Micro 4/3 So what other camera alternatives are there to the OM5?

Some of these are:

Return to full metal jacket (? According to DPR) (hallelujah!!)
More powerful CPU
Better weather/dust sealing IP53

As usual with DPR, they damn the camera with feint praise, while ignoring their own provided information ...
Hey John, I still think DPR made a mistake there. I simply can't believe the OM-5 is made of an magnesium alloy: It is exactly the same dimensions as the E-M5 Mark III, uses the very same kind of battery and weights just the same. I would be surprised if they managed to save so much weight on the internals so they could make a magnesium body to receive right on the gramm the same weight as the E-M5 Mark III.

In addition, Chris mentioned in his video review, the body is "exactly the same" as the E-M5 Mark III, minus the lettering as well as the color of the On/Off switch, which is now black. If it would indeed be a metal construction, I guess he'd mentioned and noticed that. In fact I think they made a very fair and very thorough video review about that camera, with over 13 minutes of playtime showing off even some features which were included on several Olympus cameras since years. The points of criticism raised are valid in my opinion and it is fair to point at OM Digital for missing the opportunity just to make the camera body better instead of just using it again.

I'm open to non weather sealed lenses an bodies
Also willing to go up in size slightly with the prime lens sizes. The PL 25mm and 15mm are pretty small, but happy it it gets up to around the Oly 75mm size.

I forgot to mention in my initial requests, having IBIS is strongly preferred as well.

I'm still interested in the OM5, probably the thing that might hold me back the most, is how well the face/eye tracking AF is. Apparently it's improved but not on par with the latest AF from other makers.

What are my options in sony FF world, as it seems they are often touted as having great AF?
If you strongly prefer IBIS, pretty much most Fujifilm cameras are out of the question. The X-S10 is the only more compact, lighter and affordable model which offers IBIS. Your only other options would be the latest X-H2(S) models, which cost way over 2000 USD or the X-T4, which again is quite a bit more expensive and larger as well compared to the X-S10. There is also the older X-H1 which you could get used, but again that camera is larger and heavier compared to the X-S10 and I also highly doubt it does a better job with AF and tracking when compared to it or the OM-5 for that matter.
The X100V is also fairly expensive, it's also missing IBIS. Although I have to say it is a fun, capable and lovely camera for sure.

In my opinion the OM-5 is a very capable camera but it highly depends on your priorities, to my limited knowledge, if you really want the best eye detection and tracking, Sony still seems to be more or less the leader in this specific area and you don't even have to look at their FF bodies, the small APS-C A6x00 series of cameras also has very capable tracking abilities. Regarding the suggested A7C: That camera has a very small EVF, so if you value using an EVF, you might want to think twice about that one. It only features a .59x magnification, compared to .62x of the Fujifim X-S10 or .68x of the OM-5, that might be real downside, personally I was at some point interested in the A7C, but after reading about the EVF, I noticed that camera just wasn't for me.
 
I'm open to non weather sealed lenses an bodies
Also willing to go up in size slightly with the prime lens sizes. The PL 25mm and 15mm are pretty small, but happy it it gets up to around the Oly 75mm size.

I forgot to mention in my initial requests, having IBIS is strongly preferred as well.

I'm still interested in the OM5, probably the thing that might hold me back the most, is how well the face/eye tracking AF is. Apparently it's improved but not on par with the latest AF from other makers.

What are my options in sony FF world, as it seems they are often touted as having great AF?
The A7C is $200 USD off right now. You know, in case you're interested. ;)
 
The A7c has the state-of-the-art Real time AF. Excellent for tracking kids. There are some nice small-ish, affordable-ish lens options. Sony 40 2.5, Sigma C and Samyang F1.8s. On the downside IBIS is not as good and there isn't a complete solution of lenses that fit the small and affordable.
The a7C is a very different beast compared to a OM5 or its predecessors. I love mine, but I do recognize it's not a camera for everyone or for every purpose. Yes, the AF is great. Far better than what I had in the Panny GX80 or the Fuji X-E3 that I traded in for the Sony. And I've found the a7C an immensely enjoyable shooter, especially with smaller lenses. But it does have the downsides of a tinier EVF compared to other a7 cameras, and the lack of some control points. And Sony IBIS is far from being as effective as it is even on a panasonic GX80. IQ-wise it's of course up there with the best, that 24mpix sensor produces some very nice raw-files. It also benefits from perhaps the best lens ecosystem for any mirrorless camera.

But what is it that would warrant a swap from MFT to Sony FF? AF might be one reason, IQ in some situations also. But there's a price to pay, the bodies aren't cheap and the lenses are also somewhat more expensive than MFT lenses.
 
