A Review and Test of the Olympus E-M10 Mark 2 Micro four Thirds Camera by David Thorpe.
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- A solid down to earth Micro Four Thirds camera. Can you live without Hi-Res and 4K. Does basic mean boring?
A Review and Test of the Olympus O-MD10 Mark 2 Micro four Thirds Camera by David Thorpe.
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Rest in peace, David. You are sorely missed.
I love this review.
LOL "People who drink less than me can probably do even better than that, but I feel sorry for them, because when they get up in the morning, that's as still as they're going to hold a camera all day."
Great review.
Thanks Josh!
This is the second time I have laughed out loud during one of his reviews. Subscribed. Nothing better than some dry witty humor.
:-)
Josh Crunk Laughed out loud on my way to work on this line, what a gem.
Thanks Josh :-)
Thanks David. I'm a subscriber to both your blog and your channel here. My first gen E-M10 died 8 days ago, and I was thinking about a replacement. But Olympus will repair mine for one third the price of this one, so that is what I chose. Yes, they are that good - I would miss the little thing. Oh, and that was the first ever which failed, none of our other E-520, E-PL1, E-PL5, and E-M5 Mk2 did. Thanks for your good reviews and articles, they're really appreciated!
Edit: I have to update this. Olympus couldn't get a part they needed, so no repair possible. For the estimated repair cost they sent me a Mark2 instead. Life is great :)
I'm glad that David liked this camera because it's the one I chose. By default actually because of price and I loved the look of a new vintage look Olympus and the updates over the original EM10.
just an FYI, this review doesn't come up when you search E-M10 MK II. Just thought it might be used to throw that keyword in
I am following you for years now. Even though I have enough mft gear, I still watch your videos because I enjoy your reviews and your voice. Keep up the good work.
Greetings from Germany
Its great to hear that and thanks for telling me! Greetings from France and England.
This is best review of this camera I've ever read. Wonderful. Thank you.
Thanks, Michael, good to hear that.
And you didn't even read it. Lol
Excellent review as always, always look forward to seeing another one from you on RUclips sets me up for the day better than a early morning coffee!
Careful! I don't want Costa coffee suing me for loss of business :-) Seriously, thanks very much, Jack
Finally decided on upgrading to this camera from my gf1 because of your video. Awesome videos. Love the mix of professional opinion and humor.
Thanks Nicolo - photography can be portrayed as a bit of a joyless technical exercise at times so I like to add a bit of light heartedness to the mix.
you do such great reviews. Can't wait for the next one!
It's nice of you to say so, Joshua. Every time I put up a video i think everyone's going to hate it but I've got away with it so far!
As usual a to the point no bull review. This has to be a serious contender for the all round mirrorless camera. As you say for the price this is a damn good camera.
Keep up the good work David, you are a breath of fresh air with your to the point and honest reviews.
Thanks Steve!
Now replaced by the Mk III; have just bought a boxed, black body-only Mk II discontinued stock, genuine new UK supplied from a UK dealer for under £300.... bargain ???
thank you David for sharing your honest and none biast oppion I'm going to get this camera tomorrow can't wait thanks
Thanks Marc - you will love the camera.
Great review! I agree with your sentiments precisely.
I purchased this camera around 9 months ago expecting to take alright photos and stick with the kit lens.
Instead, I fell in love instantly and took some amazing photos which I now have printed and on my walls.
If you are unsure about this camera, I recommend it whole heartedly.
Btw: my favorite lenses are the 17mm, 25mm, and 75mm
Nice set of lenses you have there - what about the 45mm to make up the set :-)
You have the best reviews.
Thanks very much, James. I like it that they are appreciated!
Thanks for your great reviews David!
Glad you like them!
happy New year David . thank you for the Olympus EM10 II videos .
And to you, Jørgen!
Great review. You just helped Olympus sell another one of these cameras. I have a Nikon d300, but I'm ready for something smaller and lighter. This looks like the ticket and the price is right.
Fantastic review, keep up the good work
Thanks!
Your English wit still is irresistable . Thanks for a very good review again.
If this camera would offer 4K video, I would prefer it instead of the GX80. It's like you said; if one just makes photo's, what else could one wish...
Agreed. 4k seems to be getting quite mainstream now. I especially like it for the 4k Photo which enables me to get pix I couldn't before.
Great camera, great review I switched from my d3200 to this a few months back, I really love it!
Good to hear that - a small camera that packs a big punch!
Great vid. think im gunna pick this up this week
I'm not sure why I don't see any comments here because this is a good review -- very useful. but more than that, I wanted to say that I've now watched a bunch of your videos and your they're always smart, clever, well-made, and dependably informative. thank you for making these, they really are a great contribution to those of us, like myself, who are learning photography within the m43 environment!
It's very good to hear that - thanks! I don't know why you don't see any comments here, there are a lot of them. Maybe there's a setting or something?
Great review as always David. I too found the EM10 a tad too small in height and grip. I bought the $30 grip addon for my EM10, and now it is extremely comfortable with every lens, including the Noct and 12-40.
Interesting. Sometimes the smallest mod can make a huge difference to the handling. $30 is extremely reasonable for _anything_ Olympus :-)
Excellent review as always. You've just made what I perceived as a highly tempting proposition even MORE desirable.....
Thanks Keith. I plead guilty!
Thank YOU!
This is the best review on this camera. L'expérience du meilleur matériel donne un meilleur éclairage sur ce qui fait un bon équipement de base.
Merci bien, Francis!
AYE! a video! Great as usual! [:
Thank you!
I finally got an m10 mkii. . I always gravitated towards this in camera shops, it feels so much like my old beloved minolta x-700. . I have a lumix 14-42 fitted, lovely bright viewfinder,
I like the way it goes on standby. . And a half press on shutter readies it . . Lots to try on the menu but thats what its all about,
Love the proper clonk it makes when pic taken ❤
It's like a little jewel - the only thing against it was the pancake standard zoom that sometimes came with it as kit. Nice compact lens but not great for sharpness. Your Lumix standard makes much better use of the camera's capabilities. Glad you like it!
