r/OlympusCamera • • Dec 14 '25

Gear Review Camera so good I bought 2 of them

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281 Upvotes

I have been a Nikon and Fujifilm shooter for years. I used to have Nikon DSLRs, and switched to a Fujifilm X-T1 years ago because the smaller size and weight appealed to me. I quickly upgraded to an X-T2, then added an X-H1 and at this point the cameras were pretty large, my lenses were too and the autofocus accuracy when adapting my Nikon F mount lenses with a smart adapter wasn't great. So I switched to a Nikon Z6, which wasn't larger and "fixed" everythinhg, but then I also realized I was still lugging around full frame lenses and though my camera was substantially smaller and lighter than my old D700, the lenses were just as big and heavy.

In parallel, I bought into micro four thirds as a little fun side system I would use for travel and casual occasions with an E-M5 mark II. The lack of good C-AF pushed me to splurge on a better performing body in June of this year, and since I'm a bit stingy and didn't want to spend 650 bucks on an E-M5 mark III, I dropped 400 on a slightly larger E-M1 mark II.

After using it for a couple of weeks, the realization came : this camera does everything I want a camera to do. Sure, low light isn't as good as my modern full frame body. But I shot concerts in nearly pitch black conditions and the E-M1.2 handled fine, I was even able to give the pictures to the artists that played that night and they reshared those pics on their social media happily. I, as a camera enthusiast and technical nerd wasn't really able to find many cracks in the low light performance of that camera, and I'm pretty sure that non-photogs wouldn't even think twice about the amount of noise or slightly blown out highlights. Similarly, every fast paced action stuff was just as easy to capture on my E-M1.2 as it was on my Z6, with an AF system that is comparable in performance, Pre-Capture, 18fps bursts and a rolling shutter effect when using electronic shutter that is manageable to the point that I don't hesitate to shoot action with it if I need the faster burst (thing I would never do with the slow-ass sensor in my Z6).

For my landscape work, at first I was doubtful : the sensor has less DR, and a lower resolution. Then I realized I do most of it on a tripod when I really need good resolution anyway, and at this point why not use the Pixel Shift mode? The DR increase you get is more than making up for the smaller sensor, which I don't have to close down nearly as much for good sharpness and DoF, and the 80MP files don't hurt either. Overall, it's a better landscape camera tool than the Z6 was, which is very high praise coming from me because the sensor in the Z6 is incredible.

On the video front as well : autofocus is great, 4K quality shooting DCI-4K in 8bit with the OM-Log400 profile is absolutely great and I have completed several projects with it without a hitch. The camera doesn't really overheat, the IBIS is exemplary, the audio pre-amps are better in every way then those on my Z6 too.

And then there's the lenses. They simply are awesome : sharp, small, lightweight for the reach they provide, and they are affordable. I wasn't sad in the slightest trading my Sigma 100-400 full frame lens for an Olympus 75-300mm lens to shoot airshows with. The prime lenses are also exemplary in the value they provide, I'm particularly fond of the Lumix 20mm f/1.7, Oly 45mm f/1.8 and especially the Oly 75mm f/1.8, this lens is a beast.

After a couple months using the E-M1 mark II, I came to the realization that that camera is as good or better than my Z6 in pretty much every area. At no point was I using that camera and thought "man, I wish I had the Z6 right about now". On top of that, I could share the lenses with smaller camera like my Lumix GF7, or turn the E-M1.2 into a really small package by using a small pancake lens on it (paired with the Lumix 14mm f/2.5 it's a silly looking camera, but very effective for street photography and sticking the camera into minuscule bags). I can't do that on Nikon Z.

I took the decision to sell the Nikon Z6 early next year (right now it's going for a long time loan to a friend of mine that wants to test out full frame), and as such need another camera with good AF and good 4K video as backup / second body for events. I initially thought about getting an E-M1 mark III with the money, since it goes for about as much money as I would get by selling the Z6, and it has some nice little improvements over the mark II. But prices are not coming down, and MPB listed that E-M1 mark II for 284€ (instead of the average 500ish) because the screen has a very small crack that's barely visible, so I jumped on that, and now I have two of those.

I fully intend on using both of those bodies until they break down in my hands, or I get the itch again and upgrade to an OM-1 (mark 1). Even then, I think I'll keep at least one E-M1.2 as a backup / second body. They're that good, and probably the best price to performance ratio to features you can get in micro four thirds. Extremely underrated.

