coming back???

[chris]

Hi,
Some of you may remember me from quite a few years ago (I joined in 2010), before I did the dirty and went over to Fuij 5 or 6 years ago I guess...
Anyway, I love the Fuji kit I have (XH1 plus 18-55, 55-200, 100-400 lenses) but don't really use it much anymore, as I just don't really have the photography passion these days and my leisure time is taken up with other hobbies. However, I do still have a need for a camera, but can downsize considerably now. To that end, I have obtained a sell/trade in quote. I've been looking at premium compacts (Fuji, Sony, Canon) and almost settled on the Canon G1Xiii, but then thought about m43...

My needs may be a little niche though;
Small, to take up as little room as possible in my fishing kit.
Articulating screen - must face forward on a tripod
Intervalometer
Hot shoe
Decent stabilisation
Remote capability
Weather sealing would be nice



I thought one of the EM10's might do the job (I used to have a mk2) but on checking, none of them have the screen articulation I need. I think the mk4 flip down is just a bit ridiculous with a tripod being used!
So, I think the Pen-F is the only option to consider (or Panasonic?). I've always thought it was a great looking camera, the retro look is right up my street, but as it's a bit long in the tooth now, is it still a decent option in 2025? or an expensive whimsy showing its age? and perhaps the money is better spent elsewhere? (I do realise I'm asking a biased group here )
I don't even know if it has built in intervalometer, but oi suppose a programmable remote is an option..
Then what lens? it would have to be pancake-ish or would defeat the object of the move.

I'd like to not spend all the money I get in for the Fuji, so maybe £1000 budget, so perhaps not enough, as the Pen F is still strong money by the looks of it.


Appreciate any thoughts...
Cheers
Chris

[ronidog]

Why not look at the OM 5 used or even an Olympus em5 mark iii used.

for lenses https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/m...0mm-f4-0-5-6-r or https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/m...mm-f3-5-5-6-ez
both of which are good prices new and even better used. They are both at the introductory level but from what I have seen produce good results.

by the way , welcome back

[chris]

Thanks. I did have a 5mk2 back then too. I remember it not being as small, or more likely as light, as the 10 though, I’ll get on the size comparison site and look at the various options

[ronidog]

I have an EPM2 mini which is very small but no articulating screen Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2 Review | ePHOTOzine

[chris]

The articulating screen can’t be compromised on I'm afraid. I do think it’s the Pen F or nothing for my oddball desires!

[ronidog]

I was only offering alternatives as you requested.

[chris]

Yes, and definitely worthy of consideration thanks

[090657]

The Pen F, although technically long in the tooth now, is a fantastic `feel good camera`. I picked one up for the first time and loved it in a second. I own two and would never part with them. In my opinion, easily handles most general photography. They hold vale amazingly. If you can, try one out before buying, pick one up and play with it for a few minutes. The only thing I added to my two was a grip.

[Phill D]

Welcome back Chris. I seem to remember there was a nice Pen F for sale on here recently. Not sure if it sold?

[MJ224]

Yes, nice to see you back Chris.....

[chris]

In my usual over researching glacial pace, I’m edging towards an EM5iii/OM5 as ronidog suggested.
Does either have a built in intervalometer? Or will it be a programmable remote job?

Then to consider lens options. I do want something as small as possible, so a pancake prime or really small zoom, without going really expensive. A key aspect is that it has a field of view that will accommodate a kneeling person at a distance of say 6-8ft, without undue distortion. Not sure what that equates to in lens terms?

I’m quite looking forward to returning to the fold!

[griffljg]

Why not have a look at a second-hand or old stock E-M1 Mk III? When coupled with the 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens, they make a wonderful / robust and light-weight combination. Not to mention but the battery life is fairly decent too.

[chris]

Why not have a look at a second-hand or old stock E-M1 Mk III? When coupled with the 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens, they make a wonderful / robust and light-weight combination. Not to mention but the battery life is fairly decent too.

thanks for the suggestion, but it just doesn’t offer enough size/weight saving over my XH1 kit, which is the sole driver for the change

[ronidog]

Not sure what you mean by intervoltmeter. What is it you want the camera to do?

[chris]

Not sure what you mean by intervoltmeter. What is it you want the camera to do?

Hi

I need to have the camera on a tripod and set it to take a
series of shots, perhaps 10-15, say 5 seconds apart. At which point I hold a fish up (yeh I know….), and get at least a couple of useable images, whilst taking care of and returning the fish without worrying about what the camera is doing.

My Fuji has that capability built in, but for a previous Oly camera I used a wireless remote control where you set the parameters and pressed go, Then the remote fired the camera at the required intervals.

example…

[chris]

Apologies, I have no idea why that’s uploaded twice!