VideoPic Blog: Wildlife Photography with Micro Four Thirds

Last updated:- 6th January 2023

I like the Pangolin Wildlife channel on YouTube and saw several of their wildlife photography videos. I enjoy their photos, discussions, and the techniques they share with wildlife photographers. They recently uploaded an interesting video about Micro Four Thirds and wildlife photography.

This short article reviews some of the misunderstandings associated with Micro Four Thirds. This article will provide readers with enough information to improve their wildlife photography skills.

Also, see this article about wildlife photography with the Zuiko 12-200mm lens.

Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 50-200mm f2.8-3.5. ISO160, f8, 1/125. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

This example of too much noise at ISO20K made me wonder how much "Reflected Light" is available at nearly 7-stops of ISO amplification. How much of the wildlife photographer's daytime is spent in such conditions? It's also clear that the Pangolin photographers support the "size and capture" theory. Will their videos benefit from a better theoretical understanding of digital cameras? For example, the ISO to SNR ratio is enough to explain the different scenarios we are reviewing in these 2 videos.

Study this article about the potential available light at ISO6400.

E-3 with the Zuiko 28mm f2.8 lens. ISO160, f2.8, 1/100. I edited this Low-light Raw file with PL-5 and DeepPrime NR.

In this video, Janine reviews several ways of improving your wildlife photography. Except for the part where she says the "ISO function adjusts the sensor's sensitivity, I thought the video was excellent. It's clear that they support the commercial "size and capture" theory. It was designed to promote FF cameras. This kind of marketing (Astroturfing) represents the worst of modern marketing.

Olympus E-3 with Zuiko 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, f8, 1/640. I edited the Enhanced Raw file in Workspace.

Study the additional information below:-

- This is an older article about a visit to a South African game reserve.

- See this article about background blur (info) and the examples in this video.

- See this video for more about the best camera settings for wildlife photography.

- For more about Readout Speed or warping & wobbling, watch this video

- Study this article for more on image noise and ISO amplification.

"Olympus wildlife photographers are cheating..."

I enjoyed Janine's feedback on how full-frame photographers react to Pro-Capture. I disagree with the 1st disadvantage discussed in the video because it's part of the commercial "size and capture" theory. Noise is NOT a function of sensor size because EACH sensor has a native noise floor with Read and Shot noise. The characteristics of this noise floor are a function of sensor design. I also think the classic "portrait" look with a blurred background works only in some cases for wildlife photography. The challenge wildlife photographers face is to include the natural habitat of wild animals.

I like to focus on the Pangolin photographers and their experience. How could we combine this experience with the right theoretical knowledge about digital or Micro Four Third cameras?

My family and I left South Africa 20 years ago, and will always be part of Africa. This is a typical bushveld scene.

How does a theoretical explanation benefit photographers?

Each photographer should start with these 6 points:-

All lenses have diffraction, and this is something photographers manage.
Sensors are linear devices, and they record less tonal data at lower SNRs
A saturated image sensor has a higher SNR with less visible image noise
Your aperture and shutter speed control the reflected light to the sensor
The ISO function amplifies the image signal and the sensor's noise floor
Pixels capture photons and not the size of the backplate they are placed on

Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 50 - 200mm f2.8 - 3.5 lens - ISO160, f3.5, 1/3200 - The Raw file was converted in PhotoLab 5

We know M43 photographers enjoy a 2EV Depth of Field (DOF) advantage plus the size and weight of M43 lenses are less. The summary below is designed for M43 wildlife photographers:-

M43 photographers can safely use apertures between f5,6 and f8,0 (and higher)
It's OK to target shutter speeds between 1/400 and 1/4000 (landscape to action)
Always confirm your exposure settings. (start with: ISO400-1600, f6.3, 1/2000)
Learn to use Shutter Priority, fixed ISO values, exposure comp, and the histogram.
Understand the benefits of saturating the sensor or managing the SNR-to-ISO ratio.
In most cases, M43 cameras don't need more than ISO3200. Also, use AI NR (WS)
Why only IS=3200? Consider the advantage of having IBIS with suitable scenes.
Planning and selecting the best time of the day is critical for wildlife photography.
They always keep a sturdy tripod with them. IBIS does not stabilize your subject

Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 50-200mm f2,8-f4 Pro lens. ISO160, f4, 1/2000. I converted the raw file with PhotoLab 5.

The above scene showcases the animal's natural habitat. They are experts at hiding and being one with nature. They are seldom in open spaces in the bushveld or Kruger National Park. Wild animals will only enter open spaces when they need water. I prefer the bushveld areas over the danger associated with open drinking spaces. That's why I don't do portrait-style wildlife photography with blurred backgrounds. The above image represents a more natural look of wildlife photography.

E-3 with the Zuiko 50-200mm f2.8-35 lens. The Enhanced Raw File was converted in Workspace.

Andrew Goodall is one of my favorite wildlife photographers. This video shows his 2023 photo summary with excellent wildlife photos. It's a good idea to make notes of his camera settings.

Most game drives are done in poor to good daylight conditions. Waterholes are very popular. Talk to your local ranger about photography spots and what you like to see. List the animals you want to photograph while they are at these waterholes. Discuss your lighting preferences and having the sun behind you. Always ask for info about sunrise and sunset safari drives or other opportunities. Another exciting destination for wildlife photography is the Etosha National Park in Namibia.

