I wish I tried this camera system Years Ago!

I really can’t believe I’ve never tried this camera system before now! But to be honest, this may be the best time ever since I have grown enough to understand its current and future relevance.

[@joshuagutierrez8407]

Hmmmm….I love love love seeing one of my favorite photographers/channels realizing just how great the Olympus Mu43 system is. I switched to Olympus a few years ago and never looked back. When people ask me why - 1. The color SOC, 2. being able to manual focus on the fly, 3. IBIS…and 4. the weather sealing. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. When you realize the amount of tech crammed into those bodies and features, it makes my Nikon z72 (for work) seem like child’s play. Now for the bad…you let everyone in on the secret - of how great of cameras they are. I shoot weddings outside of the photography studio I work for, using both an EM13 and EM1X…with all PRO lenses and after 70 weddings these last couple of years…I’ve never had a client come back at me for the quality of the photos. They’re stunning. If I may recommend, if you’re lens hunting for the mu43 system, the 25mm/1.2 is STUNNING!!!! As is the 45/1.2. But that 12-40/2.8 is hands down better than any canon 24-70 L lens. Anyways, I know you need anyone’s perspective on gear or anything as you’re pretty damn wise when it comes to stuff like this - just a heads up….voightlander makes a 17,25,45mm/F0.95 for the system. As I know how much you love your Voightlanders. Just a thought. Anyways…welcome to the system. Have a great day! J.

[@kaskoPhoto]

The 25 was the first lens I purchased after the 12-40. Didn’t hesitate for a second on that one

[@stephencifka4629]

My experience is that figuring out best camera gear is just like forming a band. No one system is "best". Musicians all have preferences based on what we love and what creates the sound we value. The mistake we make in photography is chasing other people's recommendations of "what's best". Awareness of what tools are available is helpful, but we will never stop chasing gear until we focus on what we are actually trying to accomplish.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well said!

[@allanschuster3520]

"We lose the joy of what we have by always wanting more"

[@SavedbybGrace]

💯%. The cameras I use are probably impractical compared to others available. I love using them though. And for me, the experience is equally as important as the results!

[@sweden_ove2074]

​@@allanschuster3520 That is so very true said. Being expert on the system you have is often way better than looking for more and more. I like what he say, This system is heated by so many, still it is so superb for so many professionals if they decided what is good enough for their photography, and then go for a system that gives that level. Having fun with photography is not having the most expensive system, it's having the system that gives joy and quality result at the same time. MFT is lighter due to smaller and still superb quality lenses. There lies the key. And that is also what I love about MFT when I switched over 2019. I'm still impressed by the glass quality, and the body functions that nobody else have.

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Trust the weatherproofing. My EM1 MkII and Pro lenses have never been kept in a cover no matter the level of downpour. Glad you discovered OM/Olympus.

[@lasticonoclast]

Yep. I was in the Galapagos with three other photographers; 2 Canon and 1 Nikon shooter. When the predictable rains arrived, all 3 packed up while I kept shooting with my OM1 and EM1.2. The guides with us were freaking out, telling me to cover my camera. So I kept on shooting. Came back with images that the others could not capture. 😁

[@krazyk57]

This is what I like about your channel.. Real world honest assessment from a working photographer… Beautiful captures…😊

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you. It’s crazy that I too listened to all the negative noise out there on this system.

[@jonbarnard7186]

I think a lot of the criticisms of this system is just people repeating what they've seen others say on KZbin. It's not like they've actually used the camera. In some ways it's more challenging than full-frame, since you can't crop as much, but I don't see a lot of difference between the images I get from this camera, and those I get from my full-frame Nikon. And it's more fun to use and to carry around too.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I agree on the “jump on the bandwagon” theory of downplaying the system.

[@normstangl3499]

I’m not a gas head. I shor for several years with a Canon 5D Mk iv and a trilogy of L series glass. When I decided to go mirrorless I thought long and hard about what to get. I decided to buy a used original Olympus E-M1. I loved the camera. I decided to pick up an Olympus E-M1 Mk iii with a cross of PRO and premium glass, no regrets, no looking back. I even added the plastic fantastic 40-150 lens that I picked up for $60, it performs shockingly well. The only limitations come from me.

[@DA-lp4rh]

i shot pro real estate and dog portraits with that model Olympus for two years - agree, colors were great. The whole -" it's poor in low light" means nothing to a photographer that beams rays of sun with various flashes. IT had a nice multi exposure mode too - where I could walk around a room and pop flashes up to four times in different places and the camera would do like a in camera lighten mode and blend the photos together. I could walk up one side of the room and do that and then repeat down the other side and blend the two in PS. The size was great for handling and moving quickly with fast moving dogs too. The only reason I changed brands was the need for better quality video from a hybrid camera.

