Which do do think deserves the number one spot?? Check out the description for all the linked videos to learn more about any of the cameras mentioned 😍📸
I have a collection myself, including several from your list: PEN-F, GX850, G100. I use my G95 and GX9 more often than any of those, but I try to have the GX850 or G100 with me for everyday carry. I would rank them differently, as I almost always choose the G100 over the GX850. To be honest, I wouldn't classify the PEN-F of E-M5 as super small. My number one from your list would be the G100. It isn't as small as the GM1 or GX850, but for just a little more size (not much) you get the EVF, 20 megapixels, LMonochrome D, and more. I prefer to have IBIX, but none of the cameras that I would put on the list have it.
FUNtography: Emily's guide to releasing your inner child through tiny cameras! Remember when photography was fun? Before megapixels. Before raw, AI, "grown-up " cameras with big lenses, etc. Remember your first camera. No bells or whistles. Small and fit your hands. Simple to use. Point and pray. The delight of getting close and surprise when it turned out right. Technical perfection wasn't the goal. Tiny cameras that you carried everywhere. That was FUNtography! And, Emily's "tiny cameras" remind us that small things have joy! I've owned or now own several of Emily's top 10. The Oly PL6 fit in my pocket with 14mm lens as a street/landscape/interior camera through Holland and Belgium. The Lumix G100 has earned a place in my bag with my G9 for an upcoming Africa safari. The G100 with 35-100mm f2.8 is a killer low light 4k video beast! My GX850 with 14-42mm Power Zoom was a faithful companion through the Amazon, Andes and Machu Picchu. It now brings delight in the hands of my grand daughter as her first "real" camera. Try one of Emily's tiny cameras or others like these. Get over their technical limitations and rediscover the simple joys of FUNtography. And then, give a tiny camera to a child you love. Pass it on!
Also, I would like to apologise to all of humankind for the absolute state of my hair in this video 😂 I was standing in front of a fan in between takes because it was so warm and well… it all got progressively worse as the filming went on 😬🙈
I wouldn´t have seen it, if you hadn´t mentioned it. You are a natural beauty and one of the most competent camera reviewers on youtube! You do an amazing job! By the way, my everyday camera is the Olympus Pen PL 7. Capable and small enough, and the white version gives extra points for style. I love it.
The Panasonic GM1 with the 12-32 zoom, 45-150 zoom and 20 1.7 is still my travel kit after all these years. Wish Panasonic would bring back the GM series.
@@sahirde I think he meant GM5, which is my favorite small micro 4/3rds camera. It adds an EVF and an extra control dial to the GM1, and only adds 7 grams weight. I love mine for a backup and every day carry since it is soo small but capable since it uses the same lenses as my main camera.
For me the number one is the Lumix GM5 ! I love mine, I had a GM1 before, but the GM5 is better as it brings a much more usable clickable wheel (great to change aperture or ISOs, compared to the one on the GM1 which leads to error by pressing it when we want to just turn it) and a tiny viewfinder which is very useful when the sun is very bright. It also add eye-focus AF for portraits, so usefull ! You can also move the focus point via the touch focus screen, great ! So for me this is the best tiny camera ! :)
Thank You ! I recently bought a second hand GX800, using an Olympus 17mm I had mounted on a Pen PL2. It is such a pleasure to have back a pocketable camera ( Rollei S35, miu 2, Sony V1, Ricoh GR1, etc…). I have now a 9mm toy lens and will probably step by step complete a lens set. Your enthousiasme and the fun factor of your photography approach is refreshing. Merci Madame !
I really love the GM1 and GM5. However, my most preferred everyday travel camera at the moment is the Fuji X-T20. The sensor is lovely, the details are crisp, and the film sims are sooo goood (I'm too lazy to process images, so the presets make life way easier, plus makes you mindful of what you capture). While it lacks IBIS and weather sealing, the overall experience is fantastic and it's pretty light and pocketable too :)
I got my Lumix GX85 yesterday with the 12-32mm lens, I have fallen in love with this body, and I can’t wait to take it to the city for some street photography! MFT is incredible.
I appreciate your videos and pictures. I've owned some of the cameras you've presented and used olympus E-M5 during 4 years. At the same time I used the small Pentax, Nikon V1 and I must say Olympus menus were the most complicated and weird compared to all other brands I tried. Now I use small Lx15 Lumix, Fuji X70 and Lumix G80. What is funny is that film reflex I used only two for 30 years and since 2005 when I sold my film reflex I probably owned and tried about 30 different cameras! Now I cool down.
Not Micro 4/3rds but I find the Sony RX100 series (get the VA if you don't need telephoto and get the VII if you need telephoto) is great for travel. Versatile all arounder and very pocketable... But I love the GM1 the most.
I love my LUMIX LX 100 II, I got mine for a bargain and it is soo versatile. Image quality blows my mind every time. Contra: no weather sealing and no flippy screen.
Congratulations to the EM5. I’ve owned and gifted this body to a co-worker. In retrospect not a great move on my part. Love the colors out of this body. Good IBIS. Nice feature set. Surprised this body was rated #1 as it is am relatively large body for an EDC. My nomination for season two is the Panasonic GX85(or 80 in your part of the world). It has the same feature set as the EM5 but I think it is a little smaller. Same 16MP sensor? Notice I didn’t give this gem away. The GX9 may be better but in an incremental way. It is also cheaper than the GX9. That is what happens with older cameras. The same is true for the LX100 vs. the 100ii. With older models good enough is sometimes good enough. PS: The GRiiiX is an interesting pick. Not M43. Fixed focal length. The 40mm FOV is a good compromise between 35 & 50mm. Of course it is a street cam but also good for EDC as that focal length is close to the FOV of our eyes. Yes it is tiny (another reason to buy it) but mighty. And as you rightly point out, expensive. There are a hard core of fan boys/girls for the GRiiiX just like the larger and difficult to obtain Fuji X100V. For me, the GRiii is too wide @ 28mm but YMMV. Nice series. Please continue. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Great video, as always 😊 I have the Lx100 ii, the EPL-9 in faux blue denim, the E-M5 iii and the GX9, as my Micro Four Thirds cameras (also an OM-1, but which is larger) and I love them all to bits. If I had to choose one... I don't know, maybe the EPL-9 for looks, portability and features, or the E-M5 iii since it's also small and of great quality all around 😁
The older Olympus EM cameras are a fantastic deal. I have an E-M10 that I picked up for about $150 that I have gotten beautiful shots with (especially with the amazing 45mm f1.8 lens). I also recently picked up a first gen E-M1 for $250 from MPB for some of its features, such as focus stacking and higher burst speeds, and to pair with a 75-300mm for a budget wildlife rig.
