situations - FW 1.6 seems to have brought the OM1 up to the G9II level for stills. Birds partially hidden by foliage don't make for great photos but they do help identify the bird and then track the bird to where it may have a more pleasing background.
So the next question is - has the mkII got better AF than the OM1 with FW1.6 or with the future "autumn update"? The OM System website claim mkII will always have better AF -
(It will provide some AF performance improvements only and therefore the new AF performance of the OM-1 will not match the OM-1 Mark II.)
.......but even now I think the differences aren't worth $2,400.
Great to hear, I have a Mark ii on the way (Sold one of my Mark 1s) and upgraded my remaining mark 1 to 1.6 yesterday. Haven't been out with it yet but if it will do better finding of small birds along branches that will be a great bonus!@@d-entrecasteaux
How is Pro-capture working with OM1 mark 1? what's the % of hitrate?
I agree with you on all points. What has actually gotten noticeably better is human autofocus. That was also the reason why I bought the camera. I also have to photograph the family.🤣
Yes I believe that was a big step forward.
Thanks again, Mike 👍 I recently bought a G9 Mk2 to use alongside my OM1 Mk1, I'm more impressed with the Lumix holding onto the subject in difficult situations ie: busy backgrounds, moving behind trees etc even though it's initial focussing can be a bit slower than the OM1. I think OM have jumped in with a poorly executed plan when they could, and probably should, have continued updating the original!
Thanks for sharing
Looking forward to next weeks video.👍
Hi Mike… THANKS… at last a real comparison that I can believe and accept… now waiting for the next film before I jump or stick. As an aside I have just been in China for three weeks and experienced a problem with the back joystick… I cannot move the focus point anymore anywhere left of centre, no matter where I move the joystick. I’ve tried switching off and removing batteries but no way can I fix the problem. Your next film will help me decide to buy the mark 2 or not… either way my camera needs to go off for repair AT THE BEST TIME OF YEAR… 😭 best wishes Paul
Frustrating.
Thanks for sharing your impressions of the OM-1 MK2. It's very interesting, Mike. I don't think I will be rusting out to buy one; I'm still thinking of the Lumix G9II.
What a refreshing change. An honest unbiased review
What I’ve noticed is a clear difference when doing stacking in camera. Now it’s possible to have nearly 100% success of not getting an error message when processing the stacking provided you are hand held but somewhat stable grip of the camera. I use it a lot when doing near macro shots with the 150-400mm lens, as well as with static subjects to get improved images in low light, high ISO situations.
Very interesting Mike, No camera is perfect, and if the Mk1 does what you want it too ,why upgrade! I certainly pleased with the Mk1 at the moment and I look forward to your next video!
You nailed it - again! I would say the FW update to 1.1 for the Mk2 has improved the AF and Subject Detect a lot IMO, same update I believe for the OM1 takes it to 1.6, I would be interested in your take on that update. Keep up the good work, thx
1.6 says "Improve stability of some functions.". Not something we users can see or measure.
@@MikeLaneFRPSLast week, I updated the firmware of the OM-1 and the 100-400 mm Olympus lens. There is a noticeable improvement in the detection of birds in foliage/branches. The response seems to be faster. Thank you for taking the time to explain the differences between the OM-1 and the OM-1 Mark II without the typical hoopla we see in ambassadors' videos.👍👍👍
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks, very usefull information. Good luck in your future works!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this overview Mike, very helpful indeed. Look forward to seeing more on your channel. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
I own two OM1 mk1 and I don't think there is enough attraction to the MK2 for me to try and change !
Excellent and sensible review as ever look forward to your update of the autofocus.
Many thanks!
Another honest and interesting appraisal. Well done.
Thank you kindly!
Good, honest review Mike. I think the mkII is better, but only slightly.
The X focuses better in low light, so now my wife have 2 oms and I have my Xes, however, the Cannon R3 and R5 is my main cameras. You can say I'm beginning to be feed up of OM.
Thanks
Nice review of your experience, Mike.
Thanks 👍
Thanks Mike. Very interesting and looking forward to your follow up 👍😎
Thanks 👍
Hey Mike, can you test the video autofocus on the MK I vs the MKII with the 1.6 firmware update?
Because I have never used the CF+Tracking on the OM 1 MKI because of its poor performance, but with the firmware update I really think it improved a lot.
Maybe I'm imagening things though. Can't go back to 1.5 to compare now.
But I did some test a few days ago and my OM 1 MK I could track birds now in almost exactly the same way as you have sown in your example footage.
It even was able to successfully track a crow in flight and keep the bird in focus. I only did a few tests and it struggled when a lot of birds were around and switched between them a bit. But I think the 1.6 brought the video AF of the MK I almost to MK II level.
