I was sitting on the couch with my new camera in my hand. My glasses were laying on a book on the coffee table. The book cover was a painting by Frida Kahlo and the woman seemed to be peering at me through the glasses. I adjusted the glasses just a bit and snap! It was a test for the camera, shot at 66mm, 1/5 sec. @ f/5.0 at ISO 1600. I haven't added any noise reduction in Lightroom. This digital file told me a lot about what the camera's in-body image stabilization can do as well as how it performs at higher ISOs. I have printed it at about 10x14 and the image looks good.
My new tool is an Olypmus E-PL5. I weighs about 10 ounces and with the lens it is less than one pound.
I hate to admit it but walking around all day with my big girl camera on my shoulder is just getting to be too much. I'm planning a trip and with the luggage restrictions on airplanes as well as not having Ned along as my luggage handler, I can't manage the weight or size of equipment that I have loved and carried on so many trips.
Fortunately, technology is making a lot of changes in the digital camera world. I won't bore most of you with what is happening except to say that mirrorless cameras with improved sensors and processors are making it possible to have much smaller, lighter cameras with interchangeable high quality lenses that can make images that in some cases are pushing up against the bigger DSLR camera image quality.
I'm happy with this little camera for now but it could become a backup camera to the new generation Olympus OMD E-M5 that rumors say will be announced this Fall. Yeah, I could be tempted.
I'm eager to read your continuing revelations about your new toy, Billie!
ReplyDeleteJim, so far I'm really impressed with the camera and the digital files but as you know it doesn't have a view finder and some much better features of the OMD. I just couldn't see investing in the current OMD when the new generation is suppose to be even better. But one rumor I'm picking up is that it might be a bit larger. Not happy about that one. Although this camera will go in a small purse it will not go in a pocket...at least not any pocket that I have. That is okay. The lighter weight is more important. Wish you were here so you could look at some prints from it with me.
ReplyDeleteSounds sensible and wonderful. I had Olympus cameras for years and years until I got the digital camera that I've been using for the last few years. Of course NO photos I take ever look as beautiful, clear and enchanting as yours......
ReplyDeleteYu have the "eye" girlfriend, and the skill!
Barbara, you are doing just fine with your camera. But thank you anyway.
DeleteBlush, blush.
Billie, I completely understand not wanting to be burdened with a big-girl camera. Starting about two years ago, by the time I trundled DSLR camera, lenses, filters, tripod--you know!--I was too pooped to want to take a picture. I bought a Canon G11 two years ago and haven't regretted it for one minute.
ReplyDeleteNext week we are going to New York. A lightbulb went on in my head. Early Sunday evening I took the huge step of listing ALL my old DLSR equipment for sale on eBay. Within an hour, it all sold, every filter, every flash card, the whole shootin' match. When we get to New York, I'll mail the box to the buyer.
I feel lighter already.
Cristina
http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com
Cristina, I need to sell some equipment but I get such an emotional attachment to it. I'm sure I would feel lighter if I could bring myself to clean out the camera closet.
DeleteEven with image stabilization you must have a very steady hand!
ReplyDeleteal
No, I think it took about 5 shots to get this one. So perserverance more so than a steady hand.
DeleteI love it when a blogger gets a new camera. More and more pictures pop up in the blog. I bought a new Sony without an optical viewfinder, and boy do I miss it. I take half of my photos with the old camera using the optical, eye level viewfinder. If I buy another camera, it will have to have an evf (electronic view finder).
ReplyDeletePhil, I've used the iPhone camera quite a bit so I'm sort of okay without the viewfinder although I've found myself putting the camera up to my eye. LOL Eventually I will get the new OMD and it does have a viewfinder.
DeleteForget about the cameras;)) - where are you going on your trip?
ReplyDeleteGrace
Grace, I'm not ready to reveal all those details yet but it is a fabulous trip that is still a few months away. Be patient! LOL
DeleteI finally gave in and got a camera for travel instead of my SLR. I love all the features, but like you missed the view finder. So I purchased a HOODMAN, it is a rubber device with a lens that you place over the screen and it works just like a view finder.
ReplyDeleteI loved it, also when you are in bright sunlight you can see your screen. It is especially good for composition since you can use it for exact results etc.
Check it out....
Thanks, I'll check it out.
DeleteWhen I read your blog the first time, I missed the "printed an 11" x 14" ." Was this the first time you used the Epson in over a year? How reluctant was it to work? I bet you had to make a dozen prints before it printed a suitable print.
ReplyDeletePhil, it had been about a month since I had printed. I did a nozzle check and all the jets were firing so I was off and running. First print was fine.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Haddock. So far it is working out for me.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 30 I didn't need image stabilization but now I am 68...
ReplyDeleteI too am tired of lugging my Nikon D200 around with me. The days I leave it home are the days the perfect shot presents itself.
Croft, I hate not having the camera with me when I see that perfect shot. While this interchangeable lens camera isn't a pocket camera, at least not my pockets, it is small and light. You might want to take a look at what is happening with the mirrorless 43 and micro 43 cameras. And we are hitting the season when new cameras are being announced. I've done a lot of research since January. I've found that UTube has some great Video reviews of the cameras.
ReplyDelete