Even with an Olympus kit lens mounted on the front, it stays very compact, which makes the E-PL9 a great option for casual photographers, travel photographers, and street photographers alike. But despite its small size, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV packs a surprising amount of power. The features of the camera make it outstanding in its performance since it captures in a considerably light and small package. But you get a nice 3-inch LCD, one that tilts and includes touchscreen functionality. This feature also permitted the lens designers to develop the world's fastest fisheye lens with autofocus, the Olympus ED 8 mm f/1.8. Also make sure you grab a camera with mic jacks and headphone jacks; that way, you can add an external microphone (for improved recording quality), and you can monitor audio quality as you listen. The smaller sensor size gives deeper depth-of-field for the same field of view and equivalent. The MFT system design specifies a bayonet type lens mount with a flange focal distance of 19.25 mm. That depends on what you care about. The MFT design standard also specifies multiple aspect ratios: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 (the native HD video format specification), and 1:1 (a square format). This is insanely useful for action photography where you’re always going to be a split-second behind your subject. In a DSLR, the shutter opens and closes, while a Micro Four Thirds camera has to close the shutter, open-close it, then open it again whenever a photo is taken. For one, you get blazing-fast shooting speeds, which reach up to 20 frames per second–more than enough for any type of shooting, including serious action photography. Post Focus. MFT cameras usually use contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF), a common autofocus system for mirrorless compact or "point-and-shoot". An independent optical viewfinder typically matched to a particular non-zoom prime lens is sometimes an option. Panasonic claims that OIS is more accurate because the stabilization system can be designed for the particular optical characteristics of each lens. Using older adapted lenses on Micro Four Thirds sometimes leads to a slight losses in image quality. 16x Optical Zoom. If you’re a fan of the retro design, then you’re going to love this mirrorless model. Lumix G Micro Four Thirds System. Because while it can seem daunting to choose from dozens of cameras, it doesn’t have to be hard. For fast-moving subjects, I’d recommend a continuous shooting speed of at least 7 frames per second, and I’d really recommend you go higher, if possible. Netflix has announced the Panasonic BGH1 is now approved as a primary camera for filming Netflix Originals, making it the first Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera to receive the honor.. By Netflix’s standard, any Netflix Originals shows must be shot at least 90% on one of its ‘Approved Cameras.’ 1 This list includes expensive, production-level cameras, such as the ARRI Alexa LF, Canon … Instead, there are quite a few excellent choices, and it can be tough to decide on the best one for your needs. The absence of a mirror eliminates the need for an additional precision assembly, along with its "mirror slap" noise and resultant camera vibration/movement. At just 580g, it’s significantly lighter than pro-level competitors (both mirrorless and DSLR), and you can easily store it away in a backpack or handbag when traveling. William Brawley, Mike Tomkins, Dave Pardue, Jeremy Gray and Zig Weidelich: mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras, Four Thirds system#Advantages, disadvantages and other considerations, Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm, Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50–200mm, Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 mm, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3, SLR Magic 12-36x50 ED spotting scope for micro four thirds, "Olympus and Panasonic announce Micro Four Thirds", "No more compromises: The Four Thirds Standard", "JK Imaging, Blackmagic Design and others join Micro Four Thirds", "Micro Four Thirds Mount Technical Drawing and CAD", Interchangeable Lenses – Chromatic Aberration Compensation - Essential technologies of lens designs that enhance resolving power, Why is the Micro Four Thirds sensor so sharp in spite of its small size. When it comes to choosing the perfect Micro Four Thirds camera, I would recommend paying attention to the megapixel count. You also get a high-resolution option, which allows you to shoot 80 MP images through some clever sensor-shift technology, so if you occasionally find yourself in need of a megapixel boost, the G9 has got you covered. Before 2013, Olympus and Panasonic approached image stabilization (IS) differently. Learn more in, Not as robust as pro-level cameras in the lineup, In-body image stabilization is rare at this price, Continuous shooting speeds and autofocus are slow, Pricey compared to other options on this list, Top-of-the-line in-body image stabilization, Amazing slow motion recording capabilities, 10 MP sensor is low for still photography, 60 fps continuous shooting plus Olympus Pro Capture, Class-leading in-body image stabilization, Big and heavy for a Micro Four Thirds camera, Reasonably priced for a nice