The funny part is that it was on my recommendation list when people were asking me camera questions, I have several friends that ended up buying one in the last 2 years and were extremely happy with it. I guess it finally creeped on me !


r/OlympusCamera • • 4h ago

Photo Share First test with EM10 Mkiiis

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9 Upvotes

Ok, first test with the 25mm(TTArtisan) This thing rocks! This is actually my second example. The first one I received would not mount on the body properly. The jungle site was super quick and I got my replacement today. Total flash back to all my sonnar/rangefinder days. Now I just gotta find a 12 or 14 in the same vein. Who makes a good manual 12 or 14? Oh, the model is my little shadow, Lucas. 6 years old. He's been part of the family from birth. Mom showed up on the porch. 3 days later it was mom and four kids. A month later, they were moved in and never leaving.


r/OlympusCamera • • 17h ago

Photo Share Fall in Canada. E-M5 📷

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43 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 12h ago

Gear Showcase First camera 😍

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12 Upvotes

Olympus pen e-p3 for 100€ with objectif. New on photography, someone have some tips or advices to start ? 😁

I have set some recipies but when i shoot in raw, i dont have preset or anything to help to edit m’y raw. ATM, i shoot in jpeg+raw


r/OlympusCamera • • 12h ago

Photo Share Black and white sea turtle in Kauaʻi

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11 Upvotes

Shot on the OM System Tough TG-7


r/OlympusCamera • • 4h ago

Question Lens for Aviation Photography

1 Upvotes

Hey All, I have an OM1-ii and have used it mainly for travel and street photography. I was maybe thinking of doing a little aviation photography if there was an "affordable" lens. There is currently a used 75-300 F4.8-6.7 II used at my local store for about $400. Is that a good lens for aviation photography for capturing planes taking off and landing. Mainly looking at stills but would it also be good for video? Thanks!


r/OlympusCamera • • 9h ago

Photo Share Found a situation where I can use LiveND on my OM5

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2 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 19h ago

Photo Share Abstract city architecture EM10 MkIV lumix 14-42mm II

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10 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 16h ago

Question Do OM zoom lenses ever go on sale?

3 Upvotes

I'm interested in the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Lens. It seems that OM sets the price because all the major retailers sell it for $1,799.99 USD. Would this lens ever go on sale? I don't want to buy used. Thank you.

https://explore.omsystem.com/us/en/m-zuiko-ed-40-150mm-f2-8-pro-black


r/OlympusCamera • • 18h ago

Photo Share Autumn spiderwebs

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3 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 15h ago

Question What Film Camera to bring to Alaska

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2 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Photo Share Such a nice morning for a macro-walk!

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45 Upvotes

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark I & OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro 2:1 IS PRO + Godox V860 III O + Trần Thế Ngọc's MACRO Diffuser


r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Photo Share Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi | Loving the Live Composite feature!

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7 Upvotes

Live Composite is easily my favorite feature for shooting star trails and fireworks. The best part? Getting a single RAW file in one shot!


r/OlympusCamera • • 17h ago

Question Olympus OM-20 batterry is getting hot

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1 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 22h ago

Photo Share Tried Keyline I art filter in Istanbul and it’s surprising

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2 Upvotes

Had Olympus camera for a long time but recently in trying to find out all the art filter in Olympus and today I tried the Key Line I and it’s suprisingly good compared to original photo.

I also keep the raw photo in case my taste changes in the future!

But what I experienced is that it works great when the scene has lots of colours and also not to use it under harsh light where things is easily exposed!

Anyone have used this art filter! Wanted to see what’s the other possibilities!


r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Photo Share Autumn mists

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41 Upvotes

OM-3 + 8-25


r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Photo Share A few snaps from Banff late September

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5 Upvotes

Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV | Leica 15mm f1.7 and OM System 40-150mm f4 PRO


r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Question Olympus OM1 film advance lever, feels like a bump?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

3 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Photo Share Om em-10 mk iv + ttartisan 25mm f2

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2 Upvotes

I’m trying to get back on photo shooting after more than 10 years.
So, recently got this refurbished OM em-10 mk iv and add a prime lens ttartisan 25mm f2 from last week Amazon prime days
Just want to share few test photos. All SOOC photos.
Would like to get some feedbacks from you. Any tips to share is welcome. (Don’t be too harsh on me)


r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Gear Showcase Recent acquisition/fix

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6 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Critique My Work Value of OM Workspace over DxO PureRaw?

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1 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Photo Share 測試PEN內建的即時ND濾鏡。

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3 Upvotes

r/OlympusCamera • • 1d ago

Question Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark I missing battery door

2 Upvotes

My Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark I is missing its battery door. Does anyone know where I can buy a replacement, or whether there’s a 3D-printable file for it? I’d also appreciate any other workarounds you can suggest.

Thanks in advance!


r/OlympusCamera • • 2d ago

Photo Share A Cat in the Sunlight ☀️🐈[OM-2SP/Vivitar S1 28-90mm/Vision 3 250D AHU]

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13 Upvotes

Since Olympus lenses are so excellent, third-party lenses are often overlooked; however, Vivitar supplied high-quality lenses during the early days of Olympus SLRs.

For the best quality, I scanned the negative myself and manually inverted them in Affinity Photo.


r/OlympusCamera • • 2d ago

Answered 17mm f/1.8 (ii) opinions, please

7 Upvotes

I've never been much of a prime shooter but I'm feeling drawn to checking out the 17/1.8 (original or ii). It would fit with my preferred focal length in that broad range and paired with the PL 9mm f/1.7 (which I do like) would make for a very compact carry with my OM-5ii. Likely use would be mainly casual holiday snaps and people/groups.

I'd appreciate some opinions on the lens, pros and cons, and if it's what would best fit my need (and GAS).