Thanks for the great review! I picked up an E-M5 in December for USD$175 shipped. I could have chosen a less-worn unit, but adding separately the $15 flash, an $8 eyecup, and a bit of glue, it's working just fine. It's my first m43 camera. I'm impressed by the features of such an old camera! I do hope the m43 format continues. The E-M5 doesn't officially have focus peaking, but there's a clever hack using one of the creative modes to give it funky peaking that works pretty well much/most of the time.
Ooh thanks for the focus peaking tip I’ll have to look that up! Yes I think getting some cameras more “used” and doing some quick tweaks is such a great way to get a good price!
I bought em1m1 used for about $300, and thanks to a custom firmware I can focusstack images with any autofocus Olympus lens. This is the real hack to my mind
What fun! Started this conversation around the Sunday dinner table and a bevy of old cameras were dragged out of draws and the kids were amazed. I just snagged an Olympus Stylus XZ 2 and it is a genuine delight. Brining the joy is what matters.
I love my Olympus EM 5 iii. The stills and videos are of good quality and the stabilization is excellent. I recently got a Lumix LX10, which I really like. It takes excellent stills and video and fits in my pocket.
I used to own the em5. ❤️ I used it with the 12-40 mm Pro lense. It was amazing. I have big hands, so I bought the camera grip and battery grip. A small camera with a huge heart. ❤️
My all time favourite micro four thirds camera is the Olympus E-M10 mk II. It does everything the original E-M5 does, plus it has WiFi connection, and a tiny flash. But no weather sealing, sadly, otherwise it would have cannibalised the e-m5 mk II market. They are this close (another point of difference : unlike the E-M5 mk II, the E-M10 mk II doesn't have hi-res).
I'll second your choice as the Oly E M5 as the best of the lot, and suggest going for the Mark II or even III if the budge allows! And for season 2, you know you have to include one of the Olympus M10 cameras, and in particular the M10 Mark ii because it was an improvement over the first model, and has the more complete (if challenging) menu versus the Mark iii which was a step backwards in some ways. At current used prices, it's pretty hard to beat for being a bargain camera that will still take great pictures! Great video...lots of fun....and informative. Personally....think I've said this before....if it doesn't have an EVF, it won't be in my bag, but I'm just an old cranky guy!!
I, just bought one, EM10 11 mint £230, my fuji xe2 is crying in the corner, demanding a divorce, my manual focus lenses are jumping like jelly beans, "Use me, use me!", Dont worry children you can all have a go!
I agree em10 is one of the greatest bargains on the market for the image quality they take. Combine it with a prime lens and you be surprised by the landscape or portrait results. But in my experience, the menu is a mess. If you get used to it, go for em10 or em5 for sealed body
For a pocket sized street camera I still use my ancient Olympus PM1. Not great in bright light as you cant see the flipping screen but still allows you to make some great photos in A, S or M modes. And the thing is 11 years old and still working. Very interested to compare the GM1 to the PM1.
I have the E-M10II with the E-PL7 as back-up body/battery. I now use the E-PL7 as my tiny snapshot camera and the E-M10II has been relegated to mostly adapted-lens duty as my main camera is now the E-M5III for its great value, PDAF, 4K, etc. That GRIIIX always intrigued me and I'm still waiting for a great PenF-Pro body 🙄
Ahh I know this is a M43 channel, but since you got the pentax and ricoh in there I figured I'd mention Fujifilm. I really think Fuji took the spot as the ruler of EDC cameras. X100v aside (since that's an annoyingly popular camera that nobody can get at retail right now), we also got the X-E4, which is only slightly larger than the SMALLEST m43 camera, has interchangeable lenses, an EVF, articulating screen, and a 26mpx sensor. Crazy thing about the Fuji system, their lenses can be just as small as the m43 ones, even if you want a 1.4. For cameras the size of the E-M5 and the Pen F, the Fuji X-T5 is roughly the same size. Has ibis, weather sealing, articulating screeen, 40mpx sensor, shoots great video, and also got that retro styling. You also got the X-Pro series, which is pretty much in the Pen-F category with weather sealing (just no ibis). That said I am a massive M43 fan too. I just feel they need to go back to their roots and forget these flagship cameras, focus more on the smaller EDC ones. LX100 iii can be the perfect x100v killer for example. Just update the tech in it and make it weather sealed. The olympus E-P7 that was only released in Japan and Europe is another great contender for EDC interchangeable lenses. So much potential with M43!
I recently got a Pen E-P5 in white enamel on metal that looks like an old kitchen appliance, takes the same batteries as my E-M5 II but it has a pop up flash and I put stickers all over it. Fill flash plus a silly looking camera that makes people smile = amazing! The photos it takes are identical to the E-M5 II. I recently gave up on film and have embraced the older cheaper little cameras in part inspired by your TH-cam videos, thanks!
I think, I agree with you on the rankings - you got it right in my book. My first MFT camera arrived yesterday - it's the Lumix GX8, and it really hits the spot for me. As far as pocket sized cameras, I enjoy the Olympus XZ-1 (I wouldn't mind getting my hands on an XZ-2) and the Lumix LX3.
Stumbled across you channel the other day, and really enjoying your content, I love the smaller cameras and often find intake out my TZ90 over my eos50m mk2 due to the convenience of not having to change lenses etc.
I've had the lumix gx880 from a video I saw you use and I love it. super sharp, amazing everyday use for real perfect for parties if your sick of film cameras
For reasons only known to panasonic, the GX800 is the GX850 in the US and GF9 in Asia, for anyone shopping used. The lineup must have been extraordinarily confusing at the time, with the 850 not selling well vs the GX8 or GX85 ... which themselves are also labeled differently in other markets. Don't forget the GX880, which is apparently the same as the 800 except for extra menu options! If there is some pattern or consistency here with how Lumix was labeling their cameras at the time, I don't understand what it is. They're all good cameras, they're just confusing to pick one.
Great video as always! Just curious if you considered the GX80 for the list, I know you had one in the past but you don't seem to talk about it all that often anymore, is there a reason you went off it? I bought one a few months ago (partially on the strength of your old review) and I love it so far, I was comming from an old canon DSLR though so maybe anything would have seemed amazing 😁
I got the Panasonic gm-1 and a Olympus m10 mk iii as my small cameras to complement my Olympus m1 mk iii I use the gm1 as a backup camera and the m10 as a small camera when you don't want to bring anything heavy
I've had all the cameras on your list except the Ricoh. My choice is the Olympus E-M10 IV or the Canon G1X mark III. Be aware that cameras with non-removable lenses can get issues with dust on the sensor.
