Got the Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6

As much as I like ultimate image quality, there is no such tangible thing.  Sure, you can buy a Medium Format system and tweak every setting but unless it conveys the emotions you feel, is all the work worth it?

Since I photograph sports, the Panasonic GM5 seemed an odd choice.  It’s tiny and because of that, it’s big on compromise.  e.g., the mechanical shutter only goes to 1/500 of a second.

At the time, I got the GM5 with the 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens and the 42.5mm f/1.7 Power OIS lens.  I already had the Panasonic/Leica 15mm f/1.7 and the 25mm f/1.7 lenses.

For a while, I’ve struggled with telephoto shots.  Since I have a heart defect that is killing me, I can’t just run (or walk) where I want to be.  Sometimes, I have trouble standing.

Now, I have the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 lens, plus my Olympus ZD 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 and SHG 35-100mm f/2.0 lenses.  Even the small Panasonic lens is rather too big for the GM5.

As the Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 is often available with a US$100 rebate, I decided to try it.  It seems to be the tiniest telephoto zoom lens I’ve ever seen.  Panasonic’s 35-100mm f/4.0-5.6 may be smaller but I had so little luck with the 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 that I didn’t want to spend the extra money.  Besides, the extra 50mm of reach was useful.

The salesperson referred to it as “the cheap lens” and kind of choked on his words.  I didn’t see the manager, but I nodded and grinned.  US$100 is a low price for a lens, with rebate, of course.  At US$200, it’s probably overpriced, but they run the rebate so often, does anyone pay full price?  The Panasonic 35-100mm f/4.0-5.6 designed for the GM5 was US$250.  This 40-150mm is the third US$100 lens, after the Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 and the 25mm f/1.7.

The one thing I noticed right after removing it from the bubble wrap was that it had a plastic mount.  I remembered all the original Canon Digital Rebel/300D bodies with part of the kit lens still mounted while the rest of the lens was not attached.  I’m a bit rough on my equipment but I treat the GM5 with more care, so maybe it will be fine.

The lens is light, consistent with its small maximum aperture.  It looks fairly big on the GM5 but not any worse than my 35-100mm f/2.0 on the Olympus E-1.

40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 35-100mm f/2.8

50-200mm 40-150mm 35-100mm f/2.8 and f/2.0

Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 beside GM5 and 12-32mm

Panasonic 12-32mm beside Olympus 40-150mm on GM5

Panasonic 12-32mm beside Olympus 40-150mm on GM5

Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 on GM5

At US$199.99, I want to compare it to a Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 I had for Nikon that cost exactly that.  With over 11x zoom, the Tamron was quite useful and I knew that there would be deficiencies.  The Olympus lens is just under 4x zoom range and should be quite clear, for the same price.  It isn't bad, but at the 150mm end, the results so far haven't been consistent.  I've tried it on the GM5 and E-M1 so far but not on the GH4 or GX8.  I may have to re-work my grip on the GM5 for maximum stability, especially while shooting at skate parks.

Panasonic GM5 is tiny but quite usable

I'm adapting to the Panasonic GM5 after years of using SLRs and dSLRs.  To say that it is small would be an understatement.  My first photo of the camera was in front of a $1 bill.  The GM5 was smaller.  It's smaller than a smartphone, as well.

25mm, GM5 with 42.5mm, 15mm, and 12-32mm

Smaller than a $1 bill

It seems impressive that internally, it is much the same as the Panasonic GX7.  The big compromise is that the mechanical shutter can't go faster than 1/500th of a second.  If there is any chance you would mistake this for a camera for sports, you'll notice the shutter speed limitations immediately.  For many people, this might not be a problem because the electronic shutter goes to 1/16000th of a second, jello effects included, as necessary.  Thinking back, my first SLR had a top shutter speed of 1/750th of a second when 1/1000th of a second was a premium shutter speed.

The other significant compromise is the battery capacity, at 680 mAh.  I'm not sure whether the GX8 battery is worse for the size or not.  The GH4 is the only micro Four-Thirds body that doesn't seem to have a lower than expected battery capacity, at 1860 mAh.  I joked when I bought the GM5 that I should buy another 14 batteries.  Pressing the DISP button enough times will shut off the rear display for normal use, and you can still press the Play button to display your photos and video.

GX8 isn't huge but the GM5 is tiny

GX8 behind the GM5

GH4 behind the GM5

Olympus E-5 behind the GM5

As you can see from these photos, it is tiny.  All of these camera bodies use the same size (13.0mm x 17.3mm) of sensor, although the dSLR contains the mirror box which makes everything much bigger.

