I still watch them. Still for knowledge. I am sorry that David won't know that, mostly his fault, I just bought an EM-1 Mk II to complement my GH5. Wotancraft is "soon".
There isn’t much that can give a person a little joy right now, especially here in the former USA. However a video from David is like a visit from ole friend that brightens your day. 🙂
The full frame lobby has been working very hard to destroy the MFT. They don't want the MFT to succeed, it is too cheap to buy, but very good too. The FF is more expensive to buy and generates more, money, that's the "problem"
It's strange that a lot off the RUclips channels are saying micro four thirds is dead by they also forget to tell you that it's the best selling camera format in Japan 2020. Strange isn't it.
Hi James-- I would call that a nice move on your part. I rent out lights and jib cranes as a side hustle and delivered a set up to a location shoot in Nov. I noticed that they were using a G9 ,,not a GH5 as the main camera. I was so impressed with the results I picked one up myself.
I did exactly this about a month ago - I had a G7 and added an E-M1 ii. I love it. I bought it new with the 12-40 pro for 1000GBP which I thought was a very good price. Built so well.
Thank you for another heart warming video! In these tiring times, my GX9 no longer sees the outside, and instead is placed as a webcam for work now. I constantly get comments about how crisp and beautiful the image is with the 20mm 1.7 :)
Interesting - I noticed a BBC correspondent using a 'proper' camera for her report from home. What a difference compared to the laptop camera. With a quality body and lens, your stuff must look much more professional than most. Glad you liked the video, thank you.
How do you connect to the laptop or PC? Just HDMI or USB cable? Panasonic has upgrade drivers to allow some of their cameras to simply cable connect to PC or laptop but frustratingly they did not include the GX9 and GX series. So do you have to use a OBS capture device?
Thanks, Michael. I'd imagine what you would like is perfectly possible, just with some limitation on EVF size, for example. Marketing would be the problem, I think. If it's all in the cheaper camera who will buy the dearer one?
Always enjoy. Today I ordered a brand new OMD em1 MK II (sale $900) and a 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens. Need to get out and have some long needed fun despite the horrific stuff going on in the former USA as one very wise TopGarageTV called it. I have a sony a7III but the weather resistance is not up to par on that camera. Living in Oregon I need to be careful of course but this will help me feel more comfortable out there especially on the coast range. Thank you David I went back and watched the last years version of this video. Nice.
Got an E-M1 Mk2 with the 3.0 firmware - very happy with the C-AF - was nailing AF on swallows in flight on my first birding session - and that is about a difficult a target as you get. Always enjoy your excellent narration and content and now subscribed in anticipation of more great videos.
In a yr when I've spent more time watching youtube photography videos then taking pics myself, a David Thorpe video was always a highlight in 2020 thanks again David. I'm happy to see your love for Oly cameras. Can I ask what camera/lens combo was used for the gorgeous 3d looking spider web shot? Best Wishes Rich. PS Please (buy &) review the Laowa 10mm f2 ;-)
I learned to photograph in 2015 with a 50 years old film camera that my husband's grandfather gave me, no light meter, manual focus of course. Having to pay for each picture (film + development) I had to be very thoughtful about what and how I wanted to photograph. It taught me a lot. I have no issues shooting with discounted camera systems, so I will continue shooting M43 for many years regardless of what's going to happen with the system.
2020 was literally the year I decided to invest in micro four thirds, after waffling the idea of even getting into it for a few years. I liked it so much that I sold my entire Sony a6300 rig to help fund it all. I managed to buy a sizable stash, just before the first covid lockdown in the US in March. (My Pentax rig remains, for now... still my personal favorite brand in the SLR/DSLR arena.)
I used to have Pentax gear and really liked it. It always suffered from simply not being called Canon or Nikon. You'll have fun when unleashed and able to use all the Micro Four Thirds gear. Enjoy!
Having the toned, ripped, muscular he-man body that I do, I could use any camera🤣 But I choose to use Micro Four Thirds like you! Merci à vous, Jean--Gabriel.
I do like your photo of chimneys. Great to see that you are still shooting and presenting on youtube. I sold almost all my MFT gear but bought most of them back (barring those large zooms). Despite shooting other makes of cameras including films, still love my MFT gear especially the GM1. Hey did you retrofit your Brompton with electric powered wheel or is it a new Brompton electric model? Keep Well and Safe.
Thanks! The bike is the factory electric Brompton. It's not cheap but it is beefed up where needed and designed very well. As are all Bromptons, of course.
Glad to see you made it through the year David! I’ve seen your website but I wonder if there’s somewhere else I can see your work. I’d even buy a book if you have one! Would especially love to see photos that you took as a young man. I’d love to see some new shots as well on the regular if you’re comfortable sharing. Just a thought. All the best this new year!
I have thousands of pix but they are mostly in newspapers and magazines and I don't have originals or even cuttings except in a few cases. Somehow, when your job is taking pictures you don't think much about keeping them and the copyright belongs to the publication concerned. All the best for the new year to you too!
Another excllent video, I'd all but given up on youtube because everyone seems to be scraping the barrel for content but Mr Thorpe comes to the rescue. Love your work.
I like your picture of the Chimneys. Anybody can take a nice picture of something that is nice to begin with (mountain, a sunset, a model...). It is much harder to take a nice picture of something that would normally go unnoticed. Well done!
Thanks, Dominique. I think that the more you look, the more you see. The camera's ability to isolate something from its surroundings forces you to dissociate it from them and see it anew for itself.
It’s like the old days, listening to Letter from America, with Alistair Cook, it may not apply to us directly, but interesting and compelling just the same, and above all unmissable.
After an overly spendy 2019, I just picked up two lenses last year: The Olympus 75mm and the Meike 3,5mm. Oh, and a Wotancraft Trooper to carry it all. I wanted to get a new camera, but I really don't like Olympus' insistence on using plastic rather than metal for their smaller cameras. I guess a PEN-F II is a bit of a pipe dream, but maybe there'll be a GX10 with decent build quality?
Happy new Years David,, You're year in review videos are a great way to start the new calendar off right and pick up some encouragement to get out there myself. I thought I was doing OK with my 2 GX-8s,, but late last year I had an occasion to pick up a G9.. The upgrade is like stepping up from bearskins and pointed sticks. Best always for the New Year...
