OM-5 Mark 2; New Features in Lightroom



This week, OM System announced the long-rumored OM-5 Mark 2 mirrorless camera, and Adobe added some really great new features to Lightroom. We’ll discuss both of these topics on today’s show.

Fujifilm X-E5 announced



This week, Fujifilm announced the X-E5 camera, which looks an awful lot like the (hard to find) X100vi rangefinder-style camera. The X-E5 offers a 40-megapixel APS-C X-Trans sensor and accepts interchangeable Fujifilm X-mount lenses. It’s being offered as a kit with a new 23mm f/2.8 pancake lens. We recommend pre-ordering now if you want to get this camera, as supply chains have been uncertain recently.



Choosing a camera backpack



This week, we’re taking a look at the features to consider (good and bad) when selecting a photo backpack. Backpacks are by far the most versatile type of camera bag, but not all of them are designed the same.

Fujifilm X Half Camera; Rick is back from Peru



This week, Rick returns from his trip to Peru and he’ll share his experiences along with the camera kit he chose for this trip. Plus, there’s a new “retro” camera from Fujifilm, the Fujifilm X Half. This camera only shoots JPEGs and can be configured to function like a mechanical film camera, including a film “advance” lever!

First Look: Nik Collection 8



This week, we take a hands-on look at the newest version of the Nik Collection by DXO. The Nik Collection plug-ins remain one of our most often used tools for fine-art post-processing. We’ll take a look at what’s new, and discuss whether or not you should buy or upgrade.

OM System 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II Hands-on Testing



We recently received the newly updated OM System 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II lens to test from our friends at B&H Photo. We both like the original version of this lens, as it’s a lightweight (3lb) 200-800mm equivalent on micro 4/3 format cameras.



New features of the updated lens include:




* Better weather-sealing (IPX1 rated)



* Fluorine-coated front element



* Improved image stabilization



* SYNC-IS compatible with 5-axis stabilization up to 7-stops



* New lens collar




We both own the original version of this lens, so tune in to hear our thoughts about how the new one compares, and whether it’s worth upgrading.



OM System 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II lens at B&H Photo

Big glass doesn’t have to be big: Super Telephoto Lenses



There was a time not that long ago when having a 400mm or longer lens meant breaking the bank or settling for mediocre performance. Not anymore. Advances in lens design, image stabilization, and smaller format sensors puts having extra reach something many of us can afford and even hand-hold.

Fixed-lens compact digital cameras



This week, we’re joined by our friend and longtime listener, Bill McCarroll, who was with us in Oregon. We noticed that in addition to his primary rig, he was also shooting with a compact Ricoh GR III x compact camera. We sat down with Bill to talk about the resurgence in popularity of compact digital cameras and whether they’re right for you. Be sure to check out some of Bill’s photos over at our microsite, Imagedoctorsphoto.com

Oregon Workshop Report; Updates from Adobe & DxO



This week, we’re back from Oregon to share our experiences shooting with a great group of clients across various parts of the state. You can read about our trip and see photos here.



Lightroom Landscape Masking



Adobe released a major new feature in Lightroom/ Lightroom Classic that enables AI-generated masks of landscape features. This new tool is quite powerful, and can detect skies, mountains, water, vegetation, ground, and buildings. Check out my video demonstration here.



DxO PureRaw 5



We’ve both had the opportunity to try the newest version of Pure Raw from DxO, which we both use for noise removal and detail enhancement of high ISO images. Hear our thoughts on whether you should upgrade to the new version.

Flash photography with mirrorless cameras



This week, we take a look at flash photography, and offer our best tips for getting better flash photos. We’ll also look specifically at some settings that will help if you’re using a flash with a mirrorless camera, as there are some nuances that can cause frustration if you’re not aware of them.



Reminder: We’re on photo safari next week, and will be back the week of April 21st

Nikon Z5 II Announced!



We just saw the announcement by Nikon of an update to their entry-level full-frame camera, the Z5II. The Z5II sports the same 24.5MP sensor as the Nikon Zf, but adds some major improvements to the original Z5II. Listen as we discuss the major features, who this camera would be targeted to, and our thoughts on lens kits to go with it.



