Our Cameras

Ready to move up from the camera in your smartphone? Think you might like to explore the world of photography? We suggest you start with a used camera and lens kit. That way, you will be able to explore your photography interests without breaking the bank. We buy our cameras and lenses online from MPB (USA and UK). They do a nice job of "grading" their products and their prices are fair.

Please feel free to contact us if you need help with your decision or have any other questions.
 

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark II (SEP 2015)

THE PERFECT FAMILY TRAVEL CAMERA

When we were looking for an affordable, compact camera to use on vacations, family outings, etc., we found the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II. We loved the retro styling, ease of use and couldn't be happier with both the still image quality and great videos. The built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to transfer photos to your smartphone for easy sharing.

Key Specifications (DP Review)

  • 16MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor

  • TruePic VII processor

  • 5-axis image stabilization

  • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF

  • Tilting 3" touchscreen LCD

  • 1080/60p video

  • 4K time-lapse mode

  • Wi-Fi

  • Optional grip

Olympus E-M10 IIOlympus E-M10 II

Reviews

. Olympus... "The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is the only entry class interchangeable lens camera with 5-axis image stabilisation. With this camera, anyone can take beautiful interchangeable lens quality photos anywhere. Designed with an emphasis on operability and premium finish, the compact design of the metal body provides outstanding portability and stylishness beyond its class. It is an interchangeable lens camera that can be used anytime, anywhere, every day of the week."

. C-Net... "Attractive and compact, with a broad feature set, solid kids-and-vacation performance and nice photos, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a good choice for photographers on a budget who like to fiddle."

. Imaging Resource... "Sporting an incredible amount of features in a professional-grade body with excellent image quality for its class, the Olympus E-M10 II is the best "all-around" entry-level camera we've yet reviewed."

. Techradar... "The OM-D E-M10 II embodies what the Olympus OM-D series is all about; it's a high quality camera that feels great, offers an extensive feature set with bags of control and produces superb quality images yet doesn't take up much space in your bag."

 

OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II (DEC 2016)

THE PERFECT FAMILY TRAVEL CAMERA... and more

The second camera on our list is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. It has a larger sensor, weather-sealing, two memory card slots, and a better auto-focus system than the E-M10 Mark II. It is the camera we use when we can't afford to miss a shot due to missed focus, memory card failure, or bad weather. It also comes with UHD 4K video. We think you'll also enjoy the ergonomics of this camera. The grip and buttons are all designed to give you a comfortable shooting experience.

Key Specifications (DP Review)

  • 20MP Live MOS sensor

  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization system

  • 121-pt hybrid AF system

  • 60 fps burst shooting (18 fps with continuous AF)

  • Fully articulating 3" LCD display

  • High-res electronic viewfinder

  • Cinema (DCI) and UHD 4K video

  • 50MP High-Res Shot mode

  • Weather-sealed body

  • USB 3 (Type-C)

Olympus E-M1 IIOlympus E-M1 II
 

Reviews

. Olympus... The OM-D E-M1 Mark II possesses high-speed performance that cannot be imitated. By developing the 20M Live MOS sensor together with the TruePic VIII image processor, not only has image quality exponentially improved from past OM-D models, but high speed performance of 18 fps in AF/AE tracking and 60 fps in AE/AF lock have been realised.

. DP Review... "To say that Olympus has outdone itself with the E-M1 Mark II is an understatement. The company told us that this camera was overdeveloped, and it shows. Its blazing dual quad-core processors allow for 60 fps burst shooting (18 fps w/continuous autofocus) and ridiculously fast image playback. Combine that with one of the most advanced autofocus systems we've seen and 5-axis in-body image stabilization – along with what made the original so impressive – and the Mark II is a force to be reckoned with."

. CameraLabs... "The Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II is a tough, fast and confident professional camera that banishes any remaining myths or limitations regarding mirrorless, and in particular, the Micro Four Thirds format on which it’s based. The dust and splashproof body feels great in your hands with carefully considered and tactile controls, dual card slots and a larger than average battery. The electronic viewfinder and fully-articulated touchscreen allow you to compose with ease. The built-in stabilisation has become even better, staying at least a step ahead of rivals. But perhaps most impressively the continuous autofocus and movie quality, a pair of Achille’s heels on earlier Olympus bodies, have been upgraded to a point where they’ll compete against any camera in its class."

 

FUJIFILM X-T2 (JUL 2016)

Modern Features, Retro Feel

We use the Fujifilm X-T2 when we're looking for a more tactile experience. The buttons and knobs available on the camera are reminiscent of a film camera. The ability to change aperture, shutter speed, and ISO by turning knobs is a lot of fun. The larger APS-C sensor give a little better performance in low light as compared to the previous two Olympus cameras. Like the E-M1 Mark II, the X-T2 is weather-sealed, has two memory card slots, and can shoot UHD 4K video. It also comes with some great film simulations that you can use when shooting JPEG photos.

Key Specifications (DP Review)

  • 24MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor
  • 325 AF points (169 of which offer phase detection)
  • AF point selection joystick
  • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF with 0.005 sec refresh time
  • 3" 1.04M-dot articulating LCD
  • 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps
  • 8 fps continuous shooting with AF
  • 14 fps continuous shooting with electronic shutter
  • Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible)
  • USB 3.0 socket

Fujifilm X-T2Fujifilm X-T2

Reviews

. PC Magazine... "The X-T2 is the best mirrorless camera that Fujifilm has made to date. Its autofocus system is superb, and it's backed by excellent image quality and a strong lens system. The camera itself has a smart control scheme, and simply feels like a natural fit in your hands. And when paired with a WR lens, you can use it almost any type of weather."

. Camera Labs... "In use the XT2 is a dream: it feels great, handles confidently and delivers superb images straight out of camera. Fujifilm’s managed to boost the resolution from 16 to 24 Megapixels without compromising noise or dynamic range in most situations, and I was very happy to use JPEGs without modification. As before, Fujifilm’s various Film Simulations will get you most or all of the way to the desired result and the new ACROS monochrome style has already become a firm favourite."

. Imaging Resource... "Honored in our 2016 COTY awards as a Camera of Distinction in the Best Overall category for good reason, the Fuji X-T2 is a professional powerhouse with ample capabilities across the board. It's a DSLR-styled mirrorless camera that melds both the DSLR and mirrorless worlds, and offers enough external controls to please any retro-fanatic. And if you're a professional photographer needing the best in weather sealing, the X-T2 has you more than covered there."