No, Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) is not dead! I feel like at least once a year I have to write this down. I’m often asked, “MFT cameras can’t keep up with a full-frame like Sony, why bother?” To be fair, 5 years ago that question had Canon instead of Sony in it so I guess Sony should’ve stopped making cameras then. In either case, it’s a really ill-informed question equating sensor size as the only determining factor in what makes a good camera or worse, a good image.
Here’s another one from the archives as Alberto chats with the founder of Nice Film Club, Joshua Goldberg on the resurgence of film photography in a digital world. In this episode, they talk about their mutual passion for film and shooting film as well as how the concept of on-demand darkroom services -ahem- developed.
Olympus Announces It’s Getting Out of the Camera Business
It’s been rumored for several months now, but it looks like these rumors were true. Today, Olympus announced that it will be getting out of the consumer camera business and focusing on their other (more profitable) product lines (specifically medical imaging).
As most of us are about a month deep into social distancings (whether by choice or mandate), but this episode’s guest – Olympus Trailblazer, Jamie MacDonald – shares some of his creative process and how he’s staying sharp as we’re all staying home.
While most people instantly think of Instagram or Facebook as the go-to places for showcasing their photography, there’s something magical about seeing your work in print. We’re all about bridging your digital world with the tangible so when we got a chance to try a new printing device we had to give it a go. Recently Saal Digital, a new photo printing service, reached out and invited us to try out their professional photo book service. Saal Digital promised an intuitive user experience with a spectacular finish that’s worthy of being a family heirloom; challenge accepted.
I recently was loaned an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and have been using it for a little over 2 weeks now. In that time, I was reminded about my love of the small, Micro Four-Thirds camera bodies (I’ve been shooting Medium Format film and a Fujifilm X-Pro 1 exclusively for about a year and a half). I’ve forgotten how great it is having a camera that’s easy to carry and doesn’t attract too much attention when shooting street or concerts.
While the E-M10’s small form factor is a nice plus, its flexibility to work well for snapshots and actual photographic work makes this one the more slept on cameras available now. The E-M10’s spec sheet puts it on par with most mid-range cameras like the Canon T7i, Sony a6000, Nikon D5600 or the Panasonic GX85. Unlike the APS-C cameras listed before, the E-M10 offers WiFi connectivity and 4K video at 24 and 30 frames per second. To sweeten the deal, the Micro Four-Thirds format boasts a wealth of lens options (trust me, you’ll want to get rid of the power zoom kit lens), many at very affordable price points.
Product Shots
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The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk. III at a Glance
• 16-Megapixel Micro Four-Thirds CMOS sensor without Anti-Aliasing Filter
• TruePic VIII processor
• 121-point Contrast Detect Auto Focusing System
• In-body 5-axis image stabilization
• 8.6 fps high/ 4.8 fps low continuous shooting
• 2.36M dot Electronic Viewfinder
• 4k Video at 24 and 30 fps | Nighttime Live Composite | 15 Art Filters
Who is this for?
If you’re looking to get into photography, want something better than your phone’s camera, or are looking for a second, smaller camera for travel, the E-M10 III absolutely fits the bill. This camera offers beginners a guided tour into the world of photography thanks to its Advanced Photo options, Art Filters, while still allowing for full manual controls once you’ve gotten tired of shooting in Auto (or Program) and are ready to push the camera’s limits. Sadly, this isn’t the perfect camera for everyone; despite the 4K video option, the E-M10 III omits a mic-in jack which keeps this from being the perfect vlogging camera.
Still, if you’re primarily interested in stills, the E-M10 III offers a fine balance of ease of use and portability with a high enough ceiling for a budding creative like yourself.
Recently, Panasonic announced the newest Micro Four-Thirds, Mirrorless camera, the LUMIX DMC-G9. The G9 offers prosumers and enthusiasts a slightly cheaper alternative to the flagship GH5 camera with some compromises. The G9 boasts some substantial upgrades to the LUMIX DMC-G8 but is the newest in-between camera have the goods?Continue reading
We’ll be at PhotoPlus Expo 2017 for the next couple of days bringing you the latest in Photography Gear and this year, checking out the first ever AR/VR Expo. On the docket today will be coverage from the expo floor and checking out the latest from Sony (hint, hint, we’re going to fondle the new Sony a7R III) and checking out the new lenses from LensBaby and more.
