I'm a firm believer of this quote " Use the gear that works for you" If the Olympus micro 4/3 system works for you then more power to you. I agree with you the best way to find out is to rent the gear for yourself before listening to a youtube video. You might find out what works for one person might not work for the next.
I'm firmly sticking with Nikon but wish you all the best with your move to M43 Olympus. Gavin Hoey is one of my favourite photographers and his work using Olympus is some of the best out there 😊
so true! i,m a dinosaure whit my old 2x D3s and D3x (24.5 MP for studio works) but i just love it! don't car about the wait ect...went they run out? will see in time what can i do! :)
so loved this.. I swapped from canon to olympus OM-D EM1 MII about sixs months ago... OMG why didnt I do it sooner.. I love the olympus.. have the three pro lenses covering 7-150.. its a fantastic camera system ... your 'arguments' are bang on
Ironically it's all the youtube politicians that hardly get out and shoot that make new photographers worry about megapixels, dynamic range, iso performance etc. Use what makes your job easy and fun as a photographer. Loved the video. Oh and you got a new sub.
I agree with you. I had more than enough pixels 3 years ago. I do however care about depth of field, noise and a few other things with a larger sensor. Having to convert x2 in my head for all the lenses is a pain, and my own limitation, I know. A new shooter won't have that to deal with. I want features that I would use on a daily basis. Lenses that cost half as much (APS-C or micro 4/3) is certainly a benefit. The "live" features (bulb and composite) in the Olympus are pretty amazing, but not sure I would use those enough to buy a camera for that. Now I am going to have to go play with one at a store or rent if I can and compare. Curse you Joe! ;)
I listen for 2 minutes in already knew you are a true pro photographer unlike most channels that entertain better then they shoot! Also for the studio work Olympus will work for most. I'm own 3 Canon 1dx's for pro sports. Olympus is definitely not ready for that. But for portrait,studio awesome! ,,, in maybe events. No sure! Love the way you light different shades of skin. Perfect! Skills!!!
I can't really adopt MFT because the High ISO performance just isn't there. Its pretty easy to tell at above ISO 800. For portrait work where you have studio lighting or done outside on a bright day, MFT works fine. You also have that DoF issue when trying to blur out the background.
I can tell you first hand that I have no problem blurring the background Good Free Photos - look at the images @ 14:09 & 14:10 in the video. The only people who can't blur a background with M43 are people who don't understand how to properly control depth of field. Focal length and aperture are NOT the only way to control it.
Kostas from Greece here. I just want to say a big "Thank you" for this video, it really helped me decide on my first camera. I really like your style, both informative and entertaining, straight to the point, great mix of skill, talent and experience. Wish you all the best, will keep watching you, don't change a bit!
I chose m4/3 recently, for I wanted to ignite joy in photography again. The camera is even simpler than yours - Pen E-P5 (love its small size and retro style!). And I have never been happier! Powerful, brilliant design, simplicity, small & excellent optics, less stress, more user-friendliness, all is so lightweight, unobtrusive, output is brilliant! m4/3 output offers enough magnification even for billboards.
How do you like your ep5? I've been looking for an upgrade from my gf1 and g3 bodies and looking at different models. I mainly do street photography, tavel and portraits, no pro work. Ep5 strikes me as good idea for street photography since my similarly sized, lacking evf gf1 gives me look of a clueless, harmless tourist which is perfect for street photography. This camera or Epl7 or omd-em5 markII...
EP5 is splendid and cheap these days. With 17/1.8 lens it is minute, light, powerful walkaround camera. I abandoned DSLR for good. I need no more powerful camera than the EP5. If it were not available, I would choose EPL8 instead, because those Pen cameras from Olympus are so well made. EP5 is born for street and travel photography (studio too). I also found a 12-50 lens really cheap, for travel.
I have owned Olympus cameras since 1979. I have had Canons and Nikons, but after the "film era" ended for me I shot again with Olympus, and now have both the Em1 and the Em1 Mark 2. The 300f4 Pro... sealed the deal forever. Astoundingly sharp, the AF and IS of the Mark 2 is absolutely perfect for the style of wildlife photography that requires ALL your equipment to be weatherproof, and even more important, light and compact. I find myself in the refuge with someone carrying a tripod and a massive lens all weighing about 15 pounds. I carry in my Pelican back pack two cameras, three lenses, and a nod to Nikon.. a pair of Monarch7 binos. This set up lets me venture out on to stone jetties in the surf, scramble down a rock scree with no worries, and race up a hill when I need to. What I have now, with Olympus, is the feeling that I have the best for my purposes regardless of price, and will be happy with it for a long time.
Congratulations Joe on your new acquisition, you've made a wise choice to acquire the Olympus EM1M11 system, like you I started in the same way with photography doing my own B&W & Color D & P . When I acquired my first digital system I went the Olympus route and have never looked back, all I've done is added new bodies to my existing system. Your video content is "AWESOME " YOU COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETER! All the best with your new acquisition & most of all have fun with your PHOTOGRAPHY! Continue creating great pix & videos looking forward to more of your cost effective DIY Gear videos! 😎 👍
Just found your channel! I also added micro four-thirds to my bag last year and recently picked up the em1 mark ii. Might want to add the 75mm f/1.8 to your arsenal. I just did a family portrait session and found it the only lens I needed! I haven't taken my d750 out in months and considering selling off all my Nikon gear. But it's so hard to let go.
Be sure to subscribe Rob Trek so that you don't miss any videos! The internet has convinced me that I need to check out the 75mm f/1.8 - I'll be sure to report back!
You are right Rob that 75 mm is to die for. For studio or urban portrait photography. However, it is too long for animal photography. You can't stand that far away from an animal without them losing focus or getting ansy. On the few occasions I do have a human, I rent it from Lensrental.
Far and away, the best video I have seen on the subject. It proves (to me at least), that the author has more smarts than the vast majority of other photographers doing this on RUclips. I started my own photography a bit later than Joe, in 1979 or 1980. If I were to make my own video on the subject, it would be just like this one. Now, I don't have to! Thanks for that, Joe. Kudos, and MUCH respect. You won't be disappointed by your choice, it only gets better from here. Jan
I have to admit I just discovered the images last night and I love the system. I'm going to wait until next year to see the sigma FF foveon and then will decide what system to go with.
Joe, what a great video. The fascinating thing is that you are completely satisfied with this system, and you are a pro photographer who depends on it to earn a living. The other 99.9% of us are amateurs, and for us a sixyear old Olympus EM5 was good enough, despite having a four thirds sensor. Currently I use an EM1 an EM5 and a Panasonic GM1 as my travel/street cam, and I will eventually get a used EM1 II when I can find one for half the original price. But I may have a long wait for that, since after two years the used ones still go for around $1,500. I really think you nailed it with this video. Chasing better specs doesn't make sense unless you are having fun and actually need the better specs. In terms of usability, M4/3 seems to have hit the perfect balance. And the lenses are mouth watering, with a huge selection at various price points.
Joe, this video is excellent, a down to earth no-nonsense explanation from a real-world photographer why using this system is such a smart choice. I personally shoot with Panasonic and a combination of Panasonic and Olympus lenses, and the benefits are endless while the real-world quality difference is not noticeable, as you very clearly explained. Thank you for all you do for us photographers to help us make better pictures (which is definitely not about the gear!)
Joe, great video. I saw in one of the Olympus FB groups you asking questions on flash system compatibility. Good to know you found the answers you were looking for and were able to make the switch. I moved to Olympus in 2014 as a way to get back into photography as I wasn't taking my Canon DSLR anywhere with me. Looking forward to more great videos in the future.
This is one of the best videos online that clearly and intelligently explains how today's market in late 2017 gives us great high quality options ... options that didn't exist 5 - 10 years ago ... and at the same time how many of us need to step back and remind ourselves why we pickup a camera.
Good for you, I love your honesty and common sense, and it's so refreshing. Currently I have three GH4 bodies (and a GX8) but have decided, for a number of reasons, to move to Fuji. Had I stuck with M43, I'm pretty sure I would have moved to Olympus, they make great cameras. Looking forward to seeing your success.
I have to say you have a common sense approach that other RUclips pros are lacking. At the end of the day your camera choice is your choice nobody else! Thanks for all you do!
Great video Joe- really spot on! Your comparison with photos shot on older cameras with small sensors is an angle I hadn't thought of before. I personally went with Panasonic, but pretty much everything you said would apply to both, especially with interchangeability of lenses. I am curious about the Pan G9 for photographers like you?? Your best point of all is that M4/3 makes photography and videography fun! I've had a blast and continue to:) BTW, my very first 35mm camera was an Olympus Trip 35 I got in 1969 when I was only 16, but it was an amazing little rangefinder camera that did very well at the time... Olympus has a long history of quality!
First video i watch from you, i'm new in "serious" photography, in fact i used to shoot with my smartphone, than started to know about raw and these stuffs and day after day i began to love more and more photography because i felt like this could give me the opportunity to create something and not just watching something. I heared about many different cameras and i chose the Olympus omd em10 mark II, i can't tell you exactly why, but it just seemed fun and comfortable. Only time will tell, but with this camera i know i can love photography
I switched from all Canon gear last year after 20 years to the Olympus EM1 mkii, so happy, as you say it has brought back the fun to my photography, just loving it. I also have the complete pro lens series including the 300mm f4 which is so sharp, but I went for the Nocticron 42.5mm f1.2 for my portrait prime, it is by far the best lens I have ever owned, sharp just does not explain it. Thanks for your video, they are great !
With the newly released firmware 3.0, owners of the Olympus E-M1 Mark II basically had a free upgrade. I am very happy with my E-M1 Mark II along with the 12-40mm F2.8.
So true for me too! After i stopped shoot commercial photography 3 or 4 years ago, I also gave up my hobby photography just because i didn't want to take my full-frame Nikon with all those giant 2.8 zooms just for a walk or for fun. Carrying 5 to 7 kilograms is not fun! But then, about year ago, i decided to return to photography as a hobby, and purchased Pen-F. It really returned all fun for photography for me. Even more! The camera is always with me, so I shoot almost every single day. And the result - in that 1 year, i've learned more than i learned for 10 years before with Nikon! You really progress much faster when you have fun during the process.
So refreshing! I started with the OM-1 in the military years ago. I chose it over all the other cameras in the Navy Exchange because I could hide it in my camouflage utilities leg pocket. I loved it! I went all over Naples, Italy shooting. OM-1, OM-1n, OM-2 and then the OM-10 with the 1.4 50mm prime, it was a dream. I knew hardly anything about photography. I knew enough to place the needle in the bracket. Not sure why I went to Canon but I am looking to go back to OM. Thanks for making me tear up, Joe!
Given the fact I have an old OM-4 with two pro lenses from the 80s, I probably should stick with this camera as the adapters work fine with manual control.
