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The New OM System OM-5 Mark II - TDS Photography Podcast

Daily Post

My Move from the MBP to the MacBook Air M4

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My M1 MacBook Pro, vintage 2021, had been a good soldier for me. It was my first Apple Silicon processor, which opened a whole new universe of power and battery life. There were ports everywhere, including a SD card slot. And the screen was beautiful.

So I traded it in and put the money toward a brand new 13" M4 MacBook Air.

My photographer friends were surprised by this move. A MacBook Air did not seem like the right choice for running a business that depended on apps such as Capture One Pro, Lightroom, and Final Cut, not to mention audio software for the podcast.

"Plus, what about the ports? And there's no SD card reader!"

My response: this was not a decision that I took lightly. I researched my options and made a choice based on not only what I wanted, but what would work as well. They were interested in those reasons. And I thought you might be too.

What I Want from My Laptop

My overriding goal is to travel as light as possible. This influences my camera choices, lens options, and yes, post-processing tools. I carry around an OM System OM-3 and I love the iPad mini 7. It doesn't make sense to lug around a heavy laptop if I don't need to.

That's why my 2021 MacBook Pro just wasn't making as much sense as it once did. And with the evolution of the Air, I thought a switch might be feasible. Here are some of the factors I considered.

Nimble Size and Weight

I'm on the road quite a bit facilitating workshops and taking pictures. The MacBook Pro felt like a beast compared to the 13" M4 Air that I'm typing on right now. The difference between its 3.5 pounds vs the Air's 2.7 pounds does sound like much, but in real world use, it's substantial. My backpack, in particular, feels so much lighter.

The physical dimension difference is noticeable too. The MB Pro is 0.61 inch thick, 12.31 inches wide, and 8.71 inches deep. The Air is only 0.44 inch thick, 11.97 inches wide, and 8.46 inches deep. Again, that might not sound like a big difference, but The M4 Air fits in bags that the MacBook Pro did not. I'm no longer running into the problem of "it's just a little too big."

Processing Power

Compared to an M1 Pro processor, you wouldn't think that the 10-core M4 performance would be that discernible. And for tasks like web browsing, it isn't.

But when I set up an Export job in Capture One Pro and it's done so quickly that I was thinking that I forgot to initiate it, the speed difference is striking. I've found myself double checking folders to see if anything was happening only to discover the task was completed and all the images were there.

After a couple weeks of use, I can confidently say that the M4 MacBook Air has all the horsepower I need, and more, for my work.

You may be wondering about my configuration. I settled on the 10‑core CPU (4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores) with the 10‑core GPU, 24GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The cost was $1,599. Subtract the $810 trade-in, and my outlay for the new laptop was $789.

What I'm Giving Up

One of the prime motivators for the 2021 MacBook Pro purchase was the return of the built-in SD card slot, HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports (two on the charging side and one on the HDMI side). My prior MacBook Pro had an Intel processor with four Thunderbolt ports and nothing else.

But the world was different then. USB-C was not ubiquitous. So I was always fooling around with adapters and dongles. These days, my iPhone, iPad, and all of my cameras are USB-C. One cord works for all of them. And technologies like AirDrop and AirPlay reduce the need for cables and adapters.

The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s), and USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s). It adds the same MagSafe charing port that my Pro had.

The extra ports don't seem as important as they used to be. I use a svelte Acer USB-C card reader for all my devices. It fits in my jeans coin pocket. I carry a USB-C cable that connects everything to everything, even my 15" 4K display that I use on occasion.

There are a couple of other specs I was curious about, such as 500 nits of brightness for the M4 Air vs. 1,000 nits for the M1. The Air refreshes at 60 Hz vs 120 Hz for the MB Pro. In real world use, I haven't thought about the differences. I could see situations where these specs could be important. Fortunately for my work, it doesn't seem to matter.

When I Do Need More Screen Real Estate

The new M4 MB Air upped its game with display support. It simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz. It provides Thunderbolt 4 digital video output and support for native DisplayPort 1.4 output over USB-C.

With just one USB-C cable I can connect my 15" 4K display. And if I wanted, even add another. Plug and play. Honestly, it couldn't be easier.

Smile, It's Showtime

A welcome improvement with the M4 Air is the 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View and 1080p HD video recording. Coupled with the three-mic array, I can Zoom from anywhere that has Internet, and look and sound great without any extra gear.

This is a noticeable upgrade from the previous 1080p FaceTime HD camera that I was using on the M1.

