Talk to your grandson's sensei and ask about the venue (windows, light, etc) and where you can get the best shots, how close you can get, if you can move around to get different angles, etc. You will likely need a lens with some reach and a moderately fast shutter speed. BJJ is a little like a mixture of boxing, karate, and judo, so standing techniques are typically pretty fast, ground technique (grappling) is slower, and victory often occurs on the ground via a joint lock (arm bar) or a successfull choke. If you get a chance, check out some tournaments on Youtube to get a sense of the art and to help you look for critical moments. If you have any questions about martial arts, you are welcome to PM me.
Might want to also consider the Panasonic Lumix G9ii. Same price, just came out, haven't used it but apparently the phase detection made a huge difference and eye detection is pretty good. If you get a chance, look at a few reviews on Youtube so you can get an idea of how well it performs. It's heavier than the OM1, but might give you a little more of what you want. Also, the sensor is 25 megapixels, so a little resolution boost.
I have had mine for 3 years, really like it and the B&W quality has been very acceptable on the JPEGs, although I think converting RAW files to B&W in post, as others have noted, offers more flexibility and sometimes better quality when I'm done. I was surprised at the price; got mine for $999 and thought it was routinely discounted to around that price until I looked today. The used price is pretty attractive. I suspect that Panasonic and Olympus are both likely to generally go for higher priced offerings in the future as they aim at the high end amateur/professional crowd. Lots of good M43 lenses available, too, and if you haven't used a Lumix before I think you will find the menu system refreshingly straightforward (at least I did, your mileage may differ).
I gave my old Nikon D5000 to a friend's 15 yo daughter who has been showing an interest in photography. It felt better than selling it.
Ouch! I think that printers are now regarded as disposable mechanisms to get you to buy ink. Kind of like the razor blade model: companies will just about give you the handle to make you buy the more expensive blades.
Thank you for the post, I had not seen her work before. Some amazing images, she will be missed.
I realize you posted about OMD, but you might want to look at some of the deals available on Panasonic these days. The G95 is on sale for under $700 with a 12-60mm lens, both weatherproof. I have a G85 and a G9, have been very happy with both, and find the image quality very good in both given good light. The G95 has the same sensor as the G9.
Thanks for the Dry Creek link, really helpful!
I don't like phones for photography: no viewfinder, don't like the controls, they don't shoot raw, and the experience lacks something aesthetic that I can't put my finger on. So I use the phone for messages, email, and calls, and a picture if desperate. My camera is usually handy in my bag if it's not already in my hand. Also, I am already over-connected, and relish time away from the phone, as it often represents soundbites that are not good communications, and impulsiveness that stifles thought.
I have been considering both the MacBook Air and the ipad, and was asking about the user experience of the ipad given the glowing reports I'd been reading (but not entirely believing) which emphasized flexibility and ease of use, as well as a more immersive hands-on user experience using the pencil. From the comments here, it sounds like the ipad OS is more cumbersome than represented, which is unfortunate, and I'll likely go with the Macbook Air as a result.
Much appreciate the replies. I have a MacBook Pro, which has been my workhorse and, after transitioning from a PC, I really like. It is a 16 inch, so kind of heavy to tote around. If I get the ipad pro I will get the pencil. My general intent is to use it while traveling or away from home in general then transfer the files over to the MacBook Pro. Any feedback on the experience of using the pencil for editing and general use in Lightroom and PS? I have read several articles, of course, which mostly gushed over the experience but I suspect that there is a tendency to be less than critical as writers may be under some pressure not to alienate a potential source of revenue.
I am considering getting an ipad pro: light, good for travel, and likely a different experience for photoediting. Has anyone had experience using Lightroom on it, did you like it, were there any serious drawbacks or advantages?
Thanks,
Jonathan
Congrats! Sounds like a long and difficult road, glad you got through it.
I keep the camera in a sling bag with a Peak Design clutch strap on it so that I can have easy access and a bit more security when it's in my hand.