The OM System OM-1 Mark II offers a compact solution with powerful capabilities, perfect for your next adventure. Discover how this lightweight camera handles the stunning vistas of the Grand Canyon and why it might be the option you need.
Coming to you from Leigh & Raymond Photography, this detailed video chronicles Leigh's journey and the use of the OM-1 Mark II. The trip started in the rain as Leigh made her way from the southern entrance to the Desert View Campground. Despite the weather, setting up the camera was straightforward. The menu system is intuitive, although some terms needed referencing in the manual. The lightweight design of the OM System gear was a relief, especially given Leigh's back issues.
The OM-1 Mark II features a micro four-thirds sensor, allowing you to double the focal lengths of lenses for a full frame equivalent. This compact design lightened Leigh's load significantly. Leigh used the 12mm f/2, 12-40mm f/2.8, and the 300mm f/4 with a 1.4x teleconverter. These lenses covered a broad range of focal lengths, perfect for capturing the vast landscapes and distant wildlife of the Grand Canyon.
Navigating the camera was easy, even in the rain. The lightweight gear made it possible for Leigh to hike with a full backpack of equipment, something not done in a while. The camera's ease of use and the quality of the images it produced were impressive.
Leigh spent the evening capturing photos and exploring the autofocus capabilities of the camera. The OM-1 Mark II quickly detected and locked onto birds in flight, which was surprising for such a compact setup. The camera’s autofocus performed well, even with birds flying far away in the canyon. This setup proved that you don’t have to compromise speed and responsiveness for size and weight.
The next morning, Leigh ventured to Grandview Point for sunrise shots. The lightweight design made it easy to carry the gear, even when realizing a hike in Crocs. Leigh used the 12-40mm f/2.8 lens for various compositions, taking advantage of the diffused lighting from the summer monsoon clouds. The camera’s ability to handle different lighting conditions was evident in the rich colors and details of the photos.
Later in the day, Leigh encountered two bull elk and used the 300mm lens to capture detailed shots from a safe distance. The 4/3 sensor’s 2x crop factor turned this lens into a powerful tool for wildlife photography. The autofocus locked onto the elk, ignoring the surrounding branches, highlighting the camera's precision.
The day ended with a ranger talk about ravens at Desert View Amphitheater. Leigh set up a time-lapse of the sunset while enjoying the presentation. The camera’s interval timer was easy to use, allowing seamless capture of the changing light.
Overall, the OM-1 Mark II exceeded expectations. It handled various photography challenges with ease, from landscapes to wildlife. The compact design and quality lenses made it a joy to use. For those skeptical about the micro four-thirds sensor, try it and see the practical differences. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
"Navigating the camera was easy". Was this a typo?
Nope, I just meant that it was an intuitive and easy-to-use system.
Thank you for this enjoyable content. Been using the EM1 mkii with 17mm F1.8 and 45mm F1.8 for 3 years now (the EM10 original died a few months back R.I.P). It fits in my Hex Ranger mini sling on my long walks downtown. I don’t feel I need much else and it’s refreshing.
Yes, we want you to report on more OM Systems gear like the 60mm macro, 75mm F1.8 and the 20mm F1.4 pro lenses. We appreciate that you’re so down-to-earth and organic; almost like a normal person *gasp*, LoL. Here’s some of my work.
“ For those skeptical about the micro four-thirds sensor, try it and see the practical differences.” … I fully agree, 99% of comments about how m43 is weak/bad never tried it ;) I have sony FF system and m43, using m43 most of the time