Better than expected and serious competition to Sony NEX 7

For the past two weeks I have the OM-D Olympus and have compared them in many situations with other cameras, such as Sony's NEX-7 (from its own collection, so these have not only had time in the store in his hand), the in my view the only serious competitor is (as of end of April 2012, the next week may well be completely different).

In the following I'd like to work off a few keywords:

Viewfinder:

The EVF is outstanding, working noise and flicker. Unlike the NEX-7 this viewfinder is much better, because: in low light, it is not noisy. While the NEX only blowing snow is seen in the viewfinder is still obtained in the OM-D a clear picture.

Handling

Two rotating wheels at the top offer the ability to change preset parameters. Prima. Problem: the left rear control dial is so far to the left that I do, looking with your right eye through the viewfinder, almost can not operate and is required to take the camera for the eye.

Bildstsbilisator

The Bildstsbilisator works very well. Here would have less may be more: the loud noise of the anti-roll bars disturbs out on the street not in quiet rooms I like the camera hardly take in the hand, because the noise of the anti-roll bars is so substantial. When the camera then turned on laying on the table, it gets even louder

Menus

The menus are structured as one knows it from the E and EP's: very, very extensive, easily nested but good to use after a short training. Visually somewhat refreshed.

Effects

The internal effects have been extended by some modes, which makes me very happy, I like to work with it. A real HDR missing after we before (shame). The effects are partly truly outstanding and I'm sure at some pictures that I shot that I could manufactured one or the other effect on the computer only at great expense. Funny: there is the possibility to apply all effects to an image, that is, after you press the shutter obtained 12 photographs, each with a different effect. I took the liberty, here are some pictures that are out of the cam upload.

Speed

The camera is very quick, the AF is working very safe, clear even in low light, worlds better and faster than with Sony's flagship.

Processing

outstanding. Not to be expected in this price range and Olympus differently.
The dust and feuchtigkeitsverträglickeit I have not tested this and have not consciously before. The rubberized keys can be easily operated.

Bulb and Live mode - a highlight

In both of these exposure modes the image development is traceable so that the approximations of the desired shutter speed - with long-term exposure - belongs to the past. Here, however, the number of development step display is limited (depends on the ISO), the intervals can be preset. A remote release is advised here. I have so bought a cheap part of JJC. Not pretty but practical and cheap.
Lens

The kit lens offers with 12-50 mm a good area. I particularly like the front 24mm. The lens is longer than the usual Panasonic and Olympus 14-42mm, for a slimmer profile. The lens is probably already on the market longer. Special feature: it does not extend while zooming and can be operated electronically also. First, a bit unusual but this feature has probably just the video shoot the possibility of making smooth zooms (nn tested).

Oh yes: image quality and low light

The image quality is great and sublime in my opinion beyond doubt. On the detail of NEX7 the OM-D does not come close. But also does not have it.

In low light, the Olympus is fast, accurate and up to ISO 1600 virtually noise-free. Toll.

A first conclusion is a truly magnificent camera that scales up to trifles. The loud stabilizer is a real nuisance - but only in a peaceful environment.

I very much hope that Olympus do not make the mistake here and presented a successor in 6 months.

1. Supplement 07:05:12
I was at the weekend on a Polo tournament and made the comparison test: Day 1 Olympus, Day 2 NEX 7
Both days difficult lighting conditions and fast sports scenes. With the Sony took me much longer to focus, many pictures are not incurred or were sometimes blurred. The Olympus was clear - to classes - faster, more accurate and has in the end also fabricated the better pictures. For me a clear result.

2. Supplement 31.05.12
Meanwhile, I have also concerned the matching battery grip. With nearly EUR 300, - very steep calculated, but the handling of the camera improved immensely. The acquisition makes but in my eyes makes sense only if you also have spare batteries. The price to invest only so that the camera is better in the hand is then too much of a good thing. 'Actually,' she could lie from the outset so comfortably in your hand.

If you have questions: ask me happy.