first camera, The Best Micro Four Thirds Cameras in 2020: 9 Top Picks. These stabilize the image by shifting a small optical block within the lens. You also get 7 frames-per-second shooting; this just pushes into “action” territory, so you should have no problem doing the occasional sports or wildlife photography. Micro Four Thirds has several advantages over larger format cameras and lenses: Though many DSLRs also have "live view" functionality, these often function relatively poorly compared to a Micro Four Thirds electronic viewfinder (EVF), which has the following advantages: Olympus and Panasonic approached the implementation of electronic viewfinders in two ways: the built-in EVF, and the optional hotshoe add-on EVF. But that’s not to say that the Olympus PEN-F isn’t a great camera, because it is. However, their sensors are smaller than full-frame or even APS-C systems. [13] Furthermore, in low light conditions by using low f-numbers a too-shallow depth of field can lead to less satisfying image results, especially in videography, when the object being filmed by the camera or the camera itself is moving. You can’t use a feature like this all the time–it’ll fill up your memory cards, fast!–but you can definitely take advantage of it in critical action moments! It was the first truly compact mirrorless camera, paired with the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 it could fit in a jacket pocket. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cameras on this list, coming in at just under $1800 USD. So if you’re after a compact, reasonably-priced, high-performing Micro Four Thirds camera that offers a lot of potential, even for professionals, then check out the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. In other words, autofocus doesn’t always matter. Required fields are marked *. You also get solid, DSLR-like handling, as well as access to the excellent Micro Four Thirds lens lineup. A further disadvantage with some LM and LTM lenses is that lenses with significant rear protrusions simply do not fit inside the camera body and risk damaging lens or body. [11] Lenses designed for mirrorless camera systems such as Nikon 1 or Micro Four Thirds often use image-space telecentric lens designs,[12] which reduce shading and therefore light loss and blurring at the microlenses of the image sensor. But if you’re a serious videographer looking for your next top-notch camera, then the GH5s is your best Micro Four Thirds option. Equivalent images are made by photographing the same angle of view, with the same depth of field and the same Angular resolution due to diffraction limitation (which requires different f-stops on different focal length lenses), the same motion blur (requires the same shutter speed), therefore the ISO setting must differ to compensate for the f-stop difference. You can currently grab it for around $2000 USD, though bear in mind that you get a whole lot of camera for that price, and that other sports bodies–such as the Canon 1D X Mark III and the Nikon D6–are far, far more costly. one quarter of the area) than a full frame sensor (1.0× crop factor, 35 mm equivalent). Because lenses can be used from old and abandoned camera systems, adapted lenses typically represent good value for the money. Yes! On the telephoto end, the Panasonic 100–300 mm or the Leica DG 100-400 mm as well as the Olympus 75–300 mm zooms show how small and light extreme telephotos can be made. So if you’re on a budget and you’re after your first serious video and stills camera, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is an absolute steal. We want to bring a movie-like high resolution to VR. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a micro four-thirds mirrorless digital camera. Buy Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Body, Black) featuring 16MP Live MOS Sensor, TruePic VII Image Processor, 2360k-Dot Electronic Viewfinder, 3.0" Vari-Angle OLED Monitor, Full HD 1080p Video at up to 60 fps, 40MP High Res Shot, Built-In Wi-Fi; 10 fps Shooting Rate, 5-Axis VCM Image Stabilization, Dust and Splashproof Construction. It’s cheap enough to be affordable, but expensive enough to know that you’re getting a high-quality product. Equivalent focal lengths are given, if the angle of view is identical. So what, specifically, does the OM-D E-M5 Mark III have to offer? That way, you can react before you even know what’s happening. While the DSLR-style body prevents the G7 from being labeled as truly “compact,” it’s still relatively small, and could easily work as a travel or street photography camera. While you won’t find any of the 4K/60p (or 4K/120p) capabilities of today’s top-notch video mirrorless cameras, you do get very respectable 4K/30p recording, which is perfect for anyone looking to capture high-quality video or do a bit of vlogging–and at a very reasonable price, no less. On Jan 9, 2012 Sigma announced its first two lenses for Micro Four Thirds, the "30mm f/2.8 EX DN and the 19mm f/2.8 EX DN lenses in Micro Four Thirds mounts". The PEN E-PL9 caters to former point-and-shoot or smartphone photographers looking to take their photography up a notch. Choosing a Micro Four Thirds camera is hard. Some cameras are easy to use. What is equivalence and why should I care? The small lenses do not allow the noise