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EM1-Mk2 airshow advice please

Started Jul 1, 2018 | Discussions thread
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Adrian Harris
Adrian Harris Veteran Member • Posts: 7,708
EM1-Mk2 airshow advice please

For years I have shot with Panasonic (G1, Gx7, GX8) and have only done a few airshows in the last 8 years, and through lack of experience and poor lenses (for the job) was very dissatisfied with most of the shots.

However I have learned a lot since then (and probably forgotten most of it!) But am now using an EM1-Mk2 for all my action Rugby, Roller Derby, Rallying, BiF, etc., and I still feel like very much of an amateur with it even after nearly a year.

I find the EM1-Mk2 so complex that I normally pre-program the 3 memory setting the night before, for any type of event I will be doing next day (freezing action, slow shutter work, etc,) so at least it is in the ball park and then just tweak it a bit as necessary on the day.

I am aware of the shutter speeds for jets, prop aircraft and helicopters and will be using a 3 stop filter if necessary to keep the lenses from stopping down to far to prevent soft images. But that is about all I can recall - oh and mechanical shutter on helicopters to prevent blade warp.

I am assuming (hoping) that tracking aircraft will be a lot easier than BiF, but if there are any obvious setup tips or advice from EM1-Mk2 users - or those that actually shoot aircraft to a very high standard - it would be much appreciated.

One final point: In the years since I last did an airshow I have acquired some superb M43 lenses but am not sure which would be most suited or needed. I normally shoot most wildlife with the PL100-400, and most sports with the Oly 40-150 Pro f2.8 (I do have the 1.4x TC). Will one be to short and the other to long?

PS. Some event background, a one off opportunity has unexpectedly arisen for me to be able to attend RIAT 2018 (for one day), this for me will be a very special occasion and the last I will be able to do. So I really really want to get it right and fear that my scatty memory will mean I am bound to forget something.

PPS. With M43 I never normally need to use a monopod, would it be advised at an airshow?

Many thanks everyone.

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 Adrian Harris's gear list:Adrian Harris's gear list
Sony RX100 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Sony SLT-A77 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 +1 more
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