Size Does Matter!
The recently released OM-5 from OM SYSTEM has all the bells and whistles AND is easy to pack and versatile to use. The camera is very light and portable. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, hiker and always up for an adventure, the OM System OM-5 is the perfect camera for you.
A little background on me, I am an outdoor enthusiast, architectural photographer and educator based out of Center Valley, Pennsylvania. I am an all-weather photographer who loves to capture nature, travel, landscapes, and architecture in every season and around the globe.
18mm | 8.0 | 1/1000 sec
I enjoy exploring remote locations and photographing the people and the culture around the globe. Most recently I traveled to the Italian Dolomites where I was able to take the newly released OM-5 for a great test-drive in this amazing and sometimes challenging environment. I have traveled extensively through remote areas like India, the Atacama Desert, Morocco, Bhutan, Panama, Haiti, Death Valley, and Mongolia.
The OM SYSTEM is about “breaking free” and this is who I am as a photographer and what I love about the OM SYSTEM is that it is always state of the art, revolutionary and most importantly, compact with sophisticated built-in features that allow me to push my limits
8mm | F16.0 | 1/500 sec
150mm | f8.0 | 1/320 sec
My best days are when I have my camera gear and I can explore the area, both near home and abroad, capturing nature and culture wherever I go.
So let me take you on my recent journey to the Italian Dolomites with the new OM-5 Camera.
8mm | F7.1 | 1/500 sec
Before we go there, just a few highlights and important things to know about the new OM-5.
• TruePic IX Image processor
• Cross Quad Pixel AF delivers 1,053 point, all cross-type 100% high-precision focusing
• Pro Capture begins recording up to 120 fps once the shutter button is pressed halfway
• High definition 4k video supports imaging expression
• Compact, Lightweight, High Image Quality Interchangeable Camera System for superior portability
• Video Functions including high quality video and vertical video recording
As noted above, computational features of the OM System set this camera system apart. I am going to share imagery from the Italian Dolomites using the OM-5 and many of these features. All these images were taken with OM-5. The details for the lens and the settings are noted with the image description.
Live Composite
One of my favorite computational features is daytime live composite. To achieve the affect during the day, I added a 10-stop neutral density filter to the front of my lens. This allowed me to shoot a 5-minute exposure and create the beautiful painterly affect in the sky.
11mm | F7.1 | interval 1.0 seconds for 5 minutes
Starry Sky AF
With this feature I can lock my focus onto the stars with complete accuracy. Typically, this is difficult in dark environments but with this new technology it grabs the stars without having to second guess the focus. To get this shot I needed to move quickly to avoid the incoming clouds. This feature is a huge time saver.
Handheld Hi-Res Shooting
One of the new features for this camera is my ability to now shoot 50 mega pixel hi-res imagery without using a tripod. When traveling to remote locations and discovering compositions that I might not have an opportunity to repeat, I will often shoot an image in a higher resolution as in the case of both images.
F8.0 | 150mm | 1/400 sec
11 mm | f5.6 | 1/60 sec
Tripod Hi-Res Shooting
In addition to my ability to shoot handheld 50 mega pixel hi-res images, I can also shoot 80 mega pixel hi-res imagery using a tripod. As in this case, this is an image that I wanted to maximize this potentially once in a lifetime shot.
14mm | F2.0 | 1.6 sec
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
A feature that is very important to a landscape photographer is the ability to capture challenging dynamic ranges. In the case of these next two images, which are both HDR images, I had to contend with deep shadows and very bright highlights. To mitigate this, I utilize the HDR bracketing feature in this camera. I can shoot up to seven (7) frames with two (2) stops of exposure differential. This allows me to overcome challenging lighting scenarios.
13 mm | F11 | 1/1250
25mm | F7.1 | 1/1250
Vertical Video
A new feature incorporated into this camera is the ability to now shoot vertical videos without making adjustments in the camera. It automatically detects when you are in a vertical position. This of course is a huge advantage for purposes of social media postings.
As you can see from this collection of images, the OM-5 is a great travel/outdoor nature camera that allows me to maximize my imagery by using the many built-in features. It is highly versatile and compact. I am looking forward to my next adventure with the OM-5.
Watch Frank's Video above sharing his thoughts and impressions on the new OM-5.
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ABOUT FRANK SMITH
Web: franksmithphotos.com
Twitter: @Frank_T_Smith
Instagram: @Franktaylorsmith
OM SYSTEM Ambassador Frank Smith is a self-taught photographer whose love for the craft goes back to a very early age. Decades later, Frank’s passion for photography has yet to fade as his skills continue to evolve.
A native Northeasterner, Frank often focuses his lens on regional and local scenery including the Pocono Mountains and the historical sites of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His raw travel and philanthropic photojournalism covers global themes, shedding light on cultural issues such as regional corruption in areas including South Sudan and Haiti.
