OM-1 or OM-1 mkII?

[djrwhittle]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently using an OM-D EM-1 mkII that I’m perfectly happy with. I’m in the market for an additional body and Mrs W (swmbo) has agreed to me spending the money😎. My question is; there’s little point, imho, of buying the same again… so should I buy the OM-1, the OM-l mkII, EM-1 mkiii or EM-1x? If either of the first two I think I would try and push it to new but the other two would probably have to be pre owned. My main interest is birds and other wildlife.

I’m interested to hear the opinions of those of you that have tried any/all of the fore-mentioned cameras. All advice gratefully received.

Cheers

Derek

[MJ224]

I would certainly recommend the OM-1's. Not having used the mk2, I can't comment on that option. I use the OM-1 mk1, and have to say I am very happy with it. IMHO, the AF focus issues are a bit over egged. Pricewise, I am unsure whether the mk1 is now available, but a used one will be at a good price I would think...

The EM1X was a super camera, but I think the technology is a little outdated now, But again, a good value camera....The EM-1 mk 3 was very good too, but again, time has moved on for it really.....

The main technical advancements are speed, subject recognition, and better IBIS...

[BDennis]

I would recommend the OM-1 Mk2 if budget allows. It is a little more refined with better control dials, the menu button can be on the right, more memory for pro-capping and subject detection improved. The Live Grad ND filter is fun to play with and can improve grey / cloudy skies and another level of Live ND to play with. Also I think more likely to get added feature support with firmware updates down the line than the Mk1 model. I have one of each Mk1 and Mk2 - I prefer the Mk2 but use the Mk1 on a long walk or somewhere I’m worried about the new one getting bashed or something.

Bill

[antpitta]

I just about only photograph birds & for me the OM-1 was a giant leap forward (from the EM-1 mkII & III) and I've been very happy using it since April 2022. I can't say I wasn't interested when hearing of the OM-1.2 but nothing I've since read makes me think it worth cashing in right now for the new model (of course I live in hope that some of the supposed AF improvements of the OM1.2 trickle down via a firmware update later this year!). Fingers crossed that waiting will result in a more dramatically upgraded OM-1.3 in a year or two to justify the spend.

Clearly OM are running out the remaining stock of OM-1.1's but they do seem to still be listed. Personally I would find it hard to ignore prices from somewhere like Cotswold cameras who are listing the OM-1.1 at just shy of £1100 which isn't much more than half list price at the start of the year: ASSUMING you're happy to buy from a grey importer (but at least one with a physical UK site) and comes with their 3rd party 3-year warranty which compares well with - for example - the standard MPB warranty on their used stock.

[Bruce Clarke]

I've stuck with the E-M1.2 and E-M1.3, and for you, the latter would keep the same batteries. I don't do much birding though, mainly only red kites, so one of the OM1s would probably be sensible. I don't like the dials on them though. For me, the last two E-M1s were far better in this regard.

[MJ224]

I don't find the dials a problem on the mk1. I did have to apply a little lubricant when one of the dials stiffened up, not problem or consequence since...

[Bruce Clarke]

MJ224 I prefer the ergonomics. The dials are just too hidden on the OM-1s, presumably mainly to aid the increased weather-proof rating.

[Phill D]

I don't like the OM1 mk1 dials but the mk2 are better. Subtly but they do seem better.

[tmp]

If you’re not doing BIF then the AF and subject Ai on the EM1X is more than good enough.
The OM1/2, definitely next level but if you don’t need next level…?

[Ian]

Hang on for a while until the Mark II reduces, inevitably, in price.

Ian

[quickben]

Typically how long does one have to wait, Ian? (Asking for a friend)

[Phill D]

If you have the money there then I'd say it's a no brainer go for an OM1. Mk1 or mark2 is up to you, both will be a big improvement for what you shoot but do try those dials out first. The mk2 ones I think are OK but neither are as nice as the ones on your EM1 mk2.

[Bobblejack]

I have the E-M1iii and the OM-1. I prefer the physical handling of the E-M1iii but the the focusing ability and functionality of the OM-1 is far superior. From what I have read about the OM-1 mk2 I can't say I can justify the upgrade to that model. I use the OM-1 for bird photography mainly and the E-M1iii for other stuff.

[djrwhittle]

Thanks to everyone for your comments/advice. The bullet has been bitten and I’ve ordered the OM-1 mkII 😎. Now I just have to be patient until it arrives😒.

[BDennis]

Sounds good. Have you got a USB charger already? It’ll likely come with a USB-C cable that’s the C type connector at both ends but no charger, as mine did. If you have a regular USB charger which takes the old USB-A type connector the cable from the EM-1 Mk ii should work if you still have it.

Bill

[djrwhittle]

Thanks for the heads up Bill. I don’t have one of these but I suspect Mrs W might have, what you describe sounds a bit like the charger that she uses for her Apple Watch?? How does one charge the camera if no charger is supplied? I’m assuming it’s going to need charging as soon as it arrives?

Derek

[BDennis]

Yes it'll need charging when you get it. The Apple devices come with USB-C chargers so the watch charger should do the job. I have these for my iPad and laptop.

[djrwhittle]

I’ve just checked and it appears my MacBook has one of these chargers so all good.

[bigsambwfc]

I use the mk1 but when funds become available I would prefer the mk2 because for my use using procap a lot the buffering would be a blessing and most of all the ability to focus whilst zooming.For these two reasons alone it would be the next big buy.

[MJ224]

Just to confess to upgrading to the MK2. I traded in the MK1 and the little 40-150 f4 lens. Carmarthen Cameras are giving an extra £200 off the Mk2, thus I now have one for £800...

Setting it up was reasonably quick, a job that is never done. On its first outing, I felt the focus was a little snappier...(biased view probably). Time will tell.

One minor winge, the same as the Mk1, is when on one of the custom menus, I have reset the lens to infinity. This only works when you switch on the camera, it does not work if you just change the Custom menu...Not the end of the world, but on the Wish List....

[djrwhittle]

Still waiting😳. It’s been despatched, via UPS, apparently.

[quickben]

Having bit as well, I await the man from UPS as well. Hope it worth it!