What an overwhelming amount of comments! Thanks everyone for leaving your thoughts. I can't reply to each comment individually but I read each one carefully. Many thanks.
My impression why it is not doing well is because of peer pressure. If you have a micro 4/3 camera you know that sooner than better than later you will get comments from other photographers about why you bought such a bad camera. And, let's face it, for the same price you can get a good functioning full-frame camera at about the same size.
@@williamstatt8651 body yes - lenses definitely not. I think part of the problem is that while they are good for beginners they require an experienced photographer to master them to get truly great results.
Thank you Matt, I totally agree with you. Size matters but the possibility to be increasingly creative while evolving with the experience too. Street photography in this regard represents the natural test bed for evolving creativity and skill. So why exceed the size of a compact and why let it cost as much or more than as src. The pen f could have possibly been the perfect camera if it had been priced less. But we all want speed. I have between the many an old Olympus c 770. It still today could be fine and I would use it if not for its annoying lack in speed and battery life. Switching on, pointing and shooting must be immediate to guarantee a satisfactory experience. This is why people buy a Ricoh GR. This is what phone cameras are pointing to.
If you look at Jeremy Paige said a 85mm@f1.4 makes beautiful photo were the subject is sharp and the background mushy. This creates a contrasty scene which our brains like, easy to spot predators, so brain gives you a dopamine hit so stay in those safe areas. Jeremy said it's the equipment that's making those images and not the photographer and he shoots at 28mm and 35mm, where you're not going to get that mushy DOF and it down to the photographer to construct a compelling composition. Most of this FF is so professionals can produce mushy photos as by product of the equipment and not really have to work hard construct a photo....
I watched my first "MFT is dying / dead" video around 2014, it's nice to watch another one for the 10th anniversary. and I look forward to watching another one in 2034.
What was the 10th anniversary "MFT is dead" video you watched? I'm happy you came to watch this after that because in this one I hope MFT will survive and express my fondness for MFT😀
@@mattisulanto Don't cha think he's referring to your video here? I don't think MFT is going anywhere but if it is...why would I care? I love it myself.
But now it’s actually happening. OMDigital is finished releasing new bodies or lenses. Everything it released was already in progress when Olympus unloaded its camera division. Now that there’s nothing left in the pipeline, they can’t release anything themselves, just rebranded products. It’s sad, but that’s how it is and people see that.
@@melgross The “MFT is dead” videos that I watched never talked about the quality of the system, but said that for the future, where the market is compromised of mostly enthusiast and professionals m43 system will have it difficult. Their arguments where mostly around the market preference for full frame by most customers and the falling prices of FF cameras. Besides that argument an other argument they used is that the lenses of FF will fall in prices as Chinese manufacturers will enter the market and sell cheap lenses. Tony Northrup even envisioned a USD 500 FF camera. So all their arguments where around failing prices as the sensor is not the most important part that dictates the pricing of a camera. As a matter of fact, Panasonic S5, Nikon Z5, Sony A7 III and Canon RP are selling between USD 900 and USD 1400. So their predictions where somewhat correct. Only the USD 500 did not materialize and the cheap Chinese lease also as Canon and Nikon has a thigh grip on third party lenses. But the trend they predicted is correct. Also compare the sizes of many FF lenses and FF camera this have decreased making the argument of smaller cameras of m43 disappear. The whole argument of dead of m43 was around economics, market preference and the most used photography style which is shooting people. Having a FF camera and m43 camera for the same price will lead that a majority of consumers will chose FF as they don’t need the extra features of m43. High frames shooters and birders are a minority. Hence the m43 will have a shrinking market to sell until the system is not profitable any more.
I recently bought GX8 with 14-140 on a family trip, leaving all my full frame gears at home, and was very happy with the results. For MFT to survive, it has to capitalize on its unique advantages - the lens size. Go after enthusiasts market with retro styling, that’ll be a winning combination. GR3x, Nikon Zf/Zfc are all on top selling lists. Revive pen f, push for smaller/retro styling lens to go with it.
