Interestingly, this shows how important the photographer's style and post-processing are: this may be a very different camera, but the photographs look and feel just like James's pictures.
@@Raist3dbexcept their native aspect is 3:2 so when changing to 4:3 it crops the sides quite considerably. As a result it won’t give as wide a field of view as one would expect. Especially noticeable with wider lenses. When an MFT sensor changes to 3:2 one only loses a little off the top and bottom.
@@alex-reay I haven't noticed much of a cut there on the X-T50, so I would say any of the new 40 MP Fujis works quite well with this. And Fuji has pretty wide angle lens selections available so I don't see it as an issue if you want wider with 4:3.
Sleep mode is your friend! Toggle this on in the menu and the camera will go to sleep within a few seconds of shooting to conserve power. Half press the shutter button and it is instantly on again. I only use the on/off button to turn mine on at the beginning of the day, and turn it off at the end (or when I know I won't be using it for an hour or two). Sleep mode uses a tiny amount of battery, and I always carry a spare battery or two - at 46g each they weigh next to nothing and slip into the smallest of pockets. (As an aside, video eats battery on the OM-5, but just taking photos a single battery lasts for as long as I can reasonably get away from the family to indulge my photography interests.) Also, if lens size bothers you on this tiny camera (it does me - I like to be able to pocket it) then the 17mm f/1.8 is half the size and weight, and cheap. For landscape and family photos the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is negligible. The 17mm is plastic, not intended for wet weather, and doesn't have perfect IQ (though more than good enough for most styles of photography). If it dies after being out in the rain (I used non-weather sealed lenses for years without much of a problem) then simply buy another - you can afford three for the price of the bulkier 20mm PRO. I would only choose the 20mm PRO if I was going to a sandy beach, the weather was awful, or if I really needed that extra speed (less than one stop) or a razor thin DoF. Also the Pana Leica 9mm f1.7, which is weather sealed and has amazing IQ, pairs fantastically with this camera if you are looking for an fast ultra wide compact setup for indoor and outdoor work.
Yeah spending a day with a camera probably needs a warning of totally uninformed opinions that could be totally wrong I love James but I immediately cringed at the comment about size comparison and no point to m43 anymore… but comparing a 20mm 1.4 with a 40mm a whole stop slower🤦🏼♂️ An actual comparison: 20mm 1.4 on m43 the closest Sony FF 40mm 1.4 sigma is… almost 5 times larger and 6(!!!!) times heavier!! James if you read this it is ALWAYS true m43 any lens actual equivalent you will find there are all quite literally a fifth size and weight of FF and often a fraction of the price!! So PLEASE do not repeat that comment if you love cameras and photography, it hurts my heart that you might be blindly following the bandwagon of falsehoods around m43.. it’s not 2010 anymore and nearly all the stigmas that have gone on and on are simply not true anymore.
@@JEE774 Please keep on Bad-mouthing M43!! I have the Pen EP-1, the original E-M5, and a E-PL 5, with a bunch of VERY nice lenses, including the 17mm and 45mm F 1.8, a 50mm 43 macro-lense with the original 43 to M43 adaptor, and a original OM to M43 adaptor, all came with the original flash, even the VF-1 viewfinder, chargers, batteries etc. I paid a total of 2100 DKR for all that gear, US$ 315. I could haul around my trusty old Nikon D200, and a 50, 85 and 105mm MF Nikkor-lense, or ALL the M43 gear!!
@@JEE774 It's not ALWAYS true at all that any m43rds actual equivalent is literally a firth of the size and weight of FF. That's actually the lie. If it's equivalent, there's a lot of options in the from somewhat wide to beginning of telephoto that are quite comparable in size, and sometimes even favorable. You can't simply compare the same F-stop because that's not equivalent in FF.
Just bought the original mark 1 EM5 used exc cond for £160……absolutely fantastic alternative to the ridiculously priced compact market and in most ways better / higher spec. Love it 🎉
The advantage of a silver and black camera is that, whilst more noticeable, people tend to think it’s an old film camera. The thought of someone taking your photo and having it printed seems less disturbing than having a digital image of you that they can put online.
I now own an OM-5, having had Canon, and I agree about the power swtich, but everything is remappable on the OM-5, so you can really make it your own. Having multiple batteries is the answer, as with any camera and letting standby do its job. The really frustrating thing about camera design, try being a left hander and having to shoot and do everything right handed no matter what camera you own that can be frustrating. This was a really interesting to hear your thoughts on the OM-5 and the M4/3 format. Looking forward to the next 'a day with' video. Thank you.
Hi, fellow lefty! I find many things awkward, too, since the world is right-handed. Our super power is to become more ambidextrous with time. Shooting a midsize camera one handed? Eh...No. Funny thing is that James is a lefty, too!!
James, I’ll not go on about how you can remap the on/off location to the right side. What I will go on about is the photos you took. They are every bit as good as your current camera. I have always loved the look you get and these are right there. By the way my everyday carry is a Pen E-P3 which has the film like look that I like.
Lol, never once have I ever considered the position of the power button - but I will now! As others have mentioned you can ascribe power on/off to the function lever on the right should you want to. The power button where it is pays respect to the the aesthetics of this line of cameras going back to the analogue OM-1 from 1972. I think it's a little reductionist to consider MFT's only advantages are size. I'd say more impactful advantages are things like, higher frame rates, for example, or having double the effective depth of field for the same field of view at the same aperture, allowing for far easier zone focusing, or for wider apertures to be used when extra stops of light are beneficial.
@@veikop Well, yeah, you don't really ever need to go narrower than f/5.6 with MFT for anything that doesn't require close focusing or slow shutter speeds, but sometimes you require close focusing or slow shutter speeds ;)
@robertmills4591 "The power button where it is pays respect to the the aesthetics of this line of cameras going back to the analogue OM-1 from 1972." Yeah, and I always found that a pain, too. Still do, on my current OM1.
Great new series. You may not like the camera but you’ve taken some fab shots. Glad you loved the Orig E-M5 and thanks for confirming that we all get grumpier with age .. thought it was just me 👍
I have two OM-5's and at this point I feel like they are an extension of me, an extra body part if you will. So it's so interesting to see how you use it, and what you notice. The one hand use / where the power switch is has never even occured to me. Fascinating! I had to stop and think about what I do, and I think I often have it hanging on my left shoulder, and my left hand reaches down to turn it on and then I grab it and shoot with the right hand, hand it back on the shoulder and turn it off with the left. I think. Would have loved to see more of you using the camera, trying out it's features and what not. But maybe in the next "one day with a camera". This felt a bit focused on design features, which are of course an important factor, but I more Photography done with the gear would be nice to see :)
Never used a camera one handed. So not an issue for me ..maybe want that if you like the shotgun approach for street.? The batteries are light and cheap and take seconds to change. As many say you can reassign power switch so another non issue for me. My MFT often seems to give better macro than my FF (both with dedicated macro lenses) so I'd add that to Wildlife as a plus. Its lot cheaper than Alpha 7C. So I do agree the size and weight point but money is an issue often, ok the 20mm MFT and 40 mm FF Similar size butyou will notice difference mostly especially longer focal lengths I have OM5, love it, have A7iv, love it too but only one is going on my trekking holidays .
