Dear God... another one who has never shot with the immortal Olympus E-1😂

This is my first time viewing your channel, and I think your photos are stunning - truly. However, while I understand your core complaint about missing all the excitement of historic breakthrough camera innovations, I think you are morning a time that has passed because digital camera technology and design has matured, and change and progress have plateaued as they eventually do with all technology products. I owned the original E-M5, and still have an EM-I Mk I, Mk II, Mk III, and OM-1 Mk I, and like you I remember the excitement around the first E-M5 and then the E-M1 Mk I because they were such a complete departure from the massive DSLRs you describe. And I agree that Olympus pioneered so many technologies that are now standard in by most modern cameras. But, those things happened during the formative years of interchangeable lens digital cameras from the 2000's through the mid-2010's. However, that kind of rapid progress and breakthrough products only occurs in the early stages of a new technology. As products mature, they become more similar and true improvements are smaller and less frequent over time - revolution becomes evolution. Just look at the history of the smart phone. The first iPhone in 2007 created a whole new product category and immediately obsoleted every pager and Blackberry, and for years every new model was a "must have". Yet, just 17 years later, there are many functionally identical smart phones and very little - if any - real progress year to year (I'm leaving out AI as it is disrupting everything). So, to blame Olympus - now OM System - for not being bold as in your examples just isn't' fair or realistic, and is actually inaccurate. No camera company is introducing "revolutionary" products and the Fuji X100 series is a perfect example of a retro design evolving - and still catching up - with current technology (as in the VI is the first with IBIS). More to your specific disappointment with Olympus, perhaps you quite them too soon? As a great a photo camera is it is even today, I don't believe that Olympus peaked with the E-M1 Mk II. The E-M1 Mk III added Hand Held High Resolution capability (50Mp) which is a game changer for many, a 2x faster processor, longer battery life, a shutter with 2x the life (up to 400,000 cycles), live ND filters (another game changer), 1.5 additional stops of IBIS, and eye tracking. Even more amazing is the new OM-1 series. The Mk I was at it's introduction the most technologically advanced camera in the world, and the Mk II probably still is. The only area for true modern camera innovation is in computational photography and the incorporation of AI technology, and Olympus and now OM System are leading here. The subject detection features of both OM-1 cameras must be experienced to be appreciated. The Live Graduated ND filter of the Mk II is amazing for landscape photographers. There is too much to these cameras to go into here - but you get my point: innovation is not dead, but it is more incremental, builds on previous tech, and often is narrower in application. In summary, for the foreseeable future, the era of revolutionary new camera features is over. For proof, again, look at the evolution of the X100 series and the core photographic competency of E-M1 Mk II even against the best on the market today. I totally agree that some cameras make you want to use them - so for now - we all should find what that camera is and go take more pictures. Thanks.

As always interesting and entertaining. I have the OM5 and the weatherproof lenses that can go anywhere and that still matters to me, the handling is essentially still as good as always, but for a second camera I now have a GM1 because I love compact cameras, in fact I have an infra red and a straight GM1 16 meg is all I need on a M43 sensor. Really enjoy your entertaining videos and any camera you enjoy will do the job unless you are commercially employed needing to meet a clients needs and have ultimate flexibility?

It is why I switched from Pentax 6mp to Olympus 16mp as it was lighter and perfect for enhanced image quality . I know that 24 mp is the baseline these days , but it doesn’t and shouldn’t be. 12mp is ample as you explained and which most of us knew . I can remember old cameras that were so well built they would last a lifetime if cared for . How many digital models could do that I wonder . What I require with technology is that it lasts a lifetime and I want that for household goods, cars and photography too. I want the tech to be updatable and the product to be refreshed as required as part of an update and which I would be happy to pay for . We need to reappraise what we need from business and address the core purpose of what we need over what we want . This would be more sustainable and provide longer lasting employment and consumer satisfaction . Politically , we are not even close to achieving this , but if people were more prepared to standup and insist on change , that change would occur . You made a very good case to desire less and want more . I hope somebody out there can take our aspirations and deliver on them before I get my own wings ha ha

Great stuff Craig! Love your thoughts and I couldn't agree more!

Still a viewer and that won't change. Thank you for your great content Craig.

Long time happy omd user, i had to switch to Full frame as my photography changed to very long exposure photography. Too much noise and had absolutely to use LR noise red in camera. Have none such problems with the Sony a7 iv. But…. For all the other things as ergonomy, handling, ibis and so on.. Olympus cameras are much better

I love the flip screen on my M-10 II much more than the articulating screen on my M-1 II.

