A Review Of The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark 2 Micro Four Thirds Camera 

Yes, very sad that David has passed at too young an age. If ever I want a real-life review of an MFT cameras or lens, David is the first person I turn to

operative What can I say except thanks? Thanks!

Marek Kolesar Thanks Marek! They are a lot of effort but comments like yours make it very worthwhile.

I'm glad you enjoy the reviews. I have found that even ith a camera I really like, one small fault can ruin the whole experience. It's often personal but ususally if I find something a nuisance, so will some others. I bet there are plenty moaning about that badly placed WB button!

Moshi Thanks Moshi - glad you find the videos helpful!

MrVoayer Thanks very much - if you do get one, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Dustinrhoades Thanks, Dustin!

Great to hear that - thanks!

solsang Glad to hear that. The cat shot is ridiculous, really, I just picked up the camera and walked crouched backwards with the camera held down to the ground. The stabilization takes out all the jerkiness and leaves enough movement to still give the impression of movement. And the shutter, such a nice soft noise that I wanted other people to enjoy it too.

There's nothing like hand on use of a camera. It's what they are for, after all!

Theophilus Carter What a lovely comment - thanks!

Hashbrown37 Thank you, too!

Thanks, Rick. Yes, the E-M10 III is very nice handling. I'm sure Olympus will apply that thinking to a new E-M5 and I hope overhaul the menus too!

Randall Cotten Hi Randall - It's great the videos have helped you - I'm not surprised you are wavering, though. Even though I prefer the handling of the E-M1, I'd probably go for the E-M5 Mk2 myself, for the video and swivelling monitor. I'd add the grip to improve the usability.

Thanks!

Harmjan Lever Thanks Harmjan!

Yes, handy when you don't want to make noise because of the circumstances but also it doesn't spook animals or draw their attention and make pix look unnatural.

+andrewvanrhoberts The E-M5ll goes a long way to being a video camera, certainly much further than any previous Olympus but they'd need to go some to improve on Panasonic's models, both MFT with stabilized lenses and dedicated video

+Ricky Chiu He's a neighbour's cat called Riley. He seems to fancy himself as an actor or director or something because he often turns up when I'm shooting pix in the garden. I have a video devoted to him and his evil doings - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--NjT4q3aJaA.html

TC It's good to hear that and thanks!

Thanks Lyndon. Yes, he Mk 11 is a very complete camera with a blend of features I didn't think I'd see. In particular, I had been led to believe that heat sink weight problems meant you couldn't combine high bit rate video with state of the art stabilization. Well, maybe not 4k (which to me is very specialist) but 77mbps all intra is high quality in anyone's book.

Thanks very much John - I'm flattered :-)

+Leju Jacob Thanks a lot, Leju!

Enzo Maisano Thanks, Enzo. You certainly have a fine set of cameras there! I wonder when Olympus will think of a an updated E-M1.

jmdj530 Thanks so much for that comment - makes doing the videos worthwhile in itself!

What can I say - thank you and glad you enjoyed the video!

What can I say - except thanks!

sski66 Good to hear, thanks.

The GX8's EVF is as good as any EVF gets so far. It makes using the camera a pleasure. It is also £300 cheaper. One of the things with weather proofing is that the lens must be so also, otherwise there is no point. The colour output from all these cameras can be modified and you would be bound to find a setting you could be happy with. The big selling point of the Pen F is its beautiful design and feel, really. With the GX8, stabilzation will only match the Pen F with a Panasonic Dual IS lens (most are). I'm only confusing things, really. The Sony system is great but with the necesssary FF lenses is much less transportable. You might take a look at a G80. It has about everything going for it from superb stabilization to improved colour JPGs and a whisper quiet shutter. And compact, too, with a good EVF, if not to the GX8 standard. Good choosing!

I love to have good stabilization but I've always had rather shaky hands. I suppose 2 bottles of whiskey and a bucket of creme de menthe a day haven't helped ;-) Yes, it's true that constant use of a camera overcomes the dial and button issues. In my working days I used Nikon F's and used them completely instinctively but nowadays with reviewing cameras, I have to ring the changes too much.

