I failed miserably battling a severe case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). The OM System OM-1 camera won the battle fair and square.
We've all been there. We think we're happy with our gear and have everything we need, but along comes the next best thing. The camera that shoots faster, produces sharper images with less noise and greater dynamic range, has better AF tracking, and longer battery life. It is the camera that will lift your game and makes you the best photographer that has ever graced this earth. Bam! That despicable and decidedly first world decease strikes again. Gear Acquisition Syndrome or Compulsive Tool Acquisition Syndrome has raised its ugly head. It has been defined as:
The all-consuming desire to expand your collection of gear. Bank balances have been battered and marriages destroyed, but by God there's been some lovely gear bought.
Source unknown.
I couldn't resist. Trust me, I just couldn't. After all, a local camera store was selling the OM-1 with a 20% discount. Yes, you've read that right: a two-zero-percent discount. I got the 2nd last of the lot. Was there anything wrong with my E-M1 Mark II to justify this purchase? No, not much to be honest. There's a little wear and tear, including a rubber grip that keeps peeling off despite all the super glue that has been applied, but nothing to be too upset about. So, what then do I think I'll get out of this new camera? What made me succumb to this bout of GAS? Let's explore some of the OM-1 features that have gotten me very excited.
AF Subject Tracking
The E-M1 Mark II is no slouch when it comes to focusing on static objects. It focusses extremely fast and accurately in combination with the Olympus PRO lenses. However, it's a different story with moving subjects such as birds, dogs, surfers, and airplanes. The subject tracking isn't very sticky, and I often find myself having to re-acquire focus. While I have produced many tack sharp pictures of moving objects with my E-M1 Mark II, it's often been a challenging and sometimes even frustrating experience to get the focus right. The OM-1 is supposed to have significantly improved AF subject tracking and I can't wait to start trying it out.
My dogs and cat don't know it yet, but they better start practicing their moves if they want to have any hope of escaping my new and improved subject tracking!
Creative Options
Sure, the EM-1 Mark II has some good and interesting creative shooting options. Live Bulb, Live Time, and Live Composition are definitely worth exploring. But the one OM-1 'computational' feature I'd love experimenting with is the Live ND mode that is not to be found on the Mark II. It's basically an internal neutral density filter that blends multiple short exposures to simulate a long exposure with an ND filter of up to 6 stops. Combined with the excellent image stabilisation of the OM-1, that means it should be possible to take handheld long exposure shots. While it won't work in all situations nor completely replace my ND filter, it's going to be interesting to try this out in a local national park that has some waterfalls and streams.
Electronic Viewfinder
Having shot with Canon DSLRs for many years, it took some time getting used to an EVF. It felt like a step back compared to the clarity and brightness of the optical viewfinder on my Canons. Over time I have started to appreciate the benefits of an EVF though and I'm converted now. However, looking through the EVF of the OM-1 at a local camera store, I realised that the EVF of the EM-1 Mark II is no longer competitive with the current crop of cameras. New cameras have better EVFs. And I was blown away by the brightness and resolution of the EVF on the new Sony a7R V that the camera store let me play with. The EVF of the OM-1 is no match for the one on the Sony, but it is highly competitive nonetheless and offers an excellent upgrade to the E-M1 Mark II with more than twice the resolution and a welcome increase in magnification.
Joystick Control
The EM-1 Mark II missed out on a joystick to control the autofocus points. Using the touch screen or the 4-way controls on the back never felt intuitive or convenient to me. A joystick was introduced on the Mark III and the OM-1 has one as well. Ergonomically it's something I'm going to love using.
Motivation
There are many other differences between the EM-1 Mark II and the OM-1. Too many to cover in this short blog. And I never meant for this blog to be a full-out comparison of camera features anyway.
Despite all its technological advances, the best new feature of the OM-1 has got to be its ability to increase my desire and motivation to go out and take pictures.
I feel extremely privileged that I have been able to afford this camera upgrade. My new OM-1 is instilling a new sense of excitement and purpose in my photography. It makes me eager to go out and try the new AF subject tracking capabilities, the Live ND mode, experience the new EVF, and so much more. As much as this camera is a testimony of the ongoing technological advances of the camera industry, it is a huge motivator to shoot more pictures and become a better photographer. No, the camera is not a magic upgrade that resolves all my photography challenges or makes my shortcomings as a photographer disappear. And it doesn't have to. Far from it. I am going to enjoy it for what it is. A lovely new tool that invigorates and renews my resolve to become a better photographer. And I might end up with some fine new artwork on the walls as well.
Commentaires