John Matthews

I sometimes go back to look at my photos of the A7R2 and compare them with the S5ii. You'd really think the difference would be massive in that the Sony has 18MP more than the Panasonic. In reality, the difference seems minuscule to me. It would seem it's more about cropping than IQ. For video, I imagine the difference would be more in that you might get less moiré (not that I've ever seen in my personal footage, only in YouTube video tests).

I wasn't aware that Fuji did Pixel shift in-camera. My understanding that others do it but it takes software after the fact, making practically unusable for critical applications and a difficult workflow. Does Fuji offer Live Composite, Live ND, or Focus Stacking in-camera too? Again, the key is "in-camera" because it's a deal-breaker for many who actually use those features. I don't see how this matters for evaluating the product, other than evaluating the current performance of the company. Does it stand that Nikon is a crap company for implementing RED Codecs because they didn't invent it themselves; therefore, their products that have are somehow not good? I don't think so. Who cares how they got it? It's in the camera- great! That's my point. It's a "stylish" camera. That means something different to many people. I think it looks good and has some amazing specs for what it is, not for whatever is around it in the lineup. It's great that the OM-1 costs half as much. People will have that option too. However, I do believe people are going to buy it massively, even if there's a "better", heavier, bigger camera for half as much. Why would anyone have ever purchased a GM1 over a GH4- because they're different use-cases. Oddly, the GH4 is now LESS expensive than the GM1 in the used market. I have a feeling the OM-3 will be a desirable camera for years to come, with its lack of innovation and all.

So the OM-3 isn't bringing anything new to the table other than subjective beauty? It just so happens there are many features that still, to this day, are not being done in other camera systems that Olympus/OM System have perfected. With the exceptions of Pentax and Panasonic, no one else offers High-res Shot Mode. With the exception of Panasonic, no one does Live Composite. What about Live ND? No one does that. How about Focus Stacking in-camera? Nope, no one does that either. "In-camera" is an essential point. Why? Because you get another chance at taking the image if you muck it up. With other brands, you might get it right, but there's no way to check. Is the OM-3 revolutionary? No. Is it expensive? Yes, for now. Is it unique? Yes, because it's stylish. (with a IP53 rating, a huge deal for some) No other camera on the market offers these unique selling points in a stylish body that weighs only 496g. Actually, I think it's a bit of a marvel in that it weighs only 82g more than the E-M5iii/OM-5, you get a more advanced processor, a new sensor, a metal body, and a bigger, more advanced battery. Not bad. Will it sell? Not great at $2000, but like with all of their previous releases, it'll go down $200-400 in the next 6 months. Also, Fuji production is late. Also, M43 users were waiting for something like this. It will sell out, I suspect.

This line-up seems quite reasonable to me. OM-1 (latest and greatest tech), OM-3 (a mix of the latest and greatest but with full-metal, stylish-hipster build), and the OM-5 (does almost everything, but super small and light and utilitarian).

Yeah, this OM-3 seems like it's several generations ahead of the OM-5 (which was practically an E-M5iii, a camera I bought twice- it was great!). So, what's the rub? The competition is off the wall when considering the money, but if you're not looking for extreme value. I could take 98% of my shots with this camera, a 17mm f/1.8, and a 40-150mm kit lens. My problem is I simply have too many vintage lenses to ignore and now FF makes more sense as I want better coverage of my lenses, not just the center. Also, this camera only makes sense if you're really into M43 (like I was), but for $2k, I'd rather pick up a S5 and a ton of vintage lenses and an L-mount kit lens.

Yeah, I won't buy the OM-3 at this price.

For $2000, the build needs to be excellent. It looks good to me. Would I buy it? No, not at that price, but I'm no longer invested in M43- sadly because I really do love the mount. Also, I don't mind the utilitarian look of the non-retro cameras. However, I must say the OM-3 is probably going to hit the mark much better than the S9, another camera without a grip. Yes, the S9 is FF, but without smaller lenses and a proper mechanical shutter. The OM-3 just has so many lenses that work for it. IMO, it's the ecosystem that is, once again, the real strength of the OM-3- also it has most great features people want. The 17mm and 25mm look to be hits, once they're on promotion. I'm not of the opinion that OM System = cheap Chinese scam gear of the type you see on Amazon for $100. That's preposterous.

I doubt their coming out with anything APS-C, but from I've seen with the original Four Thirds mount, it doesn't follow that prices will tank. Sure, you can pick up a Olympus E-420 with 2 kit zooms for about 100 euros, but that camera is 15 years old on a dead mount. Also, brand new, it would cold less than 500 euros- not bad considering 15 years of use. Even Samsung's mount didn't have prices tank, they will go down eventually though until the collectors want them. Cameras are never investments unless they're collectable and if you find a deal. Actually, I'm surprised there isn't more interest in vintage lenses as they're old and limited in quantity.

