Spider Holster has been innovating the way photographers carry cameras for years. Their line of holsters takes the burden of a heavy camera off your neck and puts it on your hips, where the largest bones and muscles in your body carry all the weight. Last year, they added the SpiderPro Hand Strap to the lineup. It takes the weight of the camera off your fingers and allows your whole arm to lend support. I've been using the hand strap for more than a year, and the holsters for more than three years and my body appreciates the way they shift the … [Read more...] about SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Olympus
Photofocus Podcast February 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus "Mirrorless Show" Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco's first impressions looking at a preproduction Fujifilm X-Pro 2 Scott's first impressions on his new FUJINON XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR tele zoom lens The new Olympus PEN-F retro micro 4/3 camera A look at the first sample photos from the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO lens A discussion why someone would switch from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera Some advantages of mirrorless … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast February 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens with its 1.4x teleconverter has helped me make a bunch of good pictures and allowed me to do a good job for my clients. Over the last few months, I've used it to shoot a variety of subjects from wild horses to aerial photos to portraits to college graduation. I'd like to show you how it performed for me, and make an argument for why you will never need to buy a $12,000 lens. Let's start with the horses. This Lens Will Tame Wild Horses The thing about these horses is they are fairly tame (people … [Read more...] about Super-Telephoto Killer: Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Hands-on Review
Spider Pro Hand Strap
I don't use neck straps, and I generally advise everyone against them. I think they're a poor design and dangerous to your body--with as much shooting as I do, carrying a camera was damaging my neck. You may have read my review of the Joby wrist strap when I said it's the only strap I'll use. Well, I've got to take those words back: the new Spider Pro Hand Strap is now with me all the time and it's truly the only strap I'll ever use. It's perfect because it's secure, and well designed. Safety First Neck straps let you keep a camera handy, but … [Read more...] about Spider Pro Hand Strap
There’s Just 1 Trick to Photographing Glasses
The trouble with photographing eyeglasses is that they're made of glass, which is generally pretty reflective and reflections of my flashes may obscure the eyes behind the glass, and if we can't see a person's eyes we might as well not make a picture. I was pretty intimidated by this when I was a new photographer. Tips I'd read for beating the problem included tipping the glasses on the face, removing the lenses, and taking a shot without the glasses and blending it with the glasses in Photoshop. As a guy who wore glasses, the idea of removing … [Read more...] about There’s Just 1 Trick to Photographing Glasses
My Portrait System — Great Shots Each Time
I photograph a lot of people in their places--people working and living and their environments. These environmental portraits are so much fun to make, but I've usually got a limited time to make them--business people can only halt business for so long while I make pictures. That's why it's important that I have some systems to maximize our opportunities for usable photographs, and here's a simple one. It seems simple, but until I was told to do it every time, I wasn't doing it every time. Does that make sense? Sometimes sensible things just … [Read more...] about My Portrait System — Great Shots Each Time
Just One Week Left to Win A New Olympus Camera
We just wanted to send you a reminder that there's only 1 week left to win a brand new Olympus OM-D E-M1. It has great built-in bracketing (7 exposures for a 14-stop dynamic range). Its fast, light, and easy to shoot with. Its quickly become my favorite HDR camera. But its also quite capable at shooting great stills, time-lapse, and video. This contest is to celebrate our partner HDRsoft, the makers of Photomatix Pro. If you don't already user Photomatix Pro, be sure to try out the demo and see what youre missing. Details Welcome to the … [Read more...] about Just One Week Left to Win A New Olympus Camera
How to Stabilize a Micro Four-Thirds Camera
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/72979155 w=640&h=360] Let Rich show you how to stabilize a Micro Four-Thirds camera. For some of the cameras, the stabilization is part of the camera and not the lens. You can check out the whole class here and get a free trial membership here. Disclaimer: This is just one way to stabilize a camera. ______ … [Read more...] about How to Stabilize a Micro Four-Thirds Camera
How are Micro Four-Thirds Cameras Different from DSLRs?
You've probably heard Scott and me talk about how much we love the Micro Four-Thirds format. In this movie we outline some of the key benefits and what makes these cameras work differently than traditional DSLRs. [vimeo http://vimeo.com/72978641 w=640&h=360] You can check out the whole class here and get a free trial membership here. Disclaimer: This is just an overview of some of the differences of note. ______ … [Read more...] about How are Micro Four-Thirds Cameras Different from DSLRs?