depth-of-field tradeoffs of larger lenses in other systems. In almost every way, the G9 manages to impress, from speed to image quality to video capabilities, which is why it’s a fantastic option for any hybrid shooter out there, but also for more generalist still shooters. It’s also reasonably priced, which means that you can grab an OM-D E-M5 Mark III plus a nice lens without breaking the bank. Part exchange, next day and free delivery available. Resolutions and refresh speeds on these EVF displays were originally compared negatively to optical viewfinders, but today's EVF systems are faster, brighter and much higher resolution than the original displays. The short answer is: it depends. New Live Guide user interface for easy, intuitive adjustment of brightness, hue, background defocusing, and other image parameters.New dedicated Movie mode button for seamless access to movie shooting at any time. It’s easy to use, it takes great pictures, and it’s well-priced; what more could you want? You can also use third-party lenses that are designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras on all MFT brands. Let’s take a closer look at each key feature, starting with: If you’re thinking about purchasing a Micro Four Thirds camera, one of your chief considerations is almost certainly camera size. In normal photography with any one camera, equivalence is not necessarily an issue: there are several lenses faster than f/2.4 for Micro Four Thirds (see the tables under Fixed Focal Length Lenses, below), and there are certainly many lenses faster than f/4.8 for full frame and no one hesitates to use them even though they can have shallower depth of field than a Nikon 1 at f/1.7, in fact that can be seen as advantageous, but it has to be taken into consideration that a further aspect of image resolution is limitation by optical aberration, which can be compensated the better the smaller the focal lengths of a lens is. The shallow but wide MFT lens mount also allows the use of existing lenses including Leica M, Leica R, and Olympus OM system lenses, via Panasonic and Olympus adapters. In 2015, DJI provided its drone with optional MFT cameras. "Optical Viewfinders (OVFs) vs. Electronic Viewfinders (EVFs)", "Swing Into Action! Related Post: The Best Micro Four-Thirds Lenses On The Market in 2020. If you’re looking for a well-priced camera to take your photography to the next level, the G7 is a great choice. 16 Shares F or years, photographers and industry pundits have predicted the demise of the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system. Plenty of professionals use Micro Four Thirds cameras. will quickly find the OM-D E-M1X too excessive for their needs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From the palm of your hand, you can capture cinema quality video in 4K ultra high definition. Many believe that the smaller sensor has been superseded by … The big question is how willing JIP is to actually INVEST some money. By far the favorite camera by many travel and adventure photographers, the sensor is much smaller than the one of a full-frame or APS-C mirrorless or DSLR cameras. This makes it ideal for anyone hoping to do walkaround photography, casual photography, or simply carry a camera around their neck constantly. Before you even consider the Panasonic Lumix GH5s, you should know: It’s a video camera, not a stills camera. This will net you enough resolution to print large or crop, without sacrificing on high-ISO capabilities. Another slight disadvantage of using adapted lenses can be size. In other words, you’ll be able to capture beautiful slow motion, you’ll get an excellent shooting experience via the electronic viewfinder, and you’ll be able to shoot comfortably in low light. By using a 35mm film lens, one would be using a lens that casts an image circle that is far larger than what is required by Micro Four Thirds Sensors. Not reliant on a moving mirror and shutter, which otherwise adds noise, weight, design complexity, and cost. Fortunately, this isn’t due to a lack of options. Of course, the Four Thirds system evolved into Micro Four Thirds and ultimately, their acclaimed OM-D series. You get a tilting rear touchscreen LCD (which is especially useful for vlogging, shooting video, or capturing images at odd angles), as well as an electronic viewfinder, a nice 16MP sensor, and in-body image stabilization. Both the VF-2 and VF-3 may also be used on high-end Olympus compact point and shoot cameras such as the Olympus XZ-1. You also get 4K/30p video, so you’ll be well-equipped to capture the occasional video or vlog. Full-frame sensors do tend to offer better image quality in terms of megapixel count, dynamic range, and high-ISO performance. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is hardly cheap, but it’s quite possibly the best professional Micro Four Thirds camera available. The Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 Pro is a high-end, flexible zoom that covers an equivalent focal length range of 24-80mm. Also note the price, which sits in that nice sub-$1000 range. In terms of weight, the G7 is just 410g, so you’ll be able to handhold it for hours without becoming fatigued, assuming you use a smaller, lightweight lens. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is powerful, it’s compact, and it captures stunning images. You get 4K/60p recording, as well as an inbuilt mic jack and headphone jack, so you’ll have no problem achieving pro-level videos. A specially designed lens allows it to capture stereo images compatible with VIERA 3D-TV-sets and Blu-ray 3D Disc Players. And Panasonic may “downgrades” the system in favor of the APS-C L-mount cameras and lenses that they might announce in 2021. Because the flange focal distance of Micro Four Thirds cameras are shorter than DSLRs, most lenses are smaller and cheaper. For those interested in producing equivalent images, read on. The use of this is only to let us compare the effectiveness of the sensors given the same amount of light hitting them. Camera bodies are available from Blackmagic, DJI, JVC, Kodak, Olympus, Panasonic, Sharp, and Xiaomi. You have to be careful, however. 20 megapixels, which is on par with every pro-level Micro Four Thirds sensor on the market. In truth, pretty much all the cameras on this list will offer pro-level images if you use it right. Related Post: Best Street Photography Cameras for any Budget. The Panasonic Lumix G7 offers a beautiful EVF, a lightweight build, and impressive video capabilities into an affordable package. Like many point and shoot cameras, the PEN E-PL9 offers no viewfinder, neither electronic nor optical. You will find that you can comfortably shoot up to ISO 800 or 1600 and be able to post-process out the noise. Both cameras can capture 16MP stills and up to 4K/30fps video with an option of 4 interchangeable lenses ranging from 12mm to 17mm. Micro four-thirds is still relevant in 2019 thanks to Panasonic and Fuji. Choose the one that's right for you. Your email address will not be published. Autofocus is quite fast, and you can push the camera to 18 frames-per-second when using the continuous AF, which is insane, and approaches that “Do I really even need this?” level for all but the most serious sports-shooters. The (non-Micro) Four Thirds system design standard specifies a 40 mm flange focal length distance, which allowed for using a single lens reflex design, with mirror box and pentaprism. Quite possibly the perfect Micro Four-Thirds camera for those creatives who have found themselves shooting more video than stills, the Panasonic GH5S is a videographer’s dream. focus performance of the 150mm f/2 and 300mm f/2.8 lenses are as quick and accurate as a native Four Thirds body). This can mean lower image quality when all other variables are the same, including poorer color transitions and more noise at identical ISO settings, especially in low light, when compared with the larger sensors. Different lenses yield greater creative possibilities. All you need to know about micro four thirds cameras The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system was invented by Olympus and Panasonic as a smaller alternative to their full-size Four-Thirds DSLR system but offering the same image quality, versatility and lens interchangeability. Unlike Four Thirds, the MFT system design specification does not provide space for a mirror box and a pentaprism, which facilitates smaller body and lens designs via the shorter flange focal distance of 19.25mm. In particular, professionals looking for a compact camera often go for a Micro Four Thirds system (e.g., travel photographers who don’t want to carry a big, bulky camera backpack). [78] In 2016, Olympus added lens-based stabilization to the M. Zuiko 300mm f/4.0 Pro telephoto prime lens and the M. Zuiko 12-100mm f/4.0 IS Pro lens. Now, ergonomics tends to come in a few different flavors. [32] The first Olympus model, the Olympus PEN E-P1, was shipped in July 2009. [34] In 2016, Xiaoyi introduced the YI M1, a 20MP MFT camera with 4K video capability.[35]. Some MFT cameras, such as the OM-D E-M1 series and E-M5 Mark III incorporate phase-detection hardware on the sensor to support legacy lenses. Micro-Four-Third cameras, such as the Olympus EP-5 & the Panasonic GH5, are affordable and easy to carry around. Similar to Olympus, the LVF1 is usable on high-end Panasonic compact point and shoot cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. For comparison of the original Four Thirds with competing DSLR system see Four Thirds system#Advantages, disadvantages and other considerations. I started with Micro Four Thirds (m43) back when it began in 2009 with the Panasonic GF1. 4K UHD interchangeable lens camera, "Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K hands-on review", https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-om-d-e-m5-iii-initial-review, "Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III brings improved stabilization plus Live ND and hand-held high res", "Panasonic announces compact Lumix G100 vlogging-centric mirrorless camera", "Olympus's new E-M10 IV has a selfie-friendly screen and 20MP sensor", "600 mm f5.6 Nikkor-P Auto Telephoto Lens", http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/FT-MFT_Lens_Adapter_Compatibility_EN.pdf, http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/Imager_AF_Compatibility_Statement_EN.pdf, "New LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. For comparison, typical DSLR sensors, such as Canon's APS-C sensors, have a crop factor of 1.6. But if you’re going to be using your Micro Four Thirds body as