I guess that's only for the S9 (and whatever might be coming next). I have to say it's a strange limitation if this is truly the case.

Has anyone checked to see if, with the new firmware, the S5ii/x has working PDAF in FF at 50/60fps? If not, I can check.

Yes. Those are clear issues. It's possible a 3rd party will hit it out of the park with one or two lenses, but when you take the whole lineup into consideration, there often seems to be a hole. For critical professional use, it can be a problem. However, some lenses don't need that kind of consistency to exist in a bag.

I guess there are more Lumix updates: Actually, I'm quite happy about having some of those features. In particular, I'm very interest in trying out the mp4 Lite and hybrid zoom; the later is a feature is a unique selling point. Cool. Quick question: would Sony, Canon, or Nikon have released this firmware or would they have released a new camera?

It's great there are 3rd party lens manufacturers. I never get them though. I would probably only consider Sigma (if they're the right size).

His thoughts on digital.

Sounds to me like they put a young-up-and-coming in charge of product. Less is more, right?

Definitely. 2 pancakes could save the S9. My understanding is that this is an exclusive sensor. Maybe, it could be used by another company, but I see OM System needing better video tools and IQ before their to using it. Also, M43 sensors are more likely MORE expensive than some of the FF sensors. If M43 truly dies, it'll be because of squandered opportunities by Panasonic and OM System, especially in the compact market as Fuji has seemingly stolen the market. It turns out "small and functional" should have been the end-game, not the class-leading features that they came up with. They could still strike gold, even in this market. Both could give a FF, cheap, fixed-lens small and portable camera. If it looks good, it'll be amazing. IMO, 2025 will be a rehash of the dark days of poor quality cameras of the 1980's, but it could also be the glory years of the 50's when it comes to small cameras. Let's hope for the latter. We should have some sympathy for these manufacturers too. Phones hit the "good enough" threshold long ago. Used cameras have been so good. Rising costs for manufacturing. Everything they knew about marketing has completely changed with influencers. And, to top it all off, political instability from oligarch life has led all these companies to second guess everything. Oh, I didn't mention the constant threats of war and tariffs in places that matter for them. That's quite a rap list.

The great David Lynch passed away. Here's a trailer of one of my favorite films he made: More recently, he made his weather reports... I'm thinking of a long, long joke, but I'm sure it gave him a good reason to make something (wish I could do that sometimes). He will be missed.

This looks like such an amazing little camera! I might just pick one up.

Same for me. I just want the GH6 tilt-up screen functionality. It's good enough though. Sony falters too sometimes. The best focus system for me is the one that gives the best manual focus aids without attaching a monitor.

Apparently, there were two more Lumix cameras registered. The speculation is S1H ii and S1R ii. Has anyone heard differently?

This conversation feels like it's about freedom, debt, and burnout. Debt traps us, stealing our freedom and leading to burnout. Sometimes, you don't even realize you're caught in this cycle until it's too late. Societal norms, the pressure to consume, and the desire to 'keep up with the Joneses' often play a bigger role than most will admit. The only way out, for some, is to simplify their lifestyle and buy back their freedom by escaping debt. I've done this myself—it was hard, but worth it. I'm not in video creation beyond family videos, but I see parallels in education. Educators often start out wanting to make a difference, finding meaning in their work. Yet, burnout looms. Many students seem uninterested in learning or disrupt others, reflecting the challenges of our current society. Ultimately, no job is meaningless, but life itself can feel trivial if we lose perspective. We take nothing to the grave. What endures is the relationships we build—primarily with family and friends. Occasionally, you might be remembered for something you've done or created, even if you never know it. So, enjoy your time. Treat others with respect. Honor those who came before you, and perhaps you’ll be honored in return. Reaching retirement is a gift—not everyone gets there.

The real question is whether you'd rather be cool in summer (living in Italy) or a new camera? It can get pretty bad there. Also, if you don't make more money with a new camera, this air conditioner is likely to save you quite a bit- paying for a new camera, of course.

I think you’ll like the 20-60. It’s wide enough, sharp, and still good for indoors at the wide end.

Yes, this is their weakness, for sure. I don't think those Sigma primes really cut it. I've said it before- they need a 28mm f2 and 40mm f2. If they want the S9 to succeed, that's what they need. The more the merrier. Samyang and DJI should do something more at some point too.