Excellent 2020 summary had to watch it twice! Can you help me please, the macro lens you were taking about would it be good for watch movements and parts? If you were to frame 1.5 inches across how far away would the lens have to be please? Thanks
Thanks, Tony. Yes, the lens would be good for watch movements ad parts though you probably wouldn't need 2:1 repro for that. For something 1.5" across with a 50mm lens you'd be roughly 15cm from the front glass of the lens. Olympus's 12-40 zoom will almost do that, not quite. With the 2:1 macro an object about 1.3rd of an inch will fill the frame and a 1:1 macro 17mm or 7/10".
I really do wish Panasonic would fix their AF. Were it not for that, the G9 would be the perfect photo/video hybrid in it's price class. In any case, I ended up buying a second G9 to use on my "lo-fi" tv show to shoot video and stills. It's still pretty great bang for buck.
Dave! We've actually had some back-and-forths, personally, the last few days, but did you know, I just went micro-four-thirds? Really! After nearly a year of dragging my full-frame-Cannon-mirrorless-wonderpiece around I discovered if I wanted to travel internationally full-frame was overweight by more than a factor of two - with no weight reduction in sight. So, what I discovered in the last year of lockdown, is that if you have to travel internationally, and have to carry *everything* on your own back for days or weeks - full frame is not an option, micro-four-thirds is the only system that will work for you. Ok, you just have to compromise - cuz you cannot carry it all. 3:17] I'll add that I bought the OM-D E M5iii myself. I consider the polycarbonate body a feature and a benefit not a problem. If it cuts an ounce or two off the weight of the camera that is an extra once or two of lens I can carry.
You illustrate very well the reasoning behind the Micro Four Thirds system as I see it. Light and compact and having a full range of lenses from a choice of makers. Yes, a trade-off in IQ but for the uses to which photographs are normally put these day, web, prints up to A3 or so, the IQ trade-off is zero. And personally, I find the extra depth of field of Micro Four Thirds very helpful. When I was using my S1 it really irked me having to stop down. On the plastic, I happily accept that your view is more logical than mine. It's just the feel of metal I prefer but the weight saving and (probably) greater resilience of polycarbonate do make it the material of the future.
Thanks for this informative video. I bought this today though second hand..... well it's my birthday tomorrow!. Since the 2020 lockdown I've bought an Oly M5 iii, 100-400, Lensbaby Velvet 56 and a new phone! Spending the non-cruise funds!!!
I cannot prevent myself to put the 1K Like to your very nice review of the 2020 year. Thank you for your excellent contribution in keeping our interest in photography during these more challenging times. Receive my warm salutations from the freezing Canada, Daniel M
That slick move you do, the way the light breaks into colors (from 2:10 - 2:30) in your large lens at the bottom of the frame is beautiful! I came for your calming narration and to nerd out with you, and you gave us some nice visual treats too :) Thanks so much for continuing this channel.
Camera bag - MFT being so light we don't really need a bulky padded camera bag, a simple rucksack type courier will suffice; put spare lenses in pouches mainly to keep them clean. I don't know what Olympus do but Panasonic drop test their cameras in their boxes from 30-ft onto concrete (standard drop-test). I've been using (and collecting) MFT since dunno, E-PL1 (long gone) then Pan G5 (my old friend). For unknown reason the old Pan 50-200 works better on the E-M5ii than the GH4. I do think Olympus are shooting themselves in the foot by not allowing Dual-IS with all the Pan lenses (likewise Panasonic but there's only like two Olly lenses with OIS).
You could be right about the interactive use of lens stabilization with body. I don't fancy the idea of dropping my stuff from 30ft, box or not! I'll leave that to Panasonic 😲
No, definitely not. Having been a photographer so long, I had become a bit tired, jaded with it. I brief hiatus and then the Nikon swivel digital camera came alng and I bought one as a bit of a toy. Loved being able to shoot anything I wanted at no extra cost. But is was Micro Four Thirds that really brought me back. Here were cameras that produced image quality comparable to my Nikon Fs yet were light and wieldy to use. Without my channel I'd never have so much gear but it's great to have for comparison purposes. - It says here :-)
I didn't bother in the end. I only cover equipment I really know (or think I do) and the effort required to dive in on a completely new system didn't seem worth it to me in the end.
About to upgrade to either a G9 with the 8 -18 or go full frame with the S5 with 12 - 60 kit. Not much in it...G9 is like a glove in hand with a better EVF. The S5 grip is OK but the EVF is not great...difficult or simple decision....landscape shooter looking for any advice to throw into the melting pot...
The S5 has the obvious couple of stops noise advantage but the G9 has a bonus in the extra depth if field. Unles you are making prints over about 36", the real world quality difference is zilch since you can shoot landscape at 200 ISO. The 8-18 is a very good, very effective lens. I use it as my standard, really. Take a look here - ruclips.net/video/qQ1rzSReQ1A/видео.html
@@johnbourke3074 The 25mm and the 12-35 lens you suggest would do very well for landscape work. Maybe something a little longer later on, I like a 45mm.
Personally, the E-M1 II. Better build and feel, being metal feels better, too. The E-M5 III is a lovely camera but there's not much the E-M1 Mark II can't do.
Thanks for your work David.. It's a long time i follow you. I think that we won't see many new lenses or bodies in a near future. But on the other hand our cameras work perfect for long time. One question even if I own 3 primes and 3 zooms I just bougth the 12-50. Cheap, water proof, macro. Perhaps I got a good copy abd found it really nice and usefull compare other kit zooms and the macro capabilitie is there. In you old video you mention that it's not your cup of tea this lenses. About the 12-50mm Olympus do you still think the same in today? Thanks
I actually bought a copy again because I like the power zoom for video among other things like near macro. A tremendously versatile lens and used normally, I have no problems with its sharpness. The closest to a do it all lens there is, really. It could be faster but then it would have to be bigger. I thought I rather liked it in my review. I'm glad you find my stuff helpful, Peris and I appreciate you sticking with me. As you say, probably not much new coming out at the moment but we do have a lot of gear available already so we are not left empty handed at least :-)
I bought a lot of gear in the last year and most after watching your videos and doing other research. I got the 3.5 Meike just after it came out and preordered the 50mm x2 macro because I happened to ask if an MFT 65mm was coming the same as the APSC ones, and they told me the 50 was coming, so I was ready. I did a trip recently on a floaty thing and primarily used GX9 + 75mm f1.8 because of the reach and if it was too tight had the GM1 + 45mm f1.8 nearby for a slightly wider shot and the baby 12-32 available to drop on for normal perspective. Wished for a long zoom a lot of times, though, one of these days... :-) I had most of my other lenses with me too, but 75 got the most use, followed by 45 :-) I just received pergear 25mm f1.8 and 35mm f1.6 manual primes today, and I like them. Well weighted aperture rings and smooth light focus ring with 180 throw, easy with focus peaking and sharp at full zoom/crop with 20MP GH5 that I happened to put them on. You've tempted me by the 17mm 0.95, but not right now, sadly.
