Opinions on Olympus mirrorless? - DPChallenge Forums

Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR

03/12/2015 06:03:40 PM · #1

I ran across an Olympus E-PM2 at a pawn shop this afternoon for $250. The guy couldn't find the charger or the second lens at the time so I left my phone number and he just called me back saying he found the accessories. Not sure what the second lens is, though I am figuring probably a longer zoom, as it had the 14-45 kit lens mounted.

I've been thinking of a mirrorless model as a good cycling camera that will fit it a large seat bag or handlebar bag on any of my bikes.

I only see one owner of this specific model on DPC, but I know there are owners of similar Olympus Micro 4/3 models. Any opinions and experiences for me? Thanks.

insteps

Ricoh GR III

03/12/2015 07:06:07 PM · #2

It's really hard to recommend a camera for somebody. So many mirrorless options to choose from and the list continues to grow. $250 could be a steal if the lenses are sought-after. Probably just kit lenses but you never know. If you buy it used you can probably flip it if you're not happy.

I moved to Micro 4/3 over 4 years ago and have no regrets. I started with the Olympus E-P2 and now own the the E-P5. For what and how I shoot it's all I need. Olympus and Panasonic have some pretty impressive lenses to choose from too.

Good luck!

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

03/12/2015 07:21:50 PM · #3

I think you'd love it. Seems like a very very good price. It'll be small enough to bike with. I played with a similar model once and was feeling the urge. Of course, now I'm in the Sony FF, but that's a whole different beast...

03/12/2015 07:26:49 PM · #4

Thanks for the feedback. At that price I think I can take a risk on it. They have it marked for $250 and I offered $200 which he refused, then explained it also included a second lens, which improves the deal. My experience with pawn shops has been as long as your offer is more than what they have invested in it, they will usually take the offer rather than having it sit on the shelf.

03/12/2015 07:40:57 PM · #5

Keep in mind there is no built-in viewfinder, if that's important to you, and image stabilization is only 2 axis, not the 5 axis the OMD line is known for.
I believe that the E-PM2 scored the best for any of the m43 cameras regarding high iso noise on DXO, for whatever that's worth. It's got the same sensor as the E-M5-I.
If the second lens is the 40-150 f4.0-5.6 it's a very good lens, fast and quiet to focus, and sharp. There are two versions of of that lens. The one with the clam shell zoom ring
is the older version I but still very good.

03/12/2015 07:50:13 PM · #6

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

Keep in mind there is no built-in viewfinder, if that's important to you,

Moderately. I've been using a Powershot S90 a lot so am not totally hung up on an viewfinder. I expect if I find myself using the camera a lot, I will eventually get the optional electronic viewfinder.

03/12/2015 09:01:56 PM · #7

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by Olyuzi:
Keep in mind there is no built-in viewfinder, if that's important to you,

Moderately. I've been using a Powershot S90 a lot so am not totally hung up on an viewfinder. I expect if I find myself using the camera a lot, I will eventually get the optional electronic viewfinder.

If you buy the VF new it'll run you more than the cost of body and two lenses. You can get better and more updated cameras with built-in VFs for the same price.

03/12/2015 09:24:19 PM · #8

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

If you buy the VF new it'll run you more than the cost of body and two lenses. You can get better and more updated cameras with built-in VFs for the same price.

I checked ebay and found quite a few of them used for under $100. It's not a biggie, though. Bikeable size and DSLR like image quality are the 2 important things. It's also got a burst rate of 8 frames per second, which is great for the fast moving action shots while riding.

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

03/12/2015 09:48:30 PM · #9

Got it. I think this will work nicely. Need to add a bit of padding in the handlebar bag, but there is plenty of room for that. The other lens was the 40-150 that was mentioned. It fits nicely in one of the side pockets.

I will have to thoroughly read the user manual for this one. My last non-canon was a P&S many years ago and this is very different. It does appear to be highly configurable, however.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

03/12/2015 11:02:28 PM · #10

There ya go! Excellent buy!

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/13/2015 02:52:09 AM · #11

FWIW, Steve, I think I'll be picking up an LX100 eventually to fill the gap you speak of. Currently have an lx5 in that spot and the lx100 will be mindblowing by comparison. Don't often shoot tele myself, so no reason for the interchangeable lenses.

03/13/2015 11:32:58 PM · #12

[quote=Yo_Spiff] Need to add a bit of padding in the handlebar bag...

I use neoprene cup holders for my m43 lenses, they fit in them perfectly.

03/15/2015 12:54:38 AM · #13

Took it out for its first real outing today. Image quality is as good as or better than my 50D or T2i.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

03/15/2015 01:57:29 AM · #14

congrats on your purchase, use it in good health and good light.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

03/15/2015 02:02:24 AM · #15

Very cool Steve! Enjoy my man..

RamblinR

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

03/15/2015 03:54:30 AM · #16

Welcome to the m43 world.
Fabulous isn't it.