Olympus OM-D E-M5

[Phil Rudin 461]

Hi Don,

 

First Zen underwater makes an adapter for three of the four PEN ports to the EM5 housing. The only port which would not work with the adapter is the 8mm fisheye so a new Zen port has been made for that lens. If you have a stock flat port from another Olympus PEN housing it will also work with the adapter for the 14-42 and 60mm macro. What does not work well with the Olympus EM5 housing is your ability to see into the outstanding EVF. If you are an owner of Olympus DSLR ports like the 170mm glass dome port you can also get an adapter from Olympus for that and use 43 DSLR lenses with adapter.

 

When you add up the cost of going with the Olympus housing and the cost of the Nauticam with ports and gears depending on lenses the cost difference is not that much when you consider the LARGE differences between the two housings. If you want to use the EVF the Nauticam housing is the only way to go. The number of lenses supported by Nauticam is larger and the housing quality differences is like night and day.

 

If you already have a large investment in Zen ports for PEN or DSLR ports for 43 the Olympus housing will be the most cost effectIve.

 

I would rather go with the Olympus housing and ZEN Underwater ports than to go10Bar.

 

Phil Rudin

Edited October 25, 2012 by Phil Rudin

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Phil, do you have a link for the Zen port for the 8mm fisheye. Alex

[Phil Rudin 461]

Hello Alex,

 

I have attached a link to the Zen Underwater page with the information. Also be aware that a ZEN adapter is near ready for the Nauticam mirrorless housings (including NA-EM5) which will allow the use of Subal type 3 ports like the ZEN DP-100-S3 port for the 8mm fisheye. I have used a prototype and it is quite good with the fisheye lens. I plan to test it with the Olympus 12mm F/2 as soon as I get the final product. I will also be interested to try a large type-3 poet for split images with the fisheye and 7-14 zoom.

 

Also will you be attending the show in Marseille next week?

 

http://www.zenunderwater.com/news.php

 

http://reefphoto.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6013

 

Phil Rudin

[derway 2]

Thanks Phil! I didn't know about those zen adapters. At least, if I go oly, I won't be stuck with only 1 port, plus adapters for all the big and slow 4/3 ports.

 

Though once you add on a zen port, yes, the nauticam say with a 14-28 port, immediately makes more sense.

 

What is really attracting me is the oly epl5 and oly houing, which should be around $1500 all up. Same as the cheapest nauticam one port configuration.

[Phil Rudin 461]

The E-PL5 system with the 14-42 zoom Olympus housing and lens gear should run around $1575 as you say. No Nauticam housing for the E-PL5 has yet been announced to compare to but I would guess the price would be about the same as the NA-EM5 housing.

 

The issue is that to suggest that the E-PL5 and the OMD E-M5 are at all like cameras is a stretch just as the 14-42 and 12-50 "kit" lenses are not at all alike. You will be getting what you pay for in both cases. The E-M5 EVF is well worth the extra cost alone.

 

If cost is your biggest concern and you are happy to use the LCD you may want to look at the Sony RX100 and the Nauticam housing.

 

Phil Rudin

Edited October 25, 2012 by Phil Rudin

[guyharrisonphoto 21]

Hi Don,

 

I am a Nauty, Nauty boy. Just took the plunge on a complete Nauticam OM-D system, moving up from an E-PL2.

 

There is just no comparison between the cameras and the housings. The om-D is worlds faster and more configurable and more versatile that the PEN series, and it is built like a tank including weather sealing. It can survive a housing leak that immerses it in saltwater (but not a full-pressure flood). Faster AF, great handling, best manual exposure controls I have ever seen with instant adjustability. I could go on and on, but let's just stop at the viewfinder, which is amazing and all you need for both still and video shooting. There is never even a need to look at the screen underwater. No chimping and if you have older eyes, no struggling to focus or get your mask diopter in the right place to see the screen. By itself, the EVF takes the shooting experience to a whole different level.

 

the Nauticam housing is the equal of this fine camera. Perfectly placed controls and buttons, great half-press feel on the shutter release, good view of the EVF, built like a tank. There is no, and I mean no, comparison between the quailty of the Nauty housing and that of the Olympus.

 

If $$ are a serious concern, I would start with the OM-D with the 14-42 basic zoom in a standard Nauty port. Not a bad lens and you can actually get decent macro with a diopter. The basic port would also fit the Pana 45mm macro later on for true ultra-macro without buying another port. You can then add wide angle later. You get the idea, add things as $$ become available.

 

If you spend the extra to go with the OM-D now, you will really enjoy it far into the future and much more than the PEN series. It is the diference between an excellent casual camera and a full-on professional one.

 

Having invested my hard earned $$$ (and lots of them) to make the switch I can certainly say it was well worth it.

[derway 2]

I already own the OMD and 12-50. Just balking at the price of the naughty, and the lack of ports for the oly.

 

If the naughty 12-50 port, at least gave us manual zoom, for that $800, I would go fo it, but motorized zoom? For real? Point and wait and maybe someday....

 

I guess you haven't read about the epl5 - same sensor and quick focus as the omd. True, no evf, (but add on one for above water), and more steps to adjust M mode.

