Question about image quality of Em1 MKii

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I realize this camera is not out yet. However I imagine it will have the same sensor as the Pen F, yes? If so, how do you think the camera image quality will compare to the Nikon D500? <br>

I am trying to decide between these two cameras, and wondering if I would be taking a bit hit in image quality going with the Olympus.<br>

The two cameras look similar in a lot of ways (focusing speed etc.), which is great. But from the sample pictures I have seen, the D500 ones seem to look better to me (I have seen some samples on DP review from the Em1 Mkii). I could surely be wrong about this however......<br>

Thanks for any advice.<br>

Jonathan</p>

<p>I would make my decision based on what lenses you want to use. I personally like having a full frame Nikon system and a compact Olympus 4/3 system. The only factor limiting quality of images in this case would be due to the photographer. </p>

<p>I'm sure both cameras have their place somewhere. - I did not look at Dpreview's samples yet and am awaiting a full review first, <em>especially</em> before I come to a conclusion like: "The two cameras look similar in a lot of ways (focusing speed etc.)"<br>

I only have some thumbnails posted by Steve Huff from Olympus' Iceland event in front of me, barely 3MP, not much to look at but surely good enough for the Internet... If Huff is impressed by the OM's AF, it means little to me since he is the last person I'd call used to fast SLRs. <br>

So what is already there, to help making up your mind? <br>

Technically the MFT sensor gathers less light and demands more lens sharpness than the DX one. Nikon might be a bit weak in the lens line. - They aren't offering fast wide or standard VR primes so the Olympus might have an advantage in that range, especially if your subjects don't need fast shutter speeds and the Nikon might be bulkier, but with the f2 MFT telezoom and similar you can go just as insane as with bigger DSLRs. And MFT should be hard pressed to match DX with a $600 walk around zoom mounted, if biggest image size is the goal of using such a combo.<br>

Maybe check DxO's P-MP ratings of your dream kits add prices and weights, figure out what you'll be shooting for which kind of desired results<em> and</em> await the full OM reviews? </p>

<p>Thanks for input. Yeah, I realize it's premature to really make comparisons. However I'm just looking to see if there was some additional information out there to help me decide. I think as I shoot often in low light and also would like to print relatively big if possible, that the Nikon will be better. Maybe I'm just hoping someone can convince me otherwise as the Olympus is very enticing - especially with all their great compact lenses......</p>

Hi Jonathan. I would never judge IQ totally on samples one sees on the internet, too many variables there..rough is best they can suggest. My guess as to quality or IQ is that the Olympus will be as good at least as my Mark I which I own and am very pleased with. You certainly know that you need to think of a range of other features and look at the lens systems and what they offer. If you print large, you can be confident that you will be able to print large with both cameras. We have already got past that specification. Now look at the way the cameras look and feel and what users think of them. Low light, no problem. Low light has been licked just about every which way... I will stick with micro four thirds because I like the way Olympus takes its compromises especially as to size, ruggedness, lens array and two good companies as players.

Now- sorry, decisions are tough-- you have to weigh and make your compromise. Research helps and also confuses some times..... I know that does not address your personal choice question. But how could it. Either choice will be both right one and wrong one..C'est la vie.

<p><em>"....wondering if I would be taking a bit hit in image quality going with the Olympus"</em><br>

<em> </em><br>

My subjective opinion is that many of the Olympus lenses offer superior IQ over their Nikon counterparts and which may make up for the slightly smaller sensor as compared to the D500.<br>

<br>

Each system offers advantages over the other in different areas but in the end both will produce excellent results when it comes to IQ and unless you are making huge prints or doing extensive cropping, you probably won't see any differences.</p>

<p>DP Review has a full review of this cam up now. Their IQ tests and comparison tool is as good as you can find.</p>

<p>It sounds promising. I am most excited about the improved auto-focus capability. Still not sure if it will live up to expectation though. </p>

<p>Here is a very nice review (<a href="http://www.creativeislandphoto.com/blog/the-olympus-omd-e-m1-mark-ii">link</a>).</p>

<p>I have already received my E-M1 Mark II today from Amazon.com (1 week before expected delivery date), and I notice that both B&H and Adorama still have them on pre-order. This is so strange.</p>