Artistic Flower Photography With The Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm f/2.8 Lens
When I made the decision to retire from assignment work this year, I knew one of the benefits would be having time to do personal projects. And to be frank, I am not waiting until November 2, 2013. I have started slowly retiring already. It's kind of fun. I am only taking jobs that allow me to work with people I genuinely like, on projects that interest me, that pay super well or some combination of all three. This frees me up to some things I've never tried. So yes - I am finally doing what most of you have already done. I am experimenting … [Read more...] about Artistic Flower Photography With The Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm f/2.8 Lens
Panasonic GH3 v. Olympus OMD-EM5 – Quick Take
If you are a regular reader here at Photofocus you know I have switched to micro four thirds as my primary camera format. At the top end of MFT you will find Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5. I bought the OMD-E-M5 merely because it came out first. I bought a bunch of lenses, all Olympus other than one Panasonic (Fisheye) because I thought it just made sense to avoid paying for stabilization in the Panasonic lenses, when the Oly had five-axis-based sensor stabilization. But it wasn't until my recent trip to Alaska that I … [Read more...] about Panasonic GH3 v. Olympus OMD-EM5 – Quick Take
Olympus MSC ED Macro 60mm f/2.8 Lens
Here are the basics: 13 lens elements, 10 groups of lenses 1:1 reproduction ratio (photos will be 17.5mm across at closest focusing distance) Aperture range F2.8 - F22 Minimum focus distance of 19cm (7.5 inches). Dimensions 82mm x 56mm, weight 185 grams Filter size 46mm The Olympus MSC ED M. 60mm f/2.8 Lens is a dedicated Micro Four Thirds lens that I added to my kit both for its fast aperture and its effective focal length (EFL) of 120mm. It's a perfect length for macro work. The wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and … [Read more...] about Olympus MSC ED Macro 60mm f/2.8 Lens
Olympus OM-D EM-5 (Micro Four Thirds)
It's been a month now and I haven't used my DSLR professionally in four weeks. I've shot exclusively with my Olympus OM-D EM-5 camera bodies and micro four thirds lenses. Here are my impressions. The Olympus is not a perfect camera. Shock. Of course there is no such thing. But for me, (not necessarily you) it is as close as I'll come right now. Here's why. I am getting old. There. I said it. Carrying tons of gear on excursions used to excite me. Now it tires me out. I have used almost every professional camera system ever made and I have … [Read more...] about Olympus OM-D EM-5 (Micro Four Thirds)
What’s In Scott’s Bag Now?
Talk about a big change. My switch to Micro Four Thirds is complete. I have just about everything I think you can buy for the basic MFT system. Here are some photos. The best part about it is this bag weighs very little and will easily fit under the seat or in the overhead bins on even the smallest plane. I can carry one bag (and a tripod) and have all I need now. In the photo above you now see all the camera bodies and lenses I carry. From left to right: Olympus OM-D EM-5 body Lensbaby Composer With Sweet Optic for Micro 4/3 Panasonic 8mm … [Read more...] about What’s In Scott’s Bag Now?
Olympus M.Zukio 75mm f/1.8 ED Lens – (For Micro Four Thirds Cameras) Mini Review
I've spent the last two weeks or so almost exclusively shooting with my Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera. I bought the Olympus M.Zukio 75mm f/1.8 ED lens to go with it because it's a great mid-range telephoto length and at f/1.8. That's so fast it will make your head spin. Note: to have an f/1.8 150mm lens on a typical Canon or Nikon system you'd have a lens that was so heavy you'd hardly be able to hand-hold it. It would also cost north of $5000 maybe $10,000. But on a Micro 4/3 system, the effective focal length (EFL) of the 75 is 150mm. You may be … [Read more...] about Olympus M.Zukio 75mm f/1.8 ED Lens – (For Micro Four Thirds Cameras) Mini Review
Photofocus’ 2011 Camera of the Year
It's that time again. I always pick a camera or cameras of the year. Last year it was the amazing Nikon D7000. The criteria is always the same The camera must have been released in the calendar year. It must be commercially available is the USA (as in anyone can actually buy one at a camera store now) by Thanksgiving. It must have one or more of the following features: 1. Great bang for the buck 2. Some new or innovative feature 3. Some paradigm shifting function 4. Amazing image quality 5. That special something extra 6. It must have wide … [Read more...] about Photofocus’ 2011 Camera of the Year
My New Favorite Portrait Camera
Get ready to be shocked. Im not using my 1D MK IV or my D3s for portrait photography. Im not using my Leica M9 either. Instead, I am using my Olympus EP-3 with 45mm, f/1.8 lens. (See my E-P3 review here.) I know, I know - youre thinking something like, how can a pro use a camera like that and still get great shots. The answer is quite simply - very easily. I use the E-P3 more and more for reasons Ive already discussed on these pages. Its small and lightweight and performs very well in almost every situation. As also previously discussed, I am … [Read more...] about My New Favorite Portrait Camera