I did the same thing a little while back! VERY happy, and no regrets at all. I will always have a place in my heart for Nikon, but frankly cannot see anything but parity or actual improvement in my images. A real bonus beyond the 5 axis stabilization and leaving the tripod at home is the almost magical live bulb and live composite modes - FAR beyond amazing. Thanks for your video here!
Nicely said, appreciate your frank statements. The encouragement to think of photography and not get hung up with gear can't be made enough. Thumbs up!
Nice to hear! I'm an advanced amateur, but I've also pretty much completed the transition to Olympus. I was an Olympus user back in the original OM System days... still have my OM-1 on a shelf here, and my OM-4 is out on loan. But after Olympus got out of the serious camera business, I moved over to Canon, starting with a used EOS Rt. Followed them into digital, and still have my EOS 6D, though it's got a bit of dust on it. I got into Micro Four-thirds with the Pen Mini, which replaced a broken P&S camera. I replaced the kit lens with a prime, then a few more primes. And then they released the OM-D E-M5, which looked just too much like my old OM-1/4 to ignore. That was the camera following me everywhere before long, until it was joined my the E-M5 mark II. And a few PRO zooms. This year I bought the Pen-F, and as you say, I'm having more fun then ever. One of the things you have to actually experience with the Pen-F and the OM-Ds is the build quality and focus on still photography. I used to collect 39mm rangefinders, and that's the last time I saw a camera as nicely put together as the Pen-F. But way, way easier to load (though still through the bottom plate, figures!).
Congratulations on pulling the bandaid! And this looks like a great lens line up. Regardless of the brand, looking forward to keep learning with your videos. And happy 100K subscribers!
Good vid, fair and practical. That being said, having shot many including currently owning the olympus, I have to say I will not walk away from my Nikon gear. Street shooting, travel, olympus all the way. But for portraits and anything that requires resolution, Olympus just doesn't cut it. The camera is amazing, but in the end, the results I need do depend on the resolution. And yes, I am a pixel peeper and prefer low-low noise. So... I own both and am much happier doing so.
Great video Joe! I have the E-M1ii and the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro, and I really love that combo. It's so fun to shoot! I will very much look forward to seeing your future videos with this kit!
I finally got comfortable with my D750 and settled on a pair of lenses that I am happy with no matter the situation. But its nice to have an alternative brand to switch too if Nikon just drops the ball completely. I look forward to see how you enjoy your Olympus OM-D E-M1Mark II. You are absolutely right. Photography should be fun, especially if it is something you do full-time. Because of the multitude of youtube photographers and opinions out there. I think a majority get stressed out on gear now and days instead of enjoying photography. I have been guilty of that. But now, I just don't care about the gear. If it does the job. I'm good. LOL
That is great news!! I started with Olympus Evolt E-410 and was so sharp and so fun to shoot with it. Then I "upgraded" to a Canon 50D, I missed the sharpness... After 5 years shooting with Canon I made a jump to the Sony's A7, a6000, a6300. I was loving the results but not the low light AF performance. Then my Olympus journey started with a PEN Lite E-PL6 and some manual focus lenses, evolved to EM5, then EM1 and now I am happily shooting with EM5ii and just received an EM1ii. I am loving Olympus, is so practical to use. Now I have spent over $5,000 on this system and have been selling almost all my Sony gear. My line up: Cameras: PEN EPL6, EM5ii, EM1ii, Sony A7 Lenses: M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8(my favorite portrait lens, give it a try!) M.Zuiko PRO 12-40mm f/2.8(best zoom lens I have worked with) M.Zuiko 9mm f/8 body cap fisheye Panasonic LUMIX 35-100mm f/2.8(great and sharp lens) M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 macro Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Canon EF-S 10-18mm with canon to sony adapter and some interesting manual focus lenses(Rokinon 85mm f/1.4(170mm f/2.8 equiv), CCTV Apollo 75mm f/1.4(swirly), CCTV Fujian 35mm f/1.6, Helios 44-2 58mm, Minolta Celtic 135mm f/3.5 and some more.) Lighting: Flashpoint: 1x Xplor 600 2x evolv 200 1x Streaklight 360 2x Li on Zoom Flash TT350o I really like your work as photographer and teacher. I am a "professional photography" teacher in a local vocational school here in P.R. and I use your youtube channel as a reference. Thank you for always sharing! flickr.axelrivera.net www.AxelRivera.net www.AxelRiveraPhotographer.com
Nice explanation and good to know you already have had some client's assignments and are satisfied with the results. Great video! I'm going to share it!
Joe, Did you sell any or all of your Nikon equipment? Will all our future shoots be with the Olympus? Is there anything that you will still shoot with your Nikon equipment if you kept any of it? I am a Nikon shooter. I have a D810 and a D7100 with approx 24 lenses. I am heavily invested in Nikon. I did just purchase a Fuji X-T20 for my daughter though.
Joe Edelman Possibly. Good primes are what I’m looking to add. I have purchased several used AI-S lenses over the past several years but replacing them with AF lenses is my next step. I’m not totally crazy. I know I don’t need all those lenses. I have 5 children and plan to give several of them to my kids.
Hi Joe, the energy and enthusiasm broadcast from this video filled my house to the brim for which I can only Thank You for. I'd offer you coffee and a chat but alas this is RUclips. Your honest to goodness intentions when sharing your experiences about your photography is infectious and brilliant. Fantastic, keep it coming. I took a long break from pro photography just as film dwindled to the digital revolution, but found myself drawn back into the game with some surprise and relief about a year ago when I was asked to cover a wedding abroad in the UK. A friend lent me her Lumix FZ200 bridge camera - which I poo-poo-ed at the time - and a Sony A6000 with lenses, batteries and accessories. I shot both cameras, the Lumix with its tiny 1-2/3 sensor, and the Sony with its larger APS-C sensor. In terms of fun, the weekend shoot was a hoot, a blast, a fabulous creative experience that filled me up photographically, mentally and physically; I couldn't stop fist punching the air with a rousing "YES!" much to my wife's amusement. In terms of image quality, the Sony APS-C knocked the pants off the Lumix bridge camera - no surprises there - but the Lumix's 24-600 F2.8 lens (35mm equiv) is astonishing for four reasons; 1. Such a long lens range in a portable mobile shoulder-friendly small body, put my Nikon days of shoulder ache to bed (various Nikon FM and F2AS motor-driven bodies, Billingham bag full of lenses, flash, yadda, yadda), I mean the Lumix is insane, the freedom it relinquishes is photographically astonishing and my images have improved as a direct result; Oh look, a strange looking colorful bud on a bush, impossible to get close too (shot at 600mm); I'm at an event and need to show the story of the food laden tables (shot at 24mm); I'm at a reception hall, lit by rotating purple, blue, green and red lights..I wait for the purple, frame a decorative table and zoom in a little (shot at 85mm); I'm covering a circumcision, mother is holding baby son on a pillow in dim light, she's concerned (range of shots including crowd reaction, some motor-driven most on single-shot, from 24-600mm at F2.8 within a few seconds, camera held at arms length - I never use the EVF, prefer using the LCD screen - hand-held, image stabilised, razor sharp images)...and so it goes, un-bloody-believable 2. The video quality (1080p and 720p) is gorgeous, not 4K, but I love it 3. The Lumix is sheer fun incarnate - a total photographic high, despite it's small teeny tiny sensor, this camera has been the most pleasurable of all to use..Bravo! 4 Battery life on the Lumix FZ200 is incredibly l-o-n-g, has to be experienced to be believed, truly an accomplishment that Sony can only learn and adopt. I'm trying to keep this response to your video short - yes, really - so I'll skip ahead with the story. I bought the Lumix off my friend for a ridiculous cheap price ($100) when she upgraded her kit. She's now selling her Sony kit for an equally ridiculous cheap price to which I've agreed and I'm looking forward to owning and using. With the Sony, I'm able to crop 50% in (if necessary, which it sometimes is) with hardly any loss of IQ. It's astonishing to behold to the point where I'm not sure an Olympus MFT sensor can offer the same capability given its smaller size. I live in the Middle East where we don't have camera rental outfits - you want it, you buy it - so I have yet to have had the pleasure of handling Olympus MFT gear. To recap, I can't understand how the MFT sensor can match, beat or be of similar standard to the Sony APS-C sensor. Um, what say you, Joe?
Thank yo for the kind words Jez Lerman. I never said that MFT matches APS-C or Full Frame. I said I don't need what they offer or cost. Look at the images in the video - if you think they suck - I am wrong and need more resolution. I kinda like them and my clients were thrilled - so why spend all the extra money and carry the extra weight? I never said anyone should change - I simply relayed my story. My advice - if you love your Lumix - stick with it. If there is something that you NEED and the Lumix can't do it - switch.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @joeedelman and Facebook @thejoeedelman - Tin Jos - I will be posting a lot of my thoughts on the 45mm on those profiles. I already have some images from the lens posted.
Would it be out of place to say I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the most straight from the heart testimonial I've heard in a very long time. The search continues...
Congrats Joe, i guarantee i wont leave because you changed brands =) I just found your channel and am loving it. I have a question though and its not even about photography, How do you keep so upbeat and energized, its something i lack as a photographer and person in general. I always leave your videos feeling positive its awesome.
Welcome to the club also from me. Switched to Olympus 2 years ago with the original E-M1 and now I'm very happy with E-M1 Mark II. I also hear this about full frame all the time, but I just ignore it and take photos. Just to notice that Hi-res shot is 50mp in jpeg and 80mp in RAW. Cheers and happy Olympus shooting :)
I didn't Deacon Blues - Fuji is too new to the game (digital) and not enough of a system built around them for my taste. They are doing some great things though and I expect they will be a serious contender in the industry if they keep it up. They need more third party vendors to support their system to get it to really take off.
I think Fuji is awesome, but like Joe said. Not a lot of lenses. And m43 cheaper as well, and smaller, and it has ibis. Other than those things Fuji is really awesome.
Joe Edelman I know this video is some time ago but I have been doubting for months to switch..... my nikon D7200 for the Olympus om5 mII..... Is it a good choice or should I save some more money for the OM1mII❓Do I notice the 16 vs 20 megapixels difference between the 5 and the 1? I am just an amateur for fun, no desire to go pro. Thanks if your reading this👍🏻
The OM5 MII is an awesome camera Marcel and if you don't need the pro features - it should more than meet your needs. Save your money on the body and buy nice lenses.
Great vlog! Thank you. I love Olympus too but I've never owned full frame camera before and I like to play with the depth of field a lot. Have a nice day.
I agree 100% with what you have said. I just switched for exactly the same reasons... And yes! Olympus as a company is so supportive. Moved from Canon after years and years to the OMD E M-1 MK II with pro lenses and realised that I should have done it much earlier...
As far as a shared platform and system it's a good analogy. Are the Olympus and Panasonic raw output the same or do they require different software to process?