So the GX85 isn't 'tiny' enough I figure? got the GX85 as a travel/second shooting camera to pair with my S5IIx and found a deal with for a GM1 for my wife :) she's in love with the size of the GM1
GX85 is about same weight class with EM5 but better looking as range finder style while EM5 is SLR style which looks chunky and scary, if it is not for Olympus color, I would pick GX85 over EM5. EM5 really not an option for daily usage, you can't comfortably point it to people on street due to the serious look of it
That Pentax looks great fun, and I love the novelty of such a small sensor on an interchangeable lens camera. But I think realistically, if I was going to buy a small camera for everyday carry, it would be a Sony RX100.
Thanks for making this video and the series, been in the market for an everyday type camera to go along with my Rebel t7, and the micro four thirds segment of cameras seems really interesting, and street photography is the current passion.
Some Samsung NX are a joy to use. Pretty small with APS-C sensors. Also the Canon G7X and G9X -any mark- are pocketable for day to day use. They are not M43, though. Great channel and really love the content.
The EM5 doesn't have a built in flash but it did ship with a little add on flash that tilts for some bounce. The FL-LM2 model. I like the idea of the LX100ii as an all in one everyday carry camera too.
@@zenlife1200 : Is that the same flash that comes with the EM1 mark ii? Mine broke very swiftly, lol. I think it has something to do with the contact points. What’s your preferred method of carry? What genre do you shoot?
I agree the EM5 has held up well over the years. I have the original EM1 which adds some size, but also some features for a similar price. I’m with you on the Ricoh being overpriced for what it is. I would have a hard time paying that much for it.
They look so great, I am thinking to purchase some cameras for travelling. But for any reason I cannot find any of the cameras you have reviewed and I became interested not even at MPB, I just saw a couple of them used from Ebay. I am not 100% sure if I can trust them and buy it... Great videos anyway, so joyful and educational.
@MicroFourNerds I recently purchased a Panasonic LUMIX GX8 from MPB. It wouldn’t fit into your tiny camera line-up but I would love to see you review it. Any chance? I’m still getting grips with all the features but I kind of like it… what do you think?
Great recap, Emily! I'm going to pull out my E-M5 right now and rekindle the love. 😄 (I currently have the Mk III and while I like it, I don't _love_ it...)
I loved this so much! 🎉 probably my favorite video thus far. I just bought the GM-1 last week - thanks to you ❤. I’d like my next camera to be the EM-5 since I’ve had my eye on a M43 for “casual” birding/wildlife. I’m thinking of the mark iii though. Would love to know your thoughts or perhaps a future “best birding m43 camera when you don’t want to spend the cash on the OM-1” 😂. Thank you Emily!
A couple of other options: Canon G1X III: similar in size to G100, but with an APS-C sensor, a zoom lens, and weather sealing. Nikon 1 J5: similar in size to GM1, but ILC with 1" sensor, super fast phase detect AF, and up to 60fps RAW.
Emily awesome video and line up..as a APC user I really swinging to get the Olympus em 5 for my street photos...was either that or the gx 85.. The penf is really a beautiful camera..cheers fam and stay hydrated i feel the world is on fire 🔥
I own a gh6 that I love, but would love a a more compact photo only camera. This list is super helpful but also just makes me hope Panasonic and Olympus are still gonna make m43 compact cameras.
Picked up a barely used Olympus E-PM1 (the pinkish model) a few weeks back and that, with the 14mm LUMIX pancake lens, has become my everyday carry camera. Loving the photos on it and the portability. But hating the Olympus menu system on it.
Hmm. I have GM1, as a pocket/video travel camera, so no weather sealing needed. What I want is finder, as in daylight you see nothing from the back of camera/phone etc toys. Wife has that winner, old Olympus EM5, but the finder, kind of unnatural stuff, as SLR-guy. Are the newer ones finders better? If I grab that Oly to try, I should have a jacket with bigger pocket thou.
I’m delighted you chose the EM5 for the #1 spot. You mentioned in another video that you had to replace the rubber part in front of the viewfinder. I too have need of that rubber part - could you suggest where I might buy one?
I greatly enjoyed this video. Having used the OG EM5 for many years even professionally I couldn't agree more with the top spot on your list. It has even face recognition and eye-af long before Sony had any of this stuff. The only thing I missed was focus peaking.
What about the GX80 in 2024? Since the prices for used gear and lenses on MBP are quite high in comparison to new stuff (at least here in GER) and I’m shying away from eBay offers, I’m considering buying the GX80 new with the 12-32 mm lense. But then at the same time, the age of the GX80 is a bit of a bummer. I wish they hadn’t discontinued the GX9…
It's such a shame the PEN F didn't have weather sealing as to me it looks like such a fantastic camera overall and would probably be my choice anyway. I haven't done any photography for a while now and I'm looking for something like this. I had a DSLR for years but just found myself not taking it out with me anymore due to it's size and just started using my phone for the odd snapshot. I love the styling of a lot of 4/3 cameras as they remind me of the Pentax and Olympus film cameras I had in my teens and early twenties. I'm definitely hoping to buy something 4/3 soon and this video was a great help. Thanks.
I've really loved watching this series Emily and I'm looking forward to season two. I only wish I had access to some of these little cameras here in New Zealand. It's just so hard to find those cameras here and even when you can, the price is higher than it should be, probably because of scarcity. Luckily I still have my EM5 mk1 that I bought in 2014 so I still get to enjoy going out with my little camera with it's small lenses. I do wish Olympus had weather sealed those f1.8 lens though, it would have been great with the weather sealed body. My daughter has a little pink Olympus EPM1 with silver lenses. It's handy having the same lens mount so she can borrow some of my lenses. That's one that wasn't on your list, maybe in season 2?
I've been shooting with an E-PL6 since 2016 and there's definitely some quirks. All said, I've enjoyed using it, but I just upgraded to an Oly M-10 Mark III. It should arrive tomorrow, and I'm excited to have physical controls.
A side from owning the Pen-f you convinced me to purchase the Gm-1. Ordered from Japan via Amazon in, in...... orange 👏👏👏👏👏👏♥️♥️♥️♥️. Can't wait 👍👍👍👍. Case only. I will fit to it my Olympus pancake zoom which supposedly is better than the Pana although not stabilized.
Love your content. I haven't jumped onto the mft wagon yet, but I'm waiting for a small pocketable camera that has phase detect but that's looking less and less likely as it seems like even small sensor cameras are getting bigger for some reason.
I had one, loved it, and ultimately sold it to fund something else. It’s a great option though a little heavier than most of these! Has IBIS, viewfinder, and an articulating screen, so definitely will tick a lot of boxes for a lot of people 😁 (and it usually ships with the Lumix 12-32mm pancake lens which is fantastic as well)
I would pick it over all of these, because it's the perfect size/performance ratio. I don't find the EVF strange personally, so it might be one of those things that only people with excellent eyesight notice.
As the internet's biggest proponent of tiny cameras (as far as I'm concerned), I'd really love to see you get your hands on a GM5. For me that seemed like Panasonic pulling out all stops to create a really capable TINY camera, and there's really no replacement for it.