You conveyed your emotions very well and I can totally understand what you're saying. It felt a tat like a single issue review though, even if it served as a running gag. If you could highlight a couple more aspects of each camera in this series I think it would be appreciated.❤
I always enjoy watching your channel and I love the fact you don’t take anything (perhaps, especially yourself) too seriously but you are clearly ‘serious’ about what you do. I do worry that every photography channel either is, or becomes, a gear channel. I’ll keep watching but please keep talking about your vision, intent and realisation of your images. Cheers 😁
Yes yes and yes. I miss the videos where James does pov and we hear the thought process behind planning, finding, composing and editing images to realise a vision. The adventure and the process and the inner thoughts. Rather than fairly nothing content around gear. Not meant to be a downer, I think James is great and I’d love to be on a tog day out with him . But the artistic side and image side of james process is more interesting to me than gear , especially when there’s many actual review videos out there (which this explicitly is not)
@@nextsibling depends if you want fleeting views from one off visiting people searching for gear on the potential of shopping… or if you want to run a sustainable community of followers who want to actually connect with you and your content 🤷
@@nextsibling It's true, and the content creators know it. Most of the channels in my feed have now incorporated gear regularly into their content. And it doesn't help that the manufacturers are just gifting influencers with their gear so they can show it off. Shame really.
Bloody hell, you've certainly been catching some flak in these comments! Hope you don't take it to heart, it's good to have many points of view, and I think it's to the detriment of us all if we sit siloed by manufacturer/lens mount and merely congratulate ourselves on the unique brilliance of the system we use. Appreciate your videos James, cheers from Derbyshire
My first digital camera, bought in 2019, was the Olympus OM-D EM-10 Mark II. At first, I loved it! Then, I started shooting film, and found a full frame canon for next to nothing. I just sold that Olympus in exchange for a Canon EOS 5 on MPB, and I don’t regret it at all!
Hello James. Been a few years since seeing your videos. What brought me to your channel was Micro4/3 - Lumix but lost me when you changed to Sony and FF. You sold me on the 4/3 format with my first G7 then up to G9. Have so completely enjoyed the fulfilling hobby and wonderful experiences with lightweight and versatile format. Now I'm looking towards retro Lumix cameras such as GF1 or GX85 as simplicity and old age creeps into my life. I hope you perhaps explore some of the older, simple Lumix 4/3 cameras that bring still life to life. Honestly, just not interested in the complex, heavy and huge full frame cameras any longer as I am 71 years of age and to begin again isn't in the bargain. As long as I still have eyes that function, I'll be taking photos. Thanks, James.
Enjoy James content and have binged on it. I just bought a OM5 and seen many videos critical of other OM5 things, but not one other person has raised the power button as an issue. Lack of USB C is the real clanger IMO. That said, a lot more could have been covered, instead of one gripe, which is fixable by reassigning the button.
Started with em5mkii, still love it after moving to em1mkiii. I bought extra batteries for the em5mkii, theyre tiny to put in small bag. Even the em5mkii computational features are awesome, the OM5 much more so.
I can operate the EM5II - who is the same - with one hand , configured the sleep function : ) , it works wonders, also buying a little metal grip is key for having a solid grip when walking around and taking one handed photos. setup the Focus button on the front and voila ! Love your videos have a great day !
A pity you didn't find out that the ON/OFF function can be assigned to the FN lever. With this simple adjustment you would have improved your feeling with the camera a lot...
I think James point is still valid as it means you lose the fn lever that could be used for something else. I tend to use them to turn on/off bracketing to be a power on switch. I don't have an OM5 if you can reassign the power on switch to be a FN lever I'll let them off 😂
Thanks for the video! If you want a smaller sized lens, it might be an option to use the olympus 25mm 1.8. It is much smaller and the image quality is also very good. As you compared it to a 40mm 2.5, so the aperture still is much wider. As others have pointed out already, you can reprogram the on/off switch to the AEL/AFL switch. Then this disadvantage can be mitigated as well.
I've only been to Llandudno the once. About 25 years I think. Grim weather but I got a few nice pics. Enjoyed your video. I did have the old OM1 and OM10 back in the 1980s. I switched to Canon now for digital. Enjoyed your video mate.
A few years ago I sold all my Olympus gear and switched to Canon full frame. Long story short, I am back to Olympus 😂, although I kept my favourite FF lenses . The size and weight difference is still big. You picked one of the smallest ff cameras, that hardly anyone uses for photography,and paired it with one of the smallest lenses...I like landscape, macro, astro and architect photography, and if you use more lenses than a 40mm for all of that, mft of course beats ff any time regarding size/weight. I am quite happy now to have the best of both worlds to me, and I also reduced my gear a lot.
You can set the camera to sleep when idle and wake when you half press the shutter button. With the E-M1 MkII and possibly with the OM-5 you can allocate a lever on the right to be an on-off switch instead of the left hand side lever. EDIT, I notice that others have made the same point, which rather negates a whole lot [10 minutes?] of your video rant.
@@kwonwaguespack5739 For those not acquainted to any advanced camera, menus and what to set are a mystery. Even changing brands brings a whole lot of confusion. However, one needs to make the effort to learn these menus. If not willing or able to learn, one has the wrong type of camera. For these people, the ‘point and shoot’ camera was invented. Also the iAuto mode found on most cameras. I have little sympathy for those who buy or use a camera while making zero effort to learn how to use it but nonetheless bitch publicly about things that have a specific solution. They should think and ask before criticising.
I have exactly this combination of camera and lens. Love the weather sealing, weight, size, image stabilization and myriad of functions such as 50MP handheld high-res shot mode, pro capture and live ND filter. I dislike that the camera doesn't have a normal USB-C charging port and that I can't use the camera while it is charging.
Great pics as always! but… if all you’re going to do is complain about a couple of nitpicks you dont like about a camera bc you didn’t spend the proper time to actually know it well (like you can change the power switch in this one) or compare them to your way more expensive Sony, well it doesn’t see like a series I’d want to watch. This has been the first one of your videos I haven’t actually enjoyed
One of the things I really respect about you is that you don’t seem to be a “dig your heels in” type of guy and will process critical evaluations with a teachable heart.
Wow. So much more to this camera than the power switch and battery size.... One-handed power: At the beginning of the shooting session, turn the power on. Then, leave it on. The camera will automatically sleep. It can be woken by simply half-pressing the shutter button. There's your one-handed operation. Choosing focus point one-handed has never been an issue for me. Also, IDK about your experience w/battery life, but I just finished a hike of the John Muir Trail, and I'd go most of the day shooting 4K video and photos with one battery. And, a 2nd is small enough to slip in your pocket. Charging: a simple/cheap after-market dual battery charger w/USB 3, and both batteries will charge very quickly. In-camera charging is there, but I rarely use it. A better use for in-camera charging is if you're using the camera as a web-cam, for which the older USB standard is plenty.
Very enjoyable, James. I flew over Gt Orme heading for Dwygyfylchi in 1977 in a Hunter based at RAF Valley. I was aiming to "visit" a friend but got very close to the hill behind Dwygyfylchi and scared the living daylights out of myself. It was night, you see. I learned a bit from that . . .
So James ... how *do* you feel about the power button placement on this camera? In all seriousness, I think this would be a helpful series, and 'one day with' might be too short a time. Maybe 'a week with'? OneMonthTwoCameras does something similar (obviously for a month) and gets a good rounded impression of them in that time. I know I've had cameras that drove me mad when I first picked them up, only to later fall in love with them. All the best!
While it was not the main point of your video, I really loved the way how you combined video clip and the final image from same scenes. I've been lately wondering whether to get back to photography or start videography as new hobby (with something like DJI Pocket 3) and the way you combined those showed that they both have their own benefits over the other.