[@alholston-smith7631]

John, whilst the Olympus clutch system lenses, feel like a true manual focus lens, but they are still focus by wire, with a predictable, repeatable setting, and end stops. But they are still focus by wire, as the MFT auto focus lenses all use a focus motor. You put that lens on a camera (using an adapter) that does not support auto focus, and it will not focus at all. That said, you can get true non auto focus, lol manual focus lenses with MFT mounts, like Voightlander lenses. Cheers

[@paulanderson24]

Yes!! I have a huge soft spot for M43. Probably the system that would fit most needs for most users IMO. Plenty capable and versatile but I guess people NEED 40-60MP full frame for uploading to Instagram 😉

[@kaskoPhoto]

If they get over the hump of the negativity and try the system, they will be sold

[@kylejamesstevens5845]

I appreciate your genuine enthusiasm and passion for photography and all it encompasses, best wishes, Kyle

[@andreassilverbris9924]

Try out the 75/1.8 lens and you will like Olympus even more. 😉

[@kaskoPhoto]

I really would like to try that lens. Images I saw from that lens look great.

[@OutRAjious]

or Sigma 56mm 1.4

[@SaroBW]

For over a decade I've defied conventional wisdom by using m4/3 for concert and theater photography. After hundreds of events, I've only had 2 band managers say they didn't like my images because of the level of hi ISO noise. That was years ago, using the EM1 Mk1. I'm now using the EM1 Mk3 and it's vastly improved, not only in image quality, but features, functionality and enjoyability as a photographic tool. Thanks for a good video showing how a pro can find practical reasons for liking the m4/3 system.

[@kaskoPhoto]

At the end of the day, if your clients are happy… they are the ones keeping the lights on.

[@PhotogenicProperties]

It’s such a great system. Have had Oly in the bag since the E-M1 ll. It always fights above it’s weight class! Enjoy. 1.2s are fab. As mentioned the 75 1.8 albeit a long focal length is perhaps the finest lens I’ve shot. It’s stelllar!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you. I’m really interested in the 75 now.

[@paulanderson24]

@@kaskoPhotoI used the Sigma 56mm 1.4 for some candid portraits for a friends bday and the results were great - with a Lumix GX85

[@robertdavidson7242]

I'm glad you finally tried this system. I have been with Olympus/OM systems and Panasonic for a long time, and have a good collection of lenses. Very happy with it. Just recently I got sucked into buying a Nikon ZF with a 40mm lens because of the retro styling. I have a few good Rokkor MD mount manual lenses to try with it. But love my OM1 and capturing birds in flight.

[@ericrjennings]

Yep. I have an OM-1. Sleeper camera. It’s great

[@2o4II112II26o2]

The new sensor in the OM-1 ( and OM-1 Mk2 ) has a high dynamic range and fairly low noise in the low tones, quite a bit lower than the older bodies.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I am really very happy with that sensor in the OM-1 but I am coming into the system with this sensor so I have nothing to compare it to.

[@PaulGavinger]

That lens is my longtime go-to for in-the-pouring-rain photography in Chicago. The camera has never seen the inside of a bag.

[@2o4II112II26o2]

For static portrait shots in bright light you could use the Hi(gh)-Resolution modes, which take a succession of frames with the sensor staggered left and right, up and down, so the sharpness you see would be even higher.

[@christophholzner1612]

Hey John, glad you talk about M4/3! I watch you regularly to learn about shooting portraits, as I watch other professionals to learn about their attempts towards photography. The thing is, they all shoot Leica/boutique equipment. But I do shoot M4/3 (Lumix G91 with different "prosumer"-level lenses such as the PanaLeica 25mm 1.4 II and the PanaLeica 15mm 1.7) and still learn a lot by watching the videos AND end up with super satisfying frames and quite a learning curve! Picture quality of this system is -as you say- really convincing! Portability is amazing! So, thank you for your approach and please keep on talking about real world things! I really enjoy this!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. And I think those lenses are top notch.

[@JohanKhoo]

Love MFT too! Had one since the Olympus PEN, the 12-40 amazing do everything lens.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I really hope they do an update on the Pen-F someday.

[@rudigerwolf9626]

Thank-you! I too am settled on Leica for gestalt, OM-1 for wildlife. Using the OM-1 more and more.

[@valdiskrebs1670]

I have settled on mid-2010s Olympus cameras -- EM1ii and Pen-F with f1.8 primes and f4 Pro zooms. They have all the tech I need (IBIS, Pro Capture, in-camera focus-stacking). It is more important to know your camera and develop your eye/style, than constantly chasing sensor size/MPs. Spend your money on lessons/training, not new cameras.

