Embracing photography once again.

Ever since I lost my DSLR a few years ago, I never made an effort to revisit photography as a hobby or maintained my passion for photography. I was heartbroken, when my Canon 550D DSLR was stolen from me while backpacking in Europe. It was my favourite DSLR and I just got the hang of photography. I was actively learning new skills in photography and applying them. Eventually my shots were getting better and I felt really comfortable around my DSLR. And then suddenly, it got stolen. Photography is an expensive hobby. So while I had insurance covered that partially paid the items lost while traveling, I happen to lose my passion for it. Somehow my passion got stolen from me as well.

Now, close to 4 years later, with some cash to spare, I started to relook and revisit the world of photography. For a couple of months I have been reading up on the DSLRs and micro four thirds that are out there on the market. I have been reading various reviews and technological advancements made in the world of photography as well as the latest trends. It took me a while to settle on a suitable camera for me to buy, but eventually, with great timing involved, I settled on the popular micro four thirds camera, the brand new Olympus OM-D EM5 Mark II.

The picture you see above is the camera body and the new Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm 1:4-5.6 II. This particular model is the successor to the midrange EM5 released several years ago with additional features found from their flagship EM1. It was released just mere days again from the time I bought it. I bought the body and lens together for a whopping $2,000. It’s more expensive than the Canon 550D that I owned more than 5 years ago.

For a short while, just prior to purchase, I was worried that this was an impulse buy. But I had been reading on photography for a while now and somehow, it felt right getting this particular camera. I knew photography already. So getting back into the fray wasn’t very difficult. Sure, I’d need to invest on a good tripod and an additional prime lens if I am up for it, but that can wait. The only biggest challenge right now is getting used to the new smaller form factor. The micro four thirds is essentially a mirrorless camera with all the features of a typical DSLR, except in a smaller body. Another challenge in which I will have to tackle along the way is getting used to the complex controls this camera has to offer. This is a totally different beast from the Canon DSLR. Choke full of features and buttons and menus that I need to navigate and remember to access all the features on the fly. But eventually I will get used to it.

I am really excited about this new camera. The potential is limitless. And I have renewed vigor in going out there, to different places and not just be a mere spectator anymore, but actually doing something active for the first time in a long time.

Meanwhile, I have revamped my old blog and used it to post some selected photos I shot using the new camera. You can visit them here. It’s still barebones, but hopefully it will eventually fill with beautiful shots using my new camera.