That's a very nice collection of gear you have there and you certainly enjoy it. The manual primes we have do tend to be like the old Nikkor lenses, feel like they are carved from solid metal and would take a bullet. Great value.
Thanks David; good yearly summary. I have both an Olympus EM-10 Mark III and a Panasonic G9 with numerous lenses. I love the Olympus and Panasonic technology. I wish the G9 had Phase Detect AF and that Olympus would re-focus their EM1 Mark III for better support of video, such as adding a button to allow switching all camera settings and button assignments from picture settings to video settings. The ability to save video settings on the Custom Buttons on the EM1 would be a significant benefit. Possibly the new JIP management will upgrade the firmware on the EM1 Mark III to allow this as Panasonic has already done with the G9. If they did I will buy an EM1 Mark III.
After dabbling a while in the Fuji X-system I found m4/3 - especially Panasonic cameras have so much better ergonomics, logic, menu system, lens quality and built quality of lenses and cameras. I love the image of the chimneys.
hi david... can you recommend a 35mm slide converter for m43 cameras... ive been using my phone and its terrible repo quality...id like to do a half decent job using my 10ii and a @£20 ebay adapter of some type...could you steer me in appropriate direction... thanks v much... keep the vids coming i enjoy watching them in lockdown 3....
Thanks for the kind words! I have no great expertise in this area but what I have personally done is to use a macro lens with my slide on my phone screen or table set to a plain white. You can adjust for colour temperature by trial and error, adjusting on your camera until it looks right. You need some sort of tripod or anything that will let you keep the camera still and in the same place while doing the work. You probably don't have a lens that will focus closely enough to fill the frame in which case some extension tubes will do the trick. They can be bought really cheaply, around £12 on EBay. Stop down to around f/8. Done with care, you'll get excellent results that way, in a different class from the phone results. The more care you take, making sure you are square on to the slide, focus is exact and so on, the better the results. You'll find the tubes great for all kinds of macro work, too.
E-M1 Mark III seems to be great, but so expensive for what it is, and unfortunately for me, out of my price range as are used Mk II's whose prices are holding up too well for those of us on a limited budget, hoping to pick up a used one. However used E-M1 Mk I's are now about the same price as used E-M10 mk II's making them an absolute bargain IMHO
Cameras from two iterations back are often a big bargain. Most improvement are incremental now and while reviewers measure with charts and stop watches, photographers go by perceived performance. It may be that the E-M1 Mark I focuses in .07s and the III in 0.04 (made up figures) but both will seem instantaneous to you and me. Because I buy and sell cameras and lenses for reviews and books I can say with authority that the moment you buy a new camera, it is worth less than 70% of its purchase price. I must go through my accounts and look at that some time.
Your thoughts and question ...how can this lens cost so little? because lenses cost little to make, the dear part, the lens coatings, as important as the glass, has become much simpler and cheaper and plastic lens element's are also being used. .Matteo Bertoli shows and discusses the image quality of "cheap lenses" and high qualities they produce....video is the future and still imagery cannot hold its throne (numbers and revenue) Nikon was never a pioneering electronics company, it ruled the roost with HP3 35mm and F4 (I remember the BJP four issue review).... 4/3 sensor cameras will give way to cheaper full frame, example S5 Panasonic ...why buy a GH5 when a mint used S5 cost and size is the same ...remarkable skill-full talented creative video creators are on RUclips (you included)..the standard since 2000 has climbed vertically...everyone is a sucker for a 10 minute story or advice on a purchase..creativity in Art is one of the 7 ages of Man and if the reward in recognition is RUclips view numbers or better a few Groates ....then the world will keep turning
In a philosophical way, I'm saying that if you price something not by what it costs but by what it can do for you, then some photo prices seem absurdly cheap. You say why use a GH5 when you can have a FF S5 costs the same? I would counter that by saying that I have an S5 on my desk at this moment with a 24-105mm standard zoom. Very nice but it is massive and unwieldy. Compare it to an Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8. A slightly lesser zoom range but massively smaller and a stop faster. IQ wise, for video, up to 1600ISO there is no difference to see. Given tat the Olympus is a stop faster, that translates to 3200. Plus, for video, more DoF is better more often than not. I'm not arguing against what you say, just taking a broader view.
It would be time for another David Thorpe video. I would really like to hear you tell something about your past as a pro. Something like "how to approach a photographic project" (or assignment). I think you have a lot to tell.
I haven't tried it, it sounds good. I don't often need extra NR and in fact I turn it down as standard on the camera. There are always times you do need it , though!
Wise words from a long time pro', not a 1 day review, so common on YT. I've found the G9 to be one of the greatest cameras I've ever used, such attention to detail in design...
Thanks, Andrew. Yes, the G9 is a great camera. If they could just get the C-AF up to Olympus standards they'd have a near perfect camera with that lovey EVF and all.
Hi David I am really enjoying your videos. I have a Panasonic GX80K of course with the kit lens which is great. I am looking at The Panasonic 15mm, 20mm, 25mm and the sigma 16mm and the olympus 17mm. I noticed in your vids that although you like the olympus am I correct in thinking that you prefer the 15mm and if so are you also swayed between the sigma at the pretty much same focal length? Interested in your opinion. Thanks again Mark
Hi Mark - actually the little Olympus 17mm is my choice. I bought one when they came out and it has been with me and much used since. It's the lens I fit when I'm going out with just a camera body and one lens. The best all round general focal length in my personal opinion. On the other hand, looking at two lenses, the 17 and 20 or 25 are a little too close in lngth and I'd prefer a 15mm and 25mm. Add an Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and you have a very complete outfit. I'm inclined more to the Panasonic 15mm than the Sigma 16mm just for the extra bit of wide and more compact package., The Olympus 12mm f/2 is a nice lens too, though perhaps a bit expensive.