Olympus E-3 with 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, 1/4000, f3.5, -0.7EV (PhotoLab 5)

Which M43 cameras are best for Wildlife Photography?

The best M43 wildlife photography camera is the one you keep with you. I purposely uploaded these images of my older Olympus E3 (10MP). Wildlife photographers don't need "forum-approved" cameras, the latest and greatest cameras, or those with the best reviews for wildlife photography.

The Olympus E3 did not have AI Subject Recognition or Eye Detection. It was launched with the quickest AF lock-on time for 2007. While most photographers enjoy the benefits of technology and new autofocus features, it does not need to be a deal breaker for modern wildlife photography.

Olympus E-3 with 50-200mm f2.8-f3.5 lens. ISO160, 1/2000, f3. I converted the raw in PhotoLab 5.

Conclusion

Olympus has an excellent range of professional equipment. Pro lenses are designed for the highest levels of image quality,, image details, weather sealing, and fast apertures. These extreme levels of performance are only necessary when doing professional wildlife photography. Plan your photo sessions...

Standard and Premium Zuiko lenses are more than enough for most hobby photographers. They have excellent image quality. While they are slower lenses they are good for starting wildlife photography. I decided to focus on three affordable solutions for those interested in wildlife photography.

Olympus E-3 with 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, f2.8, 1/640. Handheld and I converted the Raw file in PhotoLab 5.

I prefer to use Olympus lenses with Olympus cameras and Panasonic lenses with Panasonic. These two manufacturers use vastly different autofocus systems. You will get the highest levels of compatibility when combining Olympus lenses with Olympus cameras. I have some lenses from Panasonic, like the Leica 25mm f1.4 and the Lumix 35 - 100mm f2.8...

Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, f8, 1/160. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

Did you see the unique "bokeh" backgrounds of the original Olympus Zuiko 50-200mm lens? There's something special about this original version. The newer version has a smoother background blur. I used both and like the older version more for its unique attitude. While the M.Zuiko 12-200mm backgrounds are more refined, its "character" resembles that of the older 50-200mm lens.

Olympus E-3 with 50-200mm f2,8-3,5 lens. ISO160, f3.5, 1/500. Converted with PhotoLab 5.

Let's start with a few M.Zuiko Digital Lenses:-

40 - 150mm f4 - f5.6 (This is a good lens and perfect for smaller game parks)
14 - 150mm f4 - f5.6 (This multi-purpose lens works for smaller game parks.)
12 - 200mm f3.5 - f6.3 (An excellent lens and perfect for Kruger National Park)
75 - 300mm f5.6 - f6.7 (It's a good lens for large parks like Etosha National Park)
100 - 400mm f5 - f6.3 (I never used this lens. It should work for large game parks)

E-3 with Zuiko 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, f3.5, 1/1600, -0.3EV. I converted the enhanced raw file in Workspace.

These are more cost-effective lenses for beginners and semi-advanced photographers. They offer excellent image quality with cameras like the EM10 II/III, EM5 II/III, EM1 I/II/III, and the OM-1.

Smaller Bush Lodges offer several opportunities for casual bird and wildlife photographers. South Africa has many of these smaller reserves with short hiking routes. These parks do not have the Big Five and are perfect for those enjoying more casual nature, birding, and wildlife photography.

E-3 with the Zuiko 50 - 200mm f2.8 to f3.5 lens - ISO160, f3.5, 1/500 - The Enhanced Raw File was converted in Workspace.

Which secondhand Olympus cameras are best for wildlife photography?

The EM1 II is a great wildlife camera. They are affordable and have Pro features.
The EM1 III is a more advanced camera. They are also more expensive secondhand.
The EM5 II, the EM5 III, and the EM10 II-IV are affordable and excellent cameras.
I recently bought a used EM1 MKI and was blown away by this excellent camera.

Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, f9, 1/125. The Enhanced Raw File was converted in Workspace.

Here are my 3 proposals with one bonus camera:

EM1 II with the 100-400mm f5-f6.3 lens (Also consider the 75-300mm or 12-200mm)
EM5 III with the add-on Grip, the Zuiko 75-300mm, or the Zuiko 12-200mm lens
The older EM5 II with the 14-150mm f4-f5.6 II lens is an excellent combination
The Pen F or the E-P7 with the 18mm f1.8 and the 14-150mm f4-5.6 II lens

Olympus E-3 with 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO 160, f3.5, 1/2000. Raw file converted in PL5

Also, consider the Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 Pro lens with the 1.4X and 2X converters. This will give you more "Pro" flexibility plus a maximum full-frame reach of 600mm at f5.6.

Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 lens. ISO160, f4.5, 1/400. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

Wildlife, bird, and landscape photography are great fun. Take the time to walk and practice with your new zoom lens before booking a trip to a game park in Africa. Finally, nothing beats the love for nature, enthusiasm, patience, and practice with your Olympus cameras.

It was fun editing these RAW files of my older Olympus E3. It doesn't take much to say this is a great camera when going through the E3 images. I sold my E3 while being happy with its performance and image quality. I can only imagine what the RAW files would be like if I knew more about the ISO-to-SNR ratio. I wish every photographer gets the chance to master these basics...

Take care and God's Bless

Siegfried