Olympus E-M1 mk ii Review for Landscapes
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- Join me for my Olympus OM-D E-M1 mark ii review - is this Micro 4/3rds camera any good for landscape photography?
I'd been considering the feasibility of landscape photography with a micro four-thirds system for some time before settling on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mk2. There are a number of compelling reasons for this choice which I cover in this video from Yr Aran, Snowdonia. One of the main reasons is the Olympus 12-100mm f/4 zoom lens, which I'm using as a permanent fixture on it, saving weight and hassle when out and about hiking.
From my experience so far the camera body and lens combination are proving to be an excellent choice for the sort of landscape photography you'll find on my channel, reducing the weight and bulk needed for my landscape photography outings, but at the same time delivering top class image quality.
This is my final review of this micro four-thirds camera and lens combination. I hope it will help any other landscape photographers who might be wondering if the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mk2 could be suitable for landscape photography.
I really appreciate you watching, and if you haven't done it already, why not subscribe now and join me next time?!
I really appreciate you watching, and if you haven't done it already, why not subscribe now and join me next time?!
I find I’m being asked more and more often about the equipment I use. As I’ve typed up countless replies and links and lists for friends and viewers, I’ve now set it all out definitively here: dgriff.gallery/equipment/.
dgriff.gallery/
/ dgriffgallery
/ dgriffgallery
/ dgriffgallery
Edited. mixed and produced with DaVinci Resolve 15.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
I really appreciate you watching, and if you haven't done it already, why not subscribe now and join me next time?!
I find I’m being asked more and more often about the equipment I use. As I’ve typed up countless replies and links and lists for friends and viewers, I’ve now set it all out definitively here: dgriff.gallery/equipment/.
dgriff.gallery/
/ dgriffgallery
/ dgriffgallery
/ dgriffgallery
Edited. mixed and produced with DaVinci Resolve 15.
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
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One of the best reviews I've seen for a long time, thank you!
Thank you so much for watching, Jess. It's a lot of work doing these videos and it makes it all worthwhile when nice people like you take the time to let me know you enjoyed it. Many thanks 😀👍
A good real world update. Always look forward to your videos as they are fun and informative. :)
Thank you so much for watching, Carl, and taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. It's a lot of work doing these videos and it makes it all worthwhile when nice people like you comment. Many thanks 😀👍
One of the best Olympus lenses they have produced,I have the mk3 and think its a great camera Keep up the good work.
I so admire your videos! I learn a great deal from them and I thank you for your educational efforts. All the best from Naples, Florida.
Glad you like them! Thanks so much 😊👍
Wow great timing, I have just purchased the exact setup as my second camera for the Winter months when I’m hiking and Wild Camping in the Scottish Highlands. Wasn’t 100% sure if I had done the right thing then came across your video. Glad I chose the setup now. Thanks. Atb Bill
Hello Bill, thank you so much for watching and being good enough to take the time to make contact. Really pleased that you are confident in your purchasing decision. I must admit there is no way I would change my set up after a very happy couple of years with it. 😊👍
Enjoyed the follow up review David. Sounds like you are well and truly sold on the M43 system. I appreciate "reviews" like this--no specs and pixel peeping, just an honest discussion about how the camera and system suits you. I too am converting although I must admit my FF got a workout in the Lake District recently. I need to invest in some additional batteries for my Olympus now that I am convinced that the system works for me. Looking forward to your next vlog. Cheers, Jeff
Many thanks as always Jeff, for your support - you know I really appreciate it 😀👍
Thanks Dave I watched this review first, because I was looking to this Lens to upgrade my OMD EM1, I have now arrived back at this review having watched all your previous Vlogs to this point. You have inspired me to get out and hopefully get my wonderful Mrs S to bless me with the lens? Thanks again Mate great job
If you’re half as happy with it as I am you’re going to be delighted 👍🏻😊
Excellent video David, really appreciate your thoughts and views.
Many thanks, really appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to make contact! 😀👍
Great video, thanks for your review. I travelled for 3 months in South America with the EM1 MK2 and it was by far the best camera I could have taken. Great image quality, very versatile and very light to carry around. On top if it, it excelled at resisting dust, cold, heat and water in a wide range of situations (jungle, desert, glaciers...)
Cheers Quim, really glad you enjoyed it 😀👍
Nice down to earth, practical, user review David. Only noticed this evening you’re over 3k subscribers, congratulations!
Thanks a lot, Brian, it's nice to get some new subscribers but I also really like the fact that people like yourself have been with me all along!
Just got that lens for my EM1 Mk2 and am absolutely besotted! Love the combination for all the reasons you give. Great summary.