I have Olympus M-10 Mark III and I really like the camera, just wish had weather sealing and full manual mode when recording, even most into take pictures but when I do make videos I many times found I need manual mode settings
EM5 is a great camera but can it do great videos as good as the G100 and it's brilliant AVCHD mode. Since I like a camera that does both great photos and video in one package which would win this competition I wonder? Perhaps that's a good idea for a future video for you to do.
I would like to see how you like the E-M10 II. I think you may even like it a little better than the E-M5. Here in the Netherlands, they cost roughly the same on the secondhand market. But the E-M10 II is significantly more modern than the E-M5.
Nice list. I really prefer having an EVF, or at least the option of an external one, so many of these don't work for me. I love small cameras for street, hiking and EDC. I have the E-M10 ii and Leica D-Lux 6. I often look at the Pen's but I don't think I'd gain much. I love everything about the GR except it's styling and price. I would love to see your thoughts on retro "digicams" and older advanced compacts like the Lumix LX3-LX7, Oly XZ-1, Canon S95, etc.
interesting. I bought an original em5 in about 2012-13....$1000 body. then bought an EM10 $600, used the crap out of the 10, while the 5 was only used once in a while. Well the 10 still works thanks to glue, but the 5 is still pristine, like new. AND, like you, I love it. with good glass, images rival big FF cameras of today. weights nothing, goes anywhere. good choice. thumbs up. Marty Sender You Tube
An interesting presentation on a range of cameras... I'm surprised though that you don't have anything by Nikon (or Canon)... I have a Nikon P7000... lots of features plus an optical viewfinder and it fits in your pocket which means you can unobtrusively take it out and on fully auto get some good pics (and videos)... I believe later models than mine did have an articulated screen.
The Lumix GM5 blows all of these cameras away. It is an MFT interchangeable lens 16MP camera that has an EVF and manual button access to all of the most important pro controls. You have dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, drive mode, and all of the focus parameters. The lone setting dial is actually easier to work with since you can only adjust a single parameter at a time any way. A click switches between the important parameters in every camera mode. Your thumb controls it all. Shutter and F stop in manual or A and S coupled with Exp comp. All of the serious go to controls are there. Yeah, it has no flippy screen, but really? It's minimalist! No plastic hinge to break; and you know they do. No IBIS - Did the legendary film photographers have IBIS? Its OIS lenses are old school tech that still works. Other useful modern pro options like focus peaking, zebras, and wave forms are accessed by touch screen buttons. Love them and use them! It's sad that only 1K video is available, but still as a doc film camera it's discreet with tight pro film images. Sensor cooling in a small body was the issue with 4K. Big DSLR bodies can be intrusive and intimidating. Think; 4K or people talking comfortably? Sure; It has no mic input. Yeah, No Problem - It makes a good scratch track to support sync with proper audio recording equipment, not the pretend in-camera recording that isn't pro grade film audio. Proper Film and XLR Audio require the correct dedicated tools for each! Not the best film camera, but it does shoot nice film. My nature film and still images are made easier because I can carry it with nice small lenses to where nature is. A GX8 could be fun though! Big tip! Bright light does compromise the viewfinder on the GM5 greatly. It's small but effective. I got a Canon AE-1 rubber eye cup and stretched it over the EVF. The difference in sunlight is amazing! Consider. Do you want a camera that is capable of creating amazing images vs having the pro appearance simply for the sake of "pro" image? The Lumix Gm5 is still better than many of the bigger options that exist today. It is so portable and goes anywhere. The GX8 is really the only upgrade that makes sense now since it has 20MP and more capability in a compact body.. One of the other advantages that it shares with the GM1 is a magnesium alloy body. Many cameras lack this feature that ensures sensor alignment with the lense. Metal lasts forever. Run away from plastic camera bodies!. Honey, I shrunk my pro DLSR! It's now a Lumix GM5!
I have the e-m10 mark III as my small camera, it's great and produces wonderful images. Cost me £220. Out of your list the number 1 for me is the GM1 though I'd prefer the GM5 to have a viewfinder.
Which do do think deserves the number one spot?? Check out the description for all the linked videos to learn more about any of the cameras mentioned 😍📸
I have a collection myself, including several from your list: PEN-F, GX850, G100. I use my G95 and GX9 more often than any of those, but I try to have the GX850 or G100 with me for everyday carry. I would rank them differently, as I almost always choose the G100 over the GX850. To be honest, I wouldn't classify the PEN-F of E-M5 as super small. My number one from your list would be the G100. It isn't as small as the GM1 or GX850, but for just a little more size (not much) you get the EVF, 20 megapixels, LMonochrome D, and more. I prefer to have IBIX, but none of the cameras that I would put on the list have it.
FUNtography: Emily's guide to releasing your inner child through tiny cameras! Remember when photography was fun? Before megapixels. Before raw, AI, "grown-up " cameras with big lenses, etc. Remember your first camera. No bells or whistles. Small and fit your hands. Simple to use. Point and pray. The delight of getting close and surprise when it turned out right. Technical perfection wasn't the goal. Tiny cameras that you carried everywhere. That was FUNtography! And, Emily's "tiny cameras" remind us that small things have joy!
I've owned or now own several of Emily's top 10. The Oly PL6 fit in my pocket with 14mm lens as a street/landscape/interior camera through Holland and Belgium. The Lumix G100 has earned a place in my bag with my G9 for an upcoming Africa safari. The G100 with 35-100mm f2.8 is a killer low light 4k video beast! My GX850 with 14-42mm Power Zoom was a faithful companion through the Amazon, Andes and Machu Picchu. It now brings delight in the hands of my grand daughter as her first "real" camera.
Try one of Emily's tiny cameras or others like these. Get over their technical limitations and rediscover the simple joys of FUNtography. And then, give a tiny camera to a child you love. Pass it on!
Also, I would like to apologise to all of humankind for the absolute state of my hair in this video 😂 I was standing in front of a fan in between takes because it was so warm and well… it all got progressively worse as the filming went on 😬🙈
Seriously, your hair is lovely. ❤️
I think smooth hair is overrated 😅
Gingers FTW ❤ but yours is a lovelier, more proper red than mine.
First thing i noticed. I love how it looks
I wouldn´t have seen it, if you hadn´t mentioned it. You are a natural beauty and one of the most competent camera reviewers on youtube! You do an amazing job! By the way, my everyday camera is the Olympus Pen PL 7. Capable and small enough, and the white version gives extra points for style. I love it.
The Panasonic GM1 with the 12-32 zoom, 45-150 zoom and 20 1.7 is still my travel kit after all these years. Wish Panasonic would bring back the GM series.
Agreed. I'm a little surprised to not see the GM1 here.