 

The view finder argument is not so clear for me, underwater, though I love it on land. Smashing up my nose against the housing, or looking comfortably from a distance, underwater. Hmm, which to go for?

 

Spend more money, to get the 45 and the 180 degree view finders! Sheesh. This is a little hobby for some of us, not an obsession, trying ot be a buisness!

 

The $1500 for an EPL5 and oly housing, compared to that much for a naughty housing alone, with a dumb port.

[jlyle 8]

Personally, I'm very happy with my EM-D/Nauticam - fast, ergonomic, small, vivid color...etc.

 

I've used Oly housings and they're good, but the Nauticam is a huge step above the Olys.

 

There are two groups of people in the world, those who put the toilet paper on the roll with the paper hanging over, and those who prefer it hanging behind. Add to that the two groups of u/w photographers who like view finders and those who prefer the LCD. I'm an LCD person - it works just fine; I see no reason to use the EVF or an add-on viewfinder. Personal choice.

 

BTW, the 12-50 lens port will also work with the 60mm macro lens.

 

Unfortunately, underwater photography is a hole in the ocean into which I periodically throw money. Some one said the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

[derway 2]

Does the 12-50 port allow manual zoom? Or is it motorized zoom only?

[guyharrisonphoto 21]

Motorized only, but there seems to be a misconception about this being "slow" zoom. It is a two-speed zoom, slow when you slightly turn the ring, faster when you turn it more. The "fast" speed is plenty for any normal use. It is not as "fast" as a hard twist of the ring manually, that is true, but I never have had the situation where I have to convulsively twist the zoom and then compose a shot. Plus, the smooth slow zoom is outstanding when you are in video mode, way better than you can get with manual zooming.

 

I assume Nauty had to compromise as to accessing only one zoom mode. In my view they made the right choice in accessing the power zoom.

 

Also, I am not disrespecting the image quality of the PL5. I was very happy with the image quality of my PL2 the last two years and I know the PL5 has as good a sensor as the OM-D. But, since you already have the OM-D, why not house it and get all the advantages of its faster and easier operation and higher performance? If you want to save $$$, you can get the oly housing for around $950, and you can afford a port for the same price as the Nauty housing alone. Before you do that I would recommend you physically put your hands on each one.

 

I do understand about $$$. But, I live in Florida and do 80-100 dives a year, more if I do a diving vacation to some other destination. I shoot lots of photos, so, for me, I spend more $$$ on this hobby than is good for me! I thought long and hard, and had to sell some other gear, to get the OM-D set-up. Having done it, I don't regret the extra money (in fact I am supremely happy with my system), but that is my choice.

 

As for the viewfinder, that is personal as well, I am 54 and my eyes just don't focus well on the LCD screen. I also hate chimping with the camera held far away. It is hard to compose and concentrate on the edges of the frame. I have a diopter in my mask but have to struggle to get it in the right place to see. The standard Nauty housing does allow an adequate view of the EVF, and, just a hunch, once you dive it a few times, especially in bright shallow water, you will be very happy to press your mask up to the EVF. You will REALLY notice the difference when you go to macro shooting. My understanding is that the Oly housing for the OM-D does not really allow any adequate view of the EVF and is useless that way.

 

Another reason to get you hands on the different housings before you buy.

 

The external finder is a huge indulgence, but also a huge improvement. I figure that I will keep that until my diving comes to an end, and just transfer it to whatever housing I get in the future if I change rigs. Certainly it is not a necessity to enjoy the EVF with the Nauty housing alone, but it was some of the best money I have spent! I do not see a need for the 180 finder with this system.

[Conny3479 5]

Hi,

here are some brand new Photos from Bali and Pulau Pef in Raja Ampat.

http://marine-snapsh...2 - New Photos/

 

Underwater taken with the EM5 in the Nauticam Housing an the Pana 8mm Fisheye or the Pana 14-42 (+ 2 Inon 165 Diopter) and 2 Inon D2000 Strobes.

Handling was very good and the housing is a little bit negative, but not that much. I only use the LCD screen and it worked quite good. I hope to get the new Port for the 12-50mm and 60mm Macro soon...

 

Conny

Edited October 29, 2012 by Conny3479

[MikeO 5]

Conny,

 

Very nice stuff. Were all the shots on that page done with the Oly, or just the Bali and Raja galleries? I'm also curious about some of the shots. Were some run through an artistic filter (in particular, some of the nudi shots)?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[Alex_Mustard 0]

I've got my underwater lenses now (8mm and 60mm), but didn't get the housing yet because I am waiting for the 60mm port to be ready.

 

I took the camera to the UK Dive Show at the weekend and let lots of SLR photographers have a play with it - and everyone who tries it is really impressed.

 

Alex

[Yako 8]

Hi to all,

 

I'm using Nikon D300 with S&S housing and 105mmVR, 60mm (sometimes I use a 1.4 dup with it...) and tokina 10-17mm with Subtronics Nova and Pro160. The gear is four years old.

 

I considering seriusly downsizing the gear, mainly for the weight, and the OMD with Nauticam housing is the first option, but I coudn't tried the OMD camera.

