Olympus for professionals..........

[rackingsaint]

I am currently honing my skills and learning in my photography endeavors. I have been developing a plan and researching start up and costs related to running a Portrait business.

I plan to cater mainly to senior portraits (mostly outdoor) and pet portraits (which will be mostly outdoor as well).

My question is, and forgive me if I've missed this in reading the posts, are any of you guys professionally shooting portraits with an Olympus line up?

Right now I am using the Panasonic FZ50 and plan to keep it as it is a very capable P&S and fairly easy to take along on horseback (where I happen to be a LOT!).
I want more speed and will need it in the future as I progress.
Olympus is attractive to me because of the interchangability of lenses (old and new), history of the company and pricing. I'm not interested in Nikon at all. Canon might be a possibility.

Finding information on Olympus DSLRs and the professionals who use them can be a challenge! I appreciate any input y'all can offer!!

[jdepould]

Olympus actually ditched their film mount, which means there isn't a lot of legacy glass floating around. There are very few pros shooting Oly.

Any particular reason you've ruled out Nikon? If you're dead set against Nikon, get Canon.

[rackingsaint]

I like Oly and Canon portrait images. Nikon action images are great, but for portraits....I've been more attracted to the former.
The auto focus options as well as image stablization are also contributing factors.

Thanks

[jdepould]

The camera doesn't really make the portrait. There are some very subtle differences in color rendering, but it takes a lot to spot them, and you can make an image look like nearly anything you want in post.

Which autofocus and image stabilization options are you referring to?

[inkista]

Just my opinion, but if you really plan on going for professional portrait photography, wouldn't you prefer a camera line-up with a full-frame body as an option? (Not to mention, Sony just announced the A850: 24mp full-frame for $2k. Woot!)

And if you're really thinking of using vintage glass, be aware that you pretty much have no wide angle options, since all those old lenses were designed for film, and none of them will autofocus.

[Doug Pardee]

Those legacy OM lenses are manual-focus, and manually focusing an autofocus SLR is pretty challenging, especially with the tiny viewfinders that you get on a 4/3 system camera. Not something I'd recommend as the easy path.

The other manufacturers were already making autofocus film SLRs, so they have a good catalog of legacy and modern autofocus lenses to choose from. Pentax probably has the best compatibility with ancient lenses if that's really a consideration for you.

From what I can tell, the pros who are using Oly these days are the ones who value portability into the field under any conditions: smaller size, lighter weight, weatherproofed.

[rackingsaint]

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

Those legacy OM lenses are manual-focus, and manually focusing an autofocus SLR is pretty challenging, especially with the tiny viewfinders that you get on a 4/3 system camera. Not something I'd recommend as the easy path.

The other manufacturers were already making autofocus film SLRs, so they have a good catalog of legacy and modern autofocus lenses to choose from. Pentax probably has the best compatibility with ancient lenses if that's really a consideration for you.

From what I can tell, the pros who are using Oly these days are the ones who value portability into the field under any conditions: smaller size, lighter weight, weatherproofed.

OK.....this helps a lot. In regards to why the pros using Oly. I appreciate the information in regards to focusing challenges as well.
I'm starting to lean more toward the "Big Two" now.

Thanks for your input!!

[rackingsaint]

Originally Posted by jdepould

The camera doesn't really make the portrait. There are some very subtle differences in color rendering, but it takes a lot to spot them, and you can make an image look like nearly anything you want in post.

Which autofocus and image stabilization options are you referring to?

Jamie, I was referring to the functions being IN the Oly body and not dependent on the lens. I admit I am ignorant to most technical aspects though.

I've been doing more and more reading and "in hand" consideration. I know I don't want a Canon Rebel.....it feels too small and is not comfortable to my hand at all.

I've been reconsidering my Oly choice as well.
I know its not the camera that makes the portrait......several shots with my Panasonic proves that. I want something with some speed and capable of taking photos that may later be blown up to , say, 16x20.

I'm basically choosing Canon over Nikon to cut down on being overwhelmed. If you think that's a bad idea...please tell me. I want to make the best investment.
I'm not interested in full frams as I don't believe I'll need to go that far.

I'm thinking along the lines of a Canon 40D or 50D and adding a 5DMII further on in the future.
If you have suggestions along those lines in regards to Nikon...please...share!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[Raigoki]

inkista's right, there's no Full Frame DSLR yet for olympus...
if you want to go pro, then maybe canon's 5D Mk2 might be one of your choices.

[LoveDSLR]

So you like to shoot portraits. Forget your budget, full frame, IS in the body, Oly, Canon and Nikon for the moment and ask yourself these questions.

Which camera you know of is widely used for portraits and weddings (people photography)?
Which camera will give you details, good skin tones and excellent large (16x20) prints?
Which system have better choices in portrait lenses?

If you know this camera then you know the brand you will pick your DSLR.

You may not afford or need this camera now but at least you know what to look for.