[@catherineo2134]

The photographer IS more important than the gear! A good photographer could use a ‘camera obscura’ and create an artful image. The gear is simply a tool. The ‘Art’ of and in photography, lies in the photographers eye, through an ability to visualize. Envisioning the outcome by considering perspective, light and shadow, composition and meaning, or commercially…the message. The camera and gear simply document the outcome of the creative vision. We live in an age that worships technology - is bedazzled by technology. However, photography gear has become stratified by a price-status-size-feature set hierarchy and the cult of Brand. None of this commodification of gear has anything to do with the essence of photography. Just as ‘clothes do not make the man or woman’ - gear does not make the photographer. The images are the only thing that matters.

[@kaskoPhoto]

In most cases I agree. But unfortunately there are tools that make the job not only easier but possible. Taking my Leica out in a downpour, needing a 200mm lens because of the subject matter being photographed will add an * to that argument.

[@catherineo2134]

@@kaskoPhoto Of course, whatever helps you to fulfill your vision more effectively. That’s all good. I do love the shots I’ve seen. Even most of your lens testing images are quite beautiful. Cheers, Catherine O

[@SpudUna]

I have the OM-5. Brilliant camera. I’m 66 and hike a lot. So weight is an issue. I have the 12-45 f4 and a couple of fast primes for low light if necessary. But the primes are hardly used. I definitely would be needing to return to full frame any time soon. And personally I actually like the deeper DoF m43 gives me.

[@DI-cm5xc]

Thanks John. After retiring from electrical engineering, I focused on my passion for photography as an avid amateur. Fate intervened and I found myself doing the occasional forensic photography shoot of major electrical failures and/or injuries. My choice (I use several systems) for this work is micro 43 with its smaller size, great stabilization and deeper depth of field. Horses for courses.

[@tombrewton7823]

Really great to hear another straight-up no BS discussion from a working photographer. i'm not a pro, but have been shooting Olympus since the original OM-1 film camera. Over the years I've tried Nikon and Hasselblad, but have been back to Olympus for about ten years now. I added a Q2 Monochrome when it came out, and just last month added an M-11P w/ 50mm 1.4 Summilux. Hard to beat either "system", although it does occasionally lead to tough decisions about what to carry when. Keep up the great work, and I love your style!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you. I too had that decision on what to take just yesterday. Was just going for a coffee with my daughter and wanted to get some shots. M-11P won the battle

[@ChuckSeayII]

The Micro 4/3 systems have been stigmatized by the KZbin camera community for years! No seems to get that there are more pros than cons with the MFT systems! But, to each theri own! They all take picture and most shoot great video today! The big question now is how much weight do you want to carry around? Good video. Thanks for sharing

[@d.idowuolutosin4250]

I shot the LUMIX MFT system for years. I moved from it to Fujifilm because at the time there were things I wanted to experiment with, namely the film simulations, and I liked the aesthetics of Fujifilm cameras more than LUMIX. That said, never had an issue with the quality of the photos coming out of the camera. Let you, I shoot Leica as well and I pay very little attention to the so-called KZbin camera reviewers because most of them don’t really shoot anyway. Keep bringing your brand of content. It’s appreciated.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you so much.

[@wadecoffie7255]

I started to buy this system because I still have my OM1 film cam from the 80's. I always used Kodak film and always got compliments and praise about the skin tones. However, I decided to go with the Canon 5dii. I am happy with it but will probably still pick up am OM before its over. I have watched Robin Wong's channel and he was an ambassador for OM. I was very impressed with the photos he shared. P.S. John. I have never liked hard light but you have converted me. Those Stella Pros are awesome. Thanks for the video. 😊

[@kalisti2323]

I love the mft platform, the G9 will be with me for a very long time. Check out the Voigtlander 60mm f/0.95 and the 29mm f/0.8!!!! amazing lenses. The 25mm f/1.4 is very nice with its leica 'like' rendering.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you for the recommendations.

[@gilberthuph]

I got an OM-1 last year with the 12-40 f2.8 as a lightweight option to take out walking, I never expected it to be so good. Sold all my Fuji X gear as a result.

[@kaskoPhoto]

It really is a shock when you first shoot it and then pull up the images.

[@EdwardBartel]

The way your are holding the camera in this video highlights the strengths of the m43 system. The size/weight of OM System cameras make it easy to just use a wrist strap for a day of shooting. You do NOT need to worry about weather with that setup. I've used that exact setup in a tropical downburst in a rainforest and never had a problem. I was with a group of photographers and I was the ONLY one comfortable shooting away while the others had their cameras in their bags during the rain.

[@EdwardBartel]

That little flash is really just to be used as a trigger because the OM System uses optical connectivity in a multi-flash setup.

