17Feb Thinking about ordering the Olympus E-M5 Mark II
I’ve been looking longingly at the Olympus E-M5 Mark II since it was announced a few weeks ago and I’m still on the fence. At $1099 it’s basically a rugged version of the Panasonic GH3. However the E-M5 Mark II excels for me in one key feature, image stabilization. The 5-axis system is really interesting, but is that enough?
Right now a used Panasonic GH4 is selling for around $1100 to $1300, it’s a camera I own and a camera I really enjoy. The GH4 shoots in 4k, while the E-M5 Mark II is still hanging out at 1080p. I know that most footage ends up being delivered at 1080p and that I don’t really “need” 4k right now, but it’s still a feature I’ve grown accustom to and something I’ve been using more and more. I keep thinking, “man it would be nice to have the 5-axis image stabilization for hand held shooting”, but than I remember that I already manage to shoot hand held even without IS.
I’ve collected enough M4/3 lenses to make it worth it to me to invest in another M4/3 body. The question is, should it be a used Panasonic GH4 or a Olympus E-M5 Mark II? The E-M5 Mark II is already available for pre-order is expected to start shipping on the 27th. What do you guys think? Is the 5-axis image stabilization and rugged body enough to make the E-M5 Mark II a contender?
February 17th, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Hey Deejay – I’m in the same position as you …. I own a GH4 and quite a few Panasonic and Olympus lenses. I’ve been looking longingly at the EM5 Mk II, but I can’t help but wondering whether an EM1 Mk II might introduce 4K – since it’s Olympus’ flagship challenge to the GH4. I’d love to have in-body stabilisation – especially when looking at some of the Olly lenses such as the 40-150mm 2.8. The extra reach makes it more attractive to me than Panasonic’s 35-100mm 2.8
February 17th, 2015 at 9:24 pm
I completely agree! I’ve been thinking, “what about an EM1?”. Also, the 40-150mm f2.8 is on my buy list, having the extra reach is an very impressive and important. Nothing worse than shooting an exploding blood effects shot and getting it all over the camera.
February 18th, 2015 at 8:21 am
I try to focus my new gear choices on items that provide something I don’t have, or compliment what I do have.
If stabilization is a critical issue, the E-M5 makes sense. As you say, you currently manage to work around this, so it may not be enough reason to buy the E-M5. Adding a second GH4 could make sense if you do two camera shoots and want to insure matching colors and image quality. This is a bigger issue for me, as I frequently do two camera shoots. For myself, working new camera features slows me down, but the GH3 and GH4 are similar enough to manage quickly. I shoot 4K about 50% of the time, and plan on using it more often. I am always glad to have the extra resolution when I shoot 4K.
I am not suggesting the GH4 is the better option. Just stating that the E-M5 should offer something substantial that you really need over a second GH4.
February 18th, 2015 at 9:33 am
Having to identical cameras is a big plus. I had gotten used to shooting on two 5d mark III bodies. Now I’m switching between the a7s, 5d mark III, and GH4. It’s tough trying to remember the controls and layout. The GH4 still tricks me up when i’m trying to adjust the f-stop and iso because the button layout is a bit different and I still have to search for the tiny little record button on the a7s when I haven’t used the camera for a few days.
Might not be the best idea to add yet another new camera body to my shooting selection.
February 18th, 2015 at 10:40 am
Problem is by next year 4k recording will probably be the norm. 4k is not looking to be the fad 3d was. If you are going to get it for video features then get a GH4. If you are getting it for a stills camera that might be use for video occasionally then it’s a viable option. As a stills camera its has good lens selection, live update bulb feature, IBIS and the sensor shift shot that gives you a 40mp JPEG or 60 something raw.
You’re more technical then me Deejay but since it has clean hdmi out could they add external 4k thru firmware? That’s what saved the a7s it’s a low light monster that can atleast shoot 4k externally future proofing the camera.