Olympus OMD EM5 or 6D

[Canon-F1]

I think something I'm looking for is definitely not point and shoot (think: something with a viewfinder).

Thanks for all the advice so far, but I'm really considering the EM5 just because of the smaller profile.
If I intend to shoot with a 6D, its profile is much larger and would probably attract more attention. I believe the less attention that I attract, the more focused I will be when composing..
The 6D also lacks weather sealing ("splashproof", fine.)...

Oh, and one last consideration... I am a student so I don't have few thousand dollars to pull out my arse.
Thus, another plus for the lower priced, Olympus camera.
Sigh.

Maybe I should just give up and start using film (I do have an AE-1 and an AT-1 in my closet)...

Why are people all of a sudden scared of being noticed with a camera? Be confident with your equipment. Point it like you mean it. Otherwise whats the point?

In Japan just about every Jim Bob and his uncle has a camera and they take pictures of just about anything.

I get a lot of curious people enquiring about my 7D and what lens I use. Perfect time to chat to them and maybe get a picture of them too!

If you want discreet an iPhone is just as good as any p&s. it's better in fact cos its more useful!!

yeah well you should visit great britain or the usa. :

then you will notice you are one the same level as a suspected peadophile or terrorist.

did you really not noticed how problematic it is in some countrys to take pictures in public?
i mean... the internet is full of reports and videos about this.

and no.. after a dozend such discussions you don´t have time nor lust to discuss you rights with the police or security guys.

while the gov. is monitoring every street corner... photographer (especially with a DSLR) are forbidden to take pictures.

http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/001022.html

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535627/police-reasonably-suspected-photographer-was-terrorist

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535630/photographer-in-police-picture-ban-sparks-met-probe-update-3-15pm

http://www.yugatech.com/photography/that-no-photography-allowed-policy/

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2018.0

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2360.msg50352#msg50352

 

[Zv]

I think something I'm looking for is definitely not point and shoot (think: something with a viewfinder).

Thanks for all the advice so far, but I'm really considering the EM5 just because of the smaller profile.
If I intend to shoot with a 6D, its profile is much larger and would probably attract more attention. I believe the less attention that I attract, the more focused I will be when composing..
The 6D also lacks weather sealing ("splashproof", fine.)...

Oh, and one last consideration... I am a student so I don't have few thousand dollars to pull out my arse.
Thus, another plus for the lower priced, Olympus camera.
Sigh.

Maybe I should just give up and start using film (I do have an AE-1 and an AT-1 in my closet)...

Why are people all of a sudden scared of being noticed with a camera? Be confident with your equipment. Point it like you mean it. Otherwise whats the point?

In Japan just about every Jim Bob and his uncle has a camera and they take pictures of just about anything.

I get a lot of curious people enquiring about my 7D and what lens I use. Perfect time to chat to them and maybe get a picture of them too!

If you want discreet an iPhone is just as good as any p&s. it's better in fact cos its more useful!!

yeah well you should visit great britain or the usa. :

then you will notice you are one the same level as a suspected peadophile or terrorist.

did you really not noticed how problematic it is in some countrys to take pictures in public?
i mean... the internet is full of reports and videos about this.

and no.. after a dozend such discussions you don´t have time nor lust to discuss you rights with the police or security guys.

while the gov. is monitoring every street corner... photographer (especially with a DSLR) are forbidden to take pictures.

http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/001022.html

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535627/police-reasonably-suspected-photographer-was-terrorist

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535630/photographer-in-police-picture-ban-sparks-met-probe-update-3-15pm

http://www.yugatech.com/photography/that-no-photography-allowed-policy/

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2018.0

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2360.msg50352#msg50352

Been to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia. I'm from the UK and that was the only place I ever had police question me. Yes it annoys me but hey I didn't do anything wrong or break any laws. Why should I sweat it. (By the way I am of Pakistani descent and yeah I do get the "terrorist" stare). However what half wit terrorist goes around with a 5D mark II and a 70-200 lens? Yeah if I was a terrorist do u think I would be using that? Twats! (Referring to police).

My point is, if you look like you are on a job (tripod, bag, vest etc) they'll just leave you be. You could also get permission from local authorities before you shoot, that way you are covered if cops turn up.

I think this "guy with a camera must be up to no good" stigma needs to be corrected.

 

[ecka]

I think something I'm looking for is definitely not point and shoot (think: something with a viewfinder).

Thanks for all the advice so far, but I'm really considering the EM5 just because of the smaller profile.
If I intend to shoot with a 6D, its profile is much larger and would probably attract more attention. I believe the less attention that I attract, the more focused I will be when composing..
The 6D also lacks weather sealing ("splashproof", fine.)...

Oh, and one last consideration... I am a student so I don't have few thousand dollars to pull out my arse.
Thus, another plus for the lower priced, Olympus camera.
Sigh.