I see nobody talking about this, maybe if you have not made the 1.5 update yet you can do a comparison?
Good honest review, I wait with baited breath for the next installment !
Thanks! 👍
Thanks Mike really value your honest impartial reviews the om1 is a great camera and thanks to the mkii coming out i got mine for a great price😊📷
Great to hear!
Looking forward to your follow up.
Thanks.
Great review - thanks.
I've just watched Camera Conspiracies review (of sorts) as well - I am itching to "comment bomb" with a reference to his review, under a certain brand ambassador's infomercial. 😉
Thank you for an honest review. Was considering the Mark 11 however felt the minor changes did not warrant the finance. I’ll wait for the Mark 111 if I stay with OMD. 📸👏👏
Looking forward to the update with evaluation of the differences in performance for BIF - if any. Thanks
Nice comparison Mike, I'm using the Mark I and by far I never see any firmware update yet, I got it last October.
Thanks a lot dear Mike 👌🏽 I'm still very happy with my OM-1i when using it for wildlife, especially birds (I don't make videos). Looking forward to your lapwing images.
One of my favourite species!
Thanks for sharing
I really appreciate your even-handed (and Eagle-eyed) reviews. While many of your peers are obviously playing to the manufacturers, I really appreciate the fact that you seem to have maintained your objectivity. I worked for almost 50 years in the computer technology industry, many as a consultant and industry analyst, and the same dynamics applied - some people were sock-puppets for the vendors and others attempted to maintain some dignity and independence:) I own an OM-1 with the 100-400 lens, and your comparison review vs the 150-400 was instrumental in my deciding to defer purchase and rent it for "big trips" to Costa Rica and Ecuador. Have you done anything on the new 150-600 lens? I can't find it, but maybe I missed it. Thanks,
Thanks. Not a lens I am likely to buy sorry.
in Sony you turn off the preview after shooting, then in EVF that will get rid of the blackout ECF view. not sure how OM handles it.
cheers Mike, that video just saved me a whole lot of money....I'll stick with my Mk 1 for now for birding & wildlife an incredible all round camera ,
There is still next weeks film to come, but there will still not be a huge difference.
One other update to the OM-1 Mark II that seems to be completely under the radar..... Plug the camera in via USB, turn it on and choose Webcam. No software required, works with every application I've tried it on (which was NOT true using the Webcam software for prior Olympus / OM System cameras) and it just works.
I haven't updated the firmware yet, but the feature that I have found most useful is that I can start another Pecapture before the previous capture has finished writing. Like you , I do wish I could change modes while it's writing. Also wish it would write faster. The bigger buffer means that I'm typically waiting longer for it to clear than the version 1. Having said that I typically stay in the Pre-capture mode and don't really notice the delay in writing.
I bought the om-1 mark 2 primarily for the autofocus. I find the autofocus faster and more predictable. I have tried with birds. I am pretty bad at it. But I got more keepers. I photographed the kids. The human AI is a win. They where all in focus and I didn’t pay much attention to focus while photograping the kids. I am thinking about switching my second OM-1 to a mark 2 as well.
I find it very hard to prove a difference one way or the other.
@@MikeLaneFRPS it took me some time to figure it out. In general I have larger focus areas now, than I had with the mark 1. I use C-AF a lot more. It seems more reliable. I will wait until after the promised mark 1 firmware update, before I make a decission on trading in my second OM-1 mark I. I guess it is all about settings and how one use the camera. For me it is big win. It is not the same as it is a big win for everybody else.
Thanks for your honest review. I'm considering one or the other for general photography with the 12-40 and I am really struggling to justify the extra money on the Mkii.
The mk1 is all you need.
Thanks a lot for your videos ! That tends to cement my decision to just keep my Mk1 until I get good enough to really feel limited by it (which is not going to happen soon I think lol)
There is little between them.
Ive seen the Mkii described as a "firmware upgrade" by more than a few users, which resulted in a very defensive response from some of the the OM Ambassadors quick to point to the memory/buffer upgrade, but like you I was underwhelmed when this camera was announced and it does just seem like most the upgrades would have been possible with a software update and the hardware memory gains would probably be of little use to me and many others.
Its seems to have annoyed many Olympus/OM system customers too and the EM1 and Em1 mark ii got some major firmware upgrades in their lifecycle and other brands have been doing the same for their flagship/Pro cameras. They great customer service was major reason for my switch to Olympus in 1st place, lets hope OM Systems don't ruin that reputation.
Thank you for that, but I & many others would like to know how each perform after both have updated to the recent FW updates.
