A Year In Micro Four Thirds
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- Опубликовано: 15 мар 2020
- The last year, 2019/20 has been a strong one for the Micro Four Thirds system. I thought I'd take a look back over it with few remarks on what was actually new and what was new to me. The Panasonic S1 proved an interesting diversion but all that extra weight and cost didn't feel justified for the limited improvement, much as I liked the camera. The E-M5 Mark III mostly impressed, the big Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 too, though it was overshadowed for me by a Micro Four Thirds lens costing 1/19th as much! Am I mad?
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We miss you David
Here I am, wondering about what you would have said about the 2022 review yet somehow your videos feel still actual and your wisdom never gets old. Thank you. Will continue watching your videos in years to come.
1:23 "Anyone who says micro 4/3 is dead can get stuffed!" Camera quote of the year.
tRuE dAt
I really must stop mincing my words :-)
@@DavidThorpeMFT You better not. ;-) I love all your videos. In fact, through your recommendations, I have bought some of the best camera equipment I've ever own including the Lumix G85 ("if I had to choose one body for all my photographic tasks") and the Olympus OM-D EM10 Mark II (I never look at it without seeing it's "jewel like" quality). You da man.
He says a he buys a full frame camera ; )
A full frame camera which was referred to as disappointing.
Long live the Micro Four Thirds System! My favourite since 2012.
:-)
Forget photography, you should narrate audiobooks
That's what my agent said, Sean :-)
IKR??
Instablaster
Absolutely
I follow quite a few "photography channels" (not to mention other channels) and I just realised that, for some reason, your videos are the ones I look forward to the most.
Nice work!
Nice to hear that, Magnus - thank you!
Totally agree with that!
myself included, if something on this channel catches my attention I may do further research on other channels. Otherwise I'll trust Mr. Thorpe to keep me up to date on the camera world.
@@dr34mlucid I'm flattered and embarrassed.....
Jag håller med!
Stellar Work David, you as well as James Popsys are my go-to for photography knowledge. "Anyone who says micro four thirds is dead can get stuffed" LMAO one of the best things I've heard this year.
Thanks! And they can still get stuffed!
Always a pleasure to listen and see all that you post especially now. For me if you enjoy the thing that do it never dies. long live all formats and all that they produce. Love the video by the way and thanks.
Thanks, Michael. Yes, photography in all its forms is a great way to express ourselves and our view of the world around us. How you get results hardly matters in the broad scheme of photography.
It was worth the wait and always great to hear from you.
Thanks, Keith.
Always a pleasure to see your videos and learn of your views on cameras/lenses!
Thansk you, Shaka!
I bought a GH3 years ago (obviously) after watching your videos. Thanks again for providing detailed, real world user feedback, and for taking the time to answer my questions. I'm sure lots of people have benefited from your videos just like I did.
Glad to help!
I recently sold all my Canon gear and purchased an Olympus E-M5 MIII with a 14-150mm and I'm not looking back. I'm very impressed with it's performance and I love the smaller, and lighter form factor. I wish I did it earlier.
Good to hear your voice again man.
That's a lovely thing to say, Matt. Thank you.
Really enjoy your posts David. I can't credit you with my switch from Canon FF to Lumix, but you eloquently put into words what I've experienced along the way. Well done.
Nice to hear that and thanks, Chris.
In the midst of crisis, comes Dave's video to lift my spirits. Thank you - most enjoyable!
I love to hear that - thanks so much!
couldn't agree more!
Oh David, our Prometheus what fire of knowledge do you bring to us mortals today
We Gods do not answer questions from mortals such as yourself, Kyle. We carve our wisdom on tablets and toss them to you earthlings below. Costs us a fortune in iPads and its really hard to find anything hard enough to scratch the words onto them :-)
Yep, Mr Thorpe brought a big smile to my face three times in this video. I missed that. Thank you.
Thanks, William, glad you enjoyed it!
Love your reviews sharp to the point , valid and fair keep them coming cheers
Thanks, will do!
Thank You for doing your videos, I enjoy them very much!!
Glad you like them, John! Thank you.
Great video as always - Happy snapping David ! 🙏
Thanks! You too, Andre!
Great vid David. I too have been using M43 for just over a year now and think it’s a cracking system. I hope it continues to be developed.
I'm sure it will, Charlie. Thanks.
Hey, David.... I always appreciate your videos.... Keep up the good work.
Glad you like them!
Good to have you back.Missed your videos
Nice of you to say so - robtt, thank you.
Another excellent video from my favourite M43 RUclipsr, says it like it is. Can't wait to get notifications from you.
Thanks so much, Zumo!
@@DavidThorpeMFT No problem, I've caught up with your videos now so I'm waiting with anticipation ....
