Gear Reviews, Micro 4/3 (OM-D/M.Zuiko)

6 Years. No Regrets

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This month marks 6 years since my wife and I decided to take the plunge and switch to Olympus/OM System M4/3 equipment. After countless hours in the field capturing hundreds of thousands of images, we can honestly say that we have absolutely no regrets about making this change.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge. To view this article in a number of different languages click on the Canadian flag in the upper right corner. 

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS with 10mm extension tube, 92mm, f/4, 1/25, ISO-800, handheld in-camera focus stacking

Rather than a typical gear review, this posting centres on attitudinal and emotional connections that can link a photographer with their equipment. It shares some specific examples of images that have contributed to the formation of those attitudinal and emotional links during my own photographic journey.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, efov 120 mm, f/5.6, 1/30, ISO-1600, cropped to 3775 pixels on the width, Handheld Hi Res, subject distance 735 mm

The pronoun we is used in a broad sense to express my personal feelings… while recognizing the potential that other Olympus/OM owners may share some of these same feelings. 

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II @ 63 mm, efov 126 mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-250

Being out in the field with our Olympus/OM gear creates feelings of calm, confidence and creativity. These feelings stem from the flexibility and reliability of our kit.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II @ 31 mm, efov 62 mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO-500

Back in May 2019 when I first started going out with my E-M1X and M.Zuiko lenses to popular birding locations, I had moments when I could really relate to That Wanaka Tree. Alive and thriving… but basically alone.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.7 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 560 mm, efov 1120 mm, f/9, 1/2500, ISO-2000, Pro Capture H mode, subject distance 24.8 metres

Back then there were precious few other Olympus owners in my local area. That has changed for the better during the past 6 years with more and more photographers making the switch.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/8, -1.3 EV, 1/1000, ISO-125

Since I was new to the brand it took a little bit of time for me to learn that there was an interesting kinship amongst Olympus owners. We march to a different drummer. And, we don’t much care about what anyone else around us has…  says… or does.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/4, 1/50, ISO-640, cropped to 4852 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.3 metres

Many of us have a bulldog mentality. We know what we want to achieve with our camera gear… and we have the determination and perseverance to keep pushing forward. We love the technology inside our cameras and value how it enables, and expands, our creativity.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II @ 70 mm, efov 140 mm, f/8, 1/1600, ISO-2500

We’re not afraid to take some chances along our photographic journeys. We relish challenges. Pushing our camera gear to see what we can accomplish with it, is both invigorating and liberating.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II @ 25 mm, efov 50 mm, f/8, 1/1600, ISO-500, Pro Capture L, cropped to 3693 pixels on the width

We compete with our own best selves and clear new hurdles as we pursue our photographic passions. Our camera gear is a partner in those journeys.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II @ 36 mm, efov 72 mm, f/8, 1/60, ISO-400

We don’t run for cover or take out rain sleeves when inclement weather arrives. Instead, there is a deep and well founded confidence in the weather sealing built into our camera bodies and M.Zuiko lenses.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II @ 20 mm, efov 40 mm, f/8, 1/5, ISO-200, handheld Live ND, cropped to 5210 pixels on the width

Over the past 6 years I’ve become spoiled by the computational photography technology in my E-M1X. Functions like Pro Capture, Handheld Hi Res, In-Camera Focus Stacking, AI Subject Detection, and Live ND to name a few.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 23 mm, efov 46 mm, f/8, -1.0 EV, 1.6 seconds, ISO-500, handheld Live ND

Depending on the photographic genre some of these technologies account for well over 75% of my images in specific subject categories.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 548 mm, efov 1096 mm, f/6.3, 1/2000, ISO-320, Pro Capture L, Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking, cropped to 3936 pixels on the width, subject distance 33.2 metres

Combining some of these technologies like Pro Capture L with Bird Detection AI have completely changed how I capture images for specific subject matter… such as birds-in-flight.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/16, 1/800, ISO-6400, full frame capture, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, subject distance 285 mm

Using M.Zuiko teleconverters like the MC-20 in tandem with in-camera focus stacking has dramatically expanded my handheld macro photography potential.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 373 mm,. efov 746 mm, f/7.1, 1/2500, ISO-5000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 2151 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.1 metres

My wife and I have been extremely pleased with the image quality of our M.Zuiko lenses. This allows me to spend a minimum of time in post processing… typically a maximum of about 3-4 minutes or so per image. This includes computer processing time.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/2500, ISO-2000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3840 pixels on the width, subject distance 6.6 metres

Lens optical quality combined with computational photography technologies have enabled me to confidently capture images that were little more than hit and miss in the past.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 560 mm, efov 1120 mm, f/9, +0.3 EV, 1/2500, ISO-1000, cropped to 3349 pixels on the width, Bird Detection AI, Pro Capture L, subject distance 71.9 metres