I've had this camera for a few months now. Prior to this, I had quite a few Fuji cameras going back to around 1977. I was planning to get an X-T10, but when doing my research, they seemed to be neck and neck as far as features, and the Olympus was about $300 cheaper. That allowed me to buy a 40-150 telephoto lens to take over from where the 14-42 pancake left off. I'm very pleased with the results, and gone to 16:9 because all my photos are viewed on monitors.
Even though the lenses I have are supposed to be "not the best", the results I'm getting are impressing me and a lot of my friends.
I've really got to figure out the menus better to truly utilise all this little camera has to offer. And I just LOVE the size.
Yes, sweet camera but I wish Olympus could sort the menu out better. With the lenses, I have not tried any Micro Four Thirds lenses that have poor performance in normal use. The Olympus 14-42 is a bit disappointing but it is small and handy and it is only if you view at 100% or make huge prints that any lack shows. I'd always balance usability against sharpness when choosing a lens. The results your outfit is capable of would impress anyone except a committed pixel peeper. Pixel peeping is not photography though.
Dave your reviews are spot on. Thanks.
Thanks Don!
I have been a canon 1 series shooter for nearly 20 years. Purchased an EM10 after watching this vid and now i have an EM5 as well. Just love m43. So many lenses. I have rediscovered the love of the camera again. Its no longer just a work tool.
Exactly mirrors my own feelings, Don, rediscoverng photography. Nicely put.
Hi David! I really like your reviews and because of it, i just purchased this camera. However, I have difficulty finding the option setting where I can enable the real-time preview when changing settings while using the EVF. Hope you can help me with this. Thank you very much!
if the only thing that mattered was the evf would you choose an ep-5 with a vf-4 or an e-m10 mk2?
I bought this camera a few months ago with the 17mm and 45mm. I couldn't be happier. I will soon be selling my nikon and lens to add the 75mm to the family. I love the sharpness, size, and quality of olympus MFT. Totally happy.
Good to hear - and an outfit that will do almost anything at the highest quality. Yet compact, too!
Another good solid review, like the camera
:-) Thanks!
Very nice, honest video. Thanks.
nks, good to hear that!
I love your review ^^! May I ask you a question? Between Olympus 25mm f1.8 and 45mm f1.8, which one suits best for OM-D EM-10 Mark II? Thanks in advanced.
Hi David! Thanks for the really honest review. But I have 1 question to ask, would you prefer getting this instead of Fujifilm X-T1 if you have a tight budget? Hope you can help me decide in this matter. Thanks again and keep it up :)
Completely agree with every point you made.
been thinking of buying one of these over the new Mrk III because it'll just be a camera I can have with me all the time compared to my DSRL. I'll get a Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 full manual and aperture prime lens
I've had this camera with the pancake 14-42 and the 40-150 for 2 years, my previous cam was a 2007 Panasonic bridge so the 4:3 aspect ratio felt right at home. If that old thing got me into photography, this Olympus is making me fully embrace it. I'm also a serious sucker for retro looks and it's partially why I love it, not to mention it operates amazingly similar to the old OM film cameras, one of which I also have. They look stunning next to each other. Anywho, I might start trying to make some money on the side with it, and I'm wondering what kind of kit I should go for - I do have a couple manual lenses, but I'd prefer something with autofocus to be extra sure. Been thinking of getting a 17mm 1.8 and then a 45mm 1.8.
I am someone "who'd only previously used film cameras or compact cameras" (Canon AE-1, EOS7, a small PENTAX plus LUMIX FX30 and TZ40) and am considering buying the Olympus E-M10 Mark 2. Your review gave me confidence that I am choosing the right one. Thank you!
Glad to help. The E-M10 Mk2 is a really straightforward quality Micro Four Thirds camera and a very good choice.
Cheers David, always look forward to your reviews.
I love EM10MkII. I came from Pentax DSLRs and couldn't be happier with OOC quality. Size is just right for me.
Worth noting about the size, it's only fractionally smaller than the OM-10 35mm film camera.
That's interesting about the film camera. I tend to assume that film cameras were bigger because I used Nikons back then but of course Olympus majored in small cameras at that time too.
Here's a photo of the EM10 MkII next to the OM10 for comparison, David.
i.imgur.com/s0nmt3V.jpg
Interesting - thanks for that.
Hi David! Great review and very understandable, even for me as not native english speaker ;-). However, I don't get the message at 3:25. You say noise performance is okay and on par with the gx80 - so far, so good. But in the following images the colors compared to the GX80 seem far more lively. Does that mean the GX80 performs less better in this regards? Or is this kind of palid color reproduction just typical for Pana?I ask, because as many i'm stucked in the decision between these two cameras :-). Thanks for your answer!
Great review very informational
Thanks!
Great review. I have this camera and find it fun to use and look at. I actually prefer the look to the flashy pen f . With the 75mm 1.8 it is magic for doing candid indoor portraits. Only downside compared to Pansonic for me is the insane menu system and lack of proper spot metering.
I know the menu system pretty well by now and I still get totally lost in it! But every camera has its foibles!
you really know how to piss off us washing machine enthusiasts!
:-)
I’ve just had a look at this video as I’m tempted by a deal in the Olympus online shop. Essentially this has the set up of the EM5 with the addition of a silent shutter and live composite 👏 and more to the point it has for me, with these additions, everything I use on a day to day basis with my EM5 II. I find that on a regular basis I agree wholeheartedly with Mr Thorpe’s viewpoint.
🙂
If i understand correctly, you would recommend the e-m10 mk ii for stils and the gx85/gx80 for stils + video?
I hadn't thought of it that way but yes, that would fit. I'd say that the GX80/5 was just as good for stills, though. It'd come down to body design mostly.