Can I ask you a quick question, which is the best lens to buy out of the Olympus 12-40 f2.8 or Lumix 12-35 f2.8. I'm shooting with a G9, Cheers, Del
@@zumoaccessories You wouldn't be disappointed with either. I'd say that the extra 5mm of the Olympus makes more difference than you'd expect, giving you that bit more distance from the subject for close-up portraits. The Panasonic is a lot lighter and more compact, though. Overall, the Panasonic's sharpness is similar to the Olympus but the Olympus's edges hold up better. With the Panasonic on the G9, you have the combined stabilization but the body stabilization of the G9 is so good that in practise the Olympus is just as effective without stabilization.
Overall, if you can accept the extra size and weight of the Olympus, I'd buy that. If compactness is more important, the Panasonic. But, as I said, neither would disappoint.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks for the reply, I think I'll end up with whichever one comes along at the right price
i LOVE this video for so many reasons, very well spoken as always! You got great images , I was suprised the most with the f2.8 zooms, better background seperation than I was expecting. I sold my 35-100mm F2.8 in favor of an Olympus 75mm F1.8. Its my new favourite lens in my arsenal. At any rate, wonderful video and godspeed
Thanks, Max - love that handle! I maximise the background separation by shooting at the long end of the zoom and framing tightly so that I am as close as possible to the subject. The 75mm Olympus is probably the best lens in Micro Four Thirds for shallow depth - obviously why you bought it - and like most Micro Four Thirds lenses, can perform at its best wide or nearly wide open. A great portrait lens but good for many more subjects.
Another excellent video! Thanks! After so many years watching your videos, I have the clear impression of listening to a friend talking about a topic of common interest. I totally agree. I love the news and I also love some old equipment, like the 12-50 and 9-18. I also love Oly 75-300, for Birding there is nothing more compact and lightweight. MFT is perfectly suited for min. My GH5 is still my best camera, but I use my GH4 and GX80 a lot. Each has its moment. I am very curious now to try the new em1 iii.
Thanks! I have a new Olympus on the way but it'll take me a while to get to know it now that going out is becoming difficult. Strange times.
David Thorpe And I will order my em1 iii after prices drops a little and after watching your review! Greetings from the Black Forest! Times are really strange. It is very strange to walk in the deserted streets, few cars circulating and without a plane in the sky. And trying to find a positive side even in difficult situations, I like to see people walking at a slow pace, without the stress of everyday life, with more attention to consumption, and taking care of that who is nearby, taking care of the gardens, playing more with his children. Stay healthy!
After buying and reselling so many micro fourthird gears in the market, 2020 is the year of milestone as I finally made my 12mm F2, 14mm F2.5, 16mm F1.4, 25mm F1.4, 60mm F2.8 Marco, 75mm F1.8, 12-32mm, 7-14mm F4 and 45-175mm PZ and GF8 body now literally free of charge. Steep depreciation now no longer my concern, I can keep clam and resume my journey in M43 realm.
I also sold over hundred sets of gears and somehow promoted the system to many new users back in Hong Kong. Hope the system will thrive in 2020 and please keep uploading more videos David!
I intend to keep doing the videos as long as I can - thanks! That's a great comprehensive set of Micro Four Thirds gear you have there, all top quality too. Nice feeling when it's all paid for and you are happy with it all. I hope all goes well with you in Hing Kong. I have visited several times and loved the place, especially just wandering the backstreets in Kowloon.
You've got an incredible way with words. Its a joy to listen to. The comparison of the G9 to the S1 really helped sum up the real world difference. Really dont feel much need to upgrade to full frame after that.
Nice of you to say so, John, thank you.
Excellent insight! Personally, I’ve had had my g85 for 4 years and still love it. It has its place in my kit, next to my full frames.
Thanks! An excellent addition to any kit, I agree.
Amazing work…what great videos
Another great review David.
Thanks, Stephen.
Last year i purchased new body - OM-D E-M5 Mark III, started to learn new things about digital photography and it basically reinvigorated my interest in photography in general.
Recently i got myself Vario G 35-100 F2,8 II, Leica DG 25mm F1,4 its on its way...
M5 Mark III is great. With the Lumix i mentioned or with my main M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2,8 i do a LOT of handheld photography, when i walk around with camera in my hand for 2-6 hours and just taking photos... Set with 400-600 grams is fine. Fullframe would not even start at 1,2 kilos...
My old knowledge from the time i was using film started to surface quite quickly now. I realized that aside from buying perfect lenses (as 25mm M.Zuiko PRO surely is) i might prefer to get less perfect lenses, which on other hand have sort of personality (Leica 25mm F1.4 and the way how you can get nice vignetting without postprocessing).
Micro Four Thirds reinvigorated my photography too, taking the chore out of it. So the old skills have come back. I'm not surprised, I suppose. Digital hasn't changed the basics or purpose of photography, just the way they are accomplished. I love the old lenses with Micro Four Thirds - I'd like to have a big box of vintage lenses and adaptors and just try them all out. I just love the IQ of my old 300mm f/4.5 IFED Nikkor from the 80s. Such a a lovely look to the images.