Hi David thanks for the message. I did get the impression from your video that the 15mm panasonic was a tad sharper than the Oly 17mm and am I correct in thinking that I would have a problem with an Oly lens on a Panasonic body? Losing some functions? Thanks again Mark
keep em coming in 2021 David. Always enjoy! Can't wait to get my hands on an em 5 Mk2 and the 12-40mm 2.8 lens. The poly plastic body on the mk3 is just not for me.
A lot of people think that way about plastic. I'm willing to believe it is just a strong (maybe stronger) but it doesn't feel quite up to mark to me. prejudice, maybe, I don't know.
I have the 5 Mk II and don't feel any urge to get the Mk III. E-M1 Mk III, now that I have been thinking about. Nothing wrong with engineered plastics, but there is just a feel about metal devices...
I have no idea or information about what JIP will do. Possibly they themselves don't yet. If you want a camera specifically for low light sports photography, you'd need to try it to see if the results met your needs. It meets mine but I tend to shoot with publication or screen viewing in mind rather than large prints. Many amateurs require higher technical standards than that so, as I say, they'd need to try things out first.
For indoor sports probably the best idea to think on focal lengths you'll need, then find a lens you will be willing to pay for and then match a camera... Just my 2 cents....
I'm sure 10 years later I'll still be watching these review videos for nostalgia. I miss you so much, David!
I still watch them. Still for knowledge. I am sorry that David won't know that, mostly his fault, I just bought an EM-1 Mk II to complement my GH5. Wotancraft is "soon".
We all feel the same ❤
There isn’t much that can give a person a little joy right now, especially here in the former USA. However a video from David is like a visit from ole friend that brightens your day. 🙂
Amen brother! Stay strong in 2021!
Thanks, folks! I'm humbled.
😀
Rest in peace. I genuinely will remember you for a long time.
Thank you for everything!
Quickly bailed on my previous video when I got my David Thorpe notification!
You are not alone! :-)
Thanks, folks!
I came here because I missed your voice.
Lumix g9 still the best camera I've ever wielded
They have done a amazing job with the updates.
Yes, especially on the video which brings it up to semi pro standards.
Sure, the last and only one was an iPhone I guess.
@@Stefan1968ful not sure how you came to that conclusion haha
The full frame lobby has been working very hard to destroy the MFT. They don't want the MFT to succeed, it is too cheap to buy, but very good too. The FF is more expensive to buy and generates more, money, that's the "problem"
Is it just me or did David's voice sound like C3-PO in this video?
Lol yeah
Haha yeah! I almost thought my computer was having issues.
There might've been some noise suppression applied, or something
Audio is the most troublesome area of making my videos.
@@DavidThorpeMFT I always find your calm narration relaxing to listen to.
Your posts are still top of the tree for me on all things photography. Looking forward to seeing your 2021 videos. Thank you David.
Lovely sentiments, Michael and thank you for them.
@viewz I'm highly flattered and pleased, thanks so much.
Thank you David! You got me into MFT! Best decision ever for a Camera system. Happy New Year to you and yours!
It's lovely to hear that, Rick. Greetings to you and yours too!
It's strange that a lot off the RUclips channels are saying micro four thirds is dead by they also forget to tell you that it's the best selling camera format in Japan 2020. Strange isn't it.
I know, I've shoved it up the "***" of some of the snobs.
Micro 4/3 survives 2020.
So far, so good!
2020: I sold my FF kit and picked up a G9. Happy with this beast of a camera
Good to hear that, James. Quite a camera and with video capabilities to semi pro level too.
Hi James-- I would call that a nice move on your part. I rent out lights and jib cranes as a side hustle and delivered a set up to a location shoot in Nov. I noticed that they were using a G9 ,,not a GH5 as the main camera. I was so impressed with the results I picked one up myself.
Late 2021 and, so shocking to me, I'm in the process of doing the same. The G9 plus DxO Deep Prime noise reduction did the trick for me.
David, thanks for all the fish and Godspeed. Your musings have been invaluable to the community.
Micro 4/3 cameras really are capable of doing some good work. I love my G7, but I'm thinking about upgrading to an OM-D E-M1 mark II.
A worthwhile step up, I'd say especially at the prices available now.
I did exactly this about a month ago - I had a G7 and added an E-M1 ii. I love it. I bought it new with the 12-40 pro for 1000GBP which I thought was a very good price. Built so well.
David's videos are a beacon of light in the darkness. Thanks for the entertainment David. Great review.
What can I say except, thank you!
Thank you for another heart warming video!
In these tiring times, my GX9 no longer sees the outside, and instead is placed as a webcam for work now.
I constantly get comments about how crisp and beautiful the image is with the 20mm 1.7 :)
Interesting - I noticed a BBC correspondent using a 'proper' camera for her report from home. What a difference compared to the laptop camera. With a quality body and lens, your stuff must look much more professional than most. Glad you liked the video, thank you.
How do you connect to the laptop or PC? Just HDMI or USB cable? Panasonic has upgrade drivers to allow some of their cameras to simply cable connect to PC or laptop but frustratingly they did not include the GX9 and GX series. So do you have to use a OBS capture device?
Thanks David. I am hoping for more of your videos this year and that Lumix make a new GX that gives me the size of my GX80 and the power of a G9 😁
Thanks, Michael. I'd imagine what you would like is perfectly possible, just with some limitation on EVF size, for example. Marketing would be the problem, I think. If it's all in the cheaper camera who will buy the dearer one?
@@DavidThorpeMFT the G9 is old and maybe the GH6 will replace it. They can make a new GX!
You see, I have it all worked out! 😁
Moved from Olympus to Fuji last year, but still look forward to your videos David. Thank you.
That's very flattering to hear, David. Thank you.
