I started my shooting back in the film era and since then, I’ve had everything from Pentax to Fuji to Leica, etc. I wanted to try something new and was always a ‘never four thirds!’ Guy (ignorantly). I wanted to buy a new camera but most all of those in 2024 are a turn off for me. Almost all of them are solely focused on sharpness and nothing else. The pictures that are produced just look fake and over sharp. I saw a Lumix GX85 on sale and then realized the sensor, nope! I kept searching and couldn’t find anything that caught my eyes. I decided to cave in and try the Lumix. Worst to worst I just return it back. My only regret so far is that I didn’t try it sooner. Seriously, my Leica had just sat in its bag and gets no use since I got that Lumix. It’s a true photographers camera and it’s incredible value of features that you get for the price. Even the lenses are affordable compared to others. I added a Lumix 20mm 1.7 ll since I’m a prime shooter, I turn on the L monochrome profile…and the heavens open up and the angels start singing. It seriously looks just as good as any BW I’ve gotten out of a Leica. I don’t see myself leaving M43 anytime soon. I find the photos have a clear, professional look to them but they still look natural. They don’t have that fake processed look like I spoke of earlier. If anyone else is on the fence about trying micro four thirds, don’t be. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
I thank you for all the videos you put up last year. I’ve done professional portrait and event photography for many years using full frame Canon cameras. Somewhere along the way photography became a “job” and I had stopped taking photos for enjoyment or just for me. I stopped taking my cameras out to events and on walks because there was just so much weight and bulk to it all. This summer I saw a man taking photos with a micro 4/3 camera and I asked him about it. I’d never seen one before. Then I started to google them and found your videos. Within a week I found a used deal on an Olympus EM5 ii with 3 lenses. I then picked up a used EM10iii and bought a few more lenses to round out my kit. I love these cameras! I’ve taken them to events, photo walks and plan to use the EM10 for real estate videos on a gimbal. Thank you for your inspiring videos. I’ll be watching in 2024!
Microfourthirds is forever. I shoot the E-M1X with the 12-40mm f2.8 on 90% of the time and love it. I also shoot a Nikon Z5 and dig it for paid shoots. Otherwise my photography is MFT majority of the time. Absolutely love it.
Thank you, and I agree entirely. I use two EM-1 bodies mainly for close-up and macro nature photography, and they fully meet any challenge for personal and professional work. So well designed to be an extension of my hand and eye, to maximize my creativity.
Agreed! In Lightroom, under photo, enhance, fix the program, the image is adjusted with pixels and noise. After that, I can print the image, provided the image and focus are ok, in format 1000 * 700 mm with itmarked quality. So, better with enough working memory in the computer than full-frame camera!
I'm a medium format guy since 1970 and have lugged MF and 4x5 gear up mountain trails, and that extra effort and frame size puts the 'fine' in fine art photos and portraits. However, I have two Olympus micro 4:3rds and love their capability plus video. I am a fan of legacy glass, and that is also why I chose the Pentax 645z for a 'MF' digital camera. The 12-40 f2.8 is 'can do anything' lens, but my EM5iii lives with the 14-42 'pancake' lens because you can grab it and go anywhere, do about everything. How many walks or drives have you taken and missed a shot because you left all your 'kit' at home? Not so with the 14-42.
Excellent video I shoot Olympus, OM System and Nikon (mainly old Nikon D800e, D810, D7100's, etc.). They all have their places and none have failed Me. For MFT I use an E-M1X, two OM-5's and a little E-M10 MK IV. The bodies are great. The lenses are my babies. Cheers brother.
It's thanks to yourself and a few others that I've just bought an OM-1 for Christmas. I've only been out once with it to get the feel of it and so far very happy with it. I'm more into Wildlife and Airshows but I'll be giving Landscape a go this year, thanks to your videos giving me some ideas where to go.
Bought one of these back in September as my first camera and for sports photography. Great camera, easy to use, lightweight for the constant moving. Really impressed by the speeds it captures at and the quality. Love the pro lenses to pair with them think theyre so clean for the price you pay in total.
Currently using the Olympus E-M5 Mark II, love the size and the features of this camera. Recently been using it as a webcam and also using the focus stacking mode (60mm Macro). I have been using M43 since the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Panasonic Lumix GF2. I upgraded to the original E-M5 in 2014 and bought the E-M5 Mark II in early 2023. I think my next progression will be the E-M1 Mark II/III but at the moment I have no need to replace the E-M5 Mark II. Even the oldest Olympus M43 cameras had IBIS so I used a lot of Mintola SRT film lenses on the E-PL1 before more M43 native lenses were out.
Don’t forget, this was the flagship camera at its time. I found an EMD1 Mii and 12-40mm lens at a very good price. I’m mostly using small body Panasonic bodies and primes. As a result the 12-40mm lens lives on the EMD1 Mii. Love the color and IBIS on the EMD1 mii. It is a large body but it isn’t very heavy. This is a good compromise between owning the EMD1 X and the OM1. The improvements are incremental but not that important. There is value in not purchasing the newest and greatest camera if what you need can be found in an older body. You start reaching the point of diminishing marginal return with those newer bodies. It comes down to how much you can afford and the performance you need. Overall I’d say I’m happy with these purchases. They do what I need them to do. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I really liked the video, I also went from Canon with L lenses to micro 4/3, in my case to an OM-1 and regarding quality I can say that I'm much happier with the OM-1 than with the Canon R even in low light, the HD function and live ND achieve long exposures with the dynamic range that was not achieved with the Canon, as for the noise, yes it is noticeable but it is a grainy noise rather than a colorful one and with the software of the days of Today I can take photos at ISO 12800 which, after running them through the software, look very good.