[@Sofus.Solivagante]

Maybe not the "best" system, but definitely the most fun to use. I love it, and I go for it 90% of the time.

[@errantarcher]

Olympus and OM-system have been with me for years. I picked up one 8 years ago (16mp) for travel, and the system, particularly the lenses has pushed its way to my main system.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I have high hopes for their future after using this latest camera.

[@HighPingDrifter1]

I got a Lumix GX80 and 3 lenses, all 2nd hand, last year and it's a fantastic set-up for everyday use. I can put the whole kit in a shoulder bag and it barely weighs a thing while the stabilisation is so good I can do murky woodland photography without needing to lug a tripod around. Never trust anyone who tells you these cameras are inferior because they have smaller sensors :)

[@kaskoPhoto]

I do love the form factor and feel of the camera.

[@hamishmctiaigh4363]

OM-10 mark I got very well pre-used for around a 100$ has rekindled my passion for photography 2 years ago. Its always with me in my car now, even though most of the "rubber" parts are gone. It's tiny, and it keeps my creative juices flowing especially because of the limitations of this 10 year old beginners level camera.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@brunoberger9490]

It‘s a nice system. I have the Olympus E-M1 ll with the 12-40 and the old tiny and beautiful E-M 10 ll with some smaller lenses. It’s just fun to shoot with. As a wideangle shooter you have to try the Olympus 12 mm F2. Just gorgeous and super contrasty. Or the Panasonic Leica 15 mm f 1.7 or … . There are so many good lenses around. You will further not be disappointed with the system.

[@chrisburnard5157]

Great and varied content as always. Thank you.

[@robertmccutchan5450]

I need a wide range of focal lengths when I shoot, so I shoot with 2 full frame Canon's (5D III and 5D IV) hanging around my neck for work that will be viewed online with an occasional 5x7 or 8x10 print being made. I recently started shooting with 1 APS-C Canon and a 18-135 zoom just to lighten the load for 12 hours of shooting. I've been thinking of trying a Micro 4/3 with a 12-200 lens to make the rig even lighter and give me an incredible focal range (effectively 24-400). The image quality you show here is quite impressive, so I just may start shopping for a rig. For what it's worth, my first "pro" digital camera was and Olympus E20-N with a 2/3" sensor, and I had to shoot in jpeg because it took 30 seconds for the camera to process a raw image, and there was a 4 shot buffer. I routinely printed 16x20" prints with no problem at all. Thanks for posting!

[@ZippyDChimp-mr1tf]

I shot Olympus M43 for about 10 years and thought their products were excellent. There wsa really nothing you couldn't do. Some super advanced features just blew my mind. I moved to mirrorless Leica mainly because I'm a sucker for older lenses. Mirrorless opens the door for using vintage lenses again but you need a bigger sensor to take full advantage of their look.

[@kaskoPhoto]

The vintage lenses with full frame do have that look. My main goal with this system is to cover the clients who just need the shot - content. Should make my job a bit easier.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Oh...and the lens library is great

[@kaskoPhoto]

Their lenses are fantastic.

[@alholston-smith7631]

Another great MfT lens, with great background control, is the Panasonic Leica 42.5 f/1.2 which has a Leica optical look and feel to it, at a fraction of the price the same Leica lens would cost. Cheers

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

Olympus colours have always been great and so overlooked. Extra depth of field helps out the hit rate. IBIS is something they pretty much invented. Automatic sensor cleaning is something they did invent, I'm fairly sure of that. Copyright embedded into the files they didn't restrict to pro models but put into almost all models. Changing the dpi of the jpegs in camera is a handy way to get larger files out of camera.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I really do love the color! You know I rarely even think about IBIS but it will probably show its worth with the 40-150 I’m sure.

[@digibirder]

Great dose of reality! When you are manual focussing the 12-40 f2.8 do you use any of the manual focus assist modes? How does it compare to manual focussing the Leica? Thanks!

[@ebowden53]

I loved my Oly! Have fun with the Live Composite for portraits and light painting too!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I will def be playing. Thank you

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Interesting. I follow your argument and agree with all of what you have said. MFT has a use and that camera seems to do a good job. The closest I come to that is with three cameras: M8.2, PIxii A2572 and an old Pentax Q-S1. All give me good images SOOC. Not perfect put pretty good. Only the tiny Pentax has auto everything. The Pixii has no autofocus of course but auto other and can use Leica use lenses. But what has seduced me is the HB X2D. Your argument that small sensors today can deliver big is true. Your images were so very good. Thanks.

