The OM-5 Has a Big Problem for Landscape Photography

Summary

In this video, the creator expresses frustration with the OM Systems OM5's weak tripod mount, which attaches to the camera's plastic body rather than its metal chassis, leading to potential breakage. Despite enjoying the camera's features and image quality, concerns about the tripod mount's durability impact the user experience. The video also includes a photography session in the Way Stones, North York Moors National Park, highlighting the camera's performance in various conditions, and ends with a dilemma on whether to stick with the OM5 or consider alternatives like the OM1 or Panasonic G9.

Takeaways

• 📷 The OM System OM-5 has a significant design flaw, particularly a weak tripod mount.
• 🔍 The tripod mount is attached to the plastic body rather than the metal chassis, leading to concerns about durability and strength.
• 👎 Users have reported issues where the camera has been ripped off the tripod mount, indicating a serious structural problem.
• 🔧 A test was suggested to check the tripod mount's strength by mounting the camera and applying pressure to the lens, revealing flex in the OM-5.
• 🤔 The OM-5's design may be a cost-saving measure, possibly reusing the M5 Mark III body with minimal improvements.
• 📚 The video creator expresses a lack of confidence in the camera's build quality, despite liking the camera's features and image quality.
• 🏞 The creator enjoys the OM-5 for landscape photography due to its size, image stabilization, and quality.
• 🔄 There is a dilemma for the creator between keeping the OM-5 and considering alternatives like the OM-1 or Panasonic G9 due to the tripod mount issue.
• 📸 The video includes a photography session at the Way Stones in North York Moors National Park, showcasing the camera's capabilities.
• 📹 The creator uses the camera with an electronic viewfinder and a phone monitor, adding weight and increasing the stress on the tripod mount.
• 🌅 The video concludes with a decision to end the session early due to the setting sun and fog, emphasizing the creator's ongoing concerns about the camera's reliability in the field.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video regarding the OM Systems OM5?

The main issue discussed in the video is the weak tripod mount of the OM Systems OM5, which is attached to the plastic body of the camera instead of the metal chassis, leading to potential breakage.

Why is the tripod mount on the OM5 considered a design fault?

The tripod mount is considered a design fault because it is attached to the plastic body rather than the metal chassis, making it susceptible to breakage under load.

What was the improvement expected in the OM5 compared to the EM5 Mark II?

The OM5 was expected to have a reinforced tripod mount, as suggested by a possible OM Systems Ambassador, but the video indicates that the improvement was not significant.

What is the concern with attaching a heavier lens to the OM5's tripod mount?

The concern is that the heavier lens might put too much pressure on the weak tripod mount, potentially causing the camera to break off from the mount.

What test was suggested to check the strength of the OM5's tripod mount?

The test suggested was to mount the camera on a tripod, press gently on the edge of the lens, and check for any flex, indicating the strength of the tripod mount.

What was the result of the test performed with the 12-45 lens on the OM5?

The result of the test with the 12-45 lens showed distinct movement, indicating a lack of rigidity and strength in the tripod mount.

What incident involving the OM5 was mentioned in the video?

The video mentioned an incident where a YouTuber named Henry Turner's OM5 had a nasty end when his tripod fell over, causing the camera to be ripped off due to the weak mount.

What is the narrator's dilemma regarding the OM5?

The narrator's dilemma is that while they like the camera and the photos it produces, they have a lack of confidence in the camera's construction due to the weak tripod mount.

What alternatives to the OM5 does the narrator consider?

The narrator considers looking at the OM1 or possibly going back to the Panasonic G9 as alternatives to the OM5.

What is the location featured in the video where the narrator took photos?

The location featured in the video is the Way Stones in North York Moors National Park, a place the narrator had never been to before.

What is the narrator's final takeaway from the experience with the OM5?

The narrator's final takeaway is the appreciation of the Way Stones location and the realization that the OM5's weak tripod mount could be a deal-breaker despite the camera's other positive features.

Outlines

00:00

😟 Weak Tripod Mount Design Flaw in OM System OM5

The speaker expresses frustration with the OM System OM5's weak tripod mount, which is a carryover design flaw from its predecessor, the EM5 Mark II. The mount attaches to the camera's plastic body instead of the metal chassis, leading to concerns about durability and potential breakage. The speaker acknowledges learning about this issue from comments on a previous video and shares personal experiences of flex when applying pressure to the lens while mounted on a tripod. The design fault is criticized as a possible cost-cutting measure, and the speaker speculates about the impact on the camera's reliability for quick, on-the-go photography.