Fantastic video Joe! For me, working as a pro for over 30 years and using Nikon I just made the witch to Olympus and have been so happy. The image results are amazing , shot two jobs with my EM1Mrk 1 yes the Mrk 1 and my clients loved the images, I’m going to go all in with a Em1 mrk 2 and some pro lenses, just ordered a12-100 f4 pro zoom along with the 7-14mm f2.8 pro. Right now I’m using the EM1 Mrk 1 with the Olympus 14-150 ii and a Lumix 42.5 f1.7 prime . I bought it all just to get my feet wet so to speak. The results and ease of use sold me. Prints I’ve made for clients are clean and sharp with a natural rendering with very little post. Clean and accurate right out of the camera.
Wow. Just got here. Amazing story and one I fully understand. I bike ride and back pack a lot. The Canon gear just got too heavy for me. I also walk around a lot since I am now living in a new country, Poland, recording video and images for my State side family/friends who are clueless as to what Poland looks like. I never leave my place without my camera, which is a Panasonic M43 G9. Before, a G7. Never. It fits nicely in my everyday bag, and with the 14-140mm (28-280mm FF equiv), IBIS, 4k, and all the other features, it is fun to take out and just explore. I don't even use a strap. I subbed, even though I do not use Olympus. Your story is so close to mine. I am tired of chasing gear. I shot film decades ago with Minolta camera and lenses. And since you had like 24-36 shots per roll, you learned what to do to compose and chose the right ASA and film stock to get what you wanted. Some of the most iconic images of the past century were shot with low megapixel or film.
Well, you got all the best lenses for the Oly and the mediocre primes for the Nikon. So for a lot of your lenses, the Oly has even shallower DOF than your Nikon primes. So it's an easy switch. I went a different route. I like my Canon L primes on full frame for photos, and my Panasonic GH5 and native primes for video. At the end of the day, selling off gear at a loss and getting money back for about 2-3 nice lenses isn't going to change anything. I am keeping both cameras and lenses and I'll let them complement each other. No need to compromises on your photos just to have best 4K and vice versa.
LOL - why do you place shallow depth of field as such a priority Michael Ma? A good photographer knows multiple ways to create shallow depth of field. I had no problem with my Nikon lenses and am having no problem with my Olympus lenses.
An astonishing video: concise, respectful, well documented, no superfluous material, no hate toward others, no showing-off... Joe, with some minor modifications, this could be made into a TED talk.
I think creative people are disproportionately left handed. They should bring out some kind of left handed battery grip with controls on the other side.
Thank you!! You made my heart sing when you said that photography should be fun. Enjoy the adventure of finding the subjects YOU want to photograph with the gear YOU love. Your abilities will never rise above the crowd if you are intent on following the crowd. Love your channel and your passion for the art of photography.
Relax Tomas Alejo! Still the same space - I have over one hundred thousand subscribers and a lot of them want to know about the gear as well. My use of "GEARtographers" is for people who have more interest in their toys than they do creating great images. I have plenty more shooting tutorials coming.
All I know is that you are going to LOVE light painting with your new Olympus E-M1 mk2. The 'Live Composite' feature is like no other. All the best, Joe.
love this video. all my life i am an olympus user (31 years). when my incredible e5 started to die i thought i would not adapt with EVF for precise focusing, i mainly shot birds. so i got the Nikon d7200 + nikkor 200-500mm i got some amazing shots but i did not feel comfortable at all. the lens stabilization is nice but for me as a tiny women the issue is to use that humongous lens and body handheld. so i am back to my pen f and added to it the OM D em 5 markii. really fun gear.
Seems like paid Olympus video, no comparison to Nikon D810 that Joe doesn't use anymore, no one evidence of comparison to Nikon that Olympus is better, hence No reason to switch. Nikon is better in all terms, but weight. It always was about a photographer and not the camera. Unsubscribing from this channel, Bye bye
Maxim Dupliy you are exactly the kind of viewer that I don't want. I NEVER said Olympus is better than Nikon. I said Olympus is better for me - in fact I mentioned that several times. You are clearly a GEARtographer because the entire part about having fun with photography and WHY was clearly missed on your part. ADIOS!
Just found this Joe - some great comments and great suggestions about renting and it's all about taking pictures and fun! Still on the fence between E-M1 ii and Lumix G9 but I do love the E-M10 ii I shoot with for fun...
Ha! dumped all my e-m1 bodies and lenses to go back to Canon full frame, Olympus is overpriced and at the limit of what the format can do. Olympus m43 is good but not that good...
For you..... Jonathan Pearson - not for me. The camera is not what makes a photograph good - never has been - it is just a tool that a good photographer utilizes. I'm getting great results with mine.
I'm sure in the 1800's, the horse and buggy with springs were at the limit of what that technology could do. Technology and science is only as good as our knowledge today. Tomorrow, someone will discover something else and improve the Four Thirds sensor even more. If you look back at online comments two or three years ago, I'm sure you'll find many like yours indicating MFT has hit it's limits. Yet, the past two or three years there has been improvement and who is to say that some significant technological advance won't be found and applied here.
@@luislebron4785 Yes, just like the horse and buggy... When people thought it reached its limits, someone discovered a way to make it keep up with the automobile. And that's why we're still using horse and buggies! I have no dog in this fight, but lol @ your example.
Waiting for your Olympus photo videos. I also switched 4 month ago from Canon to Fuji, last week i bought the 5-140 2.8 lens, uau. Really glad with it.
What the hate with Sony? Modern Sony Corp different with Old Sony Corp, they overhauled the company few years ago. FYI Modern Sony Corp owned partial of Olympus Corp. They injected Olympus with alot of great technology (sensor, chips etc) Without Sony Commitment to support m4/3 development for Olympus,....... Panasonic m4/3 will kick Oly in the nuts. Sony even helped Olympus make profit for first time in 7 years profit loss. Btw this Oly EM1 mk ii is Japan Camera of The Year 2016-2017. You cant go wrong with it.
No hate for Sony Minolta King - in fact I believe I was very complimentary to them in the video. To be clear - Sony is NOT a part of the m4/3 development scenario. Here is the list of consortium members: www.four-thirds.org/en/contact/group.html Sony did purchase a major stake in Olympus back in late 2012 / early 2013 at a time when Sony was coming out of a bad financial stretch and was able to use the Olympus medical business to improve its bottom line. Olympus was also recovering from a bad experience with a previous CEO. Sony has supplied sensors to Olympus a they have also done with Nikon and others. I appreciate the background - just want to be sure we get the facts straight. Thanks for watching!
Minolta King Do you realise Panasonic was one of the few companies at the very beginning to introduce and market mirrorless cameras. When everyone was still using the old DSLR systems.
Excellent video! All your reasons for moving to Olympus make a lot of sense. As I have gotten older, I don't enjoy carrying my heavy Nikon gear around as much as I used to. I took my son to London and Paris this summer and he ended up carrying my cameras a lot. Whereas, I am not ready to make a complete change, I have now purchased a Olympus OM-D-10 Mark 2. I keep it, along with a couple of lenses, in a small makeup bag my wife gave me, which I then carry in my brief case. It goes everywhere with me and I always have it out. As a result, I am taking a lot more photos.
Sony user here, but this video made me a fan of you. I love that you said remember what made us get into photography - it’s about the image and having fun. Not about the gear as much. Sometimes I use my phone for pics, and I love the pics sometimes more.
Thank you for the kind words Armando Severino ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos! And if you are a Sony guy - be sure to subscribe to Manny Ortiz!
I originally got my G7 for video and found that I truly enjoyed taking stills. Barely a couple months after that, I got a GH5 and my fun was just getting better with the added features and capabilities of the camera. I've collected 3 Pana/Leica lenses for my specific applications (video + some portrait and dance photography) as well as some mini speed lights by Godox--the best part is that it all fits in a Lowepro Slingshot 102 bag! Looking ahead, I'm working to get a G9 body to complement my GH5 and I am super excited at the possibilities with my little kit! However, it would be remiss of me not to mention that both you and Gavin have been a huge source of inspiration and encouragement along my short 4-5 month journey! Not only are your videos amazingly fun and pleasant to watch, but you're probably the only two RUclips photographers who are real professionals that know their craft inside out. How can I tell? Because rather than talking about brands, specs, etc. you both jump right into the topic and how to create wonderful images in a way even a newbie like me can understand! That, in my opinion, is the mark of a true artist: conveying your passion effortlessly to any audience while inspiring them at the same time. Keep up the amazing work and I'm glad to be another subscriber to your channel :-)
If you’re right about anything Joe, it’s the fun aspect of shooting. I don’t care what camera you have, if you aren’t having fun, it’ll show up in your images. Can’t wait to see more!
Went from Nikon to Olympus for almost the same reasons you did. I shoot more than ever and my pictures are still awesome because Photography is fun again. My job is fun again. Happy shooting Joe.
I am so glad I went mirrorless. Earlier this year I wanted to upgrade from my Canon T3i since the low light performance was just not great for my concert work. I was originally going to go with the Nikon D810 but when I was talking with a guy at a local camera store about what I shot he handed me the Fujifilm X-T2. He had some examples of his low light work and I was impressed. So I decided to give a try... and I was blown away with what I could do with it. Plus I'm not having to carry around a big bulky camera nor do I have to menu dive for settings. It reminded me of shooting on film in high school. I can just go CREATE. I'm glad that companies like Olympus and Fujifilm are really trying to push things forward where companies like Canon and Nikon are barely paying attention to what's going on around them and what photographers want. Congrats on the 100K by the way!
Joe, I really enjoyed this video, it was like watching a rerun of my own journey. I have watched some of your other videos - and the true testament to your work is that unlike most of the photo youtube videos I watch at times, my wife finds yours pleasant enough that she doesn't ask me to switch off or watch in another room ;-) I have been a Canon user since the 1970, having used great cameras along the way such as the magnificent F1n and the great EOS1n film cameras, then the digital 30D and finally the phenomenal 5DMIII. I had great glass - the 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200 2.8L lenses - the Canon holy trinity! The image quality was superb, but I started watching with interest when the original 4/3 system came out. Early this year I took a very close look at the micro four thirds system, I decided to make a radical jump. I was forced to completely re-gear when Canon abandoned the FD mount in favor of the EOS mount. Thanks to Craigslist, I didn't lose nearly as much of my hind end in this switch, but it was still an investment. I have been shooting exclusively with my Olympus Gear since this spring, and I have been having more fun than I can remember. I now carry my camera gear virtually EVERYWHERE, and I have no regrets making the switch. I don't need to have anyone validate my choice, but I truly enjoyed watching this - I nodded my head throughout. I also have no ill will towards Canon - even after I got screwed when they made my rather large FD lens system obsolete ;-). I see the mirrorless wave gathering strength, and I think it will sweep DSLRs off the landscape as surely as film has been by digital. When the paradigm shifts, I wonder if Canon and Nikon will be able to shift with it - or get crushed like Eastman Kodak? My MFT system (all Olympus so far): E-M1 II E-M5 II 17mm 1.8 25mm 1.8 45mm 1.8 75mm 1.8 12-40mm 2.8 Pro 7-14mm 2.8 Pro
My first camera was a a little point and shoot Olympus. I used that camera for years. Loved it. I got onto the Canon bandwagon, and it's cool, but I still remember that little Olympus. Thanks for the vid.