[@smkunder1]

I have been in and out of Olympus 3 times. I sold my OM1 to fund my ZF, which I truly love. I a starting to feel an urge to get back in Olympus with the OM5. My only fear is about the future of OM Systems. They don’t seem to be bringing much to the market. Also I truly enjoy your videos!

[@kaskoPhoto]

I think they will continue to innovate and keep the updates and new products at a more manageable pace.

[@SpudUna]

I actually sold my ZF for the OM-5. I just couldn’t get on with the size. And the lens size . I have no regrets. The OM-5 fits My needs perfectly. And I’m pretty sure the 12-45 f4 is the best lens I’ve ever owned. And I’ve had the 12-40 2.8. The insane close focus of the 12-45 really does make it a superb all rounder. Sharp too.

[@realniteart]

Olympus is my favorite camera; it was my EDC for many years (a decade at least). I use it together with GFX, especially when I need to shoot action, closeups or long reach. I shoot simple images most of the time, but when I need a trick Oly is always there with live light painting, built-in ND filters, multi-exposures, Pro Capture (my most often used extra feature), etc.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks for the input. I can’t see myself using the extras for work but I am looking forward to the extras for pure, endless enjoyment

[@realniteart]

@@kaskoPhoto Just get with it to a waterfall on an overcast day and shoot 2 seconds exposures handheld with simulated ND filter! :) It is pure magic.

[@ohnoflicks]

I have the OM1 version 1. Some of the best color out there. Did some tests shooting products. For SOOC JPEG shots, the OM1 did the best. I’ve been with m43 since its start. Most fun I ever had shooting was throwing a cheap $25 CCTV lens on one of the original Olympus PEN cameras, critics be damned 😀

[@mjcz5853]

Only camera snobs would put this camera down. By the way, they’re part of the crowd out there bragging about how great their iPhone images are. Wonder if they realize how small the sensors in cell phones are? Lol. Excellent video.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks. To be honest I never considered the system back in the day for the same reason. 😔 Really happy I took the leap.

[@brandon_weber]

I thought I was the only weirdo that likes the combination of these two systems. They are so different (except for the hate they attract) that they complement each other perfectly, especially for travel, when size matters.

[@thedarkslide]

I have been shooting Four Thirds since the E-520 and moved all the way up to the E-M1III. I don't see much value in upgrading from the E-M1III, that camera is mostly the same as the OM1 and OM1 Mark II. The colors are great. There are hardly any cameras better made (including Leica, and I own plenty of Leica cameras too). The lenses are spectacular.

[@johnyoung1606]

I am familiar with Gavin Hoey , Robin Wong , Joe Edelman and others, Who all work as Pro Photogs,, They all use or have used that or similar systems, and created beautiful work... Although I can not afford to own all of the Systems that I would like, I will follow You and watch and see what You come up with :) :) :)

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you and I’m really interested in seeing how I do with this as well. First impressions are really positive.

[@Martin-nu6ym]

Exact same statement I made a year ago with the OM-1 mark I. 😛 In my case, it was the 90 macro that was released last year that got me into the system.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I would love to play with macro some day. Really never did much with it other than ring shots.

[@lensman5762]

I do have Leica M cameras, film and digital and Nikon, Canon, Hasselblad Pentax etc etc .I also have an EM 1 MKII, and an old EM5 MKII. They are highly capable cameras in eery respect and they had featufes long ago that Sony or anon couldn't dream of. The best thing is that I can mount my Leica M lenses via adapter oonthese and operate themi full manual mode with IBIS engaged. Absolutely brilliant ameras at silly low prices.

[@johnvr1]

I love my MFT system! I do I have a Leica M11 as well, but that broke and it will take months to get it fixed. Go figure…

[@PaulS-ru8js]

I have alway felt that the people who have a low opinion of M43 are mostly people who haven‘t used it. For me its the Olympus Pro lenses that really make it sing. I also have a Sony A7cR, and I know what that can do, but unless you are going to make massive prints, M43 with good lenses is very satisfying.

[@kaskoPhoto]

You are 100% right about these lenses! They make a huge impact on the images.

[@RichardBO9]

Color me conflicted. I just traded an OM 1 ii and three lenses for a Nikon Z8. There is a lot about the OM camera I liked. But for shooting landscapes I felt it didn't capture enough detail. The sensor size isn't an issue. I prefer the 4:3 aspect ratio. The bit depth for detailed landscapes and wildlife was an issue for me. If you shoot it high rez, you can get to 14-bit color, but then you lose all of the other capability, like built in GND's. I am hopeful OM Systems can improve on the bit depth. I REALLY wanted to like this camera.