Always enjoy. Today I ordered a brand new OMD em1 MK II (sale $900) and a 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens. Need to get out and have some long needed fun despite the horrific stuff going on in the former USA as one very wise TopGarageTV called it. I have a sony a7III but the weather resistance is not up to par on that camera. Living in Oregon I need to be careful of course but this will help me feel more comfortable out there especially on the coast range. Thank you David I went back and watched the last years version of this video. Nice.
WTF, I just realised i was not subscibed to this great channel. That was quickly fixed though
Glad you like it - thanks!
Always a treat, a new interesting video from David Thorpe. Thank you! And happy new year!
Same to you and thanls!
Got an E-M1 Mk2 with the 3.0 firmware - very happy with the C-AF - was nailing AF on swallows in flight on my first birding session - and that is about a difficult a target as you get. Always enjoy your excellent narration and content and now subscribed in anticipation of more great videos.
Plenty more vids to come I hope! Thanks Mark. The E-M1 Mark II looks on the way to becoming a classic.
So much enjoy your videos. Hopefully 2021 allows us all more opportunities to get out and about to use our gear.🍻🥂
I hope so too, Kent! Roll on the vaccines.
Great message at the end! Not caring about others indeed is a skill. And yes, chimneys have charm.
Thanks, Daniel! 👌
RIP David. 📸
2020: sold all my Canon gear and got a EM1 MkII and the 45mm f1.2 with the Olympus deal... Haven't been out on much shoots though...
Frustrating, isn't it?
David, best wishes for 2021 and I agree with your comments on the EM1.3.
Best to you too, Rob.
I have always enjoyed your great reviews and fun camera moments- keep it up.
In a yr when I've spent more time watching youtube photography videos then taking pics myself, a David Thorpe video was always a highlight in 2020 thanks again David. I'm happy to see your love for Oly cameras. Can I ask what camera/lens combo was used for the gorgeous 3d looking spider web shot? Best Wishes Rich. PS Please (buy &) review the Laowa 10mm f2 ;-)
The Laowa - watch this space! Well, not this one but my channel :-) The spider web was the E-M1 Mark III and Panasonic/Leica 25mm.
I learned to photograph in 2015 with a 50 years old film camera that my husband's grandfather gave me, no light meter, manual focus of course. Having to pay for each picture (film + development) I had to be very thoughtful about what and how I wanted to photograph. It taught me a lot. I have no issues shooting with discounted camera systems, so I will continue shooting M43 for many years regardless of what's going to happen with the system.
2020 was literally the year I decided to invest in micro four thirds, after waffling the idea of even getting into it for a few years. I liked it so much that I sold my entire Sony a6300 rig to help fund it all. I managed to buy a sizable stash, just before the first covid lockdown in the US in March. (My Pentax rig remains, for now... still my personal favorite brand in the SLR/DSLR arena.)
I used to have Pentax gear and really liked it. It always suffered from simply not being called Canon or Nikon. You'll have fun when unleashed and able to use all the Micro Four Thirds gear. Enjoy!
I am a proud MFT-owner too. FF is only something for body-builders. But for that I m visiting my fitness-studio.... ;)) Merci for that video David.
Having the toned, ripped, muscular he-man body that I do, I could use any camera🤣 But I choose to use Micro Four Thirds like you! Merci à vous, Jean--Gabriel.
I do like your photo of chimneys. Great to see that you are still shooting and presenting on youtube. I sold almost all my MFT gear but bought most of them back (barring those large zooms). Despite shooting other makes of cameras including films, still love my MFT gear especially the GM1. Hey did you retrofit your Brompton with electric powered wheel or is it a new Brompton electric model? Keep Well and Safe.
Thanks! The bike is the factory electric Brompton. It's not cheap but it is beefed up where needed and designed very well. As are all Bromptons, of course.
Glad to see you made it through the year David! I’ve seen your website but I wonder if there’s somewhere else I can see your work. I’d even buy a book if you have one! Would especially love to see photos that you took as a young man. I’d love to see some new shots as well on the regular if you’re comfortable sharing. Just a thought. All the best this new year!
I have thousands of pix but they are mostly in newspapers and magazines and I don't have originals or even cuttings except in a few cases. Somehow, when your job is taking pictures you don't think much about keeping them and the copyright belongs to the publication concerned. All the best for the new year to you too!
Another excllent video, I'd all but given up on youtube because everyone seems to be scraping the barrel for content but Mr Thorpe comes to the rescue. Love your work.
What can I say? Except thank youy!
I enjoyed this overview. Your voice is relaxing, offer it for slow TV like those Yorkshire Walks recently on BBC.
Nice thought, Peter! Audio is the hardest part of video making.
thanks for all your videos and you down to earth perspective happy new year XXX
My pleasure - happy new year to you too!
Miss you heaps David. RIP
I like your picture of the Chimneys.
Anybody can take a nice picture of something that is nice to begin with (mountain, a sunset, a model...).
It is much harder to take a nice picture of something that would normally go unnoticed.
Well done!
Thanks, Dominique. I think that the more you look, the more you see. The camera's ability to isolate something from its surroundings forces you to dissociate it from them and see it anew for itself.
It’s like the old days, listening to Letter from America, with Alistair Cook, it may not apply to us directly, but interesting and compelling just the same, and above all unmissable.
Thanks so much, Gary! Very pleasing to hear that.
After an overly spendy 2019, I just picked up two lenses last year: The Olympus 75mm and the Meike 3,5mm. Oh, and a Wotancraft Trooper to carry it all. I wanted to get a new camera, but I really don't like Olympus' insistence on using plastic rather than metal for their smaller cameras. I guess a PEN-F II is a bit of a pipe dream, but maybe there'll be a GX10 with decent build quality?
Certainly the Panasonic GX9 has excellent build quality. I just hope Panasonic don't go the plastic route with a GX10.
I've been using M4/3 for a year,never complained about it.
and all my pictures in instagram taking with OM-D E-M10 MKII
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IG: roastandstreet
Thank you David. I always appreciate your view.
Very welcomeThank you, Jeff.
Fingers crossed for a gx10 or EM5IV. MFT is what it is as a system, it will survive at the best size-performance ratio.
I thin, certainly hope, that you're right, Com.
Happy new Years David,, You're year in review videos are a great way to start the new calendar off right and pick up some encouragement to get out there myself. I thought I was doing OK with my 2 GX-8s,, but late last year I had an occasion to pick up a G9.. The upgrade is like stepping up from bearskins and pointed sticks. Best always for the New Year...