Lumix GX-9 with a Leica 15mm or Oly 25mm / 45mm lenses = perfect MFT camera.

Nope still using my EM1 mk 1 and 2. (Love the flip up screen and tiny prime lenses) and still watching your content and following along on Instagram for years. Thanks for another great video.

hahah time to rejoin the leaders in the camera world OLYMPUS. pen F2 😉 fujininja

I changed to xt5 also, but still have my Oly mkii, which if I was honest , I prefer shooting with 😌

I still enjoy both my EM5 MKII and EM1 MKII, despite using a Leica M Digital which I immensely enjoy. I have looked particulrly at Nikon mirrorless options, as all my 35mm SLRs and then DSLRs are Nikon, but I don't see the point. Olympus still dleivers what I want for my style of photography.

I have several cameras from several brands ,mainly Olympus Panasonic and Sony I also have 1 Canon and a Nikon….

Yes, I also wish M43 cameras had continued innovation. I still see little on the market to tempt me to replace my GX9 ( similar to the PEN-F but with a flip up screen, by the way!). Maybe a replacement for the E-P7 but with the guts of the OM-5? But they should sell an external EVF, like they did in the old days with the E-P5. Imagine a wireless EVF even! But I fear I am just dreaming 🫤

I was and am a fan of Fuji equipment. I have an XT2 and the 16-55 and the 50-140 lenses which are superb. However I like walking in the Peak District and other hilly areas taking landscape pictures and they are heavy for me at 76. I have a second hand EM 1 mark2 with a Zuiko12-45 f4 and a Panasonic 35-100 f5+ that I use for the hills and for travel. I love the bright viewfinder and the long lasting battery. I'm not going to chase megapixels and the images are easily good enough to make A3 prints at home. I will prefer to spend on travel than gear.

I don't think I have ever spoken about cameras there is no need to, cameras are for taking pictures with and my thinking will never change! You may wonder why I watched your blog and when it finished I wondered why too, perhaps it was because all KZbin photographers are now either riding Electric bikes or taking pictures of tree's and I just needed a change of scenery! Thank you.....

'...obviously not fine art ones....'. Priceless.

Totally agree, I use Nikon and Olympus. A tool for each occasion, and like you enjoyed the freedom of a small camera. OM systems isn’t Olympus, not the brave innovative company Olympus was. I am an e6 member because a like the no nonsense content and approach, I care not a jot what camera you use.

I bought the em5 a few days after it first arrived, the sensor shift made it a must for me. I had a problem buying one as all the sellers I visited were trying to sell me a canon or Nikon. But I found my EM5 with the 14-42mm after an argument with the seller as she only had one as a display model. But I said I was not placing an order and so it went home with me. A vastly superior camera to anything I had seen or touched or used at that time. My E3030 and e330 and ep2 got sidelined. I bought a very much discounted 14-150mm lens as a factory refurb from the UK, and discovered it to be ideal for my usage and having a quality that was perfectly acceptable, even if a bit slow light wise, in fact better than acceptable, over the years it has delivered some outstandingly sharp images on a regular basis, I am not a great follower of DOF total blur, I like to see what the background is, it positions the main object and when I started photography in the early 1960s was not a "popular" must do. This lens was to supplement my old vintage lenses and adaptors and 4/3 adapted lenses. I then bought the em1 when it came out and the 17mm 1.8 lens. It was the best in hand feel of any camera I ever used, better than the e3030 with the 12-60mm 2.8 which was excellent. I'm still using it and I still have the 14-150mm on it most of the time. I ventured into Sony A7 for a while and still have one but the em1 is it for me. Still. If it zonks it will be replaced by a MK2. Though like you I do prefer the tilt screen over the flip out version. I toyed with Fuji as an idea some time ago but the thought of the heavier lenses and "no e1 feel" stopped that. Also lets face it I have an almost vintage camera that is still more advanced than almost anything the "big boys" have created after they reluctantly fell to the mirrorless style over advertising emotion.