[@kaskoPhoto]

It is a noticeable difference if printing for sure. The big problem is more on our monitor vs posting the images, as the sRGB color space just crushes everything anyway. The key is to shoot in Abobe RGB which give you a broader color palette for editing and printing. For output to web, covert to sRGB on export.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

In the menu you can disable the manual clutch if you want. I disable it on my Olympus OMD E-M1ii cameras because when I'm shooting weddings sometimes I hit it by mistake or when I put the camera back in the back it goes back to manual. When when the camera is not auto focusing your like oh crap somethings wrong. When I was shooting with my Olympus OMD E-M5 cameras I would always hit the manual clutch at every wedding. And I would have to tell myself check the clutch. Problem is after wedding season and going back into the new wedding season your always a little rusty the first wedding and sometimes I would forget to just check the lens and I would take my eye off the camera then see the clutch. Also in the menu there is a wedding to take a photo even of the camera has not locked on to focus. I had to do this because at wedding sometimes on the dance floor the camera might have a hard time sometimes hitting focus when people are moving fast but I stop down all the time a little so even if its a little off its still in focus.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thanks for the tips.

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

@@kaskoPhoto That little flash you still have manual control you have to use the menu in the camera. Also if I want to use manual I just go into the menu since I disabled the clutch.

[@waynebeaumont3274]

I think it's really a shame that OM System has been pushing this so hard as a niche system for wildlife and adventure photography. As you've shown, it's certainly capable of much more.

[@kaskoPhoto]

From a marketing standpoint, I get why they did what they did. But I 100% agree with you. I do think this system will be building more than ever soon.

[@BronzeHarbour]

Considering this for my video kit. Nikon serves me well in the stills area. Instead of upgrading to a monster Z8, having a ZF or Z6Mark III + a Panasonic GH7 for video work may make sense.

[@kaskoPhoto]

LUMIX is worth a look for the video side as well. This does a great job, but if you want more in-depth pro features…

[@SavedbybGrace]

It’s interesting if you wind the clock back some decades. If you find some magazines from the 60’s for example, you’ll see full page back covers advertising Olympus cameras They were hugely desirable back in the day. I had an OM4 Ti and an OM1 when I was using film. If the makers of Olympus had marketed the product in a more sophisticated way, they could have been equal to Nikon/Canon today. Fantastic cameras in the bygone era and while I no longer use them, I’ll bet they are still up there as a quality image making machine…. Yea… back in the film days… those old SLR’s from all the brands. That was some cool era. In saying that, the Leica and Hasselblad I use today are the pinnacle… as you would expect. Agree on the micro sensors. I think it’s all a non issue now there are so many pixels!!! Back in 2001, I was selling images made on a 6mp Canon… (and 3mp before that!!!).

[@kaskoPhoto]

That’s so true. Some of my favorite images and most relevant images were done on 2 and 6 mp sensors

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

That's good the flash was in the box. I thought OM Systems got rid of that flash. They come in hand for weddings at times for me. Like if I'm doing a out door ceremony and I'll just pop those on just in case by the time the ceremony is over if it gets dark I can use them for a second then swap out for my bigger flashes.

[@StephenStrangways]

It depends on what region you live in, whether the flash is in the box or not.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Love mine.

[@kaskoPhoto]

There is a lot to love.

[@CianMcsweeney]

That manual focus clutch has grabbed my attention...

[@kaskoPhoto]

I really am impressed the way they implemented this! It’s nice to see a non-focus by wire system lens(s)

[@CianMcsweeney]

@@kaskoPhoto definitely, if they bring out a successor to their PEN cameras I think I'll have to give them a go. Leica m240 and Ricoh gr3 are my main cameras ATM, but would like an autofocus interchangeable lens option

[@StephenStrangways]

The manual focus clutch is still focus-by-wire.

[@CianMcsweeney]

@@StephenStrangways yeah I know, but I far prefer a focus by wire clutch with hard stops vs the infinite turning focus rings most other lenses have

[@dpfreedman]

At $2400 for just the body and $3000 with the 12-40mm lens, OM Systems is facing some pretty stiff headwinds, John. However, agreed it's an impressive system taking price out of the equation.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well it’s got some juice in that body and lens… I’m not too put off by the pricing in general- but more upset with the industry pricing overall

[@Ad-eq3cu]

Thanks for the video. When you say you liked the colour, are you taking about jpegs? If yes, what profile did you use? If raw, did you use the Adobe profiles? Thanks again.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I used raw. And I did nothing with profiles yet, just standard adobe. I really wanted to see the no brainer look with this to start.

[@kylejamesstevens5845]

How big realistically can you make a quality print from Olympus? I’ve often thought it might be wonderful for macro photography.