Thank you so much for your extensive and very informative examination of the m2 version of the OM-1. I've gone back and forth about upgrading and you really covered all the bases very well. I'm interested to hear more about the auto-focus for birds-in-flight since that's most of what I shoot. I'm looking forward to your next video, which I always am anyway! Thanks again for putting the time and effort into checking out the m2 and a special thanks for your honesty and candor.
thank you.
I'd be interested to hear more on the G9ii if that's possible in the future please Mike?
For photography.
I use it very sparingly for video only and mostly for the 120 fps 4K, which is not possible with the OM-1.
@MikeLaneFRPS Is that because of familiarity with OM? There's not a lot of info on TH-cam about the autofocus which is my primary reason to be rid of my original G9 other than "yeah its really good" lol
I would love a video on birds in flight or even just general wildlife photography with it. Without this I'm either going to have to test the OM1 and G9ii separately to see which works better for me or maybe risk just buying the wrong camera altogether.
@@JoeMaranophotography I have been using Olympus/Om cameras for a long time now so yes I am familar with them. In more recent years I got into video and the Lumix AF was way better in video mode as well as the 120 fps 4K. The OM-1 mk2 has seen an improvement in video AF so I only need the Lumix for the 120 fps 4K.
I can't cope with using two systems. I make too many mistakes. So it is OM for stills and Lumix for video, but in these last few weeks only slow motion video (which I do a lot)
@MikeLaneFRPS I suspected after watching your videos that might have been the case! I guess Lumix seems so easy to use as I have been using them for a while now (G7, GX80, G80, G9) so I guess being used to a system makes them seem easier if that makes sense? I think there is a bit of a gap on TH-cam for some stills and Wildlife focused photography with the G9ii if you ever fancied the challenge?
Also looking forward to Part 2. Do you have any thoughts on the latest MK1 firmware update please?
The release says "Improve stability of some functions." That is nothing we users can see or measure.
Thank you so much for this video. I’m looking forward to the next after you’ve had a chance to look at those flight shots. When you were taking the video with the Mark II of the ducks, were you using Subject Detection or just C-AF? So far, I’m getting better results with the video autofocus on moving birds if I turn the subject detection off and just use C-AF with a Mid focus area. - Mick Thompson
With subject detection on.
Very interesting, Mile Lane. Next week!
Btw, I am looking to change my PC screen. What do you use, out of interest?
I have never paid much attention to screens. I says Viewsonic on it and is very large. maybe 32 inch.
Thanks for the video Mike. I almost get the impression that the Mark 2 could have been firmware update 1.6 for the Mark 1. Maybe at least for wildlife shooters. Hopefully by Christmas when stocks of OM-1 M1 are depleted and sales are ok for the Mark 2, then we will get firmware update 1.6. Look forward to the follow up video.
Firmware Update 1.6 has been out for the OM 1 MK I for a few days now.
I think you meant the 2.0 Update that's supposed to arrive in autumn.
Thanks. I had better do that. 👍🏻
@@tonyblake8841 but be careful if you are using a Mac. On Mac you run the risk of bricking the camera. I think the update isn’t even available on Mac right now. I did it via PC, no problem, vie OI share App seems to work fine too.
@@softbodymenschthanks for the warning. I did the update before your warning came through, and yes I use a Mac. Seems ok. I need some sunshine to get out and take some pictures. 🤞🏻🙏🏽
@@tonyblake8841 Looks like OM System fixed it then. There was news about quite a few bricked OM1 cameras that had to be send in for repairs. Glad it worked out for you.
Btw nobody says this and it might be just my imagination, but I'm pretty sure the 1.6 improved the video autofokus on the OM1 MK I. It has been pretty stable at tracking birds in video for me.
Good luck with the weather.
This is "calling a spade a spade" review! The Original OM-1 is a wonderful camera and its successor definitely does not have a really evolved feature set one would have really expected and liked. Nothing quite ground breaking. Not a pacesetter by any means
Great video as usual. Where can I get a Mike Lane Mouse mat?
Collectors Item sorry.
Nice video Mike, I like videos that give an Honest opinion. Maybe the mk1 could become a real bargain on the used market?
Could be
Good review Mike. Seems that an upgrade to the MKII is not really pressing at the moment. If it follows the Panasonic way then it is possible that a new OM systems OM2 might be in the works.
I hope so. The Mk2 is disappointing
Thanks Mike been undecided whether to purchase the Mark one or Mark two currently using the M1 X and EM 1 Mark 2 so I am due a change. Big savings on the Mark 1 now so definitely going to go for that thanks again. Ps Plus it will be the last camera with The Olympus name.
