Why would you design a camera like this?

This week I'm taking photos at home in Llandudno with the OM SYSTEM OM-5. This is the first video in a new series I'm excited about, so let me know what you think :)

---

---

MUSIC:

MB017AOIKS1KOLL

[evolvingphotons]

On most Olympus’s or OM’s the function lever can be reassigned as the power switch, so one handed operation is back

[philiphighe]

Interestingly, this shows how important the photographer's style and post-processing are: this may be a very different camera, but the photographs look and feel just like James's pictures.

[leonspok]

FYI, the lever on the back panel can be used as a power switch, so you can use with just one hand

[Localtraveler]

So, James, how do you feel about the power switch? I wish you had covered that in your video.

[marsmccollum]

Your videos have brought me so much joy, comfort when I'm sick, and exploration when life feels stagnant. Thank you.

[desmtb]

I may be wrong but I think I picked up a hint that you didn’t like the position of the power switch?

[hppxu]

Sleep mode is your friend! Toggle this on in the menu and the camera will go to sleep within a few seconds of shooting to conserve power. Half press the shutter button and it is instantly on again. I only use the on/off button to turn mine on at the beginning of the day, and turn it off at the end (or when I know I won't be using it for an hour or two). Sleep mode uses a tiny amount of battery, and I always carry a spare battery or two - at 46g each they weigh next to nothing and slip into the smallest of pockets. (As an aside, video eats battery on the OM-5, but just taking photos a single battery lasts for as long as I can reasonably get away from the family to indulge my photography interests.)

Also, if lens size bothers you on this tiny camera (it does me - I like to be able to pocket it) then the 17mm f/1.8 is half the size and weight, and cheap. For landscape and family photos the difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is negligible. The 17mm is plastic, not intended for wet weather, and doesn't have perfect IQ (though more than good enough for most styles of photography). If it dies after being out in the rain (I used non-weather sealed lenses for years without much of a problem) then simply buy another - you can afford three for the price of the bulkier 20mm PRO. I would only choose the 20mm PRO if I was going to a sandy beach, the weather was awful, or if I really needed that extra speed (less than one stop) or a razor thin DoF.

Also the Pana Leica 9mm f1.7, which is weather sealed and has amazing IQ, pairs fantastically with this camera if you are looking for an fast ultra wide compact setup for indoor and outdoor work.

[Dreyno]

The advantage of a silver and black camera is that, whilst more noticeable, people tend to think it’s an old film camera. The thought of someone taking your photo and having it printed seems less disturbing than having a digital image of you that they can put online.

[DTUFINOPhotography]

As a canon r5 user i love this camera. I use it ONLY wth the panasonic 20mm f1.7 for travel and everyday shooting and i love it.

[johnehman]

I always appreciate hearing a photographer’s perspective on how a particular camera is in sync (or not) with one’s personal practice.

[jessejayphotography]

My eye just really likes that 4:3 aspect ratio.

[steventaylor]

Just bought the original mark 1 EM5 used exc cond for £160……absolutely fantastic alternative to the ridiculously priced compact market and in most ways better / higher spec. Love it 🎉

[ianforber]

I have a Leica M11 and the OM5 Mk2. If I’m eating an ice cream, I’m concentrating on the ice cream and not a one handed camera operation!

[ericaceous]

Bloody hell, you've certainly been catching some flak in these comments!
Hope you don't take it to heart, it's good to have many points of view, and I think it's to the detriment of us all if we sit siloed by manufacturer/lens mount and merely congratulate ourselves on the unique brilliance of the system we use.
Appreciate your videos James, cheers from Derbyshire

[timelliston]

I now own an OM-5, having had Canon, and I agree about the power swtich, but everything is remappable on the OM-5, so you can really make it your own. Having multiple batteries is the answer, as with any camera and letting standby do its job. The really frustrating thing about camera design, try being a left hander and having to shoot and do everything right handed no matter what camera you own that can be frustrating. This was a really interesting to hear your thoughts on the OM-5 and the M4/3 format. Looking forward to the next 'a day with' video. Thank you.

[dhlininger]

James, I’ll not go on about how you can remap the on/off location to the right side. What I will go on about is the photos you took. They are every bit as good as your current camera. I have always loved the look you get and these are right there. By the way my everyday carry is a Pen E-P3 which has the film like look that I like.

[adrianalfonsoesteve]

A pity you didn't find out that the ON/OFF function can be assigned to the FN lever. With this simple adjustment you would have improved your feeling with the camera a lot...

[JeevesTCW]

Great new series. You may not like the camera but you’ve taken some fab shots. Glad you loved the Orig E-M5 and thanks for confirming that we all get grumpier with age .. thought it was just me 👍

[rogeryoung]

User Manual: _The Fn lever can be configured to turn the camera on and off. Custom Menu B > [Fn Lever/Power Lever] (P. 275)_

[toddm]

I really think Olympus is the ultimate travel 📸 camera 😊