M5 with 22mm - Low light performance

As a annual tradition, we go to 2 different locations in our area a few days before Christmas. The first being Bainbridge Falls which is a street where all the neighbors come together and sync all the lights on their houses with holiday music. You can either walk, or drive through by tuning your radio to the frequency and enjoy it that way.

The last couple years I've attempted to take photos with the original M followed by the M3, and both times it just didn't happen. Constant hunting and a overall frustrating experience resulted in almost zero keepers unless there was no movement and took the time to wait for it to focus. Try to catch a moment? HAHAHAHA. Forget about it. Bah humbug!

On the flip side, the M5 was a absolute joy to use. Fast focus even given the crazy lighting scenarios. No hunting. Snappy. Metering was quick to respond. Was a lot of fun to use! With the 22mm, it fit in my coat pocket and almost didn't know it was there.

There were quit a few people with DSLR's out and about, which I found intriguing, but the few I walked past were having a real tough time with the environment and operation.

They turn on all the lights and music right at 6PM. I waited in the street before all the cars started to roll in to get a shot.

A car that had it's running lights while driving past gave some great lighting. M5 had zero problem acquiring focus and getting the shot.

Did a pano at the end of the street. Don't mind the mutant car in the center. Haha. The cameras metering did a killer job on a constant exposure all the way through and Lightroom always provides great results with stitching - other then that car. Ha.

While walking down the street, pulled out the M5 and fired off this shot. No problems in the low light.

I even pressed that red dot on the camera and took some quick video.

The second place we go it the Carnes' family house. They put a insane amount of effort into decorating and open it up to the community for the month of December. They offer pictures with Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus, heaters and a fire pit, hot drinks and even wine for all that come by. You can also take a tour of the inside where you can order a drink at their bar and hang out in the kitchen where they offer food, snacks and treats. They do it out of the kindness of their hearts and use it as a opportunity to collect donations for a local food drive. Very cool.

Walking up to the Carnes' house.

Put the M5 in high speed drive mode and let it fire away. I was blown away!

They section off a portion of their garage for an elaborate holiday set. Complete with working trains, lights, carnival rides, and misc. decorations. You could spend an hour here pouring over all the little details.

Most of the decorations were animated.

There were lines of people coming through to take a look. The kids were fun to watch as they discovered new and hidden things throughout.

This was inside their living room! To the right was the fire place and couch. This level of detail and seemingly endless decorations were just about everywhere.

Another set located elsewhere in the house.

Yet another in a downstairs bedroom.

Anyways, just wanted to share some photos of the M5's performance in low light. I'm happy as it did everything I asked of it with no complaints.