Great review, I've got my eye on this camera but I am still waiting for a price drop because I'm in no dire need for it. I'd like the Image stabilization so I can use my old Nikon lenses on it like I do my Sony A7 II (I've got that same Nikkor 300MM you have in this vid lol). I was going back and forth with whether to get this M10 ii or a GM5 to replace my GM1 and I ended up going with the GM5 since it is very small but I don't like the crippled flash of the GM5 (max flash 1/50). I completely agree with your video that the E-M10 ii gives you all the essentials you need with none of the extra fluff. I really enjoy your reviews, I check them out whenever I'm looking at M4/3 cameras :D
Thanks for the kind words. It'd almost be worth buying an E-M10 ll just for the ability to use all those wonderful film lenses. The GM5, it has its disadvantages but if you want really, really small it comprises less than you might expect.
Yes, great camera for those who learned on film cameras... even in 2020! The added Oly grip improves handling. Fav combo: E-M-10ii & (Pany 20mm F1.7 + Oly EZ Zoom). Great kit for learning.
Totally agree! Was and still is one of the most attractive cameras in the mft' arsenal.
I love your reviews and love my camera. I bought this as a beginner and learned a lot about photography. Other more complicated and expensive cameras are appealing me but I guess just buying better lenses makes more sense for now.
Yes, it does. It makes sense to buy quality lenses since they'll go from camera to camera. Change the camera when you feel it is limiting you. Your Olympus will cover practically any task outside specialist ones, 60fps sequences or Hi-Res frames, for example. The truth is, these very clever functions are little used by most photographers and the E-M10 Mark II is unlikely to be a limiting factor. I bought a 17mm f/1.8 Olympus prime when they first came out and I've used it on every camera body I've bought since. It wasn't cheap but in the long term it is a bargain. The image quality of the small Olympus is very little different from the E-M1 Mark II. Yes, it has more pixels but put results from either camera on screen and they look the same.
David, thanks again for your reply. By the way I watch your channel a lot, also read your blog, but where can I see some of the photos you took (if it is available on some website or there is a collection)? would be great to see what people like you could do with film cameras, and later on with first digital cameras....
I'd love to oblige but most of my work was commissioned and is the copyright of the newspaper/magazine/ record company/artist. My website is www.dthorpe.net but it's mainly tear sheets and I just can't find time to mainatin it as I'd like.
So here I am 3 years later doing a study at home photography degree....only had a Sony hx400v and a Yi M1 twin lens kit (which I had picked up over a year ago for £150l was looking for something just a bit better but have me room to develop....Jessops had this MkII for £320 n I just fell in love with it. Great review too!
Thanks, Felix. a great, very capable camera and capable of pretty much anything you might need. Nice to hear you are pleased with it. Enjoyment of use is a big thing with a camera.
Hi David, any chance of a E-M10 II vs. GX80 coming up? Maybe specifically comparing back-button focusing, custom preset handling, button config versatility, evf quality ... Maybe throwing in any E-PX or E-PLX you might have and thus covering the 5-600 Euro class ... Hm, just sayin' ...
I'll keep it in mind but I'm short of time right now - a few things on the boil.
There's a decent chance at winning one of these with the kit lens in Olympus' photo contest they're throwing. Entry ends in January and winners announced in April. 5 categories and 13 prizes for each. Grand prize being the em1 mii with 12 to 40 f.2.8 plus 1 million yen (enough money to buy the other pro lenses). Second prize is the em5 mii with the same 12 to 40. Third prize is the em10 mii with the 14 to 40 kit lens. Fourth prize is the Olympus Pen E -PL 8 with he same kit lens. That's 20 entries per person with 65 winners at the end. Clearly a long shot but worth the brief upload time if you have some nice photos. Also you get to look at other people's amazing entries.
does it come with video editing software that allows for audio splitting and inserting an audio from an external source file? thanks
No, you'd need separate video editing software for that.
Nice Video! My first camera. Has everything I need to start learning about photography. Takes excellent photos and is super compact.
Thanks Carlos. Essentially, this camera does everything that most photographers want so will happily stay with you from learning through to mastery.
Great review as usual. I have an original 10 which was a very nice little camera with about the same sensor and processor, so I wasn't really in a hurry to change it, or so I thought, but I had an opportunity to buy a mk II for a fair price and I picked it up yesterday purely on an economic basis (I'm now trying to sell the original 10 while it's still worth something, and the mk II isn't lagging so far behind the III that I hope it will keep its own value for a little while longer, at least until a mk IV arrives on the horizon. Anyway, that is the reasonning).
But having toyed with the mk II, I discovered compared to the original 10 it's more like an E-M5 mk 1.5 really, rather than a follow up. The electronic shutter in itself is worth the upgrade. The handling is much better, and a 3rd Fn button is a godsend. And icing on the cake, the EVF is much, much better.
On the other hand, purely from the specs, the mk III is much less interesting. For people who do video, there's 4k. But there are so many cameras that do 4k better, with a mic jack input etc. that it's not really worth it, and on the photographic side, many "prosummer" features have been deleted which is a shame. For instance why remove the L-Fn parameter ? It certainly makes sense in the marketing department, but not for the person with Olympus pro-lenses simply looking for a competent 2nd body ! And to cut into the remote flash ability is just insane.
I fully concur with your conclusion : currently, the mk II is probably one of the best "bang for bucks" camera on the market.
Thanks! While the MkII was/is a worthwhile jump from the MkI, I don't think II to III is. The problem is, it's time for Olympus to upgrade. If they they add too much it encroaches on the next model up. So they add 4K, take away the lens function. It's all marketing, really, as you say. One of the big things I like about the Mk11 is that it has the metal body as opposed to the plastics of the MkIII. It's a small camera but it has a big, solid feel and if you are not concerned with 4k video, it remains the best small Olympus. The GX80 is nice too, totally different, which I value highly. So often nowadays more choice simply means more of the same to choose from. The Panasonic and Olympus models are genuinely different.
