Bob Crum

I don't know the total number of camera models and lenses presently on the market. I do know that the majority of my photography-minded friends have camera bags full of photographic gear. Owning seven cameras and 14 lenses, one friend has an admitted GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) issue. Anyway, when we gather around a campfire, rare is the photog who is devoid of glowing adjectives hyping their favorite camera or lens. Without GAS, I have little to add to the conversation.

Without a new camera purchase in over three years, I feel like that I'm missing out on the latest technology. Of course, making a quality photo doesn't require the latest greatest camera. Many photographers can make great photos with whatever camera is at hand. However, the recently announced Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera grabbed my attention. Digital Camera World says: “In an industry where innovation is often limited to ‘more megapixels’, this camera has more brilliant new features than we’ve seen in a very long while. And if you ignore the narrative about sensor size, this is arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera, period.” Hmmm. Though I don't presently have GAS, I can't deny a proclivity to some variant of camera lust.

As a photojournalist, I don't get coveted assignments like boudoir shoots featuring sensual lady bugs posing nude on double winky blue columbine flowers. Instead, I'm asked to shoot action-packed rodeos, fast-flying airplanes at airshows, rapid-paced parades and speedy Fillmore & Western trains. I can fix minor exposure issues, but not out-of-focus photos. Thus, it's exciting to note that the M1X features dual F.A.S.T. AF (Contrast & Phase Detection AF) 121 Point (All Cross Type) On-Chip phase detection” focusing. Wow!

Blurry photos are another nemesis. My hand is not as steady as yesteryear, and my heavy Canon 7DII doesn't have built-in stabilization. I have to rely on barely adequate lens stabilization for hand-held shots. Therefore, equally exciting is that the M1X has a staggering built-in 5-axis image stabilization with up to 7.5 shutter speed steps compensation. Again: Wow!

OK, let's get to the nitty-gritty. When is a new camera purchase justified particularly when the M1X MSRP is $2,999.00? I know that a new camera's value quickly diminishes considerably. So what? My old 7D served me admirably for six years. I still have it. After Canon cleaned the sensor, it works like new making it a valuable backup and the used camera value irrelevant. Then why did I buy the latest, greatest 7DII? Because Canon significantly improved important camera functions like quicker and more accurate focusing. In practice, Canon took a good camera (7D) and made it a significantly better camera. Isn't that what new technology does? The 7DII is working fine so at the risk of GAS, do I need a new camera? No! But it's a safe bet that I'll buy an MX1... just as soon as I win the lotto.

A surprise visit from a Cooper's hawk provided a fantastic photo and the photo of the week. A great example of having a camera handy. I didn't initially see the hawk approach, but I heard it. Looked out the window and saw her. Promptly grabbed my camera, stepped outside and (click) made the photo. As quickly as she appeared, she flew off. A few minutes later I saw her reappear 50 feet away with a mouse (lunch) in her talons. Proof that exciting photo ops can occur anywhere at any moment. BE READY! Happy photoing.

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