Cheap Olympus to replace Fujifilm X100?

While the entire internet is raving about the Fujifilm X100VI, some of us need a more wallet-friendly option that’s still compact enough for everyday use.

Olympus E-PL6 with Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8

I loved photography as a student and realized last year that my passion was still alive. I wanted a 35mm full-frame equivalent focal length for my daily camera — something I could slip into my pocket — and start shooting again. Luckily, I already had an old Olympus E-PL6 at home, which was the perfect (and free) place to start.

However, the kit lens that came with it was insufferable, so I needed an upgrade — specifically a prime lens. That’s where the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 came in. Right now, Micro Four Thirds (M43) cameras and lenses are incredibly affordable, so I picked up the 17mm lens secondhand on eBay for just £170. Even if I’d had to buy the camera too, it would still be a fraction of the cost of a Fujifilm.

Handling

This setup is both light and compact — just 460g — making it even lighter than the Fujifilm X100VI. It slips easily into my coat pocket, though it’s not quite as pocket-friendly as the Ricoh GR series. Then again, the GR has its own issues (check out my other blog post for more on the Ricoh GR Digital).

The “flippy-tilty” screen is great for composing shots. Without an EVF, having a tilting LCD is a welcome feature. Autofocus performance is perfectly fine; since most of my other cameras are manual-focus only, any AF feels like a blessing.

Although the camera body has a somewhat plastic feel, the lens is metal and feels sturdy. Ultimately, the build doesn’t matter much — the small size and light weight make this combo perfect as a quick, snappy point-and-shoot. I like it. That’s all that matters.

Colour Science

When the lighting conditions is right, they gives deep vivid images. People always say Olympus has great colour science. This is my first time using Olympus camera, and I have to agree. This little micro four thirds sensor can render great colours. But… only when you have good light. Hey, that’s the game of photography right? It’s a game of finding the good light. And if you do, this camera would reward you.

Food Photography

Micro four thirds have a smaller image sensor, meant it can retain deeper depth of field even when the subject is close and the aperture is wide open. Making it a great choice to take pictures of food indoors.

Street Photography

This is a camera that is always with me. I snap as I want to.

This lens gives great contrast that is easy to handle. I convert my black and white from colour RAW mostly using the red filter profile to achieve a even higher contrast. But still, when the light is right the image will be right. I love this camera setup because it is compact and always be in my pocket when I see a good light.

I picked this setup because I don’t want to pay for the Fujifilm tax. But I must say I am now in love with it. I might finally buy another Fujifilm again in the near future? But I don’t think I will sell this little micro four thirds setup.

Long live the M43.