+Cheralynn 2 slots would be nice for peace of mind, that's for sure. I don't think there is anything pending in the way of low light capability, though. Could it be that sensor technology has peaked, within affordable limits at least

Thanks Juan. I hadn't thought of subtitling, I'll look into it as soon as possible. Sounds very useful.

Ralph Bennett Good to hear that, Ralph, thanks.

It is probably because I was reared on much bigger cameras so I'd prefer a bit more space. But the right balance between size and usability is a vary personal one and the E-M5's certainly suits you. That's handy(!) for you because easy portability is a big factor in how much a camera gets used.

That's right, David. I found that I just wasn't using my big Canon SLR set-up as it was just too bulky. So I sold it all on eBay and bought the Olympus + a couple of lenses. Haven't looked back!

Tahnsk, Ravi!

+Film & TV Nice to hear that - thanks!

Dale Hubbard Thanks, Dale.

Jack the Hat Photographic Thanks - me too!

David Thorpe you think that they will announce one before the end of 2015, or sometime in 2016?

Robert Stofa I think the E-M1 MkII will be announced within the next 6 months. My guess would be October/November :-)

Jack the Hat Photographic that would be awesome!

Robert Stofa It'll be interesting, that's for sure. I wonder if Panasonic's GX8 20Mp will influence them?

Super camera, you'll love it!

David Thorpe , thanks much. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Cheers

Thank you! The Mark II uses contrast detection only.

+Howie Mudge For continuous shooting I'd prefer the Panasonic and I think the focusing is a bit better too. But the Olympus has advantages of its own like the amazing stabilization. Its hard - I'd be inclined to play wit both in a camera shop and get the one I with the preferred feel.

+jeffrey modesto There's on in my book on the E-M5ll but it's a bit long to list elsewhere. My settings are really simple, RAW, Aperture Priority, 200 ISO, S-AF, Single Shot anti-shock shutter, Stabilization Mode 1, 4:3 ratio, Single central focusing (not small), then most else on defaults. I just alter things from there as necessary.

Glad you liked the review. Yes, I can think, of that scenario. Maybe GX8, E-M2. Plus the GM5 because it can always be with you.

Caio Petrônio Thanks Caio!

3plestrafe I'll have a think on that. I worked for Paul McCartney and German magazines and...all sorts of things. I have a small web site at www.dthorpe.net too.

David Thorpe your writing about prime lenses.. very insightful!

:-)

+MrSonicAdvance Yes, I wish the camera was a bit bigger too. For a lot of people , the weather proofing is for wet conditions but I like it mainly because I can work in sandy or dusty conditions with too much woory. I do wish there was some sort of cover that would protect the sensor during lens changes.

I've lived with the E-M5ii for a few months now, and whilst there are some things I love about it, there are a few areas where it could be improved. I'm not entirely convinced by the ergonomics, but I think part of that is the swapover from my G6. The ergonomics are greatly improved by fitting the grip, which makes the M5ii much more comfortable, if also inconveniently large. In my experience tracking focus performance is intermittent and as a result, I don't really trust it. Partnered with the Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8, I found it getting lost and confused once too often, and now if something's moving, I prefer to use manual focus and pre-focus. I'm sure this isn't the best way of doing it as I'm not a terrific photographer, but at least it's my fault when the picture is poor, and my success when it's good. Also I find buffer a little too small for the 10fps shooting mode, running out of steam and slowing down at inconvenient times. (Mind you it's not like the G6 is any better.) The image stabilisation is mad-bonkers good though, a real game-changer. The 40MP mode is great too, giving amazing detail. I haven't bothered with the video yet, as the G6 is so good and I'm so familiar with it. But I keep getting the nagging feeling that for me, the E-M1 would have been a better choice for most of what I use a camera for. Yeah, I'd hate not being able to flip the screen over and out of harm's way and also the slightly inferior image stabilisation would bother me every time I missed a shot with blur, but the large buffer and better focus tracking really appeals. All that said, I can't imagine parting with the E-M5ii, because what it does well, it does really well.

Yes, the weatherproofing does give you peace of mind. I found the grip makes a lot of difference, though it niggles me to have duplicate dials at the front. It doesn't really matter, just feels untidy somehow. If the body was the size of the E-M1 it would have been better but then a lot of photographers would have thought it too big! The companies can't win!

