Disappointed with E-M5 so far

[Aristophanes]

Originally Posted by hollandphotos

Backlit scenes will underexpose with any average metering. Try scene with +1 or 1.3 or center/spot metering.

But the FD function is supposed to overcome that. That's the whole point of the algorithm. Sounds like it is what the user paid for.

Colours, once dialed in, look fine.

[semilog]

That's why I don't like multi-pattern metering. I don't want to learn a complex set of edge cases where a apecific algorithm fails. Center-weight or spot metering are simple. I know where they will fail, and I can readily compensate.

[texchappy]

I don’t mind the center-weight, it’s what I’ve used for a long time on my F2.

[texchappy]

Shot about 75 more shots since yesterday and going through the settings. Now I've come up against something that probably means the camera's going back. My wife has seen all the stuff I've gone through and won't use it now - doesn't want to mess with it herself. A big part of the reason I picked this camera was because I thought we both could use it - and there are times she needs to use it.

[kbg32]

Originally Posted by texchappy

Shot about 75 more shots since yesterday and going through the settings. Now I've come up against something that probably means the camera's going back. My wife has seen all the stuff I've gone through and won't use it now - doesn't want to mess with it herself. A big part of the reason I picked this camera was because I thought we both could use it - and there are times she needs to use it.

Too bad. It is an awesome camera. You might learn something by keeping it and getting to know it. No insult intended, but maybe you just need a good
P & S.

[texchappy]

I think I'm going back to an SLR plus maybe one of the X Fuji's and get my wife a new iPhone as a P and S.

[jbot]

It really sounds like you're being a little to hard on this camera. The light metering problems you posted before are going to happen with any camera. But to each his own.

[radical7]

45 is really good at a cheap price. The problem with the photos you dislike is the light, the one you like the kid was near a window with nice light. If you want better pics of your child, put them near a big window and see the magic of God's light
But on another note I do dislike the OM-D handling is so, so

[texchappy]

I actually think that the Om-D is a wonderful camera capable of really wonderful shots. I personally down't like the EVF - first time I've tried one. But the death knell is that my wife is now not willing to use it because it seems to complicated - which is understandable after the hours and hours I spent online, going to the camera, messing with settings, and taking more pictures.

[Keith]

You're probably doing the right thing because once you feel this way about a camera you will generally start picking holes in its credibility and it can be all down hill from there.

Personally I'm amazed at this camera's competence and can't believe that Olympus got it so right first time. I've gone from a micro four thirds skeptic to being a fan of the system ... but only via this incredible little camera. Up until this point I wouldn't have bothered!

[vrgard]

Originally Posted by texchappy

I actually think that the Om-D is a wonderful camera capable of really wonderful shots. I personally down't like the EVF - first time I've tried one. But the death knell is that my wife is now not willing to use it because it seems to complicated - which is understandable after the hours and hours I spent online, going to the camera, messing with settings, and taking more pictures.

That's probably the right call Texchappy. As much as I'm digging my OM-D (even the evf), and despite knowing that one can shoot in "P" mode, it's not really a good camera for someone wanting a P&S experience as does your wife. Too bad, because it's a wonderful little camera. Are you sure you don't want to keep it and get a true P&S for her?

-Randy

[texchappy]

Originally Posted by vrgard

That's probably the right call Texchappy. As much as I'm digging my OM-D (even the evf), and despite knowing that one can shoot in "P" mode, it's not really a good camera for someone wanting a P&S experience as does your wife. Too bad, because it's a wonderful little camera. Are you sure you don't want to keep it and get a true P&S for her?

-Randy

I'm not sure I can afford to. Even then, if I was getting a camera just for myself I think I'd rather have two - one for lightweight carry around and a traditional SLR for wildlife. The more I think about it, it's what I'm used to. I can do that with the money I spent on the OM-D and still spend just a little bit more and get her a P+S or iPhone upgrade.

[coelacanth]

It seems your heart isn't really with OM-D at this point, and there is nothing wrong with that. Sounds like you can easily return the OM-D. Try other cameras you have in mind, and see what sticks with you and also fits the household needs.

