Sunday, March 2, 2014

Shooting in Low Light with Olympus OM-D E-M5

One of the strongest and best features of the Olympus E-M5 (and the E-M1) is the 5-Axle In-Body Stabilization. After a few days of use with the E-M5, and shooting in various lighting conditions, I can confirm that it's extremely effective, easily as good as the lens-based stabilization, and it works with all lenses attached to the body. I am absolutely loving this amazing feature.

I took Mike Aubrey's advice, and set the ISO to a lower maximum of 1600, so that the Auto-ISO will force the shutter speed to be lower, since the E-M5 seems to favoure higher shutter speeds (higher ISO). With a 50mm lens (100mm equivalent in 35mm), I can shoot at 1/25s and the images are sharp; even at 1/13s, it's still tack sharp. With a very fast lens, you can practically shoot in the dark with very little available light. I wish the NEX-6 (and the A7/A7r) has this incredible IBIS feature.

William - E-M5 & Kodak Anastigmat 50mm f1.6 Cine Lens. Click for larger.

Port of Toronto at night - E-M5 & Kodak Anastigmat 50mm f1.6 Cine Lens. Click for larger.

Never ending snow - E-M5 & Kodak Anastigmat 50mm f1.6 Cine Lens.

2 comments:

  1. Really like the William portrait. There are still advantages to the m4/3 system, its not a black and white thing (pun intended) picking between FF and 4/3 simply on price. So far my own experience with various Image Stabilization systems is that the subject moves more than I do

    Clearly though it has its advantages :-)

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    Replies
    1. Every system has its strong points and the m4/3 is no different.

      You have an arm of steel! I find the IS immensely helpful.

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