I did the exact same thing a hand full of years ago. I was surprised at the results I got the first time I picked up one of their cameras. It's amazing how nearly all modern digital camera systems designed for enthusiasts and pros, take equal or better quality pictures than 35mm film. I really think we forget that with all the marketing wank that's out there. We have become a society obsessed with specs and the constant pressure of upgrade to this and that. Honestly, there's nothing like going out on a date night with the wife and grabbing the same camera used for pro work during the day, throwing a prime on it and snapping great shots at night. Im taking more photos than ever and absolutely love it!
Tim Fritz I did the same thing myself. A handful of years ago I tried out a Sony mirrorless body at a local car meet. I had always heard about mirrorless, but never seen one in the wild, it was intriguing, but I didn't bite. I happens to be looking at cameras online and saw an image of an Olympus OMD body....and I swore that couldn't be digital! It's GOT to be a film camera, until I saw the rear. I decided to rent one for a while with a single lens (just the kit lens 14-42mm) and shoot exclusively with it. Before that weeks end, I had all of my Nikon gear listed for sale on ebay (besides flash guns which I could still use of course). I was in LOVE with the freedom that m43 gave me! Fast forward to the launch of the EM5 mk2, and holy cow, what a phenomenal camera body. I picked up my favorite prime equivalents 45mm and the love of my life 50mm (for years I've used them almost exclusively). Kept the kit zoom cuz it's actually quite good. Picked up a cheap long range zoom (40-150 non-pro) just because. I still can't believe how incredible m43 really is, and how much I can have with me at ALL TIMES (huge selling point for me), without space/weight penalty. Might pick up an EM1 mk2, might now, the EM5 mk2 is still making me smile all the time lol.
Joe, welcome to Olympus and the m4/3 club! Your lens line up looks awesome but also check out the Oly 75mm f/1.8, it's my favourite m4/3 lens and just wonderful for portraits. I'm looking forward to more videos that share some of the features and advantages of the Oly system. Y.
Joe..I may be behind the ball but I just caught your video on the " Olympus " System that you just posted. First of all I must congratulate you on your wonderful presentation, it was simple, direct and honest. Even a old film hound like me could relate to your story. I intend to get me another Olympus Camera in the very near future. I am subscribing to your channel to learn more from your experiences, as you stated I do photography for the love & fun of it. Thanks a million. I wish the other U-Tubers were as succinct and direct as you were in the above video, you set the standard as far as I am concerned. Keep it going, Happy New Year..!
Welcome to M43!! I made the jump from Canon full frame to Olympus in 2014 and never looked back. I was tired of lugging that big heavy gear around and standing out with those white lenses. As you pointed out it brought the fun back to taking pictures and that makes all the difference in the world...
This video gives the best explanation of the pros and cons of M43 that I have yet seen. Well done, Joe! I just got back into photography recently via an E-M1 mark 1. I am having a ball! Keep up the great work! IM 8)
Hello Joe. As a part time business, I have photographed weddings, portraits and sports. I began with the original Olympus OM1 and OM2, and later moved to Canon systems. I have been retired for three years now, and I find that I do not enjoy carrying a huge camera system around anymore. I bought an OM-D E-M5 2 years ago and have not picked up my Canon since then. I am extremely happy with my pint-sized Olympus.
Joe you're one of the few who truly understand the essence of photography. Very happy to see you're enjoying photography again. I had a similar epiphany when I first got my hands on Sony A7RII. I have been an avid Hassleblad and Canon loyalist. However, I did not abandoned either Canon or Hassleblad just added Sony to bring more excitement and fun to something I love. Good luck with Olympus. Keep posting great tutorials. Regards
Great choice ;) really good camera;) I just switched from Olympus to Fuji X-T3 just to have fun again of discoverig new system, but E-M1 Mark II was on my list too.
Always informative videos--this was no different. You can spout all kinds of technical mumbo jumbo about why you like the gear, but it's the results that make a difference. I get tired of hearing others say to be pro you have to shoot full frame. Baloney! And your enthusiasm is a great testimony to the camera. As always, thanks for sharing!
Very well made "intro" to the m4/3 system by rational reasoning by your needs and requirements. It was as well nice that you didn't jump to format wars or other specs, only talked about what really matters, field of view you get to capture with lenses (ultra wide, wide, normal, short telephoto, long telephoto and super telephoto) and then how photography needs to be fun! (No one want's to go work that is mentally abusing or just dull. And some even want to go to work to mentally abuse others!) I really much liked how you mentioned as well that 4/3" format was first digitally designed format. Although it is same as old 110 film that died fairly quickly, but the point still stands totally. Olympus wanted to make a digital format that has no legacy requirements and that fills the needs of the image quality for professionals as for amateurs. And as you so nicely mention too the 4:3 ratio fitting to most print sizes, I like to mention to others that Olympus choose the sensor size based empirical results that what people could hang on their walls and how large computer displays can go, without compromising the image quality or DOF requirements for the final image size requirements. And they did this with KODAK who was world largest film and print material manufacturer hint, knew little about requirements for image quality and final image sizes with DOF and all that people needed. For the techno mumbo: The m4/3 system is based to 4/3 system. (And need to correct little bit usual mistake people do, it ain't a m4/3 sensor, it is 4/3" sensor with m4/3 mount... :-/) and it has same mount but just smaller and two digital pins more than 4/3 system had, but otherwise it is just "Four Thirds 2.0" kind improvement. And then need to remind that Olympus has lots of legacy in their system, like how many knew that m4/3 (and 4/3) mount is exactly same as Olympus own SLR era OM-mount but just in smaller size? They kept even the focus and zoom rotation direction same etc. So they have a lot of legacy in their design, but they simply wanted to do three things well: 1) No compromise to image quality or style (DOF etc) for majority of the users needs (physical print size, digital file usage etc) 2) Minimum weight and size, without compromising point 1. 3) Easy operation to camera (like how many can say that E-M1 body ain't the best that is out there by its design philosophy of dual dial operation?) and good looking (tools can look nice too to make them more fun to use!). What Olympus didn't do in first place was to take count for videographers, as that was the Panasonic side of the things. Olympus only delivered nice out of the camera quality for casual cases when video was wanted to be captured. Nothing more but nothing less. Like comparing Olympus legacy video to Canon or Nikon typical cameras and Olympus had far better quality out of the camera. But now they have been required by some to invest more to the video and they still are holding in the same philosophy, a camera primarily for stills and then for videographers. But let's see do You jump back to Nikon after the honeymoon is over with the Olympus (or do you jump to ie. Panasonic etc, BlackMagic etc) ;) And full respect that someone puts their "money where their mouth is" and is ready to go against main stream to find out what else there is. You clearly did your homework before switch and knew what you were talking, as photography exactly ain't about megapixels, dynamic range, thinner than hair DOF etc. It is about creativity and your samples in this video proofs that you have high skills for work you do.
Don't tell em how good it is dammit, you'll drive the prices up. Stay with FF folks, nothing to see here.
LOL - good point Joostered!
“I wanted to make photography fun again.” That’s the point!
Yes it is Nata Saragih! Thanks for commenting!
Woop woop!! It's so cool to see more pro photographers join the m43 side!
Thanks for the welcome Micro Four Nerds!
Yay! I got a G85, m43 is catching up fast! Olympus has some amazing of lines cameras, my old point and shoot Oly's took amazing photos and videos :)
Welcome to the club!!! After going from Canon to Sony, I've settled on Olympus and I ABSOLUTELY don't regret it at all :)
Thank you The Post Color Blog! I appreciate the welcome!
Please don’t tell Tony or Fro - well played sir!
Which lens will be your main portrait lens?
Definitely the 45mm f/1.2 Scott Wilder - I have very quickly fallen in love with this lens.
Objectivity..... rare, and amazing. Thank you for making this video.
I'm a firm believer of this quote " Use the gear that works for you" If the Olympus micro 4/3 system works for you then more power to you. I agree with you the best way to find out is to rent the gear for yourself before listening to a youtube video. You might find out what works for one person might not work for the next.
Agreed Frank! Thanks for commenting!
I'm firmly sticking with Nikon but wish you all the best with your move to M43 Olympus. Gavin Hoey is one of my favourite photographers and his work using Olympus is some of the best out there 😊
Thank you dunnymonster! I appreciate the comment. If you are most comfortable with your Nikons - thats exactly where you should be then!
Its all about the image, never been about the camera. I'm so happy for you.
Well said Faisal AL-Maiman! Thank you!
so true! i,m a dinosaure whit my old 2x D3s and D3x (24.5 MP for studio works) but i just love it! don't car about the wait ect...went they run out? will see in time what can i do! :)
We love you and your support for Olympus Here in Michigan Joe
Thanks for the Love
Regards, Rick
Joe, welcome to the Olympus family. I’m no pro, just some guy with a camera. But, I love my Olympus gear.
Thank you Bob Drawbaugh! I am happy to join the crowd!
so loved this.. I swapped from canon to olympus OM-D EM1 MII about sixs months ago... OMG why didnt I do it sooner.. I love the olympus.. have the three pro lenses covering 7-150.. its a fantastic camera system ... your 'arguments' are bang on
Glad you enjoyed it Bevlea Ross! Be sure to follow me on Instagram - instagram.com/joeedelman - I post a lot of behind the scenes images and clips!
Ironically it's all the youtube politicians that hardly get out and shoot that make new photographers worry about megapixels, dynamic range, iso performance etc. Use what makes your job easy and fun as a photographer. Loved the video. Oh and you got a new sub.
Thanks theizza68 and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
I agree with you. I had more than enough pixels 3 years ago. I do however care about depth of field, noise and a few other things with a larger sensor. Having to convert x2 in my head for all the lenses is a pain, and my own limitation, I know. A new shooter won't have that to deal with. I want features that I would use on a daily basis. Lenses that cost half as much (APS-C or micro 4/3) is certainly a benefit. The "live" features (bulb and composite) in the Olympus are pretty amazing, but not sure I would use those enough to buy a camera for that. Now I am going to have to go play with one at a store or rent if I can and compare. Curse you Joe! ;)
Wish you good luck with your new journey and thank you for sharing with us your toughts! i'm sure your next pictures will be great as always!
Thank you Avantgarde Tattoo and Art Gallery! I really appreciate the kind words!
I listen for 2 minutes in already knew you are a true pro photographer unlike most channels that entertain better then they shoot! Also for the studio work Olympus will work for most. I'm own 3 Canon 1dx's for pro sports. Olympus is definitely not ready for that. But for portrait,studio awesome! ,,, in maybe events. No sure! Love the way you light different shades of skin. Perfect! Skills!!!