Eamon Adams In principle I think it is that simple. The Olympus does video as well as most would need it but for more you'd have to go for the GH4. I much prefer the handling and menus of Panasonics but the E-M5 Mk11 has that amazing stabilization. I am tending to Olympus now purely because of their 40-150mm f/2.8 and converter. It's a one stop answer to a lot of my photographic needs but it needs stabilizing. If Panasonic had brought out a 150mm f/2.8 prime and converter, I'd have stayed with them but in the long lens area they seem to have backed off leaving many photographers high and dry

David Thorpe Thanks for the reply!

Waiting for delivery - later this month (Nov), I hope!

Pablo Riquelme Good to hear that, Pablo!

He passed away. He won't reply your question.

Could it be the quick sleep mode he showed at 9:33

That sounds a good deal. Unless you plan to do lots of fast moving sports, the E-M1 isn't particularly better than the E-M1. Image quality and EVF are similar. I find the small body of the E-M5ll a bit cramped but that was about the only thing I could fault it for and that is a personal thing anyway. It may or not matter to you but the video on the E-M5ll is more versatile. The 12-40 Pro is about the best performing zoom in the Micro Four Thirds system, just as good as the primes whose range it covers.

Andreas Theodorou Thanks! I'm hoping to try the Olympus ultra wide but I don't get any help from anyone, especially Olympus!

David Thorpe I was expecting Olympus to be more supportive of you and your channel. Especially considering that you are one of the most popular m4/3 gear reviewers. Maybe, they will send review-copies to a broader range of people as we move closer to the release date. Hopefully at least.

Andreas Theodorou I'll hope but I won't hold my breath!

attentionaddicts I've used Lowepro for some time, for the past couple of years the 250AW Slingback. I like to use the smallest bag I can for when I'm out and about on foot or cycle and the 250 takes my camera body and 3 zooms lenses and other bits I like to have with me. I like the Sling bags because I like being able to just swivel the bag round to my front to access the camera quickly without undoing the whole bag. Plus, they are nicely made, well designed and not expensive. I am sure there are others as good but the Lowepro fills the bill nicely for me and they do smaller ones if you don't need the size of the 250.

+Tloopfan it's a lovely camera for sure. The 12-40 f/2.8 zoom is about as good as a lens can get. I actually sold my 12mm Olympus prime because the zoom was so much better at 12mm. I'm glad you are happy with your choice - it's huge advanatge to rent before spending so much money.

mountainhobo No, Olympus does not have the moveable window in the same way. However you can set where the window will be by touching the screen before activating the magnifying. For non-native lenses, the magnify facility must be set to a Fn button to switch it on and off. You can vary magnification via the rear dial. In other words, you can do what the Panasonic does but it is less intuitive and fluid in action.

David Thorpe And does the magnification window cover the whole viewfinder, or is it a "screen-within-screen", like Panasonic? Also, do you need to touch the screen to guide the initial MF assist point, or can you move it with the arrow buttons?

mountainhobo You can move MF focus point by touch or arrow keys. The mag screen covers the whole window but reverts to normal view when you half press the shutter. if you wish it to.

Sandeep Krishnan Hi Sandy. Yes, I'm planning to get hold of one in August when I get back to London.

lulounz You're welcome and I'm glad you like the reviews.It's not really a matter of better or worse between DSLR and mirrorless, they're just different. I have a video explaining why I use the cameras I do at : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lS2A6xH2MFwF.htmlull frame DSLRs are capable of higher image quality but less wieldy and transportable in general. I have no practical use for the (in principle) extra quality of full frame cameras but do require a full range of lenses, so Micro Four Thirds camera bodies like the E-M10 are the ideal basis for building an outfit. The E-M10 would be an excellent buy - take a look at the Panasonic GX7 as well.

Thanks for the reply, will take a look at the other video too 😊

Sounds interesting, thanks. I do sometimes wonder if we aren't approaching the perfect camera and we'll end up with Panasonic and Olympus incorporating everything from everywhere in their new cameras. Whether that would be a good thing I don't know.

Yes, I certainly would. Fantastic stabilization for when the light drops but the long lenses aren't so big they'd weigh you down.