I like M43. Currently more LUMIX. I love the GX85/9 for their small size and light weight. I also use Fuji. Just bought a XE3 and X100VI. I have more bodies than I can explain. I do very much like the EMD1 Mii. It is married to the 12-40 lens. Had an EMD5 I gave to a coworker as his 1st camera. I love the saturated colors that come out of the Olympus. Maybe not accurate colors but good looking colors. OM systems doesn’t have the money to keep up with the research needs of a camera company. LUMIX has given much of its attention to full frame bodies and lenses. Small M43 bodies seems not to interest LUMIX or Olympus. Too bad. I dream of a PDAF sensor and engine like the G9ii in a small body. LUMIX has killed the GX body line so I’m hoping for the G9ii guts placed in the S9 body. For the time being, I’m not interested in any Fuji upgrades over the XT4. I don’t want the 40MP sensor. I think that train has left the station. I am satisfied with the bodies and lenses I own. Sorry LUMIX & Fuji. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

I have been with Olympus now OM since the E-3 and these days the OM-1 , it never fails to surprise me with the images i get and they just keep getting better year after year i also have a Nikon D850 and i must say the OM-1 is in many ways far superior with their lens choices available . I have won awards with images from my OM-D- e1X and that is a 20 megapixel camera so I am in the camp of the photographer not the gear as most of my images come out well weather i use my Nikon or my OM-1 .

Still with you, my fun camera is OM5, my birding camera is Z8. Enjoy your videos, no matter what you shoot.

Owning F,O&N systems. ALL of my Fuji cameras have broken down with light use and my 50-140f2.8. Lenses are outstanding but reliability is terrible. Even borrowed an Xh2 which locked up immediately. Close to retiring and settling on Olympus- EM1MkIII

Great video Craig, I do love my Olympus/Panasonic/Canon/Fuji cameras all for different reasons. Wildlife/macro/street/travel.

I too switched from a Canon 5D mk2 back in the day to the original Olympus OMD EN5. I can remember the sheer joy from using the Olympus, happy days 😊

Been following you since 2016 Craig. Liked the fact you were a m4/3 shooter and didn't hold it against you that you were shooting with the inferior m4/3 brand .... Only joking of course. Enjoy the content, your way of seeing an image. Really don't care which brand camera you use.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! I can totally identify with your considerations. So many cameras to choose from... And the question is always: What do you want in photography? And what do you need then? A camera is just a box. What matters are the lenses and the films/sensors. All the menu stuff is just distracting from the fact that focus, aperture, shutter speed and sensitivity (ISO) are all that matters, and any camera that allows you to set these as you want is ok.

Agree about the Fuji dials - nice idea but I never used them on my XT1, always preferring auto ISO and shutter, and the aperture rings on the lenses. For the kind of photography I do though I prefer to be able to get some background blur at 50 or even 35mm, so it has to be full frame or larger unfortunately, so I'm stuck with a Canon 5D for now.

I started following you because you were shooting Olympus camera. I have continued to follow you because I love your photos.

I replaced my Olympus gear a few years back and got Fujifilm (X-T3) as a companion to my Nikon FX. I'm now (trying to) selling my Fujifilm setup to get Olympus again. I miss the size and the images. I'll never get ride of my Nikon.

Craig - can you please explain to me the overwrought fuss over flip out screens? What is so hard about not flipping it if you don't like it? When one doesn't like or need any other feature on a camera, doesn't one tend to not only not use it, but ignore it, and maybe even forget about it altogether? I am truly baffled by this point that a lot of photography youtubers complain about. Thanks!

Although I was initially slightly dismayed at your switch to Fuji, I continue to watch your videos because, let's face it, good photography is good photography. I am still happily shooting my Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras and I also eagerly look forward to your videos. It's like Beatles vs Stones. Why can't you like both, I say!

I know many nice guys using Fuji, so take it easy 😉 Myself being still super satisfied with my Oly 1 mark ll plus a Pen F, I see all your points. A tool is a tool, but nicer tools create better work by simply delivering additional joy.

The current rumor is that the X-Pro5 (not 4) will be out in late 2025\early 2026.

I also don't like these complicated to use flip out screens. This is why I didn't get a Pen-F. But I found the E-P7 which appeared only some months after the Pen-F. It also has the 20 MP sensor, still no phase AF, but the nice, old flip up screen. But beware - there is no viewfinder, and there is no way to connect an external one. I just got it this week and I love it. Fits into a pocket of my jacket (with a smaller lens).

