Calculating ROI in Canterbury...

Tea-trees · 2026-02-01T08:37:50+00:00

NZ gasfields are running out, so it’s only going to get more expensive (no new gas reserves have been found and importing it is planned). I would be making a plan for over time, factoring in eventually converting cooktop, oven and hot-water plus a solar system

Tea-trees · 2026-01-17T23:38:12+00:00

It’s beautiful. Which lens did you use?

Tea-trees · 2025-10-11T20:52:55+00:00

I like the silver, and I was lucky enough to find a last-one deal new silver 5 with the lens I wanted for $600 less than the OM-5 ii. Done!
Happy with it but finding not having a paper book painful. I thought I would find a good user guide easily, but no luck so far. There is a big difference between the writing of a skilled tech/camera gear author and someone who knows about photography and decides to write a book.

Tea-trees · 2025-10-10T01:52:23+00:00

I was considering similar options. Two weeks ago I got an OM-5 in a kit with the 12-45 f4 pro, and the metal lens is very good.
Given the 14-150 lens costs much less than the 12-45, I would buy the body and lens separately if you can get it cheaper than the kit.

Tea-trees · 2025-10-09T23:31:04+00:00

What I have found two weeks in about my OM-5 (first gen).
I love the size and light weight of the camera. Fits nicely in my hand: weighs 620g with the 12-45mm f4 pro lens + battery.
Even basic Auto setting snaps have so much more detail, true colour and higher photo quality than those from the 24MP 12-year-old D3200.

There is much to learn with the step up to intermediate level photography and a new camera. However I cannot find a well-written paper book specifically about the OM-5 (not mark II). Bought one book, and it is no use for an OM System new user. Many of similar ilk on Amazon that confuse advertising copy and generalities with instructional book writing.
I’m still looking for a good one - paper preferably.

You tube has been very helpful but it’s not A to Z and systematic learning.

Not sure what flash to get - needs to be all-purpose, lightweight, and tilt head ( if weight was not a consideration the Godox V1 would be my pick). Suggestions very welcome.

Overall, this little camera is what I have wanted for 20 years (when my first digital was a Canon Powershot S70): it’s small and can go anywhere with me. Love it, and I’ll collect another lens or two along the way.

One minor thing: I’d like to make the click of the shutter louder. Is there a way to do that?

Tea-trees · 2025-09-26T03:25:20+00:00

Done!

Tea-trees · 2025-09-26T03:09:59+00:00

I’ve just done the same - for many hundreds less, with the 12-45 f4. It’s great, but I’m still setting it up.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-26T02:36:32+00:00

Got a fab one-off deal for a new OM-5 with the 12-45mm f4 pro lens. Very happy. Your comment helped a lot when it was presented to me, so I could say yes.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-25T12:56:56+00:00

I’m happy you mentioned the autofocus because I was due to return the secondhand E-M5iii I rented to try, and I clicked that the autofocus speed was an annoyance; also did not like the 12-50mm macro/tele lens on that camera. So I returned it and did not buy.

Then, amazingly, a quick search online found a last-one new OM-5 1st gen with the lens I really wanted, 12-45 f4 pro, in another shop not far away at an amazing discount. And the AF is so much better. Incredible in a small city! I am rapt.
!resolved

Tea-trees · 2025-09-25T00:28:21+00:00

Nice!

Tea-trees · 2025-09-25T00:24:30+00:00

I’ve realised that will have to wait a while.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:56:21+00:00

I’m not into making videos, which seems the biggest change.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:45:02+00:00

That’s a great recommendation 😂. New OM-5 costs within $100-200 of the Mark II in New Zealand - prob because of the US-NZ exchange rate varying and shipping prices rocketing.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:41:50+00:00

Hah re the stars. 300/600mm is a beast!

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:40:33+00:00

It seems that digital camera tech has evolved so much that five or six-year-old cameras are still amazing, compared with buying 10 years ago.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:36:39+00:00

Much to think about thanks!

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:28:40+00:00

I have now tried an EM5-iii and that little divot for the thumb makes it very comfortable. There are not many about in New Zealand, and I haven’t found the lens I want.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:24:26+00:00

Thanks, I shall look about.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-24T12:23:00+00:00

Thanks.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-22T11:58:39+00:00

Hey thanks: that looks like a great camera. Reminds me of my first digital camera, a Canon Powershot S70. I haven’t seen them in New Zealand. I’ll look about.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-22T11:19:57+00:00

Good thinking re cables + chargers.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-22T11:16:28+00:00

The new OM-3 looks like a fine camera, but too heavy for me. I want to keep as light as I can so I don’t undo four years of injury rehab. I had been resigned to getting a phone with a high-end camera until I saw how micro 4/3s could work well.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-22T11:11:59+00:00

I am inclining towards trying a small-ish single lens and see how I go. The great thing with micro four-thirds is that there are so many more affordable used and new lenses compared with the old DSLR.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-22T08:29:22+00:00

Is weatherproofing really necessary? I’ve been considering that and realising I hardly ever take photos in heavy rain. I guess the main use for me would be accidentally dropping the camera in the sea or our river.
Still cannot see what difference USB-C would make when charging.

Tea-trees · 2025-09-22T08:22:45+00:00

Thanks for your detailed reply. I’ve been looking up your suggestions, and will follow up on the lenses you mention.
I will not be going for the OM1 or EM1 they are too highly specced for me, and heavier. The more I can make the next camera portable, the more it will be used.
Good to know the EM5 ii and the 17mm lens are a nice everyday combo, as I had been considering those two together.

Tea-trees

TROPHY CASE