OMD 10 vs. 1?

[JoeinLA]

I'm deciding between the OMD-1 and -10, with the 12-50, strictly for UW. The price difference between the two, factoring in a Nauticam housing, is pretty substantial (~$1,200), and I think the only differences are the 3 vs. 5 IBIS and Phase Detection? I'm not sure the 3 vs. 5 axis IBIS would make any real difference, but wondering how meaningful is Phase Detection?

Edit: Further reading shows that the OMD-M1 also has no AA filter, so presumably has better IQ. I'm not sure if this is actually noticeable if you're shooting UW in less than ideal conditions...?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jlyle]

Interesting post. Is there a reason you rejected the OMD EM5 as an option?

 

[JoeinLA]

No really good reason other than that the M10 was a bit cheaper and newer, thought it's my understanding that:
1. The advantages of the M5, as I understand it, are slightly better control layout, 5 axis IBIS, and weather sealing, none of which seem meaningful to me.
2. The main UW advantage of the M10, as I understand it, is the improved AF (from the M1 but w/o phase detection). It's my understanding that the RAW output from the M5/M10 are identical (with the M1 having the same sensor but w/o an AA filter).

thoughts?

 

[jlyle]

What kind of pictures are you planning on taking, snaps for the family, images to print and hang on the wall, or pictures to enter into photo contests? How many dives do you do a year? With the 12-50mm lens, you will likely want to access the macro function, which will add to the cost of the rig. I've been shooting the EM5 for two years and am very happy with the results. I looked at the EM1 but there wasn't enough of a difference for me to switch. I don't think additional axes for IS are going to make any difference underwater. My dos centavos, go with the EM10 and use the extra money for a second strobe and/or additional lenses (60mm and 8mm FE).

 

[jd950]

I doubt there would be any significant difference in image quality. To me the deciding factor would be ergonomics and flexibility, primarily in the housings and a couple of features.

1.The E-M10 housing uses a vertical-travel shutter release near the front of the housing while the E-M1 has a horizontal-travel “trigger” or paddle near the right grip. To me it seems it would be difficult to use the E-M1 housing shutter release without using the right grip, while the E-M10 can be used conveniently with a single handle and a strap or even without a handle at all. But, perhaps depending somewhat on whether one uses the LCD or the EVF, and whether one intends to use one or two handles, one or the other types of shutter release may be more comfortable to use overall. This would be hard to tell without handling the housings.

2. The E-M1 permits greater flexibility in the use of various buttons and dials including the ability to use a rear paddle for focus instead of the shutter release button. Whether that flexibility is useful or not is a personal issue for each user depending on their photography "style."

3. There is a weight and size difference in the housings that may matter to some. Excluding the included tray and handles with he E-M1, I don't think the difference is great. On the other hand, if one is going to use two handles, the inclusion of those with the E-M1, and assuming you like the handles, probably adds $150 in value, or something in that range. It's been a while since I priced a tray and handles so I am not sure.

There are probably some other differences I am not remembering at the moment.

 

[JoeinLA]

Great points re: the housing ergonomics! I already have a tray/handles setup, so I'm covered there. The other benefit of the OMD-M1 is the 320 flash sync, but, at this point, I'm pretty convinced that the M10 is plenty good for my purposes!

Thanks for all the help. It's definitely useful to get these different perspectives, and to "talk it out"

 

[jd950]

I am sure you will enjoy the E-M10.