Many thanks Ian, really appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to make contact! 😀👍
D Griff Gallery - Love your low key style and presentation. I sold all my full frame Canon gear about 3 years ago and am constantly amazed at all the hype suggesting “full frame” is the only way to go. Suggests to me people don’t know how to use the equipment they have in their hands.
Like your works and words. I'm moving on and add the E-M1II to my E-M5II. Olympus is giving my what I need, at perfect level.
Hello Peter, thank you ever so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. As you may have seen I've had my Olympus now for nine months or so. And with the single 12-100 mm lens living on it, I have found the system has performed brilliantly, creating several portfolio quality images along the way. I couldn't be happier with it and certainly have no intention of even thinking about changing for the for seeable future! 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery Thanks! I will follow your path!
Really thank you for this video ! This is exactly the kit I want to purchase for exactly the same reasons as you :) I already bought the body & I was thinking about this lens as a good candidate. Thanks to you the chose is totally made now. Thanks for sharing ! By the way I am also a fan of your work ;)
Hello Jean-Claude, thank you so much for watching and being good enough to get in touch with your very kind feedback. Really glad you found this helpful, and hope you will get as much enjoyment out of your equipment as I am. It's quite sometime since I posted this particular video, I am still extremely happy with my decision to switch. In particular the lens really does cover pretty much every eventuality, and very rarely comes off the camera body. Anyway, thanks again forgetting in touch and I really appreciate you supporting my channel. 😊👍
Excellent commentary on The MFT system and the OMD in particular. I bought mine a year ago, while still keeping my Nikon D700. While I still love my D700, I’m always really astounded by the quality and ease of use of my Olympus. It is my go to camera for most occasions, especially travel. In 90% of shooting scenarios it holds its own against any FF camera.
Hi John, I kept my Nikon system as well - just in case. But so far I haven't reverted to it on a single occasion! 😀👍
Thanks for the work David. I'm suprised this vlog notice was so late arriving to me. Anyway, I've enjoyed the images from your website, and they only make me wish i owned the same system. Brilliant sir.
Thanks a lot Dennis - to be honest there's nothing at all wrong with the system you're using. My only reason for the switch from Nikon was the requirement to be able to reach these sorts of locations more easily at my advanced age! Some of your recent farm images are definitely getting better and better, proving your equipment is more than capable. And as you get more experience with composition and light you'll be creating some stunning images from what I've seen so far 😀👍
Ahh David, Thanks for your kind words regarding my learning journey with Canon brand gear. Wishing I owned such fine gear as your Micro 4/3rds is only natural. It is the same as dragging a 5 year child through a candy store and not buying the poor kid even a gumdrop. No, I can admire the rig, but will never have it. The price for just your lens will never fit into my ebay budget. (yes, I went to see the cost) A favorite saying of mine is 'Just because one has no money, dosen't mean one cannot window shop'. I fear that I am more close to your age than you realize, and the years have not been kind. So I know why you selected the lightweight rig.
I am so pleased you are happy with your new camera David :D I hope you go on to take many wonderful images with it in the future :D I really love the Olympus systems they do the job very well and are so much lighter to carry in the hills. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about it atb :D Teddy
Many thanks as always Teddy for your support - you know I really appreciate it 😀👍
Very nicely produced review, thorough and relevant to landscape togs. I'm not interested much in cameras and lenses, but you made it interesting and watchable. I've never seen someone with so much gear when they go walking though David, you're like a Sherpa!
Thanks a lot, mate - and there was I thinking I was the king of travelling light!! The small "front-facing" bags are my entirety of camera gear and the backpack is emergency mountain stuff - You'll see me travelling way lighter when I'm on the coast! 😀👍
@@DGriffGallery I think the idea of a small camera bag on the front is a great idea, I have a bum bag for bits and bobs like that, but not to hold the camera. Might need to reconfigure things now you've made me think! Took a look at your gear page on your site, a great read mate!
@@SimonBurnCreative cheers - it's all evolved from a standard back-pack set up and allows for all aspects of quick easy vlogging / stills while carrying enough gear to spend a couple of nights in the middle of nowhere that an old git like me can manage!!
Thanks for the review. Seems to be a really good camera that im likeing more and more specially them good fps. 👍🏼
Hi Carl, I think the main point I was trying to get across is that it specifically works really well for my particular requirements. In reality, there is probably nothing to choose between it and many other systems in terms of image quality etc. But if I was pressed, I would certainly be quite happy to recommend it as a general photography tool 😀👍
Ladscapes,portraits,macro , street...Bravo Maestro.
Many thanks as always Gary for your support - you know I really appreciate it 😀👍
Nice one and jolly glad that you are enjoying your photography with this great camera. It's the photographer not the camera that is important. I've MFT and FF cameras and 90% of my photos are taken with the MFT cameras. I hardly use my Nikon D750 now as I find that the Oly cameras perform just as well and I get all the quality that I want from them.
