OM-D or Panasonic...?

makoti · #1 August 17th, 2012, 10:06 PM

Looking at a new camera, and leaning to the OM-D. I want to do my due diligence & check out Panasonics direct competition, but am not sure which one that is. The GH2? The GX1? Which Panny offering would be the overall closest to the OM-D?

phrenic · #2 August 17th, 2012, 10:10 PM

I personally chose the G5 over the OMD. Better grip than the basic OMD (without 300$ battery grip). Similar image quality..you give up IBIS and weather sealing but get a built in flash, in camera HDR, silent electronic shutter and most importantly for me around 300$ cheaper. (or 600$ after adding the grip).

Promit · #3 August 17th, 2012, 10:11 PM

The OM-D is expensive, but it is one hell of a camera. Enough that people are switching away from Canon 7Ds etc. The GH2 does have better handling in some respects, and much better video modes. Image quality is not quite up there on the aging GH2, but it's due for a successor in September. The GX1 is a more compact body without a viewfinder hump. If you do want a viewfinder, the G5 is now available and does a nice job of splitting the difference at a much lower price point. Sheer still image quality is still not up to the OM-D level.

I gather that you're new to the system, so it is worth noting that Olympus is running a monster rebate program on the OM-D: $150 off lenses, up to three lenses for $450 total.

~tc~ · #4 August 17th, 2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Promit

the G5 is now available and does a nice job of splitting the difference at a much lower price point. Sheer still image quality is still not up to the OM-D level.

I think this is making a mountain out of a molehill. I have not seen many head-to-head comparisons, but the ones I have seen show the difference is slight if any

DHart · #5 August 17th, 2012, 10:53 PM

The noteworthy differences between the E-M5 and the G5 are to be found in the ergonomics, controls, and features... the difference in output quality is so close as to be inconsequential to me.

I like the E-M5 and have been shooting with it for a while now (along with GH2, G3, and E-PL3). I have a G5 arriving tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that.

As a user of both Pany and Oly m4/3 gear, I especially appreciate the effort that Pany designers and engineers put into ergonomics, handing, grip, controls, menu design, etc.

For me, the Pany cameras do feel better in the hand, more natural, and the menus are so much easier to work with.

While the E-M5 is a great camera, I think I will find the G5 every bit as great in it's own ways and features. Which I will prefer is yet to be seen. But I wouldn't be surprised if it's the G5. The IQ difference between the two cameras is so close as to be a wash for me. What I'm especially interested in with the G5 is the silent electronic shutter, HDR feature, AEB settings, 1080p/60p video mode for high quality slo-motion video capability, and the comfortable feel-in-the-hand ergonomics. The fully articulating 920k LCD screen is a gem as well... allowing for a huge range of shooting positions above and below the head in both landscape and portrait orientations... and the screen can be closed against the body to protect it's surface while not in use... great design. The $600 savings (when including the optional grip for the E-M5, which is commonly needed to achieve the best hold on the camera) is a significant factor as well.

I'd say either choice is a good one... it just depends on which body feels better in your hands, has the particular feature set that would be of most use to you, and appeals to your budget as well.

spatulaboy · #6 August 17th, 2012, 11:09 PM

G5 is the way to go. $300 cheaper, or in my mind, actually $600 cheaper with the grip I find necessary. That $300-$600 you will save can go towards some fancy lenses. And a G5 with good lens will trump a EM-5 with kit lens any day.

htc · #7 August 18th, 2012, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spatulaboy

And a G5 with good lens will trump a EM-5 with kit lens any day.

xdayv · #8 August 18th, 2012, 12:25 AM

either way you can't go wrong. if you have the extra $, you can consider the OMD, it has been well-received. the G5 is still relatively new, I would like to wait for real-world shooting experiences like the ones that are posted here in this forum. having said that, i'm leaning towards the G5 though, i like the panasonic's handling of its menu and buttons, very easy for me to adapt. good luck!

Ned · #9 August 18th, 2012, 12:32 AM

Don't forget the all-metal build with heavy-duty magnesium-alloy frame and complete weather proofing on the OM-D E-M5, as well as the 5-axis in-body Image Stabilization. The dual control dials are also pretty hard to beat.

Promit · #10 August 18th, 2012, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~tc~

I think this is making a mountain out of a molehill. I have not seen many head-to-head comparisons, but the ones I have seen show the difference is slight if any

Everyone is entitled to their own assessment of course, at least until DXO gets their act together

But I'm running the E-M5 and the GH2 head to head and I'm seeing a lot to like in the E-M5 files over the GH2. Noticeably better DR, less noise at high ISO -- but more importantly, a far better noise pattern. GH2's absolute noise may not be so different, but the shape and color shifts it causes are much worse than the E-M5.

Of course whether that justifies the substantial price difference is up to the individual. DPR comparison shots cover the realities of it fairly well, IMO.