Yes, you can contrast the 14-140 lens [I have two copies] with a 28-280 Sony lens. The Sony is three times the size and feels like four times the weight for no advantage. Yes I have one of those too but while the Panasonic 14-140 10X zoom is my most used lens, I hardly ever use the Sony 10X zoom.
I totally agree. The format's downfall has more to do with poor managements (both Olympus and Panasonic) than the format itself. Make a new Pen-F and new GX9 with PDAF, weather-seal them if possible, and along with some fast pancake lenses that are also weather-sealed, they sure will sell like hot cakes. OM should really use compactness, weatherproofing, and durability as selling points. Another thing that I'd like to point out is that when you purchase a lens from Olympus/OM, you seldom get a bad copy. I think OM should emphasize this when they are marketing their products. Anyway, I hope m43 will do well in the near future with some exciting products that people would desire to own.
After using the Sigma FP I don't wan't a DSLR-style body anymore for general use. I want a compact rangefinder body that can be modded for cinema work if needed.
Yes the larger size for a smaller sensor is making zero sense, a tiny camera is what mft is good for. Give me that with ability to take long videos for reasonable price and I would be sold.
The problem with the micro 4/3 and the APC is that many mediocre photographers prefer to blame on the size of the sensor rather than accept their lack of talent.
I think the real problem is that a lot of m43rds owners can’t accept the limitations inherent to the system and instead try to prove again and again the mount is viable. Yes it is, but the manufacturers need to make products that really play to the strengths of the format.
@@Raist3db It is viable. M43 cameras have several positive traits vs full frame and several negative traits. One positive is lens size. I can bring all my lenses including 100-300 or 100-400, I would hate carrying an 800mm full frame lens. The image stabilization is better due to smaller sensor size, i.e easier to shoot handheld etc. The performance in dark environments is worse due to sensor size and so on.
@@Raist3db What limitations though? I own all formats even 1 inch sensor pocket cameras, they pretty much do the same, but you wont get as blurry images as compare up full frame at f3.5 since vast majority uses cheap lenses thats what they work with, you might not get as clean ISO at 3200. But again, most people shoot at auto. The only limitation on the sensor size matters in jobs that require huge prints.
Had using olympus em1 mk2, and lately om1 since 5 years with pro lenses.. Love the system much more than my ff camera.. Everything is better, the grip, ibis, features, depth of field… But as a very long exposure photographer, i must admit than the m43 raw files suffer when working on them.. So.. There are limitations.. And believe me, i really wished they were not !
I live in Southern Africa and spend as much time in the bush as possible. I adore my 100-400 zoom on g95. A FF 800mm prime costs more than my 4x4. Love me my MFT universe.
I have nothing to dispute, or add, I think you covered it. I guess I've become so used that MFT is dying, or dead, or not doing well, that started ignoring it at this point. And the truth is, even if MFT went away tomorrow, my MFT cameras would probably continue to work for at least another decade, and certainly outlive my next camera purchase(s) anyway.
@@formermpc10 Bro, I still having my sony a6000 for 9 years now, las FW Update was on 2016. Camera still running excellent with 110k SC.... Does that mean sony is dying? Not at all, however they wanted to let the a6000 die 8 years ago... Anyway, the cameras don't even need FW to keep working. The OM1 or G9 you use today will probably continue to work for many more years, probably working until the Sony A7RV I have is treated like scrap in some years...
MFT was declared dead when it was presented at Photokina in 2007, a year prior its introduction to public. Mirrorless, EVF, IBIS, weather sealing, retro compatibility with MF lenses were mocked or considered as useless by majors and magazines. Nowadays, all majors have just or mainly mirrorless cameras with IBIS, EVF, weather sealing and retrocompatibility, lots of praised systems or brands are dead .