Agree, my EM-1 mk2 / 12-40 combo is outstanding and useful for 90% of my photography. A cheap Pany 25mm f1.8 is excellent but rarely gets used, and I adore nifty fifties.
I bought an EM1.2 this year because, why not for $500. Not disappointed. I love the portability and the features. Especially the size and weight of my bag when traveling.
Loving joining you on your mft journey. I own the Olympus em1ii too. I also have the Ep5. Love them both. Much easier documenting my little family grow. Appy new year to ya
I have recently added, the 17mm F1.8, 25mm F1.8 and 45 mm F1.8 to my two Pro zooms. It is a joy to take the Olympus EM1 or EM5 out with just three light and fast lenses with superb optical quality. I have other cameras, including Leica M film/digital, Nikon and Canon. The unique experience of using a Leica aside, the MFT cameras are superb.
I also got an E-M1 Mark ii and a 12-40 f2.8 pro this year, and the combo has been fantastic. So sharp, so flexible, so tough. It's survived spray from a waterfall and managed low light and dripping water in a cave system.
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto Same here. Bought both the E-M1 Mii and 12-40mm pro on Craigslist for very good prices. The 1 Mii is very similar to the 1 Miii and OM-1. The only thing I dislike about the 12-40 lens is that it doesn’t have IS built into it. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
My friend has the mk2 and i was impressed with what it could I ended up getting a later version, the mk3. Very impressed with it. Sold all my Canon stuff and have now also added a Pen F to the armoury, once again very impressed. Very compact and like all the models feel very well made. Happy New Year!
OM-1 with 20mm f/1.4 pro and 12-100mm f/4 pro are my dream team. But to be honest the EM-1 would probably be totally sufficient for all my photography needs just as well. When I want to go lighter, I use a Pen mini and the f/1.8 primes, love the size and simplicity of these old gems.
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto VF-4 was the first thing I added. Though it does not switch automatically with these models, it completely changes working with them. The image in the viewfinder is nearly as big and bright as with the OM-1.
I got a Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II just before Christmas. That was mainly due to seeing your video on the broken 10 Mark 2. I'm very impressed with it and it's easy to carry around.
Chris, Another enjoyable video. No a rant by any means. Sold off my Nikon Z6 and two big heavy Z primes for the fantastic Oly EM5 iii (£699 new 3 years ago). Simply night and day in terms of weight and size. With the PanaLeica 9 and 15mm tiny f1.7 primes, in Raw, I can’t tell the difference in quality to my Q2 Dng’s on a 5k screen. Guess which camera is gathering dust on the shelf?
I agree with all your comments. I have an EM1 Mark III and love the system. I sell and exhibit my work and no one has ever asked what kind of camera I use. Its really all about who's behind the lens!
I’ve taken a similar route as you Chris. I’ve owned a 5D-1 for a few years now. I picked up a used em10mk2 about three years ago and whilst it was a very capable camper I found it just a little bit too small for me, so I traded up to a em5 mk1 and traded up again last year for my current em1 mk1. It’s a fantastic camera, very capable and with the mysets I’ve got something like 6 cameras in 1. It’s just an incredible piece of kit. Lenses I’ve got the 12-40/2.8 which is brilliant, Lumix 35-100/2.8, another great lens so I’ve got ff equivalent of 2.8 24-200. I’ve also got a few vintage MF lenses with adapters and the ttartisan 25mm f2. Also got a 590nm converted Lumix G2 and a Lumix LX3 which is a great EDC as inspired by our Mr Flower. I’m considering a 6D in the new year for its low light capabilities.
To the same point of IBIS - taken to the next model, the E-M1 Mark III I went out one night, to a local Marina with my short zoom 12-40 f/2.8 as a personal test, I hand held a 30 second image at f/16 which showed stars on the lights, but motion blur on the moving boats moored at their slips, totally making a believer out of me instantly.......
I came from Full Frame (Lumix S5) to M43. The value for money when it comes to glass is amaising. I love the Lumix 12-35 f2 and 35-100 There is also something about the colours which I prefer in M43 over full frame. I cannot put my finger on it but it's low light limitations make you think about the exposure triangle and be a better photographer.
Another great video Chris. Nikon z5 for me. I wouldn't ignore having a dabble with a mft if one came my way. Happy New year to you matey and hope to see you in the new year 📸👍
I own two E-M10 Mark II, one E-M1X, one Lumix G9 mark II, one Pen-F and one E-PL8. Coming from Nikon i am now deep into MFT and i LOVE it. I am going to sell the two E-M10s and the Pen-F to finance new lens(es?). The E-PL8 is my daily "always on me" camera but when i go out for a specific purpose i bring either my G9M2 or my E-M1X. I can't decide which one of them i love more. 😅 The G9M2 has a lot of new features that i love and it has better and smarter autofocus but the E-M1X is so wonderful in so many other ways. Both are amazing cameras. For always having on me the E-PL8 with the 14mm f2.5 is unbeaten. 🤩The image stabilization with the low shutterspeeds it's something i can't live without.
Everything you said is exactly why I've switched over to micro four thirds, especially the weight! I still love my full-frame, but I know that I've been less inclined to take my Canon 6D and lenses because of weight. I bought a OM-D E-M10 not knowing whether I'd like it. I didn't expect to love it! I used it for the FlickrTurns20 photowalk in San Francisco and found it liberating between its weight (shot 12 and 17 primes) and virtual invisibility for street photography... haven't felt this free to capture moments since my old Voightlander R3A with the 40mm Nokton from years back!
