a bit of everything…
Does this Micro 4/3 Camera make Nature Photography too easy? (or do we just suck)
Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
The Worst Possible Conditions – Long Exposure Photography (Chris Baitson).
Hard Drives, NASs and RAIDs | What Is the Right Storage for You? (Explora)
The Final Piece Of My Micro Four Thirds Journey Has Arrived! (Robert Grant).
How Impressionism Inspires World-Renowned Photographer and Author Réhahn (42West)
Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.
4th of July deals at BHphoto
To all our US readers: Happy 4th of July!
To celebrate the occasion, don’t miss out on the special deals available on the dedicated B&H Photo 4th of July Deals page (click here).
More deals:
- Lowest price ever on the Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD drive.
- Lowest price ever on the Lexar 1TB SSD disk.
- Prime Day Travel Deals are already online!
From July 8 to July 11, Amazon will run a massive Prime Day sale (Click here). Ahead of the event, you can earn a $15 credit to spend on those deals by uploading your first photos with Amazon Photos (Click here).
PetaPixel: OM System Considering AI Upscaling for Low-Resolution Sensors
PetaPixel had a chat with OM System’s Kazuhiro Togashi, Vice President of Brand Strategy and Product Planning at OM. Here are some tidbits:
OM System has carved out a strong niche in the world of photography, particularly among travel, adventure, and birding enthusiasts. Its Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras (Amazon) are lauded for their portability and advanced computational photography features — but they’ve also faced criticism for lagging behind the competition in sensor resolution.
In a recent interview with Petapixel, OM System executives revealed they are exploring artificial intelligence (AI) upscaling as a way to deliver higher-resolution images without compromising speed or other performance metrics. The move could represent a clever solution to the hardware limitations inherent in the compact MFT format.
The Resolution Trade-off
OM System’s engineers have long prioritized speed and computational performance over raw megapixel count. Increasing sensor resolution would require a completely new sensor and faster processing hardware, which could risk slowing down autofocus and advanced software features that are central to OM cameras (Amazon)’ appeal.
Computational Photography at the Core
OM has been at the forefront of in-camera computational tools, such as Live ND and Live Composite, which allow photographers to capture creative effects without post-processing. However, these features rely heavily on fast data pipelines — and higher-resolution sensors would significantly increase the data load.
AI to the Rescue?
Rather than overhauling hardware, OM is evaluating in-camera AI-driven upscaling techniques similar to those found in software like Adobe’s Super Resolution or DxO’s DeepPRIME. This technology would allow photographers to shoot at the camera’s native resolution and let the camera intelligently upscale files, enhancing detail and reducing noise.
This approach mirrors Canon’s recent inclusion of AI upscaling in the Canon EOS R5 Mark II (Amazon) and Canon EOS R1 (Amazon), though OM System believes its own implementation can deliver even better results thanks to its expertise in computational imaging.
The Future of OM Photography
Beyond AI upscaling, OM continues to invest in new computational tools, like the recently demonstrated “Live GND” feature for landscape photographers, and promises to roll out more innovative software features that maximize the MFT platform’s strengths.
For photographers who value speed, portability, and cutting-edge in-camera processing, OM System’s AI ambitions might strike the right balance between resolution and performance — and help keep MFT relevant in an increasingly full-frame world.
Explore OM System Gear:
OM System OM-1 Mark II (Amazon)
OM System OM-5 (Amazon)
OM System Travel Photography Kits (Amazon)
a bit of everything…
Why I like the GH7
Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
I’m sorry, but the coolest cameras right now are the downright weird ones. I tried these unusual cameras at B&H Bild (DigitalCameraWorld).
Would You Shoot a $10,000 Wedding With Micro Four Thirds? (Robert Grant).
Videography vs Cinematography: What’s the Difference? (42West)
An Approach to Editing Photos from Your Compact Camera (Explora)
Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.
Unlock a Hidden Prime Perk: Unlimited Photo Storage + $15 Credit for Prime Day
From July 8 to July 11, Amazon will run a massive Prime Day sale (Click here). Ahead of the event, you can earn a $15 credit to spend on those deals by uploading your first photos with Amazon Photos (Click here).
More deals:
- Lowest price ever on the Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD drive.
- Lowest price ever on the Lexar 1TB SSD disk.
- Prime Day Travel Deals are already online!
Micro Four Nerds tested the new OM-5II in Iceland
Micro Four Nerds tested the OM System OM-5 Mark II on a rugged photography trip to Iceland, showcasing its weather sealing, portability, and landscape photography strengths.
Key Strengths:
– Compact and lightweight – ideal for hiking and long handheld shooting
– Excellent weather sealing – handled waterfalls, sea spray, and rain with no issues
– Live ND filter – made long exposures effortless without physical filters
– Mechanical burst mode – sufficient for erupting geysers
– Very travel-friendly – never fatiguing to carry
Criticisms:
– Poorly placed computational photography (CP) button – prone to accidental activation
– Only one custom mode on the dial – fewer than OM-1 or OM-3
– Autofocus struggled with birds in flight – reverted to OM System OM-1 for that task
– Plastic base plate unchanged – may be prone to cracking like older models
– On/off switch on the left – ergonomically awkward for quick use
Performance Summary:
– JPEGs looked excellent using custom presets; RAW not yet tested
– Ergonomics mixed – great size and weight, but poor button layout choices
– Subject detection AF needed for fast wildlife – missing on OM-5 M II
– Great build confidence – camera endured sand, water, salt, and impacts
Best Use Case: Landscape photographers, hikers, travel shooters, and anyone needing compact rugged gear.
Upgrade Value: Minor refresh, not a must-upgrade for OM-5 users. More suited for new users entering OM System or Micro Four Thirds.
Quote: “The most Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds camera you can buy.”
Gear Used:
– OM System OM-5 Mark II
– Olympus 40-150mm
– OM System OM-1
Final Thoughts: The OM-5 Mark II is a small, tough, capable camera for outdoor adventures. While not groundbreaking, it’s a great travel companion with serious durability and excellent JPEG image quality straight out of camera. Needs more innovation from OM System to stay competitive.
OM-5II preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.