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Re: [OM] Olympus confirms a new 4/3 body

Subject: Re: [OM] Olympus confirms a new 4/3 body
From: Dawid Loubser <dawid@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2012 14:28:57 +0200
On Sat, 2012-08-18 at 15:16 +0800, Michael Wong wrote:
> For the sensor size of 4/3, M4/3, I would accept the cameras & lenses size
> as M4/3 system. For 4/3 system, I complained that cameras & lenses size &
> weight as APS-C or FF system but with a small sensor.

You know, I always thought like you did, until I saw for myself how
superior (in terms of detail) the output of an E-5 + SHG lenses are
compard to a Nikon D3 or D700 (comparable 12MP FF bodies). Not to
mention how far superior it is to the Micro Four Thirds lenses as well.
And I will go so far as to say the wide-angle resolution at larger
apertures - mostly in the corners - is also far superior to a Leica M9
and an Elmarit ASPH 28/2.8 (go look at the samples yourself, Ken
Rockwell's is a good start for a collection of full-size M9 files).

For example, the M.Zuiko Digital 45/1.8 output looks like an 15-55 kit
lens compared to the ZD 50 Macro or 35-100 Zoom. The high-end four
thirds equipment are not - and never were meant to be - compact everyday
cameras. The output is so good precisely because the lenses are so
massive compared to the sensor.

They represent amongst the best of what is physically possible with a
35mm-sized camera system, and should be used *deliberately*. It's
specialised equipment for a specialised task (ultimate detail capture).

Olympus must realise that there are people treating the SHG lenses as
specialised capture devices, and I think it's wonderful that they will
continue to support them. From an engineering standpoint, they truly
knew what they were doing with this system, which I have never seen as
trying to compete with FF 35mm digital. Compare it to fast cars: Ferrari
and Porsche (Nikon and Canon) compete head-to-head, but other niche car
makers (TVR, Lotus, etc) produce fast cars that, due to some
compromises, are radically better in some aspects, but worse in others.
There is no direct competition - a Porsche man will never buy a TVR, and
vice versa. Still, the niche makers retain a pure vision, and continue
with their different engineering approach. In the end - there is more
choice, and everybody is happy.


Note: I *hate* how bulky and blobby the E-5 and the SHG lenses are.
Really. I almost never walk around with them. I use the system like I do
my medium-format cameras, and for that use-case (which usually involves
good light, and often a tripod) I am overjoyed at the output, which is
among the best of the best, period.

Michael, your needs are different, and for you, 4/3 is not right. My
"compact/quick" need is still satisfied by one or two small 35mm film
cameras (Leica M3, plain-prism Nikon F). Spontaneous imagery works
better in B&W film in anyway :-)

have fun,
Dawid

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