Pentax has been stabilising their camera bodies way before Olympus did. Just hope that Pentax doesn't go the way Olympus does as they have been quite quiet for the past few years.
As someone who shot Pentax for many years and just switched to Olympus... The Olympus IBIS is much better even if comparing 10 year old bodies like the K-5IIS or K-3 (mark I) vs the EM1 (mark I). Both have much in common like legendary weather sealing, IBIS, great in camera features etc.
12-40 f2.8 was sold by Olympus as a *kit lens* for EM-1 mk II/III if I remember correctly. Which is a stellar bundle options - bright, sharp, great colours, manual clutch, weather sealing... and already included at the time of purchase (even when bought as part of used bundle)
For my m43 system, I use the OM-1 and I recently got a used full spectrum converted Panasonic G95. The 12-40 Pro is supposed to be a good zoom for IR. I use the 12-32 Panasonic pancake for that range and switch to the 40-150 f2.8 Pro for more telephoto range. Hope you enjoy your endeavor into full spectrum, being using these type of cameras since 2019.
Happy New Year bro. I’m looking at buying a used em1 mark iii. Considered a new OM-5 but nervous about the reports of the base plate breaking when using longer lenses on a tripod. Love your content. Best of luck in 2024 :)
I have been using the Olympus m1mark II for at least 4 years. Bought used like all lenses. Can't imagine leaving olympus or Om system if I ever get the urge to get a newer version. Thank you for your information!
Nice- ":::killer:::" shots. I learned to respect the 4/3 platform with the PEN-F and then found all the love with the EM-1 Mark III. :--). Just got the 75mm lens to see what else I was missing. Thank you!
What blows me away by MFT is just how compact the system is. I've recently trialled three equivalent systems across FF, APSC and MFT: Sony A7iv+24-70 f2.8 GM - 1.65kg (I appreciate the GMII is 191g lighter) Fuji X-H2+16-55 f2.8 red label - 1.4kg OMS OM-1Mk2+12-40 f2.8 Pro II - 0.98kg I bought the Fuji as I love pretty much everything about it, especially their colours. The Sony I found technically excellent but soulless. Problem is, the OM-1 kept niggling away at me, and now after a few weeks of using the Fuji I'm wondering if I made the right choice, so an OM-1Mk2 has arrived and I'm going to run it alongside the Fuji for a month or two before ultimately deciding what system to go with.
As I have said before, I've used Olympus since the original appeared in the seventies. They've always delivered fantastic results, and according to the professional labs I used back then, my results, in their opinion, were far superior to others' work. I don't want everybody getting one, otherwise they'll be no advantage, and prices will rocket.
many thanks for your videos about m4/3 and the E-M1-II. I was hoping for someone doing it more often. YT does not contain a lot of photographers who show them out in the field. Please do it again, place a link to a highres file on flickr to let us see how good the files are
Happy New Year Chris. I bought my EM1 mk3 in April, added EM1 mk2 as back up later in the year, not looked back. Still have my Canon 90d and 5Dsr which are somewhat redundant at the moment. More than happy with the Olympus range to date. Only down side is the menus are a bit complicated to start off.
If you think the MkII is fantastic , you would be blow n away by the OM-1. I have worked my way up through the Olympus range and nothing beats the OM-1 for its versatility.
I was a m43 since 5 years with a bunch of pro lenses with the mk2 and om1… but as my photography changed to mostly only very long exposures i felt the need to change as the files were suffering a lot.. I am using a sony ff camera now.. Do i feel happier ? Yes.. But only for one thing : the raw files to work with. Otherwise, everything was better with the Olympus; handling, ibis, speed, joy, live nd, live time, depth of field… I keep m43 in my heart over ff but i must admit than i work much easier and deeper with ff raw.
Just got a EM-1 mark ii with the 100-400mm Panasonic for wildlife. Its fantastic and using DXO software gets rid of the sensor noise from higher ISO. I can walk round with it just using the grip no problem.
For some reason, the largest system. With the largest number of cameras and lenses, it is constantly referred to as dead. Many technical innovations appear on this system (right after smartphone cameras, there is even less sensor and it is even easier to invent new things). So vloggers have to tell the obvious things - MFT is not dead. The dead systems are canon eos m, which was recently closed. Pentax q, Samsung etc..
Use an Om1 and like it but miss the pen f i traded to buy it though weather sealing was what is important due to me liking the rain, fave camera though is my old olympus E3 which to me is a joy to use
In my case found the perfect combo CANON full-frame as 1st system for serious work, portraits, low-light, landscapes.. M4/3 as 2nd system for travel and these 2 photo genres that I practise as fun and not too seriously: macro and wildlife Trying to “switch” systems is not the solution in my case Wide Canon zooms and lenses.. Architectural lens from Canon as the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II.. Canon 135mm for portraits.. And size and resolution of Full-Frame sensor .. All these cannot be matched by M4/3 Again portability that comes with M4/3 is unmatched
I chose the Olympus system for 3 main reasons, cost, weight & size. Who want,s to carry an expensive drainpipe len,s with a 5k + body? See Joe Eldeman, his fashion shoot,s appear on billboard,s in the States giving the lie can,t use M4/3 professionally.Btw, live composite is a genious level feature, finally Olympus colour rendition is the best of any system, period.
