I still watch them. Still for knowledge. I am sorry that David won't know that, mostly his fault, I just bought an EM-1 Mk II to complement my GH5. Wotancraft is "soon".
There isn’t much that can give a person a little joy right now, especially here in the former USA. However a video from David is like a visit from ole friend that brightens your day. 🙂
Hi James-- I would call that a nice move on your part. I rent out lights and jib cranes as a side hustle and delivered a set up to a location shoot in Nov. I noticed that they were using a G9 ,,not a GH5 as the main camera. I was so impressed with the results I picked one up myself.
I learned to photograph in 2015 with a 50 years old film camera that my husband's grandfather gave me, no light meter, manual focus of course. Having to pay for each picture (film + development) I had to be very thoughtful about what and how I wanted to photograph. It taught me a lot. I have no issues shooting with discounted camera systems, so I will continue shooting M43 for many years regardless of what's going to happen with the system.
I did exactly this about a month ago - I had a G7 and added an E-M1 ii. I love it. I bought it new with the 12-40 pro for 1000GBP which I thought was a very good price. Built so well.
It's strange that a lot off the RU-vid channels are saying micro four thirds is dead by they also forget to tell you that it's the best selling camera format in Japan 2020. Strange isn't it.
I like your picture of the Chimneys. Anybody can take a nice picture of something that is nice to begin with (mountain, a sunset, a model...). It is much harder to take a nice picture of something that would normally go unnoticed. Well done!
Thanks, Dominique. I think that the more you look, the more you see. The camera's ability to isolate something from its surroundings forces you to dissociate it from them and see it anew for itself.
Another excllent video, I'd all but given up on youtube because everyone seems to be scraping the barrel for content but Mr Thorpe comes to the rescue. Love your work.
Thanks, Michael. I'd imagine what you would like is perfectly possible, just with some limitation on EVF size, for example. Marketing would be the problem, I think. If it's all in the cheaper camera who will buy the dearer one?
The full frame lobby has been working very hard to destroy the MFT. They don't want the MFT to succeed, it is too cheap to buy, but very good too. The FF is more expensive to buy and generates more, money, that's the "problem"
It’s like the old days, listening to Letter from America, with Alistair Cook, it may not apply to us directly, but interesting and compelling just the same, and above all unmissable.
That slick move you do, the way the light breaks into colors (from 2:10 - 2:30) in your large lens at the bottom of the frame is beautiful! I came for your calming narration and to nerd out with you, and you gave us some nice visual treats too :) Thanks so much for continuing this channel.
I cannot prevent myself to put the 1K Like to your very nice review of the 2020 year. Thank you for your excellent contribution in keeping our interest in photography during these more challenging times. Receive my warm salutations from the freezing Canada, Daniel M
Always enjoy. Today I ordered a brand new OMD em1 MK II (sale $900) and a 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens. Need to get out and have some long needed fun despite the horrific stuff going on in the former USA as one very wise TopGarageTV called it. I have a sony a7III but the weather resistance is not up to par on that camera. Living in Oregon I need to be careful of course but this will help me feel more comfortable out there especially on the coast range. Thank you David I went back and watched the last years version of this video. Nice.
Thank you for another heart warming video! In these tiring times, my GX9 no longer sees the outside, and instead is placed as a webcam for work now. I constantly get comments about how crisp and beautiful the image is with the 20mm 1.7 :)
Interesting - I noticed a BBC correspondent using a 'proper' camera for her report from home. What a difference compared to the laptop camera. With a quality body and lens, your stuff must look much more professional than most. Glad you liked the video, thank you.
How do you connect to the laptop or PC? Just HDMI or USB cable? Panasonic has upgrade drivers to allow some of their cameras to simply cable connect to PC or laptop but frustratingly they did not include the GX9 and GX series. So do you have to use a OBS capture device?
Glad to see you made it through the year David! I’ve seen your website but I wonder if there’s somewhere else I can see your work. I’d even buy a book if you have one! Would especially love to see photos that you took as a young man. I’d love to see some new shots as well on the regular if you’re comfortable sharing. Just a thought. All the best this new year!