Thank you Framed Productions! I appreciate the kind words and support!
I can't really adopt MFT because the High ISO performance just isn't there. Its pretty easy to tell at above ISO 800. For portrait work where you have studio lighting or done outside on a bright day, MFT works fine. You also have that DoF issue when trying to blur out the background.
I can tell you first hand that I have no problem blurring the background Good Free Photos - look at the images @ 14:09 & 14:10 in the video. The only people who can't blur a background with M43 are people who don't understand how to properly control depth of field. Focal length and aperture are NOT the only way to control it.
Kostas from Greece here. I just want to say a big "Thank you" for this video, it really helped me decide on my first camera.
I really like your style, both informative and entertaining, straight to the point, great mix of skill, talent and experience.
Wish you all the best, will keep watching you, don't change a bit!
Thank you for the kind words reflexaki ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
I chose m4/3 recently, for I wanted to ignite joy in photography again. The camera is even simpler than yours - Pen E-P5 (love its small size and retro style!). And I have never been happier! Powerful, brilliant design, simplicity, small & excellent optics, less stress, more user-friendliness, all is so lightweight, unobtrusive, output is brilliant! m4/3 output offers enough magnification even for billboards.
Awesome Zvonimir Tosic! Thanks for commenting!
How do you like your ep5? I've been looking for an upgrade from my gf1 and g3 bodies and looking at different models. I mainly do street photography, tavel and portraits, no pro work. Ep5 strikes me as good idea for street photography since my similarly sized, lacking evf gf1 gives me look of a clueless, harmless tourist which is perfect for street photography. This camera or Epl7 or omd-em5 markII...
EP5 is splendid and cheap these days. With 17/1.8 lens it is minute, light, powerful walkaround camera. I abandoned DSLR for good. I need no more powerful camera than the EP5. If it were not available, I would choose EPL8 instead, because those Pen cameras from Olympus are so well made. EP5 is born for street and travel photography (studio too). I also found a 12-50 lens really cheap, for travel.
I have owned Olympus cameras since 1979. I have had Canons and Nikons, but after the "film era" ended for me I shot again with Olympus, and now have both the Em1 and the Em1 Mark 2. The 300f4 Pro... sealed the deal forever. Astoundingly sharp, the AF and IS of the Mark 2 is absolutely perfect for the style of wildlife photography that requires ALL your equipment to be weatherproof, and even more important, light and compact. I find myself in the refuge with someone carrying a tripod and a massive lens all weighing about 15 pounds. I carry in my Pelican back pack two cameras, three lenses, and a nod to Nikon.. a pair of Monarch7 binos. This set up lets me venture out on to stone jetties in the surf, scramble down a rock scree with no worries, and race up a hill when I need to. What I have now, with Olympus, is the feeling that I have the best for my purposes regardless of price, and will be happy with it for a long time.
Awesome Macaylla Silver! Thanks for commenting!
Welcome to the M43 world Joe! Congrats! I can't wait to see your images from that new 45mm f/1.2!
Thank you Martin Thomas! Many more images to come - I absolutely love the 45mm f/1.2!
Yes I'm extremely jealous of joe getting that lens. Might get mine next year.
Congratulations Joe on your new acquisition, you've made a wise choice to acquire the Olympus EM1M11 system, like you I started in the same way with photography doing my own B&W & Color D & P . When I acquired my first digital system I went the Olympus route and have never looked back, all I've done is added new bodies to my existing system. Your video content is "AWESOME " YOU COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETER! All the best with your new acquisition & most of all have fun with your PHOTOGRAPHY! Continue creating great pix & videos looking forward to more of your cost effective DIY Gear videos! 😎 👍
Thank you Abe .M. Essack! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Just found your channel! I also added micro four-thirds to my bag last year and recently picked up the em1 mark ii. Might want to add the 75mm f/1.8 to your arsenal. I just did a family portrait session and found it the only lens I needed! I haven't taken my d750 out in months and considering selling off all my Nikon gear. But it's so hard to let go.
Be sure to subscribe Rob Trek so that you don't miss any videos! The internet has convinced me that I need to check out the 75mm f/1.8 - I'll be sure to report back!
WOW, you have a lot of DIY stuff. Love it. Subscribed!!!
You are right Rob that 75 mm is to die for. For studio or urban portrait photography. However, it is too long for animal photography. You can't stand that far away from an animal without them losing focus or getting ansy. On the few occasions I do have a human, I rent it from Lensrental.
Far and away, the best video I have seen on the subject. It proves (to me at least), that the author has more smarts than the vast majority of other photographers doing this on RUclips. I started my own photography a bit later than Joe, in 1979 or 1980. If I were to make my own video on the subject, it would be just like this one. Now, I don't have to! Thanks for that, Joe.
Kudos, and MUCH respect. You won't be disappointed by your choice, it only gets better from here. Jan
Thank you so much Jan Chelminski! I sincerely appreciate the kind words!
I have to admit I just discovered the images last night and I love the system. I'm going to wait until next year to see the sigma FF foveon and then will decide what system to go with.
Awesome the keto life! Thanks for commenting!
Joe, what a great video. The fascinating thing is that you are completely satisfied with this system, and you are a pro photographer who depends on it to earn a living. The other 99.9% of us are amateurs, and for us a sixyear old Olympus EM5 was good enough, despite having a four thirds sensor. Currently I use an EM1 an EM5 and a Panasonic GM1 as my travel/street cam, and I will eventually get a used EM1 II when I can find one for half the original price. But I may have a long wait for that, since after two years the used ones still go for around $1,500.
I really think you nailed it with this video. Chasing better specs doesn't make sense unless you are having fun and actually need the better specs. In terms of usability, M4/3 seems to have hit the perfect balance. And the lenses are mouth watering, with a huge selection at various price points.
I appreciate your kind words and comments Marty4650! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos.
Joe, this video is excellent, a down to earth no-nonsense explanation from a real-world photographer why using this system is such a smart choice. I personally shoot with Panasonic and a combination of Panasonic and Olympus lenses, and the benefits are endless while the real-world quality difference is not noticeable, as you very clearly explained. Thank you for all you do for us photographers to help us make better pictures (which is definitely not about the gear!)
Thank you Mr Gijs! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Joe, great video. I saw in one of the Olympus FB groups you asking questions on flash system compatibility. Good to know you found the answers you were looking for and were able to make the switch. I moved to Olympus in 2014 as a way to get back into photography as I wasn't taking my Canon DSLR anywhere with me. Looking forward to more great videos in the future.
Thank you MukilteoSailor! I appreciate the comment.
I like you Joe. Talk your sh*t.
LOL - Thank you PhotoMeIke!
This is one of the best videos online that clearly and intelligently explains how today's market in late 2017 gives us great high quality options ... options that didn't exist 5 - 10 years ago ... and at the same time how many of us need to step back and remind ourselves why we pickup a camera.
Thank you Adam Woodhouse! I really appreciate the kind words!
Good for you, I love your honesty and common sense, and it's so refreshing. Currently I have three GH4 bodies (and a GX8) but have decided, for a number of reasons, to move to Fuji. Had I stuck with M43, I'm pretty sure I would have moved to Olympus, they make great cameras. Looking forward to seeing your success.
Thank you Greg Wallis! I appreciate the kind words and support!
I have to say you have a common sense approach that other RUclips pros are lacking. At the end of the day your camera choice is your choice nobody else! Thanks for all you do!
Thank you jimmy h! I sincerely appreciate the kind words and support!
Great video Joe- really spot on! Your comparison with photos shot on older cameras with small sensors is an angle I hadn't thought of before. I personally went with Panasonic, but pretty much everything you said would apply to both, especially with interchangeability of lenses. I am curious about the Pan G9 for photographers like you?? Your best point of all is that M4/3 makes photography and videography fun! I've had a blast and continue to:) BTW, my very first 35mm camera was an Olympus Trip 35 I got in 1969 when I was only 16, but it was an amazing little rangefinder camera that did very well at the time... Olympus has a long history of quality!
Thank you John Packard! The G9 looks like a great camera but overall I really prefer the Olympus system, quality and and history.
I've been using Olympus and Panasonic M43 professionally for a couple of years, and have never looked back! Welcome to the club 😀
First video i watch from you, i'm new in "serious" photography, in fact i used to shoot with my smartphone, than started to know about raw and these stuffs and day after day i began to love more and more photography because i felt like this could give me the opportunity to create something and not just watching something. I heared about many different cameras and i chose the Olympus omd em10 mark II, i can't tell you exactly why, but it just seemed fun and comfortable. Only time will tell, but with this camera i know i can love photography
Awesome Andrea Cusumano! Welcome to the Olympus family!
I switched from all Canon gear last year after 20 years to the Olympus EM1 mkii, so happy, as you say it has brought back the fun to my photography, just loving it. I also have the complete pro lens series including the 300mm f4 which is so sharp, but I went for the Nocticron 42.5mm f1.2 for my portrait prime, it is by far the best lens I have ever owned, sharp just does not explain it. Thanks for your video, they are great !
Thank you Jamie R.! I really appreciate the kind words!
With the newly released firmware 3.0, owners of the Olympus E-M1 Mark II basically had a free upgrade. I am very happy with my E-M1 Mark II along with the 12-40mm F2.8.
Awesome Dee Nugent! Thanks for commenting!
So true for me too! After i stopped shoot commercial photography 3 or 4 years ago, I also gave up my hobby photography just because i didn't want to take my full-frame Nikon with all those giant 2.8 zooms just for a walk or for fun. Carrying 5 to 7 kilograms is not fun! But then, about year ago, i decided to return to photography as a hobby, and purchased Pen-F. It really returned all fun for photography for me. Even more! The camera is always with me, so I shoot almost every single day. And the result - in that 1 year, i've learned more than i learned for 10 years before with Nikon! You really progress much faster when you have fun during the process.
Congratulations on your investment! Can't wait to see the results.
Thank you Anthony Dooley! I appreciate the comment.
So refreshing! I started with the OM-1 in the military years ago. I chose it over all the other cameras in the Navy Exchange because I could hide it in my camouflage utilities leg pocket. I loved it! I went all over Naples, Italy shooting. OM-1, OM-1n, OM-2 and then the OM-10 with the 1.4 50mm prime, it was a dream. I knew hardly anything about photography. I knew enough to place the needle in the bracket. Not sure why I went to Canon but I am looking to go back to OM. Thanks for making me tear up, Joe!
Given the fact I have an old OM-4 with two pro lenses from the 80s, I probably should stick with this camera as the adapters work fine with manual control.
I did the same thing a little while back! VERY happy, and no regrets at all. I will always have a place in my heart for Nikon, but frankly cannot see anything but parity or actual improvement in my images. A real bonus beyond the 5 axis stabilization and leaving the tripod at home is the almost magical live bulb and live composite modes - FAR beyond amazing. Thanks for your video here!
