http://www.bestmirrorlesscamerareviews.com/2013/12/05/mirrorless-on-the-job-one-week-with-the-olympus-om-d-e-m1/

Video sample - http://www.3dnews.ru/assets/external/illustrations/2013/12/18/788625/P1010116.MOV

http://www.3dnews.ru/788625

I've really been enjoying using the E-M1 for video. I used to have a GH3 but I just love the IBIS on this thing !! I'm a a total newb when it comes to video, but the freedom the E-M1 gives is amazing. So much fun wandering around the streets with this stabilised cam :) I shot these over the last couple of weeks and edited them on FCP X which I'm trying to teach myself.

I'm usually using Vivid picture mode at defaults with contrast set to -2.

The first two were shot with the Pana Leica 25/1.4 and the third with the 14-42 PZ.

In some of these clips, especially the first one, you will notice flickering lights. This is because I live in a PAL country, Hong Kong, where it's 50Hz. Shooting at 30p, I usually use 1/60 shutter, but have learned that under lights shooting at 1/50 stops the flickering.

Been into street photography for a few years so trying to adapt this to video making some street "clips".

All hand held ... I'm allergic to tripods which is why I love this camera so much !!!

Chipworks:

The Olympus OM-D EM-1 contains a Panasonic 34231 (MN34230 die markings) CMOS Image Sensor with on-chip phase detection pixel array http://chipworks.force.com/catalog/ProductDetails?sku=OLY-E-M1_Pri-Camera

@Vitaliy_Kiselev I don't think that it has much sense for Panasonic to use the Phase Detection in its cameras, particularly when they have an alternative 'Depth from Defocus' (DfD) method to help the contrast AF. Here is a scientific paper showing that Phase detect and Depth-of-Defocus AF should have similar performance: http://webee.technion.ac.il/~yoav/publications/dfdstereot2a.pdf

@Vitaliy_Kiselev

You're correct, but wide lenses have larger depth of focus, and thus less problems to AF.

Besides, the phase detect photosites which are used for focusing don't gather any image data. This means the information needs to be interpolated - just as it would with a dead pixel on the sensor. To avoid "dead" photosites Panasonic proposed to use off-sensor reflected image to the separate phase AF sensor, but I'm not sure if this idea would ever see the light: http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2011-08-29

http://www.ppmag.com/web-exclusives/2014/01/olympusOMD-EM1.html

http://www.bestmirrorlesscamerareviews.com/2014/04/08/a-black-white-walk-in-the-mountains-with-the-olympus-om-d-e-m1/

New firmware

Version 1.4

• Improved remote control functionality when using the Olympus Image Share app.* (Art Filter mode, custom self timer, zoom operation when using electric zoom lenses, digital tele-converter and cable remote release mode)
• AF response when using Four Thirds lenses has been improved
• Stabilization when shooting in C-AF mode has been improved

Just finished the first weekend with my new EM-1, which I purchased for video use. I'm not a pro but an enthusiast. I am using it with various contax zeiss lenses + speedbooster, and I have a GH3 which I am planning on keeping as a 2nd cam. I has spent some time deliberating about whether to get a GH4 and jump on the 4K bandwagon or to go with EM-1 for the stabilisation. I have been inspired by Vadim's great footage and advice with the EM-5, and EosHD's positive review of the EM-1. In the end, olympus had a good deal in NZ, where I could get the EM-1 for ~half of a new GH4 so decided to take the plunge, 30p and all.

First impressions are:

• 5 axis stabilisation is really amazing and completely changes the way you shoot. I had read lots about how great it is, and it turned out to be even better than I imagined.
• Olympus out of camera colour and skin tones are great, much much much better than GH3.
• Dynamic range is really impressive.
• Rear LCD and viewfinder are great. I had some difficulty consistently nailing focus with GH3 viewfinder and its well reported issues. EM-1 is miles better and no need for external monitor.
• Nice feel in hand. The handgrip is a good size for a secure hold (similar to GH3), and good button placement etc.
• Digital teleconverter is great. So far I have noticed it is a little bit softer than normal image and more noise at high ISO as expected but really nice to be able to select the exact location and initiate while shooting. Makes run and gun with a fast prime much easier when you need to punch in for a quick close-up or an unexpected candid shot if at lower ISO.
• Codec better than expected. Haven't noticed to much break-up yet although haven't really stressed it so far.
• 1/50 or 1/100 shutter solved any flickering issues in PAL land in a fairly tough situation with lots of fluorescent lighting.

So far I am very impressed; the stabilisation, colour, and skin tones make dealing with 30p worth it! Will spend some more time the camera and see how it pans out once everything sinks in and the 'new purchase' goggles come off.

according to dpreview, video image quality of EM1 sucks.

Depends what you call pro. If you are in a situation where a rig is no option, then an OMD shines. Hand held manual focus with any lens you want. I have seen some utterly amazing work done with Olympus cameras, some examples: The work of Seb Farges: https://vimeo.com/sebfarges/videos

For news work it can also be very handy.

Even professional video is more than sharpness alone. For most work you would not take an OMD, but to say that you can not use one professionally is a bridge to far IMHO.

Regards,

Merijn