I shoot with two M43 cameras. A OMD EM1.2 and a Pen EP5. I use a 12-40 and 40-150F2.8 Zoom on the EM1.2, and 9mm, 17mm, 25mm and 45mm primes on the EP5. I have the 1.4 tele extender for the 40-150 zoom too, so basically I have everything from 9mm through to 220mm covered - and together it's all super compact and light weight. I'd hate to carry the equivalent in full frame, it would weigh a tonne!
Hi Chris, I recently watched your video on long exposure with 'Live comp' so you have just cost me a few quid ( don't tell the wife she doesn't know one camera from another). I already have a Lumix G9 which i love and is a very capable camera but it can't do Live comp. I bought an EM 1 MK ii only yesterday so it hasn't arrived yet and can't wait to get my hands on it and have a go. I just want to say thank you for introducing me to the EM 1 Mk ii. Kind regards Ken
Still love my EM1.2 and I have the 12-40 and the 40-150 pro lenses. Fantastic setup. Would you recommend the K&F square filter kit as an upgrade if I already have their screw on filters? I have been very tempted to get it primarily because I hate trying to unscrew the filter from another filter.
My dSLR journey went from 2 rebels to a full frame 6D. Sold the 6D in 19 for the EM5ii and followed up with the EM1ii (for the 2 memory slots when travelling). I got the EM1ii used but in perfect condition in 22 and it's the best $600 I ever spent. I have no interest in any "upgrades".
It's a great camera, esp with the pro lenses or the sigma primes Current 12-40pro excellent 40-150 standard model pretty good Sigma 56 very sharp 75-300 pretty good 100-400 very good upto 350mm and even better with 1.4 Tele attached High iso no problem with dxo pure raw
I noticed the Canon 24-105mm f4 is not as sharp at the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8. There is more grain like you said in Olympus but the sharpness is just not their with Canon. Maybe with other lens but the 24-105mm f4 is a little soft. Its still a good lens but like I said not as sharp as the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8.
Why not just buy high quality zooms I shoot with an Olympus OMD EM1 Mark lll my lenses primes 7.5mm fish eye 2.0(manual), 45mm 1.8, my zooms 7-14mm f2.8pro, 12-45mm f4 pro, 40-150mm f2.8 pro and still deciding on a 25mm 1.8 prime or a 1.2 pro this is a tough decision also don’t spend a lot of money on new buy decent fairly priced used lenses. For example I just picked up the Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 pro still in the box almost new for $595.00 US currency. Have a great day and keep shooting .
I have several Olympus camera's E500, which took absolutely fabulous photos l, but focus in some low kight cases were tricky. I also have the EM-1 actually 2, and the same Olympus you have and a Pen 10, I also have a Fuji X-T1 which I also love sadly its just too tiny for my hand but also takes great photos. Sadly, my landscape days are oast me now physical issues. But time will tell. I've personally never doubted Micro 4/3rds would go away. I'd live a newer OM.
I feel that about the telephoto lenses. I think with the crop it’s probably easier for them to make shorter focal length lenses and work around it that way. It’s not the same though is it.
My EM1 (mark I) is much much better than my K-3. And my EM1 mark III is around 7 stops of IBIS which even the K-1 mark II can't match by a large margin. Don't take this the wrong way as I have been a Pentaxian for over a decade and love the system. But comparing my Pentax bodies to my Olympus ones yeah no contest for IBIS.
I would just add: mft is good enough 95% of PROFESSIONALS and 99,9% of amateurs. People might just THINK differently. If you haven't tried mft, get a cheap 2nd hand one and one extra lens and play with it. Doesn't change your bulk.
If your gear is preventing you from making great pictures, you are in product photography or just gear lover. Most if not all of famous pictures of the past have been created on cameras without IBIS and mediocre lenses. Many on expired film stock. Its just that TH-cam is living on affiliate links money - so its gear and presets, never the fotographers talent and skill that matters.
I started my shooting back in the film era and since then, I’ve had everything from Pentax to Fuji to Leica, etc. I wanted to try something new and was always a ‘never four thirds!’ Guy (ignorantly). I wanted to buy a new camera but most all of those in 2024 are a turn off for me. Almost all of them are solely focused on sharpness and nothing else. The pictures that are produced just look fake and over sharp. I saw a Lumix GX85 on sale and then realized the sensor, nope! I kept searching and couldn’t find anything that caught my eyes. I decided to cave in and try the Lumix. Worst to worst I just return it back. My only regret so far is that I didn’t try it sooner. Seriously, my Leica had just sat in its bag and gets no use since I got that Lumix. It’s a true photographers camera and it’s incredible value of features that you get for the price. Even the lenses are affordable compared to others. I added a Lumix 20mm 1.7 ll since I’m a prime shooter, I turn on the L monochrome profile…and the heavens open up and the angels start singing. It seriously looks just as good as any BW I’ve gotten out of a Leica. I don’t see myself leaving M43 anytime soon. I find the photos have a clear, professional look to them but they still look natural. They don’t have that fake processed look like I spoke of earlier. If anyone else is on the fence about trying micro four thirds, don’t be. You’ll be pleasantly surprised!