@@towmlvb3423: did you see the video? GM1 is the #2.
@towmlvb3423 did you even watch the video?? Are you AI
@@sahirde I think he meant GM5, which is my favorite small micro 4/3rds camera. It adds an EVF and an extra control dial to the GM1, and only adds 7 grams weight. I love mine for a backup and every day carry since it is soo small but capable since it uses the same lenses as my main camera.
For me the number one is the Lumix GM5 ! I love mine, I had a GM1 before, but the GM5 is better as it brings a much more usable clickable wheel (great to change aperture or ISOs, compared to the one on the GM1 which leads to error by pressing it when we want to just turn it) and a tiny viewfinder which is very useful when the sun is very bright. It also add eye-focus AF for portraits, so usefull ! You can also move the focus point via the touch focus screen, great ! So for me this is the best tiny camera ! :)
Thank You ! I recently bought a second hand GX800, using an Olympus 17mm I had mounted on a Pen PL2. It is such a pleasure to have back a pocketable camera ( Rollei S35, miu 2, Sony V1, Ricoh GR1, etc…). I have now a 9mm toy lens and will probably step by step complete a lens set.
Your enthousiasme and the fun factor of your photography approach is refreshing.
Merci Madame !
I really love the GM1 and GM5. However, my most preferred everyday travel camera at the moment is the Fuji X-T20. The sensor is lovely, the details are crisp, and the film sims are sooo goood (I'm too lazy to process images, so the presets make life way easier, plus makes you mindful of what you capture). While it lacks IBIS and weather sealing, the overall experience is fantastic and it's pretty light and pocketable too :)
I absolutely love the EM5 series. Absolutely love love love it!
@MicroFourNerds I just bought the E-M5 Mk ii
Can't wait to test it on the Tour of Britain cycle race this Thursday.
I got my Lumix GX85 yesterday with the 12-32mm lens, I have fallen in love with this body, and I can’t wait to take it to the city for some street photography!
MFT is incredible.
I appreciate your videos and pictures. I've owned some of the cameras you've presented and used olympus E-M5 during 4 years. At the same time I used the small Pentax, Nikon V1 and I must say Olympus menus were the most complicated and weird compared to all other brands I tried. Now I use small Lx15 Lumix, Fuji X70 and Lumix G80.
What is funny is that film reflex I used only two for 30 years and since 2005 when I sold my film reflex I probably owned and tried about 30 different cameras!
Now I cool down.
Not Micro 4/3rds but I find the Sony RX100 series (get the VA if you don't need telephoto and get the VII if you need telephoto) is great for travel. Versatile all arounder and very pocketable... But I love the GM1 the most.
I love my LUMIX LX 100 II, I got mine for a bargain and it is soo versatile. Image quality blows my mind every time. Contra: no weather sealing and no flippy screen.
Congratulations to the EM5.
I’ve owned and gifted this body to a co-worker. In retrospect not a great move on my part. Love the colors out of this body. Good IBIS. Nice feature set. Surprised this body was rated #1 as it is am relatively large body for an EDC.
My nomination for season two is the Panasonic GX85(or 80 in your part of the world). It has the same feature set as the EM5 but I think it is a little smaller. Same 16MP sensor? Notice I didn’t give this gem away. The GX9 may be better but in an incremental way. It is also cheaper than the GX9. That is what happens with older cameras. The same is true for the LX100 vs. the 100ii. With older models good enough is sometimes good enough.
PS: The GRiiiX is an interesting pick. Not M43. Fixed focal length. The 40mm FOV is a good compromise between 35 & 50mm. Of course it is a street cam but also good for EDC as that focal length is close to the FOV of our eyes. Yes it is tiny (another reason to buy it) but mighty. And as you rightly point out, expensive. There are a hard core of fan boys/girls for the GRiiiX just like the larger and difficult to obtain Fuji X100V. For me, the GRiii is too wide @ 28mm but YMMV.
Nice series. Please continue.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Great video, as always 😊 I have the Lx100 ii, the EPL-9 in faux blue denim, the E-M5 iii and the GX9, as my Micro Four Thirds cameras (also an OM-1, but which is larger) and I love them all to bits. If I had to choose one... I don't know, maybe the EPL-9 for looks, portability and features, or the E-M5 iii since it's also small and of great quality all around 😁
The older Olympus EM cameras are a fantastic deal. I have an E-M10 that I picked up for about $150 that I have gotten beautiful shots with (especially with the amazing 45mm f1.8 lens). I also recently picked up a first gen E-M1 for $250 from MPB for some of its features, such as focus stacking and higher burst speeds, and to pair with a 75-300mm for a budget wildlife rig.
Thanks for the great review! I picked up an E-M5 in December for USD$175 shipped. I could have chosen a less-worn unit, but adding separately the $15 flash, an $8 eyecup, and a bit of glue, it's working just fine. It's my first m43 camera. I'm impressed by the features of such an old camera! I do hope the m43 format continues. The E-M5 doesn't officially have focus peaking, but there's a clever hack using one of the creative modes to give it funky peaking that works pretty well much/most of the time.
Ooh thanks for the focus peaking tip I’ll have to look that up! Yes I think getting some cameras more “used” and doing some quick tweaks is such a great way to get a good price!
Pair it with an oly 45mm for some stunning family pics or the 25mm for travel everyday photography.
@@barbgannon3252 That 45 looks like a total winner
I bought em1m1 used for about $300, and thanks to a custom firmware I can focusstack images with any autofocus Olympus lens. This is the real hack to my mind
What fun! Started this conversation around the Sunday dinner table and a bevy of old cameras were dragged out of draws and the kids were amazed.
I just snagged an Olympus Stylus XZ 2 and it is a genuine delight. Brining the joy is what matters.
Thank you.
Just editing some lightening footage taken with it on the way home from the dinner. I am very impressed.
Just editing some lightening footage taken with it on the way home from the dinner. I am very impressed.
I love my Olympus EM 5 iii. The stills and videos are of good quality and the stabilization is excellent. I recently got a Lumix LX10, which I really like. It takes excellent stills and video and fits in my pocket.
I used to own the em5. ❤️ I used it with the 12-40 mm Pro lense. It was amazing. I have big hands, so I bought the camera grip and battery grip. A small camera with a huge heart. ❤️
My all time favourite micro four thirds camera is the Olympus E-M10 mk II. It does everything the original E-M5 does, plus it has WiFi connection, and a tiny flash. But no weather sealing, sadly, otherwise it would have cannibalised the e-m5 mk II market. They are this close (another point of difference : unlike the E-M5 mk II, the E-M10 mk II doesn't have hi-res).
