Getting into M4/3 (1 Viewer)

[Sirpotato]

Hello all,

I currently have a P950, and whilst I can get okish ID photos, I'd like something where I can get more successful shots without hunting for focus and also something I can use a macro lens on too. I saw the Canon R10 and the 800mm lens which look good, but the lenses offered by Olympus seem to be much nicer and more affordable both new and second hand and look of higher quality build.

I don't have too much money so I'd likely have to buy an older model. I saw some people offering the E-M1 MK iii nearby for $1200 Aud which seemed like a good deal. Is this still a good model? It doesn't come with any lenses etc.

 

[njlarsen]

I think this thread contains a discussion you will find relevant

Upgrading from Bridge Camera to M43

I am making a list of expectations now, to be followed by observations of how things play out. I am currently using a Panasonic FZ150 point-and-shoot camera, the results of which you can see in my gallery. I have learned a lot about photography and post-processing with this camera. On a nice...

www.birdforum.net

Niels

 

[Sirpotato]

I think this thread contains a discussion you will find relevant

Upgrading from Bridge Camera to M43

I am making a list of expectations now, to be followed by observations of how things play out. I am currently using a Panasonic FZ150 point-and-shoot camera, the results of which you can see in my gallery. I have learned a lot about photography and post-processing with this camera. On a nice...

www.birdforum.net

Niels

Very relevant, thank you Neils!

It sounds like the E-M1 MK ii or iii would be a good choice!

 

[Steve Gantlett]

Don't overlook the Sony RX10iv - sensor larger than other bridge cameras and proper autofocus for birds in flight.

 

[Steve Babbs]

Don't overlook the Sony RX10iv - sensor larger than other bridge cameras and proper autofocus for birds in flight.

Seconded.

 

[Sirpotato]

Ended up with a EM5 iii with 2 lenses (60mm macro) pretty happy with it... Might have to sell the p950 and get the 100-400mm now!

 

[BogBean]

I sold my Zeiss Scope, and my P1000; and bought a used OM-1, 100-400mm, and 90mm macro lens.
Not quite a straight swap, had to stump up about £300, but a very good move for me.
I've never enjoyed my photography this much.

I'm finding the 100-400 very good, indistinguishable from the 90mm macro at the closest range of the telephoto ~1.5 to 3 metres.
The zoom mechanism seems to have loosened nicely after a few weeks of use, and the results seem to have improved also. Maybe down to me becoming more used to the balance etc.
The in-camera Focus stacking, especially with the macro lens, is really good.


One thing I will say, my initial results weren't too encouraging, and it was only when I added a Lightroom monthly subscription to the mix that I've started getting photos I'm really happy with.

Biggest challenge is how to manage a camera full of 1000+ pics, and only wanting 10-20 of them to be downloaded for processing. That actually results in frequent swearing.

 

[MelospizaMelodiaFan]

Biggest challenge is how to manage a camera full of 1000+ pics, and only wanting 10-20 of them to be downloaded for processing. That actually results in frequent swearing.

How I currently deal with this is very low tech. I scroll through the images in camera, write down the ones I like, then only copy those onto my low powered Chromebook. It is much faster to review the images in camera, including zooming in to check fine focus.

 

[BogBean]

How I currently deal with this is very low tech. I scroll through the images in camera, write down the ones I like, then only copy those onto my low powered Chromebook. It is much faster to review the images in camera, including zooming in to check fine focus.

Yes, that's my only disappointment, and I find myself starring the good photos as I take them and review them in camera like you do.
Even then, just downloading the starred ones is not straightforward.
I can copy the lot onto my PC, then use adobe Bridge to sort by rating, this gets me the starred ones that then make it to lightroom.

 

[Sirpotato]

I'm having a lot of fun with my camera I got too, I got the 100-400 and I've added a flash and KR Flash Diffuser made by a local Aussie and its brilliant for macro and birding now. I'm so glad I replaced the P950 just to be able to get ID photos of birds in flight and even dense bush where the Nikon would have had a seizure trying to focus.

My other issue now I'm facing is that my old desktop I would have used to edit photos on broke so I'm literally importing into my phone and editing in there...Not idea!

I've attached some images for fun

 

[BogBean]

Very good. Did you use focus stacking for the spider on the stem?

 

[Sirpotato]

Very good. Did you use focus stacking for the spider on the stem?

I think I may have for that one. I have tried the bracketing and stacking too. Because I don't have a computer at the moment though to be able to stack, I've just been using F11, 1/250, iso 200 and anywhere between 1/8, 1/16 or above

I also got a UV torch as well which I've found really helps find small spiders in flowers. I wish there was some way to attach small flashlights to the camera!

I've ordered a grip as I've found my hands are a little to big to have a secure grip when I've got the flash on too.

 

[BogBean]

Would this help:

Movo SMM2 Camera Shoe Shockmount for Shotgun Microphones and Audio Recorders 25mm to 50mm in Diameter (Fits the Zoom H1) https://amzn.eu/d/0fE4ghOu

 

[BogBean]

The in camera focus stack is very good. I think your model has it.. you get all the pics individually at the different focus points, and a composite jpeg of them stacked.
I believe it is unique to Olympus.(?)

 

[Sirpotato]

Would this help:

Movo SMM2 Camera Shoe Shockmount for Shotgun Microphones and Audio Recorders 25mm to 50mm in Diameter (Fits the Zoom H1) https://amzn.eu/d/0fE4ghOu

Something like that would work I think as the UV torch I have is around the same diameter as a chunky shotgun mic, however I'd have to see what fittings the grip has on it when it arrives. Ideally I'd be able to clamp the torch on the side and aim the UV at the centre so I'm hands-free.

I think it'll be a great way for me to get UV flourescent images for iNatualist too

The in camera focus stack is very good. I think your model has it.. you get all the pics individually at the different focus points, and a composite jpeg of them stacked.
I believe it is unique to Olympus.(?)

This model I have definitely has the stacking in-built. It also has the pro capture too which I tried the other night on some swallow/martins - they're so bloody fast!