Two Reasons I’m Loving The Micro 4/3 Format
Make sure you don't miss a single Photofocus post - point your feed reader to the free Photofocus RSS Feed here and subscribe. I still have too many cameras. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to make any room in my gear closet. I get rid of one camera and I swear two more take its place. So with all these cameras laying around in my studio, why do I keep grabbing the micro 4/3-based Olympus E-P3? Before I tell you why - I'll tell you why not. It's not because Olympus sponsors me - they don't, and never have. It's not because Olympus is … [Read more...] about Two Reasons I’m Loving The Micro 4/3 Format
Mini Review: Olympus Zuiko 12mm f/2.0 Lens for Micro Four Thirds Cameras
NOTE: You may want to read my review of the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 Lens here and the Olympus PEN E-P3 here. If you've been following along, you know I am a fan of the Olympus 4/3 cameras. The new version, the EP3 is actually one of my favorite cameras. I carry one pretty much everywhere I go. But finding good, pro-quality lenses for the micro 4/3 system has been a challenge. I've been longing for a super wide, super fast lens with great optics and it appears Olympus has been listening. Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 Lens is just what I've … [Read more...] about Mini Review: Olympus Zuiko 12mm f/2.0 Lens for Micro Four Thirds Cameras
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 Lens for Micro Four Thirds Cameras – Mini Review
UPDATE: Yes - sometimes I am a bit stupid. Turns out the lens isn't blue - well it is blue but you can remove the blue cover and then it's not blue - so ignore anything I said about blue lenses and Olympus, don't fire that guy after all :) It's long been THE problem for photographers who want to rely on the Micro 4/3 cameras. The lenses have typically been slow zooms. We've been crying out for a fast portrait length lens and by golly Olympus has listened. I just got my hands on one of the first Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 Lens for … [Read more...] about Olympus 45mm f/1.8 Lens for Micro Four Thirds Cameras – Mini Review
Olympus PEN E-P3 Mini Review
Make sure you don't miss a single Photofocus post - point your feed reader to the free Photofocus RSS Feed here and subscribe. When Olympus first announced the PEN series cameras, they received much attention. Part of this was because they took a bunch of bloggers and "journalists" and gave them cameras to play with before anyone else had seen them and surprise, the camera got good reviews. It deserved some of those good reviews, perhaps not the super enthusiastic ones. Like all first generation cameras it had issues. Proof? Olympus continues … [Read more...] about Olympus PEN E-P3 Mini Review
Palouse Workshop Field Tests
I'm only teaching a few workshops this year. One I wouldn't miss is the Palouse workshop. The Palouse country of eastern Washington is one of the most under-photographed landscapes in the USA. It's amazing and beautiful and the perfect backdrop for a field workshop. Thankfully, even in this economy, the workshop sold out and I'm thrilled to be working with my one-time protegee who's now a full-time pro shooter, Gary Hamburgh. I'll co-lead the workshop with Gary and it should be fun. I'm bringing a bunch of new gear to test and demo on this … [Read more...] about Palouse Workshop Field Tests
Is the Olympus E-P1 the Most Overhyped Camera of the Decade?
UPDATE: I got a very positive response from Olympus about this post. Instead of becoming defensive or going on the attack, they made their case for both the camera and their PR event. While Olympus and I disagree on several points - I am convinced they meant well and I will be reviewing the camera - but I'll do it on my own terms, and that's cool with Olympus. Many companies would not have responded as well to being called out. I have newfound respect for Olympus. But I still stand behind everything I said below. --- I don't know about you - … [Read more...] about Is the Olympus E-P1 the Most Overhyped Camera of the Decade?
Olympus Announces E-450 DSLR
Entry-Level Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Debuts Mothers Day Weekend Olympus announced a new small DSLR. The new E-450 continues the E-400 series heritage of a small and portable design. The new camera also provides a more viewable 2.7-inch LCD and On-Screen Autofocus, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Perfect Shot Preview to get the most out of the Live View experience. The camera is heavy on LiveView features. These include: On-Screen Autofocus works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects in focus on the … [Read more...] about Olympus Announces E-450 DSLR