As it happens, I did keep my old Nikon system just in case I wanted to go back to it at any point. So far it's gathering dust on the shelf! 😀👍
Thanks David. I purchased a used EM-1 MK1 a few months back which has about 90-95% of what you describe on the MK2. Along with two Pro Olympus glass, I've got an excellent "small kit" bag always at the ready. In fact, I find myself reaching for the MFT bag more and more when heading out the door. Indeed, some compromises to be made, but none that negatively impact what I expect from my landscape images. It will be interesting to see where I am in a year and whether I still own a FF bag. To be continued..... Thanks for the review.
After a year with my Olympus and I have yet to take more than a dozen shots with my Nikon, and that was because I wanted to use my old trustworthy portrait lenses. I ended up shooting a second session so I grabbed my Olympus. My clients actually preferred the Olympus images even after some prints were done.
Another excellent video, David. Even though I'm a Nikon user, the appeal of micro4/3 is certainly there....particularly as I get older!! :-)
Hi Simon, I had a Nikon system up until I switched over. And I was more than happy with it from a photographic standpoint. But my lens collection was growing, And it's more important for me to reach the sort of locations I like to shoot. And to accept a very minor compromise. I have been extremely happy with the very small nature of that compromise, to the extent that it's barely noticeable. In addition to which, I have presented images during photographic talks and challenged the audience to tell the difference. You can imagine that they have been completely unable to do so 😀👍
That sums it up nicely! It is the weather-sealing part that intrigues me to "upgrade" my basic primes one day - but then I would have to "upgrade" from my Pen F too, and I'm not there (yet).
Hi Christian, to be honest, I don't expect to make a great deal of use of the weather-sealing because I tend to be careful about going out hiking as far as conditions are concerned. But the mountains can be unpredictable so it's good to know that I'd be OK if I did get caught in a storm! 😀👍
Well put David. The build quality and waterproofing is second to none. I have used my Olympus gear in Antartica, Iceland and Norway in the cold and pouring rain with absolutely no issues. There is too much Photo snobbery about 4/3. Some people who have never used a 4/3 camera think it is the poor relation of full frame which is a myth. It is also a myth that they can't compete with Nikons and Canons. I love mine and would never go back to my Nikon D3 and D7100 which I will now be selling. It may not be for everyone, but for travel it is top class.
Many thanks as always Ray, for your support - you know I really appreciate it 😀👍
Hi! I also enjoy the macro four thirds system and have done for some time my system is the Panasonic Lumix G but I have been thinking of going over to an Olympus body ( that's a camera body). Good video keep it up and one of these days we may bump into one another.😎
Thanks a lot Tony, do free to say hello if you ever spot me out and about. I'm always delighted to meet fellow photographers!
Enjoyed that, David, and glad you are enjoying the OMD. Only issue I have and I was aware in advance, is the ISO limitations. It's not really bothered me that much so far. The customisability is awesome; as is the Live Comp. It's great that I can hand hold at 1 second if needed and get a very sharp image. I just want the 7‑14mm 1:2.8 PRO now :) Cheers.
Have you thought about the panasonic 8-18mm? At least you can get a filter holder on it without a special adapter.
Cheers Andy, really glad you enjoyed it 😀👍I've toyed with the idea of another lens, but frankly I'd rarely bother going wider than the 12mm end of this one so it would just be extra weight I could live without!!
Best combo, lens/body for M4/3. I remember my first outing with the same system 1yr ago, fell in water with the camera lens 2 feels deep, not a glitch! Nice professional setup David you can't go wrong when your happy with your system. thank you for sharing.
Cheers Bernard, The thing is I'm more than happy to accept the obvious very minor image quality compromises, because the system entirely fits my bill for my long-distance hiking when I am trying to save every possible gram that I can in my pack weight! 😀👍
My last hike David was the snowshoeing Vlog I made at Tremblant, unfortunately at the end of my 5 hour journey I felt something wrong at my right shoulder blade! Yep pulled a muscle badly. That is the price to pay when you carry heavy gears, I traded my Olympus system for medium format Fujifilm, no regrets but it’s an adjustment for my 55yr old body. Thanks
Your comment about using the equipment you have skillfully was right on the money as far as I’m concerned. My first digital camera was an Olympus with a 1.2 megapixel sensor, and it produced decent prints up to 8x10 and beyond. My next was a Panasonic L1, micro four-thirds, with just 7 megapixels, that produced good-looking prints up to 20x30. My 24 megapixel Nikon 7100 has its limitations, but is capable of producing great, pin-sharp prints, although the pixel-peeping crowd may disagree. In the end, the critical element in photography is not megapixels but the photographer’s eye.