I'll second your choice as the Oly E M5 as the best of the lot, and suggest going for the Mark II or even III if the budge allows! And for season 2, you know you have to include one of the Olympus M10 cameras, and in particular the M10 Mark ii because it was an improvement over the first model, and has the more complete (if challenging) menu versus the Mark iii which was a step backwards in some ways. At current used prices, it's pretty hard to beat for being a bargain camera that will still take great pictures! Great video...lots of fun....and informative. Personally....think I've said this before....if it doesn't have an EVF, it won't be in my bag, but I'm just an old cranky guy!!
I, just bought one, EM10 11 mint £230, my fuji xe2 is crying in the corner, demanding a divorce, my manual focus lenses are jumping like jelly beans, "Use me, use me!", Dont worry children you can all have a go!
I agree em10 is one of the greatest bargains on the market for the image quality they take. Combine it with a prime lens and you be surprised by the landscape or portrait results. But in my experience, the menu is a mess. If you get used to it, go for em10 or em5 for sealed body
@@fabioseva1 yes the menu certainly taxes my little brain!
For a pocket sized street camera I still use my ancient Olympus PM1. Not great in bright light as you cant see the flipping screen but still allows you to make some great photos in A, S or M modes. And the thing is 11 years old and still working. Very interested to compare the GM1 to the PM1.
I bought FUJIFILM XT30 II with XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ kit lens for Streetphotography and daily shooting purpose 😊
I have the E-M10II with the E-PL7 as back-up body/battery. I now use the E-PL7 as my tiny snapshot camera and the E-M10II has been relegated to mostly adapted-lens duty as my main camera is now the E-M5III for its great value, PDAF, 4K, etc. That GRIIIX always intrigued me and I'm still waiting for a great PenF-Pro body 🙄
Loved the format of the reviews and your takes on "You should buy this one if..." -- super helpful, thanks!
Ahh I know this is a M43 channel, but since you got the pentax and ricoh in there I figured I'd mention Fujifilm. I really think Fuji took the spot as the ruler of EDC cameras. X100v aside (since that's an annoyingly popular camera that nobody can get at retail right now), we also got the X-E4, which is only slightly larger than the SMALLEST m43 camera, has interchangeable lenses, an EVF, articulating screen, and a 26mpx sensor. Crazy thing about the Fuji system, their lenses can be just as small as the m43 ones, even if you want a 1.4.
For cameras the size of the E-M5 and the Pen F, the Fuji X-T5 is roughly the same size. Has ibis, weather sealing, articulating screeen, 40mpx sensor, shoots great video, and also got that retro styling. You also got the X-Pro series, which is pretty much in the Pen-F category with weather sealing (just no ibis).
That said I am a massive M43 fan too. I just feel they need to go back to their roots and forget these flagship cameras, focus more on the smaller EDC ones. LX100 iii can be the perfect x100v killer for example. Just update the tech in it and make it weather sealed. The olympus E-P7 that was only released in Japan and Europe is another great contender for EDC interchangeable lenses. So much potential with M43!
There may be a Fuji review coming very soon 👀
Would love that since I have three or four Fujis myself!
I recently got a Pen E-P5 in white enamel on metal that looks like an old kitchen appliance, takes the same batteries as my E-M5 II but it has a pop up flash and I put stickers all over it. Fill flash plus a silly looking camera that makes people smile = amazing! The photos it takes are identical to the E-M5 II. I recently gave up on film and have embraced the older cheaper little cameras in part inspired by your TH-cam videos, thanks!
Love the EM5, great shout! Love to see what you think of the Fujifilm X10 as well.
I would as well
Stumbled upon your channel and so far I love your content. Subscribed!
I think, I agree with you on the rankings - you got it right in my book.
My first MFT camera arrived yesterday - it's the Lumix GX8, and it really hits the spot for me.
As far as pocket sized cameras, I enjoy the Olympus XZ-1 (I wouldn't mind getting my hands on an XZ-2) and the Lumix LX3.
The Lumix LX7 is my FUN camera! An "ancient" wonder!
Some suggestions for series 2: Lumix GX80, Olympus OM-D E-M10 (any version) and..... Fujifilm X-E3. Keep up the great work 👍
Never this early! Looking forward to the video 🎉
Currently trying to pick a new camera body!
Hopefully this can help you decide! 😁
@@MicroFourNerdsthis helps solidify the EM5 in my MPB cart!
@@TheGoBoGoBogood choice!! 🙌
Your video presentations are simply fantastic. I watch them again and again and again….😊😂
love your no-nonsense approach.
Stumbled across you channel the other day, and really enjoying your content, I love the smaller cameras and often find intake out my TZ90 over my eos50m mk2 due to the convenience of not having to change lenses etc.
Keep up the great work
Love our LX100! It is so versatile and compact.
I've had the lumix gx880 from a video I saw you use and I love it. super sharp, amazing everyday use for real perfect for parties if your sick of film cameras
For reasons only known to panasonic, the GX800 is the GX850 in the US and GF9 in Asia, for anyone shopping used. The lineup must have been extraordinarily confusing at the time, with the 850 not selling well vs the GX8 or GX85 ... which themselves are also labeled differently in other markets. Don't forget the GX880, which is apparently the same as the 800 except for extra menu options! If there is some pattern or consistency here with how Lumix was labeling their cameras at the time, I don't understand what it is. They're all good cameras, they're just confusing to pick one.
Great video as always! Just curious if you considered the GX80 for the list, I know you had one in the past but you don't seem to talk about it all that often anymore, is there a reason you went off it? I bought one a few months ago (partially on the strength of your old review) and I love it so far, I was comming from an old canon DSLR though so maybe anything would have seemed amazing 😁
See my comments above. I agree the GX80 is a banger.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Excellent video and amazing compilation! Very well done! You deserve to have 10x more subscribers! 🎉
You are a blast...My little brit friend. Now I'm thinking about getting an used olypus. Great video.
I got the Panasonic gm-1 and a Olympus m10 mk iii as my small cameras to complement my Olympus m1 mk iii
I use the gm1 as a backup camera and the m10 as a small camera when you don't want to bring anything heavy
I've had all the cameras on your list except the Ricoh. My choice is the Olympus E-M10 IV or the Canon G1X mark III. Be aware that cameras with non-removable lenses can get issues with dust on the sensor.
Would u be kind enough to compare the Nikon 1 system for next season? Thx.
So the GX85 isn't 'tiny' enough I figure?
got the GX85 as a travel/second shooting camera to pair with my S5IIx and found a deal with for a GM1 for my wife :) she's in love with the size of the GM1
GX85 is about same weight class with EM5 but better looking as range finder style while EM5 is SLR style which looks chunky and scary, if it is not for Olympus color, I would pick GX85 over EM5. EM5 really not an option for daily usage, you can't comfortably point it to people on street due to the serious look of it
That Pentax looks great fun, and I love the novelty of such a small sensor on an interchangeable lens camera. But I think realistically, if I was going to buy a small camera for everyday carry, it would be a Sony RX100.