Thank you, that´s what I thought - I currently have a Nikon D3000 and the lenses need a piece of hand luggage just for themselves. Between the Panasonic 100-400mm and the Olympus 40-150mm Pro f2.8 * x1,4 multiplier, which set up would you pick? There´s a couple of hundred pounds/euro difference being the Pana more expensive but also more powerful so not sure if the money is worth it on the Panasonic nor if I am going to be penalized in weight. Thank you again!

In terms of size and weight the Olympus and Panasonic are very much the same. While the 100-400mm is less use as a general purpose lens, too long for normal portraiture, for example, it would be perfect for a safari. It focuses close too, so if you were brought closish to an animal you'd have the possibility of a stunning portrait of it. and great for birds, too. The idea of taking that lens on a safari is really exciting. The stabilization is excellent too. I'm a big fan of the Olympus 40-150 Pro but its max 210mm, while enough for most subjects, will be stretched to reach out to camera shy animals. Ft if reach is what you need, the Panasonic, for sure.

Thanks, Mikey. It's a slow building thing but the more the merrier.

It is but the Mark III is even better and is the one I'd go for. I have one but not long enough for a review yet.

Thanks Franis

+David Thorpe Francis I meant....small keyboards awards!

+Matthew Ho Yes, I would, thoroughly. Take a look at the Pansonic G7 as as well and see which feels best in your hands. But if that isn't possible, you won't go wrong with the E-M511.

Yes, the Olympus IS app lets you control the whole thing from a smartphone very easily. There are various remote releases for it but the app trumps them, really,

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks David..👍

+Trevor Keery thanks Trevor. No, never had any issues with burn spots. I have read about it occurring though. I t doesn't seem to be a common probem and I wonder if maybe it occurs as a result of a paricular sequence of events. Sunlight shining through a lens (the dioptre adjustment)is always a potential burn problem so maybe there is something in the way the camera rear has been exposed to sunlight. If you are seriously worried, a Google for burn in on Panasonic EVF produces nothing so it so insofar as it exists, it is an Olympus problem. I'd probably keep the E-M5ll and hope for the best, all the while taking care not to let the sun at the camera back too much when not being used. I'm not implying it's your fault in any way, just an unfortunate coincidence of weakness and normal use.

+David Thorpe Thanks David for the quick response really hoping that this is not a common problem as I really love the e-m5 mark ii as you mention the issue seems to be the diopter focusing the sun into the evf but have never had any issues with my other mirrorless cameras Panasonic G3 ,G5 ,G6 ,G7 . Going to give it one more chance and hope for the best but this must surly be a design fault by Olympus.

+Trevor Keery If it was a matter solely of the dioptre focusing the sun on the EVF it ought to occur on the Panasonics as well, as you imply. But also, since the only references I can find to the effect are on Olympus that does imply a weakness. On the other hand, most people don't suffer the problem so perhaps it is some examples only. I can't imagine why that would be. Maybe Olympus have more than one source for their EVF panels. That being so, it would be unlikely you'd get another example with the problem. Good luck!

No, you just have silence. I prefer a click which I can do on Panasonic, 2 levels of it in fact.

David Thorpe Yep, my Canon S90 has 3 different sounds and you can alter the volume.

Clive Ellis Maybe Olympus will add it to the next E-M whatever?

Hi Aydin - both are great cameras. Although it is cheaper and has a few fewer facilities, the E-M10 ll is a lovely camera to hold and handle. I'd be inclined to go for that and spend the difference on lense(s).

David Alan Photography Both have image quality practically on a par with your present cameras in RAW. JPG output can differ but you can tweak it to your taste on any of the cameras. MFT image quality has reached a plateau right now. What minor differences there are wouldn't be enough to sway a buying decision, really.

David Thorpe Thank you! I really enjoy your video's and look forward to more reviews

Bora Markovic David Thorpe

Bora Markovic The Fuji has a larger sensor and _should_ be a bit better at high ISO settings but I wouldn't regard that as a major criterion on which to buy a camera. It's just one factor. Take a look at the range of lenses available, the stabilization system (which often means you can shot at lower shutter speeds and lower ISO which will more than compensate for any sensor differences.). Nothing will better the E-M5 Mk2's stabilization. I don't think any small difference in high ISO makes the Fuji a better buy than an MFT and if I were you I'd judge by handling both cameras as well. Personally, there is nothing about the Fuji that would make me buy it over the Olympus but obviously a Fuji owner would disagree! One point, if high ISO is your main criterion, take a look at the Sony FFs which knock anything else out of the running _in that respect_.