Hi George, many thanks for watching - I totally agree with your thoughts 😀👍
Couldn't agree more. I got mine back in early February to replace my beloved Lumix FZ1000. No looking back!
Hi Mike, thanks so much for tuning in and commenting - much appreciated 😀👍
It really is doing you proud! It’s definitely apart of the Griffiths family. 👌
Cheers mate - one thing I'm especially loving about it is that I never have to even think about which bloody lens to stick on the front of it. Because so far every single image I wanted to capture has been handled perfectly well by that one piece of glass. 😀👍
D Griff Gallery superb and the difference is clear to see 👍
Merci beaucoup David... Nice mountains ! An Olympus system photographer from South of France...
Many thanks Adrian, really appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to make contact! 😀👍
Hello from a New South Welshman. Still using the em1ii today. Not bothering to upgrade. Its served me well for my YT channel and learning photography. Just going through you old catalogue. Cheers rob and Jerry
Yep, I'm also still very happy with my trusty old mk2, too 😊👍
I am so happy about your rational approach to cameras and one sentence I like from you "I am shooting 12-100 lens". BRAVO! We should stop with calculating 'equivalents' for full frame as it justifies that M43 is something worse by comparing it with FF. Lens 12-100 always will be 12-100 no matter if mounted to M43, FF or medium format, difference is only on the angle of view, rest of the physics stays the same. So at least for me taking about equivalents is rubbish :D Great video!
As long as angle of view is not a common measurement unit I WILL use the equivalent!
Excellent :) Also, "This the last time I mention the word Full Frame" just made me smile! hahah Thanks! I think your new OSMO Mobile set up is great and I do consider myself using one. This is a great video and also a reminder to people that a camera is a tool and all systems have their goods and bads. You choose one that works and I do too. It isn't about gear comparisons but on a quest to find one that suits your needs!
Cheers Jimmy - I'm definitely finding that this system and lens choice is working really well so far for my particular requirements - and many thanks in no small part parts to you with your earlier videos which I watched during the decision-making process!! My photography is as much about documenting the locations I visit as "artwork". So a heavy load would restrict some of the more ambitious hikes / wild camps I undertake in the summer months. The hike to the location for this video would have been horrible with my old Nikon system / lenses, but this time was seriously unexpectedly easy! I've had a few comment about "better" glass choices, but they assume that A. I'm unhappy with the 12-100 and B. I'm already considering my abandoning my single lens policy. Neither being the case, suggestions as to what else I might purchase are rather pointless! 😀👍
Red35 Photography 🤥
Exchanged my Nikon D500 and lenses,for this kit,at last weeks PS,
great deal and great decision.
Hi Andrew, I really hope you're as happy with it as I am. 😀👍
I just did ‘almost’ the same thing; exchaned my D500 + lenses for m1 mkiii + the 12-100mm
I was in much the same situation as you were David, having used a Nikon D600 with a variety of lenses (mostly third-party from Tokina and Tamron) and I was also wanting to make the switch to a lighter system, but still having good image quality. I didn't move to Micro Four Thirds, I made the switch to using a Fujifilm X-T1 and XC 16-50mm lens (24-75m FF equivalent) which I am very happy with. Admittedly there are newer cameras within that manafacturer's range with lots more features, but the X-T1 and 16-50mm suit my needs so perfectly, it is unlikely I will be using anything but those for a few years. Sad to say that photography is becoming more expensive to get into. Great video as always.
The thing is Kevin, that's the exact point that I was really trying to make - It's always about what system works for your particular requirements and all I was saying is that this system works for me. And it's great that your system works for you. I find it strange that so many people are so dogmatic about a particular camera system or manufacturer. As if being loyal to a specific brand will always give them the best results. It sort of defies logic as far as I'm concerned! 😀👍
@@DGriffGallery I sometimes think it's because people want to justify their purchase and avoid feeling as if they've bought a lemon, even though I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as a truly bad camera these days. I'm starting to sound like a worn-out record here now, but looking forward to your next video. Take care!
I did the exactly the same by upgrading my gear to Olympus 5 Mk2 but with the 12-40 mm Pro, my Nikon has now become my backup camera. I just bought an Olympus 60 mm macro so I'm trying out the Focus Stacking which works great.
I use the 60mm macro. And the stacking works but using PS or Affinity gives better results with more flexibility IME. But the focus bracketing, now that's handy, and works on any lens too.
Hi Robert, the general feedback I have had ever since I switched the system, from people like yourself, is that those opinionated photographers using full frame, who sneer at M4/3 really have no idea what they're talking about! 😀👍
Hi David nice video, I have the E-M5 mark II waiting to see what in the new E-M5 mark III is like when it comes out and make up my mine which one to go for E-M5 or E-M1.