That's exactly where I'm at and I'm nearly sure I'm going with the Mki. There are some good body and lens deals about now. Plus I'm sentimental about Olympus so as you say the last one and when not in use it will be in my display cabinet along with my OM film bodies. Did you go for the Mki in the end? How are you getting on with it?
@@Ian-gp9xu
I’ve not purchased it yet it will be within the next couple of weeks I may get it from Cotswold cameras it would be a grey import but it would only cost £1150. My friend deals with them and recommend them. The same as yourself I will never sell it sentimental reasons. Not going back as far as you with Olympus I have Minolta bodies and lenses. I’m sure we will be pleased with it. Ps I am on Flickr it is Thomas Reed 1954 just in case you wanted a look. 👍
Yes I've been considering Cotswold too. Glad you've had good reviews. I got a Nikon lens from SLR Hut and it let me register it on the Nikon website so I'm guessing it might be covered under warranty. Maybe the Olympus will be covered too.
Mike, I have seen some Japanese TH-cam videos showing that the bird af for OM-1 mark ii does make quite a difference in terms of acquiring focus when a bird is heavily covered in the forest even using all area af mode, the bird af can find the birds in heavy coverage. It shows the OM-1 struggles a lot more in the same situation. Maybe you can try it yourself and see whether it it the case. I reckon for BIF, the difference won’t be so obvious.
I maybe saw that film, but was not able to translate it. My very simple tests show no difference.
@@MikeLaneFRPSReally? Your unbiased opinion is truly valuable. We will wait for your follow up video to see the final results. By the way, just wonder the firmware 1.6 for original OM-1 does improvement to the autofocus ?
I've had 2 EM1-mark3s for years now, one for wildlife and one for landscape...because I often see more wildlife when I'm quietly setting up a landscape shot. The first OM-1 didn't tempt me, but the mark 2 did, and it's pretty amazing for birds in flight or on a stick. I have certainly captured more "in focus" shots, but so far I haven't captured any *better* shots (meaning, something that tells a story). And it's terrible for small birds on the ground, while for animals...I've found so far that it's better in bird mode than animal mode to capture faces. As for landscapes, I'm not sure I'm going to bother. Yes, the shots seem a bit cleaner on the OM1, especially at higher ISO, but not enough to justify another $3K, and for that money it's tempting to go full frame and get more resolution. Hi res mode does seem to work a bit better on the OM1, but again, not enough to justify. In the end...I could easily have waited another 4 years for a 14-bit 24MP sensor and then upgrade both cameras.
I’m waiting around for the promised fall firmware update before I make any decisions. And even then it’s likely to ns “no” for budgetary reasons if nothing else.
Thanks Mike. Most reviewers I've seen said the mark 2 was better at finding focus when shooting through vegetation than the mark 1. Have you noticed any difference?
Also some have said they were able to use a wider focus area to grab the subject. Andy Rouse in his video says he uses all the focus points.
That`s right
I can see no difference.
@@MikeLaneFRPS thank you 🙂❤️
I went to Photography School in the mid 1980’s. My primary 35mm camera was an Olympus OM-4 T. I recently had it refurbished so I could revisit the simplicity of taking pictures where I can work only on composition, focus and exposure. I have the OM-1 and I am not against all the bells and whistles but I do find myself fighting the setup at times because of the endless options. I am sure you remember using Kodachrome ASA 25, 64 and 200 for wildlife photography and the challenges, me too. I am also not against the post processing options for raw files either. However, old school I guess, I still believe the effort should still be in composing and capturing stunning originals first, not just blasting away and “fixing" in post?
You do not ha e to use all those new stuff, but postprocessing was a key factor for some of the grand old masters of photography with Ansel Adams at the front...
I had forgotten about K200!
Great video. Very nice to have a review from a open minded wildlife photographer. I’m about to upgrade from my OM-D E-M1 II and look forward to hear your conclusion on the autofocus.
Glad it was helpful!
Thx for promoting an extremely expensive software upgrade.
It shows what a software upgrade can do.
Too bad they attached a completely redundant hardware upgrade with as well.
Sure then you know what to avoid.
I am very disappointed with the outlook of the mk2 as it does not merit the attention it seams to get. Some people argue it is merely an upgrade which could be achieved with a software inclusion, so it will be interesting what comes out with the release which comes out in the autumn. The 640 second default is for me a pain, so perhaps getting over this with an upgrade may be a bonus. I don't know where OM is going - as there does not seem to be as much innovation coming from them as we would like, especially with the release of the Sigma variant recently. Since most of us use DXO, or another software anyway, the iso quality is irrelevant.