For me it is the lack of smaller MFT cameras…you can largely match or beat the size and weight of new MFT with APSC (ok, maybe not at the long end). So the solution, get back to some smaller cameras. I have a small Sony and it works very well but to quote a recent comment from your friend Robin Wong ‘ Sony has no soul; it delivers results and a lot of pros use it, but when shooting for fun they go for MFT or Fuji etc” I would say that sums up my experience. Kind of reminds me of the iPhone (mft) vs Android arguments. I’ve chosen to wait 3 more months and if no new small MFT I’m off to Sony. As for sensor not good enough I recall a RUclipsr who did a comparison of 1 inch, MFT and FF sensors and large prints and there was effectively no difference at all at normal viewing distance… hey wait a minute that was you! I think you raised some good points..and yes folks buy a big sensor camera and then only post on RUclips, where a camera phone would be more than good enough. We are simply too wealthy perhaps for our needs, especially since probably the biggest purchaser of cameras are recreational users.
I agree and my GX80 continues to serve (with the help of gaffer tape). Nevertheless, compact aps-c cameras offer most of the m43 experience, with advantages of their own.
Go for canon! My a7r4 sensor is a dust magnet, I can’t change lenses without having a dust blower on hand. Also not a fan of the non articulating screens, we’re not in 2012 anymore.
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Gordon. Especially the "too wealthy for our needs" comment. It's sad because, as an MFT user, I know that MFT cameras and lenses are capable of producing great image quality, albeit allowing for the sensors' inherent limitations. That said, with the latest software, even noise issues aren't really a limiting factor anymore.
Thanks for this video. I have been a Nikon user for 40 years (I started with a Nikkormat FT2) but two years ago I added Olympus to my kit. I have nearly always bought second-hand gear. My biggest Nikon sensor is 36.3 mp, and the files already a challenge to process. I’m not about to give up my Nikon gear for wildlife and macro work, but I am really enjoying using my 3 Olympus cameras - EM5, EM5 ii, and EM1 ii. I value the build quality - especially the solid metal bodies - the portability and the software capabilities. I hope OM Systems and Panasonic keep developing new products, but even if they don’t it won’t be the end of the world for me, because the second-hand market is likely to be strong for many years to come - at least for the rest of my active life. Best wishes for 2024!
You do not have the best of Olympus, the OM D E M1X, the specs of this camera is much better than all those you mentioned in your text! There are many videos in here about the camera. Check it out! Many greetings
It’s not dead. It’s only dead in people’s eyes who keep saying it is. It’s now a mature system with an incredibly well rounded lens line up. Two incredible leading cameras. Some more entry level ones would be good as would a rangefinder style one. But personally I am incredibly happy with it and their latest offerings.
I think this system takes abit too long to be developed enought for it to convince people its good to buy one. Back then M43 cams were almost non existed because nobody heard of it. The sensor only takes like 12 megapixels and some Lumix bodies dont have in body stabilization... Only now is the time to get one because they get better and better.
@@formermpc10 It doesn’t matter, as there are so many m4/3 cameras and lenses on the used market. This will last for the next 10 or 15 years . By then there will be something completely revolutionary on the market which wipes all the formats out. I have 5 other cameras of different formats including a lovely ‘clunky’ dslr which takes absolutely fabulous photos. I print to A3 and people beg prints off me. I would only ever buy used, as why pay full price for something!
@formermpc10 Last time I went shooting wildlife with my friends, everyone was asking about my gear, the cost, I got offers to sell it, and heard regrets about choosing other brands not that good for wildlife. We must live in different universes.
Hi Matti, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I moved from APS-C to MFT last year, and never looked back. Bought a second hand Lumix GX85, and couldn't be happier: great photos and stunning 4K videos! Even paired the body with a vintage Sigma lens (with adapter) - perfect results.
I just started again my photography journey with MFT with the EM5.3, and as far as Im concerned it's doing great! As you said though, OM and Pana don't seem to be rushing for innovation, meanwhile powerhouses in other formats are getting smaller and smaller. For my usecase, the compacity and the format are still a big selling point. I can fit my camera and 4 lenses, including the 12-40 F2.8 Pro and the kit telephoto in an insert bag that fills less than half my backpack, which allows me to carry everything with me all the time. I've also found the MFT community to be incredibly supportive, so it's a great experience for me overall.
