Olympus OMD as M9 backup

[StevieB]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi there.

I am thinking of getting the Olympus to use as backup to my M9 and 50 Lx asph and I would use it with the panaleica 25 1.4.

Have any M9 users here had the opportunity to compare the rendering of images between these cameras and lenses?

Sadly I cannot afford another M9 to match the look of photos.

 

Thankyou for any ideas.

[colonel]

Hi there.

I am thinking of getting the Olympus to use as backup to my M9 and 50 Lx asph and I would use it with the panaleica 25 1.4.

Have any M9 users here had the opportunity to compare the rendering of images between these cameras and lenses?

Sadly I cannot afford another M9 to match the look of photos.

 

Thankyou for any ideas.

 

I had the Panny GX1 (same sensor as the OMD) and 25mm f1.4

fantastic camera

not comparable to the M9 + lux

 

sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear

 

The X100 is a good backup for 35mm, but although the colours and DR are good, it lacks the critical sharpness

 

The best non-FF backup would be a x-pro1 and 35mm f1.4 lens. Very sharp. Still not as sharp as the M9 at base ISO but better obviously above ISO 320

 

What do you want the backup for ? An M8 might be a good idea based on the current downward price trajectory!

[StevieB]

I have been looking for a nice lightly used M8 with no luck yet. I think this will be better for me actually but I have read some positive comments about the olympusi and would like to know how it stands up next to the M9.

Thankyou for your reply.

[bocaburger]

I played with the idea of an OMD, tried one out. It's an interesting concept but above all else, using the EVF for manual lenses was disappointingly slow. Like a reflex it calls for racking the lens back and forth around the point of focus "to be sure", adding to that the EVF is not nearly as precise as a mirror reflex. The fact the OMD body alone costs $1000 was another major detraction, given that's what an EP-2 sold for when it was new, and now a couple years later they can be had for $250. If I get an OMD it will be after the next model comes along. Staying one generation behind on these EVIL cameras makes better economic sense IMO. In fact, I recently picked up a Panny G1 with an M adapter in nice shape for $200. I haven't found the "corner smearing" with wide angles that I read about, and I've tested it with 12, 15, 2 x 21, 2 x 28, and 2 x 35mm lenses. The issue with slow EVF focusing remains, although the G1 has a handy button-press magnifyer that helps immensely, it slows the process even further.

 

The upshot is I got a Panny LX5 for my M9 travel backup despite the small sensor and precisely in fact of having a fixed lens, because it backs up my entire kit. A backup body in the hotel safe won't do me much good if the bag with M9 and lenses gets stolen.

[colonel]

A good point

 

I actually took some pics over the weekend with a Nikon P300 and they were surprisingly sharp in good light (as long as you don't look at the pixel level)

 

So now I am kinda of tempted by the Sony RX100. Knock out reviews and very small, so can be carried when the M9 can't be

 

The issue with cameras like the xpro-1 and Om-D is that they are big enough to require a decent size bag, so are not really, in volume terms, different from taking an M9 around

[CalArts 99]

The issue with cameras like the xpro-1 and Om-D is that they are big enough to require a decent size bag, so are not really, in volume terms, different from taking an M9 around

 

That's always been my conclusion with the other mirrorless options. If you already have the M9 then what's the real point of getting something else around the same size. Plus for me using different brands back and forth just slows me way down. Just stick to one system and concentrate on the image making.

 

I do have a Canon S95 as a pocket camera. An AF pocket camera makes more sense to me as a secondary choice (fwiw, I tested out the Sony RX100 and there's not really a big enough difference in IQ between it and other good pocket cameras, but it does have excellent video and nice ergonomics. Although it's kind of high priced for what it is, imho.)

