On 12/6/2014 1:24 AM, Philippe wrote:
Hi all,
My Goddaughter is spending a term at an American university starting early
January and would like to take a camera along with her that the family is
offering to her for Xmas.
We went to the shops yesterday after some questionning by your servant, and she
looked fairly attracted by the OMD M10.
Back home I checked on the prices at B&H and found they compare very favorably with EU
prices - you read dollars when it was euros … and you get a free lens into the
bargain.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1026114-REG/olympus_v207021su000_om_d_e_m10_mirrorless_micro.html
The idea would be, ordering the camera and having it delivered at her new
address in the US.
So here are some questions:
1) About the CAMERA:
Has anyone on the list been actually using the OMD M10?
If so, what is the user's feedback?
I've never even seen one. BUT, it's in essence a slightly simplified E-M5, which I find an admirable camera. Had I not
already bought a GX7 before it came out, I would almost certainly be using one for my second body. Between a revised
shutter and EFC (hidden in an obscure menu place), it appears to eliminate the E-M5's major drawback, the need to use a
1/8 sec. shutter delay to avoid shutter shock blurring in part of the speed range.
My question would be more about the Goddaughter's personality. My question is mostly about the kit lens in the B&H deal.
Is she the kind of person who won't mind twisting the lens out to take a shot, and releasing a little latch to twist it
closed?
Of course, I make a big deal about the lens because people get it and don't expect it to work that way, perhaps
especially young people used to compact cameras with auto extending and collapsing lenses, cell phones and tablets. AND,
it would drive me crazy as my primary lens.
If her personality fits the lens, and this sort of camera, you are fine. The camera has very good Auto options if that's
the way she chooses to use it. But it's also very capable as a serious camera with it's other ways of operating.
Oly does make a lens of the same focal length range and speed that extends when the camera turns on and the reverse. I
understand it is available in a kit in Europe, but not as yet in the US. Here, they are only selling it separately for
$350 or so. For another $30, you can get a lens cap that is left on all the time, and opens and closes like a compact
camera lens cover.
What's cool in it that you like?
Small, light, good controls, capable of competent fully automatic operation or complete control. Capable of making
really first quality images. Highly flexible, if you release the semi-hidden serious user's menu.
Better EVF and LCD than the M5.
What's not so cool with this camera?
Hmmm. My older granddaughter wants something much bigger, and all black, with a big lens, 'cause apparently kids that
age (15) are stuck in the past about what a serious camera is - or looks like - if only to impress her contemporaries. :-)
For me, the three axis IBIS isn't as cool as the five in the M5 and M1, but the difference in use isn't much for
anything but macro(ish).
--------------------------
If I were buying, and it were for a kid who is not a viewfinder user, which is most of them, used to composing on the
screen of phone, tablet and/or compact camera, I'd be looking at an E-PM2, same sensor and IBIS in a much more compact
body, with a power zoom, either the older Panny 14-42 X lens or the new Oly EZ lens. Or maybe E-PL5/6, if I thought she
would really use the Mode dial and tilt screen for selfies.
2) About the SHOP
Has anyone over there in the US encountered problems buying from B&H?
B&H has got to be one of the very most reliable sellers in the US, if not the world. Like Nathan, I've bought from them
what seems like forever.
Has anyone had to use their after-sales / repair service?
I've had to return a couple of things that didn't work correctly out of the box, and their service was first rate. Their
Olys are all covered by OlyAmerica's warranty, not B&H. I've only had one use for repair of an E Oly. It was a refurb
bought from Cameta (another reliable shop), who extend Oly's 90 day warranty on refurbs to a year. Somewhere out around
11 months, a relatively minor function failed. I sent it off to them, they sent it on to Oly and it came back properly
repaired fairly promptly.
Moose D'Opinion
--
What if the Hokey Pokey *IS* what it's all about?
--
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