I have thousands of pix but they are mostly in newspapers and magazines and I don't have originals or even cuttings except in a few cases. Somehow, when your job is taking pictures you don't think much about keeping them and the copyright belongs to the publication concerned. All the best for the new year to you too!
Happy new Years David,, You're year in review videos are a great way to start the new calendar off right and pick up some encouragement to get out there myself. I thought I was doing OK with my 2 GX-8s,, but late last year I had an occasion to pick up a G9.. The upgrade is like stepping up from bearskins and pointed sticks. Best always for the New Year...
2020 was literally the year I decided to invest in micro four thirds, after waffling the idea of even getting into it for a few years. I liked it so much that I sold my entire Sony a6300 rig to help fund it all. I managed to buy a sizable stash, just before the first covid lockdown in the US in March. (My Pentax rig remains, for now... still my personal favorite brand in the SLR/DSLR arena.)
I used to have Pentax gear and really liked it. It always suffered from simply not being called Canon or Nikon. You'll have fun when unleashed and able to use all the Micro Four Thirds gear. Enjoy!
Got an E-M1 Mk2 with the 3.0 firmware - very happy with the C-AF - was nailing AF on swallows in flight on my first birding session - and that is about a difficult a target as you get. Always enjoy your excellent narration and content and now subscribed in anticipation of more great videos.
Thanks for this informative video. I bought this today though second hand..... well it's my birthday tomorrow!. Since the 2020 lockdown I've bought an Oly M5 iii, 100-400, Lensbaby Velvet 56 and a new phone! Spending the non-cruise funds!!!
I haven't tried it, it sounds good. I don't often need extra NR and in fact I turn it down as standard on the camera. There are always times you do need it , though!
Having the toned, ripped, muscular he-man body that I do, I could use any camera🤣 But I choose to use Micro Four Thirds like you! Merci à vous, Jean--Gabriel.
“...been ... for so long I really don’t care what people think of my images...”. Made me chuckle, it’s that clean unpolluted language I like about you and your presentations on your channel. I think this M43 look-back or annual review is pretty spot on, unless one is privy to inside info then all we can do is combine our existing understanding of tog-land with a touch of informed speculation and some less informed. I personally think that there are many more variables for any business to consider now than experienced in recent times, it truelove is a volatile market place in all respects. The camera phone is already biting the smaller cropped sensors back -side but that doesn’t mean that the cropped sensor market should just roller over, after all digital cameras with detachable lenses on fixed have so much more already up there sleeve to offer all levels of photographer in terms of functionality. I do hope that M43 is not fed to the lions and that this eco system can remain an attractive proposition for pros and not so pro users. Tech haveth the answers. Oh and is the AFC on pano’s really a pride thing or is it more of a ‘ ... nope your not adopting our tech...’ thing from Sony, just asking. I do hope Pano can overcome this issue though, it’s seems to me that only hardware and not software will achieve this for Panasonic though.
I couldn't agree more about the camera market not just rolling over. Even if phones matched the technical quality of Micro Four Thirds or APS-C sensors - and they don't - a device dedicated to purpose will always be better. The phone is great for casual shots and I use mine for family snaps, just like everybody else. But it's like using a phone to edit photos with Photoshop - you can do it but why would you? On the Panasonic sensor, I don't know. I hadn't thought of your take on it but it makes as much sense as mine. Like you, I think they need to do it, though.
