OM System’s video tutorials are one of many benefits that OM cameras come with. Some of these videos relate to photography in general. However, many are specific to different features within the OM camera system. Take for example this informative piece by Michael Amico titled Bird and AI Pro Capture. This video is very timely since I’m writing this at the end of our Alaskan Brown Bear Photo Tour which also included opportunities for flying puffins.
This video came in very handy after our first day of flight opportunities, which unfortunately produced less than optimal results. After watching this video, I changed my AF Sensititvy from +2 to +1 on the OM-1 Mark ll. It seems to have improved my keeper rate for these fat football-like creatures that move at breakneck speed. I’ve produced the video below as well as a blog post titled Testing the Olympus OM-1 Autofocus For Birds in Flight.
Live ND and GND Filters
Another video in this series is titled Live ND and GND Filters. For those not familiar with the OM System OM-1 Mark ll, this camera offers both of these filter options built into the Computational menu of the camera. And for me, the Graduated ND option is a game changer.
When this feature was first announced I thought it was nothing more than a gimmick. I’ve never been excited about carrying filters. They’re expensive, cumbersome, and always a pain. But to have the Graduated ND built-in, available at a moment’s notice, is incredibly liberating. I’ve been using it far more than I ever used the version you have to attach to your lens.
Starry Sky AF
Starry Sky AF is a super helpful feature. With the advent of AF lenses, we can no longer trust the infinity mark on the lens barrel. I have no idea why they even bother with an infinity mark anymore since it never truly lines up. One way to get around this issue is to use a completely manual focus lens or use the LCD on the back of the camera. Neither of these options is very convenient.
The optimal option is to use Starry Sky AF, a feature that simply uses a slow version of the AF system to accurately bring the stars into sharp focus. It’s as easy as selecting the Starry Sky AF setting in th Super Control panel under the Drive settings or on the top left side of the camera with the Drive button.
Once I’ve set it up I simply choose a moderate size AF box and move it toward the upper part of the EVF. This will be where most of the stars are located obviously. Since I use Back Button AF, I simply push the AF button on the back of the camera. That initiates AF to do its thing and brings the stars into sharp focus. That’s about all there is to it. The video does go into detail on fine-tuning Starry Sky AF, but I’ve found it works just fine as it’s set from the factory.
Conclusion
These video tutorials are very helpful and can really help a new user get the most our of their OM System cameras. Make sure you take a look and stop by to let me know what you think. Then get out and go shooting.
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