Some Crape Myrtle trees provide pleasing orange and red colors during the late fall and winter while exfoliating bark. I like the wonderful smoothness of its bark as well.
Another European trip may be on the horizon for this summer. It’s still in the early planning phase but I’m trying to decide what camera kit to take.
The Olympus E-M5 performed nicely on our Italy trip two years ago and is probably a favorite for this trip as well. However, my Nikon D600 body is not so large and heavy, about the same size as a D7000, as to be out of the running. However, a couple of the “pro” lens I would want to take weigh as much again as the body.
Pixel peeping at images from both cameras has convinced me the D600 has an advantage in image quality, however, especially in low light situations. Between the two of them there’s really not a bad decision…both are fine cameras. It just comes down to how much I’m willing to carry.
If one of my fellow photographers who recently purchased the new Olympus E-M1 would like to loan it to me for a couple of weeks as an extended test I’d be happy to put it through it’s paces. ;-) A more reasonable possibility may be renting one. I’d like to try a new Sony A7 as well — with a suitable quality lens.
I’d love to loan you my EM-1, Earl, except that it’s now my only camera (except for my wife’s Canon G12). But here’s an idea: I sold my EM-5 on eBay recently for $895 (with the battery grip and 12 – 50 mm kit lens). That went a long way toward paying for the EM-1. Since the EM-1 is weather-sealed, you could take lots of pictures on rainy days over there! Better yet, sell all the Nikon stuff, too. Those lenses are way too heavy to lug around Europe.
Paul, I was making that loan comment in jest. :-) I’d never feel comfortable taking anyone’s personal camera on a trip like that. Now on the selling of equipment, that I’m working on. Perhaps the EM-5 w/battery grip and 2-3 Nikon Lens I seldom use. I’m not ready to get rid of all my Nikon gear yet!
I thought you were keeping your EM-5 as a back-up body — change of heart?
Yes, a change of heart. It was going to be an expensive “backup”. And since I’ve never actually needed a backup I figured that it was insurance I really didn’t need. Of course, that history is all Canon. I never had a Canon DSLR stop working. Even after being dropped. I just have to hope that the EM-1 is just as robust. Otherwise, I’ll have to switch to the G12 or to my iPhone……..
I do understand. I held on to a D300 as a backup for my D700 for years…The D700 never failed and the D300 just lost value.
Paul has a good suggestion there. I think Paul Lester has one he’d probably loan you. Unfortunately I don’t have one but I would Earl! And, there is nothing wrong with taking the A7. You are a good enough photography that the best camera to have is the one in your hand. Sounds exciting and maybe you can have more images published like the last trip.
Monte, thanks. As I related to Paul above, I made the loan comment in jest…I’d never be comfortable taking anyone’s personal camera on a trip like that. My problem is having to many choices. ;-)
Thanks, Monte, for loaning mine out. :D I like my E-M1 and can’t wait to get it on the road! I’ve been trying to decide between a 14 mm Panasonic lens and the 12 mm Olympus. Seems like they’re both good, but one is $500 more than the other! Also, doing some test shots with another lens to see how much difference 2 mm makes. So far, it seems to be the difference between getting an entire room in one shot, or just most of the room.
I’ll be tuned in to see where you end up. I am heading back to Mexico at the end of March. This time, I plan to go on some adventures, catching a bus to another city, etc.
No problem, Paul. That’s what friends are for, sharing other peoples toys.
:-)
Paul, I too thought it was mighty nice of Monte to offer your E-M1. ;-) I’ve read some nice reviews on the Oly 12mm but it is expensive. I have a couple of Panasonic lens, not the 14mm, and I’ve been happy with them on my E-M5.
Mexico should be nice in March and I’m sure you’ll find some interesting adventures and photos.
I’d also like to offer up Paul’s camera – joking or not. I don’t think he uses it much. Whereabouts in Europe?
Yeah, Mark. It’s just gathering dust. :)
;-)
I think Paul needs to check on his camera’s whereabouts daily — what with everyone offering to loan it! :-)
Travel plans are still being made, Mark, but northern Spain probably!
I take the D600 everywhere with the zoom lens, battery grip with 2 batteries and a bag with the macro and tele lens. Most of the time I leave the bag int he car and take the body and zoom with me. The thing that makes the weight tolerable is the Sun Sniper strap I bought a few years ago.There are a few knock offs of that strap now and I don’t know how good they are, but the strap puts the weight on your shoulder instead of your neck. You can carry the camera for hours without any fatigue. Of course I’m saying this because I only have the one camera and I don’t have more to choose from. I mention it only because I think you prefer the files from the Nikon over the Oly, even if it’s splitting hairs.
Ken, I’ve looked and read about sling type straps but have never tried one. I love the idea of the weight not being on my neck. Does the camera bounce around as you walk or do you kind of hold it steady with your hand?
I do feel the D600 IQ is a bit better then the Oly…especially in low light conditions. Thanks, I may have to check one of these Sun Sniper straps out!
There is very little bounce if you have a moderate walk and I don’t always have my hand on the camera. If you search Amazon.com for “camera sling straps” you’ll see several other makes. I bought the Cowboy brand and keep it on the D80, which I still shoot. It’s far less that the Sun Sniper and it’s very nice quality. A nice feature with the Cowboy is that you don’t have to remove the strap to mount it on the tripod. At $11.29, it’s a bargain at twice the price.
I wouldn’t recommend what I do for travel photography so I’ll pass on giving any advice but I’ve been looking at the picture on this post. It looks painted but in any case the orange/red tones of those trees is exceptional.
Cedric, I deemphisized the clarity and smaller details during post-processing which gives that painted like look. That was kind of what I was going for, however, the saturation and tones are pretty much out of the camera. Thanks!