I thank you for all the videos you put up last year. I’ve done professional portrait and event photography for many years using full frame Canon cameras. Somewhere along the way photography became a “job” and I had stopped taking photos for enjoyment or just for me. I stopped taking my cameras out to events and on walks because there was just so much weight and bulk to it all. This summer I saw a man taking photos with a micro 4/3 camera and I asked him about it. I’d never seen one before. Then I started to google them and found your videos. Within a week I found a used deal on an Olympus EM5 ii with 3 lenses. I then picked up a used EM10iii and bought a few more lenses to round out my kit. I love these cameras! I’ve taken them to events, photo walks and plan to use the EM10 for real estate videos on a gimbal. Thank you for your inspiring videos. I’ll be watching in 2024!
Microfourthirds is forever. I shoot the E-M1X with the 12-40mm f2.8 on 90% of the time and love it. I also shoot a Nikon Z5 and dig it for paid shoots. Otherwise my photography is MFT majority of the time. Absolutely love it.
Thank you, and I agree entirely. I use two EM-1 bodies mainly for close-up and macro nature photography, and they fully meet any challenge for personal and professional work. So well designed to be an extension of my hand and eye, to maximize my creativity.
Agreed! In Lightroom, under photo, enhance, fix the program, the image is adjusted with pixels and noise. After that, I can print the image, provided the image and focus are ok, in format 1000 * 700 mm with itmarked quality. So, better with enough working memory in the computer than full-frame camera!
I'm a medium format guy since 1970 and have lugged MF and 4x5 gear up mountain trails, and that extra effort and frame size puts the 'fine' in fine art photos and portraits.
However, I have two Olympus micro 4:3rds and love their capability plus video. I am a fan of legacy glass, and that is also why I chose the Pentax 645z for a 'MF' digital camera.
The 12-40 f2.8 is 'can do anything' lens, but my EM5iii lives with the 14-42 'pancake' lens because you can grab it and go anywhere, do about everything. How many walks or drives have you taken and missed a shot because you left all your 'kit' at home? Not so with the 14-42.
Excellent video I shoot Olympus, OM System and Nikon (mainly old Nikon D800e, D810, D7100's, etc.). They all have their places and none have failed Me. For MFT I use an E-M1X, two OM-5's and a little E-M10 MK IV. The bodies are great. The lenses are my babies. Cheers brother.
It's thanks to yourself and a few others that I've just bought an OM-1 for Christmas. I've only been out once with it to get the feel of it and so far very happy with it. I'm more into Wildlife and Airshows but I'll be giving Landscape a go this year, thanks to your videos giving me some ideas where to go.
Thank you Pete. I wish I could afford an OM1 so I’m a little jealous! Good luck with the landscapes. It’s a nice chilled out genre.
Bought one of these back in September as my first camera and for sports photography. Great camera, easy to use, lightweight for the constant moving. Really impressed by the speeds it captures at and the quality. Love the pro lenses to pair with them think theyre so clean for the price you pay in total.
Currently using the Olympus E-M5 Mark II, love the size and the features of this camera.
Recently been using it as a webcam and also using the focus stacking mode (60mm Macro).
I have been using M43 since the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Panasonic Lumix GF2.
I upgraded to the original E-M5 in 2014 and bought the E-M5 Mark II in early 2023.
I think my next progression will be the E-M1 Mark II/III but at the moment I have no need to replace the E-M5 Mark II.
Even the oldest Olympus M43 cameras had IBIS so I used a lot of Mintola SRT film lenses on the E-PL1 before more M43 native lenses were out.
Don’t forget, this was the flagship camera at its time.
I found an EMD1 Mii and 12-40mm lens at a very good price. I’m mostly using small body Panasonic bodies and primes. As a result the 12-40mm lens lives on the EMD1 Mii. Love the color and IBIS on the EMD1 mii. It is a large body but it isn’t very heavy.
This is a good compromise between owning the EMD1 X and the OM1. The improvements are incremental but not that important. There is value in not purchasing the newest and greatest camera if what you need can be found in an older body. You start reaching the point of diminishing marginal return with those newer bodies. It comes down to how much you can afford and the performance you need.
Overall I’d say I’m happy with these purchases. They do what I need them to do.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I really liked the video, I also went from Canon with L lenses to micro 4/3, in my case to an OM-1 and regarding quality I can say that I'm much happier with the OM-1 than with the Canon R even in low light, the HD function and live ND achieve long exposures with the dynamic range that was not achieved with the Canon, as for the noise, yes it is noticeable but it is a grainy noise rather than a colorful one and with the software of the days of Today I can take photos at ISO 12800 which, after running them through the software, look very good.
Agree, my EM-1 mk2 / 12-40 combo is outstanding and useful for 90% of my photography. A cheap Pany 25mm f1.8 is excellent but rarely gets used, and I adore nifty fifties.
Yeah that’s my combo too. The lens is just about glued to my camera now.
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto try the 45mm 1.8 Olympus lens. It's a knockout
I bought an EM1.2 this year because, why not for $500. Not disappointed. I love the portability and the features. Especially the size and weight of my bag when traveling.
Loving joining you on your mft journey. I own the Olympus em1ii too. I also have the Ep5. Love them both. Much easier documenting my little family grow. Appy new year to ya
I have recently added, the 17mm F1.8, 25mm F1.8 and 45 mm F1.8 to my two Pro zooms. It is a joy to take the Olympus EM1 or EM5 out with just three light and fast lenses with superb optical quality. I have other cameras, including Leica M film/digital, Nikon and Canon. The unique experience of using a Leica aside, the MFT cameras are superb.
I also got an E-M1 Mark ii and a 12-40 f2.8 pro this year, and the combo has been fantastic. So sharp, so flexible, so tough. It's survived spray from a waterfall and managed low light and dripping water in a cave system.