I changed from a Nikon to Olympus back in September 2016 and have had no regrets doing the change.
Hi Martin I kept my Nikon on the shelf just in case, and so far it's only gathering dust! 😀👍
Thanks again.
Hi Tony 😀👍
I see this sort of thing in the comments causes all sorts of discussion, which is good. I'm looking at micro four thirds as a distinct possibility for video but haven't really considered it for stills. It would make a lot of sense if i did already have a camera to have another with fully interchangeable lenses.
I can see the Olympus works really well for you - particularly the point that it all fits neatly in a pouch so you don't have to start putting thing on the ground.
To be honest Jeff, I'm not sure it would be the best sort system of yourself for stills simply because you are not doing a big hikes that I do so weight is much less of an issue. And the continuous autofocus for video work is nowhere near as good as some other M4/3 cameras as I understand it. 😀👍
D Griff Gallery I agree it would be difficult to step away from the dual pixel auto focus I have now. There’s no single perfect camera for video but I find I have a shortlist of 2, both of which are micro 4/3. I’m pretty surprised myself. Not buying just yet though so who knows what will be released this year
I so much would love to have your camera plus the lense. but I just can't afford it and I'm very happy with my omd em 10 ii with the 12-40mm. I have always eyed the fujisystem, but the expensive lenses and missing IBIS in the cameras are no-gos for me. I wish Olympus would get higher market shares as their cameras and lenses have this "touch me and take me out to shoot" appeal when I look at them.
I loved this gear video!
The EM10 mkii with the 12-40 2.8 is a superb combination and more than capable as a camera, featuring a lot of EM1 mkii tech (live bulb, stabilisation etc) I did find an additional fotodiox grip helpful and the images out of the Olympus system very pleasing regardless of model.
I'm sure that your camera and lens give you great images and enjoyment, so I wouldn't worry about it at all! Many thanks for watching and being kind enough to leave a comment - I really appreciate it 😀👍
Looks a great camera.
There are some obvious compromises, but for the sort of hiking that I do it absolutely perfect from my particular requirements! 😀👍
I agree with everything you said ....
Hi Libor, many thanks for watching - and I totally agree with your thoughts too!!! 😀👍
Very nicely done job sir! I just discovered your channel and I've already subscribed. I also have the E-M1 (Mark I) and the 12-40 f2.8 Pro lens. I purchased these for essentially the same reasons you did. I'd love to add the 12-100 when funds permit. I've been looking for a good case for the front of my backpack and the one you use seems perfect. Can you tell me what the brand and model is? Thanks again and I'm looking forward to your future videos.
Hello David, thank you ever so much for your very kind support of my channel. It is much appreciated. With regards to the camera bag I'm using in these videos, it is a ThinkTank holster. Here's a link to it on Amazon: amzn.to/3apaVN1, hope this is helpful. If you have a chance to catch up on any of my other videos, you will see in more recent ones that I have switched out this holster for the Peak Design capture clip, Which carries the camera on a backpack shoulder strap making it much more quickly accessible, and for my mountain hikes avoids another bag swinging about as I climb. Anyway, thanks again for watching the channel. So glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
I know it doesn't apply to yourself, David, but if anyone has Micro 4/3/ camera gear with several lenses, I would recommend the TAMRAC PROFESSIONAL bag. It holds a body and about 4 or 5 lenses plus four pockets for filters, jacket, etc. Adjustable interior compartments, well padded and sturdy but not heavy.
Thanks Ray, you’re full of great recommendations! 😊👍🏻
The 12 to 100MM is the optimum len,s for OMD. But, £750 used! So, entry level glass, after post, unless you pixel peep, good enough for me. No desire to print to exhibition size, in fact, it,s hard to find a bad Olympus len,s. Keep up the good work David, and stay safe.
i dont mean to be off topic but does someone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?
I was dumb lost my account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me
@Edwin Roger instablaster ;)
@Ramon Nathaniel i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process now.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Ramon Nathaniel It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy!
Thank you so much, you saved my ass !
@Edwin Roger Happy to help :)
I must admit you just made a lighter system seem very attractive indeed. The old adage of ‘f8 and be there’ is useless if you cannot carry your gear. 👍🏻
Hi Colin, many thanks for making contact. As you can probably tell I'm quite happy that it works really well for my particular requirements. Of course, it won't work that well for everybody, and I accept that there are some specific compromises. But these are very minor in return from benefits it offers me. 😀👍
Great video, I'm always amazed at what you can throw at these cameras, and the image quality is superb in most situations.
Hi Floyd, thanks so much for tuning in and commenting - much appreciated 😀👍
I own the same kit and that's what I use most of the time. I say "most of the time" because I also own a Nikon D800 but most of the time it's no better for what I do. Can I see a difference? Sure, I can. Does it matter? Nope. The files coming from the Olympus are so good I don't need any better.