I completely agree, but for a SLR form factor I go with Olympus, which reminds me a lot of my beloved OM-1, and I'm not really into RF style bodies because my dominant eye is the left one, so an EVF on the left is a pain in the neck for me. As it is, I don't have much reasons to use Panasonic bodies, however nice they may be. But that may change in the future, because one little thing I discovered too since I wrote my last comment, is the e-m10 mk III don't make the electronic shutter available as a choice in PASM modes. This marketing diktat is even worse than I thought it could be. To benefit from the silent e-shutter and the 1/16000th speed, one needs to use the so-called "advanced photographic" modes, which are some dedicated, locked up program modes, in a pinch. Silly move.
If this is indicative os Olympus evolution towards consummers, I may very well end with a Panasonic sooner or later.
fantastic review as always!! quick question: is the ibis on par with the e-m5ii's?? heard it isnot quite as good as the em5ii, pretty good tough nonetheless...
Thanks! I have no way of testing objectively but to me it seemed no different to any of the latest Olympus bodies. You half press the shutter and a big hand comes down and holds the camera still :-) There seem to be different test standards applied to stabilization so maybe that accounts for any stated difference. It seems unlikely to me that Olympus would make 2 different forms of 5 axis stabilization or cripple it for one camera model.
i'm looking for a small, lightweight camera within 600 usd. is this camera a good option? never used any camera before.
+Irfanul Islam Nehal I would say it is an ideal camera for you from what you say. The 14-42mm pancake lens it is sometimes sold with is not a great performer so you may want to buy it with a more normal sized standard zoom. You might want to look at a Panasonic GX80/85 too, just to see what you prefer but the E-M1 Mkll is a choice you wouldn't regret.
David Great Review ! Did not answer one dilemma - Do i get the M10-II or the E-PL7 (with the VF-4 viewfinder - (though I lose the hot shoe when in use !))
I'd go for the E-M10-ll without a doubt.
Lovely review as usual, David. Now that you're running out of MFT cameras, do you have any interest in looking at APS-C dedicated platforms like Fuji?
Thanks! No, I'm happy with Micro Four Thirds and its IQ. I don't need the marginal IQ improvement of some APS-C cameras but I do need a proper system and apart from FF, only Micro Four thirds has that. Plus, I am not comfortable with being tied to one maker's whims for my lenses. Where is Fuji's equivalent of the 12-32 and 35-100 mino zooms, tiny but astoundingly sharp? Or the 40-150mm f/2.8 Olympus? I'd certainly look carefully at Fuji (and Sony) APS-C if my shooting requirements were more restricted, though. I don't have any emotional investment in Micro four thirds, just purely practical. What I would certainly _miss_ would be the astonishing focusing performance of something like the GX8 which has to be tried to be believed. It makes a camera feel eager and responsive. If I were t going to change systems, 'd almost certainly go for the Sony FF system, though i have absolutely no use for the IQ they provide and therefore there would be no purpose in carting that cost and weight around.
Panasonic Gx-80/85 or Olympus E-M10 Mark 2 for photo?
I've responded to a similar question below , Romano. It's a very hard decision because both have pluses and minuses. They do feel very different to use, though and I'd go on which style and feel body I prefer. In terms of image quality, there's nothing in it. I'd like to be more definite but quite honestly, if I were making that choice, I'd find it as difficult as you or anyone else. It might even depend on my feelings the the day i bought it! Do read my other answers here though.
Nice review, David, I was just wondering if you had tried any long exposure work with this camera and how it compares to e.g. the E-M1? I have the EM1 and its not quite as good for long exposure work.
I'd say it is about the same as the E-M1. And that is pretty good! The Olympus E-M1 Mkll is better but not a game changer by any means.
Mr. Thorpe, I'm a student interested in getting my first real camera (beyond a smartphone). I like taking pictures of cars, landscapes, animals, cities, and art. Would you still recommend this camera in mid-2017? Thank you.
Hi - yes I would. There's nothing that has superseded it in its balance between performance and size and price. The only real competitor is the Panasonic GX80 but that a different design altogether. The Olympus is better for you because you have a range of photographic interests there and a good sized EVF is essential. The E-M10II remanis my favourite Olympus anyway, in spite of the wonders of the Olympus E-M1 Mkll.
David, do you prefer the E-M10 II or the GX85? I like GX85 overall but I am not sure about the EVF. I tried it out in the store and it just seems really TINY.
My feelings are conflicted. I can't find any advantage of one that isn't balanced by an advantage in the other. Overall, I'd let my preference for body design decide. If I preferred the rangefinder feel, the GX80, DSLR, the E-M10ll. The pictures you;'ll get from each will be equally good.
David, thanks for your review.
I currently use Panasonic GX7, and been quite happy with it.
Plan to have a second body (thus no need change lenses so often) and aim at Olympus line.
in your opinion, is it em10mii or em5mii that will complement me better? or any other option is welcome, too
THANKS
I think the E-M5ll will add a few more facilities - the fully articulated screen and weather proofing for example but if you are used to the clean design of the GX7 you may find the E-M10ll more to your taste.
Personally, I prefer the E-M10ll which is, like the GX7 a frill free camera with everything you need. I can't think of any better alternative from Olympus. The GX8 would be worth a look or even the upcoming G80 which sounds as if it will be exceptionally good. If you can, handle both Olympus models. I think the E-M5ll is probably the best medium price all round capable Micro Four Thirds camera to date but it is just too cluttered for my hands. You might feel differently, of course.
Very well noted David. thanks again for your valuable insights.
Great review 👌still relevant 👍😊. Just subscribed 😃
Thanks!
I just ordered one of these for my assistant as a bonus for her hard work. She and I share a fine stable of Olympus and Panasonic lenses and they will be compatible since I bought her the adapter and the new grip. I know she will be so happy. She's a small girl using and E3 and an E5. This will be perfect for her.
It sure will. And what a lovely gift.
