What I choose is the consequence of how I aim to shoot: it is a mean to an end. I’m not that interested in technical specs per se; I’m interest insofar as specif feature of the equipment allow me to be more efficient, therefore more creative.
I don’t say anything new here: Jamie Windsor made a beautiful video about this.
All things considered, I picked Olympus/OM system because it allows me to have a great quality while being really compact, light and – not irrelevant – very, very sturdy. That way I don’t have to worry about the weather, the temperature, or dust.
Also, I know I can hike or bike for hours without being slowed by bulky equipment. This opens to a broader range of options when it comes to finding an interesting spot.
Moreover, the larger depth of field intrinsic to the m4/3 sensor is not a flaw to me; on the very contrary, it contributes to the reportage approach I cherish, since it allows to include more readable elements in the frame; of course, it requires a bit more care in choosing the composition, since you can’t “blur away” what you don’t like.
So far, this choice never let me down.
For a more detailed (and authoritative) discussion about the pros and cons of M43 system, see Andrea Bernesco’s analysis.
“I only use a camera like I use a toothbrush. It does the job.”
Don mcCullin
What to carry, how to carry?
Being quick at shooting is crucial. But different events require specific setups, from very light to heavy duty.
From a single camera + 2 lenses to a large backpack with the full load, it all depends on the job’s assignments.
Of course, when I shoot from the bike, riding with the big bunch or climbing some mountain trails, the EVOC is mandatory: it forces me to keep it very essential.
However, the Lowepro BP AW II 350 is particularly comfortable, and it can host my almost-full kit (besides the two cameras with 3 lenses, it can house either the drone or the third camera.
The bigger Lowepro is really big, and can house the whole kit plus some extra clothes, shoes and personal items. I don’t like it very much since it is really bulky (despite being hand-baggage-fitted), but sometimes it is necessary.
my gear right now
For the curious ones,, here is my gear at the moment.
Cameras
- OM Systems OM1markII (see my impressions here)
- Olympus Em1markIII
- Olympus Em1markII
- Olympus Em10markII (backup)
- DJI mini 2 drone
Lenses
- Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO
- Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 PRO
- Zuiko 17mm f.1.2 PRO
- Zuiko 40-150mm f2.8 PRO
- Lumix PanaLeica 35-100mm f2.8 OISII (light equipment)
- Secondary /backup: Zuiko 45 f1.8, Lumix 25mm f.17, Zuiko 30mm f3.5 macro
Management and postproduction
- Laptop: Lenovo P14s 4gen (2023). A portable workstation covering the whole workflow on the go.
- [backup] Lenovo Thinkpad L470 (2016). A sturdy workhorse that simply isn’t over yet.
- Desktop, to manage all the postproduction and the collections over time.
- A random smartphone, to rush-edit a few images on the go (usually with Snapseed)
Accessories – other stuff
- Variable ND filter (almost never
- Manfrotto ELEMENT II tripod (very rarely)
- Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod
- photo trap + triggers
- remote controller
- Rode lavalier microphone
- Rode Videomicro
- Godox 350TT flash (if useful)
- extra batteries
- extra SD cards
2 thoughts on “Photography gear & tools: why and how it matters”