Cheers James, it’s Sean in Atlanta! I am so much like you in that I just purchased an OLYMPUS EM5 MIII, new, for $600! Deal! Go into your menu and disable the power switch on the left and change it to the lever on the right where the AEL/AFL button is. I’m shocked that you bought the OM5, I just could not justify the price difference between these two brand-new cameras. I like the new series and I hope you, your wife and baby, are well! Sean
I have the OM-1. Agree that the on-off switch on the left is a pain. However, the OM-1 does have a joystick. I do a lot of super macro with my OM-1 and combined with the 90mm macro plus 1.4 teleconverter, it is the best camera on the market. (5.6 x magnification). I also have a Nikon Z8 for Street, landscape and wildlife.
Love this series idea, I'd love to see you have a look at the Lumix gx80, seems pretty popular, would love to see what you think/do with it. Would also love to see you hop on the ccd sensor hype with a Nikon d300 or Fuji S5 pro to see if it's all hype or you think there's a bit of magic with those older sensors.
I have the original EM5 and the EPL5 power button os on the top right, i also bought the add on EVF and both cameras have been working flawless since new and the EM5 has traveled all over Asia including jungles and beaches. In fact it just returned from 3 months in the Philippines and Hong Kong. I also have the Lumix GX85 but as you switch your PSAM dial you will tur off the camera as the switch is under the dial and i would loose out on so many great shots. I would happily trade that switch for one like the camera you just tested. So like you i stopped using the camera (Lumix) and it will never go on any important trips again. Also i woder if you could do a review on Nikon Z50ii or what's your opinion of it for an EDC fun photo/video kit lens and maybe a pancake for street photography as my big Lumix S5ii is very much noticed while walking around trying to get street stealth shots.
I think you can switch the on off to the 1-2 switch and af point, to a custom button and then using the dials (one for horizontal the other for vertical moving the af point). The second thing i use myself.
Can you assign on/off to an Fn button closer by? also, I think that sony 40mm prime was 2-3 stops slower than the OM lens (which is also fully weather sealed and camera to OM standards). Computational additions are are worth talking about & stellar in-body stab for night shooting.....I think if you had the camera longer you would have seen the other benefits it has for shooting and in any weather & light conditions especially with that specific lens setup. I just wished the OM 5 was not plastic !
I absolutely loved my om-5, in fact I loved it more than my S5ii because it was more fun to shoot and I never thought twice about taking it absolutely everywhere. The image quality wasn't as good, but I captured more good shots because I took twice as many photos. A lot to be said for that really
I had an Olympus EM5 Mark III, which is basically the same camera body. I loved the smaller size, but even after learning the camera, I found the button layout, menu and overall flow of the camera to be quite annoying. I eventually sold it. You're 100% correct. A camera like this should be easy to use with one hand, in most situations. I'm hoping Panasonic releases a small micro-four-thirds camera in the next year, or OM re-releases an updated PEN F style camera. Until then, I'm still using my Lumix GM-1 quite a bit.
I have an old Olympus OM1 film camera and the reason the power button is on the left is because that is where the switch to turn on/off the camera's light meter was located. So in effect, they carried this over from the OM1 film cameras most likely. The other thing may have been that people were accidentally turning the camera off too with their thumb when fumbling around looking for the AF-ON button (I knkow some camera designs have that "flaw"). I think Fuji had that problem or it was a complaint on their older XT20/XT30 cameras that it was easy to accidentally turn the camera off while operating the dials on the right side, so while this may be an annoyance, it may also help prevent that too... of course if you're the type that does turn the camera on/off a lot, it does get annoying. But I do agree that it is nice to be able to operate a camera with one hand (or two if you have an aperture ring, that's fine too), and one reason I sort of love/hate certain Fuji cameras (some have the AF switch on the body which requires using two hands basically, whereas my Nikon Z mirrorless cameras can pretty much be operate with one hand (at least my Z7, the Z8 and Zf require two to make some changes -- but on the Zf if I wanted to do one-handed operation I could by setting it so that the command dials control ISO and not use the dedicated ISO dial on the top -- which is on the left side). So with the exception of their lenses not having traditional aperture rings, I can operate the Zf as if twas like a traditional (modern) camera or a film camera (I can do the same thing with the shutter speed, set it so it can be operate with the command dials, Fuji's are similar this regard too).
Interesting video. It highlights the difference between those who borrow a camera for a few days and those who do a proper long term review. A long term review or even a bit of quick research would reveal the switch by your right thumb can be used as an on/off switch. There is an American TH-camr who only gives a review once they’ve used a piece of kit on a money generating professional shoot. Sound principle if you want to give gear advice.
I'm sorry but you're going to have to re-do this video now that you know how to fix the on/off situation lol. Also, the images looked great. Definitely speaks to the fact that a big heavy expensive camera isn't needed to get good photos.
Recently I have a lot of fun using the olympus optical viewfinder Vf-1 on a pen epl3 body and lumix 20 1.7 lens. Since it is mounted on the hot shoe, I'd suggest you to get one and use it on a olympus pen or a lumix Gx or Gf. The viewfinder has 17mm references but also with the 20mm is good. It's a very nice accessory and permits to focus on the composition. Usually I shot in aperture priority and once I decide the aperture, turn off the screen retroillumination.
heyyy, I'm just here to say a few words, I really like the way you do your videos and basically with time you've become my favorite youtuber covering photography stuff and the only one making such content that I consistently watch, I'm basically just starting my adventure with photography and you've been of great help and inspiratiom to me, personally I'm using a Sony A6400 with the Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens plus a Sigma 30mm f/1.4, though I mostly just go for the Sigma lens, and the strap the camera came with isn't very great unlike the strap my parents' old Nikon dslr came with so when I come home I'll look for a better one, but yeah, I suppose what I'm trying to say is just thanks for making this content and letting me relax, listen about interesting things amd learn some more.. that's a long one, but if anyone reads it feel free to reply and maybe give some random tips and all heh
Hi James, love your videos and your photos. I like the idea for this series. My suggestion would be the Sony RX1r ii. I took the early Sony RX1 to Africa in 2014 and loved it but didn’t like the add on viewfinder. I rented the camera so it was easy to by pass purchasing the system. Looking back I really liked what sony did with that model. I don’t understand why the don’t update that series.
I do like the styling of this camera. As you briefly mentioned the Sony 40mm (which I used to have and loved) with a a7c is a mega combination I think.
Thanks for this new video series! I was wondering about the new OM series, and would not have noticed the issue with the power switch until too late. Re-assigning the power "function" seems rather cludgy to me, and it makes you lose the possibility of assigning a real function. That aside - the photos look amazing, so it's great to see that OM has maintained the Olympus quality. This helps a lot in keeping M4/3 a relevant system. Regarding power-switches on the right and joysticks under your thumb, I hope you have the Panny G9ii on your list. This is the first model Panny with the "proper" autofocus, so it would be very interesting to see how you find it in comparison to the OM-5. Oh yes, since it is MPB doing the sponsoring, please don't forget to pull in some old cameras as well! I have a GX80, old G5 and a gaggle of old GX1's - none of which holds me back in terms of quality photos. If a photo comes out a dud, it won't be my old camera's fault! 😛 Damn, I have to come visit Llandudno soon, what a gorgeous place!
I'd love to see you take a whirl at the a7CR and the Zeiss 35f2.8. I think with the crop it's a versatile 35 and 50 compact combo in one body one lens - and a nice alternative to the X100VI.