David I ordered the em5ii camera as opposed to the em10 ii ,I have two Olympus omd pro lenses I bought super cheap ,as these are weather sealed I wanted a camera matching that feature also the better video.You mentioned the em5 ii seems too small with all the controls .One thing I've noticed from using film slrs I always use two hands one under the lens to cradle the combination which enables me to have more dexterity with the right hand for small buttons and controls.Do you use mostly one hand with your 4/3 cameras? Thanks again for another great video : )
Thanks, Mario. I use cameras they same way you do, with my left under the camera and cradling the lens. For me the E-M5II feels a bit small but that's purely personal. If you find the size suits you, it becomes a wonderfully small camera that packs in everything you might want. And, as you say, with weather sealing.
im about to attend university in UK soon and Im planning on saving money and working during this summer. I hope I could buy this as my first camera and use it throughout my studies.
I can't think of a better buy. It'll do all the mundane practical tasks that you might require yet is also capable of meeting your needs as you learn more and (I hope) become more demanding. Good luck at university but especially with a long and fulfilling future making pictures.
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback. It kind of puts me at ease knowing I could survive with this camera. Much love.
Thanks!
I have the 10mk2 as the backup / street photography camera to my 5mk2. The things I prefer are the simple lilt up screen I much prefer as it don't like the slow flip out twist on the 5MK2. I don't shoot video and the speed of the simple flip up I appreciate. I do like the ability to look through the EVF and move focus point with my thumb as well.
Many photographers prefer the flip up screens. I'm ok with either but I do prefer the speed of the flip up for street and general use. I like being able to fold the screen inwards on the articulated ones so that it doesn't get scratched in the bag, though. Basically, I just want it all :-)
Very interesting video David, thanks. I love Olympus cameras, they are the only company to rival Fuji in producing that combination of retro looks, compactness and cutting-edge mirrorless technology. To someone of my generation they look like 'proper' cameras. But as always, as a landscape photographer, I just wish they had bigger sensors.
Thanks, Saurat. Trouble is with a bigger sensor that you need bigger lenses and then its APS-C. I know there is a certain crossover in sizes but in principle Micro four Thirds is what it is precisely because of that sensor.
David Thorpe Yes I appreciate that, unfortunately I notice that the small size of M4/3 lenses isn't matched by a smallness of price, in fact they generally seem to be the same price as any other type of lens. Panny has just released a lens that's 1,400 euros! Given there is no price advantage to the system, I struggle with the sensor size issue.
Sadly material costs are tiny compared to research and development, production tooling and all the rest so there is no reason why a small lens should cost materially less than a bigger one. The attraction of Micro four Thirds is not the price but the blend of quality and size. It is not the highest quality, for that you'd go to someone like Hasselblad. It is not the smallest, for that you'd buy a compact. It's the balance between the two that attracts me to it. Plus, unlike other CSCs, Micro Four Thirds is a true system.
I do use APs-C and full frame cameras from time to time but I never make prints over about 16 inches across or view on a monitor more than 3000px across so the larger sensor has no advantage for me. The landscapes that I do will reproduce at cover size for a magazine with quality to spare so that's all I need.
First time buying a camera .. oreviously been borrowing the canon 600D ... Trying to decide between this or the Nikon D5600 ... any help?
That's hard - the Olympus is smaller as are all the lenses but the Nikon has a bit bigger sensor. I's always this versus that and I can't know your thou8ghts on so many aspects of a camera. If you haven't tried an electronic viewfinder, you should. It is great to see what you are taking on screen as it will look when taken. I favour smaller cameras because I am more likely to have them with me that a bigger one with bigger lenses. Plus, I cycle a lot so, again size matters. The Olympus feels like a really nicely built little jewel of a camera, too. Personally, I gave up DSLRs a few years ago after a lifetime using them for the reasons I have given. If you take a look at my video ruclips.net/video/lS2A6xH2MFw/видео.html you may get an insight into my thinking and it may help you.
I remember once in a review you mentioned where you buy your cameras from, but for the life of me I cannot find it, any chance you could remind us again please?
I don't recall when I mentioned that but these days its either Amazon or Wex. Prices are pretty much the same everywhere!
What do you think about the lenses? Which one do you suggest? Pancake vs normal. Better space for extra money and electric motor or bulky but cheap and mech?
I'm going to do a short review on the pancake zoom. Optically it is not impressive, though the power zoom is sort of handy for video, I suppose. I'd prefer one of the standard size zooms, easier to operate and better optically.
Gx85 vs em10 mark2 vs canon m50...which one to buy for a beginner enthusiastic and for daily use . ..? Very confused.. plus which system have cheaper lenses
I don't know the Canon M50 very well but the cameras are very different, one being a DSLR and the other mirrorless. You can get the Olympus for half the price of the Canon which would enable you to buy extra lenses for the money. In terms of pictures produced, there's be little difference in day to day use.
Hi David, which camera (E-M 10 Mark 2 or E-M 5 mark 2 ) would you recommend for beginner like me? I am torn between these two as E-M 5 mark 2 seem to produce better images while i love the size and price of E-M10 mark 2.
I'd be inclined to go for the E-M10 Mk 3 which has just come out. It updates quite a few things over the Marl 2. The money saved on the E-M10 could go to another lens. The IQ of all Micro Four Thirds cameras is very similar but if you are drawn to the compactness of the E-M10 I'd go with that. Both cameras are small but the E-M10 has a charm and usability all of its own. As I said in the Mark 2 review, my favourite of all the Olympus models.
Thank you for your reply, David. I have decided to go with EM10 mark II as it is $150 cheaper than the latest mark III.
A good choice.
Thanks for the review. It's really helpful. Your standard settings are pretty much exactly what I have a camera set to. I'm looking at moving from an old D90 kitswhich I have largely stopped using because it's just to big to carry anywhere and I'm thinking this might be the camera I switch to. Have you tried the mkiii at all? I hear there isn't much difference bar 4K video and the metal body has been replaced with plastic which doesn't appeal as much to me.
