Opinions

[freewheeler]

Hiya, I'm looking to get a back-up camera so I am seeking opinions on whether the om-d em1 mklll would be a better buy than the om-1 or vice versa. My main interest is birds/wildlife but I also shoot landscapes, general photography really. I've seen the om-d em1x on here and it's a good price but I'm put off by it's size. Cheers, Dave

[Ian]

I think for photography that requires subject tracking and the most reliable AF, the OM-1 is the one to go for. You probably don't need a Mark II though.

Ian

[pdk42]

The EM1.3 is a great camera, with IMHO better handling and feel than the OM1. But it lags the OM1 in AF tracking. If that's not important to you, then the EM1.3 will tick all the boxes and it'll be cheaper than the OM1.

[freewheeler]

Thanks for the responses. I see the em1x looks like it's sold. Looking at the reviews on the net and Youtube, the OM-1 looks to have the edge although I tend to take reviews on there with a pinch of salt because most are done by Olympus ambassadors and could be biased, much rather have the opinions from users on here. The om-1 would become my main body and my em1 mkll the back-up. Thanks again, Dave

[rsh1960]

Mike Lane on YouTube shoots om system not an ambassador gives totally honest reviews.

[Phill D]

Both are excellent cameras for what you want. If you are looking for flying birds though then I'd go for an OM1 it will have the edge. The EM1 mk 2 will definitely become the back up of the two but definitely try the OM1 before you buy as the control wheels do take a bit of getting used to after the lovely feel of the EM1. The OM1 mk 2 has improved wheels even better bird AF for flying birds and the excellent grad ND feature. I kept my EM1 when I upgraded but I've never used it. Unless you really feel you need a backup I'd sell it and put the funds towards an OM1 MK2.

[freewheeler]

Phil, I really like the em1 also but it might be an idea to sell it as you say

[mikero]

I found Bird Detection on the E-M1X so unreliable that I turned it off, and I wasn't alone on that. Not the case on the OM-1 - it works a treat. Also the OM-1 has the new menu system which is hugely better than that on the older cameras. Now that the OM-1.2 has come out, the OM-1 can be had at a bargain price. I'd say there is no competition.

Mike