Best to you too, Clint. Nice to hear from you again.
2024 is the year where one of Mr Thorpe's wishlist with Panasonic came true
Are you still doing photography vids dave.?
Thank you David for your videos in 2020 and this one. I very much like them and look forward to the next one. All the best for 2021.
All the best to you too, Clarke and thank you!
Excellent 2020 summary had to watch it twice! Can you help me please, the macro lens you were taking about would it be good for watch movements and parts?
If you were to frame 1.5 inches across how far away would the lens have to be please? Thanks
Thanks, Tony. Yes, the lens would be good for watch movements ad parts though you probably wouldn't need 2:1 repro for that. For something 1.5" across with a 50mm lens you'd be roughly 15cm from the front glass of the lens. Olympus's 12-40 zoom will almost do that, not quite. With the 2:1 macro an object about 1.3rd of an inch will fill the frame and a 1:1 macro 17mm or 7/10".
I really do wish Panasonic would fix their AF. Were it not for that, the G9 would be the perfect photo/video hybrid in it's price class. In any case, I ended up buying a second G9 to use on my "lo-fi" tv show to shoot video and stills. It's still pretty great bang for buck.
Love my G9 for using on my own channel. It's just brilliant. thanks David.
Cheers. Alex!
Speaking of bags, have you checked out Billingham Bags? Made in the UK!
Yes, lovely bags, I used to use them in my press days when they were sold as fishing bags.
It's very refreshing to hear from you again David! Have a great 2021!
And you - thanks!
Dave! We've actually had some back-and-forths, personally, the last few days, but did you know, I just went micro-four-thirds? Really! After nearly a year of dragging my full-frame-Cannon-mirrorless-wonderpiece around I discovered if I wanted to travel internationally full-frame was overweight by more than a factor of two - with no weight reduction in sight. So, what I discovered in the last year of lockdown, is that if you have to travel internationally, and have to carry *everything* on your own back for days or weeks - full frame is not an option, micro-four-thirds is the only system that will work for you. Ok, you just have to compromise - cuz you cannot carry it all.
3:17] I'll add that I bought the OM-D E M5iii myself. I consider the polycarbonate body a feature and a benefit not a problem. If it cuts an ounce or two off the weight of the camera that is an extra once or two of lens I can carry.
You illustrate very well the reasoning behind the Micro Four Thirds system as I see it. Light and compact and having a full range of lenses from a choice of makers. Yes, a trade-off in IQ but for the uses to which photographs are normally put these day, web, prints up to A3 or so, the IQ trade-off is zero. And personally, I find the extra depth of field of Micro Four Thirds very helpful. When I was using my S1 it really irked me having to stop down.
On the plastic, I happily accept that your view is more logical than mine. It's just the feel of metal I prefer but the weight saving and (probably) greater resilience of polycarbonate do make it the material of the future.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks for the reply
Nice video mate. Greetings from Sydney
Glad you approve - and greeting from (cold, dark) London!
@@DavidThorpeMFT are you still in Boris the commie’s lockdown?
@@krugmeup2162 No, I'm in Biden the Republican's one.
Thanks for this informative video. I bought this today though second hand..... well it's my birthday tomorrow!. Since the 2020 lockdown I've bought an Oly M5 iii, 100-400, Lensbaby Velvet 56 and a new phone! Spending the non-cruise funds!!!
Lumix g7 for the win!👌🏼
I cannot prevent myself to put the 1K Like to your very nice review of the 2020 year. Thank you for your excellent contribution in keeping our interest in photography during these more challenging times. Receive my warm salutations from the freezing Canada, Daniel M
That slick move you do, the way the light breaks into colors (from 2:10 - 2:30) in your large lens at the bottom of the frame is beautiful! I came for your calming narration and to nerd out with you, and you gave us some nice visual treats too :) Thanks so much for continuing this channel.
another great video as always, the audio in this video seemed off though, like it was being passed through a robot voice-changer at like 15% strength
Listening to this as I open up my new em1 III
Congratulations long live micro four thirds
@@pers4855 amen brotha! Loving the feel of this camera, but I do wish the battery would come at least slightly charged lol
Oh come on, Sean, be reasonable. Think of the cost of the electricity😁😁
Camera bag - MFT being so light we don't really need a bulky padded camera bag, a simple rucksack type courier will suffice; put spare lenses in pouches mainly to keep them clean. I don't know what Olympus do but Panasonic drop test their cameras in their boxes from 30-ft onto concrete (standard drop-test).
I've been using (and collecting) MFT since dunno, E-PL1 (long gone) then Pan G5 (my old friend). For unknown reason the old Pan 50-200 works better on the E-M5ii than the GH4. I do think Olympus are shooting themselves in the foot by not allowing Dual-IS with all the Pan lenses (likewise Panasonic but there's only like two Olly lenses with OIS).
You could be right about the interactive use of lens stabilization with body. I don't fancy the idea of dropping my stuff from 30ft, box or not! I'll leave that to Panasonic 😲
The OMD EM5 mk iii was an absolute own goal making it plastic and not giving it a better EVF.
All I want is a update to my gx85 that does 4k60 with better autofocus
Hi, the old M1's had problems with the strap lugs coming loose; have you experienced this with the mark 3 version?
No, I haven't. I imagine Olympus would have heard of that problem and beefed the lugs up by now. But I haven't had the III long enough to know yet.
David. When you retired and sold up all of your wet film gear did you ever imagine you’d own so many cameras and lenses again?
No, definitely not. Having been a photographer so long, I had become a bit tired, jaded with it. I brief hiatus and then the Nikon swivel digital camera came alng and I bought one as a bit of a toy. Loved being able to shoot anything I wanted at no extra cost. But is was Micro Four Thirds that really brought me back. Here were cameras that produced image quality comparable to my Nikon Fs yet were light and wieldy to use.
Without my channel I'd never have so much gear but it's great to have for comparison purposes. - It says here :-)
Where can one find your M50 video if any?
I didn't bother in the end. I only cover equipment I really know (or think I do) and the effort required to dive in on a completely new system didn't seem worth it to me in the end.