You're very welcome AerialLensVideo! Thank you for commenting!
Nicely said, appreciate your frank statements. The encouragement to think of photography and not get hung up with gear can't be made enough. Thumbs up!
Thank you Patrick Borel! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Nice to hear! I'm an advanced amateur, but I've also pretty much completed the transition to Olympus. I was an Olympus user back in the original OM System days... still have my OM-1 on a shelf here, and my OM-4 is out on loan. But after Olympus got out of the serious camera business, I moved over to Canon, starting with a used EOS Rt. Followed them into digital, and still have my EOS 6D, though it's got a bit of dust on it.
I got into Micro Four-thirds with the Pen Mini, which replaced a broken P&S camera. I replaced the kit lens with a prime, then a few more primes. And then they released the OM-D E-M5, which looked just too much like my old OM-1/4 to ignore. That was the camera following me everywhere before long, until it was joined my the E-M5 mark II. And a few PRO zooms. This year I bought the Pen-F, and as you say, I'm having more fun then ever.
One of the things you have to actually experience with the Pen-F and the OM-Ds is the build quality and focus on still photography. I used to collect 39mm rangefinders, and that's the last time I saw a camera as nicely put together as the Pen-F. But way, way easier to load (though still through the bottom plate, figures!).
*Paging Tony and Fro. Paging Tony and Fro* jpeg alert! jpeg alert!
;p
SSSSHHHHHH MrEnglishgolfer!!!! 😳🙄😉
Congratulations on pulling the bandaid! And this looks like a great lens line up. Regardless of the brand, looking forward to keep learning with your videos. And happy 100K subscribers!
Good vid, fair and practical. That being said, having shot many including currently owning the olympus, I have to say I will not walk away from my Nikon gear. Street shooting, travel, olympus all the way. But for portraits and anything that requires resolution, Olympus just doesn't cut it. The camera is amazing, but in the end, the results I need do depend on the resolution. And yes, I am a pixel peeper and prefer low-low noise. So... I own both and am much happier doing so.
Great video Joe! I have the E-M1ii and the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro, and I really love that combo. It's so fun to shoot! I will very much look forward to seeing your future videos with this kit!
You're very welcome OneHarp! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I finally got comfortable with my D750 and settled on a pair of lenses that I am happy with no matter the situation. But its nice to have an alternative brand to switch too if Nikon just drops the ball completely. I look forward to see how you enjoy your Olympus OM-D E-M1Mark II.
You are absolutely right. Photography should be fun, especially if it is something you do full-time. Because of the multitude of youtube photographers and opinions out there. I think a majority get stressed out on gear now and days instead of enjoying photography. I have been guilty of that. But now, I just don't care about the gear. If it does the job. I'm good. LOL
Wise words alberto cabrera! I appreciate the comment and support!
That is great news!!
I started with Olympus Evolt E-410 and was so sharp and so fun to shoot with it. Then I "upgraded" to a Canon 50D, I missed the sharpness... After 5 years shooting with Canon I made a jump to the Sony's A7, a6000, a6300. I was loving the results but not the low light AF performance. Then my Olympus journey started with a PEN Lite E-PL6 and some manual focus lenses, evolved to EM5, then EM1 and now I am happily shooting with EM5ii and just received an EM1ii. I am loving Olympus, is so practical to use. Now I have spent over $5,000 on this system and have been selling almost all my Sony gear.
My line up:
Cameras:
PEN EPL6, EM5ii, EM1ii, Sony A7
Lenses:
M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8(my favorite portrait lens, give it a try!)
M.Zuiko PRO 12-40mm f/2.8(best zoom lens I have worked with)
M.Zuiko 9mm f/8 body cap fisheye
Panasonic LUMIX 35-100mm f/2.8(great and sharp lens)
M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8
M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 macro
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
Canon EF-S 10-18mm with canon to sony adapter
and some interesting manual focus lenses(Rokinon 85mm f/1.4(170mm f/2.8 equiv), CCTV Apollo 75mm f/1.4(swirly), CCTV Fujian 35mm f/1.6, Helios 44-2 58mm, Minolta Celtic 135mm f/3.5 and some more.)
Lighting:
Flashpoint:
1x Xplor 600
2x evolv 200
1x Streaklight 360
2x Li on Zoom Flash
TT350o
I really like your work as photographer and teacher. I am a "professional photography" teacher in a local vocational school here in P.R. and I use your youtube channel as a reference. Thank you for always sharing!
flickr.axelrivera.net
www.AxelRivera.net
www.AxelRiveraPhotographer.com
Nice kit Axel Rivera! Thank you for the kind words and support!
keep the good work as always! I want to see more about M4/3 pro shooters like you!
Yay. I bought all MFT gear to get back into video and I'm loving it.
Awesome Steve Potgieter! Thanks for commenting!
Nice explanation and good to know you already have had some client's assignments and are satisfied with the results. Great video! I'm going to share it!
Joe, Did you sell any or all of your Nikon equipment? Will all our future shoots be with the Olympus? Is there anything that you will still shoot with your Nikon equipment if you kept any of it? I am a Nikon shooter. I have a D810 and a D7100 with approx 24 lenses. I am heavily invested in Nikon. I did just purchase a Fuji X-T20 for my daughter though.
24 lenses?? Seriously Michael Sullivan??? Wow I feel like a wuss with 7! I am selling my Nikon gear - all of it - wanna buy some more lenses??? 🤔
Joe Edelman Possibly. Good primes are what I’m looking to add. I have purchased several used AI-S lenses over the past several years but replacing them with AF lenses is my next step. I’m not totally crazy. I know I don’t need all those lenses. I have 5 children and plan to give several of them to my kids.
Hi, Joe. If some are macro/micro, yes! Wonderful, heartfelt video.
Hi Joe, the energy and enthusiasm broadcast from this video filled my house to the brim for which I can only Thank You for. I'd offer you coffee and a chat but alas this is RUclips. Your honest to goodness intentions when sharing your experiences about your photography is infectious and brilliant. Fantastic, keep it coming. I took a long break from pro photography just as film dwindled to the digital revolution, but found myself drawn back into the game with some surprise and relief about a year ago when I was asked to cover a wedding abroad in the UK. A friend lent me her Lumix FZ200 bridge camera - which I poo-poo-ed at the time - and a Sony A6000 with lenses, batteries and accessories. I shot both cameras, the Lumix with its tiny 1-2/3 sensor, and the Sony with its larger APS-C sensor. In terms of fun, the weekend shoot was a hoot, a blast, a fabulous creative experience that filled me up photographically, mentally and physically; I couldn't stop fist punching the air with a rousing "YES!" much to my wife's amusement. In terms of image quality, the Sony APS-C knocked the pants off the Lumix bridge camera - no surprises there - but the Lumix's 24-600 F2.8 lens (35mm equiv) is astonishing for four reasons; 1. Such a long lens range in a portable mobile shoulder-friendly small body, put my Nikon days of shoulder ache to bed (various Nikon FM and F2AS motor-driven bodies, Billingham bag full of lenses, flash, yadda, yadda), I mean the Lumix is insane, the freedom it relinquishes is photographically astonishing and my images have improved as a direct result; Oh look, a strange looking colorful bud on a bush, impossible to get close too (shot at 600mm); I'm at an event and need to show the story of the food laden tables (shot at 24mm); I'm at a reception hall, lit by rotating purple, blue, green and red lights..I wait for the purple, frame a decorative table and zoom in a little (shot at 85mm); I'm covering a circumcision, mother is holding baby son on a pillow in dim light, she's concerned (range of shots including crowd reaction, some motor-driven most on single-shot, from 24-600mm at F2.8 within a few seconds, camera held at arms length - I never use the EVF, prefer using the LCD screen - hand-held, image stabilised, razor sharp images)...and so it goes, un-bloody-believable 2. The video quality (1080p and 720p) is gorgeous, not 4K, but I love it 3. The Lumix is sheer fun incarnate - a total photographic high, despite it's small teeny tiny sensor, this camera has been the most pleasurable of all to use..Bravo! 4 Battery life on the Lumix FZ200 is incredibly l-o-n-g, has to be experienced to be believed, truly an accomplishment that Sony can only learn and adopt. I'm trying to keep this response to your video short - yes, really - so I'll skip ahead with the story. I bought the Lumix off my friend for a ridiculous cheap price ($100) when she upgraded her kit. She's now selling her Sony kit for an equally ridiculous cheap price to which I've agreed and I'm looking forward to owning and using. With the Sony, I'm able to crop 50% in (if necessary, which it sometimes is) with hardly any loss of IQ. It's astonishing to behold to the point where I'm not sure an Olympus MFT sensor can offer the same capability given its smaller size. I live in the Middle East where we don't have camera rental outfits - you want it, you buy it - so I have yet to have had the pleasure of handling Olympus MFT gear. To recap, I can't understand how the MFT sensor can match, beat or be of similar standard to the Sony APS-C sensor. Um, what say you, Joe?
Thank yo for the kind words Jez Lerman. I never said that MFT matches APS-C or Full Frame. I said I don't need what they offer or cost. Look at the images in the video - if you think they suck - I am wrong and need more resolution. I kinda like them and my clients were thrilled - so why spend all the extra money and carry the extra weight? I never said anyone should change - I simply relayed my story. My advice - if you love your Lumix - stick with it. If there is something that you NEED and the Lumix can't do it - switch.
Love your comment "I kinda like them and my clients were thrilled - so why spend all the extra money and carry the extra weight?" - Cheers Joe.
I wish you'd make a vid about that 45mm f1.2. It's the first m43 lens that has made me sit up and take notice.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram @joeedelman and Facebook @thejoeedelman - Tin Jos - I will be posting a lot of my thoughts on the 45mm on those profiles. I already have some images from the lens posted.
Would it be out of place to say I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the most straight from the heart testimonial I've heard in a very long time. The search continues...
Congrats Joe, i guarantee i wont leave because you changed brands =) I just found your channel and am loving it. I have a question though and its not even about photography, How do you keep so upbeat and energized, its something i lack as a photographer and person in general. I always leave your videos feeling positive its awesome.
Thank you EightZero Four! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Welcome to the club also from me. Switched to Olympus 2 years ago with the original E-M1 and now I'm very happy with E-M1 Mark II. I also hear this about full frame all the time, but I just ignore it and take photos.
Just to notice that Hi-res shot is 50mp in jpeg and 80mp in RAW.
Cheers and happy Olympus shooting :)
Thank you Anastas Tarpanov! I appreciate the comment.
Curious if you tested any Fujifilm cameras?
I didn't Deacon Blues - Fuji is too new to the game (digital) and not enough of a system built around them for my taste. They are doing some great things though and I expect they will be a serious contender in the industry if they keep it up. They need more third party vendors to support their system to get it to really take off.
I think Fuji is awesome, but like Joe said. Not a lot of lenses. And m43 cheaper as well, and smaller, and it has ibis. Other than those things Fuji is really awesome.