I originally got into Olympus (OMD E M1 iii) to have a compact, lightweight weatherproof camera for landscape photography. Not carrying a tripod was a bonus. Now I own an OM-1. I also own a GFX 100S and multiple Leicas. I find that when I travel I appreciate the carryon-only compactness of the OM-1 and find the images to be fine. About half the time I give in to megapixel envy and bring the GFX but almost always regret having to check luggage and also schlepp the medium format gear up and down mountains. Yes, lower resolution. Yes, less dynamic range. But far lighter and cheaper, and waterproof. Computational images. Starry AF. Live ND. Great images. I try to use the Olympus gear for travel photography, and leave the GFX gear at home. The OMD and a Leica M11 monchrom are my compact, light travel kit.

My one disagreement with this video is that I like the flip out screen for photography. I have a fair few images that I couldn't have taken without the flip out. This is probably because my flexibility and ability to kneel down are rapidly disappearing as I pass 73!

So.... Not a Sony? 😅

I too jump from an 5D Classic to an OM-D E-M5 back in 2014. I just couldn't afford a 5Dii at the time. I agree that at that time Olympus innovated, and the features I got with the E-M5 were features that I could use as a landscape photographer. I also managed to get an original E-M1 but found its long exposure performance to be very noisy - fortunately Olympus fixed that in the E-M1ii. I agree with you that the E-M1ii was (and perhaps still is ) the best of the Olympus OM-D range - and I'd include the OM Systems OM-1s in that too. I've jumped away from Olympus because - like you mentioned in the video - I'm not convinced that OM Systems have the capability or the drive to innovate the way Olympus used to. I've jumped over to Sigma and am using one of their fpL cameras. Sigma do things their own way, and are not mainstream - I like that in a camera system :)

The problem is blackmail

I'm here for yoir insight👍 I use an old Nikon DSLR>D850, oh well😅.. those internet commentors are boring, and have no creativity or originality, they are the most basic of sheep. About "gear doesn't matter" - to just get the shot, it doesn't matter ~ however, F1 mechanics are not using <insert cheap brand> (Princess Auto) tools because gear matters and essentially equates to quality. ...imo😊 Cheers,

Great content, but anoying music

I use my Pen-F with the Pana-Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4 almost permanently mounted. My E-M1 with the pancake kit lens is my trusty back-up. Brilliant cameras, IMHO. Keep up the great work Craig, your images are inspiring!

My LUMIX G9ii has a 25mp sensor, it’s better than the old 20mp one in the original G9, has phase detect too.

Well.... I own OMD EM1....... OMD EM1X....... EP5...... fantastic. Not to forget that Zuiko lenses are simply superb.

started on a dead system, Pentax,but loved it as the ergonomics were and are as far as i know excellent. However time and health changed all that so looked for something lighter . Remembering the Olympus point and shoot camera i had i firstly tried the om-d-m10 mk2 plus a couple a couple of 1-8 primes i fell in love. Now have the o-em1 mk 2 plus a p5 , sorry to see you go but who knows what the future lies for any camera brand ,just enjoy what you have as long as it makes you happy. Just think Pentax have brought out both a film camera and a black and white only body.

"Hi Craig you are my camera barometer, whats hot, whats not! nice vid as always."

I shoot Olympus, currently sell my FF gear and for the past few days I've had the xt50 at home to try out 40mp. I don't know what I am doing wrong, but I actually cannnot see any difference to my em1 iii. Also my 12-45 is sharper than the Fuji 16-50. I'm actually too lazy now to figure out what I did wrong and just send the Fuji back. For my use and my, well, feeling, Olympus is best. I'll just stick to it now and hope OM System will be selling camera gear till I die😂. Can someone explain to me why it is so hard for mft to increase the megapixels, when drones like the mavic mini with a smaller sensor have 48mp nowadays? I don't care what camera you use. I can't tell the difference. It's your work that stands out to me from all the others, not your gear.

I basically made the same switch from Canon to Olympus EM5's and their wonderful "Olycrons"... MY issue with Olympus was I never like what I got out of camera as RAW's or jpegs... they just never seemed right to me no matter homw much I tweaked in post. BUT... the size was what kept me.. I eventually shot with a trio of Pen-F's with the said Olycron lenses and loved shooting my documentary and street work with them. I even got a couple of EM1mkII's for video work and they diid a great job. When Olympus sold off their camera division I saw the writing on the wall... and moved to a trio of XE-2's and fuji's fast primes.. I love the look of Fuji's RAW files from that xtrans sensor. there's something about them I never could get from Olympus files even in Capture One... But I do miss those Pen-f bodies and compact olympus lenses... Fuji is where I am at and even though these bodies are old and lack IBIS (something I truly miss having from Olympus),the results speak for themselves in the stills I shoot.