Four-Thirds 35-100mm f/2.0 obscures the GM5

 

 

There is no grip on the front of the GM5--the textured surface may help a bit, as does the thumb hold at the rear, beneath the mode dial.

The optional grip on the GM1

I'm not quite sure about the use of the optional grip.  Currently at US$79.99, it isn't horribly expensive but it doesn't do much, providing more clearance for larger lenses so that the combination doesn't fall backward.  There is also a third party grip, made of aluminum, that looks very useful, but doesn't add any extra clearance below the body.

I was quick to order the strap you can see in my photos of the GM5.  US$37 + shipping seems a small price to pay for the security of photographic equipment.  I pay about the same for my phone cases, although I can feel safe dropping my phone.  Nauti Straps are made from cable used in the sailing industry, so they're quite strong.

I've also ordered two batteries and a small case, so that I can carry the miniature kit with me.  The Lowepro Urban Reporter 150 Messenger Bag for Micro-compact DSLR or CSC Cameras is currently US$29.99 at Adorama and seems appropriate for the GM5 and a few lenses and supplies.  Strangely, I've been using the lens bag for the 42.5mm f/1.7 to hold the GM5 + kit zoom lens, and it sits just above my GH4 in my big bag.

I'm still working on taking time to go out with the GM5 and a few lenses to get some photos.  At the moment, I either take everything with me or just the GM5 and one lens.

The 25mm f/1.7 isn't always resistant to flare, even w/hood.

Update 2016.08.10: Trying the GM5 in lower light but not complete darkness is frustrating.  Around sunset, it didn't want to lock focus as quickly as the GX8 or GH4.  Obviously, the small size doesn't allow as much processing power, but smart phones still do well.  The GM5 actually seemed better in the dark, but it might be that I had lower expectations at that time.

It is still a lot of fun.  I have a bag for the GM5 and easy pockets up top for the 15mm f/1.7, 25mm f/1.7, and 42.5mm f/1.7.  There is also room for the Olympus 8mm f/1.8 fisheye, extra cards, and the two extra batteries that are so necessary for a few hours of use.

As you can see from these photos, the GM5 can capture action shots, with some anticipation.  It isn't a sports-oriented camera body but it can be used in a pinch.  These were taken with the kit 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom.  The 32mm isn't nearly long enough but considering the tiny lens and the idea of keeping a complete kit so tiny, it's more than good enough.  I also carry the 42.5mm f/1.7, 25mm f/1.7, 15mm f/1.7, and 8mm f/1.8 fisheye lens and they keep it competitive, but as I've already mentioned, it isn't the fastest in lower light conditions.

The 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 is unusual for a kit lens.  It is quite sturdy, and seems to contain more metal than most kit lenses.  Of course, this body and lens kit had a suggested retail price of US$899.99, so that might have something to do with it.

Oly 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 and GM5 with 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6

Pana 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 and GM5 with Oly 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6

Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 and Pana 35-100mm f/2.8

 

Update 2016.11.16: I've added the Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 lens to my bag and it's tiny for what it is, but seems quite big on the GM5.  However, the Olympus 8mm f/1.8 fisheye lens is much, much heavier, probably weighing as much as everything else.

Panasonic GM1 -- The micro micro Four-Thirds camera body

The rumors said that it was coming, but nothing had prepared us for just how small it was.

Many people complain that a certain camera body is too big.  They must have tiny hands.  The GM1 is the cure.

It's about the size of the Sony RX100, but with a larger sensor--another product in the Sony-Panasonic war to win the hearts and minds of the Japanese people.

Panasonic GM1 Width 98.5mm x Height 54.9mm x Depth 30.4mm
Olympus E-PM2 Width 109.8mm x Height 64.2mm x Depth 33.8mm

Compared to the Olympus mini, it's a bit smaller--micro-ish.

The 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 lens seems too good to be true.  Sure, it's not much for low light, but apparently, it has very high optical quality for a kit zoom.  The lens with the body is US$749.99.  I thought that was high, but is there another magnesium alloy mirror-less system camera anywhere close to this small?

Panasonic also announced a 15mm f/1.7 lens that should arrive in 2014.  That lens has an aperture ring, which is likely the first on micro Four-Thirds.  Leica-labeled lenses on Four-Thirds had aperture rings and this 15mm is definitely labeled as a Leica lens.  Does this mean that Leica have an intention to use this as a basis for their own tiny camera, as they did with the Panasonic DMC-L1 that became the Digilux 3?

