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.