Choosing the right camera for your work can be challenging, especially with so many options promising to revolutionize your photography. Testing different systems can provide valuable insights, but it can also lead to wasted time and money.
Coming to you from Jason Friend Photography, this thoughtful video walks through the highs and lows of trying multiple camera systems throughout 2024. Friend begins by discussing the OM Systems OM-5, a compact and capable camera. While the image quality and size impressed him, concerns about its durability ultimately led him to move on. The Panasonic S5 also made an appearance, continuing to shine for landscapes but falling short for more dynamic applications due to its autofocus limitations. These early reflections highlight how practical considerations like durability and focus performance can outweigh technical specifications.
Friend's experience with the Sony a7C II revealed how minor design details can impact usability in professional settings. Despite Sony’s renowned autofocus system, the lack of a joystick and single card slots proved frustrating. This highlights the importance of ergonomics and reliability when using gear for paid projects. Similarly, his journey into film photography with the Fujifilm GA645Zi was a brief but memorable detour, reminding him of the joy and risks of analog experimentation.
As the year progressed, Friend explored Fujifilm’s ecosystem extensively, from the X100V to the X-T5. Despite initial excitement, he found the autofocus inconsistent and the workflow adjustments cumbersome. The X-T5’s high-resolution sensor delivered impressive detail, but the overall experience left him underwhelmed. This led him to reevaluate his priorities, focusing on systems that balanced functionality with ease of use. The culmination of his experimentation brought him back to Panasonic, with the S1R earning a place as a reliable, high-resolution workhorse for landscape photography.
Friend also highlights his rediscovery of Micro Four Thirds through the Panasonic GX9 and OM Systems OM-1. These lightweight systems offered portability without sacrificing quality, making them ideal for hiking and outdoor shoots. The OM-1’s construction, autofocus, and image quality impressed him enough to consider it a key part of his 2025 lineup. Friend’s reflection underscores the value of matching your gear to your lifestyle and photographic goals, not just what has the most impressive specs sheet. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Friend.
