I don't think I ever want to hear about how BIG and HEAVY the E-1 or E-3 are
again. "Where are the small cameras we were promised" and "4/3 means smaller
cameras" or my favorite "The OM system is much smaller" are common refrains
heard when abusing our beloved 4/3 cameras.
It's a crock. They ARE smaller. They ARE lighterweight.
Than what, you may ask?
Try the OM-3Ti, with MD-2 and 35-80 zoom. This kit is heavier and bigger
than my E-1 with battery-grip and 14-54 zoom.
The point is: When you compare equivalent systems--fully equipped, they
truly are about about the same. But the 4/3 sensor is "smaller", therefore
the camera should be smaller. Right? Not necessarily. The lenses are
getting bigger and more capable. 50-200 zoom, anyone? Ever try actually
using that beast with a gripless body? But the lenses should be smaller,
right? Not necessarily--when you have multiple-moving lens-groups there is
a lot of mechanics inside that have to be stuffed in there. Take away the
moving groups and the lens simplifies and shrinks greatly. The formfactor
of a professional body truely limits how small the dimensions can be. You
need to have a camera of a certain bulk to be physically usable. Besides,
now with the 3-inch LCD screens, just how can you shrink a body without
needing to convert that LCD to a wireless brain-implant?
I was struggling, I'll admit, with the 35-80 on the OM body. It just isn't
balanced right and the lens is too heavy for old-style camera holding
without inducing vibration. The MD2 adds enough mass and girth to the OM
body to offset this weight imbalance and also to provide more stability with
two hands actually supporting the system.
Now, granted, the OM system is "convertable". Within seconds, I can shed
the MD2 and place a tiny Zuiko on the body and I've got a nice compact
Leica-Killer. But for serious event-style photography (professional use),
the system is essentially the same size and weight as any of the higher-end
DSLRs with battery-grip.
And, yes, the OM-3Ti, MD-2 and 35-80 is one beautiful system. Classy
looking. Can't wait to try it out with the T45. Hubba hubba.
AG (6-pack abs) Schnozz
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