I don't like the E-M5's power switch either but I'm glad they didn't use
the GX7 as a model. The GX7 gets away with that position since the
switch is around the base of the mode dial. But the E-M1 has that space
reserved for the rear control dial. Changing the locations of the front
and rear control dials (made possible by the grip) is what makes the
E-M1 such an ergonomic improvement over the E-M5. But I suppose the
power switch could have been positioned under the E-M1's mode dial,
preferably (I think) on the front side.
Don Holbrook sent me a bunch of links regarding the E-M1 one of which is
the Imaging Resource review
<http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/olympus-e-m1/olympus-e-m1A.HTM>
The review is highly complementary of the E-M1 *except* the location of
the power switch. The reviewer says:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Power switch on left side? In one last note on the top left controls,
the placement of the On/Off switch on the left side is an odd and -- I
think -- incorrect choice. With the power switch on the right, which is
conventional placement, it's possible to take a camera from a bag or
from a position slung on a camera strap and to bring it up into shooting
position while flicking on the power with one finger. This isn't
possible with the E-M1, and either two hands -- or one hand and an
awkward reach-around -- is required to switch the camera on. I can't
stress enough how much I dislike having the power switch on the left
side of the camera and I think many photographers will feel the same.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
You're apparently one of those people who feel the same. I don't really
care and assume that the power switch is where it's at for better use of
space in the already crowded right side. If I have ever needed to
switch on the camera simultaneously with withdrawing it from it's bag
with one hand I don't remember it. My camera is generally hanging from
a neck strap and I grab it with 2 hands when I pick it up.
I'm a left-eyed shooter and the positions of the control wheels on the
E-M5 make them difficult to use. The E-M1 resolves that for me. I
should still practice on changing to right-eyed shooting since my right
eye is a bit stronger and the AEL/AFL (focus for me) would be a bit
easier to reach if I did. However, it's difficult to break 50 years of
camera shooting habits. I still like my E-M5 but I'm already loving my
E-M1 and I haven't taken anything more than a couple of test shots.
Chuck Norcutt
On 1/28/2015 5:19 PM, Moose wrote:
I keep reaching for the power switch in the wrong place but it's
similar to an OM film body power switch so that shouldn't take much
more getting used to.
I've never gotten used to the switch on the E-M5. It's just in the wrong
place for me, and my only ergonomic gripe. The classic OM location is
better, but still not ideal. I wish they had used a GX7 and realized how
perfect its on/off switch location is.
Switched On Moose
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