Olympus, S-OVF and newer models vs older ones

I love Olympus cameras but I really don't like the EVF 'protecting' me against under or overexposure. I turn S-OVF off, which you would think would be 100% WYSIWYG, but all you get is +/-3 stops of freedom before the EVF nanny kicks in. I'm using the E-M5 II.

 

Maybe newer models are better in this regard? Or do I have to go to Panasonic? I really, really prefer seeing the final exposure, especially if it's under.

I haven't noticed this, not really sure why you want to see something that is so widely over/under exposed though. It may be a protection in case some one accidentally adjusts the compensation so much that all you would see is white or completely black. That would freak out most users, who would think there was something wrong with the camera.

Can't help you with specifics, but one of the first thing I turned on on my Nikon Z6ii was the auto adjust of the EVF brightness. Those instances of total darkness or whiteout was more annoying IMO.

Cant speak for current Panasonic models, but I think my old GH1 behaved in a similar manner as you describe.

Same behavior with my EM-5 III. Additional EVF darkening (or brightening) beyond 3 stops is not a feature I am looking for or care about. I enable S-OVF or Live View Boost when shooting flash under "M" mode in order to see what I a am shooting.

Thank you all for your comments so far. I'm looking forward to reading what Panasonic users have to report.

I have a GX1 & a GF1 and they both amp up a dark scene until you half push the shutter button, then they it shows the photo for just a second as it will be taken, much darker than what the scene shows on the monitor. Hope this makes sense.

I don't understand your problem.

 

In menu item "gear/D2", there is a setting "Live View Boost". When set "OFF", the EVF follows the exposure from under to over, etc.

If my subject is under or over exposed, I adjust the exposure properly.

 

When shooting in a studio using flash and manual exposure, the EVF is dark before the flash fires. So I choose to set "Live View Boost" "ON", in order to be able to see and compose my image.

 

The mileage of a Panasonic user may vary.

I don't understand your problem.

 

In menu item "gear/D2", there is a setting "Live View Boost". When set "OFF", the EVF follows the exposure from under to over, etc.

Alas, no, that is not the case. You still get the +/-3 stops of exposure freedom before the exposure protection kicks in.

Alas, no, that is not the case. You still get the +/-3 stops of exposure freedom before the exposure protection kicks in.

So Olympus will protect my exposure for me?

That sounds really GREAT!!

So Olympus will protect my exposure for me?

That sounds really GREAT!!

In the EVF, sure. But the actual exposure will then not match what you see in the viewfinder.

My Panasonic G9 has a wonderful EVG, probably one of the best I have seen in a mirrorless camera. The EVF will lighten or darken somewhat depending on what you are shooting. However, it is so easy on the G9 to adjust it quickly. I have not found it to be an issue on my camera.