@@DavidThorpeMFT I used to be a "purist" up to 2005. I had Practica LTL 3 with set of "Zebra" Zeiss lenses (28, 50, 135mm). After that i had to give up photography until 2015 when i got OM-D M10.
I still prefer full M mode, while using AF and Metering to center, while i can utilize leveling tools or indication of over/underexposure. But anyway i still like to set things myself and learn, and most importantly remember how i got to the result.
Its like falling asleep in the 60-70s (era when my original set was made) and wake up in the present.
Everything is smaller, lighter, faster, zooms do not pose much of a compromise and best photos contain exif to remind how they were taken... Its more i could ever imagine.
@@Mir1189 I think it's more than any of us could have imaged and it has all happened so fast. I still think that film experience was a very useful thing, though. When each picture you take costs money you are much less shutter-happy and inclined to rely on shooting 5,000 frames to get a good one.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Still shooting in "Single" mode and I often have to remind myself, that there is no issue when using L or H sequential or ProCapture. Even whend doing multiple single shots, its usually not needed as those are way too similar.
Unless its a testing session/shot i expect 90+% to be usable with minimal postprocess - usually only cropping.
Poetry. In photography
Wonderful stuff.
2019 is when I began using micro four thirds, partly or largely due to your reviews. I’m absolutely loving it
Great to hear that Robert and thanks for the kind words.
Thank you for kind comments David :)
MFT is amazing, and DAvid's was the first photography vlog I subscribed to after the GX85 review (US name) I bought that camera before I saw the vlog but I learned so much more about it, and MFT in general. Never looked back. Got the G9 next. I was really thinking of getting the GH5 but when the G9 came out, I waited for David's review and then bought it. Less expensive than the GH5, slightly smaller and less heavy, with as much video as I needed, and then firmware V.2.0 came out and it was even more perfect. Yes I have learned a lot here. Last note, I inherited a bunch of old Nikon glass, and micro4/3 with a Speedbooster and sharp vintage glass, oh boy, what a great option. And you get a faster lense to boot! Thanks Mr Thorpe
Great to hear what you say - and much appreciated. Thanks!
Just found this channel, and I love it to bits! Had to subscribe ^_^
Awesome video. Thanks David.
Glad you enjoyed it, Paul, thanks!
Thanks David - another great video! I love my mft gear and it’s been great to see Olympus lately thumbing their noses at the doubters with 2 new cameras in quick succession.
Stay healthy. At least we ca keep our social distancing with our telephotos.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Malcolm
Hadn't though of that - all portraits on 300mm lenses until the virus has gone :-)
Ok Douglas go across the road and stand in front of Mrs Wilson’s house and I’ll take your portrait. Oh my god, what is Mrs Wilson doing!
David, Your videos are really great - thanks. I wanted to share something with you and ask you one thing. I'm a decent, unexceptional photographer with about 35 years experience of trying really hard, partly because I really like and enjoy understanding the equipment and how to use it...and partly because I do actually also really love photography. I currently shoot Micro 4/3, APS/C and full frame, but enjoy M4/3 the most for size/weight reasons and because I just happen to really like the GX80. I realise the technical quality isn't quite as amazing as I can get with full frame, but nevertheless feel that most photos are taken at an unnecessarily high quality. I started using a popular stock photography site to sell images, and have regularly found that they are rejecting my M4/3 images for quality reasons. Very few of my APS/C or full frame images have been rejected, even though most of the former are only at 8MP and I believe my best 16 MP GX80 images are resolving far more detail. Do you have a view on this? Is it snobbery, or are there valid reasons they are taking this approach? Clearly it is their decision and their judgement, but I find it very surprising. What do you think?
Thanks David. Good to hear From you. Today i received m’y Panasonic 100-300mm for my G80. Looking forward to learning how to photograph small birds with it. A bientot.
Enjoy it, David. I hp the birds appreciate it, too. I feed them in my garden but never a word of thanks :-)
great video. I had viewed many of your video's before purchasing a Panasonic a few years ago. works great thank you
Great to hear! Thanks, John.
Hello David
Your review highlights essentially what you said some years ago in an interview with Frederick Van Johnson. Micro 4/3 is more than adequate for probably more than 80% of all photographic requirements and we have now reached a point where there are no bad cameras, only better. So the law of diminishing returns kicks in even further down the product chain nowadays. Image quality is pretty well a given, even for what might be considered entry level products, and it's really features like build quality and weather proofing that are the differentiators.
I enjoy your no-nonsense reviews and honesty, so keep up the good work.
Hello Mark - glad you like my stuff. There is so much choice now for photographers and I know it leads people to agonise over details which will make no difference whatsoever to most of us. Reviewers get bored and look for novelty so mark down a camera that will 'only' shoot sequences at 30fps in favour of one that will do 60. Yet the reality is that 10fps is plenty for most of us. It's getting a bit like the folk who buy massive SUVs on the basis of their ability to climb mountain passes - and then use them for the school run :-)
I saw a documentary last year on the great Saul Leiter. He was wandering around his neighbourhood in New York with a cheap Sony compact, and on another occasion with an early Lumix. As the saying goes, it ain't the camera that takes the photos.