Oh and that 12-100 has no right to be this good. How could they make this long a lens that's this good? And doesn't cost 10k and doesn't weigh more than I do. Simply amazing.
A shame Olympus didn't do a better job selling their system. I hope they keep on supporting this line.
Hi Thomas, it's been nearly a year since I dipped in to Olympus and I'm in love with it too! It's allowed me to never have to pick mountain locations based on "can I lug my gear" - at my age, a VERY important consideration! 😊👍
Hi, do you have your specific configuration in OMD EM1 Mark II?
Hi Krzyztof, I'm tending to use it mostly in aperture priority starting at about f/5.6 the light allows it. So that's one of the presets that I switch to as soon as it goes on the tripod! 😀👍
and for Macro, Olympus is the best you can get!
Well it certainly works just fine for me 😀👍
I have a few full frame and crop sensor cameras from Nikon and Canon plus the usual lenses. I am getting on a bit and don't have the strength to carry heavy equipment around. Last week I bought a used EM5 MKII and a cheap 14~45 lens as my walk about. I think it will be much better to carry that around than my D800 plus the Sigma 24~105 ART. My only concern is that having looked at the range of the ' pro ' lenses for this size of camera, at least bulk wise, they are not that much smaller than the ones for a full frame DSLR. I think that this goes against the ethos of the MFT sensor systems. There is no point in trying to look like a DSLR and on the way use the identity. Lets keep it light and small. Thanks for your presentation.
Many thanks for watching, and taking the time to get in touch. You make a good point, although it is fair to say that there are still some weight and size savings to be had with many MFT lenses, when it comes to pro glass those differences are marginal. However, what I have found subsequently is that it is, for landscapes, unnecessary to carry around so much glass to emulate the "trinity of lenses" so common amongst APS-C and full frame users. And specifically in my case, until very recently I was using a single lens being the 12 to 100 mm f/4.0, which has proved to be an extremely capable workhorse. And I have most certainly saved an approximation of 5lb in weight. Given the sort of hiking and camping I do it is significant. However, when you're looking at more entry-level lenses for MFT bodies they are featherweights by comparison, and in my experience (albeit only with Olympus lenses) they are extremely capable optically. I have tried a couple of them recently and obtained some spectacularly good results despite them being extremely lightweight and accordingly competitively priced. The latter not being a high priority, but are very welcome bonus! 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery I agree. This is of course my own opinion but, I have found during years ( I have been photographing ' seriously ' since the early 80s starting with a Nikon EM ) that as far as landscape is concerned there is little merit in trying to use an ultra wide lens. Most situations lend themselves to the use of 28mm to 70mm in full frame terms. I find it very difficult to make good use of sub 28mm lenses that I have. If anything I find that carrying these type of lenses dictates the type of subject that one photographs, rocks in the foreground, something else leading the eye to something else and so on. Not always these compositions have any real merit aesthetically. They make for pretty photographs but that is it. Right now, I am resisting the temptation to get a 9~18 lens for this EM5. I intend to use the cheap 14~45 to its limits first without making the same mistake that I made with many of my other cameras. Yesterday I took a little walk carrying my D7200 and the 18~35 AFS lens ( a relatively light combination for a Nikon ) and my Contax G2 with only a 28mm and 45 mm Zeiss-G lenses and a roll of iso 100 film. Once I developed the film and downloaded the files in LR I found that the images that I had captured with the Contax were of better aesthetic quality and I only used the 45mm once. Time will tell if I am right or not. Have a great day.
thanks david - what's the small camera bag you use ?
Hi Mic, many thanks for watching - I really appreciate it. You'll find full details of the bag and all the stuff I use on this page: dgriff.gallery/equipment/ - I do get asked a lot so I figured it would be helpful to keep it all on a single list! That specific bag is the same one I've used (in khaki) for fishing for the last 3 years. amazing quality and plenty of space and external attachment points for well under £30! So I got in in black too for my filming gear. It's often all I take as I can get a drink and snacks in it too! Hope this is helpful and thanks again for tuning in 😀👍
Really interesting video, thanks.
How do you cope with the limited dynamic range of the tiny sensor?
I don't have any real issues on that front - I use filters / bracketing / spot-metering and exposure blending. You'll see some sunset shots in a recent video which are about as challenging as it gets. I was shooting into the setting sun, but with dark rocks in the foreground and I was still able to get plenty of detail with no noise 😀👍
I have A2 and A3 images in acrylic and print on my walls from EM5mkii and that’s a 16mp sensor so the so called “tiny sensor” doesn’t worry me either most people look at images on a 13inch laptop and never print or display so what’s the point of image comparison photography is about getting out taking the image and displaying it for people to admire
👍 Subscribed!