Lovely video as always James. I'm not sure G9 + pro 25mm f1.4 is the right M43 setup to compare to full frame, if you're keen to compare them on size. Wouldn't you be using something like a G100 with the 20mm pancake, if you wanted small/light? I'm loving the G100 for stills, incidentally. It feels like a true descendant of the original GF-1 and the GX-1…
I think with the MPB sponsorship it would be useful to see how useable older generation used cameras are today. The A5100 intrigues me for example as it can be picked up for £200, and apparently is on the same sensor as the A6400, uses the same battery, but is in a smaller body (I haven't checked how where the power switch on it is though).
Agree 100% about the power with for one-handed operation. I got more shots with my Panasonic GF1 and 20mm pancake because I kept in my right pocket and could operate the camera quickly with one hand.
Nice little camera...but aren't most of them? Anyway, on my EM5 2 I let low power standby kick in and leave the switch on. I rarely have the battery drain. I'm surprised the OM5 has such a drain on the battery. It annoys me to no end they did not upgrade it to USB C I've also reassigned the mode switch to turn it on and off. But on a second similar camera I use the mode switch for shooting modes which threw me off when I switched bodies. Enjoyed the video and your images👍👍
James , while I like the look and size that’s about all I like about this camera …. That being said, the compositions and shots you took are some of my favorites in your portfolio 🤷♂️Cheers!
James totally agree with your sentiments and analysis, M43 brilliant, its lightweight & compact for FL over say 200mm, wildlife especially, but also macro no real advantage to be gained over FF at short to standard FL, in terms of size and weight, so might as well opt for better IQ and LL performance of a small form factor FF kit
Try out a Sony NEX-3N. There are newer versions sure, but this earlier version is so slim while still able to take Sony e mount lens. With a bodycap lens - completely pocketable!
I used to feel the same way about power switches on the left side of the camera. I was so used to the switch being around the shutter release. However on my Canon EOS R which has the same design flaw, I realized that turning the camera on and off was much slower than allowing the camera to go into sleep mode and just waking it with any button press. And there was no noticeable difference on battery consumption.
James, I have a Samsung NX300 which, to this day, is still an awesome piece of kit and so usable which, as I'm sure you'd agree, is the most important thing. You probably won't get one from MPB but, if you want to use mine for a video, you're more than welcome. For context, I have an A7iv with the Tamrin 17-28 as well as the 35-150ii and the Samsung is still a go to for a quick day out.
I nearly spit my SD card out as I saw the video title! Going back to mft! False alarm 😂. But you are right, i switched from Nikon to Olympus around 5 years ago and the on/off switch still does my head in.
I should think mpb might be able to sort out another OM-5 for a revisit video 😉 I'd like to see a similar 'one-day' video with one of the Fuji XT cameras if mpb are happy to provide one.
The power button on the left is a nod to the original 1970’s OM-1. Can’t add a photo here but give it a quick google and you’ll see it’s very similar, even the lever and font.
I know you won’t want this to be Olympus heavy, but the OM1 (mark 1 and/or 2) would be useful as someone who is considering upgrading from an original E-M1.
I agree with the power button position it makes a huge difference, especially when travelling or street photography. Your home town looks lovely I will have to take a look next time I am in wales.
I use the 20mm on an OM1-ii and while it's my favourite focal length for walking around, unfortunately the difference between it and the 17mm 1.2 or the 25mm 1.2 is very noticeable. The battery on the OM1 is remarkable, especially if you put the camera in airplane mode.
Your photo's have an airy, filmic feel. Apols if that's become a cliche' word! Llandudno still seems to offer a wealth of interesting photogenic locations. I spent a fair bit of time there in the 80's/90's as family had moved to the area. There used to be a great 2nd hand camera shop on (I think) Mostyn Street? Always had some absolute gems in the window, particularly the myriad 70's 35mm Rangefinder compact types. Back in in the days of film!
James, you are the archetypal MFT-shooter! You find something to get upset about. 🤣 Apart from long lenses, I find the zoom ranges available attractive. When I look at other systems, it's hard to go from 9mm m43 at the wide end to 300mm m43 continuously for kitzoom money. Or even continuously for a lot more money. If all things photography are a hobby, I think it's one of the most accessible entries. Oh, and the good old Lumix 20mm f/1.7 is way smaller.
Would you ever be interested in trying a Canon or Nikon setup? I imagine those would be quite similar to the Sony setup you have, but for example the Canon R8 paired with the rf 50mm 1.8 could be a setup to your liking… Anyway thanks for your content, inspiring, entertaining and informative as ever
Whenever I consider that one, or the GR3, I pick up my E-PL7, same size with more functionality. Leica have just brought out a new LX100 with the D-Lux 8, for lots of money
On most Olympus’s or OM’s the function lever can be reassigned as the power switch, so one handed operation is back
I was going to say this also 👍🏻
@@steven3557 he literally said "one handed operation".
And the power switch becomes a fidget 😂 It's annoying that they don't allow you to reassign the function of the power switch.
@@steven3557 Because every one is different, has different requirements or ideas how a camera should be configured.
@@steven3557 tell that to the OM designers then. At least the buttons are reassignable.
Interestingly, this shows how important the photographer's style and post-processing are: this may be a very different camera, but the photographs look and feel just like James's pictures.
FYI, the lever on the back panel can be used as a power switch, so you can use with just one hand
My eye just really likes that 4:3 aspect ratio.
Mine too, it's a lot more balanced than the trad. 2:3 ratio
Several other cameras allow you to shoot in that ratio. Fuji X-T5/X-T50/X-H2 are three of those.
@@Raist3dbexcept their native aspect is 3:2 so when changing to 4:3 it crops the sides quite considerably. As a result it won’t give as wide a field of view as one would expect. Especially noticeable with wider lenses. When an MFT sensor changes to 3:2 one only loses a little off the top and bottom.
@@alex-reay I haven't noticed much of a cut there on the X-T50, so I would say any of the new 40 MP Fujis works quite well with this. And Fuji has pretty wide angle lens selections available so I don't see it as an issue if you want wider with 4:3.
As a canon r5 user i love this camera. I use it ONLY wth the panasonic 20mm f1.7 for travel and everyday shooting and i love it.
Sleep mode is your friend! Toggle this on in the menu and the camera will go to sleep within a few seconds of shooting to conserve power. Half press the shutter button and it is instantly on again. I only use the on/off button to turn mine on at the beginning of the day, and turn it off at the end (or when I know I won't be using it for an hour or two). Sleep mode uses a tiny amount of battery, and I always carry a spare battery or two - at 46g each they weigh next to nothing and slip into the smallest of pockets. (As an aside, video eats battery on the OM-5, but just taking photos a single battery lasts for as long as I can reasonably get away from the family to indulge my photography interests.)
Also, if lens size bothers you on this tiny camera (it does me - I like to be able to pocket it) then the 17mm f/1.8 is half the size and weight, and cheap. For landscape and family photos the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is negligible. The 17mm is plastic, not intended for wet weather, and doesn't have perfect IQ (though more than good enough for most styles of photography). If it dies after being out in the rain (I used non-weather sealed lenses for years without much of a problem) then simply buy another - you can afford three for the price of the bulkier 20mm PRO. I would only choose the 20mm PRO if I was going to a sandy beach, the weather was awful, or if I really needed that extra speed (less than one stop) or a razor thin DoF.
