Scotland’s rugged landscapes and dramatic weather make it a dream location for landscape photography. The challenge is capturing that beauty in a way that does it justice. The right gear helps.
Coming to you from Chris Baitson Photo, this engaging video follows a field test of the OM System OM-1 Mark II paired with the 8-25mm f/4 Pro lens. The built-in ND filter stands out, offering seven stops of exposure control without needing external filters. That’s a game-changer for long exposures, especially when working with waterfalls and fast-moving clouds. The wide focal range, from 8mm (16mm full-frame equivalent) to 25mm, covers everything from ultra-wide landscapes to tighter compositions without switching lenses. The flexibility makes it a practical choice for shooting in remote locations where carrying extra gear isn’t ideal.
The video also highlights the camera’s computational features, including the Live ND and Live GND functions. The Live ND tool simulates long exposure effects in-camera, smoothing out water and clouds without the hassle of stacking physical filters. Live GND acts as a simulated graduated neutral density filter, allowing you to darken the sky while keeping the foreground properly exposed. Adjusting the effect directly in the camera rather than relying on post-processing provides instant feedback and more control over the final shot.
Working with changing light is a key part of landscape photography. Low-hanging clouds add atmosphere, but they also create exposure challenges. The built-in GND filter helps balance the brightness of the sky with the darker foreground, but dialing in the right settings takes some trial and error. Exposure compensation doesn’t always behave as expected, so understanding how the system processes highlights and shadows is crucial. Experimenting with different angles and compositions can make all the difference, particularly when shooting dynamic scenes like waterfalls. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Baitson.