05:01

📸 Photography Amidst Concerns with OM5's Build Quality

Despite the concerns about the OM5's tripod mount, the speaker continues to use the camera for photography, appreciating its compact size, image quality, and stabilization. The speaker discusses the dilemma of enjoying the camera's features but lacking confidence in its build quality, especially when using heavier lenses. The speaker also mentions returning a 40-150mm zoom lens due to fears of stress on the tripod mount and seeks advice on whether to consider alternatives like the OM1 or Panasonic G9. The speaker captures and shares a photograph taken at the Way Stones in North York Moors National Park, highlighting the atmospheric conditions and the location's appeal.

10:13

🌅 Reflecting on the OM5 Experience and Seeking User Feedback

In the final paragraph, the speaker reflects on the day's photography experience with the OM5, noting the enjoyment but also the persistent worry about the camera's tripod mount integrity. The speaker decides to end the video early due to the setting sun and foggy conditions, which could be hazardous. The speaker calls for feedback from other OM5 users regarding their experiences with the camera's build and whether the concerns are justified. The speaker also contemplates potential alternatives to the OM5 and expresses a strong liking for the Way Stones location, intending to revisit it under different conditions.

Keywords

💡OM Systems OM5

The OM Systems OM5 is a camera model discussed in the video, which the speaker has concerns about due to a perceived design flaw. It is central to the video's theme of evaluating camera build quality and reliability. The term is repeatedly mentioned as the subject of the critique and testing for structural integrity.

💡Design fault

A 'design fault' refers to an issue in the conception or planning of a product that leads to a functional or structural problem. In the video, the term is used to describe the perceived weakness in the tripod mount of the OM5, which is a significant aspect of the video's narrative as it impacts the user's trust in the camera's durability.

💡Tripod mount

The 'tripod mount' is the part of a camera that attaches to a tripod, allowing for stable and hands-free operation. In the context of the video, the tripod mount's quality is critical as it is identified as the weak point of the OM5, with concerns raised about its attachment to the camera body.

💡Plastic body

The 'plastic body' refers to the camera's outer casing made from plastic material. In the video, the use of plastic in the construction of the tripod mount is highlighted as a potential reason for the camera's lack of rigidity and structural weakness, contrasting with a more durable metal construction.

💡Metal chassis

The 'metal chassis' denotes the internal metal frame or structure of the camera. The video script contrasts the plastic body with a metal chassis, emphasizing the importance of a robust connection between the tripod mount and the camera's sturdy internal structure for enhanced durability.

💡Peak design capture clip

The 'Peak design capture clip' is an accessory used to attach a camera to a variety of surfaces. In the video, it is mentioned as a setup where the camera's tripod mount weakness was discovered, as it led to the camera being ripped off, illustrating the real-world implications of the design fault.

💡Lens flex

Lens flex refers to the bending or movement of a camera lens, typically undesirable as it can affect image stability and quality. The video describes a test where the lens flex is used to evaluate the strength of the tripod mount, with the OM5 showing noticeable flex, indicating a lack of rigidity in its construction.

💡Override

In the context of the video, an 'override' suggests a deliberate decision by the manufacturer to change or overlook a certain aspect of the product. The term is used to criticize OM Systems for potentially prioritizing cost savings over the structural integrity of the OM5's tripod mount.

💡Landscape photography

Landscape photography is a genre of photography that captures natural scenery and wide views. The video mentions the OM5 as a potential landscape photography camera due to its small size, image quality, and stabilization features, despite the concerns about its build.

💡EVF view

EVF stands for 'electronic viewfinder,' a device used in cameras to provide a real-time display of the scene to be photographed. In the video, switching to EVF view is part of the photographer's process of composing and reviewing shots, indicating the importance of different viewing options for image composition.

💡Molle

To 'molle' in this context refers to modifying or customizing a camera with additional accessories or straps for better usability. The script mentions the need for 'molle' as a workaround for the camera's design flaw, suggesting that users might need to adapt their gear to compensate for the tripod mount issue.

Highlights

The OM System OM-5 has a major design fault with a weak tripod mount.

The tripod mount fits onto the plastic body instead of being bolted to the metal chassis, leading to potential breakage.