@@DavidThorpeMFT Camera gear ey, like you I love it though! Just a thought David, have you used the GX9 in anger at all (check his uploads Andrew you lazy begger)? I picked a used one up with a 17 f1.7 Oly at a good price, just want something less threatening for street type shooting. The AF seems great, love it for street work btw. Setup your min shutter speed, Auto ISO, and shoot from the hip with the touch screen and everyone’s a winner. It just seems that the AF is more snappy, even with other slower M43 lenses from my arsenal that like you i’ve squirrelled away over time and am reluctant to move on ‘MINe’. Even the colour rendition (older engine maybe) seems nicer than my G9 (guess that’s subjective), which I love, the G9 that is. I doubt i’ll ever stretch the G9’s capability though, it’s such a multi talented body. However even with a body like that she’ll become a wall flower at the camera ball if they don’t fight back in earnest on this AFC malarkey. Even though in my view she a better dancer than most. I just hope that Panasonic don’t place us fan boys in a state of perpetual denial defending their product like a some kind of republican at another an impeachment vote.
@@Stone1108 By and large the AF of Panasonic is excellent but PDAF is just that much better and the comparison will always be made. Maybe Panasonic have something radical up their sleeve?
Thanks David; good yearly summary. I have both an Olympus EM-10 Mark III and a Panasonic G9 with numerous lenses. I love the Olympus and Panasonic technology. I wish the G9 had Phase Detect AF and that Olympus would re-focus their EM1 Mark III for better support of video, such as adding a button to allow switching all camera settings and button assignments from picture settings to video settings. The ability to save video settings on the Custom Buttons on the EM1 would be a significant benefit. Possibly the new JIP management will upgrade the firmware on the EM1 Mark III to allow this as Panasonic has already done with the G9. If they did I will buy an EM1 Mark III.
After dabbling a while in the Fuji X-system I found m4/3 - especially Panasonic cameras have so much better ergonomics, logic, menu system, lens quality and built quality of lenses and cameras. I love the image of the chimneys.
I really do wish Panasonic would fix their AF. Were it not for that, the G9 would be the perfect photo/video hybrid in it's price class. In any case, I ended up buying a second G9 to use on my "lo-fi" tv show to shoot video and stills. It's still pretty great bang for buck.
Wise words from a long time pro', not a 1 day review, so common on YT. I've found the G9 to be one of the greatest cameras I've ever used, such attention to detail in design...
Thanks, Andrew. Yes, the G9 is a great camera. If they could just get the C-AF up to Olympus standards they'd have a near perfect camera with that lovey EVF and all.
In a yr when I've spent more time watching youtube photography videos then taking pics myself, a David Thorpe video was always a highlight in 2020 thanks again David. I'm happy to see your love for Oly cameras. Can I ask what camera/lens combo was used for the gorgeous 3d looking spider web shot? Best Wishes Rich. PS Please (buy &) review the Laowa 10mm f2 ;-)
After an overly spendy 2019, I just picked up two lenses last year: The Olympus 75mm and the Meike 3,5mm. Oh, and a Wotancraft Trooper to carry it all. I wanted to get a new camera, but I really don't like Olympus' insistence on using plastic rather than metal for their smaller cameras. I guess a PEN-F II is a bit of a pipe dream, but maybe there'll be a GX10 with decent build quality?
Camera bag - MFT being so light we don't really need a bulky padded camera bag, a simple rucksack type courier will suffice; put spare lenses in pouches mainly to keep them clean. I don't know what Olympus do but Panasonic drop test their cameras in their boxes from 30-ft onto concrete (standard drop-test). I've been using (and collecting) MFT since dunno, E-PL1 (long gone) then Pan G5 (my old friend). For unknown reason the old Pan 50-200 works better on the E-M5ii than the GH4. I do think Olympus are shooting themselves in the foot by not allowing Dual-IS with all the Pan lenses (likewise Panasonic but there's only like two Olly lenses with OIS).