Thanks for making this video and the series, been in the market for an everyday type camera to go along with my Rebel t7, and the micro four thirds segment of cameras seems really interesting, and street photography is the current passion.
i was hopeing to see the nikon 1 v1 and how it compares to micro 4/3 but there are so many of these little cameras you can´t put them all in 1 video.
I really like the way you delivered this video
Some Samsung NX are a joy to use. Pretty small with APS-C sensors. Also the Canon G7X and G9X -any mark- are pocketable for day to day use. They are not M43, though.
Great channel and really love the content.
Nice selections! The LX100ii is the most appealing to me. However, I would choose the EM10 for the flash over the weather sealing of the EM5.
The EM5 doesn't have a built in flash but it did ship with a little add on flash that tilts for some bounce. The FL-LM2 model. I like the idea of the LX100ii as an all in one everyday carry camera too.
@@zenlife1200 : Is that the same flash that comes with the EM1 mark ii? Mine broke very swiftly, lol. I think it has something to do with the contact points. What’s your preferred method of carry? What genre do you shoot?
I agree the EM5 has held up well over the years. I have the original EM1 which adds some size, but also some features for a similar price. I’m with you on the Ricoh being overpriced for what it is. I would have a hard time paying that much for it.
They look so great, I am thinking to purchase some cameras for travelling. But for any reason I cannot find any of the cameras you have reviewed and I became interested not even at MPB, I just saw a couple of them used from Ebay. I am not 100% sure if I can trust them and buy it... Great videos anyway, so joyful and educational.
@MicroFourNerds I recently purchased a Panasonic LUMIX GX8 from MPB. It wouldn’t fit into your tiny camera line-up but I would love to see you review it. Any chance? I’m still getting grips with all the features but I kind of like it… what do you think?
It’s definitely been on my radar for a while especially for the video features!
Great recap, Emily! I'm going to pull out my E-M5 right now and rekindle the love. 😄 (I currently have the Mk III and while I like it, I don't _love_ it...)
I loved this so much! 🎉 probably my favorite video thus far. I just bought the GM-1 last week - thanks to you ❤. I’d like my next camera to be the EM-5 since I’ve had my eye on a M43 for “casual” birding/wildlife. I’m thinking of the mark iii though. Would love to know your thoughts or perhaps a future “best birding m43 camera when you don’t want to spend the cash on the OM-1” 😂. Thank you Emily!
I want a Pentax Q so much, possibly in part to assuage my guilt at moving from Pentax to Fuji XT. But it's just so damn cute.
A couple of other options:
Canon G1X III: similar in size to G100, but with an APS-C sensor, a zoom lens, and weather sealing.
Nikon 1 J5: similar in size to GM1, but ILC with 1" sensor, super fast phase detect AF, and up to 60fps RAW.
Olympus OMD E-M5 does have a nice grip and battery add on you can get. I photographed a lot of weddings with the E-M5 back in the day.
Love my em5 ii ❤️📷
..I also have a sparks joy soft spot for the nikon 1 j1 and v1
Emily awesome video and line up..as a APC user I really swinging to get the Olympus em 5 for my street photos...was either that or the gx 85..
The penf is really a beautiful camera..cheers fam and stay hydrated i feel the world is on fire 🔥
I own a gh6 that I love, but would love a a more compact photo only camera. This list is super helpful but also just makes me hope Panasonic and Olympus are still gonna make m43 compact cameras.
Picked up a barely used Olympus E-PM1 (the pinkish model) a few weeks back and that, with the 14mm LUMIX pancake lens, has become my everyday carry camera. Loving the photos on it and the portability. But hating the Olympus menu system on it.
Hmm. I have GM1, as a pocket/video travel camera, so no weather sealing needed. What I want is finder, as in daylight you see nothing from the back of camera/phone etc toys. Wife has that winner, old Olympus EM5, but the finder, kind of unnatural stuff, as SLR-guy. Are the newer ones finders better? If I grab that Oly to try, I should have a jacket with bigger pocket thou.
I’m delighted you chose the EM5 for the #1 spot. You mentioned in another video that you had to replace the rubber part in front of the viewfinder. I too have need of that rubber part - could you suggest where I might buy one?
I found it on ebay though I imagine there will be quite a few 3d printed option elsewhere too 😊
@@MicroFourNerds Thank you.
The GR3 I have is great and I like the wider view. My Rich GR3 is amazing my other cameras are Fuji X100s and XT2 and G85
I love your videos. As an EVF fan I am surprised the Lumix GM5 didn't make your list. Too expensive these days?
I just found your channel and I love it! Question! Any recommendations on a small (sling?) bag to carry my tiny camera and a couple of tiny lenses?
Great video as always!! I regret selling my GM1, but I might get one if I find it 😊
Good luck with the British heat!
Great list!
I would love to see you pit the LUMIX GM1 against the Olympus EPM-1, as the smallest and second smallest cameras available!
What to pick between Nikon V1 and Lumix Gf6?
I greatly enjoyed this video. Having used the OG EM5 for many years even professionally I couldn't agree more with the top spot on your list. It has even face recognition and eye-af long before Sony had any of this stuff. The only thing I missed was focus peaking.
Yes the lack of focus peaking has tripped me up a few times!
No score cards for the E-m5 or the QS1? I own the EM-5 and the Pentax Q7.
I agree with your love to Pentax q.
What about the GX80 in 2024? Since the prices for used gear and lenses on MBP are quite high in comparison to new stuff (at least here in GER) and I’m shying away from eBay offers, I’m considering buying the GX80 new with the 12-32 mm lense. But then at the same time, the age of the GX80 is a bit of a bummer. I wish they hadn’t discontinued the GX9…
It's such a shame the PEN F didn't have weather sealing as to me it looks like such a fantastic camera overall and would probably be my choice anyway. I haven't done any photography for a while now and I'm looking for something like this. I had a DSLR for years but just found myself not taking it out with me anymore due to it's size and just started using my phone for the odd snapshot. I love the styling of a lot of 4/3 cameras as they remind me of the Pentax and Olympus film cameras I had in my teens and early twenties. I'm definitely hoping to buy something 4/3 soon and this video was a great help. Thanks.
I've really loved watching this series Emily and I'm looking forward to season two. I only wish I had access to some of these little cameras here in New Zealand. It's just so hard to find those cameras here and even when you can, the price is higher than it should be, probably because of scarcity. Luckily I still have my EM5 mk1 that I bought in 2014 so I still get to enjoy going out with my little camera with it's small lenses. I do wish Olympus had weather sealed those f1.8 lens though, it would have been great with the weather sealed body. My daughter has a little pink Olympus EPM1 with silver lenses. It's handy having the same lens mount so she can borrow some of my lenses. That's one that wasn't on your list, maybe in season 2?
