Olympus OM-D E-M5

From Eugene Eric Kim

I have an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II.

Settings

  • A. AF.MF > MF Assist > Peaking > On
  • B. Button/Dial/Lever > Dial Direction > Exposure > Dial2
  • D. Disp/Sound/PC > Control Settings > P/A/S/M > Live Control > Unchecked
  • D. Disp/Sound/PC > Control Settings > P/A/S/M > Live SCP > Checked
  • D. Disp/Sound/PC > Backlist LCD > 8sec
  • D. Disp/Sound/PC > Sound > Off
  • I. Movie > Recording Volume > -10
  • K. Utility > Touch Screen Settings > Off
  • K. Utility > Quick Sleep Mode > On > Backlit LCD > 3sec
  • K. Utility > Quick Sleep Mode > On > Sleep > 1min

Video

To take a photo while shooting video, you must set your video mode to FHD (F) — MOV 1920x1080 Fine 30p, which is lower quality. Photos will be snapped in cropped mode and a lower resolution (3200x1800).

Sadly, I've noticed that the pre-amp introduces a lot of hiss, validated by this review, although apparently, it's been improved in current models..

Techniques

Double Exposures

Lenses

I have B+W Clear UV Haze filters for all my lenses.

I have two 58mm B+W ND filters with step-up filters for my other lenses:

See the Wikipedia page on ND filters as well as these threads.

I may get a 58mm CPL filter.

Flash

I have a Yongnuo 560 III flash and RF-602 wireless trigger. It's a manual-only flash. I have a light stand and umbrella for it, and I'm thinking about getting some gels. (More gel options.)

I also have the included FL-LM2 flash. I have a Demb Pop-Up Flip-It! Basic reflector and diffusor, but it doesn't quite fit the FL-LM2 correctly.

Tips on flash:

Metz, Yonguo, other options, oh my!

Bag

My exhaustive summary of my bags.

I have the BlackRapid Metro camera strap. In theory, the Snapr 35 would have been perfect, but it was not well-reviewed. I played with a hand strap, but it got in the way, so I'm going without. If I get one, I'd probably get the BlackRapid wrist strap to maintain a modular system.

Peak Design's Leash and Cuff looks like an interesting alternative to the BlackRapid, but I'm not ready to change yet.

I've got a generic padded insert, which holds the body and a few lenses, and which I can use in any of my bags.

I use a variety of Tom Bihn bags for most of my needs. I also have a Billingham Hadley Small.

History

  • November 20, 2017 — Sent my camera in for repair, but it was too old, so they sent me a reconditioned Mark II instead
  • February 27, 2013 — Got an Olympus OM-D E-M5