Mike, I'm looking for a bit of advice for my next lens. At the moment I'm using the 100-400 lens with plans to buy either the 300 f4 pro or the new 150 600, which would you recommend for wildlife and air shows, I do have the 1.4 TC already. The 150-400 pro lens is out of the question as being honest it's to expensive for me, that and the wife won't let me spend that much.
Could be mine!🤣
I still have my 300mm f4 as a backup, but never really want to use a prime lens again. Now that zooms are in the same ball park quality wise they are too useful.
@@MikeLaneFRPSMike I think people buying the 150-600 will probably seldom go below 300mm (600 ffe). For where and what I shoot I really like my 300 f4 PRO with or without the 1.4x tc. I’m not interested in the 150-600 for a few reasons, weight and price mainly. And if I want longer length the two times digital tc is great. In saying all that I could be tempted with a 50-200 pro lens if and when it arrives. 🫣
Depends if image quality is a priority. The 300f4 is one of the sharpest lenses out there whereas the 150-600 is a sigma 3rd party lens that doesn’t come close
Great comparison Mike.
The price difference between OM-1.1 and OM-1.2 is about $500... Not that big of a difference for a $2000 camera that one uses for 5+ years...
Btw, it would be great if you could do a review / comparison for the OM 150-600mm...
best regards
Not a lens I am likely to buy. Sorry.
Hi Mike, very much appreciated some honesty here. Too many people like to blow smoke! I currently shoot with a Sony A7RV amd the 200-600 lense. I've had it for a year. I exclusively shoot birds, and the cameras shortcomings have now been discovered and I'm thinking of jumping over to om1 ii and the 150-400 +1.25 tc. I'm currently limited to 10fps with mechanical shutter and I get horrendous rolling shutter with the electric one on birds in flight. My question is, is the 50fps mechanical shutter? It's been so hard to find this out as om only seem to reference it being an electronic one.
50 fps is an electronical shutter. I only see a little rolling shutter effect at very high shutter speeds. 20,000th for instance. Otherwise rolling shutter is no longer a problem with most cameras today.
@@MikeLaneFRPS thanks Mike. My A7RV seems to suffer quite badly with it whilst panning. Do you know the max mechanical shutter speed for the mk2? I don't think I've ever shot at 20,000th!
@@Gutfest89 1/8000th.
@@MikeLaneFRPS thanks Mike. You've been a great help.
And how would you compare stills autofocus between OM-1 and G9II
They are in the same ball park, but I only use the G9 for video.
Mike, thanks for the video, your comments and reasoning are practically identical to mine. I would have bought the MK II if it gave me better quality images or if it would have substantially increased my hit rate. I have not read or seen any evidence to indicate that maybe and your video has enhanced my opinion. To be perfectly honest having had the Mk1 for a couple of years or so (or is it 3?) I don't find a whole lot wrong with it and since Adobe DeNoise has come along I have found a much easier processing process.
Regarding the noise in the two cameras I am convinced that this is related to heat (apart for anything else) so I bought the battery pack, I put a battery in that but not in the camera so the battery is not transferring heat anywhere near the sensor. My subjective opinion is that the files are a little cleaner but I almost always adopt the philosophy or exposing to the right up to where the "blinkies" show in the subject then back off 1/3 EV.
I am so content with the Mk 1 I bought a second one and I use that for macro/close up and leave the 150-400TC connected to my original Mk 1. If the Mk III gives better quality files or a significant improvement and I mean significant in AF I may consider....meantime happy days for me, I am pretty satisfied with what I have now.
There is little between them, but I try to cover it nest week.
I left leaving a reply for a week or more (unless my brain deserted me in the interim). Your review is once again 100% and identifies the shallow and disparaging attitude the OMDS accountants (for they *are* the root of all evil) have had to loyal Olympus users. A small buffer memory apparently prevents a fix to various focus and other issues, but allows a rip-off 'V2' camera to be put on the market. I hate accountants. Is that 'hate speech'? I don't care really.
For action photography do you think om-1 or g9 ii is better?
I am only using the G9 Mk2 for video, but they are probaly very similar for stills.
What was that weird common pochard with yellow instead of red irises? A youngster?
It was a Redhead duck.
I think it's the biggest rip off in camera development for years. The AF on my mk2 is exactly the same, if not worse than the mk1. Took a 1k hit selling my mk1 to get this, main reason was improved AF, especially with birds in trees etc, but not once has the mk2 nailed focus on a tricky subject, just the same as the mk1. I'm hugely disappointed, just wish they'd bring out a mk2 em1X and concentrate on a solid stills focused camera.
Ripoff?
LOL