Olympus Passes the Torch to Japan Industrial Partners - TDS Podcast
Release Date: 06/30/2020
The Digital Story
Seems like every endeavor has a component that’s not as much fun as the others. In the pursuit of photography, backing up files is a perfect example. But we can make it better. And on this week’s show I share five tips toward that goal, plus introduce you to a nifty hardware device that fits right in to our discussion. All of that, and more, on today’s TDS Photography Podcast.
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The Z5 is Nikon's more affordable full frame mirrorless camera that accepts Z-Mount lenses. I pack one for my scouting trip to the Sierra and report today what I think. And speaking of the Sierra, I'm announcing our online Eastern Sierra Workshop today with all the details. Let's get to it!
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Back in 2015, when I began my photo diary, the world was a much different place. I didn’t know it at the time, but over the next few years, I would experience monumental changes in both my personal and professional lives. Many of those changes have been captured in pictures and words. Today, I’ll share a few of those entries, and discuss the value of creating your own photo diary.
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Practically every camera on the market today captures video in addition to still pictures. Yay! But capture is not the roadblock for most photographers turned movie makers; it’s the editing that slows them down. I can help with that. Today, I'll show you five different apps that make it easy to trim up your clips and share them with the world. And the best part, you probably already have the software on your computer. I hope you enjoy the show.
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As a guy who loves to shoot with both his iPhone and digital cameras, I wondered how much of a difference there is between the two when I shoot in RAW. The smartphone certainly holds its own when it comes to Jpegs. Is it equally competitive with RAW files? So I conducted a test and compared an iPhone X with an X100V. And I share my findings in today's TDS photography podcast.
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Much is written about the evils of gear acquisition syndrome, often referred to as GAS. And yes, it is a real thing for many photographers. But my personal view of this affliction is isolated more to spending big bucks on cameras and glass. What about those smaller purchases that bring us true joy and energize our enthusiasm for photography? I�ll make my anti-GAS case on today�s TDS podcast.
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In the last two months, I've shot 2 rolls of film. And if it wasn't for Comet Neowise, the same would apply to my digital production as well. It's not that I don't want to take pictures. It's that all of my normal prompts have been put on ice. And now I'm searching for new inspiration to increase my production. I talk about this ongoing challenge, and the realization I had about it, in this week's TDS podcast.
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For those who thought Olympus was done for the year after the JIP announcement, I have a surprise for you: New camera and a new super telephoto lens. Today, we’re going to take a close look at the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS lens. Plus, I’ll give an update to the Eastern Sierra workshop in the Fall and Costa Rica in January. I hope you enjoy the show.
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Prior to the mirrorless revolution, Canon had the camera industry pinned to the mat. I remember attending an invite-only press event at PMA back in the day, and marveling at their confidence and swagger. And for good reason, they were dominate. But soon after, serious photography began to evolve away from the DSLR, and Canon was slow to innovate. And just last week, the Associated Press announced they were switching to Sony for all of their photography and video work. Today�s top story on the TDS Photogra
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Back in March 2020 when we first sheltered-in-place, many hoped that we could put a lid on this pandemic. But now months later, we still find ourselves in the heat of battle. With two physical workshops remaining on the books, I decided to listen to what you think about upcoming events. And I hope you’ll participate in our listener poll.
info_outlineThis is The Digital Story Podcast #745, June 30, 2020. Today's theme is "Olympus Passes the Torch to Japan Industrial Partners." I'm Derrick Story.
Opening Monologue
By now, I'm sure every Micro Four Thirds camera owner has heard the news. The Imaging Division of Olympus is being carved out and sold to Japan Industrial Partners. As to be expected, much concern and speculation has followed the announcement. And today, I will add my thoughts to the discussion.
Olympus Passes the Torch to Japan Industrial Partners
I'll share my views on the sale of Olympus Imaging to Japan Industrial Partners. Let's start with the official announcement that I received.`
As you are aware, the Imaging industry has experienced marked declines for several consecutive years. The market is contracting as the smartphone industry grows, and competition has been steadily increasing in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera segment.
Due to these long term trends as well as recent market contractions due to COVID-19, the Olympus Imaging Business Unit has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan Industrial Partners, Inc. (JIP). According to the MOU, both companies are entering into further discussions about the potential transfer of Olympus' long-standing Imaging business to JIP by the end of 2020.
During these discussions, Olympus Imaging will operate business as usual and will continue to deliver innovations to our customers, launching new products as planned. Olympus and JIP are committed to providing our stakeholders full transparency about our intentions as plans solidify.