Thanks, Mark. I haven't tried the MarkIII but unless you wanted 4k video particularly it's an incremental upgrade. Taking the plastic rather than metal body into account many will see the III as a downgrade. , although I don't doubt the plastic is just as strong.Personally, I'd stay with the MarkII and save a bit of money towards another lens. I'd also save money by going for the 14-42 kit zoom rather than the pancake one which has rather disappointing sharpness.
David Thorpe I’m much more into prime lenses so may stay away from the zooms altogether and start off with something like an f1.8 25mm.
Good idea.
My weapon of choice!
A man of discrimination and taste! :-)
Another great review David. Do you ever print out your images, and if so how do they compare to a full frame camera?
I am genuinely interested in making the switch to Olympus m43 but its hard to let go of my Nikon stuff, incidentally i still use my Olympus film cameras, they are so beautifully made and handle so well,
Regards,
Alan
They were lovely, the Olympus film cameras and with good lenses too. I rarely print out my images but recently did have a few done at 12x10in. You'd get razor sharp prints (assuming the 300dpi standard) up to 16x12 in theory but in reality a 24 inch wide print would be as good as your Nikon provided you keep the ISO down to about 800. For my requirements Micro Four Thirds is more than good enough but the bigger FF sensor would be better if you want higher ISO shots at large sizes. It's a matter of trading off, really. Nothing is for nothing but Micro Four Thirds hits the sweet spot for me which means that many pictures I might want to print I only have _ because_ I had my camera with me.
Thanks
Thoughtful review, which makes some interesting points.. if you were to choose between this and the pen-f - longevity and ease of use being prime reasons for choice... which one would you hard earned go on please?
I'd go for the E-M10 Mk2. Longevity would be similar on both I'd think but - pretty though it is - you're not paying for hidden screws and the gorgeous looks of the Pen F. Micro Four Thirds cameras like the little Olympus and the Panasonic GX 80 don't lack any important functionality and the results from them will look no different from the Pen F, even with its 20Mp sensor.
None of this maligns the Pen F and many people are happy to pay for looks. We do it with cars, why not cameras?
thanks, have followed your advice and have gone for the 12mm F2 lens and the 14-150 Mk II zoom as my every day lens, though I'm very tempted (having saved money on the Pen F) to go with the F2.8 shorter pro zoom instead of the the 14-150?
What would you recomand between the olympus E-M10 Mark 2 and the Panasonic GX80 with a 14-140 or equevalent ?
And thank you for your amaaizing review !
Thanks - glad you like the reviews! Since you have the Panasonic lens, I'd recommend the GX80. You will then get Dual Stabilization, the lens and body combining, plus the effective Depth from Defocus focusing. There's nothing to choose in IQ between the two camera but the GX80 does have a smaller EVF. It also has a lovely whisper quiet and shock free shutter.
Thanks for the advise !
Here in Taiwan the Panasonic G7 can be bought for 20/25% less than the E-M10 mkII, but I noticed that on major websites like B&H it's quite the opposite. I think that for people who can get the G7 at a lower price, the choice between these two cameras could be very tough, even without considering video features.
Yes, very tough. The Olympus feels better made - which doesn't mean it is, I wouldn't know - but at that price differential I think most people would go for the Panasonic for a better EVF and focusing performance.
I thyink I mentioned in the video that a friend of mine was taking up photography after becoming keen on it from using his mobile phone camera. I advised him to go for a G7 and 14-140mm which seemed to me to be a very very capable pairing that would take years to outgrow, if you ever would.
Hello David is this camera in-built flash bright enough to snap decent pictures in a low light room or night shots on the street. Please will love a reply thank you.
Hi Patrick. The flash is good enough for a dimly lit, smallish room, subjects up to maybe 3m away. Night shots on the street, not really. Just not enough power. There are some quite powerful accessory flashes available at quite low prices , though.
David Thorpe hello David can you advice me on which accessory flash I could get that could fit on it thank you.
@@patrickdadet359 Any flash designated Micro Four Thirds will work. Metz do a whole range of them to cover all power requirements. Cheaper but still good is this one amzn.to/3bMQMjF. I have one of these. It has all the power I need but I don't use flash much. Olympus do their own but they are quite expensive. The Nissin flashes have a good name, too.
Awesome channel, David. I really enjoy the content and appreciate your wit. I like hearing about the usability of equipment vice the option list like most reviewers do. I need a new camera and I've narrowed it down to this Olympus and the Panasonic G7. I guess I could be classified as a hobbyist, as opposed to an advanced amateur; however, my wife will be using it also and she wants point and shoot simplicity. Which camera would you recommend with this in mind? BTW, I'm coming from a Sony A330 (egad!!). I was a Minolta user back in the film days, so the Sony was all I could afford at that time. (God, I miss the pace of manual focus film). Maybe I'm just old. ;^)
Thanks for the kind words! I'd go for the Olympus. Both cameras will give you point and shoot simplicity but the E-M10 II is a truly lovely camera to handler and use. It feels - being made of metal - robust and high quality. It also has good in body stabilization which means all lenses regardless of make will benefit. Particularly, though, the Olympus is small and both you and your wife will find no reason not to take it out with you. You're not old - digital cameras just encourage users to shoot hundreds and hundreds of frames. I still rarely shoot more than half a dozen frames of anything and even then I edit them down to the best one - old habits die hard.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks for the prompt response (even though I took forever to thank you). One final (I hope) question....I have the opportunity to get the E-M10II and the Panasonic GX85 with respective kit lenses for about the same price. I know this is subjective, but which one would you recommend? Thanks.
**Edit** It just occurred to me that I didn't mention how I'd be using the camera (kind of important when one is asking for a recommendation). I'd be using it as my main family camera mostly. Thanks again.
@@cfawcewos You're welcome! I'd be inclined to the Olympus myself. One of the best Micro Four Thirds cameras made and only lacking high speed continuous auto-focus and 4K video, neither of which are important in the kind of use you envisage. One of the main reasons I make that choice is that the Olympus has a better EVF but also that it is a truly delightful camera to use.