That lens is just about glued to my E-M1 at this point 😂
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto Same here. Bought both the E-M1 Mii and 12-40mm pro on Craigslist for very good prices. The 1 Mii is very similar to the 1 Miii and OM-1. The only thing I dislike about the 12-40 lens is that it doesn’t have IS built into it.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
My friend has the mk2 and i was impressed with what it could I ended up getting a later version, the mk3. Very impressed with it. Sold all my Canon stuff and have now also added a Pen F to the armoury, once again very impressed. Very compact and like all the models feel very well made. Happy New Year!
Hi Chris, thanks for taking us along with you this year. Best wishes for 2024, may it be a very good one for you. Cheers, and thanks again.
OM-1 with 20mm f/1.4 pro and 12-100mm f/4 pro are my dream team. But to be honest the EM-1 would probably be totally sufficient for all my photography needs just as well. When I want to go lighter, I use a Pen mini and the f/1.8 primes, love the size and simplicity of these old gems.
How do you find the Pen cameras? I’ve just picked one up but the lack of viewfinder has me worried.
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto VF-4 was the first thing I added. Though it does not switch automatically with these models, it completely changes working with them. The image in the viewfinder is nearly as big and bright as with the OM-1.
I got a Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II just before Christmas. That was mainly due to seeing your video on the broken 10 Mark 2. I'm very impressed with it and it's easy to carry around.
I'm a big fan of M43 cameras and lens, that's all I shout with now. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Chris,
Another enjoyable video. No a rant by any means. Sold off my Nikon Z6 and two big heavy Z primes for the fantastic Oly EM5 iii (£699 new 3 years ago). Simply night and day in terms of weight and size. With the PanaLeica 9 and 15mm tiny f1.7 primes, in Raw, I can’t tell the difference in quality to my Q2 Dng’s on a 5k screen.
Guess which camera is gathering dust on the shelf?
I agree with all your comments. I have an EM1 Mark III and love the system. I sell and exhibit my work and no one has ever asked what kind of camera I use. Its really all about who's behind the lens!
I’ve taken a similar route as you Chris. I’ve owned a 5D-1 for a few years now. I picked up a used em10mk2 about three years ago and whilst it was a very capable camper I found it just a little bit too small for me, so I traded up to a em5 mk1 and traded up again last year for my current em1 mk1. It’s a fantastic camera, very capable and with the mysets I’ve got something like 6 cameras in 1. It’s just an incredible piece of kit. Lenses I’ve got the 12-40/2.8 which is brilliant, Lumix 35-100/2.8, another great lens so I’ve got ff equivalent of 2.8 24-200. I’ve also got a few vintage MF lenses with adapters and the ttartisan 25mm f2. Also got a 590nm converted Lumix G2 and a Lumix LX3 which is a great EDC as inspired by our Mr Flower. I’m considering a 6D in the new year for its low light capabilities.
To the same point of IBIS - taken to the next model, the E-M1 Mark III I went out one night, to a local Marina with my short zoom 12-40 f/2.8 as a personal test, I hand held a 30 second image at f/16 which showed stars on the lights, but motion blur on the moving boats moored at their slips, totally making a believer out of me instantly.......
I came from Full Frame (Lumix S5) to M43. The value for money when it comes to glass is amaising. I love the Lumix 12-35 f2 and 35-100 There is also something about the colours which I prefer in M43 over full frame. I cannot put my finger on it but it's low light limitations make you think about the exposure triangle and be a better photographer.
Another great video Chris. Nikon z5 for me. I wouldn't ignore having a dabble with a mft if one came my way. Happy New year to you matey and hope to see you in the new year 📸👍
I shoot with the Olympus OMD EM1 MK3 and adore it's results beautiful family prints
I own two E-M10 Mark II, one E-M1X, one Lumix G9 mark II, one Pen-F and one E-PL8. Coming from Nikon i am now deep into MFT and i LOVE it. I am going to sell the two E-M10s and the Pen-F to finance new lens(es?). The E-PL8 is my daily "always on me" camera but when i go out for a specific purpose i bring either my G9M2 or my E-M1X. I can't decide which one of them i love more.
😅
The G9M2 has a lot of new features that i love and it has better and smarter autofocus but the E-M1X is so wonderful in so many other ways. Both are amazing cameras. For always having on me the E-PL8 with the 14mm f2.5 is unbeaten. 🤩The image stabilization with the low shutterspeeds it's something i can't live without.
Everything you said is exactly why I've switched over to micro four thirds, especially the weight! I still love my full-frame, but I know that I've been less inclined to take my Canon 6D and lenses because of weight. I bought a OM-D E-M10 not knowing whether I'd like it. I didn't expect to love it! I used it for the FlickrTurns20 photowalk in San Francisco and found it liberating between its weight (shot 12 and 17 primes) and virtual invisibility for street photography... haven't felt this free to capture moments since my old Voightlander R3A with the 40mm Nokton from years back!
Pentax has been stabilising their camera bodies way before Olympus did. Just hope that Pentax doesn't go the way Olympus does as they have been quite quiet for the past few years.
As someone who shot Pentax for many years and just switched to Olympus... The Olympus IBIS is much better even if comparing 10 year old bodies like the K-5IIS or K-3 (mark I) vs the EM1 (mark I). Both have much in common like legendary weather sealing, IBIS, great in camera features etc.
I haver an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II . I bought in second hand One month ago and love it...