I've been with OM-D since April and I am still loving it, but this is not the only camera I use, and I have that marvelous 45/1.8.

[radical7]

texchappy, you should understand that the camera was geared towards photographers, of course your wife would hate it! Try to get her to try it again but this time in good light, like in the shade of a tree and see if she likes it.

[jsrockit]

texchappy, I didn't like the E-M5 either. I know it's a great camera, very capable, and small. However, I just couldn't get into it. It felt weird to use. Now, the even weirder thing is that I got my money back and then bought a Canon 5D MKII w/ 40mm pancake that I actually am very surprised to like.

[crispy12]

I think its worth investing in a photography book such as Understanding Exsure by Bryan Peterson to fully understand how to use any camera. Any P&S camera will give you similar or worse results.

No offence but I think the shots are fine. They appear underexposed, likely due to lighting, uncompensated shutter priority, slow kit lens and backlit face detect metering.

[rxmd]

Originally Posted by texchappy

I actually think that the Om-D is a wonderful camera capable of really wonderful shots. I personally down't like the EVF - first time I've tried one. But the death knell is that my wife is now not willing to use it because it seems to complicated - which is understandable after the hours and hours I spent online, going to the camera, messing with settings, and taking more pictures.

It's probably not the best choice for someone who wants an uncomplicated camera experience.

Just since we're talking about micro 4/3 systems - my wife, who is as non-technical as it gets, asked me a few months ago what camera to buy and I gave her a Panasonic G3. It is simple enough to be workable for a beginner, while powerful enough to get good photos. There was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, that we took as an opportunity to stroll around the city taking pictures of trees and people with dogs and coffee cups and the like, and she now feels comfortable with it and uses the 20/f1.7 and a 14-42 and has started taking photo classes. So I think that was a good choice.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by rxmd

It's probably not the best choice for someone who wants an uncomplicated camera experience.

Just since we're talking about micro 4/3 systems - my wife, who is as non-technical as it gets, asked me a few months ago what camera to buy and I gave her a Panasonic G3. It is simple enough to be workable for a beginner, while powerful enough to get good photos. There was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, that we took as an opportunity to stroll around the city taking pictures of trees and people with dogs and coffee cups and the like, and she now feels comfortable with it and uses the 20/f1.7 and a 14-42 and has started taking photo classes. So I think that was a good choice.

That's a good approach and definitely one that texchappy should consider IMO.

[kuzano]

Originally Posted by texchappy

I actually think that the Om-D is a wonderful camera capable of really wonderful shots. I personally down't like the EVF - first time I've tried one. But the death knell is that my wife is now not willing to use it because it seems to complicated - which is understandable after the hours and hours I spent online, going to the camera, messing with settings, and taking more pictures.

Based on a couple of considerations... would you fall into line with other's adoration of the EM-5 if it was ONLY your camera. Take the wife out of the equation, for a moment, and try to realistically answer that question.

If you say, "Hey it would work for me" then may I suggest this. Keep the EM-5, and buy your wife an E-PL3, or better yet an E-PM1. The E-PM1 is currently available at Best Buy (last week anyway) for $400, with the lens.

That way, you could maintain lens interchangeability between the two Olympus camera's. She could use it on the auto modes nicely. In fact, if she could not master (or did not like) the E-PM1, it's likely there is no current Point and Shoot that she will like. The menus and the wheels, and the touch screens are the nature of the beast currently.

Not to insult, although hard to say without, perhaps she needs an older P&S that she did like, or a film P&S and have the processors provide scans. Sorry if that does offend.

I do think the ability to use any stable of lenses you build on both bodies, one for each of you, is a K2BW1S* solution. At the very least you could likely find a near new, low count E-PM1 body used for $250 body only. Then pickup one of the lower price prime pancake lenses to live on the E-PM1 when your SO wants to carry the "small" package.

I suggest this solution solves both of your problems without struggles about who is taking "The Camera" for the day.

If this is not palatable, then I suggest that the problem goes somewhat beyond your wife's feelings about the EM-5.