You could be right about the interactive use of lens stabilization with body. I don't fancy the idea of dropping my stuff from 30ft, box or not! I'll leave that to Panasonic 😲
I bought a lot of gear in the last year and most after watching your videos and doing other research. I got the 3.5 Meike just after it came out and preordered the 50mm x2 macro because I happened to ask if an MFT 65mm was coming the same as the APSC ones, and they told me the 50 was coming, so I was ready. I did a trip recently on a floaty thing and primarily used GX9 + 75mm f1.8 because of the reach and if it was too tight had the GM1 + 45mm f1.8 nearby for a slightly wider shot and the baby 12-32 available to drop on for normal perspective. Wished for a long zoom a lot of times, though, one of these days... :-) I had most of my other lenses with me too, but 75 got the most use, followed by 45 :-) I just received pergear 25mm f1.8 and 35mm f1.6 manual primes today, and I like them. Well weighted aperture rings and smooth light focus ring with 180 throw, easy with focus peaking and sharp at full zoom/crop with 20MP GH5 that I happened to put them on. You've tempted me by the 17mm 0.95, but not right now, sadly.
That's a very nice collection of gear you have there and you certainly enjoy it. The manual primes we have do tend to be like the old Nikkor lenses, feel like they are carved from solid metal and would take a bullet. Great value.
I do like your photo of chimneys. Great to see that you are still shooting and presenting on youtube. I sold almost all my MFT gear but bought most of them back (barring those large zooms). Despite shooting other makes of cameras including films, still love my MFT gear especially the GM1. Hey did you retrofit your Brompton with electric powered wheel or is it a new Brompton electric model? Keep Well and Safe.
Thanks! The bike is the factory electric Brompton. It's not cheap but it is beefed up where needed and designed very well. As are all Bromptons, of course.
It would be time for another David Thorpe video. I would really like to hear you tell something about your past as a pro. Something like "how to approach a photographic project" (or assignment). I think you have a lot to tell.
E-M1 Mark III seems to be great, but so expensive for what it is, and unfortunately for me, out of my price range as are used Mk II's whose prices are holding up too well for those of us on a limited budget, hoping to pick up a used one. However used E-M1 Mk I's are now about the same price as used E-M10 mk II's making them an absolute bargain IMHO
Cameras from two iterations back are often a big bargain. Most improvement are incremental now and while reviewers measure with charts and stop watches, photographers go by perceived performance. It may be that the E-M1 Mark I focuses in .07s and the III in 0.04 (made up figures) but both will seem instantaneous to you and me. Because I buy and sell cameras and lenses for reviews and books I can say with authority that the moment you buy a new camera, it is worth less than 70% of its purchase price. I must go through my accounts and look at that some time.
Excellent 2020 summary had to watch it twice! Can you help me please, the macro lens you were taking about would it be good for watch movements and parts? If you were to frame 1.5 inches across how far away would the lens have to be please? Thanks
Thanks, Tony. Yes, the lens would be good for watch movements ad parts though you probably wouldn't need 2:1 repro for that. For something 1.5" across with a 50mm lens you'd be roughly 15cm from the front glass of the lens. Olympus's 12-40 zoom will almost do that, not quite. With the 2:1 macro an object about 1.3rd of an inch will fill the frame and a 1:1 macro 17mm or 7/10".
Hi David I am really enjoying your videos. I have a Panasonic GX80K of course with the kit lens which is great. I am looking at The Panasonic 15mm, 20mm, 25mm and the sigma 16mm and the olympus 17mm. I noticed in your vids that although you like the olympus am I correct in thinking that you prefer the 15mm and if so are you also swayed between the sigma at the pretty much same focal length? Interested in your opinion. Thanks again Mark
Hi Mark - actually the little Olympus 17mm is my choice. I bought one when they came out and it has been with me and much used since. It's the lens I fit when I'm going out with just a camera body and one lens. The best all round general focal length in my personal opinion. On the other hand, looking at two lenses, the 17 and 20 or 25 are a little too close in lngth and I'd prefer a 15mm and 25mm. Add an Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and you have a very complete outfit. I'm inclined more to the Panasonic 15mm than the Sigma 16mm just for the extra bit of wide and more compact package., The Olympus 12mm f/2 is a nice lens too, though perhaps a bit expensive.
