I recently visited the Floral Showhouse Gardens & Tropical Foyer in Niagara Falls Canada. While at the facility I captured a number of Handheld Hi Res cactus images with my Olympus OM-D E-M1X and M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
Like many things in life, I’ve found that the more I use the E-M1X’s Handheld Hi Res Mode… the easier it gets.
The majority of photographs in this article were single attempt captures. By way of a message on the rear screen, the E-M1X will advise a photographer if a Handheld Hi Res Mode image attempt failed.
As I’ve become more familiar using the E-M1X Handheld Hi Res Mode for macro photography I’ve found using shutter speeds of 1/320 or 1/400 work well. Photographing from the rear screen rather than using the EVF also seems to help my Handheld Hi Res macro success rate.
When possible I looked for smooth, uncluttered backgrounds as this helps with subject separation.
When moving in close to some of the larger specimen I had to be careful not to inadvertently prick myself on some of the needles.
Since the Handheld Hi Res Mode captures 16 images, then combines them into one RAW file, it does quite a good job dealing with noise at high ISO values. This makes it well suited to use for macro photography.
The highest value at which the Handheld Hi Res Mode will work is ISO-6400.
I spent some time capturing Handheld Hi Res macro images of some of the other plants at the Floral Showhouse Gardens and Tropical Foyer. Another article is forthcoming that will feature some of those images.
Creating these Handheld Hi Res cactus images was an enjoyable experience. My comfort level with my OM-D E-M1X has increased significantly with each passing day. Using the Handheld Hi Res Mode for macro photography is something that now feels quite comfortable and normal.
Technical Note:
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process. All are presented as 100% captures without any cropping.
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Tom,
Exquisite and sharp details I must say, and all handheld too. Seems to me you’re not missing your tripod much these days 😀
Funny and bittersweet to note that while the trolls, shills and “photographers” are busy bashing the M4/3 format and preaching the full-frame gospel (exhibit A: https://www.dpreview.com/interviews/5856359476/interview-aki-murata-of-olympus-full-frame-isn-t-for-everybody?utm_source=self-desktop&utm_medium=marquee&utm_campaign=traffic_source) here you are making great images and uncovering the many features of your Olympus camera.
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
Hi Oggie,
Thanks for the supportive comment on the photographs in the latest article!
*shrugs* There will always be folks in photography chat rooms who, for whatever reason, like to dump on various camera brands and formats. After all the years of hearing all of the Nikon 1 criticisms, I just ignore this stuff.
It seems that many full frame folks love to talk about photographing moving subjects in low light or shallow depth of field. It’s as if these are the only two shooting conditions that exist in the world of photography. I’d be the first person to tell another photographer that M4/3 may not be the best format for their needs… especially if capturing moving subjects in low light is their main requirement. Shallow depth-of-field can be addressed in a few different ways as noted in a previous article.
I’ve met a number of photographers over the past number of months who have proactively asked about the E-M1X and some of its unique capabilities. Once I’ve demonstrated Pro Capture, Live ND and the Handheld Hi Res the vast majority of them have become ‘Olympus curious’. I am personally aware of two individuals who have sold their full frame gear and moved to the E-M1X and the M4/3 system.
It all comes down to the individual needs of a photographer. I’ve used full frame cameras in the past… and without question the E-M1X is the finest, most capable, and innovative camera I’ve ever used. I love this camera so much that I just bought a second one as a back-up body for our client video business. Nothing else meets my specific needs better… regardless of price or sensor size.
Tom
Excellent photos Tom and very interesting article. It is very helpful to learn of your experiences using this great camera and system.
Thanks Joel… I’m glad you found the article of interest! After six months I’ve only been able to scratch the surface of what is possible with E-M1X.
Tom