Frankly, what else is out there? The EM-5 is kicking almost everybodies A__! in the mirrorless cameras, out there. It has certainly put a damper on the Fuji "pseudo" rangefinders, and the NEX cameras.

And the E-PM1 is surely as simple as any camera that has a bigger sensor than the thumbnail sized sensors in the P&S cameras.

Furthermore, it is my own personal opinion that there are no APS-C mirrorless cameras that will deliver a better image than the Sony 16 MP sensor in the EM-5.

*(kill two birds with one system)

[texchappy]

I had taken my thinking to the fact that her and I do differ greatly in what we want out of a camera. In fact she has told me over and over she wants something cheap but I'm hard headed. She would probably be happiest with a newer iPhone (i.e. 4s or 5 vs her current 3).

So that means do I want the E-M5? I'm not sure. It is very capable and I know it can be used to take great images. So the question moves back to DSLR + Leica X2 or Fuji X100 or the E-M5 (at least to my mind). I'm very comfortable with an SLR and I like the form factor of the Fuji. I believe I've gotten the E-M5 about sorted to my taste. I guess I need to answer for myself is if I believe the E-M5 is versatile enough to 'replace' what I see the roles of the other two are.

Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble as I contemplate but maybe it will give a clue to what my convoluted thinking pattern around this issue is.

[coelacanth]

I saw your threads about X2. Although X2 is a fantastic camera, it is really for someone who enjoys/can "fundamental" photography with no mode dials, scenes or cool effects. Nothing wrong with that neither, though. You might enjoy that very much, but I'm not sure your wife or anyone else who might use the camera can appreciate the simplicity.

X100 is a lot more "consumer friendly" camera compared to X2, but it still is "limited" for someone who's not used to fixed lens, prime lens, ergonomics, etc.

Kuzano's suggestion sounds very reasonable to me.

[kuzano]

Originally Posted by texchappy

Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble as I contemplate but maybe it will give a clue to what my convoluted thinking pattern around this issue is.

Ultimately, you are the one who has to be happy with the final decision, and as we (those who have had wonderful ladies in our lives) know, a big part of our happiness is making our other half happy as well.

It's interesting to hear your thoughts on this as they evolve. It will be enlightening to know what you finally do in this matter.

[willie_901]

The iPhone 4S camera is quite good. The convenience of mailing, texting and automatic syncing with iPhoto and and one's iCloud photo stream is enjoyed by many casual photographers. There are numerous Apps to organize, display and share the photos as well.

The iPhone 5 will undoubtedly have an even better camera. But it may not be available until October or even November.

While exposure/light issues such as back lit scenes will cause trouble with the iPhone too, people don't expect as much from a simple camera. And, everything's in focus because the sensor in so tiny.

[texchappy]

I had pretty much come to the conclusion (which has been confirmed by you all) is that I cannot expect any camera to satisfy both my wife and I. I've been having a blast with my Zorki rangefinder. I'd love a digital experience like that (and in some ways that is what I'm looking for). My budget doesn't extend to an M8 or M9. The description Sug gave of the X2 very much appeals to me. The two large blocks to the X2 are the price and the EVF solution. That's why I'm wondering and have been wondering if the X100 will scratch that itch. So far I've spent so much time in the E-M5's menus I haven't got a feel that it will.

[GaryLH]

Originally Posted by texchappy

I had pretty much come to the conclusion (which has been confirmed by you all) is that I cannot expect any camera to satisfy both my wife and I. I've been having a blast with my Zorki rangefinder. I'd love a digital experience like that (and in some ways that is what I'm looking for). My budget doesn't extend to an M8 or M9. The description Sug gave of the X2 very much appeals to me. The two large blocks to the X2 are the price and the EVF solution. That's why I'm wondering and have been wondering if the X100 will scratch that itch. So far I've spent so much time in the E-M5's menus I haven't got a feel that it will.

A lot depends on what u like about the zorki experience, whether a x100 will scratch the itch.

There are only three digital RFs that I am aware of and u already mentioned two of them. The Epson rd-1 is the third.

The way I look at the x100 is that it is like the digital version of Konica Hexar af and the xp1 is like the contax g2 equivelent for digital.

Good luck
Gary