This is one of those areas that I so appreciate the feature improvements. It wasn't that long ago that I had to pack a webcam and external mic for teaching online away from my studio. Now, I open the M4 Air, launch Zoom, and I'm ready to go.

And Finally, Just a Few Little Nerdy Things

The M4 Air also incorporates wireless upgrades over the 2021 MBP with Wi-Fi 6E vs WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0. The M1 provided 11 hours of wireless Web compared to 15 hours of life for the M4 Air.

My Bottom Line

I would never have dreamed that I could switch from a MacBook Pro to an Air and be happier. But I am.

My productivity is just as good, if not better. I'm traveling lighter than ever. Plus, the Midnight MacBook Air is the most handsome laptop I've ever used.

I use my cameras and computers to make a living. But consumer electronics have improved to the point where professionals can use them, saving money and traveling lighter.

The 13" M4 MacBook Air is a perfect example of this.

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,004, June 17, 2025. Today's theme is, "The New OM System OM-5 Mark II." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Today OM System is announcing the Mark II update to its enthusiast OM-5 mirrorless camera. Many of the new features are based on customer feedback from the previous version. On this week's TDS photography podcast, I'll explain those updates plus add a few thoughts of my own. I hope you enjoy the show.

Digital Photography Podcast 1004

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!


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The New OM System OM-5 Mark II

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OM System is delivering a second generation of their compact, adventure-ready mirrorless camera, the OM-5 Mark II. Retaining much of its predecessor's build and imaging technology, including its 20.4MP Live MOS MFT Sensor and TruePic IX Image Processor, the Mark II sports an improved grip, USB-C power delivery and data connectivity, a dedicated Computational Photography button, new creative shooting modes, new video picture modes, and a simplified, user-friendly menu system. The rugged, IP53-weatherproof camera continues to be an ideal choice for high-quality imagery with a light footprint in outdoor, travel, and street applications.

Let's take a look at its highlights:

  • Improved ergonomic grip.
  • New USB-C port allows charging from a power bank--perfect for extended outdoor shoots.
  • Computational Photography button on top plate.
  • New shooting modes: Night Mode & Hand Held Assist.
  • New OM-Cinema Video Profiles for impressive cinematic 4K movies.
  • Now features the OM-1 series menu structure for intuitive control.
  • Class-leading 5-axis image stabilization for consistently sharp images in any situation.
  • Splash & dust proof (IP531) with freeze-proof protection to -10°C for confident shooting in challenging conditions.
  • Available in two classic colors: Black and Silver, plus an all-new color, Sand Beige, inspired by natural tones and made for outdoor explorers.

Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II

  • The OM-5 Mark II will be available early July, at a suggested retail price of $1,199.99 US / $1,699.99 CAD.
  • A bundled in a kit with OM-5 Mark II and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO lens will be offered at a suggested retail price of $1,599.99 US / $2,199.99 CAD.
  • A bundled in a kit with OM-5 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II OM lens will be offered at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 US / $2,099.99 CAD (Note: Sand Beige version is not available as a kit.)

Launch Offer

2 Year Extended Warranty with Purchase of OM-5 Mark II, June 17- July 31, 2025, all orders of OM-5 Mark II body or kit will receive a complementary 2 Year Extended Limited Warranty, which extends the limited warranty coverage to 3 years total from original purchase date.

Camera Industry News

Free App Creates the Perfect Custom Fujifilm Film Simulation for You - You can read the entire article on Petapixel.com.

46 ways to make money from photography - You can read the entire article on amateurphotographer.com.

A Guide to Light Painting Photography - You can read the entire article on LensRentals.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

Inner Circle Bold. Sign up for the Annual Membership that's only $75.60 a year, you will receive all of the regular Inner Circle benefits, plus a coupon for your choice of a 2026 Online workshop hosted by me.

TDS Photography Workshops! Reserve your spot now. We have an exciting slate of online and in-person events. If you have any questions, use the Nimble Photographer Contact Form. I will get back to you ASAP.

Sonoma County Autumn Adventure Workshop, led by Derrick Story, starting on Nov. 4, 2025.

We will be returning to Safari West African Wildlife preserve, and visiting the world famous Coppola Vineyard, home of amazing wines, rolling vineyards, Academy Awards, an authentic Tucker car, and more.

You can reserve your place of each of these events by visiting our Workshops Page.


The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.


Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.


Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.


The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.


Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.


Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.