Leica 15mm f/1.7 with aperture ring

The weird bit about the 12-32mm lens is that it has the zoom ring, but no manual focus ring.  There isn't enough room for that since it's a collapsible design.  Manual focus is implemented through the rear display.  I suspect that it would be easier to put the camera on a tripod and use the Lumix app to control the camera from a smart phone or tablet.

It's strange, but I feel somewhat enthusiastic about this certain model.  I normally want something large enough to hold easily, such as the Panasonic GH3, but the GM1 looks easy to slip away, even with its pronounced grip.  They will have a grip available, but I would expect it to be tiny as well.  You can see from the photo that it's not entirely huge.

GM1 with huge grip

http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras-dslm/dmc-gm1k.html

I was thinking that this would be a good camera to carry.  The other Four-Thirds models such as the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic GF6 aren't really pocket-able, and if it doesn't fit in my pocket, why bother?  I'll just continue to use my phone.

Update: 2013.12.04: I've seen a couple of great deals on the E-PM2 with two lenses.  One of the deals even lets you pay US$66.66 for each of 6 months.  It still won't make the E-PM2 pocketable but it will make the price more easily digestible.

Update: 2014.01.14: Tyson Robichaud takes a good look at the camera.  He seems to be thinking about what I've been thinking.

Also, they still haven't introduced the all black version here.  They have orange/silver and a black/silver versions available, but that's all for now.  It seems to be well-received overall.  I noticed that Panasonic is selling the 12-32mm kit lens separately for US$349.99, which seems a bit high for something that apparently doesn't have a manual focus ring.  Of course, if I complain about the 35-100mm being too small to easily manually focus, I suppose the 12-32mm is something I'd want on automatic.

Update 2014.02.18: The other day, I sent my Panasonic 35-100mm lens for repair.  I was considering buying a lens or this camera to keep me occupied--that sounds odd.  I have very little micro Four-Thirds equipment, so I'm down to the GH3, 45-200mm lens, and the Olympus MMF-3 adapter for Four-Thirds lenses.  I really like the all-black GM1, but I don't care as much for the black with silver and I really don't like the orange with silver.  The US$50 discount is great, but if I can't get what I want, should I bother?  Given that the lens by itself is so much, that leaves the body as US$350 with the current discount, about half the price of the set.  That isn't much for such a well-made, strong body.   However, US$699.99 is a lot when my GH3 could easily be replaced with the GH4, or I could buy an Olympus 12-40mm lens, or give up and move to the FujiFilm X-T1.

Update 2014.03.16: They must be having trouble selling these, as the price is dropping quite a lot.  It's almost US$100 cheaper lately.  I'd love to buy one, but my GH3 replacement has to be my priority, especially since I bought the Olympus 12-40mm lens.  I wonder if the Leica/Panasonic 15mm f/1.7 lens would be worth it.  The GH3 would still be big inside a restaurant, but a wide angle, bright lens would be useful.

Update 2014.04.26: So, the early word is that the lens is good but not great.  I thought they would have learnt their lesson after the 25mm f/1.4 lens turned out to be little more than average.  I really wish that they'd used more glass.  I've made mention in the past about the 46mm filter size but obviously, the front optic doesn't take advantage of all that space within the housing.  For US$599.99 it should use every optical means of resolving an image.  I can forgive that the 12-32mm f/3.5-56 isn't amazing, simply because it's a kit lens.

Still, the GM1 + 15mm f/1.7 looks like a potent package at US$999.99, and it is less expensive than the FujiFilm X100s.  The fact that I can put an adapter on my Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 lens and connect the GM1 to it makes it extremely powerful--and a bit of a spectacle.  It's probably a funny reason to have a tripod.  Obviously, that is not a good combination for food photography in a restaurant, unless they hire someone professionally.

GM1 with Four-Thirds Leica/Panasonic 25mm f/1.4

Update 2014.09.15: About a week ago, I looked at the GM1 again.  It didn't have as good a price as I could have paid in June.  Plus, there was the possibility of the GM5 being real, so I didn't buy it.  I would like to have the EVF available and the GM5 has it.  The GM5 doesn't replace the GM1 but adds to the line.

Update 2014.11.14: I still haven't bought anything new.  The GM5 does look rather appealing, what with the viewfinder and the hot shoe.  There was a recent deal from Adorama on the GM1 that included a US$100 gift card and that made the effective price very inexpensive at roughly US$500.  It was appealing for about a minute, and I went back to thinking about the GM5, even though it still shows "Pre-Order" for October 2014.  US$900 seems high but not horrible.  I'm still wishing for a GM5/15mm f/1.7 kit.  I'm half-surprised that I haven't been back to the store to buy the 15mm lens, especially since I'm often across the street from there.