Rajan Desai

Introduction

Finally, I did it — took a plunge into the m43 world with OM System. Now, I just hope this doesn’t turn into an “Oops, I did it again” decision.

I have been a passionate photographer for over 30 years. What began as a fascination with a simple point-and-shoot camera at the age of 12 has evolved into a deeply ingrained love for capturing images. As a teenager, I worked in a darkroom, and the moment I watched a negative come to life in the developer tray, I was hooked. Being an engineer at heart, photography offered me the perfect blend of physics, chemistry, and art. Today, while the chemistry aspect has been replaced by the digital darkroom (a seamless fit for the computer nerd in me), the physics and art remain as compelling as ever.

Photography has always allowed me to engage my creative right brain, but my decisions are often guided by my dominant left brain. That’s why I hesitated for so long before stepping into the world of the m43 sensor, even as I watched its evolution from the sidelines with curiosity.

Why the Hesitation?

The primary reason was logical: my engineering mind couldn't overlook the limitations of a smaller sensor compared to the full-frame cameras I had been using. The physics seemed clear:

• A smaller sensor means less light-gathering capacity, which often translates to more noise in low-light conditions.
  
• A smaller sensor generally offers less dynamic range.
  
• An f/4 lens on an m43 system behaves like an f/8 lens on a full-frame body in terms of depth of field. Would that mean I’d lose the beautiful, creamy bokeh I loved?
  

Back in 2019, I wasn’t convinced that the m43 system could deliver the image quality I demanded, particularly for wildlife photography. My full-frame Sony Alpha 1 paired with the Sony 600mm f/4 lens seemed unbeatable for the sharpness, dynamic range, and low-light performance I sought.

What Changed?

In 2021, when Olympus sold its camera division to OM Digital Solutions, I noticed a shift. The launch of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO lens was especially intriguing. The idea of having a pro-quality lens with a built-in 1.25x teleconverter—offering a full-frame equivalent range of 300-1000mm—was enough to make me pause and reconsider.

Then came the OM-1 camera, with its improved stacked quad Bayer CMOS sensor, enhanced focus tracking, bigger buffer size, and innovative computational features like Live Composite, Live Bulb, and  in camera filters like Live ND/GND filters. These features started to feel like tools I could integrate into my style of photography.

A Right-Brain Decision?

I’m an avid bird photographer, but lately, I’ve been drawn to astrophotography. The thought of photographing the Milky Way, star trails, auroras, and the moon excites me—but the extensive post-processing involved in astrophotography has always held me back. Features like Live Composition, which simplifies star trail photography, made me think about night/astro photography again.

My turning point came during a recent conversation with Mike Amico, an OM System North America Account Manager and a very good photographer, at a photo show hosted by Hunt's Photo. Mike patiently explained the OM-1 Mark II’s capabilities, and I realized just how much this system could simplify and enhance my workflow—especially for wildlife/bird and night/astro photography.

Reasons for the trying OM System

Here’s what ultimately convinced me to make the leap:

• Pro Capture Mode: With up to 50 FPS and bird focus tracking, this feature feels like a game-changer for action shots I might otherwise miss.
• Improved Bird Tracking and Focusing: Essential for my wildlife photography.
• Live Composite Mode: Perfect for astrophotography and creative long-exposure shots.
• Live GND Filter: Using graduated neutral density filters with long lenses is impractical, but having this feature built into the camera opens up new possibilities.
• Live ND Filters: Allowing me to experiment with motion blur effects without carrying physical ND filters.
• Stabilization: The OM-1 Mark II offers 8.5 stops of in-body image stabilization, and as someone spoiled by the Sony Alpha 1’s ergonomic design and stabilization, this was critical.
• Lightweight Gear: While the OM 150-400mm f/4.5 is a large lens, it’s still smaller and lighter than the wildlife lenses I’ve used before.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The OM System offers a compelling balance of affordability without compromising on features.

Not a Switch—A Test Drive

Let me be clear: I am not replacing my Sony gear. My Sony Alpha 1 and 600mm f/4 setup remains my go-to system for high-speed action and low-light photography, where full-frame sensors excel in noise control, dynamic range, and ultimate image sharpness. However, the OM System offers unique advantages that make it worth exploring as a complementary setup.

The OM System's advanced computational features like Pro Capture, Live Composite, and Live ND/GND filters bring tools directly into the camera, simplifying shooting and reducing post-processing time. These features align with my creative interests, particularly in capturing dynamic wildlife moments and exploring astrophotography. With industry-leading image stabilization providing 8.5 stops of compensation, the OM System is perfectly suited for handheld shooting, an area where I’ve come to rely on flexibility and mobility.

Additionally, the compact size and weight of the OM System gear provide a significant advantage in terms of portability. Carrying a lighter setup like the OM-1 Mark II and M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5—which offers an impressive full-frame equivalent range of 300-1000mm—is a welcome relief during long treks or travel. This combination allows for greater flexibility and freedom compared to my heavier full-frame equipment.

The exceptional lens lineup from OM System further enhances its appeal. The 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens, for example, is an excellent choice for low-light and astrophotography. Its fast aperture and sharp optics make it ideal for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and other night sky phenomena, especially when paired with features like Live Composite, which simplifies complex long-exposure photography. The 150-400mm f/4.5 PRO lens with its built-in 1.25x teleconverter, makes this system a serious contender for wildlife and bird photography.

That said, the ultimate test for me will be the noise performance and image quality of the m43 sensor. While I am eager to experiment with the OM System's innovative features, ergonomic advantages, and versatile lens lineup, my decision to incorporate it more deeply into my workflow will hinge on how well it delivers in challenging lighting conditions and fine detail reproduction. I’ll be putting the OM-1 and its lenses—including the 150-400mm f/4.5 PRO and the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II—through rigorous testing to see if this system can meet my expectations and complement my existing gear effectively.

For now, this is an exciting test drive—a way to diversify my photographic tools and potentially unlock new creative possibilities.

Final Thoughts

I’m heading to Bosque del Apache soon to photograph Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese. My last attempt in 2016 to capture roosting birds in the dark yielded limited success, but this time, I’m optimistic. As I was talking to Mike, I realized, how Live Composition feature can help me get the image that I was after back in 2016.

With features like Live Composite, Improved AF with Subject Detection and Pro Capture, I’m excited to see how the OM System performs in the field. While I remain cautiously optimistic about how the smaller sensor will handle noise and dynamic range, I believe the computational features and portability benefits will outweigh these concerns. For now, my decision feels like the perfect blend of left-brain logic and right-brain creativity.

Footnote: Support Local Camera Stores

If you're in Massachusetts or the New England area, consider visiting Hunt's Photo and Video. Their knowledgeable staff and excellent selection make it a fantastic resource for photographers. It’s essential to physically handle camera and lens gear before purchasing to ensure it suits your needs and shooting style. Supporting a local business also helps sustain the photography community in your area.