Also the Pana Leica 9mm f1.7, which is weather sealed and has amazing IQ, pairs fantastically with this camera if you are looking for an fast ultra wide compact setup for indoor and outdoor work.
What, you can read, TFM fex??🤣
For street photography I find the wakeup lag a bit long in some situations.
Yeah spending a day with a camera probably needs a warning of totally uninformed opinions that could be totally wrong
I love James but I immediately cringed at the comment about size comparison and no point to m43 anymore… but comparing a 20mm 1.4 with a 40mm a whole stop slower🤦🏼♂️
An actual comparison: 20mm 1.4 on m43 the closest Sony FF 40mm 1.4 sigma is… almost 5 times larger and 6(!!!!) times heavier!!
James if you read this it is ALWAYS true m43 any lens actual equivalent you will find there are all quite literally a fifth size and weight of FF and often a fraction of the price!! So PLEASE do not repeat that comment if you love cameras and photography, it hurts my heart that you might be blindly following the bandwagon of falsehoods around m43.. it’s not 2010 anymore and nearly all the stigmas that have gone on and on are simply not true anymore.
@@JEE774 Please keep on Bad-mouthing M43!!
I have the Pen EP-1, the original E-M5, and a E-PL 5, with a bunch of VERY nice lenses, including the 17mm and 45mm F 1.8, a 50mm 43 macro-lense with the original 43 to M43 adaptor, and a original OM to M43 adaptor, all came with the original flash, even the VF-1 viewfinder, chargers, batteries etc.
I paid a total of 2100 DKR for all that gear, US$ 315.
I could haul around my trusty old Nikon D200, and a 50, 85 and 105mm MF Nikkor-lense,
or ALL the M43 gear!!
@@JEE774 It's not ALWAYS true at all that any m43rds actual equivalent is literally a firth of the size and weight of FF. That's actually the lie. If it's equivalent, there's a lot of options in the from somewhat wide to beginning of telephoto that are quite comparable in size, and sometimes even favorable. You can't simply compare the same F-stop because that's not equivalent in FF.
Just bought the original mark 1 EM5 used exc cond for £160……absolutely fantastic alternative to the ridiculously priced compact market and in most ways better / higher spec. Love it 🎉
The advantage of a silver and black camera is that, whilst more noticeable, people tend to think it’s an old film camera. The thought of someone taking your photo and having it printed seems less disturbing than having a digital image of you that they can put online.
I now own an OM-5, having had Canon, and I agree about the power swtich, but everything is remappable on the OM-5, so you can really make it your own. Having multiple batteries is the answer, as with any camera and letting standby do its job. The really frustrating thing about camera design, try being a left hander and having to shoot and do everything right handed no matter what camera you own that can be frustrating. This was a really interesting to hear your thoughts on the OM-5 and the M4/3 format. Looking forward to the next 'a day with' video. Thank you.
I second that, as a left-hander myself!
Hi, fellow lefty! I find many things awkward, too, since the world is right-handed. Our super power is to become more ambidextrous with time. Shooting a midsize camera one handed? Eh...No. Funny thing is that James is a lefty, too!!
@@LauraF4848 I am not quite sure why he'd want to fire it one-handed, honestly.If you want a stable base for taking photos, you'd use two hands.
So, James, how do you feel about the power switch? I wish you had covered that in your video.
The series should be called "a day with a power button".
@ I didn’t really mind as it’s pretty typical of him. If honestly been off this channel and a couple others when they got their free hasselblads.
James, I’ll not go on about how you can remap the on/off location to the right side. What I will go on about is the photos you took. They are every bit as good as your current camera. I have always loved the look you get and these are right there. By the way my everyday carry is a Pen E-P3 which has the film like look that I like.
Lol, never once have I ever considered the position of the power button - but I will now! As others have mentioned you can ascribe power on/off to the function lever on the right should you want to. The power button where it is pays respect to the the aesthetics of this line of cameras going back to the analogue OM-1 from 1972.
I think it's a little reductionist to consider MFT's only advantages are size. I'd say more impactful advantages are things like, higher frame rates, for example, or having double the effective depth of field for the same field of view at the same aperture, allowing for far easier zone focusing, or for wider apertures to be used when extra stops of light are beneficial.
Also wondering why mft needs f8 or higher when all is focused and diffraction kicks in?😂
@@veikop Well, yeah, you don't really ever need to go narrower than f/5.6 with MFT for anything that doesn't require close focusing or slow shutter speeds, but sometimes you require close focusing or slow shutter speeds ;)
The 4:3 aspect ratio is my favorite and that's making it hard for me to switch to a 3:2 aspect ratio.
@robertmills4591 "The power button where it is pays respect to the the aesthetics of this line of cameras going back to the analogue OM-1 from 1972."
Yeah, and I always found that a pain, too. Still do, on my current OM1.
Great new series. You may not like the camera but you’ve taken some fab shots. Glad you loved the Orig E-M5 and thanks for confirming that we all get grumpier with age .. thought it was just me 👍
I really think Olympus is the ultimate travel 📸 camera 😊
I agree! :D
I really have not learned much from this apart from James not liking the power button on the left.
I learned Llandudno has a cable car and a funicular railway and a pier! But yea. Agree 😅
He clearly never used a OM 1-4..And doesn't RTFM
I have a Leica M11 and the OM5 Mk2. If I’m eating an ice cream, I’m concentrating on the ice cream and not a one handed camera operation!
I may be wrong but I think I picked up a hint that you didn’t like the position of the power switch?
You sure? I think so too. It was definitely a well hidden message, but if you listen closely you might get that impression.
what was the give-away?
I have two OM-5's and at this point I feel like they are an extension of me, an extra body part if you will. So it's so interesting to see how you use it, and what you notice. The one hand use / where the power switch is has never even occured to me. Fascinating! I had to stop and think about what I do, and I think I often have it hanging on my left shoulder, and my left hand reaches down to turn it on and then I grab it and shoot with the right hand, hand it back on the shoulder and turn it off with the left. I think.
Would have loved to see more of you using the camera, trying out it's features and what not. But maybe in the next "one day with a camera". This felt a bit focused on design features, which are of course an important factor, but I more Photography done with the gear would be nice to see :)
What a lovely place your home turf is. I could see myself spending the hole summer there
User Manual: _The Fn lever can be configured to turn the camera on and off. Custom Menu B > [Fn Lever/Power Lever] (P. 275)_
Who buys an expensive camera to RTFM??
@@hansemannluchter643also, who reads instructions 🤣
Don’t skip the preceding 274 pages though.
Never used a camera one handed. So not an issue for me ..maybe want that if you like the shotgun approach for street.? The batteries are light and cheap and take seconds to change. As many say you can reassign power switch so another non issue for me. My MFT often seems to give better macro than my FF (both with dedicated macro lenses) so I'd add that to Wildlife as a plus. Its lot cheaper than Alpha 7C. So I do agree the size and weight point but money is an issue often, ok the 20mm MFT and 40 mm FF Similar size butyou will notice difference mostly especially longer focal lengths I have OM5, love it, have A7iv, love it too but only one is going on my trekking holidays .
You conveyed your emotions very well and I can totally understand what you're saying. It felt a tat like a single issue review though, even if it served as a running gag. If you could highlight a couple more aspects of each camera in this series I think it would be appreciated.❤
I always enjoy watching your channel and I love the fact you don’t take anything (perhaps, especially yourself) too seriously but you are clearly ‘serious’ about what you do. I do worry that every photography channel either is, or becomes, a gear channel. I’ll keep watching but please keep talking about your vision, intent and realisation of your images. Cheers 😁
Yes yes and yes. I miss the videos where James does pov and we hear the thought process behind planning, finding, composing and editing images to realise a vision. The adventure and the process and the inner thoughts.
