With the imminent change to the Olympus camera brand, then the possible change to Panasonic, depending on their take in the future, Micro Four Thirds is in a bit of a funk with me and I am sure many others.
Taking stock, I have plenty of cameras to support my clutch of excellent portrait/low light lenses, so most of my work will stay unchanged. High speed EM-1’s and Pro glass are not needed or even wanted in many of these circumstances*, but high volumes of work (45gp last month), and the likely need for a longer and maybe faster sports and event lens may be an issue.
With Olympus at a “point of sufficiency”, thoughts turn to areas that could be improved.
Sports performance. The EM1 has been a surprise packet and even has more to offer if I can be bothered with the pesky firmware upgrade, but I would really like too up my game sports wise.
The contenders in descending cost order are Canon (R6 with 100-500), Olympus (EM1 mk3 and the 100-400), which would both add a level of af performance, Panasonic (G9 teamed with their 100-400 or 50-200), which are needed to make their excellent DFD focussing work.
Fuji and the crop frame Canon have fallen away.
An interlude image. This year has been one of upheaval and change. This Dogwood had never flowered before. Just one of the good changes that have come forward this year.
My Head;
Says get the Canon as a secure pathway to the future. It is dearest, but with sales looming, maybe now is the time. Olympus will still do 90% of my work and personal/travel imaging, but the Canon would be a genuine problem solver in it’s needed role and is future proof brand wise. It will even handle indoor sport with it’s big lens, shooting ISO 6400 cleanly.
My Gut;
Says get the Panasonic. Good value, good results and balance of a “living” system with current kit compatibility. Probably the weakest upgrade overall, it gives me plenty of room to adapt, a second feature set and all without a dramatic outlay (the G9 is a little over half the price of an EM1 mk3 and their 100-400 is also cheaper). I can also justify a wide angle lens (8-25 Oly or 8-18 Pana).
My Heart;
Says stick with Olympus. The EM1 mk3 and long lens would make me effectively done with the system and probably for the duration of any future paid photo work. The comfort and loyalty factor involved with staying the course are also not nothing.
If funds prove to be tight, the 90D and a Canon 200 f2.8 or 70-200 f4L are a good option at $2500, allowing me to still go Canon RF later.