PART I Matti, I have followed your videos for years and have great respect for you, so please put my comments into that context. First, we need to determine if there is a problem before trying to solve it. Your title to this video is “Micro Four Thirds Is Not Well…”, but you don’t provide any data or define why you make this claim. Done this way, this video does more harm than good when people just assume your statement is true. You make many interesting points - too many for me to cover in a single reply - so I will comment on four: MFT is “not well”, “Size is not everything”, MFT bodes are “too expensive”, and other camera manufacturers have “caught up”. I’m not avoiding the IQ discussion, but it’s not an issue for 95% of photographers and would require a very long reply. I agree that perception is reality for many, and MFT is still fighting that battle. This is a long post, made in two parts, and I hope some will read it to the end. MFT IS NOT WELL Let’s start with your premise. You say “MFT is “not well” but by what measure? At the end of your video, you make a quick reference to “MFT losing market share”. Again, no data, and said out of context or without definition that statement is not helpful. Highly successful and growing companies can lose market share because the market itself is growing. Secondly, companies can identify a specialized market for which they have a competitive advantage and be more financially successful even at the expense of market share. That is exactly what OM Digital Solutions is doing with their MFT camera line and their emphasis on outdoor and wildlife photography. The better question to ask is, “What level of sales are needed for OMDS and Panasonic to be profitable with their MFT products?” There is an Internet “truth” that cell phones are taking sales away from digital cameras, and all manner of doom comes from that especially a shrinking digital camera market. Certainly, cell phones have all but killed off the traditional point-and-shoot digital camera, but they are also driving a greatly increased appreciation of and demand for ever better photography. As is the growing interest in film photography. The market for digital cameras in growing - not shrinking. Imarc Group has a report on the digital camera market based on 2022 data: www.imarcgroup.com/digital-camera-market. Anyone interested in this discussion should read the introductory page of this report. They predict significant growth in global digital camera sales, and that interchangeable lens cameras will account for the major part of that growth. They list many reasons for this, but this quote is specific to this discussion. Pay special attention to the last sentence. Apparently, OMDS has because the “adventure market” is exactly the market they are attempting to dominate. “…the increasing number of people taking photography as a hobby is catalyzing the demand for cameras that can capture high-quality images. Apart from this, the widespread adoption of mirrorless cameras, which are smaller and lighter than traditional DSLR cameras, is gaining traction among both amateur and professional photographers due to their advanced features, portability, and ease of use, which is strengthening the market growth. In addition, photography is used as a means of relaxation and stress relief. As people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and well-being, they are adopting photography as a means to cope with stress and anxiety, which is fueling the market growth. Furthermore, the growing interest of people in wildlife and nature photography, which requires specialized equipment and techniques, is increasing the sales of cameras with long zoom lenses, fast autofocus, and rugged, weather-resistant bodies, which is driving the market worldwide.” I will say that no other camera brand/format is better equipment for “adventure” photography than OMDS/MFT because of their environmental sealing of their newest bodies and lenses, and the inherently much smaller size of longer telephoto lenses, and Lumix cameras are also highly capable. But, let’s look at other indicators of health of MFT and OMDS in particular. It’s been the case for years that MFT is the top format in Japan. More significant though, is an April 2023 BCNreport report published on www.42rumors.com (www.43rumors.com/bcnreport-mft-lenses-keep-being-the-second-most-sold-mount-lenses-on-the-market/) where their data shows MFT lens are the second highest in sales only behind the E-mount. Read that again. People buy more lenses because they are doing more things with their cameras, and they are committing to that system and showing confidence through their investment. This report also shows that OM Digital Solutions lens sales percentage is larger than Panasonic and Fuji combined. Money is flowing into the MFT market. Lens share by mount: E-mount 32.6% *MFT 13.8% Canon EF 11.4% Nikon F 9.3% Fujifilm X 8.8% Nikon Z 8.5% Canon RF 7.7% Lens share by manufacturer: Canon 17.1% Sigma 16.0% Tamron 15.1% Sony 14.2% Nikon 13.8% *OM Digital Solutions 8.6% Panasonic 4.6% Fujifilm 4.2%
