[northcoastgreg]

With the Oly 14-54:

[rob1234]

Got the Olympus 40-150, and 25/1.8, but need something wider. Kit zoom? 12-40 Pro? 9-18?



OM-D E-M5
25/1.8
1/640th @ f/5.6

[Sinister]

12-32 as a cheap but very good option, 9-18mm in case you need filters and the extra mm, 12-40mm in case you got the money and need sealing (only one I don't know) - comes down to your preferences

[Homo_erectus]

Maybe this is the wrong forum for questions so please steer me in the right direction if that's the case.

A while ago I bought an E-PL6 and a few lenses to test the M43 waters. Overall I've been very happy with the work I've been able to create with this little camera. I'm considering moving my primary equipment to M43 because I have a shoulder injury from a car accident many years ago and the weight of my current gear is causing me pretty significant discomfort that lasts a few days after every event I shoot :-(

However, I have a few questions that I'm not able to put to rest with the equipment I own and I live in the boonies so I can't drop into a store and try things out for myself. I'm hoping you folks here will be willing to take a few minutes to help me out :-)

I'm looking at the OMD EM-1 or EM-5 II, my primary use would be in shooting events and portraits. I'm not at all concerned about shooting portraits. However, I have a weekly shoot in a location where the light is not that good and flash is not allowed. You can see some examples here Events - Abe Olson Photography It's the location that isn't a theater.

I am interested in hearing from people what their thoughts are about their biggest frustrations when shooting events with one of these cameras. My biggest concern is that autofocus is just not up to snuff to capture those spontaneous flicking expression changes on a speakers face or the flash of reactions on the audiences faces. My worry is a result of my experience with the E-PL6. Single AF is fast and accurate as long as the subject isn't moving a lot but continuous AF is a disaster and with the D750 I rely heavily on continuous AF. I've read that continuous AF is better on both the EM1 and EM5 II but I'd like to hear from someone who actually shoots with these cameras, professionally if possible.

Thanks for your time :-)

[jlstrawman]

I am interested in hearing from people what their thoughts are about their biggest frustrations when shooting events with one of these cameras. My biggest concern is that autofocus is just not up to snuff to capture those spontaneous flicking expression changes on a speakers face or the flash of reactions on the audiences faces. My worry is a result of my experience with the E-PL6.

The E-PL6 was first introduced in Asia in 2013, so is 3 years old. Although I have no experience with OLympus m4/3 equipment, I bet the new and current models are improved over the E-PL6.

I do have lots of experience with Panasonic m4/3. I can tell you that my Panasonic GH-4 is the fastest focus camera I have owned, at least to this point. I would be overjoyed if the K-1 focusing was as fast. It has no problem keeping up with toddlers and dogs. My point is, I think the latest m4/3 models are pretty darn quick.

[Clarkey]

Got the Olympus 40-150, and 25/1.8, but need something wider. Kit zoom? 12-40 Pro? 9-18?



OM-D E-M5
25/1.8
1/640th @ f/5.6

12-32 as a cheap but very good option, 9-18mm in case you need filters and the extra mm, 12-40mm in case you got the money and need sealing (only one I don't know) - comes down to your preferences

+1 on 12-32mm as a kit lens (especially with the GM1 that I own), however, the barrel construction isn't that great, I have to take mine in for warranty repair due to the front shroud coming off after 6 months use.
It is disappointing that there still isn't a decent 24-80 F2.8-4. The oly 14-42mm isn't all that sharp, but I found the colours are quite good. The Panasonic 14-45mm II is also supposed to be good.

For a prime, how wide? 14mm F2.5, 17mm F1.8, 12mm oly f2.0?

[Homo_erectus]

The E-PL6 was first introduced in Asia in 2013, so is 3 years old. Although I have no experience with OLympus m4/3 equipment, I bet the new and current models are improved over the E-PL6.