a casual walkaround option, then build quality is going to matter far less. I wouldn’t hesitate to use the G9 in most sports situations, and serious sports (and nature) photographers will also appreciate the weather-sealing, which allows for shooting in the rain, snow, and damp conditions. Interchangeable lenses allow more optical choices including niche, legacy, and future lenses. Olympus is the third company in that group that makes this happen. The use of separate PDAF sensors has been favored in DSLR systems because of mirror box and pentaprism design, along with better performance for fast-moving subjects. Olympus OM-D E-M1X Deals. This content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. Olympus OM-D E-M1X. [31] In April 2009, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 with HD video recording added to it. The Four Thirds sensor (2.0× crop factor) is 32% smaller in area than Canon APS-C (1.6x crop factor), 39% smaller than Nikon/Sony APS-C (1.5x crop factor), and 75% smaller (i.e. [4] However, the chip diagonal is shorter than 4/3 of an inch; the 4/3 inch designation for this size of sensor dates back to the 1950s and vidicon tubes, when the external diameter of the camera tube was measured, not the active area. In other words: You have a huge number of lens choices, because you’re not just confined to the brand of your camera. To my eyes, the most stylish Micro Four Thirds camera is the Olympus Pen F. If Fuji cameras are to your liking, but you love the massive selection of lenses for Micro Four Thirds, then this beauty is for you. 20 Most Expensive Cameras in 2020: Discover the Priciest Models! Most landscape photographers focus manually. Viewfinders are another big feature to consider. The EM5 offers on the sensor on this camera for the first time. Wide angles are generally not practical for adapted use from both an image quality and value point of view. In terms of autofocus and shooting speeds, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III doesn’t disappoint. Of course, Olympus' Imaging Division hasn't pulled out of the camera … In addition, all current Micro Four Thirds cameras excluding the Olympus Air A01 have sensor dust removal technologies. [citation needed]. While MFT cameras can use many of these "legacy" lenses only with manual focus and manual aperture control mode, hundreds of lenses are available, even those designed for cameras no longer in production. So I’d recommend you begin by asking yourself: What is my budget? You’ll also want to pay careful attention to build quality. Combine the G9’s autofocus speed with its 20 frames-per-second continuous shooting capabilities and you have yourself an action photography winner. As you might expect, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV struggles to compete with its more expensive siblings–for instance, continuous shooting speeds only reach 4.5 frames per second, compared to the 18 frames per second shooting on the OM-D E-M1 Mark III–but this shouldn’t be a huge deal for the beginner photographer, and you can still capture some action, as long as you time it right. Canon FD, Nikon F (G lenses require special adapters), MD/MC, Leica M, M42 Screw Mount, and C-mount Cine lenses to name a few are all easily adaptable to the Micro Four Thirds system with glassless adapters resulting in no induced loss of light or sharpness. Olympus used sensor-shift image stabilization only, which it calls IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization), a feature included all of its cameras. Generally speaking, Panasonic cameras do well when it comes to video, and the G7 is no exception. This means that the field of view of an MFT lens is the same as a full frame lens with twice the focal length. While the Panasonic Lumix G9 certainly isn’t the cheapest Micro Four Thirds camera on this list, it’s powerful. If you’re trying to pick the perfect Micro Four Thirds camera for your needs, then you’ll want to think about a few key features: Not all of these factors matter to every shooter. There are many lenses available. Because Four Thirds sensors are smaller than full-frame and APS-C sensors, Micro Four Thirds image quality struggles to compete with the likes of Nikon, Sony, and even Canon. Adapted lenses retain their native focal lengths but field of view is reduced by half —i.e., an adapted 50mm lens is still a 50mm lens in terms of focal length but has a narrower FOV equivalent to a 100mm lens due to the Micro Four Thirds System 2x crop factor. The G7’s core feature set is quite decent, especially for a camera of its age. You also get Olympus’s best-in-class in-body image stabilization. Panasonic LUMIX G95 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. The first Micro Four Thirds system camera was Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, which was launched in Japan in October 2008. The image sensor of Four Thirds and MFT measures 18 mm × 13.5 mm (22.5 mm diagonal), with an imaging area of 17.3 mm × 13.0 mm (21.6 mm diagonal), comparable to the frame size of 110 film. And for those of you who worry that 20 MP isn’t enough, bear in mind that the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III also offers a high-resolution mode that allows you to capture 50 MP images (though you’ll need to use a tripod for it to work).