Yes, the really serious practitioners of the art are rarely concerned with the equipment. Some of the ones I know are technically inept, actually.
Enjoyed, as always.. every line a gem. Especially about 'if a viewer pixel peeps the image has no impact'...
Thanks, paul!
My first 4/3 camera is currently in the mail via eBay. I enjoyed what you had to say here. As a newbie can you explain why you like your 12-50 lens when the kit lens (which is shipping) is a 14-42? Thanks.
I absolutely love my Olympus em10ii micro 4/3 camera, especially when doing still photography, and how I can adjust the picture in the view-finder "exactly" as I wish using older, manual focus vintage lenses, and with amazing results. Any recommendations on the best upgrade at this point is appreciated, as I would like to do so at some point.
The 12-40 f/2.8 is as good as a standard zoom gets. That's probably the one to go for. Or, as a great all rounder, the Panasonic 14-140mm.
What a treat to discover your channel. I recently decided to dive in more deeply into photography. Looking around on eBay, I found wonderful deals on a Panasonic Lumix GF-2 and 14-24 lens. I am enjoying it very much. It is more than good enough for this rank amateur for around $110 USD.
If you have an eye for a picture, the GF-2 and standard zoom will serve it well. If you don't, even a Leica M10 won't help you.
While I am an amateur, though an owner of m43, I am here mainly for the narrative. Definitely great stuff, as usual!
Very good of you to say so, Florin, thanks!
Thank you for another wonderful video. Would you please answer a question for me. I am very interested in the 12-50 Oly Power Zoom Lens. Can the Panasonic Image App control the zoom on that camera. I used to have a working ZS50 and the remote control of the zoom was great when shooting humming and other birds in the garden. Thank you.
Thanks, Anthony. Yes, the power zoom works well with the Image App. Can't say i'm ikely to find any humming birds in my garden, though. It must need a good fast shutter speed if you wanted a shot with the wings frozen.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you, David, I use normal video and 120fps video for the Hummingbirds. I also have use 8K photo so shutter speed is flexible. Take a look at this video ruclips.net/video/PvBZXlglk34/видео.html
I love your video production. In your blog description, the final "t" is missing. Thanks for videos
Thanks, Sebastian! I'll check the missing T, thanks again.
Interesting watch again David! I'm finding myself much more attracted to older M4/3 gear than new too. The new stuff is great but it reminds me of Top Gear when they tested a later version of the Nissan GTR: it's so high performance technically, they've designed out all of the fun!
Yes, and the ultra technical performance that everyone looks for can be a bit of a step backwards too. I hear complaints about modern AF where it is perfectly obvious that the problem lies with the user, for example. If reliance on technology leads to de-skilling it's a shame because learning how to do things for yourself is a big part of the enjoyment.
@@DavidThorpeMFT True. I went from an em5 mk ii to sony a6000 due to autofocus reason, just to realise it's not as fun as the oly when taking picture. Now i miss my omd :(
Excellent as usual!!!
Thanks, Brian!
Great video David!
Thanks, Ron!
A David Thorpe Day!!!👍🏻📷✌🏻
Thank you Joe!
Awesome video, don’t recall what it was about, but enjoyed listening
It was about the dichotomous relationship between the Kierkegaardian abstract and the Marxist dialectic and then I finished on a boot about an old Olympus lens.
Thank you SIR
Most welcome, Chirag!
I really enjoy your videos. It was one of your videos years ago that first put me on to micro four thirds cameras. What I can't understand, is why camera reviews seem to always compare different format cameras to each other. Cameras are just tools. You don't see car reviews comparing compact cars to mid size cars or small SUV's to larger models. They all have their pros and cons depending on who you talk to. I think we should only be concerned with what works for yourself and not what other people choose to use. Sorry I guess I'm just venting. Thank you for another good video and stay safe.
Thanks, Peter. There really aren't any bad cameras around today, it's a matter of picking the best for your own purposes. A big Nikon DSLR would be fine, great cameras I could use it well enough. But I wouldn't use it because the size and weight are a burden and I'd get no pleasure. Where with my Micro Four Thirds, well I hardly know I have them with me sometimes and I enjoy them. And they do the job to my requirements with ease.
I just got the 2x converter for my Olympus 40-150. I’ve only taken a few test shots but so far so good. It’s “slightly smaller” than a Canon 600mm. 😀 I can’t imagine carrying the Canon.
Love it!
If you're mad, that makes two of us!
Aided by your 2013 review I bought the 12-50 in November as a good all round zoom (that importantly didn't trombone). It goes everywhere on my precious EM10Mk2 and I love it!
It's the closest thing to an all in one lens I know - given the in body stabilization on Micro Four Thirds cameras these days, out and out speed matters less and less for everyday picture taking.
I agree I really dislike zoom lens that "trombone" . To me it just looks cheap.
