Disappointed with E-M5 so far

[crispy12]

I think its worth investing in a photography book such as Understanding Exsure by Bryan Peterson to fully understand how to use any camera. Any P&S camera will give you similar or worse results.

No offence but I think the shots are fine. They appear underexposed, likely due to lighting, uncompensated shutter priority, slow kit lens and backlit face detect metering.

 

[rxmd]

I actually think that the Om-D is a wonderful camera capable of really wonderful shots. I personally down't like the EVF - first time I've tried one. But the death knell is that my wife is now not willing to use it because it seems to complicated - which is understandable after the hours and hours I spent online, going to the camera, messing with settings, and taking more pictures.

It's probably not the best choice for someone who wants an uncomplicated camera experience.

Just since we're talking about micro 4/3 systems - my wife, who is as non-technical as it gets, asked me a few months ago what camera to buy and I gave her a Panasonic G3. It is simple enough to be workable for a beginner, while powerful enough to get good photos. There was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, that we took as an opportunity to stroll around the city taking pictures of trees and people with dogs and coffee cups and the like, and she now feels comfortable with it and uses the 20/f1.7 and a 14-42 and has started taking photo classes. So I think that was a good choice.

 

[Keith]

It's probably not the best choice for someone who wants an uncomplicated camera experience.

Just since we're talking about micro 4/3 systems - my wife, who is as non-technical as it gets, asked me a few months ago what camera to buy and I gave her a Panasonic G3. It is simple enough to be workable for a beginner, while powerful enough to get good photos. There was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, that we took as an opportunity to stroll around the city taking pictures of trees and people with dogs and coffee cups and the like, and she now feels comfortable with it and uses the 20/f1.7 and a 14-42 and has started taking photo classes. So I think that was a good choice.

That's a good approach and definitely one that texchappy should consider IMO.

 

[kuzano]

Another viable alternative.....

Another viable alternative.....

I actually think that the Om-D is a wonderful camera capable of really wonderful shots. I personally down't like the EVF - first time I've tried one. But the death knell is that my wife is now not willing to use it because it seems to complicated - which is understandable after the hours and hours I spent online, going to the camera, messing with settings, and taking more pictures.

Based on a couple of considerations... would you fall into line with other's adoration of the EM-5 if it was ONLY your camera. Take the wife out of the equation, for a moment, and try to realistically answer that question.

If you say, "Hey it would work for me" then may I suggest this. Keep the EM-5, and buy your wife an E-PL3, or better yet an E-PM1. The E-PM1 is currently available at Best Buy (last week anyway) for $400, with the lens.

That way, you could maintain lens interchangeability between the two Olympus camera's. She could use it on the auto modes nicely. In fact, if she could not master (or did not like) the E-PM1, it's likely there is no current Point and Shoot that she will like. The menus and the wheels, and the touch screens are the nature of the beast currently.

Not to insult, although hard to say without, perhaps she needs an older P&S that she did like, or a film P&S and have the processors provide scans. Sorry if that does offend.

I do think the ability to use any stable of lenses you build on both bodies, one for each of you, is a K2BW1S* solution. At the very least you could likely find a near new, low count E-PM1 body used for $250 body only. Then pickup one of the lower price prime pancake lenses to live on the E-PM1 when your SO wants to carry the "small" package.

I suggest this solution solves both of your problems without struggles about who is taking "The Camera" for the day.

If this is not palatable, then I suggest that the problem goes somewhat beyond your wife's feelings about the EM-5.

Frankly, what else is out there? The EM-5 is kicking almost everybodies A__! in the mirrorless cameras, out there. It has certainly put a damper on the Fuji "pseudo" rangefinders, and the NEX cameras.

And the E-PM1 is surely as simple as any camera that has a bigger sensor than the thumbnail sized sensors in the P&S cameras.

Furthermore, it is my own personal opinion that there are no APS-C mirrorless cameras that will deliver a better image than the Sony 16 MP sensor in the EM-5.

*(kill two birds with one system)

 

[texchappy]

I had taken my thinking to the fact that her and I do differ greatly in what we want out of a camera. In fact she has told me over and over she wants something cheap but I'm hard headed. She would probably be happiest with a newer iPhone (i.e. 4s or 5 vs her current 3).

So that means do I want the E-M5? I'm not sure. It is very capable and I know it can be used to take great images. So the question moves back to DSLR + Leica X2 or Fuji X100 or the E-M5 (at least to my mind). I'm very comfortable with an SLR and I like the form factor of the Fuji. I believe I've gotten the E-M5 about sorted to my taste. I guess I need to answer for myself is if I believe the E-M5 is versatile enough to 'replace' what I see the roles of the other two are.

Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble as I contemplate but maybe it will give a clue to what my convoluted thinking pattern around this issue is.

 

[coelacanth]

I saw your threads about X2. Although X2 is a fantastic camera, it is really for someone who enjoys/can "fundamental" photography with no mode dials, scenes or cool effects. Nothing wrong with that neither, though. You might enjoy that very much, but I'm not sure your wife or anyone else who might use the camera can appreciate the simplicity.

