Have you seen Robin Wong's YT review of this camera, in which he demos its AF versus that of the circa 2012 Olympus E-PL7? It's pretty devastating, and it wasn't an axe-grinding fest. Like you, he was glowing about other features. Shouldn't matter for those who shoot largely static scenes. But for movement? In a nearly $2K csmera? Whew.
I think because Fujifilm has always felt like the closest to my film shooting days, I have had a hard time moving away from them... even when I see that other things make more sense. I have been comparing Fuji gear and Olympus gear since 2014... outside of film simulations, there is nothing that I have found where Fujifilm has an advantage over it (and the sims are objective since none of them really look like "film.") Occasionally you can get SLIGHTLY shallower depth-of-field... if that really matters... though most of the time, it is incredibly close.
I think there is a place where I feel like FUJIFILM is more "authentic" emotionally... in a place in my life where I am looking for authenticity. Honestly, it is one place where I have enjoyed the xhalf... because you can only fake it so much with the small sensor and jpeg only. But I have also owned the Olympus PEN-F since it came out and the OM-3 and I know there is really nothing that I can do on the Fuji's that I cannot "do" on the OM... but I think it is all in my head. I have a pre-order on the X-E5 but I just got notice it is still on back order for my order... So, I could still cancel.
I think I have a lot of "emotional" feelings tied into my photography equipment choices... it certainly is not helping me make rational decisions. I shot on PENTAX in my 35mm days and I still have some of their DSLR equipment and I kind of looked at all the "hate" towards the brand as a badge of honor, because at the very least, the lenses ARE amazing, and I did not mind being on the outside of the photography "norms."
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts as it always gives me a lot to think about since I really enjoy the photography in your videos/posts!
It’s a little sad that all the manufacturers have the need to continually pump out new cameras that, let’s face it, will just end up in the landfill one day. Here’s my idea. One great forever camera and lens series. With custom firmware for your shooting preference. Most of the differences in these cameras is in the software. I wouldn’t need a new camera if I could just update firmware in my perfectly good x100f. We’ve hit 40 megapixels, do we really need more? And we all know how to get more if we do need more. In our disposable society it would be refreshing to see a camera manufacturer take some responsibility instead of making the next shiny object.
Totally! And Fujifilm seems to be the one pushing out the most cameras possible!! I love them, but they have weird overlaps, and some of their lenses are weird too. They don't have a native 85mm equivalent option that actually focuses fast at all - the 1.2 has amazing image quality, but it's autofocus is only fast enough to track an elephant drinking water!
I have left Fuji and am staying with the OM-3. THANKS OM for giving us a new menu. I could never understand the Olympus menu, so I have been using a combo of LUMIX & FUJI for about 13 years. Will you make this Substack membership include the OM System menu setups and tips. I asked John Greengo if he would be making an in depth paid video focused on the OM-3 and he said he has no plans. I'd happily pay a subscription if it included more knowledge of setting up and saving settings on my OM-3. What's your plan?
Hey, Bob! I'll look into all of this - and right now I'm shooting with both Lumix and OM as well - although OM is my 99% of the time camera! I'd love to know what you'd be interested in - do you have any examples from other creators? I don't really read/watch a lot of content online (I know I should, but I don't!). I can incorporate these ideas - and I'm always interested in knowing how I can be more helpful! Thanks, Bob.
Have you seen Robin Wong's YT review of this camera, in which he demos its AF versus that of the circa 2012 Olympus E-PL7? It's pretty devastating, and it wasn't an axe-grinding fest. Like you, he was glowing about other features. Shouldn't matter for those who shoot largely static scenes. But for movement? In a nearly $2K csmera? Whew.
I haven't yet, but I will! It's so expensive to not have great autofocus!!!! But it's a wonderful, wonderful camera for those that don't!
I think because Fujifilm has always felt like the closest to my film shooting days, I have had a hard time moving away from them... even when I see that other things make more sense. I have been comparing Fuji gear and Olympus gear since 2014... outside of film simulations, there is nothing that I have found where Fujifilm has an advantage over it (and the sims are objective since none of them really look like "film.") Occasionally you can get SLIGHTLY shallower depth-of-field... if that really matters... though most of the time, it is incredibly close.
I think there is a place where I feel like FUJIFILM is more "authentic" emotionally... in a place in my life where I am looking for authenticity. Honestly, it is one place where I have enjoyed the xhalf... because you can only fake it so much with the small sensor and jpeg only. But I have also owned the Olympus PEN-F since it came out and the OM-3 and I know there is really nothing that I can do on the Fuji's that I cannot "do" on the OM... but I think it is all in my head. I have a pre-order on the X-E5 but I just got notice it is still on back order for my order... So, I could still cancel.
I think I have a lot of "emotional" feelings tied into my photography equipment choices... it certainly is not helping me make rational decisions. I shot on PENTAX in my 35mm days and I still have some of their DSLR equipment and I kind of looked at all the "hate" towards the brand as a badge of honor, because at the very least, the lenses ARE amazing, and I did not mind being on the outside of the photography "norms."
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts as it always gives me a lot to think about since I really enjoy the photography in your videos/posts!
It’s a little sad that all the manufacturers have the need to continually pump out new cameras that, let’s face it, will just end up in the landfill one day. Here’s my idea. One great forever camera and lens series. With custom firmware for your shooting preference. Most of the differences in these cameras is in the software. I wouldn’t need a new camera if I could just update firmware in my perfectly good x100f. We’ve hit 40 megapixels, do we really need more? And we all know how to get more if we do need more. In our disposable society it would be refreshing to see a camera manufacturer take some responsibility instead of making the next shiny object.
Totally! And Fujifilm seems to be the one pushing out the most cameras possible!! I love them, but they have weird overlaps, and some of their lenses are weird too. They don't have a native 85mm equivalent option that actually focuses fast at all - the 1.2 has amazing image quality, but it's autofocus is only fast enough to track an elephant drinking water!
I have left Fuji and am staying with the OM-3. THANKS OM for giving us a new menu. I could never understand the Olympus menu, so I have been using a combo of LUMIX & FUJI for about 13 years. Will you make this Substack membership include the OM System menu setups and tips. I asked John Greengo if he would be making an in depth paid video focused on the OM-3 and he said he has no plans. I'd happily pay a subscription if it included more knowledge of setting up and saving settings on my OM-3. What's your plan?
Hey, Bob! I'll look into all of this - and right now I'm shooting with both Lumix and OM as well - although OM is my 99% of the time camera! I'd love to know what you'd be interested in - do you have any examples from other creators? I don't really read/watch a lot of content online (I know I should, but I don't!). I can incorporate these ideas - and I'm always interested in knowing how I can be more helpful! Thanks, Bob.