Maybe I should just give up and start using film (I do have an AE-1 and an AT-1 in my closet)...

Why are people all of a sudden scared of being noticed with a camera? Be confident with your equipment. Point it like you mean it. Otherwise whats the point?

In Japan just about every Jim Bob and his uncle has a camera and they take pictures of just about anything.

I get a lot of curious people enquiring about my 7D and what lens I use. Perfect time to chat to them and maybe get a picture of them too!

If you want discreet an iPhone is just as good as any p&s. it's better in fact cos its more useful!!

yeah well you should visit great britain or the usa. :

then you will notice you are one the same level as a suspected peadophile or terrorist.

did you really not noticed how problematic it is in some countrys to take pictures in public?
i mean... the internet is full of reports and videos about this.

and no.. after a dozend such discussions you don´t have time nor lust to discuss you rights with the police or security guys.

while the gov. is monitoring every street corner... photographer (especially with a DSLR) are forbidden to take pictures.

http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/001022.html

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535627/police-reasonably-suspected-photographer-was-terrorist

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535630/photographer-in-police-picture-ban-sparks-met-probe-update-3-15pm

http://www.yugatech.com/photography/that-no-photography-allowed-policy/

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2018.0

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2360.msg50352#msg50352

Been to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia. I'm from the UK and that was the only place I ever had police question me. Yes it annoys me but hey I didn't do anything wrong or break any laws. Why should I sweat it. (By the way I am of Pakistani descent and yeah I do get the "terrorist" stare). However what half wit terrorist goes around with a 5D mark II and a 70-200 lens? Yeah if I was a terrorist do u think I would be using that? Twats! (Referring to police).

My point is, if you look like you are on a job (tripod, bag, vest etc) they'll just leave you be. You could also get permission from local authorities before you shoot, that way you are covered if cops turn up.

I think this "guy with a camera must be up to no good" stigma needs to be corrected.

Exactly. Hiding a small stealthy camera seems even more suspicious .

 

[Overture]

Forget all the comparisons (in terms of focal length and aperture "equivalence") between full-frame and micro-4/3, as it doesn't really mean anything. Canon is tops for nature and sports photography, due to their lenses. In every other aspect, their offerings are archaic, senselessly crippled and/or uselessly bloated. Go for the E-M5 ... I see they're on special now kitted with the 17mm f/1.8 lens.

Where did you see this kit? I would rather get this than the zoom lens kits...


And yes, I should get more confident about my photography and take more pictures in general. I'm not so much concerned with people staring at you compared to a person stealing my camera because of a white lens...
Oh well.
I shall think about this issue further. I still have a couple of months before I actually need to decide, so I'll see then.

 

[Sella174]

Where did you see this kit?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/971108-REG/Olympus_V204040SU010_OM_D_E_M5_Mirrorless_Digital.html

 

[MLfan3]

I'm going to college next year, so I'm looking for a new camera to replace the one I have now.
I currently have a T1i with a 18-55 kit lens and a 70-200 f/4.
I'm thinking of getting an EM5 instead of my previous choice, a 6D, because of the portability factor.
I will probably give my camera to my older brother after I get my new camera, but I'm sure I'll stay quite loyal to the Canon brand (meaning that I will probably still get back to photography with these larger cameras in the future).

My current plan is to sell my 70-200 and get a EM5, but I would like to hear some thoughts before I do this, considering the differences between micro 4/3 and full frame...

Hi , if you do care about IQ , then ignore the m43 , it is a crappy system.
the 6D is a great camera but it is heavy as a system and maybe a bit too pricey for a student.
so you may want to consider the Fuji X-E1 or Sony NEX6 seriously.
or even the Fuji X100s is a much better camera than the OM-D that has extremely small old sensor.

 

[sdsr]

Hi , if you do care about IQ , then ignore the m43 , it is a crappy system.
the 6D is a great camera but it is heavy as a system and maybe a bit too pricey for a student.
so you may want to consider the Fuji X-E1 or Sony NEX6 seriously.
or even the Fuji X100s is a much better camera than the OM-D that has extremely small old sensor.

Yeah, terrible tiny sensor, crappy lenses - can't do a thing with it:

http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/09/21/olympus-60-2-8-macro/

http://robinwong.blogspot.com/2012/09/olympus-mzuiko-60mm-f28-macro-review.html

http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/08/31/watch-photography-with-the-olympus-om-d-and-thoughts-on-its-use-as-a-backup-system/

http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/07/22/review-the-olympus-zd-751-8-for-micro-four-thirds/

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2012/10/19/the-olympus-75-1-8-lens-quick-review-on-the-om-d-e-m5/

http://www.thephoblographer.com/2012/11/29/review-olympus-75mm-f1-8-lens/

etc., etc., etc.