About to upgrade to either a G9 with the 8 -18 or go full frame with the S5 with 12 - 60 kit. Not much in it...G9 is like a glove in hand with a better EVF. The S5 grip is OK but the EVF is not great...difficult or simple decision....landscape shooter looking for any advice to throw into the melting pot...
The S5 has the obvious couple of stops noise advantage but the G9 has a bonus in the extra depth if field. Unles you are making prints over about 36", the real world quality difference is zilch since you can shoot landscape at 200 ISO. The 8-18 is a very good, very effective lens. I use it as my standard, really. Take a look here - ruclips.net/video/qQ1rzSReQ1A/видео.html
@@DavidThorpeMFT l'm now a G9 ower with a 25 mm to start with and have my eye on a 12 -35 mm 2.8 zoom..happy days...
@@DavidThorpeMFT could you recommend some lens suitable for landscape photography...suitable focal lengths for panasonic lens.
@@johnbourke3074 The 25mm and the 12-35 lens you suggest would do very well for landscape work. Maybe something a little longer later on, I like a 45mm.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks for taking the time to reply...Kind Regards.
Considering buy a E-M5 mark iii or E-M1 mark ii, price is about the same, which one would you prefer?
Personally, the E-M1 II. Better build and feel, being metal feels better, too. The E-M5 III is a lovely camera but there's not much the E-M1 Mark II can't do.
Thanks for your work David.. It's a long time i follow you. I think that we won't see many new lenses or bodies in a near future. But on the other hand our cameras work perfect for long time. One question even if I own 3 primes and 3 zooms I just bougth the 12-50. Cheap, water proof, macro. Perhaps I got a good copy abd found it really nice and usefull compare other kit zooms and the macro capabilitie is there. In you old video you mention that it's not your cup of tea this lenses. About the 12-50mm Olympus do you still think the same in today? Thanks
I actually bought a copy again because I like the power zoom for video among other things like near macro. A tremendously versatile lens and used normally, I have no problems with its sharpness. The closest to a do it all lens there is, really. It could be faster but then it would have to be bigger. I thought I rather liked it in my review. I'm glad you find my stuff helpful, Peris and I appreciate you sticking with me. As you say, probably not much new coming out at the moment but we do have a lot of gear available already so we are not left empty handed at least :-)
I bought a lot of gear in the last year and most after watching your videos and doing other research. I got the 3.5 Meike just after it came out and preordered the 50mm x2 macro because I happened to ask if an MFT 65mm was coming the same as the APSC ones, and they told me the 50 was coming, so I was ready. I did a trip recently on a floaty thing and primarily used GX9 + 75mm f1.8 because of the reach and if it was too tight had the GM1 + 45mm f1.8 nearby for a slightly wider shot and the baby 12-32 available to drop on for normal perspective. Wished for a long zoom a lot of times, though, one of these days... :-) I had most of my other lenses with me too, but 75 got the most use, followed by 45 :-) I just received pergear 25mm f1.8 and 35mm f1.6 manual primes today, and I like them. Well weighted aperture rings and smooth light focus ring with 180 throw, easy with focus peaking and sharp at full zoom/crop with 20MP GH5 that I happened to put them on. You've tempted me by the 17mm 0.95, but not right now, sadly.
That's a very nice collection of gear you have there and you certainly enjoy it. The manual primes we have do tend to be like the old Nikkor lenses, feel like they are carved from solid metal and would take a bullet. Great value.
Thanks David; good yearly summary. I have both an Olympus EM-10 Mark III and a Panasonic G9 with numerous lenses. I love the Olympus and Panasonic technology. I wish the G9 had Phase Detect AF and that Olympus would re-focus their EM1 Mark III for better support of video, such as adding a button to allow switching all camera settings and button assignments from picture settings to video settings. The ability to save video settings on the Custom Buttons on the EM1 would be a significant benefit. Possibly the new JIP management will upgrade the firmware on the EM1 Mark III to allow this as Panasonic has already done with the G9. If they did I will buy an EM1 Mark III.
Thanks, George! We are lucky o have both Olympus and Panasonic making cameras - I just jope it continues.
After dabbling a while in the Fuji X-system I found m4/3 - especially Panasonic cameras have so much better ergonomics, logic, menu system, lens quality and built quality of lenses and cameras. I love the image of the chimneys.
Thanks, Henk. Panasonic have great expertise in consumer electronics and I think that experience feeds into their camera ergonomics.
hi david... can you recommend a 35mm slide converter for m43 cameras... ive been using my phone and its terrible repo quality...id like to do a half decent job using my 10ii and a @£20 ebay adapter of some type...could you steer me in appropriate direction... thanks v much... keep the vids coming i enjoy watching them in lockdown 3....
Thanks for the kind words! I have no great expertise in this area but what I have personally done is to use a macro lens with my slide on my phone screen or table set to a plain white. You can adjust for colour temperature by trial and error, adjusting on your camera until it looks right. You need some sort of tripod or anything that will let you keep the camera still and in the same place while doing the work.
You probably don't have a lens that will focus closely enough to fill the frame in which case some extension tubes will do the trick. They can be bought really cheaply, around £12 on EBay. Stop down to around f/8. Done with care, you'll get excellent results that way, in a different class from the phone results. The more care you take, making sure you are square on to the slide, focus is exact and so on, the better the results. You'll find the tubes great for all kinds of macro work, too.
Yay! Glad to see you post!
Thanks!
E-M1 Mark III seems to be great, but so expensive for what it is, and unfortunately for me, out of my price range as are used Mk II's whose prices are holding up too well for those of us on a limited budget, hoping to pick up a used one. However used E-M1 Mk I's are now about the same price as used E-M10 mk II's making them an absolute bargain IMHO
Cameras from two iterations back are often a big bargain. Most improvement are incremental now and while reviewers measure with charts and stop watches, photographers go by perceived performance. It may be that the E-M1 Mark I focuses in .07s and the III in 0.04 (made up figures) but both will seem instantaneous to you and me. Because I buy and sell cameras and lenses for reviews and books I can say with authority that the moment you buy a new camera, it is worth less than 70% of its purchase price. I must go through my accounts and look at that some time.