[luigi bertolotti]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The issue with cameras like the xpro-1 and Om-D is that they are big enough to require a decent size bag, so are not really, in volume terms, different from taking an M9 around

 

.... and me too agree on this conclusion... the problrm being also that, of course, one would like to use and carry at least 2-3 of his lenses... making the global load not so different from a M8/9; if and when I finally end with buying some compact EVIL (m43 or APS) it will be for the additional motivation to use it as a host for my Leitz long teles... Visoflex, alas, is really a bulky addon (even if, of course, I DO love it... )

[250swb]

I had the Panny GX1 (same sensor as the OMD) and 25mm f1.4

fantastic camera

 

I could be entirely wrong, but the Olympus OMD uses a Sony sensor and I think the Panasonic still uses a Panasonic sensor.

 

Anyway, the OMD does all the things the M9 can't do, and as a backup/second camera thats what you need. No point it being more limiting, or even identical, that would be daft. With a top quality Olympus or Panasonic lens there is little to choose between the OMD and M9 for image quality, where one looses out the other gains, and visa versa. An OMD with the latest Pana 12-35mm lens does away with a bag full of primes and so makes a compact and useful addition to the camera bag. And of course when Panasonic release the companion 35-100mm later in the year you get true telephoto, another thing the M9 can't do.

 

 

Steve

[Paolo.Battista]

Up to now, I think that the Ricoh GXR with the M module is still the best backup for a M9.

[colonel]

I could be entirely wrong, but the Olympus OMD uses a Sony sensor and I think the Panasonic still uses a Panasonic sensor.

 

Anyway, the OMD does all the things the M9 can't do, and as a backup/second camera thats what you need. No point it being more limiting, or even identical, that would be daft. With a top quality Olympus or Panasonic lens there is little to choose between the OMD and M9 for image quality, where one looses out the other gains, and visa versa. An OMD with the latest Pana 12-35mm lens does away with a bag full of primes and so makes a compact and useful addition to the camera bag. And of course when Panasonic release the companion 35-100mm later in the year you get true telephoto, another thing the M9 can't do.

 

 

Steve

 

there are lots of things the M can't do, which is why most of us like it

 

the things it can do, FF DOF play, Leica lenses with proper RF focus, nothing else can do

 

In terms of image quality, I beg to differ. The M9 is simply a difference league from the OMD, under ISO 640 anyway, more like a studio camera

 

FYI I also use a D800E, which IMHO is the pinnacle of IQ at the moment. It blows me away time after time. However I still think that the M9 has the advantage at base ISO and Nikon's best lenses (24mm, 35mm and 85mm f1.4) don't come close to Leica either wide open or at the edges

[250swb]

 

In terms of image quality, I beg to differ. The M9 is simply a difference league from the OMD, under ISO 640 anyway, more like a studio camera

 

And above 640 ISO the OMD is in a different league, not to mention the 'tests' (LOL) on Steve Huff's site that seem to show the OMD has a wider dynamic range than the Nikon 800

 

Yes I know people like the lack of DOF available with the M9 and its simplicity, that is why I specifically said "where one looses out the other gains" in comparing the M9 and OMD

 

Anyway, I've got both, you haven't

 

Steve

[colonel]

the 'tests' (LOL) on Steve Huff's site that seem to show the OMD has a wider dynamic range than the Nikon 800

 

Anyway, I've got both, you haven't

 

Steve

 

According to DXOMARK the OMD isn't in the same league as the D800

In fact its DR is nothing like any of the good APS-C sensors. No idea what Steve is on about (he is always inflicted with 'glee' when reviewing a new camera)

DR has always been the achilles heel of M4/3s, and the OMD only comes up to the last generation of APS-C (and not all)

 

lucky you!

 

look, its a nice camera, and you are obviously excited, so enjoy it

 

For me the sensor size and shutter noise ruled it out

[250swb]

No idea what Steve is on about (he is always inflicted with 'glee' when reviewing a new camera)

 

Well if you like to test cameras, and read tests, and live your life by tests, do it. The dynamic range of an OMD is certainly higher than an M9, and I only refferred you to the Huff site, I didn't say anything about their results or testing methods other than with a sceptical 'LOL'. So stop being an offensive jerk and read some more tests, you obviously need something to occupy you.