@@ActivityPhoto Trouble is, it is optically necessary to get enough movement to make the zoom elements do their work, I'm certain no maker would do it for preference.
Hello David..have a Panasonic dmc-gx8...yesterday after removing it from case...one of the focusing knobs just popped off..with the spring inside as well...is this normal wear and tear? Still brand new condition...
No, that shouldn't happen. Time to contact Panasonic, I'd say.
It has been a while since your past lens review. Could you tell me the 2-3 favourite lenses for the pana bodies in order?
Is it the 12-35 and 35-100 combo maybe with 100-300 on top? Maybe you prefer 15mm 25mm 42.5mm primes?
I'm currently sitting at the 12-60 kit, 20mm f1.7 and some vintage lenses for fun but want to expand and I'm not sure what route to go. The 14-140 seems like a great be all lens but it is clearly mostly for outdoors in good lighting. Thanks for the content. Enjoying it greatly
Thanks for the kind words. The photo industry is at stand still right now so getting hold of stuff is difficult and I can't afford to buy it all. I'm a big fan of the 12-40mm Olympus Pro zoom so that would have to be there. Also the 8-18mm Panasonic. and the Olympus 40-150 Pro is a great - and unique lens. My regular do it all outfit is 8-18mm, 25mm f/1.4 Panasonic and 35-100mm f/2,8 Panasonic. If I don't mind a bit more weight, I'll swap the 35-100 for the 40-150 Pro. So I suppose they'd be my favourites overall. The 14-140 has its limitations but is just so very handy and hassle free.
@@DavidThorpeMFT I greatly appeciate it! I see so many praise the 8-18. Maybe I'll give it a go. I just like the longer focal length for people but I guess the 35-100 fills that gap. It is funny how the 12-35 and 35-100 would be fantastic to cover a lot of range looking at specs; but not a whole lot recommend them (jordan drake e.g.)
@@ScrattleGG You're welcome. The range of 12-100 covers the vast majority of serious photo work, I think. But I do like the super wide perspective so the 8-18 covers that. The trouble is, there's such an overlap with a 12-35. An 8-18 plus a 25mm fast prime covers the gap and gives you some dim light capability in hand. There's always the 7-14mm zooms but neither take filters and 8-18 covers a range that means you rarely need to take it off - for me at least, who regards 17mm as a standard lens.
Laughed out loud 2 or 3 times while watching this, thanks for the entertainment :-)
Glad you enjoyed it!
upgraded to a FF, it's mind blowing, the DR, AF, color accuracy is just on another league ! M34 has the size advantage though which makes a big diff sometimes.
I loved your interesting tube's Thorp, when I was shooting Panasonic earlier. Now as a happy Fuji shooter I miss them :)
Well, Terje, Fuji shooter or not, you have my full permission to view my videos - and thanks 🙂
Thanks Dave for the Olympus 12-50 recommendation. Just picked one up min used for $144 shipped!
Silly price for this lens. Looked at objectively, it's just worth more than that. But if they are happy to sell, you are sure happy to buy!
Very nice again my MicroFour Thirds Oracle..
Thanks for your advice on no name batteries... Love my G9 but it also raised my appreciation for my „old“ GX8
GX8 and Lumix 25mm 1,7 what a lovely combination for Street Photography...
Hope Panasonic come back to sense... And bring a successor The GX9 should be named GX90
Thanks David 👍
Cheers, Peter!
Thanks for the Vid. I have always had canon 1 series bodies for work. about 2 years ago I added 2 em1m2's and a bunch of oly pro glass. I had so much fun taking photos I could hardly put the em1 down. I only ever used the em1 in the studio once. it didnt do what I wanted and just wasnt the same as the 1dx or my 5dm4. So my very costly experiment with M43 was over but well worth it. I rediscovered the love of photography confirmed my tool box was right for me to begin with. The em1's are gone and I miss them every day. If oly just got the old OM1 body and put a fullframe sensor in it I would sell everything and change over that day. (my first work camera was an OM2)
Equipment works for you or it doesn't and if you are earning your living with it cost and convenience - and fun - have to be secondary to the needs of the job. If Olympus could put a FF sensor in an e-m1 and keep the lenses the same size... Wow! What a shame about the laws of optics!
@@DavidThorpeMFT Its nice to dream. Mostly I wish I could buy a pro body and not pay for video.Its a feature I never asked for.
David; I enjoyed this video. What is the brand of camera bag shown at 0:56 minutes into this video? I liked the size, capacity and the extensive padding shown.
It's a Wotancraft Ryker bag. Expensive but made to last a lifetime.
Thanks David; I checked out this bag and although as you mentioned it is expensive, it looks like a great bag that will last for many years.
Ohh I would love that 10-25
I got that swiss army knife lens for my dad for his birthday, he loved it. However, I use it when he isn't... I have grown quite fond of it.
Something about it, isn't there. It ain't pretty but it does the job.
