Micro Four Thirds cameras have a difficult time in the photography world. On the one hand, the negative aspects of the smaller sensor are often emphasized, while on the other hand, the advantages in terms of size and weight are questioned. In addition, modern technologies have relativized the theoretical advantage of quickly reading out a small sensor. Especially because there is a limit to how much the readout speed can make a difference in practice. Who needs more than 120 images per second? Very few people do; this is only a distinguishing feature for a very small target group. So far, OM Digitalsolutions has only been left with outstanding weather resistance and computational photography. However, with the availability of the iOS software Even Longer, computerised photography is no longer a distinguishing feature.
What is Even Longer?
Even Longer is a software for iPhones that allows you to take long exposures with the help of computational photography. Many of the functions offered by Even Longer are reminiscent of the OM Digitalsolutions cameras. For example, it allows the recording of Star Trails, aka Live Composite. With Even Longer, Live ND Filter is called “Frame Averaging” and enables long exposures without an additional ND filter. Incidentally, the latter can also be done with normal iOS camera tools. If you take live photos, you can convert them into long exposures afterward. However, this is an additional work step, and you cannot judge the effect of the live image before taking the photo.
What Even Longer can’t do (yet)
Even Longer cannot do the GradationsND filter function introduced with the OM-1 Mark II. Or should we say not yet? Theoretically, it’s certainly not rocket science to implement this with an iPhone. After all, the computing power of an iPhone processor is many times greater than that of the processor in the OM-1 Mark II. I think it’s only a matter of time before such a feature also finds its way into Even Longer.
Conclusion
As a camera manufacturer, relying on computational photography is certainly not a good strategy to differentiate yourself in the long term. Not only smartphones can implement these functions, but other camera manufacturers will also be able to do so sooner or later. The number of technical differentiators is decreasing, and the only way to differentiate yourself as a camera manufacturer is through marketing. Leica shows impressively how it is possible to differentiate oneself without special functions. Sony has the advantage as a sensor manufacturer to differentiate itself through the latest hardware technologies. The Sony A9 III with its global shutter is a good example. Canon and Nikon have a broad user base and do not necessarily have an immediate need to look for new customers. OM Digitalsolutions has committed itself to outdoor photography and is pushing this very hard with its marketing. Whether this strategy will work in the long term remains to be seen.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had any experience with Even Longer yet, but it promises to be very helpful. If you have already worked with Even Longer, please leave a comment and share your experiences with us.