Never looked back, taking my EM1 MK II, 12-40 f2,8 and the 17mm F1.8 out for a professional TV short tomorrow in London.
That camera and lens combination seems really popular in the comments here.
12-40 f2.8 was sold by Olympus as a *kit lens* for EM-1 mk II/III if I remember correctly.
Which is a stellar bundle options - bright, sharp, great colours, manual clutch, weather sealing... and already included at the time of purchase (even when bought as part of used bundle)
For my m43 system, I use the OM-1 and I recently got a used full spectrum converted Panasonic G95. The 12-40 Pro is supposed to be a good zoom for IR. I use the 12-32 Panasonic pancake for that range and switch to the 40-150 f2.8 Pro for more telephoto range. Hope you enjoy your endeavor into full spectrum, being using these type of cameras since 2019.
My om5 with the 17mm 1.8 is such a ultimate small setup
Happy New Year bro. I’m looking at buying a used em1 mark iii. Considered a new OM-5 but nervous about the reports of the base plate breaking when using longer lenses on a tripod. Love your content. Best of luck in 2024 :)
I have been using the Olympus m1mark II for at least 4 years. Bought used like all lenses. Can't imagine leaving olympus or Om system if I ever get the urge to get a newer version. Thank you for your information!
Nice- ":::killer:::" shots. I learned to respect the 4/3 platform with the PEN-F and then found all the love with the EM-1 Mark III. :--). Just got the 75mm lens to see what else I was missing. Thank you!
What blows me away by MFT is just how compact the system is. I've recently trialled three equivalent systems across FF, APSC and MFT:
Sony A7iv+24-70 f2.8 GM - 1.65kg (I appreciate the GMII is 191g lighter)
Fuji X-H2+16-55 f2.8 red label - 1.4kg
OMS OM-1Mk2+12-40 f2.8 Pro II - 0.98kg
I bought the Fuji as I love pretty much everything about it, especially their colours. The Sony I found technically excellent but soulless. Problem is, the OM-1 kept niggling away at me, and now after a few weeks of using the Fuji I'm wondering if I made the right choice, so an OM-1Mk2 has arrived and I'm going to run it alongside the Fuji for a month or two before ultimately deciding what system to go with.
As I have said before, I've used Olympus since the original appeared in the seventies. They've always delivered fantastic results, and according to the professional labs I used back then, my results, in their opinion, were far superior to others' work. I don't want everybody getting one, otherwise they'll be no advantage, and prices will rocket.
Long as yer happy with what you use .. it's all that matters ....
Enjoy whatever you do over the weekend ,,
I’m heading for the Lake District! Snow forecast so I’ll end up in a ditch but it’s all good fun.
many thanks for your videos about m4/3 and the E-M1-II. I was hoping for someone doing it more often. YT does not contain a lot of photographers who show them out in the field. Please do it again, place a link to a highres file on flickr to let us see how good the files are
Happy New Year Chris. I bought my EM1 mk3 in April, added EM1 mk2 as back up later in the year, not looked back. Still have my Canon 90d and 5Dsr which are somewhat redundant at the moment. More than happy with the Olympus range to date. Only down side is the menus are a bit complicated to start off.
Happy New Year, Andrew. I’ve just grabbed a Sony A7r which I really need to get out and you know… use 😂
If you think the MkII is fantastic , you would be blow n away by the OM-1. I have worked my way up through the Olympus range and nothing beats the OM-1 for its versatility.
Great cameras! I have the OM-5, which I wherever I go.
I was a m43 since 5 years with a bunch of pro lenses with the mk2 and om1… but as my photography changed to mostly only very long exposures i felt the need to change as the files were suffering a lot..
I am using a sony ff camera now..
Do i feel happier ?
Yes.. But only for one thing : the raw files to work with.
Otherwise, everything was better with the Olympus; handling, ibis, speed, joy, live nd, live time, depth of field…
I keep m43 in my heart over ff but i must admit than i work much easier and deeper with ff raw.
Just got a EM-1 mark ii with the 100-400mm Panasonic for wildlife. Its fantastic and using DXO software gets rid of the sensor noise from higher ISO. I can walk round with it just using the grip no problem.
Yeah noise reduction tech has really come along hasn’t it!
For some reason, the largest system. With the largest number of cameras and lenses, it is constantly referred to as dead. Many technical innovations appear on this system (right after smartphone cameras, there is even less sensor and it is even easier to invent new things). So vloggers have to tell the obvious things - MFT is not dead. The dead systems are canon eos m, which was recently closed. Pentax q, Samsung etc..
Use an Om1 and like it but miss the pen f i traded to buy it though weather sealing was what is important due to me liking the rain, fave camera though is my old olympus E3 which to me is a joy to use
I’d love one of the OM cameras but sadly a little out of my price range at the moment.
I have been in and out of M43 twice now. I love the system, but worry about the future of the system. Enjoy your videos
I like all cameras and these mFT cameras are winners as well, really enjoy using mine.
Well it started with an em1 now use g9 very happy with it
In my case found the perfect combo
CANON full-frame as 1st system for serious work, portraits, low-light, landscapes..
M4/3 as 2nd system for travel and these 2 photo genres that I practise as fun and not too seriously: macro and wildlife
Trying to “switch” systems is not the solution in my case
Wide Canon zooms and lenses..
Architectural lens from Canon as the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II..
Canon 135mm for portraits..
And size and resolution of Full-Frame sensor ..