@@DavidThorpeMFTthere is.... This coronavirus.. Probably will make any camera companies think twice about investing, or any companies, in any industry...
@@dr34mlucid In the UK, the exchange rate will make them unaffordable.
@@DavidThorpeMFT eeek... yeah, I just saw what happened to the pound...
The GX80 brought the joy of photography back to my girlfriend. Gone was the clunky 1000D from 10 years ago, replaced by a small body with so many features. It actually worked so well she just bought the Pana-Leica 100-400. For mft it feels big - but just until I had the shop guy hand me over a Tamron 150-600 which I could use on my Canon...
It's easy to forget how big and heavy FF equipment can be. The S1 reminded me!
@@DavidThorpeMFT Every time I attend a camera show I fondle the Sony A7 series and think its really not that different from my Olympus. Then I pick up a Sony lens....
@@alangauld6079 I love the Sony gear but as you say, it's the lenses...
What are those black/red pieces attached to the neck band hoops called ( at 1:25 for example), and why are they used over a permanent neck band? I see them quite a lot in different videos and have been looking around for them with no success
Quite a few people ask! They are Peak design strap attachments. You put them on the camera and they make a quick release/fit for a camera neck or wrist strap. You can use your own strap or buy Peak Design's own. Very useful and practical. They are here on Amazon UK amzn.to/2QoX9la but I'm sure Amazon Sweden has them too.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you for the explanation and link, I will check them out! Great video as always, your reviews and information have been very helpful in my recent camera purchases :)
Always entertaining David & the anticipation of one of your videos is like waiting for the next episode of Game of Thrones (well without the Dragon Queen maybe). I do apologise however as I must have fallen asleep toward the end & dreamt you heaped high praise on the Oly 12-50??? Please tell me I am wrong about this.. ;-)
It's not pretty but it is just so useful. A bit like my wife says about me, except for the useful bit.
@@DavidThorpeMFT haha :-)) stay safe & well David
I've got a GX85 and I'm STILL really wanting to upgrade to a G9 or G90 and I definitely think it'd be worth all the improvements.
Did you end up getting a G9? I have the GX85 and G9, and the G9 is real level above the GX85 in many ways.
thumbs up as always!
Thanks!
Hey David if you don't mind asking me what year were you born?
I became a M43 user this year. GX85 in August with both kit lenses. I'm a Nikon D750 shooter and now I only use the D750 for portraits. Everything else so far is M43 and my results are fabulous. No regrets. I just need faster lenses for portraits and lower light conditions and then have need for nothing else. M43 is a fantastic platform and 16MP seems all I really need. The reduced dynamic range are rarely noticed, though in a few photos could have come in handy. However, the results were still great and only I noticed. I'm sticking with the GX85 until I fill my lens lineup. If I get into M43 portraiture, I may need a larger body for speed of use when timing is everything. Controls are a bit small for that kind of rapid shooting with changing settings, which sometimes makes me move something I don't intend to. I make it work, but if habitual, I'll need a slightly larger M43 body later. Regardless, I love it. The system is great, its photos outstanding, and price highly reasonable.
Luckily there's plenty in the lineup to choose from, Bill. Nice that you're happy with it all. The G90 might fit your needs, though the G9 is at bargain prices now and with its best in class EVF, excellent for portraits.
Well done and worth the wait!
Yes, the last year for m43 has been just great as was the year before that. The 10-25mm last year was just stunning. I guess for me, it was even better as I finally bought a couple of G9s for event photography. I was totally overwhelmed by how much I ended up loving them. Amazing cameras.
You really nailed it about the quality of cameras the last 5 or so years. Heck, I have images in my new fashion portfolio that I did with my sold-long-ago Canon 5D MKII that I bought 7 years ago. I even have images with my slightly older and even less capable Canon 50D APS-C camera in my portfolio. At least the image quality from digital cameras was enough even cameras more than 10 years old! Put a good lens on them and you're good to go.
I got an iPhone 11 last year which was upgraded from an iPhone 5. It was a revelation. The camera is phenomenal. I took a picture last weekend in almost sheer darkness. But you wouldn't know it. The quality is fantastic. I did a shot of a bridge in the evening. It looked absolutely beautiful and as you mentioned, works perfectly well for Social Media needs.
Wishing you a very successful and happy 2020!
And to you, Ricardo! The technology now is stunning but I think we're beginning to take it for granted. The 10-25mm zoom sounds ideal for your needs. The smartphone cameras are so clever, so much AI going in to processing images that belie the tiny sensors making them. I wondr when that technology will filter through to 'proper' cameras.
@@DavidThorpeMFT I agree. Still needs some work though. The Portrait mode on my iPhone looks amazing. But there is a bit of 'artificial' look to it. But it's very close to being perfected.
Yes, if they can make low light that performance that good in that tiny sensor, it could be changing in a normal camera. I think a $1000 can be just as good as a $3000 camera. But, I know the AI takes a good deal of processing. But I don't think it's that far away.