I'm torn between getting the GX80 and the E-M10 Mk. II. I've previously dabbled with film cameras but always felt trapped in "I need to take more photos to improve but I don't want to waste any film with bad photos". I know it's 2020 now, not 2016, but I'm on a tight budget and both are available for roughly the same price, brand new. I'm curious what you'd suggest me - if you don't mind. Thank you for your excellent and honest reviews of cameras and lenses.
Thanks! If you are used to film cameras, I'd suggest the Olympus. It'll feel more familiar and has a much better EVF. Image quality will be very similar with both cameras and you'll be pleased with it. It produces beautiful quality JPGs. It's a gem, actually Tight budget or not, for normal day to day photography the Olympus (or Panasonic) will produce pictures indistinguishable from the latest cameras.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks! By now I've managed to get the Pana as kit for a very very fair price so that's what I went with. Still great to hear back from you and that you took the time for me. Thank you very much.
confused to choose between OM-D 5 M ii vs Fuji X-T10
These are always difficult decisions. Both are good cameras and neither would be a bad buy, that's for sure. The deciding factor for me would be the much greater lens range available to the Olympus and the in body stabilization. However, the Fuji has the bigger sensor which means in principle better IQ. In Practise, that's unlikely to be noticeable but if you are a stickler for IQ and make _very_ big prints, it may suit you better. The bigger sensor also means the lenses will be that much bigger.
I'd prefer the Olympus because you can fit any make of lens to it and have the best stabilization on any camera so far. In terms of the actual pictures it takes, either camera exceeds the needs of most photographers.
A man recommended me this camera for vlogging and doing great photos. I am starting in RUclips. Would you recommend me this camera for filming in my room? And for taking good photos? Thanks!!
Hi Aida - good for both I'd say. The video is pretty basic but plenty good enough for vlogging. I prefer the Panasonics for video but for 20mbps FHD quality there's not much difference.
Will this survive on a very cold weather like winter/snow?canada
Not in extremes, no. I don't think any consumer cameras would. I use to have my cameras winterized by Nikon before I went anywhere inside the arctic circle. I used to carry and eternal power pack wired to the camera and keep it under my clothes in my armpit.
+David Thorpe maybe light snow. So if im not using it.. I should keep it under my clothes?
+OREOMILKYSHAKE 0dgrees or -5 to -10
David why you shoot in RAW instead of JPEG in mirrorless cameras? Could you explain that in another movie. I reckon the JPEG's are really good. Of course sometimes we need set the intelligent dynamic to normal or high to get a nice photos with nice dynamic range. Plus dynamic monochrome its really good auto program to take black and white pictures.
I shoot in RAW because it means I always have the original image unchanged. Just as, with a film camera, I wouldn't throw away the negative after making a print, so I keep my RAW files. Who know what i might want to do with an image next year or the year after? On the other hand, if you are making images purely for your family or social networking or a defined and known purpose, JPG is fine. Its horses for courses really but a video would be a good idea and I['ll keep it in mind.
Thanks for the nice review, glad they kept the tilt screen for this one, and hope they keep the tilt screen for the upcoming EM1 mk2
Cheers
Hi Mark. I have a feeling they'll put a articulated screen on it since the Pen F and E-M5 ll have it. I'm just guessing, though.
Another great video...I have now subscribed, I’m looking for my first interchange Lens Camera. I want to do a little bit of Astrophotography ,I also like doing some nature photography and Macro ... just a couple of quick questions, can you leave the shutter open for taking Star trailing photo’s?.. can you shoot using a remote control unit or from a smart phone/Tablet? and is manual focus available on it? Many thanks 😊
Thanks! Yes, the camera will give long exposures suitable for astro photography and star trails, nature and macro (macro with a suitable lens, of course). It'll shoot using the Olymous IS app which makes remote comtrols superfluous, really. And yes, manual focus is available with all lenses. The maximum shutter opening is 60 seconds. When you are doing start trails, Live Time will let you see the image building so you can finish it when it is how you want, probably about 20-30secs.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks David 👍
I want a camera to begin learning photography. Something I can grow into and will last me a very long time(I plan to use it till it dies on me). After doing some research I am considering the Olympus e-m5 mark ii and e-m10 mark ii. Which would you suggest? Or is there another? I'd like it to be extremely portable and lightweight
Either of those would do what you want but for portability and light weight I'd go for the E-M10 Mk2. I'd use the money difference for a lens since the pancake zoom Olympus often fit as standard is not impressive. Another option would be the Panasonic GX80/85 with 12-32 and 35-100 mini zooms. A whole outfit in the palm of one hand. You might think about those lenses for an E-M10 mk2 as well. One reason I'd recommend the Panasonic for its much more logical and easy to use menu system. A little bigger but it looks to be a super camera is the Panasonic G80 which, again would go well with the 12-32 and 35-100 lenses.
Thank you sir. That was quite quick! I have just one more question. Should I risk buying a used camera and lens?
I'm happy to buy used Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses. It is worth asking the shutter count, the number of times it has been fired but they are good for at least 100,000 shots so shouldn't be anywhere near that for such a new camera. As with most electronic goods, if they don't break in the first 3 months of use, they'll probably go on forever.
great thanks! And I love your minimalist videos, especially your narration
Thanks for the video, David, thoroughly enjoyed it.
I seem to recall that you praised the preset settings (C1 etc.) on Pana bodies (or was that someone else?). How about the E-M10II in that regard? I recall Olympus messed up presets for generations of cameras, hiding them in menus, requiring you to press some button while shooting to invoke it, etc.
Thanks Stef - yes, that was me. I use the Custom settings all the time. This has them but still with the awful Preset/Myset run around and you then find your Custom setting set to Art Mode or something. It is all very unintuitive so it was good to see that Olympus have changed it for the Pen F. Nonetheless, it _is_ there on the E-M10 Mark 2 and once learned and set up it is fine.