David Thorpe : You may want to have a look at this post regarding the reported ISO from Fuji: www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3646841?page=2 Apparently Fuji is using a different methodology at reporting the ISO, thus I do not think a direct comparison between m4/3 and X_System at the same ISO is fair for either systems. Even thought, testing done by Steve Huff show more noise at the Olympus bodies than Fuji, but also much higher of details were retained in high ISO shots. I do agree with you about the handling. When I bought the original E-M5, it was a debate between that and the X-PRO1. After using both cameras, the E-M5 won me over. The same story between the E-M1 and the X-T1 a year and a half later.

Andreas Theodorou In the end you have to judge each camera by what it is itself rather than what it is in relation to other ones. Different measurement systems don't make any difference to the real world any more than measuring in metres or yards alters the length of a field. If it does what you want the way you want it, it's the camera for you regardless, as you say in your last sentence.

The Sony A6000 is a good camera - it's hardly possible to buy a bad one nowadays - but the Olympus is more than just interchangeable lens, it's part of a system with choices of lenses in all focal lengths priced from low to high. The Sony has lovely lenses but you are tied to a proprietary mount which limits your choice of lenses and prices. The E-M5ll is a fantastic all round camera and there's scarcely anything it can't do. Image quality is theoretically a bit better with the Sony but I've never heard anyone complain about the Olympus's. For learning photography I'd definitely choose the Olympus. You can start with cheaper lenses and move up to Pro items when/ if you wish. But, leaving aside the lens choice, neither camera would be a bad pick. .

+David Thorpe Thank you sir. I think I'll choose the olympus.

Thanks!

STEHH87 Thanks for the kind words. I agree, I think an E-M1 Mk 11 will most likely incorporate the new aspects of this and combine them with the PDAF ability. What the heck would they do for an E-M1 Mk 111, though?

Yes and I've even read that they are planning on introduceing a new 18MP sensor. I personally don't care much for the extra 2MP, but I really hope that they also manage to step-up the noise performance. I remember the huge improvement from the old 12MP sensor on the e-pl3 to the 16MP sensor on the e-pl5 when it comes to noise performance! Maybe the noise level on an iso 1600 shot will be equivalent to an iso 6400 shot with the new sensor... Also besides focusing on new features (which are definitely nice) Olympus/Panasonic should focus on some faster primes! I'd like to see a 17.5mm 1.2 or even 1.0, same for 25mm, that is if they are indeed serious about approaching professional needs (even if they are big, they'll still be a lot smaller then FF lenses...) because when it comes to DOF the sad truth is that due to the shorter focal length the DOF on those primes is equivalent to double the apeture on full frame, that is 25mm 1.8 = 50mm 3.6 for DOF... really not that jaw dropping...

STEHH87 The more high sped lenses the better. I'm not fussed about extra pixels either and if there are significant advances in sensor technology (I haven't heard of anything imminent) I'd much prefer it used to improve noise on a 16mp sensor than up the count to 18mp. On depth of field, I find the 45mm Olympus will do pretty much what I need at f/1.8 or 2. The Nocticron's f/1.2 is great and I absolutely loved it but it's just too big for my day to day use.

I'd pick the E-M1 Mk1. The E-M1 Mk2 wasn't a massive upgrade and the body does have the PDAF. The E-M5 Mk2 doesn't have the best AF. But I prefer a bigger bidy camera anyway. So, price for price, the E-M1.

@@DavidThorpeMFT Well i do prefer the ergonomics of that EM-1 myself, i would have to add a grip to the em5, so the jump from em1 mk1 to the em1 mk2 isnt actually that big performance wise?

@@iamneallyons4263 You have the 20Mp sensor on the later camera but while if it is there it is worth having, it makes little, if any difference in general use. Ditto focusing. Improvements in camera performance are incremental these days, rather like mobile phones. At the outer extremes of camera performance, fast moving poorly lit indoor sport, say, you might see a 5% or increase in hit rate but you'd get a better increase by getting a bit of practise in. I sometimes think that a good policy is to skip the next 'upgrade' to any given camera and wait for the next, Mk1 to Mk3, GX7 to GX9, for example.

