OM-1 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV

[Ccurnick]

I recently sold my TG-6 as well as my Sony A7Riii topside rig to purchase a better underwater system. I am currently deciding between the OM-1 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV. On the surface it looks like the specs are only marginally better on the OM-1. Ease of travel with the system is important to me. Video is not really that important, I primarily shoot macro/fish portraits.

Does anyone have experience with either? Or any recommendations on if the OM-1 is worth the higher price tag?

 

[tursiops]

I have the original E-M10, Mark 1 as it were. Been using it u/w in a Nauticam housing since 2014. One advantage over the M1 is the built-in flash, for triggering a strobe. The M1 has phase+contrast detection focusing; the M10 has contrast only; the M1 will focus faster and better, which is really important.

 

[BoltSnap]

On the surface it looks like the specs are only marginally better on the OM-1.

"Marginally better"? Are you serious? Did you read about the superior processor on the OM1, faster focusing, etc.?

 

[Ccurnick]

Yeah I realized my ignorance and I am going with the OM-1. I’m leaning towards the AOI housing and the Olympus 60mm macro and Panasonic 8mm for lenses. Anyone have any suggestions on others to look at? I really like the increased working distance of the 90mm but I’m not entirely sure I want to deal with the extra bulk required at the moment.

 

[BoltSnap]

I’m leaning towards the AOI housing

I am VERY partial to the Nauticam housings and accessories.

Olympus 60mm macro and Panasonic 8mm for lenses. Anyone have any suggestions on others to look at?

Perhaps the OLY 30mm is a better starter macro than the 60mm.

Also, take a look at the 12-40mm PRO II. It comes bundled with the OM1 camera at big savings.

OM Systems OM-1 Mirrorless Camera with 12-40mm Pro II Lens

OM Systems OM-1 Mirrorless Camera with 12-40mm Pro II Lens: As the flagship of the mirrorless OM system, the OM-1 is equipped with the industry’s latest technology to realize your most creative ideas.

www.backscatter.com

I really like the increased working distance of the 90mm but I’m not entirely sure I want to deal with the extra bulk required at the moment.

Not sure of what your experience level is but this isn't a "starter" lens. I'd get the 30mm before I'd get the 90mm myself. I am going to be buying the 90mm as soon as I can afford it but I have extensive experience with the 60 and the 12-50mm lenses. I don't think that I'd go for the 90mm from the beginning.

 

[tursiops]

I am VERY partial to the Nauticam housings and accessories.





Perhaps the OLY 30mm is a better starter macro than the 60mm.

Also, take a look at the 12-40mm PRO II. It comes bundled with the OM1 camera at big savings.

OM Systems OM-1 Mirrorless Camera with 12-40mm Pro II Lens

OM Systems OM-1 Mirrorless Camera with 12-40mm Pro II Lens: As the flagship of the mirrorless OM system, the OM-1 is equipped with the industry’s latest technology to realize your most creative ideas.

www.backscatter.com

Not sure of what your experience level is but this isn't a "starter" lens. I'd get the 30mm before I'd get the 90mm myself. I am going to be buying the 90mm as soon as I can afford it but I have extensive experience with the 60 and the 12-50mm lenses. I don't think that I'd go for the 90mm from the beginning.

Agreed. I use the 30 and the 60 a lot, and used to use the 12-50 macro (macro setting was 43). Although the 90 would be fun, I think it would be very hard to use and would not be a starter lens. The 12-40 PRO with something like a WWL-1 would be fantastic.

 

[Ccurnick]

I was looking at the 12-40 pro II as well but didn’t think having the 9” dome would be great to travel with. Might just get it for general use anyways in the bundle.

I also wasn’t looking at the nauticam housing for the same reason, but it’s difficult to gauge size without seeing them in person.

As far as experience goes I know my way around a camera topside. I shot macro photos on my Sony a7riii with the 90mm macro for years (technically underwater but in a fish tank ). Not the most experienced underwater photographer by any means though.

 

[Furnari]

The 12-40 works well in a 170mm dome; it's what I've used for years and it's a great option for those dives where you don't know what you're going to get. 170mm is a significant size difference compared to the 8" AOI dome, and enough of a difference to make a difference when traveling.

 

[Ccurnick]

Agreed. I use the 30 and the 60 a lot, and used to use the 12-50 macro (macro setting was 43). Although the 90 would be fun, I think it would be very hard to use and would not be a starter lens. The 12-40 PRO with something like a WWL-1 would be fantastic.

The 12-40 isn’t listed as compatible with the WWL-1… is this actually the case or are the docs just not updated?

 

[BoltSnap]

Agreed.

You and I agree on something???? Is the sun rising from the west or did hell freeze over?

used to use the 12-50 macro (macro setting was 43).

You don't use it anymore? Why?

The 12-40 PRO with something like a WWL-1 would be fantastic.

I can't find any reference to the WWL-1 being compatible with the 12-40mm lens. Did you mean to say the "WWL-1" or did you mean something else? I know that this 12-40mm is compatible with the ball busting home wrecker poor house driver WACP-1 but not the WWL-1.