I really love the 10-25mm f/1.7. If I get that and the 50-200mm f/2.8, I'll be pretty much done. The 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 does a decent job with some good experience.
Keep up the great work!
Have you used other systems in the last year as well? Not counting the SH system.
I've used the Panasonic S1 and various APS-C and FF jobs that my professional mates use. They;re a very conservative bunch. My own preference is for the Sony FF but I just have no need for that sort of IQ in these days of viewing on screen.
Thanks David! How come the em1 mk3 managed to escape your attention?
It hasn't escaped my attention but I don't get loan or review cameras (Olympus don't even answer my emails) so I have to wait and buy one like everyone else. No bad thing because although it makes my reviews late, I have used the camera and done a book on it before my review is published. A lot of the reviewers only have the item for a couple of weeks only and many are committed to Olympus and wouldn't want to bite the hand that feeds them.
@@DavidThorpeMFT I see, thank you David, I appreciate it. Looking forward to see your review of this new version. Cheers!
Spot on, as usual. The innovation curve flattened for me a bit earlier; I haven't upgraded from my current Panny GX85 and Oly E-PL6 (with an embarrassing selection of lenses), plus a Panny G6 to handle bigger lenses (such as the Panny 100-300). My quality threshold is an acceptable 13X19 print at ISO 3200, and all of these cameras with good lenses will do this at the margin, although I try to shoot at the lowest ISOs circumstances permit. The newer and more expensive cameras don't get me an appreciably better IQ against that standard that I can't already get with what I've got. I might feel differently if I shot video, but I don't. FF mirrorless? There is no point for me. A new lens with a 77mm filter size? That defeats the entire purpose of why I converted to M43 in the first place. Thank you, David, for articulating some straightforward sanity against the assault of the new camera marketers.
Great video and commentary. I like the Olympus system but everyone tells me to avoid it. But, the pictures speak for themselves, the lenses are great as well as the bodies. Usability comes to mind.
I don't know why anyone would say to avoid the Olympus system. It and Panasonic and as good as one another - meaning very good on any terms - and the choice between them boils down to quite small things. So, for example, if you must have 60fps 4K, video you'll need a Panasonic. If you major on high speed sports, the Olympus will suit you better. If I were going to have one camera only and someone gave me equivalent Olympus or Panasonic models, I'd be happy to stay with either. The fact is that there is no bad camera in Micro Four Thirds, just one more suited to your needs than another. Usability is personal and that's the main reason I'd use to choose between any Micro Four Thirds models. Oh, what the heck, just buy one of each 😆
Agree with most of what you said. You must have gotten a good sample of the 12-50 zoom. Mine produces crappy shots wide open and has been upstaged in everything but weight by the 12-40 pro. Got a G9 this year (great sale early 2020, did not take a second look at the EM5 III; still have my EM5 I...); competition was EM1 II which was kept very expensive by Olympus who do not understand how to do a real sale ($100 off will not cut it for a $2000 lens or body).
Very enjoyable listen! I’m a new G9 owner after 8 years out of Nikon photography. I’ve been startled by soft little ‘click’ of the MIRRORLESS (!) shutter release.
Thanks! Yes and with the e-shutter you can choose your shutter sound or silence if you wish.
The G90 video crop was the deal-breaker for me. But I can see it sealing the deal for other people, particularly twitchers, who would benefit from the zoom/crop.
Yes, it's an ill wind, as they say. For me, the crop is a pain.
I LOVE YOUR VEIWS AND WIT KEEP IT UP CHEERS
Thanks, David!
Great video, David. I like the look of the Olympus 12-50mm lens and it looks like a great bargain, how is the construction of that lens? Do you think its a bit plasticky or quite solid for the money?
Also wondered what your thoughts were on the whole mixing Olympus and Panasonic lenses on Olympus and Panny bodies? Just I had someone recently send me a comment saying they felt its best just to stick to Olympus glass for Olympus bodies only and vice versa for Panasonic, although I don't fully agree with that argument myself.
Anyway great video, oh and if you read this today, hope you have a Merry Christmas. :-)
The 12-50 is never going to be top class construction at that price but I can find no fault with it in practise. I'd expect mine to last many, mamy years. With lenses, I use whatever lens with whatever body without a thought. If there is any difference, you'd need scientific instruments to measure it. I have a video on the subject, I believe.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Same here I tend not to think about it. The person in question had a RUclips page, which appeared to mainly be on videography rather than photography funnily enough. Anyways thanks for replying as always, David and I definitely like the look of the 12-50, so might try it one day.
I noticed you use Panaasonic lenses on Olympus and vice versa. I have all Olympus bodies and lenses, but am intrigued by the GX85 rather than the PenF. Mainly because of price. Thanks for the great gear videos. I certainly has helped me over the past couple of years...