Rather than fairly nothing content around gear. Not meant to be a downer, I think James is great and I’d love to be on a tog day out with him . But the artistic side and image side of james process is more interesting to me than gear , especially when there’s many actual review videos out there (which this explicitly is not)
@@nextsibling very true.
@@nextsibling depends if you want fleeting views from one off visiting people searching for gear on the potential of shopping… or if you want to run a sustainable community of followers who want to actually connect with you and your content 🤷
@@nextsibling It's true, and the content creators know it. Most of the channels in my feed have now incorporated gear regularly into their content. And it doesn't help that the manufacturers are just gifting influencers with their gear so they can show it off. Shame really.
Love the almost high key tonality and colours on your shots!
You’re such a creative thinker with your photography. A real free spirit.
Bloody hell, you've certainly been catching some flak in these comments!
Hope you don't take it to heart, it's good to have many points of view, and I think it's to the detriment of us all if we sit siloed by manufacturer/lens mount and merely congratulate ourselves on the unique brilliance of the system we use.
Appreciate your videos James, cheers from Derbyshire
My first digital camera, bought in 2019, was the Olympus OM-D EM-10 Mark II. At first, I loved it! Then, I started shooting film, and found a full frame canon for next to nothing. I just sold that Olympus in exchange for a Canon EOS 5 on MPB, and I don’t regret it at all!
Used the original OM-1/2/4s for years when film ruled. Loved the layout and never had a one handed issue. The power switch hasn't moved.
Hello James. Been a few years since seeing your videos. What brought me to your channel was Micro4/3 - Lumix but lost me when you changed to Sony and FF. You sold me on the 4/3 format with my first G7 then up to G9. Have so completely enjoyed the fulfilling hobby and wonderful experiences with lightweight and versatile format. Now I'm looking towards retro Lumix cameras such as GF1 or GX85 as simplicity and old age creeps into my life. I hope you perhaps explore some of the older, simple Lumix 4/3 cameras that bring still life to life. Honestly, just not interested in the complex, heavy and huge full frame cameras any longer as I am 71 years of age and to begin again isn't in the bargain. As long as I still have eyes that function, I'll be taking photos. Thanks, James.
"One Day" over a three day period. Love it. I noted that the 40mm is f2.5 vs. the f1.4 of the OM.
he should use the Lumix 20mm f1.7
And that f1.4 is the full-frame equivalent of an f2.8
I always appreciate hearing a photographer’s perspective on how a particular camera is in sync (or not) with one’s personal practice.
Enjoy James content and have binged on it. I just bought a OM5 and seen many videos critical of other OM5 things, but not one other person has raised the power button as an issue. Lack of USB C is the real clanger IMO. That said, a lot more could have been covered, instead of one gripe, which is fixable by reassigning the button.
Great video James. I really like the OM-5 and thinking about buying one. But could you tell us what side the power button is on please?
The OM-5 is a great camera for hobby/enthusiast/travel photography. It is also fun to use.
Started with em5mkii, still love it after moving to em1mkiii. I bought extra batteries for the em5mkii, theyre tiny to put in small bag. Even the em5mkii computational features are awesome, the OM5 much more so.
I can operate the EM5II - who is the same - with one hand , configured the sleep function : ) , it works wonders, also buying a little metal grip is key for having a solid grip when walking around and taking one handed photos. setup the Focus button on the front and voila ! Love your videos have a great day !
A pity you didn't find out that the ON/OFF function can be assigned to the FN lever. With this simple adjustment you would have improved your feeling with the camera a lot...
I think James point is still valid as it means you lose the fn lever that could be used for something else. I tend to use them to turn on/off bracketing to be a power on switch. I don't have an OM5 if you can reassign the power on switch to be a FN lever I'll let them off 😂
Thanks for the video! If you want a smaller sized lens, it might be an option to use the olympus 25mm 1.8. It is much smaller and the image quality is also very good. As you compared it to a 40mm 2.5, so the aperture still is much wider.
As others have pointed out already, you can reprogram the on/off switch to the AEL/AFL switch. Then this disadvantage can be mitigated as well.
Ditto the smaller 17mm 1.8…
I've only been to Llandudno the once. About 25 years I think. Grim weather but I got a few nice pics.
Enjoyed your video.
I did have the old OM1 and OM10 back in the 1980s. I switched to Canon now for digital.
Enjoyed your video mate.
A few years ago I sold all my Olympus gear and switched to Canon full frame. Long story short, I am back to Olympus 😂, although I kept my favourite FF lenses . The size and weight difference is still big.
You picked one of the smallest ff cameras, that hardly anyone uses for photography,and paired it with one of the smallest lenses...I like landscape, macro, astro and architect photography, and if you use more lenses than a 40mm for all of that, mft of course beats ff any time regarding size/weight.
I am quite happy now to have the best of both worlds to me, and I also reduced my gear a lot.
You can set the camera to sleep when idle and wake when you half press the shutter button. With the E-M1 MkII and possibly with the OM-5 you can allocate a lever on the right to be an on-off switch instead of the left hand side lever. EDIT, I notice that others have made the same point, which rather negates a whole lot [10 minutes?] of your video rant.
Also came to comment this, but fwiw the menu system is horrid to hunt thru to find that 🤣
@@kwonwaguespack5739 For those not acquainted to any advanced camera, menus and what to set are a mystery. Even changing brands brings a whole lot of confusion. However, one needs to make the effort to learn these menus. If not willing or able to learn, one has the wrong type of camera. For these people, the ‘point and shoot’ camera was invented. Also the iAuto mode found on most cameras. I have little sympathy for those who buy or use a camera while making zero effort to learn how to use it but nonetheless bitch publicly about things that have a specific solution. They should think and ask before criticising.
Panasonic GX8 is one of my picks for fantastic small older cameras which are very capable. Power button is on the shutter button as well!
I have exactly this combination of camera and lens. Love the weather sealing, weight, size, image stabilization and myriad of functions such as 50MP handheld high-res shot mode, pro capture and live ND filter. I dislike that the camera doesn't have a normal USB-C charging port and that I can't use the camera while it is charging.
Great pics as always! but… if all you’re going to do is complain about a couple of nitpicks you dont like about a camera bc you didn’t spend the proper time to actually know it well (like you can change the power switch in this one) or compare them to your way more expensive Sony, well it doesn’t see like a series I’d want to watch. This has been the first one of your videos I haven’t actually enjoyed
Fair enough! Points taken.
One of the things I really respect about you is that you don’t seem to be a “dig your heels in” type of guy and will process critical evaluations with a teachable heart.
Couldn't care less about the power button position but it can be moved on the OM5
You have been watching Camera Conspiracies. He had a freak out about the on off switch last week. Hilarious. Thanks for another great video.
Wow. So much more to this camera than the power switch and battery size.... One-handed power: At the beginning of the shooting session, turn the power on. Then, leave it on. The camera will automatically sleep. It can be woken by simply half-pressing the shutter button. There's your one-handed operation. Choosing focus point one-handed has never been an issue for me. Also, IDK about your experience w/battery life, but I just finished a hike of the John Muir Trail, and I'd go most of the day shooting 4K video and photos with one battery. And, a 2nd is small enough to slip in your pocket. Charging: a simple/cheap after-market dual battery charger w/USB 3, and both batteries will charge very quickly. In-camera charging is there, but I rarely use it. A better use for in-camera charging is if you're using the camera as a web-cam, for which the older USB standard is plenty.