Hi David thanks for the message. I did get the impression from your video that the 15mm panasonic was a tad sharper than the Oly 17mm and am I correct in thinking that I would have a problem with an Oly lens on a Panasonic body? Losing some functions? Thanks again Mark
keep em coming in 2021 David. Always enjoy! Can't wait to get my hands on an em 5 Mk2 and the 12-40mm 2.8 lens. The poly plastic body on the mk3 is just not for me.
A lot of people think that way about plastic. I'm willing to believe it is just a strong (maybe stronger) but it doesn't feel quite up to mark to me. prejudice, maybe, I don't know.
I have the 5 Mk II and don't feel any urge to get the Mk III. E-M1 Mk III, now that I have been thinking about. Nothing wrong with engineered plastics, but there is just a feel about metal devices...
Thanks for your work David.. It's a long time i follow you. I think that we won't see many new lenses or bodies in a near future. But on the other hand our cameras work perfect for long time. One question even if I own 3 primes and 3 zooms I just bougth the 12-50. Cheap, water proof, macro. Perhaps I got a good copy abd found it really nice and usefull compare other kit zooms and the macro capabilitie is there. In you old video you mention that it's not your cup of tea this lenses. About the 12-50mm Olympus do you still think the same in today? Thanks
I actually bought a copy again because I like the power zoom for video among other things like near macro. A tremendously versatile lens and used normally, I have no problems with its sharpness. The closest to a do it all lens there is, really. It could be faster but then it would have to be bigger. I thought I rather liked it in my review. I'm glad you find my stuff helpful, Peris and I appreciate you sticking with me. As you say, probably not much new coming out at the moment but we do have a lot of gear available already so we are not left empty handed at least :-)
I didn't bother in the end. I only cover equipment I really know (or think I do) and the effort required to dive in on a completely new system didn't seem worth it to me in the end.
hi david... can you recommend a 35mm slide converter for m43 cameras... ive been using my phone and its terrible repo quality...id like to do a half decent job using my 10ii and a @£20 ebay adapter of some type...could you steer me in appropriate direction... thanks v much... keep the vids coming i enjoy watching them in lockdown 3....
Thanks for the kind words! I have no great expertise in this area but what I have personally done is to use a macro lens with my slide on my phone screen or table set to a plain white. You can adjust for colour temperature by trial and error, adjusting on your camera until it looks right. You need some sort of tripod or anything that will let you keep the camera still and in the same place while doing the work. You probably don't have a lens that will focus closely enough to fill the frame in which case some extension tubes will do the trick. They can be bought really cheaply, around £12 on EBay. Stop down to around f/8. Done with care, you'll get excellent results that way, in a different class from the phone results. The more care you take, making sure you are square on to the slide, focus is exact and so on, the better the results. You'll find the tubes great for all kinds of macro work, too.
Dave! We've actually had some back-and-forths, personally, the last few days, but did you know, I just went micro-four-thirds? Really! After nearly a year of dragging my full-frame-Cannon-mirrorless-wonderpiece around I discovered if I wanted to travel internationally full-frame was overweight by more than a factor of two - with no weight reduction in sight. So, what I discovered in the last year of lockdown, is that if you have to travel internationally, and have to carry *everything* on your own back for days or weeks - full frame is not an option, micro-four-thirds is the only system that will work for you. Ok, you just have to compromise - cuz you cannot carry it all. 3:17] I'll add that I bought the OM-D E M5iii myself. I consider the polycarbonate body a feature and a benefit not a problem. If it cuts an ounce or two off the weight of the camera that is an extra once or two of lens I can carry.
You illustrate very well the reasoning behind the Micro Four Thirds system as I see it. Light and compact and having a full range of lenses from a choice of makers. Yes, a trade-off in IQ but for the uses to which photographs are normally put these day, web, prints up to A3 or so, the IQ trade-off is zero. And personally, I find the extra depth of field of Micro Four Thirds very helpful. When I was using my S1 it really irked me having to stop down. On the plastic, I happily accept that your view is more logical than mine. It's just the feel of metal I prefer but the weight saving and (probably) greater resilience of polycarbonate do make it the material of the future.
