joshxiv
Member
I think it'll boil down to 2 things:
1. Can you live with just the 28mm EFOV (or the 35mm EFOV crop mode) for baby pics?
2. Do you rely a lot on AF?
With the OMD E-M5, you'll have the opportunity to use the likes of the Oly 45mm (relatively affordable) ;
The GR's AF in low-light will hunt quite a bit more than the E-M5, especially if there is little contrast. So, a lot of it will also depend on how comfortable you'll be with Ricoh's "snap focus" feature. Personally, I use snap focus all the time, that I'd be happy to use snap focus for baby and toddler pics, but I know this isn't really everyone's cup of tea.
It's all personal preference at this point - some shooters will absolutely want AF - and right now, the EM5 + Oly lenses is likely one of the best ways to get fast AF in a relatively compact body.
But, if you are comfortable with the single FL and with using snap focus, I can tell you that the GR is a joy to use, and for those of us who find the size difference between a GR vs an E-M5 or X100s quite significant, the GR is also a joy to carry around everywhere.
1. Can you live with just the 28mm EFOV (or the 35mm EFOV crop mode) for baby pics?
2. Do you rely a lot on AF?
With the OMD E-M5, you'll have the opportunity to use the likes of the Oly 45mm (relatively affordable) ;
The GR's AF in low-light will hunt quite a bit more than the E-M5, especially if there is little contrast. So, a lot of it will also depend on how comfortable you'll be with Ricoh's "snap focus" feature. Personally, I use snap focus all the time, that I'd be happy to use snap focus for baby and toddler pics, but I know this isn't really everyone's cup of tea.
It's all personal preference at this point - some shooters will absolutely want AF - and right now, the EM5 + Oly lenses is likely one of the best ways to get fast AF in a relatively compact body.
But, if you are comfortable with the single FL and with using snap focus, I can tell you that the GR is a joy to use, and for those of us who find the size difference between a GR vs an E-M5 or X100s quite significant, the GR is also a joy to carry around everywhere.
rbelyell
Well-known
folks may initially choose cameras for various reasons based on spec and research without living with them, as OP obviously did. i fully ID with him as, having been a happy ep2 user for years, i inferred the omd would be shooting nirvana for me. like OP it was quite the opposite for me.
not 'bonding' with a camera might seem silly to some, but its very real for others. and when after a reasonable time you just dont 'hit it off' with a cam, it not only effects the overall enjoyability of the hobby, but effects your results as well. at least it did me.
if youve given it the old college try and you and the omd just dont fit get rid of it and cut your losses. but this time rent or buy from amazon (can return up to 30 days) a couple of your finalists and figure out what you really want. thats how i found my gxr m mount, and we've had a very good relationship!
for your stated needs, i dont see how a 28mm camera is going to make you happy, esp a low light slow focusing one. imo, regardless of this cams positive qualities and generally good IQ, you may be constantly frustrated by it for your stated intentions.
tony
not 'bonding' with a camera might seem silly to some, but its very real for others. and when after a reasonable time you just dont 'hit it off' with a cam, it not only effects the overall enjoyability of the hobby, but effects your results as well. at least it did me.
if youve given it the old college try and you and the omd just dont fit get rid of it and cut your losses. but this time rent or buy from amazon (can return up to 30 days) a couple of your finalists and figure out what you really want. thats how i found my gxr m mount, and we've had a very good relationship!
for your stated needs, i dont see how a 28mm camera is going to make you happy, esp a low light slow focusing one. imo, regardless of this cams positive qualities and generally good IQ, you may be constantly frustrated by it for your stated intentions.
tony
Robin3mj
Established
Verdict- rented the Ricoh GR for a few days. Beautifully built, all the controls exactly where one wants them, extremely fun/intuitive to use. But: less forgiving somehow than the OM-D, I would need to buy a viewfinder, and it's not leaps and bounds smaller than the OM-D to dump the one for the other.
I think I am going to hang onto the G10 for my throw in the bike bag camera, stick with the OM-D, work on reconfiguring the button layout a bit, and maybe just swap out the large-ish Sigma 19mm for the Pana 14mm.
I think I am going to hang onto the G10 for my throw in the bike bag camera, stick with the OM-D, work on reconfiguring the button layout a bit, and maybe just swap out the large-ish Sigma 19mm for the Pana 14mm.
aleksanderpolo
Established
Or try a EP5? From what I've seen it has all the plus of OMD but with different ergonomics/button layout. If that is your primary complaint about the OMD (due to weather sealing mushy buttons?) maybe it's worth a try?
urban_alchemist
Well-known
I have the OMD and it is a brilliant little camera for what I need (taking photos of my 18-month old).
I've tried all the APS-C compacts other than the Ricoh, but in all cases the AF was unacceptably slow.
Although I am a dedicated GR-ist, I'm keeping the OMD for now...
I've tried all the APS-C compacts other than the Ricoh, but in all cases the AF was unacceptably slow.
Although I am a dedicated GR-ist, I'm keeping the OMD for now...
Dunn
Well-known
I love my GR. I haven't used an OMD though. The GR is fast at focusing until the light gets a little dim. Also, it does have a 35mm crop mode so you technically have a 28 and 35. You lose a few megapixels but it's not that bad. And it can fit in your pocket.
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