PART II of MY COMMENTS: SIZE DOESN’T MATTER Some other sensor format mirrorless bodies are as small as some MFT bodies, but MFT bodies are not any smaller because a camera body must be big enough to use. The real difference is with lens sizes, and FF or APC will never “catch up” or match MFT for compact lenses at longer focal lengths. Lens sizes are determined by sensor size. Even when an MFT lens is about the size as a similar focal length FF lens, the MFT lens is almost always a PRO lens with weather sealing, faster max aperture, and metal body. True, some people have all they need at less than 100m (35mm equivalent), and for them lens size may not be significant. But many want and need longer lenses (see the report above about the growing outdoor photo market). For example, I can get the following into a 20-liter Peak Design Everyday Backpack. (www.peakdesign.com/products/everyday-backpack?variant=29743300771884) 1. OM-1 body with Olympus 100-400mm lens. 2. OM-1 body with Olympus 12-100mm lens. 3. E-M1 Mk III body with Pana Leica 9mm f1.7 lens. 4. Both the 1.4x & 2.0x teleconverters. 5. Olympus 60mm macro lens. 6. Godex TT3500 flash. 7. Extra batteries, cables, snacks, iPad, ear buds, and a water bottle. That gives me THREE bodies and four lenses with focal lengths (35mm equivalent) from 18mm through 1,600mm - ready to shoot out of the bag without changing lenses. I can substitute just about any combination of other MFT lenses other than the Olympus 150-400mm f4.5 in this same bag. This can’t be done with any FF or APS system that I know of. MFT CAMERAS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE You say MFT bodies are “too expensive”. Compared to what? Find me any camera that has the features and capabilities of the OM-1 or G9II at anywhere near their prices. According to every video test I’ve seen on RUclips the OM-1 is the only camera on the market that can produce about as many good bird shots (keepers) as the Sony A1 which is almost three times the cost! The new Nikon Z Nikkor 600mm f4 lens sells for US $15,497.00 and that’s not a zoom lens!!! Compare that with the Olympus/OM System 300mm f3 IS PRO at $2,999.99 (which can go to an equivalent of 1,200mm withthe2x converter). Or the zoom OM System 150-400mm PRO IS f4.5 which is 200mm longer than the Nikkor and half the price at US $7,499.99. Who is more expensive now? Sure, some small, fun pocket sized MFT cameras would be awesome, and I hope for a PEN-F II, but MFT started with those cameras and has been struggling to overcome the reputation of being cheap and not professional grade ever sense. If a brand has a reputation for owning a piece of the high ground, then that provides a halo effect for the less expensive and used models. OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE CAUGHT UP WITH MFT You say that other manufactures have “caught up” to MFT. That statement says to me that Olympus/OMDS and the MFT companies have been doing the innovating - not Nikon, Canon, Sony, or Fuji. Would any of them be moving to mirrorless but for the success of the mirrorless MFT format? Dominant companies in a market are NEVER innovators. The major auto makers didn’t innovate Electric Vehicles - Tesla did. IBM did not create the personal computer - Apple did. Olympus and Panasonic are both innovators. If not for them pioneering mirrorless cameras and advanced technology do you think Canon, etc. would have ever built any? Look at the other MFT innovations: automatic sensor cleaning, still world class IBIS, extreme high-quality lenses with the most lenses of any mirrorless format, extreme weather sealing for many years, professional grade video, and now on the cutting edge of computational photography and AI. Many of the newest non-MFT bodies have many of the MFT features - that’s just competition - I know of no APS or FF camera body will all of the features of either the G9II or OM-1. Instead, the top FF camera in many ways offer less for more money. SUMMARY Matti, again, I respect your integrity, but I think in this video you are making some statements which can and should be challenged. You ask for our input about what can or should be done. Let me state that I believe there is no perfect system and there are advantages and limitations to all of them. Having said that, I believe that current MFT technology and capability, taken as a whole is, more than competitive with any other camera system. The problem is that the camera buying public just doesn't know the truth about MFT. Worse, many vloggers who believe they support MFT seem half-hearted in their support and are always talking from an inferior and defensive position. I think the time is long past to stop defending why its OK to shoot MFT, and rather go on the offensive explaining its advantages and start asking why anyone would want to spend more money for heavier and bulker gear with less features. Thank you for the chance to discuss these things and for all your work.
