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Re: [OM] What would you buy?

Subject: Re: [OM] What would you buy?
From: Moose <olymoose@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 08 Jan 2014 14:31:05 -0800
As Ken says, there are a lot of really first rate ILCs available. Any of the 
basic sensor systems should please.

I'd start with lenses, then work back to cameras. (All FLs in 35 mm eq.)

Fuji's only normal range zoom is 27-84 mm. Not as long a range as you 
suggested, and would drive me crazy.

Sony has a 27-300 mm lens. I have no idea how good it is. There will be user 
reviews, and perhaps more serious ones.

µ4/3 has three 28-300 mm zooms. One Panny is too large, heavy and expensive for 
the purpose. I don't know anything about 
the other Panny. I have used the Oly for thousands of shots and have been happy 
with it.

The second lens I would suggest is a semi wide, fast lens, for dim light. All 
three mounts offer those. I have the Panny 
40/1.7.
-------------------------------
Down to Sony, Panny and Oly. All three bodies suffer from at least some shutter 
shock, which occurs right in a shutter 
speed range common with slowish zooms.

I don't know about Sony, but would only consider it if buying a body with at 
least EFC.

The only Panny body to consider is the GX7, with IBIS and electronic shutter 
option, for no shutter shock. The GH3 looks 
great, but is much bigger and more a video camera. I'd also not like to be 
limited to Panny lenses for IS.

Oly E-M5 and E-M1 are the likely choices here. Both have EVFs, the EM-1 
reportedly the best of the bunch. Both have 
anti-shutter shock options. (You may think I over emphasize this. I came back 
from a month+ trip with too many just not 
quite sharp to pretty fuzzy images. Never again.)

I know you are tall, and I seem to recall have big hands/long fingers. The E-M1 
might be a good fit for you, with the 
advantage that when you return it can replace the E-5 for your 4/3 lenses. That 
would be a big consideration for me in 
your shoes.

For me, it would be between E-M5 and GX7 Perhaps so even for you, as the M5 is 
much cheaper than M1 and smaller and 
lighter. The OM-Ds and GX7 are ergonomically quite different, the Olys more 
SLR-like and the Panny rangefinder styled. 
You'd probably do well, if possible, to try out all all three, E-M1, GX7 and 
Sony, in your hands.

A lot also depends on one's style of photography. One thing I have always done 
is to notice smaller parts of the visual 
field, and want to 'zoom' in on them. So I really want fairly long tele and 
good close focus/macro. If 100 mm is long 
enough, the Oly 24-100 is an excellent lens, with good macro and weatherproof 
build. Put it on an OM-D and you are good 
in the rain. I couldn't stand the short tele for such a trip, but others would 
be happy with it.

[Back to real focal lengths.]

I don't know about Sony E mount. For µ4/3 one may get auto extension tubes. The 
14-150 M.Zuiko works well with them to 
give decent macro with great working distance.

For this trip, I believe I would be carrying 20/1.7, 12-50 and 75-300 and 
extension tube, I've been so happy traveling 
with that combo. I'm simply now spoiled by the 600 mm eq. for my vision.

In the end, I likely couldn't stand not having a back-up, so would also carry 
an E-PM2. Light, tiny, and with the same 
IQ as the E-M5. Amazingly unobtrusive, yet capable, with 20/1.7. I often carry 
both, E-M5 or GX7 with 75-300 and E-PM2 
with 12-50. No lens changing on the run. (Well, shoot, I'd probably also take 
the M.Zuiko 9-18, really tiny and light.)

I'd make up the size and weight with a Nook full of ebooks, instead of paper.

Oh yeah, the other essential, 64 GB, Class 10, UH-1 card(s). Boy did I love 
never having to switch cards on a month long 
trip! A hint, the 40-90+ MB/s ratings on the labels are only about read speed. 
The Sony C10, UHS-1 cards also marked 
40MB/s have been the great deal. I see they have increased from $35ish to 
$45ish since I bought, but are still cheaper 
than the faster read speed cards.

Travelin' Moose


On 1/8/2014 9:19 AM, NSURIT@xxxxxxx wrote:
> This summer I will be going on a 2 1/2 week tour of Italy which will be
> opportunity to mark that off my bucket list.  We will be on a Rick Steves
> tour for most of the trip and will be limited to a day pack and one airplane
> carry on piece of luggage.  You can probably see where I'm going with  this.
> No, I won't be packing either my OM or e-thingy kits. For that  matter the
> medium and large format gear will also be staying home.  I  really hate not
> having my film gear with me, however . . .
>   
> So, if you were to buy a small digital camera in today's market what might
> it me?
>   
> Basic requirements would be interchangeable lenses (although I would
> probably carry only one), smaller than an e-5, video capable and under $2,000.
> I'm thinking one of the Olympus, Sony or other similar offerings.  I like  an
> optical view finder rather than composing on the screen on the back of the
> camera however don't know that would be a deal breaker.
>   
> So what camera body/system and if only one lens, what might that be.   I'm
> thinking a 35mm equiv. zoom range of 28-135 would be adequate.
>   
> Bill Barber


-- 
What if the Hokey Pokey *IS* what it's all about?
-- 
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