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