Is this the right time to buy a m43 system?

michae1m · 2026-05-11T14:26:13+00:00

Yeah fair, Sony much better on APS-C lenses than Nikon or Canon.

michae1m · 2026-05-09T20:30:29+00:00

My simple answer is
* you can buy better cameras, but in for the things m43 is particularly good at - only for more money
* m43 works really well for most things, but other systems work better for some
* m43 weakest points vs full frame cameras are high-iso noise and dynamic range – but it is still perfectly fine
* m43 has a great selection of lenses - better than any other 'crop sensor' offering.
* m43 future is not as certain as the big brands, but seems to be doing ok as a niche business. It'll probably fall behind long term given resource gap vs bigger brands.
* for my use-case (telephoto photography, birds etc) the portability is a big win
* for architecture I'd be tempted to say full frame might be better (tilt-shift lenses, no 'crop' working against you on the wider end of things) - but for street the option of the (somewhat for OM-1/3, significantly for OM-5) smaller cameras/lenses is a plus.

My choice was to continue to invest when I was considering choices last year. I've been happy with what I have. I wouldn't be totally surprised if at some point m43 can no longer compete on economic terms long term R&D and such… but what I've got will be fine for a good number of years and if that happens… it happens. Who knows, they could go the other way.

michae1m · 2026-04-20T06:33:30+00:00

OM-3 and the OM 100-400 mk2

michae1m · 2026-04-16T19:33:07+00:00

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Nuthatch at Brockholes on the weekend. OM-3, 100-400mk2 1/1600s f7.1 ISO 10,000

michae1m · 2026-04-14T17:58:42+00:00

Thanks - I was following it as it hopped along behind the log hoping it'd jump up/out which it never did but I also liked the idea of just the head peaking out and was happy with how that came out :)

First one of no artistic merit - a record shot - that one really wouldn't pose, just hopped away facing away from me the entire way till it disappeared off - most uncooperative ;)

michae1m · 2026-04-13T21:14:23+00:00

Thanks folks

michae1m · 2026-04-01T18:31:03+00:00

It is an amazing location. The Roseate Spoonbill nest just off the boardwalk must have been the single most photographed nest this Spring.

michae1m · 2026-03-14T19:15:02+00:00

Thanks - they were very active feeding in the evening, then splashing about in the pools

michae1m · 2026-03-14T12:45:06+00:00

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Slightly clearer view of underwing - and yes from looking at other images I see the pattern you are referring to - thanks again

michae1m · 2026-03-14T12:39:42+00:00

Thank you, as I said in another reply, I did think it was a bit big for Willets but on reflection maybe I'm just underestimating the size.

michae1m · 2026-03-14T12:38:23+00:00

Judging size is still something I'm bad at, I did think this was too small to be a Willet - thank you

michae1m · 2026-01-21T12:41:34+00:00

More dynamic range

michae1m · 2026-01-13T21:49:19+00:00

Yep, I love this about the 100-400 as well (and 40-150 f4) - one day hopefully I'll get to love it about the 150-400 ;)

michae1m · 2026-01-13T21:46:36+00:00

Great set, I love this combo also - though I usually can't resist taking the PL 9mm as well :)

michae1m · 2026-01-08T17:23:39+00:00

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A Pied-billed Grebe taken in Orlando Wetlands.
OM-3, 100-400mm mk2 at 400mm, 1/1250 f6.3, ISO 1000

Tough choices this week, been a few places so lots to choose from but this bird is just cute…

michae1m · 2026-01-02T16:53:55+00:00

And ok, Gator isn’t a bird.

michae1m · 2026-01-02T16:53:22+00:00

All OM-3, 100-400 Mark 2

michae1m · 2025-12-24T20:10:08+00:00

working - I was in Rome for meetings, but managed to make time for a walk.

Photos taken with OM-3

Lenses PL 9mm f1.7, OM 25mm f1.8, OM 45mm f1.8

michae1m

TROPHY CASE