Many good comments! I especially agree with your thoughts about the lack of affordable micro 4/3 cameras being introduced. I'm still happy with my micro 4/3 gear and feel that it meets all my needs. Another reason for folks to choose micro 4/3 gear is the low prices of used cameras and lenses. Your comment about people buying more expensive/higher end gear than they need is something I agree with. For most amateur photographers, the micro 4/3 system is more than capable for 90% or more of the shooting conditions encountered. Thanks for an interesting and thought provoking video!
I think the advantage of MFT cameras is the size of their lenses and their performance relative to FF equivalents, and portability. But in the last two years, both Panasonic and Olympus opted to create camera bodies that are just as big and heavy as FF's, and when using the system's lenses, the imbalance is very noticeable. I used an OM-1 for a few months and although it is an excellent camera I decided not to continue with it. Whenever I had the chance to shoot, whether in my free time or work, I ended up taking my old EM5 and EM10 with me. And for the everyday use, an EPL1 that has been 15 years since it came out. That's the problem with the system, it lost innovation, it gained weight and volume and it's just uncomfortable
Hello Matti, Having the chance to possess and use both systems (FF and M4/3) in parallel, what strikes me the most when I use my G9 or my EM-10 is the « fun factor » that I feel in comparison with their FF counterpart (Z5 for me). Each time I take my M4/3 cameras, I just enjoy the simple act of taking pictures, without any unrealistic expectations, knowing that the overall IQ will be more than enough for my usages, leading me to be much more creative and experimental in my shootings. With my Nikon, I feel unconsciously that I have to « produce » something much more refined out of it, leading to a less spontaneous experience and less enjoyment for me. Progressing more and more on my learning journey, I think I will get rid of my Nikon because of this « expected quality » burden that distract me from the real progression axes that I should follow. Beside this feeling point, I also like this David vs Goliath mindset that comes with the M4/3 and the efficiency aspect embedded in the system (size, cost, solidity) I hope my comment is understandable :) Cheers, Ricardo
Agree to, that M43 was and still is also a fun factor to use. And at the time of having a big, clunky DSLR as well, that was a big positive difference. But now with a Z7, not being bigger than an M1-III but having a much bigger viewfinder with less noisy and sharper pictures, the fun factor is actually now more on the Z7 side. I still use M43 for its overall compactness but the fun-factor hasn't really been much updated in the M43 world and a little bit of disappointment is when I work on the M43 afterwards at home on an 4k monitor. The differences are unfortunately very obvious and even if it is not a deal breaker, like Matti said, I am not really happy with the result because I know, it could be much better if M43 would update their technology.
@@stefanwagener indeed I cannot deny that the IQ gap between my G9 and my Z5 is noticeable on some occasions. But again for my usages, it still ok. But in the future, I’ll compare much more in depth both systems as the size factor is indeed less and less relevant. I may check the OM-1 at some point but again not sure that the price is competitive against Nikon or Sony FF.
@@PH61a Correct, it is very subjective. And it is not about MFT in general, in my case the fun factor of the M1 compared to - the M5 is much higher because the M1 has a very comfortable grip and is more ergonomic than the M5 or Pen-F. Otherwise features are basically the same. The Pen-F I take on bicycle tours for its smaller size but otherwise the M1 is more fun to use for its ergonomics. - the DSLR Nikon D800 because the M1 is again just more comfortable to hold than then much heavier DSLR with a typically heavy lens. While I enjoy more the result of the D800, the M1 is just more fun to use and to hold because of its much lower weight. So ergonomics and user experience while shooting are the key factors for me to define "fun factor" ... and that is very subjective and not related to sensor format.
