15 avril 2023
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Series Legacy
The original Olympus OM-D E-M5 (2012) saved the day and have promoted the Micro Four-Third (MFT) digital photographic format pertinency. At first it was a verbal challenge just for naming this camera model that many have failed to memorize or to spell it correctly. Sure we all have understood that OM-D stands for the OM digital version but what about the E-M5 denomination. The E surely refers to the previous Olympus ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) digital camera E series and the M for the Micro Four-Third sensor format. That leave us with the number 5 that may be have seen as an equivalent of the Olympus Pen series (EP-1-2-3-5 models).
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 have represented a significant evolution of the first introduced Pen series (EP-1, EP-2, EP-3 and EP-5 models that didn't have an electronic viewfinder (EVF) integrated into their camera body (the only one that will eventually benefice of this feature will be the Olympus Pen-F). Moreover many add-on features has been introduced into the OM-D E-M5. Among them, a tilt-able rear screen viewfinder (LVF) (with waist-level and over-the crowd positions).
The image sensor stabilization system (IBIS for in-body-image-stabilization) is what really differentiate the Olympus OM-D E-M5 from the rest of the competition at this precise moment of the mirrorless cameras emergence. All major manufacturers will eventually follow this technical development although their time table were longer in certain cases. By choosing the in-body image sensor stabilization, the OM-D E-M5 allows the photographer to select many types of past or modern optics without loosing this advantage. It was a welcome help to go ahead with digital photography without entirely sacrificing the old lenses used with the film-analog camera systems.
The camera body architecture have mimicked the old SLR form with a centered viewing prism like we have seen with the OM analog-film camera series. Front and back control dials allowed the user to adjust easily the basic photographic parameters like the shutter speed, the lens aperture or the exposure factors. The OM-D E-M5 interface menu was very elaborated and was asking an extended learning curve to even partially master it. The two parts optional power grip was reminding us the good days of the analog-film era.
With the OM-D E-M5, Olympus has succeeded to convince many enthusiasm and some professional photographers to give a go to the whole MFT system. At the same moment in time Panasonic have presented its Lumix GH3 model that open a new Web video centric perspective for the MFT users. Despite some manufactured flaws (in particular with the control dials that may pop-out), the OM-D E-M5 proved to be sufficiently reliable for a more extensive use in adverse conditions with the help of the weather resistant characteristic (WR).
The second Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (2015) have given to the E-M5 series its reliable and long lasting reputation (solid construction, versatility, competent) and may be considered as the apex of the E-M5 series. Every aspects of the design and construction of the model have been noticeably enhanced. In one word, the feeling of holding and using the camera model was much better than the first version.
The rear screen of the OM-D E-M5 Mark II was now fully rotating and can be turn in for maximum scratch screen protection. The camera body felt sturdier and control dials has been reinforced. Olympus has abandoned its special multi-function hot-shoe from the original OM-D E-M5 and replaced it by the traditional hot shoe one but they added a PC Flash synchro port to the camera for the beneficial of studio or macro photography users. The EVF and LVF resolutions has been also enhanced.
The MFT image sensor have kept the same 16 megapixels (MP) resolution of the original E-M5 although it appeared to that it was performing better. The OM-D E-M5 Mark II was a perfect optical match with the M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro zoom lens although many other combinations were equally appreciated. The handling of the camera was better secured in particular with the optional power grip if you were using larger size optics.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II has been also one of the best rated camera model by the photographic gear reviews during its production time. Even today, the model is still used by many photographers without restriction.
The third version Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (2019) have consolidated its autofocus performance (AF), enhance its (20MP) image sensor resolution and its video capability but also bring controversies about its material construction perception and its diminutive battery power. By moving its mode dial, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III have simplified its interface handling on the right side of the camera body.
With its new 20MP image sensor, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is offering an image quality equivalent of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Pro model. This remark applies also for its autofocus system. The hand body prehension is similar to the preceding OM-D E-M5 Mark II and it is still possible to add an optional grip but without the power supply (w/vertical grip and controls), an Olympus voluntary omission that many have rightly noticed. Moreover with the battery pack change for a smaller one (BLS-50), the camera autonomy has been diminished from the previous handy combination (OM-D E-M5 II + Vertical Power Grip).
As a competent image recorder the Olympus O-D E-M5 mark III camera model was able to retain many of the OM-D E-M5 series previous users except for those who have chosen to upgrade to the Pro models (OM-D E-M1 series) or for the ones who have simply exited the MFT image format system. The model has been partially omitted by photographic gear web reviewers at its introduction since it was not perceive as a important evolutive departure from the OM-D E-M5 Mark II preceding model.
About the OM-5
Following the Olympus camera group ownership takeover by the OM Digital Solutions corporation, the complete Olympus/OM System line up has been rationalized with a simplified camera offer without almost all the previous entry-level models. The initial release of the new Pro OM-1 camera model (replacement of both OM-D E-M1 Mark III and OM-D E-M1X models) has been a good commercial success especially among the outdoor and birder photographer niche. Their second introduction of the OM-5 camera (replacement of the OM-D E-M5 Mark III) has been less spectacular since the essential improvement of the camera was internal rather than cosmetic.