@@DavidThorpeMFT yes this makes perfect sense - although I believe the latest firmware has improved the em1.2 again but as you say, incremental - I often wonder how much of a placebo these improvements are for people who have just went and bought the thing. They have to convince themselves that the outlay was worth it ultimately.

mp4podcastDOTcom You amaze me! Thanks, I'll look out for that plastic lug. I've ordered a grip (without the battery part) so I'll review that later. I'm hoping it will solve the problem. Actually, most of what I want to alter is on the super menu - at last they've set that to appear by default!

The E-M5II is a lovely camera and a good advice on the E-M10 Mki. Certainly one of the best all rounders so yes, there would be an advantage in it. The Hi-Res is very clever but does need to be used on a tripod and on a still subject for best results. For highly detailed landscapes, ideal just as long as nothing in view is moving too much.

David Thorpe thank you very much for your fast response, I think I'll go for it.

Te Enn I wondered if anyone would spot that!

He won't reply you. He has passed on.

MUSTDOS Battery life is not good so I have the battery grip which makes it bearable. I rarely shoot more than a frame or two of something but when I'm shooting birds and getting lots of wasted frames, it does seem to eat the batteries. There's a price to pay for everything!

David Thorpe Thanks for reply

Sweet camera, just wish it was a bit bigger. You shouldn't be having problems focusing with it. It snaps in and out normally, fast and accurate. Is it back focusing or front focusing? Presuming stabilization is on and you aren't using less than 1/20th shutter speed, the stabilization would take care of camera shake. Set the focus area to one area, the _one_ square in the middle of the viewfinder and point the camera at a wall. If its not sharp, there's something badly wrong.

I'm very please about the results i have in general, i recommand the camera, and the lens. I think i do a bit too much pixel peeping with the 17mm f/1.8 which i find a bit to soft when i need to do cropping. I should lend it to a pro, in order to get his point of view, it's sometime just about confidence :)

With the 17mm, at f/1.8 and f/2 the edges are softer than the centre. That's normal. The centre sharpness at those apertures is beyond reproach. By f/2.8 the performance of the lens across the whole frame is not bettered by anything. There was one site, I believe that has criticized this lens but that site also finds lens performance different on different bodies. That is patently absurd, telling you much about the testing procedures but nothing about the lens.

I most of the time shoot at f/4. Again, i may expect too much when cropping.

If you crop to the size of the monitor you are viewing on you won't see any loss of quality. But after that, if the monitor has to interpolate, then you'll see a drop in sharpness.

Thanks! The Lumix G85 is a more advanced camera than the E-M10 III but it is a bit more expensive. Well worth the extra, in my opinion.

Wow thanks for the fast reply! Apart from that, which of them will be able to produce better stills and videos? I'm mainly going to use my camera for stills and a little bit of video and from the reviews I've watched, the G85 seems to have a very slow AF while recording. How does that compare to the em10 iii or em5 ii?

Stills from both will be very similar, nothing to choose, really. Fast autofocus look awful on video, so it is intentionally slow. Manual is best under most circumstances, stopped down enough t give enough depth of filed to cover the anticipated subject movement. You do have the touch focusing =on the monitor which will refocus the camera wherever and whenever you want.

David Thorpe Thank you so much! I think I have set my mind on which camera to get after listening to your, cheers! :D

The 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom is razor sharp and would cover street and landscape. It's an exceptional lens and stopped down to just one stop to f/4 is a match for any prime. The only thing is that you might think it a bit too big. If primes are your thing, I like the 17mm f/1.8 Olympus as an all rounder coupled with the 45mm f/1.8 for portraits and (for my purposes)st liej the natural perspective of the 45mm and the way you can pick out sections of a landscape for pictorial purposes.

David Thorpe thanks for the advice david! And what do you think of panasonic 14mm 2.5? Isit good for landscape?

It's a good sharp lens and very compact. It'd be fine for landscape but a little too wide for general purpose and street use. That's depend on exactly what you want to do, of course but if you are photographing people, it means getting very close!

after doing some surveys, i've decided to get a 14mm f2.5 and as well as the 25mm f1.7! and thanks for your opinion as well!

Sounds a sensible and useful combo to me - glad to help.