TG6 to OM-D E-M10 MARK IV?

[Kimela]

I could probably find the information I need here by selecting threads for ‘this’ and ‘that’. I apologize ahead of time if I missed the thread that would answer all my questions.

I’ve been using my TG6 for several years and get pretty good shots. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do, but I think it’s time to ‘take the next step’. I’m looking at the M10 Mark IV and I’ve got a few questions that are a bit basic but will help with this decision. Btw, today is Saturday and Backscatter (East) is only open Monday-Friday.

• I’m looking at the 60MM lens as it’s supposed to be good (but not the best option) for macro. How does it do with shots of things in the distance - ya know, that shark or manta ray that decides to buzz by?
• How much of a learning curve will there be, going from the TG6 to the Mark IV? The controls on the back and the functionality appear to be similar to the TG (and that’s what Robin says in the video from Backscatter) - but in real life, does it feel much similar?
• The TG’s video is sketchy. The video captured (and as it’s recording) fades in and out here and there. How’s the video on the Mark IV?
• I’m assuming the ‘set it and forget it’ settings work the same as on the TG (love this feature). Does it really have this feature, and if yes, does it work the same as on the TG? I rely on the C1 and C2 quite a lot.
• I see it’s much lighter than some of the higher end cameras without sacrificing a lot of the features of the higher end cameras. Is this true to your experience? Is it fairly light on the boat and carrying on flights?
• If you have made the switch from the TG do you LOVE it? Is it meh? Worth the money?
• If you got the 60MM, do you wish you’d spent a little more and gotten the 90MM?
• I’m thinking of getting the Backscatter octopus design housing that has the vacuum seal. If you have that housing (with or without the octo design), how do you like the vacuum seal? Has it saved your camera on dives when you didn’t realize you had a leak?

Thanks in advance. It’s a lot of money for a camera - but appears to be a lot of camera/rig for the money. I want to spend my camera dollars wisely.

 

[gschaut]

You can only call yourself a photographer if your equipment costs more than the car you haul it in.

 

[Kimela]

You can only call yourself a photographer if your equipment costs more than the car you haul it in.

I drive a 2011 Honda Element. We’re getting close!

EDIT: I just looked at how much my car would cost today. I’m not a photographer.

 

[BoltSnap]

Just a quick question before I attempt to answer some of your questions: Why not choose the OM-5?

 

[Barmaglot]

It's still a CDAF-only camera. If your budget can stretch a bit, you could look at a PDAF-capable camera like E-M1 III or OM-1 - they will give you much more quick and accurate autofocus, while using the same lenses and other accessories. Keep in mind that a whole rig, with strobes/lights and other accessories, will run at least several thousand regardless, while a $500 difference in camera body will massively boost its overall capability.

 

[BoltSnap]

Keep in mind that a whole rig, with strobes/lights and other accessories, will run at least several thousand regardless, while a $500 difference in camera body will massively boost its overall capability.

This is the most critical advice.

It's still a CDAF-only camera. If your budget can stretch a bit, you could look at a PDAF-capable camera like E-M1 III or OM-1 - they will give you much more quick and accurate autofocus, while using the same lenses and other accessories.

Knowing and considering this before making your final purchasing decision is very important.

 

[Kimela]

Just a quick question before I attempt to answer some of your questions: Why not choose the OM-5?

I’m trying to keep the profile small(er). My husband has the OM-I and he says the 5 would be about the same size. That’s too big for me. Here’s the TG6 in the PT059 and the Mark IV in the (super fun) housing.

 

[d^2b]

I’m trying to keep the profile small(er). My husband has the OM-I and he says the 5 would be about the same size. That’s too big for me. Here’s the TG6 in the PT059 and the Mark IV in the (super fun) housing.

So you plan to use it without strobes? Once it's in a tray with a couple of strobes I would imagine the size difference is less dramatic. Although the OM-5 might actually be heavier / bigger than the OM-1 depending on choice of housing.

 

[d^2b]

About the vacuum, I can answer a related question, which is that I had a housing (without a vacuum system) flood, and a vacuum system would have caught it (thread in the seal). My next housing will have a vacuum system.

About CDAF vs PDAF, the EM5.iii or OM5 also support PDAF afaik.

 

[Trilobite]

It's still a CDAF-only camera. If your budget can stretch a bit, you could look at a PDAF-capable camera like E-M1 III or OM-1 - they will give you much more quick and accurate autofocus, while using the same lenses and other accessories.

Hi,

Have you used the EM10 mk iv or are you basing this claim on assumptions about autofocus systems? In any event, it is contary to my experience. I use the mk iv underwater and the OM-1 and E-M1 mk ii above water. In practice, I'd say the AF performance is similar except the OM-1 would be superior for bird photography because of the bird/creature detect AI and both the OM-1 and E-M1 mk ii when you need to focus on a very small part of the frame or a subject at great distance because of the smaller focus area option.