I currently own an EM1X and an EM1 mark III. I previously owned a D500 + 300mm f4 PF VR + Nikon TC14EIII, a Sony A9 and a 61MP Sony A7R4. I don't miss any of them, except perhaps the 5.76MP EVF of the A7R4. The EM1.3 + 300mm f4 + MC14/MC20 probably weighs about the same as a D500 + 500mm f5.6 PF VR. so it is unlikely you would save anything there. You may save a bit by using the 40 - 150mm f2.8 Pro lens (+/- a telecoverter). The EM1.3 does have human face/eye recognition but it will not receive the bird recognition update the EM1X received, due to only having one processor. The EM1X AF is, in my hands, better than the D500 and I rate it only just short of the A9, which is a stunning, dual processor camera. I have no issues with ISO or IQ with the M43 sensor, and the ProCapture is excellent. The handheld and tripod HiRes modes also work well within their limitations. There is a noticeable difference in weight between the EM1X and EM1.3, but the handling and ergonomics of the EM1X outweigh (pun intended) this disadvantage. I changed to Olympus for the very reason you have expressed, and it made a world of difference for me. I will continue with Olympus, or OM Digital Solutions as it is now, for the forseeable future. Excellent quality, the best weatherproofing on the market, excellent innovation, brilliant optics. Take a look at the different Olympus sites on FB or the professional wildlife users YouTube channels for an insight into the image quality.

Take a look at Olympus. The cameras use the micro four thirds format, are small and light with a massive range of interchangable lightweight lenses. Some of the models come with a lovely little flash gun, which is far more versatile than the integral pop up flashes from other manufacturers. There are loads of Olympus cameras and lenses readily available on the secondhand market: The PenF, EM10 and EM5 series would be the most suitable.

My first camera was hand - me - down Brownie 127 from my older sister. My first SLR was a Practica Nova 1B, which a friend gave me in 1970 - I was 15 years old then. I now own an Olympus EM1X and EM1 mark III, previous to those a Sony A9 and A7R4 - I've come a long way and certainly don't miss my old Pratica.

I have owned a Neewer 880S speedlite, a 750 II Pro speedlite, ring flash and quick release tripod clamp, all of which are high quality and reliable.

It almost sounds as if you have no idea as to the difference between RAW and JPEG. I started taking photographs in the 1960's with a Brownie 127. My first SLR, which I was given in 1970, was a Practica Nova 1B. It did not have a built in light meter, I had to learn about light, the exposure triangle etc., so I'm not exactly new to photography. I shoot RAW all the time: I would not purchase an expensive audio system, then add a cheap pair of speakers, so why would I shoot JPEG? Photography is an art form and processing is also an art form.

Before you purchase a Lumix version, I just wanted to make sure you are aware that Olympus (now OM Digital Solutions) produces a 30mm macro lens. Personally, I use the Oly 60mm f2.8 macro, which is a brilliant lens and can be readily purchased on the seconhand market.

This is the PC I purchased specifically for my A7R4. Works beautifully and I can run music files in the background:

G6 Storm X2 - Intel Core i7 Nvidia GTX 1660 Win 10 Gaming PC

Processor (CPU)
Intel Core i5 9600K 3.7GHz Coffee Lake Hex Core (4.6ghz Turbo) - -£45.00
Motherboard
ASUS PRIME H310M-A - H310, USB 3.0, SATA3 (M-ATX)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair DDR4 2666MHz (2x16GB) - £99.87
Graphics
6GB Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti - HDMI, DP, VR READY - £56.39
M.2 Solid State Drive
500GB Samsung 970 EVO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3400MB/R, 2300MB/W) - £102.96

Look for an "as new", "mint" or " excellent" used lens and save a packet on the new price. I have purchased several secondhand cameras and lenses from (mainly) two reputable dealers and never looked back.

I have been using a Cotton Carrier twin for about 4 years: I currently own the G3 version and it is brilliant. I'm only 5' 10" tall, so I do not have an issue with the length of the adjustable straps. In fact, I prefer to wear my rig high on my chest. I would not be without mine. I found Cotton Carrier customer service to be terrific. I broke the retaining clip on my chest holster one week prior to the 3 year warranty expiring. I contacted Cotton Carrier, forwarded an image of the damage and they sent me a brand new rig free of charge.

I purchased a mint condition version with image stabilisation (mine cost £800 - brand new £1300) and used it with my Nikon D500 (it also accepts the Sigma TC.14). Though heavy, I found it to be a stunning lens. 1:1 is achievable at 49cm, further than most macro lenses I can think of. I've owned a few macro lenses over the years and the Sigma 180mm is probably my favourite.

If you live in the USA MPB is really good, I have bought lenses from them on a couple of occassions. They have an accurate description for each lens. I also use London Camera Exchange (I live in England), they also offer excellent service, though the initial on line description is not as detailed as that provided by MPB. YouTubers and professional photographers Matt Granger and Jared Polin sell their old gear to reputable shops and should have details on their respective sites.

I've owned a few macro lenses, including a Canon 100mm f2.8L IS, and I had no complaints about it. It is a great lens.

Do any Hoggers have practical experience, or knowledge of a tuturial, in setting up an FL900R speedlite for HiRes and focus stacking images? I'm not sure how flash requency and number of flashes relate to the camera settings in either mode. I would be very grateful for any tips, as I have been unable to find anything on the Internet or YouTube. I own an EM1X and an EM1 mark III, both of which are compatible with the modes in question. Thanks a lot.

I've been using a Cotton Carrier Twin for about 5 years. The centre clip on the chest holster of my original Cotton Carrier broke with just days left on my 3 year warranty. I contacted Cotton Carrier, supplied a photograph of the damage and they replaced it with the latest G3 model, free of charge, without hesitation. Cracking company, brilliant customer service, excellent product.

It's the 100mm Pro macro and bird detection for my EM1X that I am looking forward to. The 150 - 400mm will be too heavy for me to lug about for 7 hours a day: and the 100 - 400mm will have to be significantly better than my PL 100 - 400mm for me to swap. Overall, I'm very happy with the latest announcements. I will be soldiering on with my EM1X and EM1 mark III for years to come.