Pouring Out My Love for Olympus Cameras: Introducing My Beloved Past Models and Shouting My Love
Photography is my hobby.
For the past few years, wandering around with a camera hanging from my neck has become my weekend routine. As a companion for these wanderings, I love using my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. As far as I can remember, this is my third Olympus camera.
I am an 'Olympus lover' who has been captivated by the unique blue synonymous with Olympus, known as Olympus Blue, and whose heart was stolen by the machine bodies that don't chase trends too much and have a slightly retro, discerning feel. While the world makes a fuss about SONY and Alpha, I am the person who looks a bit dangerous from the outside, grinning and thinking, 'Where should I go for my next shoot?' while stroking my beloved camera again today.
The first time I pressed the shutter myself was probably when I was in elementary school.
With a disposable film camera that was popular at the time, I took pictures of a pumpkin and boots on the porch of my grandmother's house, titled them 'A Farmer's Sigh,' and showed them to my family. I remember my mother laughing out loud and my younger sister teasing me about it for a long time afterward. It was a good photo, though... After that adolescence, my love for cameras was tucked away deep in my heart. That smoldering, hot flame was rekindled after I started working.
Introduction of My Beloved Past Models
First Model Purchased: PEN Lite E-PL1
A few years after I started working, I bought the PEN, which was a big decision for me at the time. I still remember the excitement of having the camera department staff at the electronics store teach me how to use it and then heading home feeling thrilled. This PEN Lite was a model released before the term 'camera girl' became widespread, but it was a model whose popularity was skyrocketing in the streets due to its retro design, which was carefully thought out to target women, and the ability to easily take artistic processed photos with art filters. Thanks to the commercial effect of Aoi Miyazaki, there was a time when it seemed like every camera in a girl's hand was a PEN. This model does not have a viewfinder. After using it for a while, I bought a digital viewfinder and an external flash, and as a beginner, I was particular about it and used it for a long time. The compact, easy-to-grip body and grip for beginners are excellent.
Second Model: OM-D E-M10 Mark III
As I continued shooting with the PEN, I became curious about the photos taken by others. When that happens, I start to wonder where the difference lies between my photos and those of skilled people. Also, I wanted a camera that looked more 'pro-like' but was easy to carry around... That's when I arrived at the mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. The PEN was also a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, but I didn't really understand that at the time. Once I started using this camera, I took a step into the 'lens swamp.' Foolishly, I reached the conclusion that 'maybe I can't take good photos because of the lens,' and I started collecting lenses little by little, such as prime, macro, and wide-angle lenses. As a result, I learned that the expressive power of a photo depends on my own skill, and that the quality of a photo improves by mastering the functions of the lens and the camera body and using them effectively. (I learned it, but I haven't been able to execute it.)
Third Model (Current): OM-D E-M1 Mark III
And this is the beloved machine I am currently using. Inspired by the fact that Olympus changed its name to OM System and the new OM-1 model was released, I ran to the camera shop and picked it up many times, but after much hesitation, I decided to buy the last OM-D machine bearing the Olympus logo. It's been about a year and a half since I bought it, and I think my range of shooting has expanded compared to before. If you ask me what, I don't know the details, but I think it's largely due to the upgrade of the lens.
This camera kit came standard with a lens from the company's Pro series among the Zuiko lenses. The performance of this lens is wonderful. Since I got it, the opportunities to use the other lenses I had collected until then have decreased overwhelmingly.
Since buying this camera, I have become conscious of the bokeh and depth of photos, which is also likely because the lens has changed.
Recently, I got a 150mm (35mm equivalent) telephoto zoom and a 2x teleconverter. As expected, shooting with a telephoto + teleconverter setup is heavy. But when I think that full-frame single-lens cameras are even heavier, I feel like my neck and shoulders are getting stiff just thinking about it.
The Lenses
Zuiko DIGITAL ED Series
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm F2.0
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm F3.5 Macro
When I was using the second model, I often used the 12mm, 25mm, and 30mm macro lenses. The fun of prime lenses is exceptional! Looking at the photos, I feel like there is a sharpness that zoom lenses don't have. I often took the 12mm wide-angle lens for starry sky photography and the macro lens for flower photography.
Prime lenses are recommended for practice. Since you have to adjust the distance to the subject yourself, you end up moving around many times to devise the composition or create a bokeh effect, sometimes shooting in incredible postures. But that feels 'pro-like' and is very fun. These lenses are very light and small, and they fit the machine body perfectly. Even so (if used by someone who can do it properly), you can take very high-quality photos. The price is like a toy compared to full-frame lenses, but they are all capable performers that belie their price. Recommended!
Example of M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm F3.5 Macro
In the case of F3.5, 30mm, ISO100, shutter speed 1/320.
If you use a macro lens, you can also capture the delicacy of flower petals.
Zuiko DIGITAL ED Pro Series
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO
・M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
I only own these two lenses so far, but they cover most of my shooting needs. If I combine them with a teleconverter, I can reach a maximum of 300mm (35mm equivalent), and by using the camera's built-in digital teleconverter, I can surprisingly zoom in up to about 600mm. I love that the telephoto zoom is bright and that I can take crisp photos even when using the teleconverter.
I'll leave the lens performance and detailed specifications to the official website, but I'd like to share a few examples to show that even a complete amateur like me can take photos like these!
Please forgive me for the various imperfections.
Examples taken with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO
F8, 22mm, ISO100, Shutter Speed 1/1000.
By using the camera's built-in ND filter, you can reduce the amount of light and take photos even in bright sunlight.
F8, 12mm, ISO200, Shutter Speed 1/250.
It is a versatile lens that also covers wide angles well.
F20, 30mm, ISO200, Shutter Speed 1/20.
This is an excellent lens that can take sharp photos. Since the lens is light, it's a big help that it doesn't put much strain on me even when shooting handheld for a long time.
F2.8, 12mm, ISO2500, Shutter Speed 25.
Since it has an F-stop of 2.8, it's perfect for shooting starry skies.
Examples taken with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
F2.8, 150mm, ISO200, Shutter Speed 1/400.
With this telephoto lens, I was finally able to fulfill my wish of photographing birds. I've been able to create depth and beautiful bokeh.
F5.6, 300mm, ISO200, Shutter Speed 1/640 + MC-20.
I used a teleconverter for this shot. Even through the zoo fence, I can take close-up photos like this. The teleconverter is super excellent!
That's all. I can't compare to professional photos, but it's enough for my own enjoyment! Also, if I can make full use of the equipment, I can take photos that are on par with professionals.
I heard a new camera specialized for astrophotography is scheduled to be released next week. I can't take my eyes off Olympus, or rather, OM SYSTEM.
What should I shoot this summer? Now that the rainy season is over, it seems like there will be more days for camera walks.