For more details, please also refer to our corporate disclosure "Signing of Memorandum of Understanding for Divesture of Imaging Solutions Business" dated June 24, 2020. (https://www.olympus-global.com/news/ir/2020/)
Derrick then reviews the Memo of Understanding.
iOS 14 Will Finally Let You Add Captions to Photos
You can read the entire post here on PetaPixel.
If you shoot a lot of photos on an iPhone, you may be happy to know that captions are finally coming to your phone in iOS 14.
MacRumors published screenshots of the upcoming caption, which iPhone users have long requested.
There's a new "Add a Caption" field found under individual photos after you swipe up.
Captions are reportedly synced across all your devices if you've enabled iCloud Photo Library, and you'll be able to view them in macOS Big Sur under the Captions field (which was previously named Description).
The captions will be extremely helpful for locating old photos out of a massive trove due to the fact that they're searchable.
Other photo-related features coming in iOS 14 include new filter and sorting options, better navigation, Live Photos playback stabilization, enhanced Memories, and a redesigned image picker in apps.
The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras
We have more time around the house than ever. And you finally dove into that bedroom closet that's been begging for some organization.
If you found a film camera that you're no longer using, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.
If it's a camera we can use for the shop, I'll send you a Donation Kit that includes a USPS Priority Mail shipping box and prepaid label. All you have to do is tape it up, insert the camera, and add the label. USPS will pick up your shipment from the front door of your house during their regular mail delivery. It's that simple!
Your donation help get analog gear in the hands of aspiring fine art photographers, and the proceeds help support this podcast.
Just Released! Organizing and Archiving Digital Photos
It's a concern that lingers in the mind of just about every digital photographer: "How do I preserve my digital images and make them accessible while doing so?"
If you've had those thoughts, then help is available now. My latest LinkedIn Learning/lynda.com title, Organizing and Archiving Digital Photos is a complete course that shows you a variety of options and techniques to take control of protecting your image collection.
As your photo library grows, it becomes more important to back up your work. In this course, I teach the concepts and techniques behind efficient photo management for the long haul. First, I compare a few selected photo storage philosophies and techniques. I then show you how to create an ultralight backup system for travel, also back up photos stored on a laptop (or desktop), and finally, review archiving strategies for storing photos for decades.
Here are just a few of the talking points that I cover in the training.
- Creating an ultralight backup system for travel.
- Sending images from cameras to mobile devices.
- Internal vs. external hard drives (both have their roles).
- Organizing photos in managed vs. referenced catalogs vs. Finder-based.
- Re-archiving images from older hard drives (do this before they fail!).
- Integrating cloud services into your overall strategy.
- Including a few tips you might not have considered, such as making archival prints of your best images.
You can start fine-tuning your workflow today by watching Organizing and Archiving Digital Photos on LinkedIn Learning and on lynda.com. It's a great way to begin the process of protecting your digital media for years to come.
The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing
If you want to learn more about looking and sounding great for your next online interaction, then I think you'll very much enjoy my latest online workshop, The Essential Steps to Impressive Video Conferencing.
This 1-hour deep dive focuses on the 3 major areas of successful online interaction: Audio, Video, and Environment. During the course, I walk you through a variety of techniques that range from simple using gear that you already have, to improving your chops through a few inexpensive purchases.
The course is currently available for free to our Inner Circle Members on Patreon. Members, just go to our Patreon site, and all the information will be there. If you're not already an Inner Circle Member, you can join us for $5 a month.
The course is also available on our Nimble Photographer Workshop Page for $14.95.
I have tons of great tips and techniques waiting for you there. If you want to get serious about how you come across during online meetings, classes, interviews, and family interactions, then you definitely will want to watch this course.
Digitizing Family Memories Course Now Available Online
Each of the four classes will outline a specific set of steps for you to accomplish. By the end of the course, you will have an organized digital archive of your most valuable family images.
You can sign up for the course by visiting the Workshops page on The Nimble Photographer. The course fee is a reasonable $39 (on sale right now). It includes the 4 class videos, class notes, and access to the class forums that are a part of each movie.
Updates and Such
Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we've had to postpone our July photography workshop at Lassen Volcanic Park. We so still have on the schedule, however, our Eastern Sierra event in October.
How to Watch Photos for macOS Catalina and iPadOS - Learn everything you need to know about Photos for the Mac and iPad by checking out my latest course on LinkedIn Learning and on lynda.com. This course is perfect for Mac and iPad based photographers who shoot with iPhone, Mirrorless, and DSLR cameras. It covers both photography and movies. And if I say so myself, it's a lot of fun.
B&H and Amazon tiles on www.thedigitalstory. If you click on them first, you're helping to support this podcast. (The Digital Story is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.) And speaking of supporting this show, and big thanks to our Patreon Inner Circle members:
Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.
And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.
See you next week!
More Ways to Participate
Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.
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