The A7c is an interesting camera - and I'm hoping Panasonic look at it and think " it's about the same size as our ergonomically superior Gx8, let's put an S5 sensor in a Gx8 body!!!" - but the EVF, lack of dual control wheels etc put me off it. But it is a tempting option, especially with a set of the small Samyang primes.


But the simple truth is that other than the 5iii / Om5 , you will not find the total combination of weight, size, interchangeable lenses, weather sealing, ibis, dual control wheels and (decent) evf from any other camera system. Anywhere. That's the 5 series "thing". It compromises a bit on IQ in some circumstances, and AF in others. But you'll be compromising on at least some of the things it offers in the chase to find improvements in those two areas.

The glaring omission / problem with the 5 series in my mind is nothing to do with the camera(s). It's the fact that we STILL don't have weathersealed 1.8 primes. Illogical, and astounding. Yes, there's the 20/1.4, and the even bigger 1.2's . But the tiny 12/15/17/25/45 that would suit the 5 series in every way remain unsealed.


Don't write off the Om5 if the total package matches what you want. And don't ignore the bargain prices on the 5iii either. It may be your best bet in value.

But if AF is king, then one of Sony's is probably the way. Maybe even an A6500 (is that their latest?) for smallish form factor?
 
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The glaring omission / problem with the 5 series in my mind is nothing to do with the camera(s). It's the fact that we STILL don't have weathersealed 1.8 primes. Illogical, and astounding. Yes, there's the 20/1.4, and the even bigger 1.2's . But the tiny 12/15/17/25/45 that would suit the 5 series in every way remain unsealed.

Hey, they just announced the 100mm Macro, so they do see the need to fill some holes. Though I believe that Olympus and OMD have felt that versatility is the priority with the system, thus the compact f/4 zooms have been the direction they went.
 
The a7C is a very different beast compared to a OM5 or its predecessors. I love mine, but I do recognize it's not a camera for everyone or for every purpose. Yes, the AF is great. Far better than what I had in the Panny GX80 or the Fuji X-E3 that I traded in for the Sony. And I've found the a7C an immensely enjoyable shooter, especially with smaller lenses. But it does have the downsides of a tinier EVF compared to other a7 cameras, and the lack of some control points. And Sony IBIS is far from being as effective as it is even on a panasonic GX80. IQ-wise it's of course up there with the best, that 24mpix sensor produces some very nice raw-files. It also benefits from perhaps the best lens ecosystem for any mirrorless camera.

But what is it that would warrant a swap from MFT to Sony FF? AF might be one reason, IQ in some situations also. But there's a price to pay, the bodies aren't cheap and the lenses are also somewhat more expensive than MFT lenses.
I agree.
Thanks for adding the disclaimer.

The A7c is an interesting camera - and I'm hoping Panasonic look at it and think " it's about the same size as our ergonomically superior Gx8, let's put an S5 sensor in a Gx8 body!!!" - but the EVF, lack of dual control wheels etc put me off it. But it is a tempting option, especially with a set of the small Samyang primes.


But the simple truth is that other than the 5iii / Om5 , you will not find the total combination of weight, size, interchangeable lenses, weather sealing, ibis, dual control wheels and (decent) evf from any other camera system. Anywhere. That's the 5 series "thing". It compromises a bit on IQ in some circumstances, and AF in others. But you'll be compromising on at least some of the things it offers in the chase to find improvements in those two areas.

The glaring omission / problem with the 5 series in my mind is nothing to do with the camera(s). It's the fact that we STILL don't have weathersealed 1.8 primes. Illogical, and astounding. Yes, there's the 20/1.4, and the even bigger 1.2's . But the tiny 12/15/17/25/45 that would suit the 5 series in every way remain unsealed.


Don't write off the Om5 if the total package matches what you want. And don't ignore the bargain prices on the 5iii either. It may be your best bet in value.

But if AF is king, then one of Sony's is probably the way. Maybe even an A6500 (is that their latest?) for smallish form factor?
A6100, A6400 and A6600 with real-time AF. A6600 with IBIS.
With the Sigma 16, 30 and 56. Capable. Not my cup.
 
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I'm been holding out for the latest version of the em5/OM5, and now that the announcement is official, I'm a bit underwhelmed. It's still a decent camera and it would be a significant upgrade from my current generation m43 cameras, and there's still a fair chance I will end up getting one. However I'm interested to know whether there are any other camera systems out there that will meet my wants.