After 10.000 videos from which camera to get, it is the first time i hear someone talking about having fun and making true photography.
I won’t tell Tony or Fro 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you Marcel Barriel!
Joe Edelman I know this video is some time ago but I have been doubting for months to switch..... my nikon D7200 for the Olympus om5 mII..... Is it a good choice or should I save some more money for the OM1mII❓Do I notice the 16 vs 20 megapixels difference between the 5 and the 1? I am just an amateur for fun, no desire to go pro. Thanks if your reading this👍🏻
The OM5 MII is an awesome camera Marcel and if you don't need the pro features - it should more than meet your needs. Save your money on the body and buy nice lenses.
Great vlog! Thank you. I love Olympus too but I've never owned full frame camera before and I like to play with the depth of field a lot. Have a nice day.
Thank you Adam Chen! I appreciate the comment.
Why did you chose M43 over APS-C? After all, you already had a D500.
I agree 100% with what you have said. I just switched for exactly the same reasons... And yes! Olympus as a company is so supportive. Moved from Canon after years and years to the OMD E M-1 MK II with pro lenses and realised that I should have done it much earlier...
Awesome Ranjan! Thanks for commenting!
So you turned away from Betamax to ultimately use VHS cameras.
LOL Roderick MacLeod - not even close!
As far as a shared platform and system it's a good analogy. Are the Olympus and Panasonic raw output the same or do they require different software to process?
Roderick MacLeod nope, Lightroom recognizes them both.
Fantastic video Joe! For me, working as a pro for over 30 years and using Nikon I just made the witch to Olympus and have been so happy. The image results are amazing , shot two jobs with my EM1Mrk 1 yes the Mrk 1 and my clients loved the images, I’m going to go all in with a Em1 mrk 2 and some pro lenses, just ordered a12-100 f4 pro zoom along with the 7-14mm f2.8 pro. Right now I’m using the EM1 Mrk 1 with the Olympus 14-150 ii and a Lumix 42.5 f1.7 prime . I bought it all just to get my feet wet so to speak. The results and ease of use sold me. Prints I’ve made for clients are clean and sharp with a natural rendering with very little post. Clean and accurate right out of the camera.
Thank you Gregory Varano! I really appreciate the kind words!
I don't know how are the US prices but the Olympus and Panasonic cameras cost as much as nikon/canon over here.
I am sorry to hear that Ran Bar-Levi. I am hearing that is the case in Brazil as well. Here in the US there is a substantial price difference.
Wow. Just got here. Amazing story and one I fully understand. I bike ride and back pack a lot. The Canon gear just got too heavy for me. I also walk around a lot since I am now living in a new country, Poland, recording video and images for my State side family/friends who are clueless as to what Poland looks like. I never leave my place without my camera, which is a Panasonic M43 G9. Before, a G7. Never. It fits nicely in my everyday bag, and with the 14-140mm (28-280mm FF equiv), IBIS, 4k, and all the other features, it is fun to take out and just explore. I don't even use a strap.
I subbed, even though I do not use Olympus. Your story is so close to mine. I am tired of chasing gear. I shot film decades ago with Minolta camera and lenses. And since you had like 24-36 shots per roll, you learned what to do to compose and chose the right ASA and film stock to get what you wanted.
Some of the most iconic images of the past century were shot with low megapixel or film.
Well, you got all the best lenses for the Oly and the mediocre primes for the Nikon. So for a lot of your lenses, the Oly has even shallower DOF than your Nikon primes. So it's an easy switch. I went a different route. I like my Canon L primes on full frame for photos, and my Panasonic GH5 and native primes for video. At the end of the day, selling off gear at a loss and getting money back for about 2-3 nice lenses isn't going to change anything. I am keeping both cameras and lenses and I'll let them complement each other. No need to compromises on your photos just to have best 4K and vice versa.
LOL - why do you place shallow depth of field as such a priority Michael Ma? A good photographer knows multiple ways to create shallow depth of field. I had no problem with my Nikon lenses and am having no problem with my Olympus lenses.
An astonishing video: concise, respectful, well documented, no superfluous material, no hate toward others, no showing-off... Joe, with some minor modifications, this could be made into a TED talk.
Wait...your left handed?
Kinda makes you wonder if lefties really are in their right mind Kelly Bents!
Left handers are smarter.
I think creative people are disproportionately left handed. They should bring out some kind of left handed battery grip with controls on the other side.
tw25rw all of that is just a myth
Thank you!! You made my heart sing when you said that photography should be fun. Enjoy the adventure of finding the subjects YOU want to photograph with the gear YOU love. Your abilities will never rise above the crowd if you are intent on following the crowd. Love your channel and your passion for the art of photography.
As much as I’ve heard you criticize geartographers, it seems this is what this space has turned into,
Relax Tomas Alejo! Still the same space - I have over one hundred thousand subscribers and a lot of them want to know about the gear as well. My use of "GEARtographers" is for people who have more interest in their toys than they do creating great images. I have plenty more shooting tutorials coming.
All I know is that you are going to LOVE light painting with your new Olympus E-M1 mk2. The 'Live Composite' feature is like no other. All the best, Joe.
Thank you MuertoInc! I appreciate the comment.
M43 family 💖 group hug guys
Glad to be part of the family! Thanks for the kind words Frances Remo!
love this video. all my life i am an olympus user (31 years). when my incredible e5 started to die i thought i would not adapt with EVF for precise focusing, i mainly shot birds. so i got the Nikon d7200 + nikkor 200-500mm i got some amazing shots but i did not feel comfortable at all. the lens stabilization is nice but for me as a tiny women the issue is to use that humongous lens and body handheld.
so i am back to my pen f and added to it the OM D em 5 markii. really fun gear.
Seems like paid Olympus video, no comparison to Nikon D810 that Joe doesn't use anymore, no one evidence of comparison to Nikon that Olympus is better, hence No reason to switch.
Nikon is better in all terms, but weight.
It always was about a photographer and not the camera.
Unsubscribing from this channel,
Bye bye
Maxim Dupliy you are exactly the kind of viewer that I don't want. I NEVER said Olympus is better than Nikon. I said Olympus is better for me - in fact I mentioned that several times. You are clearly a GEARtographer because the entire part about having fun with photography and WHY was clearly missed on your part. ADIOS!
Just found this Joe - some great comments and great suggestions about renting and it's all about taking pictures and fun! Still on the fence between E-M1 ii and Lumix G9 but I do love the E-M10 ii I shoot with for fun...
Awesome Paul Higgins Photography! Thanks for commenting!
Ha! dumped all my e-m1 bodies and lenses to go back to Canon full frame, Olympus is overpriced and at the limit of what the format can do. Olympus m43 is good but not that good...
For you..... Jonathan Pearson - not for me. The camera is not what makes a photograph good - never has been - it is just a tool that a good photographer utilizes. I'm getting great results with mine.
I'm sure in the 1800's, the horse and buggy with springs were at the limit of what that technology could do. Technology and science is only as good as our knowledge today. Tomorrow, someone will discover something else and improve the Four Thirds sensor even more. If you look back at online comments two or three years ago, I'm sure you'll find many like yours indicating MFT has hit it's limits. Yet, the past two or three years there has been improvement and who is to say that some significant technological advance won't be found and applied here.
@@luislebron4785 Yes, just like the horse and buggy... When people thought it reached its limits, someone discovered a way to make it keep up with the automobile. And that's why we're still using horse and buggies!
I have no dog in this fight, but lol @ your example.
Waiting for your Olympus photo videos. I also switched 4 month ago from Canon to Fuji, last week i bought the 5-140 2.8 lens, uau. Really glad with it.
Thanks for commenting Paulo Parreira!
What the hate with Sony?
Modern Sony Corp different with Old Sony Corp, they overhauled the company few years ago.
FYI Modern Sony Corp owned partial of Olympus Corp.
They injected Olympus with alot of great technology (sensor, chips etc)
Without Sony Commitment to support m4/3 development for Olympus,....... Panasonic m4/3 will kick Oly in the nuts.
Sony even helped Olympus make profit for first time in 7 years profit loss.
Btw this Oly EM1 mk ii is Japan Camera of The Year 2016-2017.
You cant go wrong with it.
No hate for Sony Minolta King - in fact I believe I was very complimentary to them in the video. To be clear - Sony is NOT a part of the m4/3 development scenario. Here is the list of consortium members: www.four-thirds.org/en/contact/group.html Sony did purchase a major stake in Olympus back in late 2012 / early 2013 at a time when Sony was coming out of a bad financial stretch and was able to use the Olympus medical business to improve its bottom line. Olympus was also recovering from a bad experience with a previous CEO. Sony has supplied sensors to Olympus a they have also done with Nikon and others. I appreciate the background - just want to be sure we get the facts straight. Thanks for watching!
If only sony has a f1.2 lens. . .
Minolta King Do you realise Panasonic was one of the few companies at the very beginning to introduce and market mirrorless cameras. When everyone was still using the old DSLR systems.
Excellent video! All your reasons for moving to Olympus make a lot of sense. As I have gotten older, I don't enjoy carrying my heavy Nikon gear around as much as I used to. I took my son to London and Paris this summer and he ended up carrying my cameras a lot. Whereas, I am not ready to make a complete change, I have now purchased a Olympus OM-D-10 Mark 2. I keep it, along with a couple of lenses, in a small makeup bag my wife gave me, which I then carry in my brief case. It goes everywhere with me and I always have it out. As a result, I am taking a lot more photos.
Awesome Aaron Robins! Thanks for commenting!
Joe Edleman, as always, you ARE the Man! Really appreciate how you approach all the subjects you share with us. Thank you!
Thank you Dan Brunson! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Sony user here, but this video made me a fan of you. I love that you said remember what made us get into photography - it’s about the image and having fun. Not about the gear as much. Sometimes I use my phone for pics, and I love the pics sometimes more.
Thank you for the kind words Armando Severino ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos! And if you are a Sony guy - be sure to subscribe to Manny Ortiz!
I originally got my G7 for video and found that I truly enjoyed taking stills. Barely a couple months after that, I got a GH5 and my fun was just getting better with the added features and capabilities of the camera. I've collected 3 Pana/Leica lenses for my specific applications (video + some portrait and dance photography) as well as some mini speed lights by Godox--the best part is that it all fits in a Lowepro Slingshot 102 bag! Looking ahead, I'm working to get a G9 body to complement my GH5 and I am super excited at the possibilities with my little kit!
However, it would be remiss of me not to mention that both you and Gavin have been a huge source of inspiration and encouragement along my short 4-5 month journey! Not only are your videos amazingly fun and pleasant to watch, but you're probably the only two RUclips photographers who are real professionals that know their craft inside out.