Consistently capturing precise action moments has extended what is possible when I’m out photographing nature.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 560 mm, efov 1120 mm, f/9, +0.3 EV, 1/2500, ISO-1250, cropped to 3373 pixels on the width, Bird Detection AI, Pro Capture L, subject distance 51.3 metres
OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 454 mm, efov 908 mm, f/8.9, 1/1600, ISO-2500, Pro Capture L, Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking, cropped to 3262 pixels on the width, subject distance 45.9 metres

Photographing a tern or osprey doing mid-air shakes can be captured with regularity and confidence.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/11 -0.3 EV, 1/2500, ISO-3200, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3252 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.9 metres

As can photographing dragonflies in flight.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro and M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/13, -0.3 EV, 1/2500, ISO-1600, cropped to 2569 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 745 mm

Flies taking off.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/1250, ISO-2000, 16 mm extension tube used, cropped to 3509 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H mode

Bees landing on flowers.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 560 mm, efov 1120 mm, f/9, 1/5000, ISO-6400, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3692 pixels on the width, subject distance 4.1 metres

Incredible mid-air altercations between dragonflies.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 280 mm, efov 560 mm, f/8.4, 1/8000, ISO-10000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3785 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.9 metres

Or swallows interacting during a fly-by blur… shot handheld at ISO-10000.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS @ 24 mm, efov 48 mm, f/5.6, 4 sec, ISO-200

Utilizing the wonderful IBIS performance in my E-M1X allows handheld exposures of static subjects of 4 seconds or more. This helps me make full use of the available dynamic range in my camera under low light conditions when photographing static subjects.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 50 mm, efov 100 mm, f/4, 1/5, ISO-200

Handheld images captured at 1/5 of a second are commonplace, and are as easy as falling off a log.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 285 mm, efov 570 mm, f/6.3, 1/4000, ISO-16000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3718 pixels on the width, subject distance 4.1 metres

Rather than accepting common beliefs (and some misconceptions)  about the limitations of small sensor cameras, reality is found by pushing our Olympus/OM gear beyond what others say is not possible. The image above was shot at ISO-16000 through my kitchen window using a shutter speed of 1/4000.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 Teleconverter and Digital Teleconverter @ 252 mm, efov 504 mm, f/9, 1/320, ISO-800, Handheld In-Camera Focus Stacking, full frame capture, subject distance 270 mm

We can be absolutely crazy in how we push boundaries. Like combining the use of an M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter, in-camera focus stacking, with the 2X Digital Teleconverter in my E-M1X body (total efov 504 mm). This is not only possible for handheld macro photography… but gets my mind musing about what else I could do with my Olympus/OM gear.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 840 mm, efov 1680 mm, f/9, -0,3 EV, 1/2000, ISO-1000, full frame capture without any cropping, subject distance 24 metres

Innovative lenses like the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS bring wildlife visually closer than ever before… especially when teleconverters like the MC-14 are used.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 373 mm, efov 746 mm, f/6.3, 1/2500, ISO-640, cropped to 3024 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 7.4 metres

Opportunities to capture beautiful action images abound with the family of high quality, responsive M.Zuiko lenses, and technology packed Olympus/OM camera bodies.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 180 mm, efov 360 mm, f/22, 1/250, ISO-6400, cropped to 4222 pixels on the width, subject distance 315 mm

We happily experiment… like capturing a handheld macro image with the MC-20 teleconverter, using an aperture of f/22, at ISO-6400 just for the fun of it… and to see what the results could be.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 600 mm, efov 1200 mm, f/6.3, 1/13, ISO-640, full frame capture, subject distance 2.8 metres

Getting a tack sharp image when shooting handheld at an equivalent field-of-view of 1200 mm using a shutter speed of 1/13th of a second opens up more photographic potential… thanks to Sync-IS.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 429 mm, efov 858 mm, f/6.3, -0.7 EV, 1/200, ISO-125, cropped to 1248 pixels on the width, subject distance 3.5 metres

Over the past 6 years none of our Olympus/OM camera gear has needed any servicing. Thanks to the Supersonic Wave Filter our E-M1X and E-M1 Mark III bodies have never needed any of their sensors cleaned.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko PRO 12-40 mm f/6.3 @ 34 mm, efov 68 mm, f/6.3, 1/200, ISO-6400, cropped to 4637 pixels on the width, subject distance 870 mm

The past 6 years have flown by. Through it all, our Olympus/OM kit has handled every challenge that we have thrown at it. In a very real sense it has become an extension of my creative impulses. It facilitates my creativity… and never gets in the way.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/5.6, 1/30, ISO-200, in-camera focus stacking, subject distance 365 mm

Some people get fixated on what a camera is. To them a camera is little more than a physical item. They study specifications intensely and fret about minute differences. They debate sensor sizes and pixel density. They squint their eyes as they pixel peep images.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/8, ISO-500, spot metering, full frame capture, subject distance 5.8 metres