Generally speaking the OM System OM-5 has been designed to be a more rugged camera with a better environmental sealed body and to be also more performing in term of readiness and reactivity. Those enhanced characteristics are addressing meanly the photographer who like to travel, do street photography, spent time in outdoor activities, etc. with a compactness requirement in mind for their optical and camera outfit. In one way it proves that the concept idea regarding the OM-D E-M5 series has been and still is a landmark of the MFT imaging system and that will be preserved for, at least, the near future.
Photo-illustrations Daniel M
12 avril 2023
11 avril 2023
Under Influence (DPReview is gone...not anymore!)
Since the publication of this post, DPReview channel and their Web Site have new owners (Gear Patrol) and have resumed about all their usual operating platforms.
Following the closure of the DPReview website (April 2023), many regret the successive disparitions over the years of "emblematic" photographic gear review sources in consideration of the general social tendency to avoid more critical points of view and choose to be comforted in their consumers habits.
With the departure in the recent years of many photographic gear reviewers over the media planet (Web or written ones), the question about the pertinence of all these influencing people (that was before the now anticipated coming of the Artificial Intelligence invasion) has been partially addressed. In effect, marketing advertising in its many different faces have supplanted most of the more critical and informative ressources. People are better looking for web or social media sites that will "confirm" their initial consumers choices. Tastes of the month are simply more popular than reasonable approaches (and beware for the ones who will defy these fanatic and addicted product people).
It seems also that even the old saying of "Nobody is perfect" never apply in our actual society scheme. Don't listen to others, you are the best judge in any case to pick the right thing. But in fact it demonstrates that we are really and unquestionably under influence especially in this attitude which defend basically any self-critiques. And that under-influence is getting stronger than ever today (which may respond to a profound social insecurity) by adopting a pseudo religious state of mind that will solve all of our material life questioning.
All camera manufacturers have correctly understood this "evolution" of our consumer habits and are now privileging a direct marketing approach by using every media strings that are including the photographic gear review sites (YouTube or not), the "good news ambassadors" that will demonstrate how to use and getting successful with their equipment, and the "ordinary" people that will reassure you and will be pleased to share their according thought. Some "personal" photographic gear review sites (or YouTube channels) are even very funny in their self-promoting behavior by looking for your (money?!) approbation and support.
Are we really helping people by not saying some of our concerns and doubts about gear or anything else? I am not sure. Are you? There are not definitive certainties in this world and to be curious might be what differentiate us from other animal forms, but is it always true today? At the end we are "under influence" more than we can suspect in those days of overwhelming media presence.
With the departure in the recent years of many photographic gear reviewers over the media planet (Web or written ones), the question about the pertinence of all these influencing people (that was before the now anticipated coming of the Artificial Intelligence invasion) has been partially addressed. In effect, marketing advertising in its many different faces have supplanted most of the more critical and informative ressources. People are better looking for web or social media sites that will "confirm" their initial consumers choices. Tastes of the month are simply more popular than reasonable approaches (and beware for the ones who will defy these fanatic and addicted product people).
It seems also that even the old saying of "Nobody is perfect" never apply in our actual society scheme. Don't listen to others, you are the best judge in any case to pick the right thing. But in fact it demonstrates that we are really and unquestionably under influence especially in this attitude which defend basically any self-critiques. And that under-influence is getting stronger than ever today (which may respond to a profound social insecurity) by adopting a pseudo religious state of mind that will solve all of our material life questioning.
All camera manufacturers have correctly understood this "evolution" of our consumer habits and are now privileging a direct marketing approach by using every media strings that are including the photographic gear review sites (YouTube or not), the "good news ambassadors" that will demonstrate how to use and getting successful with their equipment, and the "ordinary" people that will reassure you and will be pleased to share their according thought. Some "personal" photographic gear review sites (or YouTube channels) are even very funny in their self-promoting behavior by looking for your (money?!) approbation and support.
Are we really helping people by not saying some of our concerns and doubts about gear or anything else? I am not sure. Are you? There are not definitive certainties in this world and to be curious might be what differentiate us from other animal forms, but is it always true today? At the end we are "under influence" more than we can suspect in those days of overwhelming media presence.
Photo Daniel M: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III / M.Zuiko ED 14-150mm F4-5.6 II
06 avril 2023
Sepia Views
Old fashion photography is often associated with the sepia monochrome picture rendering meanly because the old analog-film print had a tendency to get a "browny" look with time for diverse reasons. Today we can produce very easily this effect with our modern digital cameras and their special picture effects.
Here are some personal picture interpretations of the Olympus Sepia Art Filter:
Here are some personal picture interpretations of the Olympus Sepia Art Filter:
Photos Daniel M: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III / M.Zuiko 45mm F1.8 Premium & ED 14-150mm F4-5.6 II
S'abonner à :
Messages (Atom)