So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

[Bengeo]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Excellent point totally agree its a waste of button space that could be used for more user custom settings.

Hopefully that could come with a firmware update. The Pen F has 4 Custom settings and more would be handy.

[shenstone]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Agreed re many pointless settings for most of us

Even on my old "big" 4/3 cameras I hardly use some of the settings - never used P mode other than in error

I think they do have to be there but being able to move favourite options to the front of the menu's would help

regards
Andy

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Having C1/C2/C3 on the top dial is now an improvement, though Panasonic has already been doing this for some time. It would certainly be better to be able to give them names, too, especially as you can now save and reuse them on your computer.

Ian

Yes, that is convenient & I've had a taste of that on the Stylus 1 with C1 & C2.

One thing (as mentioned earlier), when a Menu function is 'greyed out', it would be really nice & convenient if there was an indicator which other Menu setting was causing it to be so (without having to search through the hidden settings or asking on a forum). I don't know if that has been addressed in any way with the E-M1 Mk II though, but I hope it has to some extent.

[benvendetta]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Cameras can do so much these days that any menu system has to be 'complicated '. But how complicated is complicated? I have never really had an issue with Oly menus as I haven't used any else in 10 years.

[Gwyver]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

There's no explanation or suggestions. You can only use trial and error tests and/or read internet forums to see what others have worked out.

But Olympus have the info in house - this is from their Australian web pages:



If we had that sort of info supplied with the camera for all the options it would be much easier to set up and also to adjust settings later.

Andy,
Thanks for pointing out that excerpt from the Olympus Australia web page. I think others may find it useful to see the the complete page at
http://www.olympus.com.au/Products/I...ed-Performance

Working through the 'features' tabs on the page gives much better descriptions of the capabilities (and some settings options) than we see on the Olympus UK pages

[blu-by-u]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

The Menu system seem more complicated in the new EM1ii

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

The Menu system seem more complicated in the new EM1ii

Probably because it has more in it now.

[Ricoh]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Probably because it has more in it now.

I bet the 'techie' photographers amongst us can't wait for the EM1 MK III to be released!!

[iso]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Steve OOOOOh Yes - What is a regular camera for? IMHO for recording events/people/places/things/fauna/flora. It's not trying to be a Brain Surgeon. It's not like a set of posh Golf Clubs (not that I play), which Owners believe will reflect their 'professionalism'. And it's certainly not a lot of other cruder parallels I could mention.

However being new to OLY I love the camera and glass and totally agree with those who have suggested a re-writing of the menu system is overdue. Guess it's grown like Topsy.

Also making something more 'user friendly' might just attract more sales = more volume = lower prices.

[steverh]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

The Super Control Panel lets you change most of the stuff you need in day to day operation without ever having to access the menus.

[iso]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

The Super Control Panel lets you change most of the stuff you need in day to day operation without ever having to access the menus.

Showing my ignorance - Can you get the SCP in the viewfinder, (I use lots of specific controls there), because I rarely want to use the flip screen when shooting?

[wanderer]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

I use Nikon at work and Olympus for pleasure.
They are very different. I find that if I go away for a weekend in the hills, it takes a wee while to adjust to the Olympus.
Most of the time I use similar functions/controls on both cameras. The rest very rarely.
Complication in both instances is reduced by familiarity and usage.
Ergonomics, is I think very important. I find the Nikon is well laid out at the back but is heavy, whereas the Olympus is light but not so well laid out. The E-M1 mk 1 is too small even though I have smallish hands but the E-M2 mk II is a better fit.
For me the combination of ergonomics and finding stuff in menus is important not in isolation.

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Showing my ignorance - Can you get the SCP in the viewfinder, (I use lots of specific controls there), because I rarely want to use the flip screen when shooting?

Yes! (with a press of [OK]) It is another option & changing position (cell) can be changed with the rear wheel while the front changes the value (setting).

[Ricoh]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

Steve OOOOOh Yes - What is a regular camera for? IMHO for recording events/people/places/things/fauna/flora. It's not trying to be a Brain Surgeon.

In my book a 'regular camera' is not for recording anything, it's for 'making' pictures. The pictures first appear in one's head, then you use the camera to make the preconceived image.

[iso]

Re: So are Olympus cameras too complicated?

In my book a 'regular camera' is not for recording anything, it's for 'making' pictures. The pictures first appear in one's head, then you use the camera to make the preconceived image.

Um - looks like we are getting into metaphysics here unless you are suggesting you are trying to image through a camera what you see in your head. Think that would be supernatural. IMHO to photograph something is to record an actuality, unless of course the image as been so PP'd that it bears no relation to 'truth' - and I will of course leave that one as an open idea (What is 'truth).