Many fail to understand that what a camera is physically… isn’t that important. Ultimately the only things that are of paramount importance are how well camera gear connects with a photographer’s creative spirit, and what they can produce with their gear.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/8, 1/4000, ISO-1250, Pro Capture L, Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking, cropped to 1999 pixels on the width, subject distance 25.8 metres

Our Olympus/OM kit is more than just some camera equipment. It represents a creative philosophy. A perspective of how we view the world around us. How we want to experience it, and capture its beauty every day.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 PRO IS @ 38 mm, efov 76 mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO-3200, handheld in-camera focus stacking, cropped to 4106 pixels on the width, subject distance 355 mm

My Olympus/OM kit is a part of me. It is a set of emotions. Fierce independence. Being driven to explore and push past existing boundaries.  A rejection of popular opinion.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 PRO IS macro with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 126 mm, efov 252 mm, f/13, -0.3 EV, 1/250, ISO-200, M.Zuiko STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, cropped to 2193 pixels on the width, subject distance 250 mm

We all pick the camera gear that best meets our needs… and in some cases we search for gear that resonates emotionally with us. Some photographers “get” what using Olympus/OM equipment and technology is all about.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 449 mm, efov 898 mm, f/6.3, 1/2500, ISO-1600, Pro Capture H, cropped to 2788 pixels on the width, subject distance 11.4 metres

You may find yourself doubting the value of Olympus/OM gear by comparing the cost, and other factors, with full frame and other equipment. There may be a  lack of connection and a feeling of dissonance. That’s something that all of us face in one way or another in life… in a number of areas, not just photography.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/60, ISO-400, handheld in-camera focus stacking, subject distance 1.3 metres

If the equipment from a specific camera brand doesn’t connect emotionally with you… just move on and buy something else. At some point should you feel those connections and emotions… as I’ve been fortunate to experience… your photography will change for the better. Regardless of the brand of equipment you own.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, 1/2500, f/6.7, ISO-2000, cropped to 3702 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 14.9 metres, GPS: S 37 32 44.7 E 175 55 12.2639

Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera equipment  noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files or out-of-camera jpegs using my standard process in post. This is the 1,457 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro with STF-8 Twin Macro Flash, f/11, 1/250 ISO-200, subject distance 270 mm

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10 thoughts on “6 Years. No Regrets”

  1. Tom….I really enjoy your writing and have followed you down the M4/3 path. I do wonder if you still shoot with the 40-150, as few of your recent posts are with this lens. It seems you have migrated to the 14-100 and 100-400 combo.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jon,

      Yes I absolutely still use the M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8. You’ve seen some recent content about the 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II as we used that lens as part of our New Zealand kit. My main birding lens is now the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS, which has replaced the 100-400 and the PRO 40-150 mm with MC-20 teleconverter.

      I imagine you’ll start to see more new images captured with the PRO 40-150 f/2.8 in the late spring and early summer as this lens is my main lens for flower photography.

      Tom

      Reply

  2. I’ve also found a connection between myself and the photo equipment that I’m using provided I use the equipment often enough. I think that the ‘connection’ feeling comes from familiarity with the equipment being used. Familiarity breeds content.

    Reply

    1. Hi Lewsh,

      Great to hear that you have a good connection with your photo equipment! As mentioned in the article, the actual brand and format of gear doesn’t matter as long as it resonates with a photographer.

      Tom

      Reply

  3. Wonderful images once again, I’m stunned! What a great 6 years you both have had. I have no regrets either on my >10 years tour with E-PL5, E-PM2, E-M10 mk1 & 4, OM-5, Tough TG-7 (not M4/3, but an incredible macro beast) and with several fantastic objectives.

    Reply

    1. Hi Iikka,

      Thanks for adding to the discussion by sharing your experiences over the past 10 years. We also have a TG-5 which is a terrific camera in its niche. I agree that the microscopic mode is fantastic.

      Tom

      Reply

  4. Hi Tom thanks for another excellent piece about your experience with your set up. I am similar it’s been about five years with an Olympus OMD EM1 MK3 and recently my beautiful OMD EM1-X. I have never wanted anything else! It gives amazing photography experience very time.

    Reply

    1. Hi Mark,

      The E-M1X has spoiled me! Even though I’ve been shooting with this wonderful camera for 6 years… it still feels brand new to me. I love the comfort and handling, as well as all of computational technology.

      Tom

      Reply

  5. Well said, Tom. Thank you for expressing so well the emotional connection I have with Olympus/OM Systems and those of so many other OM users I’ve spoken with. And your photos, well, amazing. Beautiful. They illustrate the connections you have with your equipment and with the environment around you, as well as your well-honed technical abilities.

    Reply

    1. Hi Terry,

      Thank you very much for your kind words… much appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed the article… and also have some emotional connections with your OM/Olympus kit.

      Tom

      Reply

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