I grew up in Chester and remember going to Llandudno. So nostalgic to see it now. So beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the OM. Brings back memories of my 35mm OM10 I used in the late 70's early 80's.
Very enjoyable, James. I flew over Gt Orme heading for Dwygyfylchi in 1977 in a Hunter based at RAF Valley. I was aiming to "visit" a friend but got very close to the hill behind Dwygyfylchi and scared the living daylights out of myself. It was night, you see. I learned a bit from that . . .
Another great video James, great to see my home town too nearly..(Penrhyn Bay) ... I now live in Southampton.
So James ... how *do* you feel about the power button placement on this camera?
In all seriousness, I think this would be a helpful series, and 'one day with' might be too short a time. Maybe 'a week with'? OneMonthTwoCameras does something similar (obviously for a month) and gets a good rounded impression of them in that time. I know I've had cameras that drove me mad when I first picked them up, only to later fall in love with them. All the best!
While it was not the main point of your video, I really loved the way how you combined video clip and the final image from same scenes. I've been lately wondering whether to get back to photography or start videography as new hobby (with something like DJI Pocket 3) and the way you combined those showed that they both have their own benefits over the other.
If you need a very compact one, the Leica D-Lux is a good option. Or with Apsc the Fujifilm X-E Line is a good option too.
Nice content 👌
Cheers James, it’s Sean in Atlanta! I am so much like you in that I just purchased an OLYMPUS EM5 MIII, new, for $600! Deal! Go into your menu and disable the power switch on the left and change it to the lever on the right where the AEL/AFL button is. I’m shocked that you bought the OM5, I just could not justify the price difference between these two brand-new cameras.
I like the new series and I hope you, your wife and baby,
are well!
Sean
I have the OM-1. Agree that the on-off switch on the left is a pain. However, the OM-1 does have a joystick.
I do a lot of super macro with my OM-1 and combined with the 90mm macro plus 1.4 teleconverter, it is the best camera on the market. (5.6 x magnification).
I also have a Nikon Z8 for Street, landscape and wildlife.
Love this series idea,
I'd love to see you have a look at the Lumix gx80, seems pretty popular, would love to see what you think/do with it.
Would also love to see you hop on the ccd sensor hype with a Nikon d300 or Fuji S5 pro to see if it's all hype or you think there's a bit of magic with those older sensors.
I have the original EM5 and the EPL5 power button os on the top right, i also bought the add on EVF and both cameras have been working flawless since new and the EM5 has traveled all over Asia including jungles and beaches. In fact it just returned from 3 months in the Philippines and Hong Kong. I also have the Lumix GX85 but as you switch your PSAM dial you will tur off the camera as the switch is under the dial and i would loose out on so many great shots. I would happily trade that switch for one like the camera you just tested. So like you i stopped using the camera (Lumix) and it will never go on any important trips again. Also i woder if you could do a review on Nikon Z50ii or what's your opinion of it for an EDC fun photo/video kit lens and maybe a pancake for street photography as my big Lumix S5ii is very much noticed while walking around trying to get street stealth shots.
Great stuff James! What I find refreshing about your photography is that your images tell a story!!!
I think you can switch the on off to the 1-2 switch and af point, to a custom button and then using the dials (one for horizontal the other for vertical moving the af point). The second thing i use myself.
Love my OM-5!
Can you assign on/off to an Fn button closer by? also, I think that sony 40mm prime was 2-3 stops slower than the OM lens (which is also fully weather sealed and camera to OM standards). Computational additions are are worth talking about & stellar in-body stab for night shooting.....I think if you had the camera longer you would have seen the other benefits it has for shooting and in any weather & light conditions especially with that specific lens setup. I just wished the OM 5 was not plastic !
I absolutely loved my om-5, in fact I loved it more than my S5ii because it was more fun to shoot and I never thought twice about taking it absolutely everywhere. The image quality wasn't as good, but I captured more good shots because I took twice as many photos. A lot to be said for that really
I had an Olympus EM5 Mark III, which is basically the same camera body. I loved the smaller size, but even after learning the camera, I found the button layout, menu and overall flow of the camera to be quite annoying. I eventually sold it. You're 100% correct. A camera like this should be easy to use with one hand, in most situations. I'm hoping Panasonic releases a small micro-four-thirds camera in the next year, or OM re-releases an updated PEN F style camera. Until then, I'm still using my Lumix GM-1 quite a bit.
I have an old Olympus OM1 film camera and the reason the power button is on the left is because that is where the switch to turn on/off the camera's light meter was located. So in effect, they carried this over from the OM1 film cameras most likely. The other thing may have been that people were accidentally turning the camera off too with their thumb when fumbling around looking for the AF-ON button (I knkow some camera designs have that "flaw"). I think Fuji had that problem or it was a complaint on their older XT20/XT30 cameras that it was easy to accidentally turn the camera off while operating the dials on the right side, so while this may be an annoyance, it may also help prevent that too... of course if you're the type that does turn the camera on/off a lot, it does get annoying.
But I do agree that it is nice to be able to operate a camera with one hand (or two if you have an aperture ring, that's fine too), and one reason I sort of love/hate certain Fuji cameras (some have the AF switch on the body which requires using two hands basically, whereas my Nikon Z mirrorless cameras can pretty much be operate with one hand (at least my Z7, the Z8 and Zf require two to make some changes -- but on the Zf if I wanted to do one-handed operation I could by setting it so that the command dials control ISO and not use the dedicated ISO dial on the top -- which is on the left side). So with the exception of their lenses not having traditional aperture rings, I can operate the Zf as if twas like a traditional (modern) camera or a film camera (I can do the same thing with the shutter speed, set it so it can be operate with the command dials, Fuji's are similar this regard too).
Interesting video. It highlights the difference between those who borrow a camera for a few days and those who do a proper long term review. A long term review or even a bit of quick research would reveal the switch by your right thumb can be used as an on/off switch. There is an American TH-camr who only gives a review once they’ve used a piece of kit on a money generating professional shoot. Sound principle if you want to give gear advice.
I'm sorry but you're going to have to re-do this video now that you know how to fix the on/off situation lol. Also, the images looked great. Definitely speaks to the fact that a big heavy expensive camera isn't needed to get good photos.
Recently I have a lot of fun using the olympus optical viewfinder Vf-1 on a pen epl3 body and lumix 20 1.7 lens. Since it is mounted on the hot shoe, I'd suggest you to get one and use it on a olympus pen or a lumix Gx or Gf. The viewfinder has 17mm references but also with the 20mm is good. It's a very nice accessory and permits to focus on the composition. Usually I shot in aperture priority and once I decide the aperture, turn off the screen retroillumination.
Good work! Now, the only logical way forward is to test something bigger and heavier. Pentax 67II? Or Mamiya RZ even?
heyyy, I'm just here to say a few words, I really like the way you do your videos and basically with time you've become my favorite youtuber covering photography stuff and the only one making such content that I consistently watch, I'm basically just starting my adventure with photography and you've been of great help and inspiratiom to me, personally I'm using a Sony A6400 with the Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens plus a Sigma 30mm f/1.4, though I mostly just go for the Sigma lens, and the strap the camera came with isn't very great unlike the strap my parents' old Nikon dslr came with so when I come home I'll look for a better one, but yeah, I suppose what I'm trying to say is just thanks for making this content and letting me relax, listen about interesting things amd learn some more.. that's a long one, but if anyone reads it feel free to reply and maybe give some random tips and all heh
Enjoy the A6400.
