A mean storm yesterday...

[Omaroo]

This thing rolled in like the cloud surrounding the mothership in "Independence Day". It was amazing seeing the leading edge expanding, rolling over you as it inexorably moved on. The centre of the storm actually glowed an orange-red colour. Phenomenal.

[RB]

Wow, check it out !

:eyepop:

[RickS]

Looks angry, Chris! How was the storm itself?

[iceman]

Wow, stunning photos!

[Omaroo]

Thanks Andrew, Rick & Mike :)

Rick - the storm itself was fast and furious when it finally started to rain. It was eerily quiet as the front rolled over, which is why I had the impression that it moved like a spaceship. Full force, including small hail, lasted 15 or twenty minutes - and then it went poof!

Quite amazing to witness.

Taken with the new OM-D, which I have not fully conversed myself with yet. It was a rush job to dial in appropriate settings. "Auto" won in the end. LOL

[colinmlegg]

Awesome pics!

[leon]

Cool stuff, and nice pics as well.

Leon

[RB]

Chris I hate you and your new OM-D......:lol:

I've been eyeing them out, very nice !!
Great pics btw.

:thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

Thanks Colin, Leon & Andrew :)

Andrew - I love this thing. I think it's going to become my favourite camera purchase ever. Olympus have hit it on the head this time. :thumbsup:

[RB]

That's good to know because it certainly caught my eye when I saw it in the JB HI-Fi window.
It looks the goods, I can't wait to try one out.
Be interesting to see how the Canon equivalent stacks up.

:thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

Not a patch on the OM-D as far as functionality goes I don't think - the Canon is firmly a consumer-level device (as capable as it is). From what I've gathered so far, the OM-D is really aimed at near the top end - to the sort of people who might buy a D7000/D800 or 5D but want a smaller package. Certainly the new 45mm and 75mm f/1.8 glass is exceptional, complementing the camera very well in this format.

When you try one out - get someone who really knows the camera to show you, because a casual shop assistant won't know a quarter of its capabilities or how to use them.

A couple of good impressions:

Lens: http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/07/22...o-four-thirds/

Body: http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/06/02/omd/

[RB]

Will do. :thumbsup:

Just having a quick squiz at the Canon...... {yuk} :scared3:

[gary]

Whoa!

It's like a scene out of Ghostbusters. :lol:

Beautifully captured Chris!

[Omaroo]

LOL.. thanks Gary :) Yes, I was also thinking "Poltergeist". :lol:

[Bassnut]

Very cool,suits high contrast b/w :thumbsup:

[lacad01]

Looks evil allright! :eyepop:Great shots :thumbsup:

[Octane]

As mentioned last night -- wow! Beautiful, beautiful photos.

You lucky so-and-so get all the best storms!

H

[Omaroo]

Thanks Fred, Adam & Humayun :)

Fred - I'm not usually one for high-contrast, but the light was altogether weird last night as this came over. Contrast levels were naturally high - far more so than normal. I also boosted it a tiny tad in process too because I think it suits as well.

Humayun - you remember the last one that I took of the "twister" - Jan 26th, 2009. Yeah, it was pretty spectacular too!

[gregbradley]

Great shots and a great choice of camera.

The OM-D and Fuji XPro 1 are the cameras of choice in that category. DPreview rates the OM-D a fraction higher than the fabulous XPro 1.

These mirrorless cameras are creating quite a stir.

I imagine the Canon wouldn't be in the same league as that is Canon's first attempt where the OM-D has several earlier models behind it.

How do you find it compared to your Leica M8?

Greg.

[Omaroo]

Cheers Greg

The M8? Well, they're different. The M8 is still a quintessential street camera, and by zone or pre-focusing a 15 or 28mm manual focus lens you have a split-second reaction time weapon in your hands that boasts almost infinite depth of field. The sensor is "grungy", giving very grainy files which look fantastic converted to mono via SilverEfex. I still love it.

The OM-D is a century ahead. When you compare these two cameras you don't compare image quality - because it isn't what is at stake. You compare function. In terms of functionality and pure technological prowess the OM-D walks all over the Leica. There are just too many things to list. Where the OM-D decisively walks over the Fuji in low-light AF, the Leica... well.. you just wouldn't use it in that situation at all.

Actually, I'll see if I can do a full written comparison between the Leica and OM-D in reference to their use in street photography. They're similar in size, and with the OM-D's grip attached, weight. Hmm.... I'll see what I can come up with. I know the OM-D is going to be a great street camera, and know of several people in street circles overseas who have sold all their Leica gear (including M9's) and stuffed an OM-D in their shoulder bags instead.

[RB]

LOL, have to appologise Chris.
Between me and Greg, we're derailing your thread mate.

:confused2:

[Omaroo]

Not a problem Andrew. :lol: Might have to start a proper thread for the camera... :)

[PCH]

Bloody hell Chris,

that thing is a monster !!

Touch wood, we haven't seen anything like that in Perth in as long as I can remember - thankfully. Great pics by the way.:thumbsup:

[MrB]

Wow Chris, nice Shelf Cloud! awesome.
Also love the Shelf with Scud in post #18. Very nice!



We do get them from time to time. I photographed one last year over Armadale.
The big March 2010 storm is one you may remember.
There was another huge one a few years earlier that flooded most of the south metro area.

[rolls05]

It's made me realise I dont do enough black and white.

[Deeno]

Yeah, Thats cool....

[Nico13]

Nothin like a good storm :eyepop: as long as you get to watch it and not be part of it that is.

Great shots there Chris. :thumbsup:

[sheeny]

Awesome shots Chris. It was similarly spectacular when it rolled over work yesterday. I got a bit of a wet bum on the way home on the bike yesterday arvo (my truck has been off the road getting the diff repaired) but the view of the cells rolling away from me to the east was very impressive.

Al.

[Omaroo]

Cheers and thanks Paul, Simon, Rolls, Deeno and Ken. :thumbsup:

Black and white rocks.

Thanks too, Big Al :) What do we call you now? LOL! :D You saw the same storm that far west? Wow! It was a monster! I missed getting wet by milliseconds. I was going to leave the camera set up out in it all on a tripod taking time lapse, but didn't want to go down that path with it yet. It's too new! LOL

[Zhou]

Great shots and an amazing looking storm, awsome :thumbsup:

[jjjnettie]

Independence Day, yes yes
cracking shots Mr Chris.

[rcheshire]

Great shots Chris. Very ugly weather indeed. I like the B&W.

[Omaroo]

Thanks Mick, Nettie & Rowland :) :thumbsup: Muchopreciado :thumbsup:

[Ric]

That's one awesome looking storm Chris

Great captures.

[multiweb]

The dynamic range and details are impressive. Nothing's too dark or burnt out. Very nice. :thumbsup:

[Omaroo]

Thanks Ric and Marc. :thumbsup: Yep, the dynamic range in MFT is really catching up to high-quality DSLR's now.