[@ericrjennings]

You need to try the 1.2’s. 🙏

[@stefan_becker]

Postive: small, light. Negative: dynamic range, noise and especially colors. Never liked the color reproduction of my Olympus M43 cameras (and it shows in the video at 6:34, if you ask me: flat color). However I think m43 cameras have their niche for macro- , wildlife (small and hand holdable long telephoto lenses) and videography (no overheating at 4k60 or even 4k120).

[@kaskoPhoto]

I think the dynamic range is ok. Not at a full frame level but I did ok with it. Colors on the OM1 are really good. Of course lighting situations will affect an image.

[@humanelements2]

@@kaskoPhoto I agree. Current M43 cameras have dynamic range as good or better than the full frame cameras of a 10-15 years ago. If it was good enough for past professionals then that level of DR is not suddenly terrible just because there are better options out there. I also love Olympus color rendering; I think the base colors are the best of any brand save Sigma foveon cameras.

[@gregcorker2193]

Great review!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

I don't really hate Leica but I have a Fuji X-E1 and I can't really get use to the viewfinder to the side. I'm so use to having my nose being a extra point of contact for being stable. But I never got bad photos from my Fuji X-E1. But it just fells weird to me. I guess its kind of like muscle memory or something.

[@Stefnopicsphotography-tl9gy]

Haha! Yes sure! Little sensor is good!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Works for me for the right jobs

[@johnkasianowicz6536]

I loved my OM-1 35 mm film camera. It was a compact camera system, and the aperture, focus, and shutter speed controls were done one-handed. The digital version looks nice, although I’m not sure how compact it would be in my hands. I have a Leica digital CL (APS-C 24 MP sensor), and it’s more than adequate for a lot of photography work. John, given the small sensor on the digital OM-1, prime lenses should be reasonably compact. Is that the case?

[@kaskoPhoto]

Back in the day / Olympus was a favorite for so many in the film bodies.

[@realniteart]

OM-1 is not a small camera, but it is a perfect size and fit. And 17/1.8 lens (~35mm in 35 world) is tiny and able.

[@Rocky_KO]

That kit cost $3,000 which is nuts! You can get a cheaper & lighter APS-C kit so I can see why people hate Micro 4/3rd

[@kaskoPhoto]

There is a very large and endless amount of gear options at all price points. You just have to find the right system for you. I appreciate the build and quality of the system.

[@Rocky_KO]

@@kaskoPhoto The HDR mode looks interesting. Similar to smartphone computational photo but larger sensor. I hope you can try it on a outdoor model shoot with & without flash.

[@thilipdhev]

I like you You have a very Good approach. 😊 Can u pls post some b&w images with this system.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@philmtx3fr]

Interesting hearing a real photograph speaking of m43 and not saying it s not a piece of sh… Even if this voice is a little alone among the jungle of prosumers and KZbinrs who only look at the tech specs…. The two lenses 12-40 f2.8 and 75mm f1.8 by Olympus are great and the Leica 50-200 perfectly compatible with the 1.4 multiplicator is awesome and give a range coverage from 24 to 480 ff equivalent in a minimum of weight and size. I uses m43, apsc and FF and I never understood why m43 is so unloved… knowing that in 95% of the day 2 day photos you are not able to see the difference…Thx for this video.

[@NickDelDuca]

Would be interested to see the colors of this compared to the Rich Portrait setting on the Nikon ZF

[@kaskoPhoto]

I never tried the rich portrait setting.

[@NickDelDuca]

@@kaskoPhoto That's supposed to be Nikon's best out of camera colors. Give it a try! It's the one I've been using and it's my favorite.

[@MikeC2K10]

If you were to count social media views by camera maker, Olympus probably wins handily. Taylor Swift has been shooting her personal social media using a Olympus E-M10 from 2012. Speaking of the Leica M, I've often wished there was an Olympus full frame digital camera that had the legacy OM mount, so we could use the excellent Zuiko manual focus lenses on a modern digital body optimized for them, like the Leica M is for the manual focus Leica lenses.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I have to say these lenses are absolutely superb. I can see your wish with these.

[@StephenStrangways]

Taylor Swift uses an E-M1, not an E-M10.

[@mauricerijnders3507]

For social the latest smartphones are fine as well 😁

[@kaskoPhoto]

Agreed, this just adds some flexibility and many more options for clients.

[@TheOgreKingdom]

Welcome to the club!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Thank you.

