One of the most common questions I get is "What camera I use - Canon or Nikon?"
Many people seem to assume that Canon and Nikon are the only or best cameras for professional use. Despite considering changing systems a number of times, I've stuck with the Olympus E-System. I'm a big fan of optical quality - an area where Olympus shines.
Although I regularly update aspects of my equipment, the improvement in image quality that I’ve seen over a number of years is far greater than the advances in technology. This comes down to two factors – using equipment capable of high image quality and more importantly learning how to use that equipment, post process images and how to get around its limitations.
My priorities in selecting equipment are:- Image quality
- High optical quality
- Versatility
- ruggedness
- weight
My current set-up comprises of the following:
- Olympus E-30
- Olympus E-420 (backup)
- 9-18mm f4-5.6
- 12-60mm f2.8-4 SWD
- 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD
- 35mm f3.5 macro
- EX-25 extension tube
- FL36R wireless flash
- Tripod with ball head
- Monopod
- Apple Macbook 13ins
- Day-pack with laptop sleeve + room for camera bag
The particular the strength of the system is its size and portability, splash-proof lenses and dust reduction system. All of these factors are essential when you spend long periods traveling. The key reason for choosing this system is however the quality and versatility of the optics. The two main lenses I use are some of the most versatile, but more importantly have not sacrificed image quality.
Using the E30 with the Olympus SWD lenses is simply sublime. The combination allows for super-fast and accurate focusing, prime-like sharpness and a range of focal lengths in two lenses that is unmatched elsewhere by professional grade lenses. Another benefit of using the Olympus system is the availability of a tiny backup camera – the E420. Compared to the flagship E-3 I was unable to discern any image quality difference between the two cameras when testing the bodies and shooting in RAW.
While I'd love to have the extra weather sealing of the E3, unfortunately at the moment the cut-off for X-Large file sizes on Istock is at 12MP - in practice this works out to a large difference in revenue.
