OMG EM5

A photogenic scene starts to take shape. People start moving into position. Kids start to smile. Your photographic instinct tells you there’s a keeper to be had. Your body, too tired to move, convinces your instinct with the cliché line – some things are just meant to be watched. And you move on.. in search of somewhere to sit and chill.

How many times have that happened to you? Wished your enthusiasm would sustain from dawn to dusk? Then prepare to face the truth. Your camera system is too heavy and bulky. Period. (Sorry Pros. Just hit the gym to build up your strength and stamina yea?)

For the rest of us, there is an alternative.

Behold - The Mighty Mini Camera

The thing about this camera is not so much about its specs. It’s the fun it brings. It’s the way it urges you to “just give it a go <click!>, and no harm trying that other angle too <click!>” Taking photos happens in an instant, and hassle free. Even with it lying on the table, one would be tempted to just pick it up and see wad shots you can get right now. It is addictive.

Part of the addiction comes from the weight and size of the system, and the other part lies in its agility and speed. Although my EX1 is even lighter, its sluggishness at times makes me lazy to pick it up and shoot, as I know it’s probably not going to take the shot before the scene disappears. Not with this guy. Just point it at the scene. <click!>

Of course, this dude has to have the specs to make you feel you’ve not given up much in making the change. The shot above was at ISO5000. No sweat. Had the camera dangling on my neck (with the screen up) when I saw this element. <click!>

Wanted to portray some movement and pace. 1/4 second? No problem. 5 axis IBIS have you covered. <click!>

Impromptu fireworks? No tripod? No problem. A sharp 2 second exposure is still possible with a wide enough lens.

Lazy to bend and squat to change your perspective? Tilt-LCD is there for you. Kid’s have nowhere to hide. <click!>

What is more important is that after a long day, you still feel enthusiastic enough to keep an eye out for interesting scenes like the one above.

Like all proper essays, there should be a rebuttal. So here it is:

• Grip should be improved, without making people pay for additional accessories.
• Give me a button for on-demand sleep. I may be paranoid, but I don’t like to shoot with a nagging thought of “the battery is draining..” The on-off switch is ill placed to serve this purpose.
• Custom menu please. I need a place to store my most changed settings, given the forest of settings available.

Still getting used to it, as I find myself often turning dials the wrong direction, or forgetting to change settings. But I can already feel my photo-instinct-ness getting revitalized.