You always talk sense Matti. A few years ago I switched from Canon to MFT for my bird photography. I’m getting good results with the OM1 and Panasonic 100-400mm lens. Less weight and less cost.
I love how you explained each reason! It's interesting. For me, the pricing and image quality were two big points. Once you compare full-frame images, there is no contest. The companies should offer smaller and faster cameras with some Topaz/DXO/Google Pixel internal features for consumers. Focus on the "snaps" young crowd that can't afford a GR3 lol
I have back problems, so even if the newer bodies are as large a FF, the difference in lenses isn’t to be ignored. But I’d really like to see highend compact m43 bodies being released again (like the gx8, pen-f, or em5ii lines… none of which were upgraded to the same level as when they were the flagships)
I would agree with most of this, especially about having high-end ultra-compact cameras. To go with that, I'd like to see Oly come out with absolutely top-shelf lenses that are very small as well. Instead of the large F1.2 primes, how about a 17mm or 25mm F2? It would be smaller and easier to pack around every day but it wouldnt' work for me unless the glass was stellar. The current 1.8 primes just aren't good enough for me as far as optical quality. For street photography and travel photography, most folks aren't going to be shooting at F1.2 anyway. But I'm afraid it's too late for all of that since Oly was sold to JIP and I don't think there's the same level of commitment to the format of the original Olympus company.
@@EmilyStoneMarxistFan and those f2-2.8 primes let in 1-2 stops less light… yeah no thanks. What’s really fun is to compare the Pany 2.8 zooms to the FF 2.8s, it makes me laugh how comical small that duo is for what you get from it.
@@FieldingSmith not less light... Less light per square inch, but the same amount for the entire sensor. Of course you will need to set ISO higher to achieve the same brightness. But the (integral) amount of physical light will be the same.
@@EmilyStoneMarxistFan shoot with some strobes. Given some variation for how companies measure ISO and F-stops… 2.8 is 2.8 for the amount of light that is exposed, regardless of the sensor size. I’ve tested that on sensors ranging from a cellphone to a MF film camera. The “same amount of light for the entire sensor” argument is just silly, and I’ve seen no proof of it in any real world scenario. Only DoF, pixel performance due to pixel density (ie high iso performance) , and the total number of megapixels that can be squeezed onto the sensor changes due to sensor size.
I just bought a G9 kit for $900 and bought additional 3 very good used lenses. Mint condition. I'm an old film guy and I'm excited about this new system.
Matti and Peter F are clowns. The 5 best MFT cameras in the history of the system have been released in the last 2 years, along with maybe 1/2 dozen excellent lenses, including an amazing macro lens and an ultra long telephoto.
@@Marco_Chiappetta Not a very convincing take. Yeah the cameras are the best that have come out recently, but that's a redundant statement because the best camera of every system has come out in the last 5 years - that's how progressing technology works. The point is that M43 cameras cost the same as full-frame cameras, aren't substantially smaller (body wise), and aren't selling well. Hence the video.
Some years ago I was a Pentax user - I had the original Pentax Q with a range of the lenses, and had rather a lot of fun with those, the quality was generally excellent, surprisingly good - if only they'd bring back a 2024 model
What repels me from MFT is the fact that they do not offer new models of small and cheap rangefinder style cameras. They only produce bulky and expensive DLSR-style cameras like Panasonic G9 or OM-1. If you decide to go with small sensor, then you want a small camera. And vice versa, if you are willing to carry a large camera, then you have no reason to stay will a small sensor. I am now looking at Sony A7C... that's the style of camera I am probably going to buy...
True. The advantage of the m43 is weight and size, yet manufacturers make 650g+ big cameras... it's a joke. At least the lenses are cheaper and smaller...
There's another important reason for anyone who intends to use telephoto lenses going for a smaller sensor: The longer focal-length lenses are much smaller and lighter, not to mention less expensive.