Same problem with availability here in Indonesia.
Olympus Pen-F looks very nice 😌
I've been shooting with an E-PL6 since 2016 and there's definitely some quirks. All said, I've enjoyed using it, but I just upgraded to an Oly M-10 Mark III. It should arrive tomorrow, and I'm excited to have physical controls.
A side from owning the Pen-f you convinced me to purchase the Gm-1. Ordered from Japan via Amazon in, in...... orange 👏👏👏👏👏👏♥️♥️♥️♥️. Can't wait 👍👍👍👍. Case only. I will fit to it my Olympus pancake zoom which supposedly is better than the Pana although not stabilized.
Ooo I love the orange one too! I'm sure there's a purple/pink version I need to buy at some point to complete the collection. Hope you love it! 😁
The best pocket Camera with stunning Image Quality, superb build Quality, excellent handling and joy to use, is the RICOH GR III. 😊
You rock! Great video!
Love your content. I haven't jumped onto the mft wagon yet, but I'm waiting for a small pocketable camera that has phase detect but that's looking less and less likely as it seems like even small sensor cameras are getting bigger for some reason.
I had the g3 and the epl1, i own th em10 iii but the best small cameras are the Nikon 1s with phase detect autofocus !
my current EDC is a Fuji X-T2 with an adapted Canon FD 50mm f1.8, and I love it. My only wish is I could get an FD 35mm instead of the 50
What about the Lumix GX80/85? The only downside I’ve heard is that the EVF is apparently a little “strange”. Autofocus is said to be amazing though.
I had one, loved it, and ultimately sold it to fund something else. It’s a great option though a little heavier than most of these! Has IBIS, viewfinder, and an articulating screen, so definitely will tick a lot of boxes for a lot of people 😁 (and it usually ships with the Lumix 12-32mm pancake lens which is fantastic as well)
I would pick it over all of these, because it's the perfect size/performance ratio. I don't find the EVF strange personally, so it might be one of those things that only people with excellent eyesight notice.
@@MicroFourNerds Just got a great deal on one, complete set version with 12-32 and bag, unused, €320😎
As the internet's biggest proponent of tiny cameras (as far as I'm concerned), I'd really love to see you get your hands on a GM5. For me that seemed like Panasonic pulling out all stops to create a really capable TINY camera, and there's really no replacement for it.
Fantastic video!
I have Olympus M-10 Mark III and I really like the camera, just wish had weather sealing and full manual mode when recording, even most into take pictures but when I do make videos I many times found I need manual mode settings
I loved my Oly E-PL3 back in the day, but its C-AF was incredibly sluggish and slow. Made me purchase the Sony A6300 in 2018
I have a GX1 but looking to get a GM1 soon. How do they compare? Worth the swap?
EM5 is a great camera but can it do great videos as good as the G100 and it's brilliant AVCHD mode. Since I like a camera that does both great photos and video in one package which would win this competition I wonder? Perhaps that's a good idea for a future video for you to do.
That is a great idea - I think the GX8 would be a contender and also the newer OM5 as well as the G100!
I would like to see how you like the E-M10 II. I think you may even like it a little better than the E-M5. Here in the Netherlands, they cost roughly the same on the secondhand market. But the E-M10 II is significantly more modern than the E-M5.
Nice list. I really prefer having an EVF, or at least the option of an external one, so many of these don't work for me. I love small cameras for street, hiking and EDC. I have the E-M10 ii and Leica D-Lux 6. I often look at the Pen's but I don't think I'd gain much. I love everything about the GR except it's styling and price. I would love to see your thoughts on retro "digicams" and older advanced compacts like the Lumix LX3-LX7, Oly XZ-1, Canon S95, etc.
interesting. I bought an original em5 in about 2012-13....$1000 body. then bought an EM10 $600, used the crap out of the 10, while the 5 was only used once in a while. Well the 10 still works thanks to glue, but the 5 is still pristine, like new. AND, like you, I love it. with good glass, images rival big FF cameras of today. weights nothing, goes anywhere. good choice. thumbs up. Marty Sender You Tube
An interesting presentation on a range of cameras... I'm surprised though that you don't have anything by Nikon (or Canon)... I have a Nikon P7000... lots of features plus an optical viewfinder and it fits in your pocket which means you can unobtrusively take it out and on fully auto get some good pics (and videos)... I believe later models than mine did have an articulated screen.
The Lumix GM5 blows all of these cameras away. It is an MFT interchangeable lens 16MP camera that has an EVF and manual button access to all of the most important pro controls. You have dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, drive mode, and all of the focus parameters. The lone setting dial is actually easier to work with since you can only adjust a single parameter at a time any way. A click switches between the important parameters in every camera mode. Your thumb controls it all. Shutter and F stop in manual or A and S coupled with Exp comp. All of the serious go to controls are there.
Yeah, it has no flippy screen, but really? It's minimalist! No plastic hinge to break; and you know they do. No IBIS - Did the legendary film photographers have IBIS? Its OIS lenses are old school tech that still works. Other useful modern pro options like focus peaking, zebras, and wave forms are accessed by touch screen buttons. Love them and use them!
It's sad that only 1K video is available, but still as a doc film camera it's discreet with tight pro film images. Sensor cooling in a small body was the issue with 4K. Big DSLR bodies can be intrusive and intimidating. Think; 4K or people talking comfortably? Sure; It has no mic input. Yeah, No Problem - It makes a good scratch track to support sync with proper audio recording equipment, not the pretend in-camera recording that isn't pro grade film audio. Proper Film and XLR Audio require the correct dedicated tools for each! Not the best film camera, but it does shoot nice film. My nature film and still images are made easier because I can carry it with nice small lenses to where nature is. A GX8 could be fun though!
Big tip! Bright light does compromise the viewfinder on the GM5 greatly. It's small but effective. I got a Canon AE-1 rubber eye cup and stretched it over the EVF. The difference in sunlight is amazing!
Consider. Do you want a camera that is capable of creating amazing images vs having the pro appearance simply for the sake of "pro" image? The Lumix Gm5 is still better than many of the bigger options that exist today. It is so portable and goes anywhere. The GX8 is really the only upgrade that makes sense now since it has 20MP and more capability in a compact body..
One of the other advantages that it shares with the GM1 is a magnesium alloy body. Many cameras lack this feature that ensures sensor alignment with the lense. Metal lasts forever. Run away from plastic camera bodies!.
Honey, I shrunk my pro DLSR! It's now a Lumix GM5!
I have the e-m10 mark III as my small camera, it's great and produces wonderful images. Cost me £220. Out of your list the number 1 for me is the GM1 though I'd prefer the GM5 to have a viewfinder.
Emily, do you know why I cant change the exposure in manual mode on the GX800?