Hi James, love your videos and your photos. I like the idea for this series. My suggestion would be the Sony RX1r ii. I took the early Sony RX1 to Africa in 2014 and loved it but didn’t like the add on viewfinder. I rented the camera so it was easy to by pass purchasing the system. Looking back I really liked what sony did with that model. I don’t understand why the don’t update that series.
I do like the styling of this camera. As you briefly mentioned the Sony 40mm (which I used to have and loved) with a a7c is a mega combination I think.
Thanks for this new video series! I was wondering about the new OM series, and would not have noticed the issue with the power switch until too late. Re-assigning the power "function" seems rather cludgy to me, and it makes you lose the possibility of assigning a real function. That aside - the photos look amazing, so it's great to see that OM has maintained the Olympus quality. This helps a lot in keeping M4/3 a relevant system. Regarding power-switches on the right and joysticks under your thumb, I hope you have the Panny G9ii on your list. This is the first model Panny with the "proper" autofocus, so it would be very interesting to see how you find it in comparison to the OM-5. Oh yes, since it is MPB doing the sponsoring, please don't forget to pull in some old cameras as well! I have a GX80, old G5 and a gaggle of old GX1's - none of which holds me back in terms of quality photos. If a photo comes out a dud, it won't be my old camera's fault! 😛 Damn, I have to come visit Llandudno soon, what a gorgeous place!
I'd love to see you take a whirl at the a7CR and the Zeiss 35f2.8. I think with the crop it's a versatile 35 and 50 compact combo in one body one lens - and a nice alternative to the X100VI.
Lovely video as always James.
I'm not sure G9 + pro 25mm f1.4 is the right M43 setup to compare to full frame, if you're keen to compare them on size. Wouldn't you be using something like a G100 with the 20mm pancake, if you wanted small/light? I'm loving the G100 for stills, incidentally. It feels like a true descendant of the original GF-1 and the GX-1…
I think with the MPB sponsorship it would be useful to see how useable older generation used cameras are today. The A5100 intrigues me for example as it can be picked up for £200, and apparently is on the same sensor as the A6400, uses the same battery, but is in a smaller body (I haven't checked how where the power switch on it is though).
Agree 100% about the power with for one-handed operation. I got more shots with my Panasonic GF1 and 20mm pancake because I kept in my right pocket and could operate the camera quickly with one hand.
Nice little camera...but aren't most of them? Anyway, on my EM5 2 I let low power standby kick in and leave the switch on. I rarely have the battery drain. I'm surprised the OM5 has such a drain on the battery. It annoys me to no end they did not upgrade it to USB C
I've also reassigned the mode switch to turn it on and off. But on a second similar camera I use the mode switch for shooting modes which threw me off when I switched bodies.
Enjoyed the video and your images👍👍
Your videos have brought me so much joy, comfort when I'm sick, and exploration when life feels stagnant. Thank you.
As usual it has to be a great day when a new James Popsys video comes out :)
Loved the photos James. Looked as great as ever. In the spirit of "retro" cameras, how about the Nikon Zf or Zfc?
Based on your video I went ahead and bought me the OM5 in black with the 12-45 pro lens. I stopped listening to ‘reviewers’ so long ago
James , while I like the look and size that’s about all I like about this camera …. That being said, the compositions and shots you took are some of my favorites in your portfolio 🤷♂️Cheers!
James totally agree with your sentiments and analysis, M43 brilliant, its lightweight & compact for FL over say 200mm, wildlife especially, but also macro no real advantage to be gained over FF at short to standard FL, in terms of size and weight, so might as well opt for better IQ and LL performance of a small form factor FF kit
Try out a Sony NEX-3N. There are newer versions sure, but this earlier version is so slim while still able to take Sony e mount lens. With a bodycap lens - completely pocketable!
I used to feel the same way about power switches on the left side of the camera. I was so used to the switch being around the shutter release. However on my Canon EOS R which has the same design flaw, I realized that turning the camera on and off was much slower than allowing the camera to go into sleep mode and just waking it with any button press. And there was no noticeable difference on battery consumption.
James, I have a Samsung NX300 which, to this day, is still an awesome piece of kit and so usable which, as I'm sure you'd agree, is the most important thing. You probably won't get one from MPB but, if you want to use mine for a video, you're more than welcome. For context, I have an A7iv with the Tamrin 17-28 as well as the 35-150ii and the Samsung is still a go to for a quick day out.
Oo, also, try the Pentax K1ii, I use one and they're amazing and so underrated. Also the power button is by the shutter button 😅
I nearly spit my SD card out as I saw the video title! Going back to mft! False alarm 😂. But you are right, i switched from Nikon to Olympus around 5 years ago and the on/off switch still does my head in.
I want to know more about the on/off switch. Can you describe it further?
I should think mpb might be able to sort out another OM-5 for a revisit video 😉 I'd like to see a similar 'one-day' video with one of the Fuji XT cameras if mpb are happy to provide one.
The power button on the left is a nod to the original 1970’s OM-1. Can’t add a photo here but give it a quick google and you’ll see it’s very similar, even the lever and font.
That was a great camera. Yes I owned one, that was back in the 80's....
James, love the channel. How about the Ricoh GRiiiX?
I know you won’t want this to be Olympus heavy, but the OM1 (mark 1 and/or 2) would be useful as someone who is considering upgrading from an original E-M1.
I agree with the power button position it makes a huge difference, especially when travelling or street photography. Your home town looks lovely I will have to take a look next time I am in wales.
I use the 20mm on an OM1-ii and while it's my favourite focal length for walking around, unfortunately the difference between it and the 17mm 1.2 or the 25mm 1.2 is very noticeable. The battery on the OM1 is remarkable, especially if you put the camera in airplane mode.
Your photo's have an airy, filmic feel. Apols if that's become a cliche' word!
Llandudno still seems to offer a wealth of interesting photogenic locations.
I spent a fair bit of time there in the 80's/90's as family had moved to the area.
There used to be a great 2nd hand camera shop on (I think) Mostyn Street? Always had some absolute gems in the window, particularly the myriad 70's 35mm Rangefinder compact types.
Back in in the days of film!
James, you are the archetypal MFT-shooter! You find something to get upset about. 🤣
Apart from long lenses, I find the zoom ranges available attractive. When I look at other systems, it's hard to go from 9mm m43 at the wide end to 300mm m43 continuously for kitzoom money. Or even continuously for a lot more money. If all things photography are a hobby, I think it's one of the most accessible entries.
Oh, and the good old Lumix 20mm f/1.7 is way smaller.
Excellent video 😮!
Would you ever be interested in trying a Canon or Nikon setup? I imagine those would be quite similar to the Sony setup you have, but for example the Canon R8 paired with the rf 50mm 1.8 could be a setup to your liking…
Anyway thanks for your content, inspiring, entertaining and informative as ever
I used to sledge there in the winter as a kid. ahhh the memories.
One great all round small travel camera is the LUMIX LX100
Whenever I consider that one, or the GR3, I pick up my E-PL7, same size with more functionality. Leica have just brought out a new LX100 with the D-Lux 8, for lots of money
I bought the LX100ii to accompany me while there's a tele on my main camera, but boy, the LX100ii sees more action than the main.
I love it!