Check back here throughout the day for more coverage from the show floor.
The Sony Booth
We shot some demo reels from the Sony booth and got a first look at the Sony a7R III. Some quick things to know about the Sony a7R III – it features a 42.4-megapixel Full-Frame sensor, 399 phase detection and 425 contrast autofocus points, 10 frames per second shooting speeds, a 3.9 million dot blackout-free electronic viewfinder, a ridiculous 100-320000 ISO range, and it carries over the a9’s larger battery – which boasts all-day shooting capabilities in the a7R III.
This is the Mirrorless camera that has already taken Nikon’s lunch is hot on the heels of replacing the Canon 5D Mark IV as the go-to camera for professional photographers. You can check out the walk through here.
Between wildfires, hurricanes and massive flooding, the U.S. is experiencing an onslaught of natural disasters that span the country. And if there is any bright side to the darkness of our weather forecast and smoky skies, it’s the opportunity to document through photos the great power and majesty that is Mother Nature.
But taking photos near a storm or fire is risky business, and should not be taken lightly. Photographers need to follow certain guidelines if they choose to document these events in order to stay safe and keep their equipment intact as well.
Don’t get too close
Find the best safe spot, use a telephoto lens if necessary. Don’t risk getting too close to the action if we’re talking about volcanoes, landslides, tornadoes or anything else extremely high-risk. Sometimes it’s just better to take pictures after the event and not during. Use your best judgment here. A good photo is worth a lot, but it’s never worth your life!
Dress for success
Gear up with the proper equipment and clothing to keep yourself safe, warm and dry. Rain coat and rubber boots for flooded areas, mask and fire proximity suit for photographing wildfires, etc. Take care of yourself first, and then worry about the camera and gear.
Find the right case
Roman Demkiv | Dreamstime
Protection comes first, so a waterproof case is mandatory for cameras in areas with hurricanes and flood conditions. Plastic cases should not be used in forest fires areas; the plastic might melt and damage the camera and the lens. As a bonus, find a case that is shock-insulated with foam to protect delicate equipment in transit.
Protect the lens
There’s a reason professional photographers keep a collapsible lens hood in their mobile cases. In bright conditions, they’re great for blocking glare, reducing lens flair, and producing captivating photos.
They also double as a guard against bad weather. If the weather turns during a shoot, a lens hood can block rain and snow from settling on the lens. In addition to keeping the lens dry, it ensures a slight change in the weather won’t force a cancellation.
Stay Dry
It doesn’t matter if you’re caught in a monsoon in the forest or a pop-up storm during a wedding shoot: bad weather ruins equipment.
Savvy photographers guard against this sudden misfortune by keeping several dry bags in their cases. Cheaper versions are simple plastic bags, but more secure options include treated canvas and other fabrics safe for use on camera equipment.
Back up, back up and back up again
Katser | Dreamstime
With any weather mishap, there comes a risk of losing your work. Backing up your photos might be the most important part of your job as a photographer. While sometimes in photography less is more, when it comes to backing up your work, more is never enough. Basically, you should have your work stored in at least 3 different places, one of them in a different location. I would recommend keeping important photos on your computer, on an external hard drive and on a cloud storage platform. From time to time, it wouldn’t hurt to burn some DVDs and mail them to a trustful friend or member of your family. If you’re shooting film, you should start scanning your negatives and store them exactly like I said above, in at least 3 different places.
What do you get the photographer and whiskey lover that has it all? If money ain’t a thing and rare cask whiskeys are your drink of choice, The Macallan Masters of Photography: Steven Klein edition may be one of the most coveted luxury boxes of the year. The box features the ultra rare liquor – only 100 bottles will be available in the U.S. – along with one of ten signed prints by iconic fashion photographer Steven Klein. The box also features a custom horse’s head bottle stopper and an array of custom barware to get a unique flavor experience that the nearly $3,000 price tag promises.Continue reading
