I have been enjoying my journey into photography. I can easily say that it has changed my life. Not only do I see the world differently but I am outside exploring more than I would normally be doing. This could also be due to the fact that the kids are grown up and both out of the house. Where I used to spend the time after work focusing on their activities, I now spend it on mine.

I’ve been looking at my equipment and evaluating what I like photographing in an attempt to see what I would like to get. I play this game (more like a conversational battle) in my head where I think I need something or want a certain piece of equipment but by the time I do all the research I generally decide to wait or I really don’t need it. The side of the brain that usually wins is the side that realizes I still have three more years of college to pay for! LOL But that isn’t the only reason, a lot of the decision is based on an honest understanding of what I like to photograph. Do I want a nice macro lens, yes! But do I capture many macro images now, no. Do I want that long telephoto lens, yes! Do I capture much wildlife now, no. You see how the battle goes…

I did come to understand that the three lenses I have for my DSLR cover the range of photography I like to. I have the Sigma 17-70mm with macro capabilities, a Nikkor 35mm prime and the Nikkor 55-200mm telephoto. There really hasn’t been an image I was not able to capture with one of these lenses. Could a longer lens get me a little closer to that eagle, definitely, but how often do I search out birds. Rarely! I know I will acquire some additional lenses in the future but it isn’t an immediate need.

Now, the new toy. I have been quite interested of the developments with the micro four thirds (MFT) systems. I have my heart set on the Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera. Something about the look of that camera that just works for me. Now I love my DSLR but I am still hesitant to pull out in some situations to capture images. And to be honest some times it is just big and bulky. I was thinking I smaller more point and shoot looking camera would be just the thing for me. I know when I started this journey I carried my little SONY everywhere. I carry the Nikon everywhere but don’t pull it out as quick.

New Toy
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 13s, 42mm, f/11, ISO 200

Anyway, as a means to play with the MFT format I found an Olympus PEN E-P3 online with a 14-42mm lens for a pretty good price. It arrived on Thursday and I have been playing/learning with it the past few days. It isn’t much bigger than my old SONY but has so much more capability. The fact that I can change lenses (if I get any extras) plus the amount of control (same as I am use to on my Nikon) really has me liking this camera. There are even a few features of this camera that I wish I had on my Nikon, like depth of field preview. I have a lot more exploring to do with this camera and I plan to put it through its paces when I go to Disney in October. I think I am going to like having a smaller second camera practically in my pocket.

A few more images from my playing…

Faded
Olympus E-P3, Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/160s, 29mm, f/5.6, ISO 200

Convergence
Olympus E-P3, Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/160s, 15mm, f/11, ISO 200

Splash
Olympus E-P3, Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, 1/100s, 27mm, f/20, ISO 200