The OM System OM-3 camera, paired with the Micro Four Thirds format, offers a lightweight solution for photographers on the move. Jason Friend, a photographer, put this setup to the test during a bike ride along the Northumberland coast.
Friend’s journey began in Ashington, where he boarded a train with his gear, including the OM-3 and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens. He had initially pre-ordered the new OM System PEN but opted for the OM-3 after finding a kit deal, despite the higher cost.
A Practical Test on the Coast
The Northumberland coast provided a diverse range of scenes for Friend to capture. His first stop was a beach at Cambois, where he experimented with the OM-3’s Live ND feature, which allows for long exposures without the need for traditional ND filters.
Friend encountered some challenges with the Live ND function, as it only works in shutter priority mode, and the preview of the blurred image was distracting. He developed a workaround, switching between aperture and shutter priority modes to compose and expose his shots.
The Advantages of Micro Four Thirds
The Micro Four Thirds format’s 2x crop factor means that lenses like the 12-45mm offer a 24-90mm equivalent focal length on full-frame cameras, while remaining compact and lightweight. This is particularly beneficial for travel and outdoor photography, where every ounce matters.
Friend appreciated the OM-3’s built-in features, such as Live ND and Live Composite, which reduce the need for additional gear. The camera’s stabilization system also allowed him to leave his tripod behind, further lightening his load.
Capturing the Northumberland Environment
As Friend continued his ride, he captured a variety of scenes, from industrial environments to the dramatic Northumberland skies. He used a polarizer to enhance the colors and reduce reflections, and the OM-3’s stabilization allowed him to shoot at slower shutter speeds without a tripod.
At Charlie’s Garden, a sea stack near his home, Friend faced the challenge of high tide and crashing waves. He planned to convert his images to black and white, using a screw-on ND64 filter to control the exposure and time the waves. He noted that a cable release would have made this process easier.