I mix and match my Olympus and Panasonic equipment without a second thought. Maybe on the outer reaches of fast burst shooting the Panasonic DfD makes a difference but for normal use it's marginal if any difference. There's the dual stabilization advantage with some lenses but again, I find that marginal since the IBIS alone is plenty good enough on all the later Micro Four Thirds cameras. I'm bucked to hear that my videos have been helpful to you - thanks!
Nice Telecaster!
I feel like the G90 was the biggest let down of the year. As an owner of a G9 and G80 it's almost impossible to use the G80 a lot of the time and it's become my vlogging/Time-lapse camera pretty much!
I agree. My G85/80 definitely has a great in body Time Lapse feature. I also have an Olympus OMD EM10 MarkII and it's in body Time Lapse is not so great. However, the LIVE TIME and LIVE COMPOSITE modes in the Olympus are stellar.
G90 or g80
Bought the panasonic 10-25mm as my main lens, it now lives on my G9 (which got the awesome 10 bit update).
It's like the perfect focal range for my use. (20-50mm FF, so you have that ultra wide goodness but also the range for more detailed shots and portrait photography.
That update really was comprehensive. More on the lines of Olympus, where the firmware upgrades give you a mark #+ ½!
Most of my work is video rather than photography. Will soon upgrade to GH5s. Some M43 lenses are unique and precious, lightweight and... not expensive. And there's always speedbooster / mount adaptaters. Everything is possible with this sensor, it just needs some practice and light.
The GH5s should be interesting. I wonder how much better the native smaller video sensor is for noise than the 20Mp one sampled down? Panasonic know what they are doing so it must be worthwhile. Actually, for most, the GH5s sensor is plenty big enough for stills tooo.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Less Mp but bigger photocytes, which means more light to catch. There's also that double native iso feature. Its performs way better in low light, but it's trickier to use compared to classic GH5. But yeah, good enough to me for stills !
Great content, logical and practical insight, as always. Your pesonality and wit are also appreciated, David.
One thing and it might just be me...
I thought it was just my lousy hearing, but I'm starting to think maybe you need a new microphone. I have to crank the volume to hear you clearly. My guess is your recordings are missing some of the higher frequencies which allow "esses" and "tees", etc. to be heard. The lower frequencies of your voice recordings seem exaggerated. I hope this is seen as helpful feedback. I don't want to be a downer on an otherwise very good video. If it's just me with this problem, please ignore.
I appreciate your comment, Gil. Sound is the hardest part of the whole thing, actually. I'll give t some thought. The trouble is, sound that is good on one person's gear isn't on another, it's a big compromise. For some reason the human brain tolerates poor colour or sharpness much more easily than it will tolerate poor sound.
Funny I didn't have any problem hearing him at all. Maybe it's your speakers or something else on your end.
@@ActivityPhoto I've checked with my sound guru, Karol Walkowski and he thinks my audio quality is generally OK. He sprinkles magic powder on it to improve my output!
I'm guessing the Oly hood is smoother and easier to slide. My JJC is very, very stiff to operate. But it works at a non-Leica price.
Yes, it's the price! The JJC is a long way from smooth but it keeps out the stray light for us cheapskates :-)
3:03 to my eyes the G9 sample is sharper in detail vs the S1. Are the samples revered here?? i cannot believe my eyes!
Is this due to a difference in DOF at similar apertures.
It is definitely correctly labelled. Almost certainly due to the DoF - I wanted to keep both the foreground and background tolerably sharp. It's only at the pixel peep level I used there that the tree would look softer. At normal levels they G9 and S1 are indistinguishable.
Just had my first day with the GH5S + Leica 12-60. Finding the controls generally intuitive but lots more to learn. Bought your GH5 menu book - hopefully the S is similar enough...
Yes, they are fundamentally the same camera so the book should cover most aspects. The GH5S has some specialist stuff that I wouldn't be qualified to explain even if I did a book on it! Video is a whole new world and one I enjoy immnesely.
That G9 update made me keep it instead of getting a GH5 for video. Such a great autofocus update
Alexander Crocker too bad we didn’t get an autofocus update for the G80 not an auto ISO update requested so many times
Yes, it was more the sort of upgrade that Olympus does, halfway to a new camera. Very welcome.
@@DavidThorpeMFT indeed!
David Thorpe Many of us have contacted Panasonic marketing in forums, emails and Facebook requesting to upgrade the auto-iso in the G80 to be more intelligent like all other cameras. They acknowledged, but it was never deployed as a FW update.
I love micro four thirds!
🙂
How can you get realistic shallow DOF with Photoshop? On complex shots like looking thru a chain link fence it's virtually impossible. I've tried several programs, none can create a proper DOF.
It's rarely necessary - but I bet that if I hadn't told you the guitar shot was Photoshop enhances, you wouldn't have known. If you are going to do lots of pictures through chain link fences, you might be better to stick to FF, obviously. For myself, I can't remember when I last did such a shot. Your statement about 'proper; DoF is just wrong, though. If you can't tell the difference it is 'proper'. Mind you, nothing in photography is 'proper' in any true meaning of the word - I am delighted to say 🙂