All these cannot be matched by M4/3
Again portability that comes with M4/3 is unmatched
I chose the Olympus system for 3 main reasons, cost, weight & size. Who want,s to carry an expensive drainpipe len,s with a 5k + body? See Joe Eldeman, his fashion shoot,s appear on billboard,s in the States giving the lie can,t use M4/3 professionally.Btw, live composite is a genious level feature, finally Olympus colour rendition is the best of any system, period.
I shoot with two M43 cameras. A OMD EM1.2 and a Pen EP5.
I use a 12-40 and 40-150F2.8 Zoom on the EM1.2, and 9mm, 17mm, 25mm and 45mm primes on the EP5. I have the 1.4 tele extender for the 40-150 zoom too, so basically I have everything from 9mm through to 220mm covered - and together it's all super compact and light weight. I'd hate to carry the equivalent in full frame, it would weigh a tonne!
Hi Chris, I recently watched your video on long exposure with 'Live comp' so you have just cost me a few quid ( don't tell the wife she doesn't know one camera from another). I already have a Lumix G9 which i love and is a very capable camera but it can't do Live comp. I bought an EM 1 MK ii only yesterday so it hasn't arrived yet and can't wait to get my hands on it and have a go. I just want to say thank you for introducing me to the EM 1 Mk ii. Kind regards Ken
Still love my EM1.2 and I have the 12-40 and the 40-150 pro lenses. Fantastic setup. Would you recommend the K&F square filter kit as an upgrade if I already have their screw on filters? I have been very tempted to get it primarily because I hate trying to unscrew the filter from another filter.
My dSLR journey went from 2 rebels to a full frame 6D. Sold the 6D in 19 for the EM5ii and followed up with the EM1ii (for the 2 memory slots when travelling). I got the EM1ii used but in perfect condition in 22 and it's the best $600 I ever spent. I have no interest in any "upgrades".
It's a great camera, esp with the pro lenses or the sigma primes
Current
12-40pro excellent
40-150 standard model pretty good
Sigma 56 very sharp
75-300 pretty good
100-400 very good upto 350mm and even better with 1.4 Tele attached
High iso no problem with dxo pure raw
I noticed the Canon 24-105mm f4 is not as sharp at the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8. There is more grain like you said in Olympus but the sharpness is just not their with Canon. Maybe with other lens but the 24-105mm f4 is a little soft. Its still a good lens but like I said not as sharp as the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8.
EF or RF?
@@ulflundh5813 EF. Sorry forgot to say that.
I have the 12-45 f4 new OM and it is maby a bit sharper than the 12-40 f2.8 :)
But just a margin@@bigrobotnewstoday1436
@@ulflundh5813 I like the idea of 12-45mm but wish they made one in f2.8. For weddings in low light e f2.8 is better for me.
i think Pentax also had ibis as well
Why not just buy high quality zooms I shoot with an Olympus OMD EM1 Mark lll my lenses primes 7.5mm fish eye 2.0(manual), 45mm 1.8, my zooms 7-14mm f2.8pro, 12-45mm f4 pro, 40-150mm f2.8 pro and still deciding on a 25mm 1.8 prime or a 1.2 pro this is a tough decision also don’t spend a lot of money on new buy decent fairly priced used lenses. For example I just picked up the Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 pro still in the box almost new for $595.00 US currency. Have a great day and keep shooting .
I have several Olympus camera's E500, which took absolutely fabulous photos l, but focus in some low kight cases were tricky. I also have the EM-1 actually 2, and the same Olympus you have and a Pen 10, I also have a Fuji X-T1 which I also love sadly its just too tiny for my hand but also takes great photos. Sadly, my landscape days are oast me now physical issues. But time will tell. I've personally never doubted Micro 4/3rds would go away. I'd live a newer OM.
Have EM1 II along with some pro lenses. IBIS is way better than on my Fuji X-S20
Sold mine and I miss it. Only thing I wish they did was make actual long lenses and quit trying to convince me that a 300mm is equal to 600mm.
I feel that about the telephoto lenses. I think with the crop it’s probably easier for them to make shorter focal length lenses and work around it that way. It’s not the same though is it.
I just wish Olympus would put the aperture ring on the lense, similar to fugi.
Pentax have had IBS for years and my new OM-5 is certainly on par with Pentax.
My EM1 (mark I) is much much better than my K-3. And my EM1 mark III is around 7 stops of IBIS which even the K-1 mark II can't match by a large margin. Don't take this the wrong way as I have been a Pentaxian for over a decade and love the system. But comparing my Pentax bodies to my Olympus ones yeah no contest for IBIS.
Dare I say it Lumix G9 and GX9
I keep my old GX7 as a spare 😂📷👍
Is this Linus UK edition?
does that model do pro capture ?
Yes it does.
Thanks I'm considering getting one , they look great
I would just add: mft is good enough 95% of PROFESSIONALS and 99,9% of amateurs. People might just THINK differently. If you haven't tried mft, get a cheap 2nd hand one and one extra lens and play with it. Doesn't change your bulk.
I switched from the c brand to the OM1 and so glad i did.....
How is the autofocus on stills? or the tracking? they resolved the issues? TIA
@rrweed AF works flawlessly for me. Tracking can be a little, hunty, at times.
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto Thank you!
If your gear is preventing you from making great pictures, you are in product photography or just gear lover.
Most if not all of famous pictures of the past have been created on cameras without IBIS and mediocre lenses. Many on expired film stock. Its just that TH-cam is living on affiliate links money - so its gear and presets, never the fotographers talent and skill that matters.
Thanks for your insight.