X100 is a lot more "consumer friendly" camera compared to X2, but it still is "limited" for someone who's not used to fixed lens, prime lens, ergonomics, etc.

Kuzano's suggestion sounds very reasonable to me.

 

[kuzano]

Ramble On....

Ramble On....

Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble as I contemplate but maybe it will give a clue to what my convoluted thinking pattern around this issue is.

Ultimately, you are the one who has to be happy with the final decision, and as we (those who have had wonderful ladies in our lives) know, a big part of our happiness is making our other half happy as well.

It's interesting to hear your thoughts on this as they evolve. It will be enlightening to know what you finally do in this matter.😀

 

[willie_901]

The iPhone 4S camera is quite good. The convenience of mailing, texting and automatic syncing with iPhoto and and one's iCloud photo stream is enjoyed by many casual photographers. There are numerous Apps to organize, display and share the photos as well.

The iPhone 5 will undoubtedly have an even better camera. But it may not be available until October or even November.

While exposure/light issues such as back lit scenes will cause trouble with the iPhone too, people don't expect as much from a simple camera. And, everything's in focus because the sensor in so tiny.

 

[texchappy]

I had pretty much come to the conclusion (which has been confirmed by you all) is that I cannot expect any camera to satisfy both my wife and I. I've been having a blast with my Zorki rangefinder. I'd love a digital experience like that (and in some ways that is what I'm looking for). My budget doesn't extend to an M8 or M9. The description Sug gave of the X2 very much appeals to me. The two large blocks to the X2 are the price and the EVF solution. That's why I'm wondering and have been wondering if the X100 will scratch that itch. So far I've spent so much time in the E-M5's menus I haven't got a feel that it will.

 

[GaryLH]

I had pretty much come to the conclusion (which has been confirmed by you all) is that I cannot expect any camera to satisfy both my wife and I. I've been having a blast with my Zorki rangefinder. I'd love a digital experience like that (and in some ways that is what I'm looking for). My budget doesn't extend to an M8 or M9. The description Sug gave of the X2 very much appeals to me. The two large blocks to the X2 are the price and the EVF solution. That's why I'm wondering and have been wondering if the X100 will scratch that itch. So far I've spent so much time in the E-M5's menus I haven't got a feel that it will.

A lot depends on what u like about the zorki experience, whether a x100 will scratch the itch.

There are only three digital RFs that I am aware of and u already mentioned two of them. The Epson rd-1 is the third.

The way I look at the x100 is that it is like the digital version of Konica Hexar af and the xp1 is like the contax g2 equivelent for digital.

Good luck
Gary

 

[rxmd]

I had pretty much come to the conclusion (which has been confirmed by you all) is that I cannot expect any camera to satisfy both my wife and I.

Yeah... but for example you can get a camera that satisfies you, and another that satisfies her, and make sure that they use the same lenses.

 

[btgc]

Based on a couple of considerations... would you fall into line with other's adoration of the EM-5 if it was ONLY your camera. Take the wife out of the equation, for a moment, and try to realistically answer that question.

I were going to say the same. Buying camera with wife in mind would be last thing I would do. Well, if we both would do assignments and would need freedom to exchange cameras during job - that's another. But expect wife to be able to use particular camera or enjoy it as I do - that's quite unrealistics. Then both have to be of very similar level of [un]competency.

But you are brave enough accepting you both can't use full potential of camera, that's really smart and healthy for wallet, too. There are plenty cameras around to choose one fitting your main need (usable for both), why torture yourself with uncomfortable shoes.

 

[J450N]

Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble as I contemplate but maybe it will give a clue to what my convoluted thinking pattern around this issue is.

I've been going through this same stream of consciousness ramblings for a few weeks now and it was triggered by a similar situation. 🙂

As for my wife, I kept an open mind and let her connect with whatever would inspire her to get into photography. That was the most important thing. I don't care what she uses as long as she's happy and she feels inspired.

 

[jsrockit]

If it isn't asking too much, would you mind posting a couple images or sharing the link to same for this combination, particularly wide open.

It would bit a bit of a stretch to consider them germane to this discussion so perhaps a new thread would be in order.

I'm not really the lens testing type and it takes me awhile to edit since I photograph a lot (while not keeping track of which cameras took which photos). I'll try to remember though.

 

[richardhkirkando]

Shot about 75 more shots since yesterday and going through the settings. Now I've come up against something that probably means the camera's going back. My wife has seen all the stuff I've gone through and won't use it now - doesn't want to mess with it herself. A big part of the reason I picked this camera was because I thought we both could use it - and there are times she needs to use it.

Maybe pick up an E-PL1 for her? You can share lenses, they're ridiculously cheap now, and great for people who just want something they can leave on auto and get excellent image quality. I recommended one for my parents when they started going on sale, and they have been very happy with it.

 

[radical7]

I second that. And its tiny. And it's available in pink! A pink camera can't go wrong!
Please note that I do not quite like the OMD (for other reasons), but here's a shot of my wife, with the 45 1.8, I simply put her near a window. Have your wife try the window light and then see if she likes the results.

 

[texchappy]

OK, had to decide today whether to take it back to the store. I’m going to keep it. My wife will pick out her own camera soon.