Started by micro43mick, 27 Oct 2026. 4 replies, 190 views
Gear in this topic: Lumix GX9, OM System OM-1
Grand, so used OM-1s (the original) are going for under a grand now and I keep looking at them. I've had the GX9 for years and love it for travel, but I'm doing more birds round Cork harbour and the AF just isn't up to it.
Would I keep the GX9 for walking about and get the OM-1 just for birds? Or is that daft with only the 12-60 to put on it? Lens is the next problem, I know.
For birds in flight the difference will be considerable. The GX9 was never designed for that. But yes, the lens is the real question. The 12-60 won't get you anywhere near a redshank on the mud. Budget for a 100-400 class zoom or a used 300 f/4 if you're patient. The body on its own won't change your bird pictures much.
Mick, as a fellow "MFT isn't dead" person, do it. I went from the E-M1 II to the OM-1 Mark II this spring and the bird detection is proper good. The Mark I has the same sensor, so a used one is a cracking deal. Keep the GX9 for walking about, it's a lovely wee thing.
And it's sealed. The harbour on a westerly would soak a GX9 in minutes.
Slightly off topic (sorry) but if you do get one, try a macro lens on it at some point. The focus bracketing on the OM bodies is (in my extremely biased opinion (very biased)) the best reason to own one. I know, I know. Birds.