 

[elflord]

I'm going to college next year, so I'm looking for a new camera to replace the one I have now.
I currently have a T1i with a 18-55 kit lens and a 70-200 f/4.
I'm thinking of getting an EM5 instead of my previous choice, a 6D, because of the portability factor.
I will probably give my camera to my older brother after I get my new camera, but I'm sure I'll stay quite loyal to the Canon brand (meaning that I will probably still get back to photography with these larger cameras in the future).

My current plan is to sell my 70-200 and get a EM5, but I would like to hear some thoughts before I do this, considering the differences between micro 4/3 and full frame...

I have a 5DII and a panasonic GF2. Both are great systems. The m43 cameras offer the most complete lens system of the mirrorless choices, and when you look at the weight you need to get comparable fields of view, m43 has a huge advantage. The Canon is my preferred system when I want shallow dof, or a "fast" camera (DSLR responsiveness -- even the 'unusable' 5D AF is extremely snappy). For portraits, the lenses I have on the 5DII are pretty hard to beat -- 135L, Sigma 85, 35L.

But the Olympus 45mm and the 20mm pancake are much lighter. The whole m43 system -- GF2, Pany 20mm and Oly 45mm fit in my wife's handbag. Not only would you get a similar size system with the OM-D, the image quality has really come a long way now that they've started putting Sony sensors in those cameras. They didn't have a GF-2 sized camera with a built in viewfinder back when I was shopping, this is another huge plus for the OM-D -- it really was a camera that answered the prayers of their target market (though Fuji upstaged them a bit with the X100)

 

[bdunbar79]

If you want lightweight get the Olympus. If you need higher IQ, get the 6D. The 6D has higher IQ than the Olympus camera and everyone knows it. The review I read which was also posted on here compared the IQ to that of the 60D. However, the 6D and lens is a lot bulkier/heavier, so that might matter.

 

[Don Haines]

If you want lightweight get the Olympus. If you need higher IQ, get the 6D. The 6D has higher IQ than the Olympus camera and everyone knows it. The review I read which was also posted on here compared the IQ to that of the 60D. However, the 6D and lens is a lot bulkier/heavier, so that might matter.

Having had a 60D and an EM5 side by side for comparison, I would say that the OM5 has slightly better iq than the 60D. I preferred the user interface on the 60D, but I think that most of it was due to familiarity. I think the kit lenses for micro 4/3 are better than for Canon, and the system is certainly a lot lighter and less expensive.

However, slap some decent L-glass on the 60D and you get sharper pictures and it focuses faster and more accurately.

This is apples and oranges comparison.... 4 year old design vs 1 year old, kit lenses vs Lglass... hardly fair or accurate... but what can be said is that both are good. My opinion is that if you are going to put expensive lenses on the body, go with Canon..... if you are going to go with kit lenses, go Oly.

 

[bdunbar79]

If you want lightweight get the Olympus. If you need higher IQ, get the 6D. The 6D has higher IQ than the Olympus camera and everyone knows it. The review I read which was also posted on here compared the IQ to that of the 60D. However, the 6D and lens is a lot bulkier/heavier, so that might matter.

Having had a 60D and an EM5 side by side for comparison, I would say that the OM5 has slightly better iq than the 60D. I preferred the user interface on the 60D, but I think that most of it was due to familiarity. I think the kit lenses for micro 4/3 are better than for Canon, and the system is certainly a lot lighter and less expensive.

However, slap some decent L-glass on the 60D and you get sharper pictures and it focuses faster and more accurately.

This is apples and oranges comparison.... 4 year old design vs 1 year old, kit lenses vs Lglass... hardly fair or accurate... but what can be said is that both are good. My opinion is that if you are going to put expensive lenses on the body, go with Canon..... if you are going to go with kit lenses, go Oly.

It is absolutely fair and accurate. How is not? The OP is specifically asking, the 6D or the OMD EM5. That is the apples to apples comparison, right now.

 

[Don Haines]

If you want lightweight get the Olympus. If you need higher IQ, get the 6D. The 6D has higher IQ than the Olympus camera and everyone knows it. The review I read which was also posted on here compared the IQ to that of the 60D. However, the 6D and lens is a lot bulkier/heavier, so that might matter.

Having had a 60D and an EM5 side by side for comparison, I would say that the OM5 has slightly better iq than the 60D. I preferred the user interface on the 60D, but I think that most of it was due to familiarity. I think the kit lenses for micro 4/3 are better than for Canon, and the system is certainly a lot lighter and less expensive.

However, slap some decent L-glass on the 60D and you get sharper pictures and it focuses faster and more accurately.

This is apples and oranges comparison.... 4 year old design vs 1 year old, kit lenses vs Lglass... hardly fair or accurate... but what can be said is that both are good. My opinion is that if you are going to put expensive lenses on the body, go with Canon..... if you are going to go with kit lenses, go Oly.