I'm after
-something EM5 sized, ideally with the option of adding a battery grip for additional support if needed
-a system that offers smallish sized lens. I enjoy using Panasonic 15mm 1.7 & 25mm 1.4 sized lenses . I don't mind prime lenses with a smaller aperture if it means the lens will be smaller, particularly if the sensor is bigger too.
-some improved high ISO performance. Shooting comfortalby with ISO6400 or above with acceptable noise pattern
-decent face tracking autofocus. With my older m43 cameras, there was face detection but it would be SAF and not tracking... I feel I have missed critical focus in the past trying to get photos of my moving child.
-system with lenses that aren't too crazy expense, and have some affordable options.

Whats happening in fuji, sony, canon, nikon land?
Wait for the next OM5. Or score a cheap EM5ii or iii and invest in glass until the next OM5 comes out.
 
Wait for the next OM5. Or score a cheap EM5ii or iii and invest in glass until the next OM5 comes out.
For what it's worth the colors coming out of the aging EM5 II are really nice. If you know how to work around the limited DR of the 16mp sensor it is still really nice to use, and has some of the best build quality of any M4/3 cameras.
 
For what it's worth the colors coming out of the aging EM5 II are really nice. If you know how to work around the limited DR of the 16mp sensor it is still really nice to use, and has some of the best build quality of any M4/3 cameras.
That 16 MPx Sony sensor is very nice, regardless of age. It's every bit as good as the fabulous Nikon D3, and I never noticed any complaints about the DR of the D3 ...

 
For what it's worth the colors coming out of the aging EM5 II are really nice. If you know how to work around the limited DR of the 16mp sensor it is still really nice to use, and has some of the best build quality of any M4/3 cameras.
Yeah, one of my daughters uses my Em5ii . If I find a cheap one somewhere I'm tempted to get another. There might be a few hitting the market soon.
 
Hmmm... Based on these discussions, the Sony a7c is a possible candidate. I've always wanted to scratch the ff itch and on special it would only be a few hundred more than the om5. Will need to look a bit more into the lens options, though.

I'd probably start with a prime around 35mm, a wide angle, and a standard slowish zoom.

Alternatively I'm also interested in the x100v. Not interchangeable lens or ibis, but it seems to be a fun camera and I can also scratch that fuji itch. See what these amazing fancy fuji jpgs are all about...
 
Yeah, one of my daughters uses my Em5ii . If I find a cheap one somewhere I'm tempted to get another. There might be a few hitting the market soon.
I regret trading in my EM5ii for the iii. I wish I had both. The iii's improved focussing made it worth the upgrade but there was something about the feel, the heft of the ii I preferred. I might lurk around eBay see if anything pops up.
 
Hmmm... Based on these discussions, the Sony a7c is a possible candidate. I've always wanted to scratch the ff itch and on special it would only be a few hundred more than the om5. Will need to look a bit more into the lens options, though.

I'd probably start with a prime around 35mm, a wide angle, and a standard slowish zoom.

Alternatively I'm also interested in the x100v. Not interchangeable lens or ibis, but it seems to be a fun camera and I can also scratch that fuji itch. See what these amazing fancy fuji jpgs are all about...
Well, there's lots to choose from for 35mm FE-mount lenses... There's Sonys own FE 35/1.8, which is great, the Samyang 35/1.8, which is great, then the Samyang and Sony Zeiss 35/2.8 pancakes, then all the 35/1.4 variants... I've especially liked pairing the a7C with Sony 28/2 and Samyang 45/1.8 + 75/1.8.

You might want to consider getting the body as a kit with the kit zoom lens, at least if the price is good. That 28-60 is much more capable than what its humble appearance might suggest. Alternatively there is the Tamron 28-200 superzoom which is also really good. I'd rate the Tamron IQ higher than the Fuji XF 16-80/4, so it's good for any lens and amazing for a superzoom. Pack the a7C and Tamron's 17-28 + 28-200 in a sling bag, and there you have a landscape powerhouse weighing in at under 1,5kg (without the bag).

Here's something I've shot with the kit lens:
DSC05549-2-LR_s.jpg


And here something with the Tamron 28-200:
DSC06272-2-LR_s.jpg
 
I regret trading in my EM5ii for the iii. I wish I had both. The iii's improved focussing made it worth the upgrade but there was something about the feel, the heft of the ii I preferred. I might lurk around eBay see if anything pops up.
The Em5ii was probably my favorite Olympus body. I also had the Oly non-battery grip with the shutter button that gave me a better grip with longer lenses.
 
Now here's a title for a post on a rumor site:
 
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