Users have reported horror stories and images of the camera ripping off from the tripod due to the weak mount.

A test to check the tripod mount's strength involves mounting the camera, pressing the lens edge, and observing flex.

The 12-45 lens showed distinct movement when tested, indicating a weak tripod mount.

The design fault could be a cost-saving measure by OM Systems, possibly reusing the M5 Mark II bodies.

The OM-5's potential for breakage when used with a heavier lens or when carried with the tripod on the shoulder is a concern.

YouTuber Henry Turner experienced a tripod failure with his OM System OM-5, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

The OM-5's design fault could be a deal-breaker for users seeking a reliable camera.

The camera's small size, good image quality, and image stabilization make it an appealing landscape photography option, despite the design flaw.

The user's dilemma of whether to keep the OM-5 or consider alternatives like the OM-1 or Panasonic G9 is discussed.

The user's experience of using the OM-5 in the Way Stones, North York Moors National Park, is shared.

The user's concern about the tripod mount's weakness is evident even during casual use in the field.

The added weight of a phone and monitor unit exacerbates the pressure on the tripod mount, increasing the risk of breakage.

The user's composition technique and settings while photographing the rocks are detailed, despite the ongoing concerns.

The user's final thoughts on the OM-5, the location, and the decision to potentially switch cameras are shared.

The video concludes with a call for feedback from other OM-5 users regarding their experiences with the tripod mount.

Transcripts

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watch

carefully because that will be the last

time I remove my own systems om5 from my

Peak design capture clip because the om5

unfortunately has a major design

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fault now I'm going to jump straight