Thanks David. Seeing the Pen F finally nails the presets let's hope the E-M10 III will, too. But then, that prolly will sport a fully articulated screen ... dang. Ah the perfect camera, always just around the corner ;-)
The pain and the pleasure :-)
Thanks for the kind words! In terms of the results obtainable and general performance, yes the camera could be used professionally. There are two things against it, though. One is client prejudice - you are using a camera of a size and price they could afford and might buy themselves. Like it or not - and I don't - so many still belive that the secret of being a professional photographer is to have big expensive cameras and lenses. So clients may not take you seriously.
Secondly, a camera like the E-M10 Mk2 doesn't have the versatility that you might want for professional use. What if you needed a specialist lens for a job? A 24mm tilt/ shift? Nikon or Canon would certainly have one for hire. Oylmpus or Panasonic wouldn't. Plus, it doesn't have the toughness and state of the art focusing that the Nikon or Canon might. Note here that I am talking about the top range professional Canon and Nikon cameras not the consumer models. So, if you have an unprejudiced client and you are certain the job would n ot present any unforeseen problems, the E-M10 Mk 2 would probably do the trick. Having said that, if I were going back to my days of shooting for magazines, newspapers and commercial clients, I'd go out and buy a pair of Canon EOS 1Ds and a range of lenses for them. I'd keep a good Micro four Thirds in my bag, though, probably a GX80/5 for the things it does better,
I suppose I'd have to say a Canon EOS for all round use. That would include live music and studio photography. If I could limit my assignments how I would wish, to subjects under my control, studio, magazine work, then Hasselblad and digital back.
What are you recommending for 2020? I'm interested what this line offers for street shooting -easy handling. I see this model is still on sale on-line. Cheers!
The E-M10 II remains a great choice especially the 2 lens bundles they are doing now. Fantastic value I'm just doing a review of the new E-M5 and that's a sweetie. The GX9 is worth a look too, provided the EVF suits you.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you. I'll look into them all and look forward to your next work. Cheers, and Happy New Year!
I know this is an old video but, is anyone else bummed out that regular 4/3 lens work only in manual focus mode. WTF is up with that? I started with the 510 and bought many lens. (Yes I'm a lens horder) Then updated to the OMD m2 which uses the 4/3 lens perfectly with the adapter. (nearly went broke buying adapters for all the lenses) Now I notice that the mk4 won't autofocus with them. Can anyone show me otherwise?
Hi David, which one do you prefer, this one or pen F? I dont have any experience with photography but want to buy one to take with me on travell. Please let me know what you think. Thank you so much.
Many would disagree but for a straightforward value for money camera, the EM10ll. The Pen F is nice but I'd sooner spend the extra money on lenses.
+David Thorpe hi David, i checked the price for pen F and this one. I decided to go with pen F, pen F is about 200usd more expensive than EM10 mark II. But after watching you review on this one and pen F over and over again, ( i know this sound stupid and silly) i dont know how to edit the photo and maybe pen F can help me with their filter menu. Olympus having promo kit, the body with 17mm f1.8 and 45mm f1.8 for 2100 usd more or less if converted from our currency here. If you were me, which color will u decided? After this maybe i should take a pen and paper then write down anything important from your review so i can use the pen F kit. I am so thankfull finding your channel because your reviews are much easier to understand compared to others.
That's such a nice thing to hear - thanks Fang Fang!
I seem to have lost a message from you - but here's the answer. I think the Pen F looks better in black, the E-M10ll in silver. It doesn't really matter but when you're paying put for something you might as well get what you like best.
+David Thorpe you are so kind, David. Even with someone who doesnt understand anything about photography, you reply every questions i asked. This is the first time after long time i buy a camera, and will last for a long time for me. Because i never understand what are photographer looking for from a camera,I just know i can take a picture and keep the memory in the picture.Thats why i want to know which colour do you prefer as a professional photographer, i trust your taste. I am learning about the lenses 17mm f1.8 and 45mm f1.8 now so i can use the kit. Can you do any video of how you take care your cameras, lenses, and any other thing you have? Thank you so much, and have a great day, David.
How can you put modern Nikon lenses on this
The adapters are easily available on Amazon here amzn.to/2ecK65n (UK) and amzn.to/2fqPQYX (US). You lose all the auto functions, though.
For those unaware, the Chairman of the Board said " I feel sorry for people who don't drink - when they wake up in the morning that's as good as they're going to feel all day..."...
I have to tell you that Frank (we were great buddies, naturally) phoned me one morning and asked me if I knew any good jokes he could use. So I told him that one. And I taught him to sing too, of course :-)
I bought a while ago the Canon 1200D, and I was thinking to upgrade to a better camera. I'm really interested on m43 because of the portability and size of this type of cameras. I wanted to know if with the price of this camera with the kit lens (700euros) I would get a big difference in terms of image quality if I would buy a 750D that has the same price
Thanks and good review!
Thanks! It's difficult because the DSLR and mirrorless are so different in character. The image quality difference would be small as far as the sensor is concerned but I'd avoid the pancake kit lens with the Olympus which is a bit disappointing. The Canon's kit lens doesn't sparkle, either, from what I can see.There are plenty of alternatives.
Ideally, the choice between the systems would be best settled by handling both and seeing which you prefer. The E-M10 Mk2 is a very attractive and nicely made item, very compact and feels more modern than a DSLR. You'd find the EVF better than the optical finder, I think plus unlike the DSLR, it shows you what your picture will look like. Thus, if you set it to mono, the EVF will reflect that, unlike the Canon.
The portability of the Micro Four Thirds system with its excellent choice of lenses is its great strength. The E-m10ll is close to be pocketable in fact.
so you would recommend this over the canon 750d (T6i)?
The T6i is just a hundred more and im kinda really caught inbetween these options.
I prefer the compactness and action generally of mirrorless cameras, the Micro Four Thirds models in particular. I don't see any particular advantage on the Canon and i feel that DSLRs have had their day. But as I say they are very different cameras and if possible handling both cameras would answer your question best.
Add the accessory grip for a better group….I own 2 bodies...