Camera Equipment

Religion
Prayer Wheels
Politics
Beijing - Chinese symbol
Nature
Giant Fig tree - Ankor Runis
Work
Hue Gardener
Knowledge
Library of Alexandria
Adventure
Buffalow Skull
Contemplation
Pak Tai Temple in Taipa, Macau
Recreation
Abel Tasman Kayaking
Relaxation
Morning sun on Kuta Beach
One of the most common questions I get is about the type of camera I use. While it is true that I do have a camera that is capable of producing exceptional images, it is also equally capable of the opposite. Although I regularly update aspects of my equipment, the improvement in image quality that I’ve seen over a number of years is far greater than the advances in technology. This comes down to two factors – using equipment capable of high image quality and more importantly learning how to use that equipment, post process images and how to get around its limitations.

My priorities in selecting equipment are:
  • Image quality
  • Versatility
  • ruggedness (build quality, dust and water resistance)
  • weight

My current set-up comprises of the following:

  • Olympus E-420
  • 12-60mm f2.8-4 SWD
  • 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD
  • EX-25 extension tube
  • FL36R wireless flash
  • Portable light-stand and umbrellas
  • Tripod with ball head
  • High-capacity rechargeable AA batteries + charger
  • Crumpler 5 million dollar home
  • Microfibre cloth & Lenspen with bush for cleaning quiment
  • Apple Macbook 13ins
  • Day-pack with laptop sleeve (which also fits crumpler 5 million dollar home - used as front pack / hand luggage)

While there are certainly other systems that are equally capable of producing outstanding images, to date I have been very happy with the Olympus system. The particular the strength of the system is its size and portability, splash-proof lenses and dust reduction system. All of these factors are essential when you spend long periods traveling. The key reason for choosing this system is however the quality and versatility of the optics. The two lenses I use are some of the most versatile, but more importantly have not sacrificed image quality.

While I had misgivings about matching the smallest available camera to some fairly large lenses, I find that this combination creates a very naturally balanced system – particularly given the advances in the handling between the E420 and previous bodies. Compared to the E-3, I like the simplicity of the menu functions and the reduced weight. In testing the bodies, I was unable to discern any image quality difference between the two cameras. The addition of weather sealing to the body and a larger viewfinder would be welcome, however something I'll sacrifice for the time being for a smaller system.

Images are available for license.Thumbnails open to their photo page in a new window

Germany by Night
Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Japan at Dusk
Fukuoka Evening scene
Indonesian Dawn
Gunung Bromo Volcano
Ruins in Jordan
Ruins of Jerash, Jordan
Pyramids in Egypt
Pyramids of Giza
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
Great Wall
Great Wall of China rubble
Great Heights
Hong Kong Building
Great Outdoors
Whitsunday Sailing