Your thoughts and question ...how can this lens cost so little? because lenses cost little to make, the dear part, the lens coatings, as important as the glass, has become much simpler and cheaper and plastic lens element's are also being used. .Matteo Bertoli shows and discusses the image quality of "cheap lenses" and high qualities they produce....video is the future and still imagery cannot hold its throne (numbers and revenue) Nikon was never a pioneering electronics company, it ruled the roost with HP3 35mm and F4 (I remember the BJP four issue review).... 4/3 sensor cameras will give way to cheaper full frame, example S5 Panasonic ...why buy a GH5 when a mint used S5 cost and size is the same ...remarkable skill-full talented creative video creators are on RUclips (you included)..the standard since 2000 has climbed vertically...everyone is a sucker for a 10 minute story or advice on a purchase..creativity in Art is one of the 7 ages of Man and if the reward in recognition is RUclips view numbers or better a few Groates ....then the world will keep turning
In a philosophical way, I'm saying that if you price something not by what it costs but by what it can do for you, then some photo prices seem absurdly cheap. You say why use a GH5 when you can have a FF S5 costs the same? I would counter that by saying that I have an S5 on my desk at this moment with a 24-105mm standard zoom. Very nice but it is massive and unwieldy. Compare it to an Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8. A slightly lesser zoom range but massively smaller and a stop faster. IQ wise, for video, up to 1600ISO there is no difference to see. Given tat the Olympus is a stop faster, that translates to 3200. Plus, for video, more DoF is better more often than not. I'm not arguing against what you say, just taking a broader view.
It would be time for another David Thorpe video. I would really like to hear you tell something about your past as a pro. Something like "how to approach a photographic project" (or assignment). I think you have a lot to tell.
Noted! Thank you Johannes.
DXO PhotoLab 4 Deep Prime really made my M43 cameras feel like new cameras. The noise reduction is a amazing.
I haven't tried it, it sounds good. I don't often need extra NR and in fact I turn it down as standard on the camera. There are always times you do need it , though!
Missed your wry sense of humor and solid "meat and potatoes" analysis, David. Keep 'em coming and thank you.
Thanks, Mike.I'll keep 'em coming as long as I can!
EM10 II is a delight now with added 7artisans 35mm f1.2 mark I, wot a combo. Thanks for the video.
Sounds good, Catriona. And thank you!
Love your year in review videos David!
Glad you like them, Christopher! Thanks.
Εxcellent as always...
😀
Wise words from a long time pro', not a 1 day review, so common on YT.
I've found the G9 to be one of the greatest cameras I've ever used, such attention to detail in design...
Thanks, Andrew. Yes, the G9 is a great camera. If they could just get the C-AF up to Olympus standards they'd have a near perfect camera with that lovey EVF and all.
I bought the Panasonic Nocticron in 2020. Following your advice. I’ve been happy ever since. You’re the best MFT ambassador on YT.
Thank you! Great lens, isn't iit?
Oh yes, one of the best. I really love it 😃
Hi David
I am really enjoying your videos. I have a Panasonic GX80K of course with the kit lens which is great. I am looking at The Panasonic 15mm, 20mm, 25mm and the sigma 16mm and the olympus 17mm. I noticed in your vids that although you like the olympus am I correct in thinking that you prefer the 15mm and if so are you also swayed between the sigma at the pretty much same focal length? Interested in your opinion. Thanks again Mark
Hi Mark - actually the little Olympus 17mm is my choice. I bought one when they came out and it has been with me and much used since. It's the lens I fit when I'm going out with just a camera body and one lens. The best all round general focal length in my personal opinion. On the other hand, looking at two lenses, the 17 and 20 or 25 are a little too close in lngth and I'd prefer a 15mm and 25mm. Add an Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and you have a very complete outfit. I'm inclined more to the Panasonic 15mm than the Sigma 16mm just for the extra bit of wide and more compact package., The Olympus 12mm f/2 is a nice lens too, though perhaps a bit expensive.
Hi David thanks for the message. I did get the impression from your video that the 15mm panasonic was a tad sharper than the Oly 17mm and am I correct in thinking that I would have a problem with an Oly lens on a Panasonic body? Losing some functions? Thanks again Mark
I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with external dust on my lenses David :-) Must put them away more and not keep looking at them ...
You wouldn't believe it but that is after blowing and dusting them!
Cheer's for that David nice summing up , and me , more than happy with MFT .
Great to hear all that - and thanks!
David, you should record audio books for various publishers around the world. You have a great voice.
Thanks, Michael. I'm flattered!
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oh no...
stop watch at 130...
all lens are not good...
big problem with bad blur blur depth of field
It's the same lens for both left and right videos, the Panasonic f/1.4, the sharpest lens I own.
@@DavidThorpeMFT
hi D T...
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already saw it but both are still bad blur focus...
cannot perfect focus as blurless on the both sides of videos
Some fantastic lenses here.
True!
What make was the bag please ?
A Wotancraft Pilot, Helen. Made in Taiwan
Symmetry and geometry work wonders. It is a great picture!
Wow! Thank you! 😊
Thank you David! Thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. Stay safe and healthy!
Thank you, Alan! You too.
keep em coming in 2021 David. Always enjoy! Can't wait to get my hands on an em 5 Mk2 and the 12-40mm 2.8 lens. The poly plastic body on the mk3 is just not for me.
A lot of people think that way about plastic. I'm willing to believe it is just a strong (maybe stronger) but it doesn't feel quite up to mark to me. prejudice, maybe, I don't know.
I have the 5 Mk II and don't feel any urge to get the Mk III. E-M1 Mk III, now that I have been thinking about. Nothing wrong with engineered plastics, but there is just a feel about metal devices...
;)
What are your thoughts on micro four thirds for sports photography in low light. Especially with Olympus being a new company with JIP being the owners
I have no idea or information about what JIP will do. Possibly they themselves don't yet. If you want a camera specifically for low light sports photography, you'd need to try it to see if the results met your needs. It meets mine but I tend to shoot with publication or screen viewing in mind rather than large prints. Many amateurs require higher technical standards than that so, as I say, they'd need to try things out first.
For indoor sports probably the best idea to think on focal lengths you'll need, then find a lens you will be willing to pay for and then match a camera... Just my 2 cents....
David: God loves you as you love your bags. Thanks for being you!
Wow, thank you, Eric! What a lovely comment :-)
🙏🏾