Having photographed for decades I had to learn how to hold a camera steady (especially when using ISO64 and ISO25 films). When I started using IS cameras I had to turn OFF the IS because I was already holding the camera still, and the IS would induce movement (just like you should turn off IS when on a tripod or else you'll get a blurred image). I could manage handholding 500mm (1000mm equiv.) down to 1/50th.

The E-M5 is the first camera that I've used where I could shoot and leave IS on. I haven't really pushed it yet, but with that same 500mm lens I can now handhold down to 1/25th!

As for the noise it sounds like the hiss you'd get from an amplified speaker with no signal.

As said before the hum is a non-issue. What I really notice is how much quieter the shutter is than most other cameras. The hum has never been a distraction for me on an assignment compared to the clack-clack of the shutter on my 5d II for example.

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You, my friend, have a sniper's arms lol.

Honestly though, I only remember that my em-5 hums is when I read threads like this :)

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Current Gear: EM-5 | E-PM1 | 14-150mm | 20mm f1.7 | Rokinon 7.5mm f3.5 | Fujian 35mm f1.7

For Sale: 14-42mm R, $90 gifted/shipped

if really necessary, how about wearing a pair of earplugs while shooting with OM-D? you will have zero noise.

without ear plugs, you will notice it sometimes but it wouldn't stop you taking the photo.

cheers!

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5DMK2 + 40D + EM-5 + GF2

For those of you who answered constructively, a big thanks! Tough when there isn't anywhere practical to go see/feel the camera in person.

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Nikon D600, 24-85VR, 70-300VR, P7700, SB-700.

Why don't you want the sensor in the E-P4?

Given that canon skipped g4, and panny just recently skipped gf4, it's probably safe to assume that 4 is a cursed number in japan and that oly is probably going to skip ep4 as well.

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Current Gear: EM-5 | E-PM1 | 14-150mm | 20mm f1.7 | Rokinon 7.5mm f3.5 | Fujian 35mm f1.7

For Sale: 14-42mm R, $90 gifted/shipped

Well going with how Olympus went with naming with the original OM film series, there was a OM1 up through OM4 so there should be a ep4.

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I sometimes bring it up just to see if it's still running. Yes, it's faster to just look in the EVF (I have auto-switching off), but I find it comical.

So, no, it has been of 0 issue to me. I have not even noticed it. But I have not had to shoot in a dead quiet scenario, nor can I think of one that I've shot period. Maybe a museum on a weekday?

I want your skill, hahaha.

It has to do with the Japanese language...4 is a homophone for death.

How many westerners would buy a product with the number 13, E-13? It's so silly that they call the 13th floor in buildings "14".