 

Steve

.

[colonel]

...the 'tests' (LOL) on Steve Huff's site...

 

So stop being an offensive jerk

Steve

.

 

I presume you realise I was talking about Steve Huff!

 

if not, thanks for lowering the level of conversation

I'll remember that your input has zero value in the future

[250swb]

No I didn't and I am very sorry, please accept my apologies.

 

I was perhaps carried away with the usual criticsims of 4/3 and m4/3 cameras that are still doing the rounds despite the OMD having a new sensor that no other m4/3 camera has had before. The old chestnuts like abilities at high ISO, resolution, dynamic range, etc. are not the same today as they were yesterday, things have moved on. I wouldn't have dreamed of suggesting an Olympus E5 or Panasonic GH2 etc could be a near equal partner to an M9. But the OMD is a game changer, whether or not the OP chooses to have one.

 

Steve

[250swb]

I'll remember that your input has zero value in the future

 

As regards value of input, its always worth reading the title of the thread to see if matches what you are talking about, the Nikon 800 being absent from consideration in this case.

 

 

Steve

[Wolfgang Esslinger]

Hi there.

I am thinking of getting the Olympus to use as backup to my M9 and 50 Lx asph and I would use it with the panaleica 25 1.4.

Have any M9 users here had the opportunity to compare the rendering of images between these cameras and lenses?

Sadly I cannot afford another M9 to match the look of photos.

 

Thankyou for any ideas.

 

I tried the OMD as a backup for my M8 and also as a means to do things the M can't (high ISO, telephoto, video). I only used telezooms on the OMD and image quality was lower than expected but that might not be the case with the lens you plan to use.

 

However, what really put me off was the handling. Yes, nice metall wheels, but the rest is just so different from using an M that you almost need two brains for it So I returned the camera and hope for the Photokina.

[colonel]

No I didn't and I am very sorry, please accept my apologies.

 

I was perhaps carried away with the usual criticsims of 4/3 and m4/3 cameras that are still doing the rounds despite the OMD having a new sensor that no other m4/3 camera has had before. The old chestnuts like abilities at high ISO, resolution, dynamic range, etc. are not the same today as they were yesterday, things have moved on. I wouldn't have dreamed of suggesting an Olympus E5 or Panasonic GH2 etc could be a near equal partner to an M9. But the OMD is a game changer, whether or not the OP chooses to have one.

 

Steve

 

apologies as well for my sharp comment

 

my experience with the GX1 was excellent and I will get my hands on an OM-D sometime to check it out!

[ayewing]

I have recently acquired an Olympus OM-D and it now replaces my DSLR. I do not regard it as a back up for my Leica M9 but more as a complementary camera which is useful in telephoto, macro and high ISO photography.

 

One point which has not been mentioned is that it has very effective in camera stabilisation which is also effective when using manual lenses such as Leica rangefinder lenses. Focusing using the EVF is helped by optional variable magnification and stabilisation of the image in the viewfinder. It lacks focus peaking but despite this I have found it quite easy to use my Leica lenses on it. The experience is of course quite different from using a rangefinder.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[bab]

Great Idea as with any new toy it takes shooting for a week or so to get the automatic brain going with out having to think about it. Really Really nice magnification for Leica lens shooting. Leica lenses are the bomb on the OMD EM5. The OMD will allow you to fool with a lot of cool photographic ideas.

 

Bottom line the M9 files look different but so do the OMD files. There are situations I have shot that have with OMD and M9 at the same time of course different lenses and sensor size variations but my 50 lux on the OMD for portraits for example is killer, even the 35 lux images blow me away. So if your thinking of peeping the files side by side to see if they are close or one is better than the other you may just find out that it depends on the light.

 

Try your M9 at 3200 iso with a 35 lux night scene ROTFL!