into what this design fault is cuz to be

honest it's uh it's really annoying and

first of all a big thank you for people

who left comments on my micro 43 video I

recently posted uh pointing this floor

out which I didn't really know about and

I wish I did basically what it is is the

OM systems om5 has a really weak tripod

moment now I knew this existed on the

em5 Mark II which obviously was the the

model before now I did read off somebody

I believe was possibly an home systems

Ambassador that the om5 had a reinforced

tripod mod so I thought alls good

nothing to worry about there Jason well

unfortunately it hasn't actually been

greatly

improved and the whole floor of the

thing is the tripod mount effectively

fits onto the plastic body of the camera

as opposed to being bolted to the shassy

the metal shassy of the camera inside if

that makes sense of the actual

body and ultimately what this means it

means well it's not rocket science is it

if you've got metal mounted onto plastic

and that's taken all your load basically

that that joint's only going to be as

strong as the

plastic and plastic is plastic and

plastic can break and I have heard

horror stories and I've seen pictures of

people

using on5 on one of these Peak design

clips and basically rips the camera

off so

that's that's a serious bull bear isn't

it really cuz I I love the idea of be

able to walk around and just like take

my camera off take a photo like I should

be doing now but I can't and for me that

is super

frustrating but it gets

worse so I I did a bit more digging on

this and I went on a few different

websites and I saw somebody suggest that

to test if the new tripod mount was

actually stronger than the M5 MK 3 to

basically Mount your camera to a tripod

and then to gently press on the edge of

your lens you

know of a normal size lens of a normal

kit lens

and to see if there's any flex and I did

this and I hate to say with my 12 to 45

there was distinct

movement so

really as you want the tripod moon to be

as strong as possible and you want a

nice rigid joint between your tripod and

that

camera having a piece of plastic in

between the two well it's it's never

going to bold well is it really let's

face it a serious overide on the part of

om systems I think and I just can't

really get my head around why they've

actually done this well obviously to

save money I'd guess I suspect they've

just pretty much just used the M5 m 3

bodies

and stuck us a nice new badge on the

front I don't know call me cynical but I

do

know that it could cause me

issues now I suspect if I'm just using a

normal lens on a tripod I'll probably be

fine however ever I like to sometimes

walk around with my camera attached to

my tripod with the tripod on my shoulder

and you know especially if I'm going in

good light and I just want to be able to

react really

quickly and I worry that I could be

walking around and effectively my camera

could fall off now I watched a video by

YouTuber um Henry

Turner and I know his own systems own 5

came to a bit of

a nasty end when his tripod fell over

and I just I didn't really think that

much more of it but looking at his

pictures the way it's RI the whole base

out and left this big gaping gap of

plastic well again it just goes to show

that there's some serious weak points

going on

there honestly I just I really can't get

my head around it but what I do know is

it could really be a deal breaker for me

cuz I just want a camera that works and

I can trust and you know as much as the

gh5 Mark II was a bit big it it was

built like a tank and I think I could

have done anything with that and now

feel like with the home systems home 5

I'm going to have to sort of Molle a

little bit and I don't mol

cameras but I'm going to stop

complaining about cameras for 5 minutes

and I'm actually going to take a photo

cuz really that's the whole point isn't

it

so I don't think this shot's going to be

to everybody's taste it's basically it's

a lot of fog coming in and out so yeah

there may actually be a bit too too much

far I'm just going to carry on taking a

few and just choose the optimum one he

quite nice at the

moment yeah quite a nice little shot

I've come to the way stones in North

York Ms national park somewhere I've

never been to before keep meaning to

come I'm actually here perhaps a bit too

much fog coming in and

out but if nothing else it's going to be

a nice wcky but yeah it's a start anyway

and I'll put the shot on the screen for

you

now

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so yeah now I've now got a bit of a

dilemma because I actually really quite

like the camera and know I like the

photos of

producing but I I've got a sort

of a lack of confidence in the

construction and that's it's it's it is

a problem for me but apart from that it

could be the perfect landscape

photography camera you know it's small

good image quality good image

stabilization really it has a lot going

for it but you know to put this into

context I had got myself the 40 to150

the zoom lens for it so the

F4 but I've sent it back cuz I'm just

worried cuz it's that a little bit

bigger there it's going to put too much

pressure on this Mount here and if I'm

finding myself in a situation where I

don't want to get lenses forward because

I'm afraid it might break the camera

then

really what are you to do I don't know

any suggestions guys what would you do

should I look at the om1 should I maybe

even look at a Panasonic G9 I don't know

or should I just suck it and see and see

if it holds out for me I don't know but

let's continue on and see if we can find

something else to photograph okay so

I've just taken a couple of shots around

the way stones what an amazing location

I'm really impressed but anyway I'm

going to switch to evf view but before I

do that I want you to have a look at

what I've got on top here cuz basically

cuz now I've got the phone and the

monitor unit attached this is making it

even more heavy so if I start tilting

back what that means is even more

pressure on the tripod mod so you can

see why my concerns may be different to

everybody else's out there

but it's just tight tight this

shot okay I'm just going to quickly talk

you through the composition and

basically as you can see really for me

it's all about these rocks but I quite

like the hint of these rocks on this

side here sort

of effectively showing you that not

singular rocks that the pass of a bigger

formation amazing location and really

impressed I'm an F14 I probably don't

need to be

F14 bring down to

f11 I'm On One Stop overexposure which

to be honest I think is about right 3

seconds half timer

again we'll look at the

histogram as you can see there's a big

Clump on the right hand side uh that

that's to be expected you know we've got

a lot of light sky going on

there I think I'll probably turn this to

a mono

conversion to be honest the

conditions whil the conditions are

fantastic I'm not sure it's

really what I'm looking for for this

location but still pleasing enough shot

so let's get that process and have a

look at the final

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result

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a

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and I'm going to think I'm going to end

the video there guys cuz basically it's

going to get dark soon and I do not want

to be stranded out here on the North

York Ms in the dark in fog that does

send a recipe for disaster so yeah I'm

going to call it

today again I've enjoyed using the

camera but even here I was walking

around the Rocks which you spin you

around so you can sort of see them and I

was sort of walking around a little bit

it with the camera mounted on the tripod

and I was very conscious that if I

slipped that my tri the camera's

probably just going to break off the

tripod and it's it's a real bug bear for

me so if there's any om5 users out there

please tell me your experiences now how

are you getting on do you do do I need

to worry on I being over cautious and if

it does turn out that I'm actually not

being over cautious then it is an issue

what would anybody recommend that I

maybe get instead I think really the two

options are the om1 or maybe going back

to Lumix and getting the original G9

Mark 1 I wanton to get the G9 Mark II I

have no desire for that camera really I

don't know at this point but yeah I'm

pleased with the shots I've got and the

biggest takeaway for me today is this

location I love this location and it's

definitely somewhere I will be coming

back to I I think it could be wonderful

in different conditions but it's been

really atmosphere today and it's been

nice to be out so yeah thanks for

watching guys if you've enjoyed this

video please give it a thumbs up maybe

subscribe to the channel if you haven't

and I'll see you again soon for another

one thanks for

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watching