Olympus OM-D E-M1 Used: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you in the market for a versatile and powerful camera that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the Olympus OM-D E-M1. This used camera has been a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike due to its impressive features and build quality. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Olympus OM-D E-M1, covering everything from its specifications to its performance in various shooting conditions.
Design and Build Quality
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 boasts a sleek and modern design, with a magnesium alloy body that is both lightweight and durable. The camera measures approximately 5.5 x 3.6 x 2.1 inches and weighs around 17.1 ounces, making it a great choice for those who want a camera that is easy to carry around. The build quality is top-notch, with a weather-sealed body that can withstand harsh conditions.
One of the standout features of the E-M1 is its electronic viewfinder (EVF), which offers a high-resolution 2.36 million-dot display. This makes it easy to compose shots and preview settings, even in bright sunlight. The camera also features a tilting touchscreen LCD, which is great for shooting at different angles and framing shots from unconventional perspectives.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is powered by a 16.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic VII image processor. This combination allows the camera to capture high-quality images with excellent detail and dynamic range. The camera also offers a variety of shooting modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, and program, making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles.
One of the most impressive features of the E-M1 is its 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharp images, even when shooting handheld. This is particularly useful for long exposure photography, such as night landscapes or low-light portraits.
The camera also offers a fast and accurate autofocus system, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second. This makes it a great choice for sports and wildlife photography, where capturing fast-moving subjects is crucial.
Video Capabilities
In addition to its still photography capabilities, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is also a solid choice for videographers. The camera offers 4K video recording at 30p, as well as Full HD video recording at 60p. The 5-axis image stabilization also works during video recording, helping to produce smooth and stable footage.
The camera features a built-in microphone, but it also offers a 3.5mm external microphone input, allowing for improved audio quality. The tilting LCD screen is also great for framing shots and monitoring exposure during video recording.
Storage and Connectivity
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 uses a single SD card slot, which supports UHS-I and UHS-II cards for fast data transfer. This allows you to quickly capture and store high-resolution images and video without worrying about running out of space.
The camera also offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows you to easily transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for sharing on social media or editing on the go.
Accessories and Compatibility
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is compatible with a wide range of lenses from the Olympus Micro Four Thirds system. This includes prime lenses, zoom lenses, and specialty lenses, such as macro and fisheye lenses. The camera also offers a variety of accessories, including flashes, filters, and cases, to help you customize your photography experience.
One of the most popular accessories for the E-M1 is the Olympus OM-D FL-LM3 flash, which offers a guide number of 50 meters and is compatible with the camera’s built-in wireless flash control system. This allows you to easily create professional-looking flash photography with ease.
Used Market and Value
When considering a used Olympus OM-D E-M1, it’s important to understand the market and the value of the camera. The E-M1 was released in 2014 and has since been replaced by newer models, but it remains a highly sought-after camera due to its performance and features.
Prices for used E-M1 cameras can vary widely, depending on the condition, the accessories included, and the seller’s reputation. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000 for a well-maintained E-M1, which is a great deal considering its original retail price was around $1400.