Preorder the Nikon Z5II here



Workshop opportunity! Join Jason at Old Car City USA May 7-10 for a creative closeup photo experience amongst 40 acres of rusty relic automobiles!

Happy 100th, Leica!



This week, we take a look at the history and importance of Leica, which introduced the world’s first 35mm format still camera, the Leica 1, 100 years ago. Leica rangefinder cameras quickly became popular among street photographers and journalists due to their compact size and ease of operation. Leica is still going strong today with a lineup of digital cameras in several different formats.

Simplify Your Compositions



This week, we wanted to discuss the core principle of all good photography: composition. All too often, it seems like people struggle with getting good photo compositions, so we thought we’d talk about ways in which we both try to simplify things.



New Medium Format Rangefinder From Fujifilm



Fujifilm has announced the GFX 100RF, a 102-megapixel medium format camera in a rangefinder style body with a fixed 35mm f/4 lens (28mm equivalent). This interesting design looks to go head to head with Leica’s 60MP full-frame Q3 camera.



Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 in Z Mount Now Shipping



The Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens we discussed last week is now shipping in Nikon Z mount. Check prices here.

Hands-on with the OM System OM-3 Camera



This week, we’ve got the opportunity to try the newest OM System Micro 4/3 format camera, the “retro” OM-3. Despite its vintage styling, the OM-3 has the latest sensor and AF technology from OM System, plus a slew of creative and computational features. We’ll talk about what we liked, and what could’ve been done better.

A look at the L-Mount System



This week, we’re discussing the Leica L-mount system, which includes Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma cameras. We’ll also discuss two recently announced L-mount cameras that are available for pre-order:




* Panasonic S1R II



* Sigma BF




We also just got our hands on the new OM System OM-3, and we’ll have more on that camera next week!

Entry Level Cameras



This week, we take a look at some of the lower-end cameras available and why they can be an important component of a brand’s lineup. We’ll compare features, pricing, and offer some suggestions for currently available entry-level cameras



New Sony Lenses



This week, Sony announced two new lenses, which we’ll discuss and :




* Sony 16-mm f/1.8 G (Sony E Mount)



* Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8 OSS G (Sony E Mount)

Big Bend National Park



Today, we’re joined by our friend and colleague, Eric Bowles, a professional photographer in the Atlanta area. Eric recently joined Rick on a photo “vacation” to Big Bend National Park. Tune in to hear about this amazing place, and to learn what gear Rick and Eric brought with them as well as their main subjects. We’ll also offer suggestions for where to stay if you plan to visit Big Bend, and the best time of year to go.

New OM-3 and new lenses from Nikon and OM System



We’re back this week with a look at new lenses from Nikon and OM System, plus our thoughts on the newly announced OM-3 mirrorless camera.



New from Nikon




* Nikon 35mm f/1.2 S (Z mount)



* Nikon 28-135mm f/4 PZ




New from OM System (Olympus)




* 17mm f/1.8 II



* 25mm f/1.8 II



* 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 II



* OM-3 mirrorless camera

Unique and unusual lenses



This week, we took suggestions from some of our listeners and dedicate the episode to the discussion of unusual and unique camera lenses throughout the decades. From crazy telephotos to simply weird lenses, you can see the full list over at our micro-site.

Winter photography ideas



Winter can be a challenging time to stay creative with photography. Today Jason & Rick offer some ideas for photographing outdoors in the wintertime, including subjects, camera settings, and recommended clothing for staying warm.

Maximizing Depth of Field in Your Photos



Jason is back from his birding workshops in California, and Rick took delivery of the new Sony A1 Mark 2 body.



This week, Jason and Rick discuss the factors affecting depth of field in photography, including aperture, focal length, and sensor size. They agreed that smaller apertures produce greater depth of field, but also result in a loss of sharpness and potential noise in the image. They also discussed the use of tilt-shift lenses for depth of field control, but noted that they can be bulky and not always necessary. They also discussed modern techniques for increasing depth of field, such as focus stacking using Photoshop and other tools.