How can I tell? Because rather than talking about brands, specs, etc. you both jump right into the topic and how to create wonderful images in a way even a newbie like me can understand! That, in my opinion, is the mark of a true artist: conveying your passion effortlessly to any audience while inspiring them at the same time. Keep up the amazing work and I'm glad to be another subscriber to your channel :-)
Joe, I couldn't be happier for you. I migrated away from full frame to m43 about 18 months ago and, like you, I'm glad I did.
Thank you Mark Wagner! I appreciate the kind words and support!
If you’re right about anything Joe, it’s the fun aspect of shooting. I don’t care what camera you have, if you aren’t having fun, it’ll show up in your images. Can’t wait to see more!
Went from Nikon to Olympus for almost the same reasons you did. I shoot more than ever and my pictures are still awesome because Photography is fun again. My job is fun again. Happy shooting Joe.
Brilliant video Joe,look forward to your next videos as you talk alot of sense. Thanks.
I am so glad I went mirrorless. Earlier this year I wanted to upgrade from my Canon T3i since the low light performance was just not great for my concert work. I was originally going to go with the Nikon D810 but when I was talking with a guy at a local camera store about what I shot he handed me the Fujifilm X-T2. He had some examples of his low light work and I was impressed. So I decided to give a try... and I was blown away with what I could do with it. Plus I'm not having to carry around a big bulky camera nor do I have to menu dive for settings. It reminded me of shooting on film in high school. I can just go CREATE.
I'm glad that companies like Olympus and Fujifilm are really trying to push things forward where companies like Canon and Nikon are barely paying attention to what's going on around them and what photographers want.
Congrats on the 100K by the way!
Thank you Reverend Hammer! I appreciate the comment.
Joe, I really enjoyed this video, it was like watching a rerun of my own journey. I have watched some of your other videos - and the true testament to your work is that unlike most of the photo youtube videos I watch at times, my wife finds yours pleasant enough that she doesn't ask me to switch off or watch in another room ;-)
I have been a Canon user since the 1970, having used great cameras along the way such as the magnificent F1n and the great EOS1n film cameras, then the digital 30D and finally the phenomenal 5DMIII. I had great glass - the 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200 2.8L lenses - the Canon holy trinity! The image quality was superb, but I started watching with interest when the original 4/3 system came out. Early this year I took a very close look at the micro four thirds system, I decided to make a radical jump. I was forced to completely re-gear when Canon abandoned the FD mount in favor of the EOS mount. Thanks to Craigslist, I didn't lose nearly as much of my hind end in this switch, but it was still an investment. I have been shooting exclusively with my Olympus Gear since this spring, and I have been having more fun than I can remember.
I now carry my camera gear virtually EVERYWHERE, and I have no regrets making the switch. I don't need to have anyone validate my choice, but I truly enjoyed watching this - I nodded my head throughout. I also have no ill will towards Canon - even after I got screwed when they made my rather large FD lens system obsolete ;-). I see the mirrorless wave gathering strength, and I think it will sweep DSLRs off the landscape as surely as film has been by digital. When the paradigm shifts, I wonder if Canon and Nikon will be able to shift with it - or get crushed like Eastman Kodak?
My MFT system (all Olympus so far):
E-M1 II
E-M5 II
17mm 1.8
25mm 1.8
45mm 1.8
75mm 1.8
12-40mm 2.8 Pro
7-14mm 2.8 Pro
Thank you Scott Parr! More importantly please tell your wife I said THANK YOU!!!!
My first camera was a a little point and shoot Olympus. I used that camera for years. Loved it. I got onto the Canon bandwagon, and it's cool, but I still remember that little Olympus. Thanks for the vid.
You're very welcome Peter Munz! I am glad you enjoyed it!
I did the exact same thing a hand full of years ago. I was surprised at the results I got the first time I picked up one of their cameras. It's amazing how nearly all modern digital camera systems designed for enthusiasts and pros, take equal or better quality pictures than 35mm film. I really think we forget that with all the marketing wank that's out there. We have become a society obsessed with specs and the constant pressure of upgrade to this and that.
Honestly, there's nothing like going out on a date night with the wife and grabbing the same camera used for pro work during the day, throwing a prime on it and snapping great shots at night. Im taking more photos than ever and absolutely love it!
Bravo Tim Fritz! Thanks for sharing!
Tim Fritz I did the same thing myself. A handful of years ago I tried out a Sony mirrorless body at a local car meet. I had always heard about mirrorless, but never seen one in the wild, it was intriguing, but I didn't bite.
I happens to be looking at cameras online and saw an image of an Olympus OMD body....and I swore that couldn't be digital! It's GOT to be a film camera, until I saw the rear. I decided to rent one for a while with a single lens (just the kit lens 14-42mm) and shoot exclusively with it. Before that weeks end, I had all of my Nikon gear listed for sale on ebay (besides flash guns which I could still use of course). I was in LOVE with the freedom that m43 gave me!
Fast forward to the launch of the EM5 mk2, and holy cow, what a phenomenal camera body. I picked up my favorite prime equivalents 45mm and the love of my life 50mm (for years I've used them almost exclusively). Kept the kit zoom cuz it's actually quite good. Picked up a cheap long range zoom (40-150 non-pro) just because.
I still can't believe how incredible m43 really is, and how much I can have with me at ALL TIMES (huge selling point for me), without space/weight penalty.
Might pick up an EM1 mk2, might now, the EM5 mk2 is still making me smile all the time lol.
Joe, welcome to Olympus and the m4/3 club! Your lens line up looks awesome but also check out the Oly 75mm f/1.8, it's my favourite m4/3 lens and just wonderful for portraits. I'm looking forward to more videos that share some of the features and advantages of the Oly system. Y.
Joe..I may be behind the ball but I just caught your video on the " Olympus " System that you just posted. First of all I must congratulate you on your wonderful presentation, it was simple, direct and honest. Even a old film hound like me could relate to your story. I intend to get me another Olympus Camera in the very near future. I am subscribing to your channel to learn more from your experiences, as you stated I do photography for the love & fun of it. Thanks a million. I wish the other U-Tubers were as succinct and direct as you were in the above video, you set the standard as far as I am concerned. Keep it going, Happy New Year..!
Welcome to M43!! I made the jump from Canon full frame to Olympus in 2014 and never looked back. I was tired of lugging that big heavy gear around and standing out with those white lenses. As you pointed out it brought the fun back to taking pictures and that makes all the difference in the world...
Joe, your and Gavin Hoey's videos are very informative, practical and fun to watch. My favourite photography channels!
Thank you Jin Xing! I appreciate the kind words and support!
This video gives the best explanation of the pros and cons of M43 that I have yet seen. Well done, Joe! I just got back into photography recently via an E-M1 mark 1. I am having a ball!
Keep up the great work!
IM 8)
Thank you ImpManiac! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Hello Joe. As a part time business, I have photographed weddings, portraits and sports. I began with the original Olympus OM1 and OM2, and later moved to Canon systems. I have been retired for three years now, and I find that I do not enjoy carrying a huge camera system around anymore. I bought an OM-D E-M5 2 years ago and have not picked up my Canon since then. I am extremely happy with my pint-sized Olympus.
Joe you're one of the few who truly understand the essence of photography. Very happy to see you're enjoying photography again. I had a similar epiphany when I first got my hands on Sony A7RII. I have been an avid Hassleblad and Canon loyalist. However, I did not abandoned either Canon or Hassleblad just added Sony to bring more excitement and fun to something I love. Good luck with Olympus. Keep posting great tutorials. Regards
Thank you Rayhan Qadri! I appreciate the kind words and support!
I made the move about four years ago and haven't looked back. Thanks for the great video.
You're welcome Bob McCarney I appreciate the comment!
Great choice ;) really good camera;) I just switched from Olympus to Fuji X-T3 just to have fun again of discoverig new system, but E-M1 Mark II was on my list too.
Awesome stoodi! Thanks for commenting!
Always informative videos--this was no different. You can spout all kinds of technical mumbo jumbo about why you like the gear, but it's the results that make a difference. I get tired of hearing others say to be pro you have to shoot full frame. Baloney! And your enthusiasm is a great testimony to the camera. As always, thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Ron Villarreal Glad you enjoyed it!
Very well made "intro" to the m4/3 system by rational reasoning by your needs and requirements.
It was as well nice that you didn't jump to format wars or other specs, only talked about what really matters, field of view you get to capture with lenses (ultra wide, wide, normal, short telephoto, long telephoto and super telephoto) and then how photography needs to be fun! (No one want's to go work that is mentally abusing or just dull. And some even want to go to work to mentally abuse others!)
I really much liked how you mentioned as well that 4/3" format was first digitally designed format. Although it is same as old 110 film that died fairly quickly, but the point still stands totally. Olympus wanted to make a digital format that has no legacy requirements and that fills the needs of the image quality for professionals as for amateurs. And as you so nicely mention too the 4:3 ratio fitting to most print sizes, I like to mention to others that Olympus choose the sensor size based empirical results that what people could hang on their walls and how large computer displays can go, without compromising the image quality or DOF requirements for the final image size requirements. And they did this with KODAK who was world largest film and print material manufacturer hint, knew little about requirements for image quality and final image sizes with DOF and all that people needed.
For the techno mumbo:
The m4/3 system is based to 4/3 system. (And need to correct little bit usual mistake people do, it ain't a m4/3 sensor, it is 4/3" sensor with m4/3 mount... :-/) and it has same mount but just smaller and two digital pins more than 4/3 system had, but otherwise it is just "Four Thirds 2.0" kind improvement. And then need to remind that Olympus has lots of legacy in their system, like how many knew that m4/3 (and 4/3) mount is exactly same as Olympus own SLR era OM-mount but just in smaller size? They kept even the focus and zoom rotation direction same etc. So they have a lot of legacy in their design, but they simply wanted to do three things well:
1) No compromise to image quality or style (DOF etc) for majority of the users needs (physical print size, digital file usage etc)
2) Minimum weight and size, without compromising point 1.
3) Easy operation to camera (like how many can say that E-M1 body ain't the best that is out there by its design philosophy of dual dial operation?) and good looking (tools can look nice too to make them more fun to use!).
What Olympus didn't do in first place was to take count for videographers, as that was the Panasonic side of the things. Olympus only delivered nice out of the camera quality for casual cases when video was wanted to be captured. Nothing more but nothing less. Like comparing Olympus legacy video to Canon or Nikon typical cameras and Olympus had far better quality out of the camera. But now they have been required by some to invest more to the video and they still are holding in the same philosophy, a camera primarily for stills and then for videographers.
But let's see do You jump back to Nikon after the honeymoon is over with the Olympus (or do you jump to ie. Panasonic etc, BlackMagic etc) ;)
And full respect that someone puts their "money where their mouth is" and is ready to go against main stream to find out what else there is. You clearly did your homework before switch and knew what you were talking, as photography exactly ain't about megapixels, dynamic range, thinner than hair DOF etc. It is about creativity and your samples in this video proofs that you have high skills for work you do.
Thank you paristo! I appreciate the comment.