[@fuelediowa]

I used the Olympus E3 from date of release till 2020. I will Never use them again for a few reasons. One how they just dropped the 4/3 system for the M4/3 with no continued support. Two how Olympus took such a great Co and Lenses and gave / sold out. they could of continued making the lenses in a different mount and capitalize on mirrorless push. I have no faith they will be there when needed. I as stated above do not like to change systems. I get to know a system inside and out and stick with it. I agree that Olympus had some of the best color science to date even back in 2006 the color science competes with the best Leica, Fuji, and even Hasselblad. Om is just living off of what Olympus had built and will only be able to be viable until the limited ability of OM systems of minor upgrades and marketing. Just like they (JIP) did with the Sony Vaio's Computer system they bought out.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I understand the hesitation and complete lack of faith with the history, but I am going to give them a shot. Hopefully the past mistakes make them stronger than ever.

[@fuelediowa]

@@kaskoPhoto that would be awesome. I was able to learn so much and gained countless skills with my E3. I literally took so many photos the mirror fell off. I tried gluing it back on but it took the less than stellar AF not usable. And I was not fast enough with the manual focus to keep up with the family and sports. I would love to see some new Zuiko and Leica colab lenses. I am excited to see all you can get out of the system. I still have photos on my front page from my E3.

[@StephenStrangways]

Their continued support of the Four Thirds system is the E-M1, E-M1 II, E-M1 III, E-M5 III, OM-1, OM-1 II, and OM-5, all of which do a fantastic job of focusing Four Thirds lenses on an adapter.

[@frits1463]

So, you're selling the Zf? 😀. M4/3 users are always proud of it. For a reason you apparently.

[@kaskoPhoto]

I don’t plan on selling anything.

[@TasteofTaboo]

You forget the Instagram Tag of the Model XD

[@kaskoPhoto]

No, I don’t add the models insta, there are just too many crappy individuals in the world and like to try to keep them private as I can. It’s a photo channel.

[@TasteofTaboo]

@@kaskoPhoto ok, I just thought this was forgotten. My models would kill me If I am not tagging and linking them.

[@jimmyhinAK]

I say cut the crap KZbin people. If you bought and it works for you get on with your life! The best system is the best one for you every camera,lens, flash, led light whatever has flaws!

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well if everything was sunshine and roses we would be bored 😂

[@Eddie.Mootsen]

You take great images with all the gear you use - its almost like the photographer is more important than the gear 🤔

[@kaskoPhoto]

It is a big factor. But getting a camera you love to use helps too. I am older than dirt so I’ve got some experience behind me… work on the skills and find the camera(s) that you enjoy putting them to use on.

[@christianpetersen1782]

Hi John, thanks for throwing some light on the OM camera and lens. It has sparked some interesting & useful comments from users too. I am guilty of always assuming M4/3 sensors not good enough even though some elders in my old camera club used them to good effect. I love good bokeh and the 3D pop effect so have loved full frame cameras. I will dig deeper into M4/3 and lenses now. Many thanks again.

[@bananaman-zd4lq]

Are you really getting the camera's color science if you're putting it in Lightroom?

[@kaskoPhoto]

Yes

[@StephenStrangways]

No. Adobe generates their own colour profiles for each camera they support in Camera Raw by shooting a test chart under both daylight and tungsten light, and either one of those profiles is used on its own, or they are blended together based on where your white balance slider is set between daylight and tungsten. They have published several white papers about this so there's no reason for it to be a mystery. A test comparing raw in LR to an out-of-camera JPG is also a dead simple way to confirm.

[@bananaman-zd4lq]

@@StephenStrangways That's what I thought. I always hear people say they love the colors of this camera or that, but a lot of times they are talking about what they see when they open it in Lightroom.

[@ChrisM-yq2pq]

Not true. Second hated system is sigma

[@kaskoPhoto]

Really? Well maybe I’m missing those comments 😂😂 I’ve never tried one of the Sigma cameras.

[@Kvistum-Media]

I use OM System. And Leica. Double hate :)

[@kaskoPhoto]

😂 we are abused for sure

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

There is not a camera or camera systems other than a smartphone that I hate as I don't consider a smartphone a camera but a object with a camera function. Going back to your video and camera I shall call the L word,it is just over priced for me, I have many different cameras from Panasonic, Olympus Fujifilm Pentax, Nikon and one Canon, they cover full frame, APSC and micro 4/3 cameras and I have put 2000 as the absolute amount that I will spend for a camera, I have a Panasonic S5 and S5 MKII, Pentax K1MkII and k3 MKIII, Nikon Z6 MKII and ZF, Fujifilm XT5 and XH2, Olympus OMD 1MKII and MKIII, these are the most expensive cameras that I own and many more that are closer to 1200 or less, I have been involved in digital photography for over 16 years and I have every DSLR and mirrorless camera that I have purchased in that time. I have been involved in event photography, wildlife and landscapes along with travel and airshows, so that's how I ended up with so many different cameras but none from the L word camera system, just too rich for me.

[@kaskoPhoto]

Well the the OM-1 2 I got used for a “can’t say no” price.