It is absolutely fair and accurate. How is not? The OP is specifically asking, the 6D or the OMD EM5. That is the apples to apples comparison, right now.

It's MY comparison which wasn't fair and accurate, not yours. When I did my side by side comparison of my 60D to a co-worker's EM5 I had a 17-55 and a 70-200 as lenses and he had a kit zoom..... and the pictures were significantly sharper on the 60D.... you can't do a fair comparison when one has Lglass and the other has a kit lens.... Also, the EM5 is a new design while the 60D is old... not really fair either..... I am very used to the 60D controls and menu, but not with the EM5, also not fair....

That said, I was VERY impressed with the EM5 as a compact crop camera... it would be interesting to try a side by side with the S100. And yes, the 6D beats them both for IQ.

If IQ in the OP's price range is the deciding factor, I would recommend the 6D. If it's portability, I'd look at the EM5 or S100. Also note that the advantages of the 6D for IQ are most apparent in poorer lighting conditions, for daylight and decent light, differences between most cameras is minimal now.

 

[bdunbar79]

Oh, I misunderstood you. Your second post I understand everything completely now . I was actually myself looking into getting an EM5 at one time not too long ago.

 

[MarkII]

If you want lightweight get the Olympus. If you need higher IQ, get the 6D. The 6D has higher IQ than the Olympus camera and everyone knows it. The review I read which was also posted on here compared the IQ to that of the 60D. However, the 6D and lens is a lot bulkier/heavier, so that might matter.

At low ISO (up to about ISO 800) the difference in IQ is pretty negligible. We have a 5DIII and OM-D, and the OM-D is pretty good as long as you don't try to go too to high. As with the Canon's, you need good glass to get the best out of it - think primes rather than the nearly useless 12-50mm kit zoom.

For me, the main downside to the OM-D is the reduced DOF control and ergonomics/UI. They are complementary rather than alternative systems.

 

[fman]

6D (or any FF DSLR) wins in background blur and high ISO noise/DR (if you don't mind the shallower DoF, which in most case only disturbs me). The latest mFT bodies win in everything else (at least for me). Not even an mFT system is pocketable (because we're talking about several lens still).
The Oly E-P5 with its 1/8000 shutter speed and 1/320 flash sync. gives some hint what can be expected in the EM5 replacement which is due this autumn.

I have both Canon and mFT system for about a year now and I'm seriously considering entirely switching to that EM5 replacement. The reason is simple: I'm using Canon less and less nowadays (for portability reasons and recent small Canon bodies don't help in that as the lens are still huge compared to mFT; so actually from balance perspective it's getting even worse).
I'm happy with the amount of background blur that the Oly 45 1.8 can provide (though due to its FL it's mostly for outside) and the quality of blur I can compare only with Canon 50 1.2L which I also happen to own (and use on crop body).

The very powerful Canon flash system and the better balance with it is that I'll probably miss (as any good enough flash is just too big for the small mFT bodies).

 

[funkboy]

If you're considering the Oly EM5 then I think you should also have a good look at the Fuji X-mount bodies. Much closer to the 6D in terms of IQ, the handling & ergonomics are great, and the lenses, oh man the lenses... Fancy a 35mm f/1.4 better than Canon's 35L for $600?

The only things that should hold you back from switching to mirrorless are:

- if you need fast AF for sports, birds, etc.
- your existing investment in Canon gear i.e. do you want to keep your 70-200L?

 

[Nishi Drew]

If you're considering the Oly EM5 then I think you should also have a good look at the Fuji X-mount bodies. Much closer to the 6D in terms of IQ, the handling & ergonomics are great, and the lenses, oh man the lenses... Fancy a 35mm f/1.4 better than Canon's 35L for $600?

The only things that should hold you back from switching to mirrorless are:

- if you need fast AF for sports, birds, etc.
- your existing investment in Canon gear i.e. do you want to keep your 70-200L?

Big feature of the OM-D is the AF, super fast and accurate, while the Fuji cameras are awesome for IQ and yes, those lenses~ The AF department still needs catching up, even going up against the 6D, which doesn't have the world's best AF but I'd say a lot more responsive and accurate than Fuji bodies. While I have a Panasonic GH3, got that for video work as well as a second body to my 5DII. I am impressed with the noise performance, the 5D still feels like it cleans up better but at high ISOs from 3200 and beyond the GH3, to me, retains more detail, and at least doesn't get ruined with banding.
And the AF on the GH3 smokes the 5DII, in daylight they're pretty close, but once lights go dim the Gh3 still gets the focus right on and speedy. And I assume the OM-D is similar or maybe better.

I would agree though the 70-200L is a keeper, if I go two camera set up then I have a WA on my GH3 and a 70-200 on my 5DII, I will see how things go next wedding, but Ryan Brenizer loves the OM-D and has photos to show during wedding shoots.