On a Mission – Choosing the Right Camera

This is a follow-up to the previous “On a Mission” article from a few days ago. I wrote it based on the journey I’ve taken, the doubts I had about whether to buy a new camera or not, and whether I actually needed a new camera. Eventually, it led to making a decision.

So, how did it all start? Well, I think every photographer among us has experienced the gear itch at some point, and maybe that’s also a factor to consider. But mostly, it’s about how I’ve evolved as a wildlife and nature photographer, and how my current kit could meet those needs. The moment I switched from Fujifilm to Olympus might have been an unfortunate timing, but I did learn a lot from it.

The reason why I might need a new camera also stems from that learning period. The first camera that really opened up the world of nature photography for me was the E-M1 Mark II, followed quickly by the E-M1 Mark III, a new camera. And a bit later, the E-M1X. It was the latter camera that showed what was possible, and somewhere along the line, I found it better than my newly purchased E-M1 Mark III. Unfortunately, the E-M1X was also big and heavy, but it was/is a fantastic camera.

The OM-1 had already been released by then, but a new camera from a new company – OM System – made me a bit hesitant. I could see the benefits this camera offered, of which I had already had a taste with the E-M1X.

Fast forward to the present. Panasonic has released the G9 Mark II, also with AI recognition and a 25MP sensor. There was also the GH6 with the same sensor, but because it had been out for a bit longer, it could now be found here and there as a bargain. But are these the cameras I’m looking for? That’s what I was trying to figure out.

I’ve said before that the reviews you find online don’t really help with making the right decision. The reviews are biased – sometimes by ties to a company – colored by personal needs and desires, and everything is presented nicely. However, the technical aspects are interesting to consider and can help with comparisons.

Right now, this writing is heavily focused on my thoughts and observations, but I deliberately haven’t included them here because it’s so personal. If you, as a reader, find yourself at a similar crossroads, I recommend using the same approach as I did. So, I’ve chosen the most important elements for me from each camera and lined them up side by side – the sensor, stabilization, AI capabilities, AF type and capabilities, as well as dimensions and weight, which are also important. Also, some things I didn’t have before, like the graduated filter on the OM-1, writing to an external drive on the G9 MKII, etc.

I also think it’s important to consider what stage a particular camera is in – for example, the Panasonic has a new sensor that currently has little known about it, they’re taking their first steps with phase detect AF, and there are a few other things you need to be aware of – are these improvements on an existing design, or are they innovations that are still untested or have yet to prove their worth over time?

Based on all of this, I’ve chosen the new OM System OM-1 Mark II. The most decisive elements in the end were as follows:

• Sensor with 20 megapixels – already satisfied with it, and 25 megapixels isn’t really necessary.
• Improved image stabilization – important to me, and I find it better than what the competition offers.
• Enhanced AI and AF – Olympus and OM System are more focused on nature photography, whereas Panasonic leans towards video, which is less important to me.
• Live GND and ND filter option – can replace all my glass filters, no more hassle.
• More compact and lighter camera than Panasonic G9MKII and GH6

I have a hunch that OM System might also introduce a 25-megapixel sensor camera soon, but if I’m being completely frank, while it’s certainly appealing, is it truly essential? And what will the price tag be for this innovation? I believe now is the perfect time to switch to OM System, especially with its robust features tailored for nature photographers. And that’s what it’s all about.

a sneak peek of my delivery today :

Conclusion :

Before purchasing a new camera – and that can be also a lens, or accessory, it’s crucial to clearly define your needs and desires. A handy way to do this is by creating a checklist of key criteria, ranked by their importance. These criteria may include factors such as image quality, speed, video recording capabilities, portability, and budget.

If you already own a camera, take a moment to evaluate what your current camera does well and where there’s room for improvement. Identify its strengths and weaknesses, and consider what you’d like to change or add to your kit.

This article was written by Marc R.
While I primarily speak Dutch and have some knowledge of English and a little French, ChatGPT helps ensure my writing is grammatically correct. I often mix Dutch and English in my drafts, and ChatGPT steps in to translate and correct.

La Gallerie

The photo gallery of Open Source Photography, Olympus micro 4/3 system, Vintage Lens Photograpy, Film Simulation, PictureFX, HDR – Photographer : Marc R.