 

Taking into account that migrating all gear is a lot of bucks (for me This is not an investment, is an expensive toy for older child like me..) I'm thinking a lot...

 

For guys that owns one:

- Are you happy with your OMD and Nauticam housing?

- Do you think It is worth the downsizing from Nikon D300 to Oly OMD em5?

- Quality will be increased or not?

- If yes, which lenses do you recommend me?

 

 

Thanks in advance and I'm sorry for my English Spanglish, hahaha

[guyharrisonphoto 21]

I am thrilled with the OMD and nauticam. See my post above.

 

I moved up from PEN series so can't compare to DSLR, but image quality is truly excellent.

 

Lens I recommend: 7-14mm (equiv to 14-28 of full frame). Rectlinear view which I prefer by the Pana 8mm fisheye is an option.

 

OLY 60mm macro for ultra-close work

[Conny3479 5]

_{Hi Mike,}

_{the galleries Bali, Raja Ampat and Germany are shot with the Oly. The other are taken with a Canon G11.}

_{On some photos i added a filter -just to have a different look.}

 

_{I used the new 60mm Macro for some Flowershots and i am completely amazed about the fast AF (not much hunting), sharpness and the magnification when you add a diopter :-)}

 

_Conny

Edited October 30, 2012 by Conny3479

[Alex_Mustard 0]

I really like the OM-D, it is a great little camera. But the housings don't match a good SLR housing. So this doesn't become a brand issue, I don't think anyone would argue that the ergonomics of the Nauticam OM-D housing are close to the quality of the ergonomics of a Nauticam D7000 housing. But the OM-D housing is much cheaper and lighter.

 

Alex

[coroander 16]

Bought the OM-D and sold the Canon 7D and lots of L glass. The OM-D with it's weak anti-aliasing filter records more detail than the 7D, plus the OM-D has better dynamic range, finer grained noise at high ISO which is easier to remove, and doesn't exhibit banding (like the 7D did) when trying to pull detail from shadows. There are a lot of great lenses for the OM-D. In every way, the IQ of the OM-D bests that of the 7D.

 

Can't comment on housings for the 7D, because i didn't have one, but the Nauticam housing for the OM-D is very nice. I've had several photographers using DSLRs look at the compact OM-D in it's Nauticam housing, and say that's the rig they were going to get when they upgrade.

[Timccr 11]

I am thinking of getting an Olympus m43 system - maybe an OMD or maybe they will announce a weather proof EP5 soon - but the problem is now that I am happy with trimix in the rebreather I would really like a housing and ports with a working depth of 100 metres and I can't find one. Any ideas?

[Scubysnaps 9]

You do all realise you're missing out on something the same size but bigger sensor and less money? 8mm fisheye too!

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48292&st=40#entry319564

[guyharrisonphoto 21]

I have tried the nex system but found no comparison to the ease of handling of the OMD. Did not notice much (if any) difference in image quality either (did not use the NEX 7, just the 16mp NEX 5). The lens selection is just not adequate. The pany fisheye for M43 is autofocus while the Samyang is not. Nothing available like the 7-14, or the 45 and 60mm macros. Decided the M43 was better bet at this time and for the next few years. Once Sony's lens line is complete, in a few years, and they refine their ergonomics a little (I like the look of the NEX 7) then I might revisit it.

 

Also, I am very satisfied with the OMD Nauticam housing. I do not think it lacks anything in terms of quality compared to Nauty's SLR housings. It is lighter and less costly, and is designed for compact and streamlined form, and so has less knobs buttons and levers, but this is because the OMD has a simpler control set-up. Like all Nauties, all controls are easily accessible and in some ways easier to operate than on an SLR (like the two-dial system).

Edited October 31, 2012 by guyharrisonphoto

[Scubysnaps 9]

I've already proved manual focus isn't an issue. Quicker too.

Early days as you say for the NEX lens range but the NEX 6 ergonomics and user friendliness is second to none. Macro examples I've seen too are ok. Diopters will also improve this I hope. For now.

[gobiodon 62]

I'm a nex user but I have to agree that the u4/3 is more "round" system. Now. But I can imagine that in the future nex will be equal or better.

The wide angle is nicely covered on nex but the macro lenses are missing. Zeiss won't be an option for me but I guess we will see tamron and sigma macros for nex in 2013.

By the way you can also buy the samyang for olympus.

 

Side note, it was very interesting to see that "consumer digicam" topics are absolutely dominated by the rx100. Few years ago sony didn't play any significant role there. (I mean UW)

[underexposed 0]

I am thinking of getting an Olympus m43 system - maybe an OMD or maybe they will announce a weather proof EP5 soon - but the problem is now that I am happy with trimix in the rebreather I would really like a housing and ports with a working depth of 100 metres and I can't find one. Any ideas?

 

Check 10Bar. I have there GH2 housing and while it is no 3k dollar unit the two my wife and I have, have served us well with no issues for years of weekly diving. You might have to e-mail them as their website is not the best. I only dive air but have had mine to 72 meters with no control/button issues.

[coroander 16]

The Nauticam is good to 100m: http://www.nauticam.com/product.asp?id=159