Thank you so much, really appreciate it and hope to keep you entertained! 😊👍🏻
Have also been looking towards these lens, either with EM1 M2 or with long awaited EM5 M3.
I'm no expert when it comes to equipment - I can only share it works for my specific style of photography. But I've been very pleased with the system. And it's been a while since I made this review and I like it more and more! I've got some great images with it 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery well I own already aged EM1 M1 with 12-40 2.8 and missing that extra reach and better focusing. The image itself is even more that I'd ever dreamed.
Another great video got the same outfit fitted a L bracket that made to fit the camera now it easy to mount to tripod and am learning to use the focus stacking in the bracketing menu
Hi Mike, I thought about an L-Bracket but decided against the extra weight and don't really have any issues with switching orientation on a ball-head. They are very handy of course, but when you're hiking with ultra-light gear and saving every ounce on your equipment it's an item you can work around 😀👍
Well coment thank you and only ps. I change from cannon 10 yrs
never look back
that said a great system to fully explore the photographic experience, but altho detail and noise are the real killers for M4/3, (you need to be good at processing) it is more about the experience and the capture on the day
I've had very little issue with noise as a problem. I find using filters / bracketing / exposure blending all contribute to allow best capture of available light in a balanced way to create a good RAW starting point. Then subtle processing with careful use of LR / Dfine2 NR processing works just fine.
D Griff Gallery yes you are correct, M4/3 definitely require more processing skills which is good on one way, until you process the files from a higher MP FF camera, and then you think WTF!
Just worked myself through your channel over the last 3 weeks. It’s been a fantastic help and I have enjoyed the vlogs immensely. Arriving in Anglesey next Saturday. One question, in your editing, do you use any Lightroom presets or third party presets?
Thank you so much for watching, Alan, and taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it. It's a lot of work doing these videos and it makes it all worthwhile when nice people like you comment. Many thanks. As far as LR / 3rd party presets go, I have one single LR preset and one single DXO Color Efex 4 recipe. Both of which I designed myself based on the general attributes of the results from this 12-100mm lens / body combo. They are simply used as a starting point short-cut for further custom work. I'm not a big fan of generic presets because by and large they take no account of the data they are presented with in the RAW file. You might as well accept the JPEG output from the camera because at least in that case the processing algorithm is created by a team that know the hardware and software characteristics. Presets for a specific looks and feels are another matter, but I don't use that sort of thing for landscapes. Hope this answers your question, and many thanks for asking. 😀👍
Interesting vlog! I'm from a generation that cant be bothered with all this 'full frame' being the best nonsense. We always bought the gear that we required to get the job done. Being in my 60's we used to have the three formats Small or miniature, medium and large. It appears that everyone wants to achieve full frame without actually knowing what they are talking about especially on youtube. Sheep being led by camera manufacturers! Your reasons are sound and the end results speak for themselves.
Many thanks Jim, really appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to make contact! Being from the same generation as yourself, I entirely agree with everything you said 😀👍
Hi David, thanks for the advice on the cam and lens I'm interested in. Do u see the need for ultra wide lens? Also I heard that 12-100mm lens has quite a bit of distortion at the wide end. Is it true?
Hi Jas, I haven't noticed any obvious distortion at the wide end, and as yet I haven't found any need for anything wider than 12mm. Although I have it in mind to buy a wide angle prime around 7 or 8 mm at some point in the future.
@@DGriffGallery Hi David, good to know that as a landscape photographer, ultra wide isn't always necessary. Also, I think finding a pro (weather proof) ultra wide angle lens that can accept filter (as most landscape photographers need) without the protruding lens element is hard.
Yes Jas, a lot of ultra-wide angle lenses M4/3 lenses are fish-eye and can't easily accept filters. But I'm finding that the 12mm end of this lens is working well. And bearing in mind that I set out specifically to try using only one lens I haven't been disappointed so far 😀👍
@@DGriffGallery I'd love a 9 or 10mm prime with a wide aperture, say f2 for astro, but they are non existent for mft. I did play with the new Panasonic 8-16 zoom at TPS in Birmingham and it's superb! But costs a grand 😞 For now I'll keep using my 9mm bodycap fisheye and a lot of correction in post...
I should say there is a Samsung 10mm f2.8 which is cheapish and good quality but is a FF lens with an MFT mount, so is massive and heavy. Still waiting for a wide native prime.
Could I ask why you went with the Olympus and not the Fuji system. Thanks.