I do have lots of experience with Panasonic m4/3. I can tell you that my Panasonic GH-4 is the fastest focus camera I have owned, at least to this point. I would be overjoyed if the K-1 focusing was as fast. It has no problem keeping up with toddlers and dogs. My point is, I think the latest m4/3 models are pretty darn quick.

Thanks for responding. I appreciate your sharing your experience.

I've been reading and experimenting with the af settings on the E-PL6 and I am actually able to do quite a bit better after just an hour or so. I've also now got about 50 shots of my stupid face from trying to fool the continuous af and eye detection.

Maybe I am being too conservative, but I am considering a used E-M5 to experiment with some more and then, if all goes well the E-M5 can be my backup for a current gen body.

Sorry to muck up the picture thread with so many words.

Here's a shot I took a while ago with my E-PL6 and the Sigma 60mm.

I have no idea why the forum keeps rejecting my image link :-( Here's a direct link Vivasecting the Robot - Abe Olson Photography

---

Last edited by Homo_erectus; 04-19-2016 at 09:24 AM. Reason: picture not displaying

[Sinister]

9-18mm with Pol and ND

[northcoastgreg]

I am interested in hearing from people what their thoughts are about their biggest frustrations when shooting events with one of these cameras. My biggest concern is that autofocus is just not up to snuff to capture those spontaneous flicking expression changes on a speakers face or the flash of reactions on the audiences faces.

I've shot two events at the local zoo with an EM-5 combined with the slow aperture Oly 40-150. I used that combination largely for the better AF over my DSLR option (K-5 plus F 70-210). While I didn't have any issues with the AF, I wasn't pleased with the high ISO performance from that camera. With my K-5 series of cameras, I'm satisfied with anything up to ISO 1600. What noise I get is is very fine and doesn't affect resolution; plus Pentax doesn't game its ISO scores by toning down saturation and contrast. With the EM-5, I'm not really happy with anything much above ISO 640. Higher ISO images tend feature lower contrast and decreased saturation combined with kind of blotchiness that compromises resolution. Of course, evaluation of ISO performance is highly subjective, and, per usual, YMMV.

+1 on 12-32mm as a kit lens (especially with the GM1 that I own), however, the barrel construction isn't that great, I have to take mine in for warranty repair due to the front shroud coming off after 6 months use. It is disappointing that there still isn't a decent 24-80 F2.8-4. The oly 14-42mm isn't all that sharp, but I found the colours are quite good. The Panasonic 14-45mm II [actually, it's the Panny 14-42 II] is also supposed to be good.

I pretty much agree with this. I've shot with most of the consumer grade standard zooms offered for m43, and the Panny 12-32 is the best of the lot (although the metal barrel of the lens is merely glued on and can come off). While the 12-32 may not be any sharp than the other m43 slow aperture standard zooms, it does provide better contrast, leading to better looking images. The 9-18 is very similar in this respect, with excellent contrast and bright vivid color, although resolution does drop toward edges and corners, even when the lens is stopped down. Here's a shot with the 9-18:

[Homo_erectus]

Thanks! :-)

[rob1234]

Thanks all - probably try and get something on the cheaper side whilst I save for a 12-40/2.8.

Best sharpness vs price seems to be the Panasonic 14-45 Mk1, but will just keep my eyes peeled for any of the above.



OM-D E-M5
40-150R @ 96mm
1/400th @ f/7.1

[jlstrawman]

I agree 100% that the Panasonic 15-45 is a great value.

Panasonic GH_4 + 15-45. Israel, September, 2015. Other than re-sizing, SOOC.

[mecrox]

A couple from me, EM5 MkII with 12-40mm f2.8 and 17.5mm f1.8



Oxford-1-080416



Oxford-1-160416

---

[yorik]

A couple from me, EM5 MkII with 12-40mm f2.8 and 17.5mm f1.8



Oxford-1-080416



Oxford-1-160416

---

The b&w is excellent!

---------- Post added 04-22-16 at 08:49 AM ----------

A couple with the D-FA 100 macro :

[Sinister]