Hi Colin, it was the 6.5 stops of stabilisation, single super sharp lens from 12-100mm which also has stabilisation, the pull out screen so I can use it for vlogging too and the rugged build quality because I'm clumsy!! But it was a close run thing 😀👍
@@DGriffGallery thanks for that. Yes I had the mark II with the 12-100 but went over to the XT3. Now I'm seriously looking at going back because of the ibis. I feel I need that bit extra stabilization nowadays.
Is that your dog in the background around 10:00 (upper left corner)?
Hi John, no it was one of the ones that photo-bombed me! 😀👍
Did you ever consider a quick release plate to protect the bottom of your camera?
Hi, yes this was made quite some time ago. I've used the Peak Design V3 Capture Clip for the last 18months and wouldn't be without it now. Also used on an EM5 mk3 I've since acquired. 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery careful with the pd plate on the em5 iii as there are multiple damage reports. See DPReview.
@@catrionathomson8981 Yes I'd heard that. i don't over-tighten and I'm checked regularly 😊👍
Is the difference in image quality huge compared to your previous D5500?
Hi Patrick, yes, I have to say that it is far superior, but particularly when matched up with the pro grade 12 - 100 mm lens. Over the last 12 months or so I’ve got some images that I’ve been really pleased with, and that I know would have not been quite so good with the Nikon set up that I had😊👍🏻
@@DGriffGallery thank you for your answer! That helps me with my further plannings... Happy easter :)
Unless you're shooting long exposures, M4/3 makes a tripod virtually redundant. First there's the image stabilisation, then the fact wide apertures offer plenty of depth of field. I tend to only take one if I know I'll be shooting video.
Yes, from a technical standpoint you are quite right however as you will see if you have a look at one of my recent Ask Me Anything videos on that very subject, I still prefer to use tripod for some other reasons :)
great vid as always but the real proof is the great images you get
Hi Robert, thanks so much for tuning in and commenting - much appreciated 😀👍
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Thank god you're going to stop doing reviews of that camera now because honestly after this one my head is spinning with thoughts of how I can part ex my Canon gear and get one with that lens 😉
To be honest mate, you'll probably have to be quite careful in your equipment choices for our hike in May. Because otherwise it's going to be absolutely horrendous lugging a full pack of gear, when you add all the necessary camping equipment to it! 😀👍
@@DGriffGallery Get a Sherpa
and Olympus release the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mark iii about 5 weeks after the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mark ii
Um, no, the mk2 dates from 2016.
@@DGriffGallery I know, it's just that the MK III was supposed to be because of pressure from new mirroless
cameras from Fuji and Sony.
From what I've seen since you've had this camera David, I cannot see any difference in the quality of your system then cmos of full frame,
Hi Gary, that's an interesting observation. And perhaps suggests that I'm getting to grips with the characteristics of the camera. It's clearly more problematic to get clean images with a small sensor, and I find I have to overexpose as far as I possibly can without clipping, and then drop down the exposure in post-processing to keep images clean.This sensor can create a lot of noise in the shadows. It's fair to say this sensor is a lot less forgiving than even an APSC sensor. So I have to be less cavalier when it comes to calculating exposure to give me something workable in post-processing. On the other hand, what it lacks in dynamic range and noise suppression, the quality of glass you can get for a smaller sensor without burning through your kids inheritance, and being light enough to haul up to mountain peaks is a huge benefit. And it was this which drove my decision to switch to an M4/3 system. An aspect of the decision which has turned out extremely favourable is the sharpness I have been able to get from an extremely long telephoto range lens (12-100mm) It's given magnificent performance, without the need, as I would've had previously, to haul a bag of glass up a mountainside! 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery think a lot of the time it's not the kit people use but more the person behind it David,
I think your way of thinking and testing to get the best out of the system whatever you have used comes through in the final images that you capture and process,
What hill are you on?
Hi Chris, this was at Bwlch Cwm Llan, a col between Snowdon and Yr Aran 😊👍
@@DGriffGallery Ah, know it well, just didn't recognise the angle. Have come down the South ridge a number of times, looked up at Yr Aran and the body just says NO. I shall be popping up next month. I moved from FF to m43 (EM5iii) early last year and came across your site by accident. Love your pix.
Just shared this vlog with Tom Heaton who invested in a Fuji XT3 & seems less than impressed, hope you don't mind
Haha no not at all, although my more recent stuff reflects better on my system 😊👍🏻
I have also sent Tom a link to your Vlog after a few months use, Hey he may become a subscriber
size and weight yes, f4 min apeture ok considering you are probably going to be using f8 for landscape yes, image stabilization no for landscape generally using a tripod, image quality great until you compare to FF and this is both the increase in detail and the colour rendition, that said I own M3/3 and considering my main genre is travel, not going to be changing anytime soon
I'm mostly using f/5.6 at the moment, but in all other respects I totally agree with you. I have no need of FF quality for the type of photography I do. 😀👍