The reason to use MFT for me is I can grab a body+lens combo with 800mm equivalent FOV in my hand and walk around for 3 hours without breaking my shoulder and wrist. The image quality is not ideal of course, but with AI de-noise nowadays, it's usable.
@@TrevorEMayo Any photo printed a decent size will show individual pixels and APS-C seems about the smallest sensor to not give you shimmering digital-looking pixels... It is physics which gives you diffraction if the pixel sites are too small... Absolutely, smaller sensors need AI to not look crap!
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 You haven't included one word in your response to show factually how images from the OP's M43 photo walks are lower in quality than full frame without pixel peeping. Not one word. No facts on what constitutes "decent size". No reference to available light. I doubt you could go over to Flickr and look at the uncropped images of professional photographers taken with modern M43 and full frame cameras at 16x20 print sizes (which is laughable because almost no one prints anymore) and tell the difference without pinching and zooming. In fact the producer of this video beginning around the 2 minute mark simply admits that people just "want" the IQ when they don't even need it. They are suckers for the industry trying to sell more product.
I just bought an Olympus E-1MX, going to get the 40-150, want to photo sailing racing from a boat. £1100, is going to be good! iPhone rest of time. Niche eh? Good video, but I don’t think you highlighted the quality and value of the lenses?
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 I've made 13x19 prints from 16MP M43 cameras that are perfectly acceptably sharp. With 20 & 25MP sensors, there's even some scope to crop a bit and still get perfectly sharp 13x19 prints.
I switched from Nikon D700 to Olympus EM1 Mk II four and a half years ago. I agree the mirrorless full frame cameras are becoming less heavy and less expensive nowadays. I cannot promise to stay with MFT and not switch back to full frame in the future. However, at this moment, using my MFT camera and lens is still a good experience for events and weddings shotting. The Olympus f/2.8 pro lens and the Sigma f/1.4 are really enough for those jobs. Hope there will be something good happening this year for MFT.
I just got my OM-5 a couple of weeks ago, and it’s my daily camera to capture moments. I also have Sony for professional stuff, and Fujifilm for creative stuff. With these 3 systems I use the OM-5 the most.
The problem was that it was overpriced and didn't offer professional features like dual card slots or weather sealing. If it had been about half the price, it would have been immensely popular!
@@ceaabe In order to sell for that price point, it should have had those features at a minimum. Since it didn't, it should have sold for about half that price.
The main advantage was the small size. I would love a tiny camera like the GM5 (which is next to impossible to get), but with modern features (4k and Panasonic's new autofocus system)! Now that most of their camera bodies are as big or bigger than other manufacturers and just as expensive, I'd rather stick with Sony...
main advantage now is weight (lenses) for telephoto, ibis that absolutely destroys full frame, and the various goodies in video/photography that are exclusive to panasonic and olympus
MFT is great for everyday use, especially for its compactness. But what do hobby photographers want to shoot? Sunsets, sunrises, night photos - scenes where the small sensors have their main disadvantages. Compact FF cameras like the A7C have taken over some of the compact size market without the compromises in image quality.
I use an Olympus micro 4/3 camera for bird and wildlife photography. The f4.0 300mm and the f2.8 40-150 lenses plus the 1.4x extender are my most used optics. Weight, amazing IBIS and weather sealing make the system ideal for hiking trails to get images. The shame of their system is the lack of weather sealing on the Olympus f1.8 12, 17, 25 and 45mm primes.
Actually all those primes behave under harsh weather conditions, surprisingly well. The thing you must be weary about is whether or not the front element rotates. If it does, then that lens will not protect against the elements as well. Get a decent rubber collapsible lens hood, as well s a pair of Marigold (gloves) if you're really paranoid, and use the glove parts to fit over the lens. Or use clingfilm! But honestly, you don't really need to bother unless you are shooting during monsoon season!
It’s interesting that you mention bird / wildlife. It’s the G9 II and dual stabilization using surprisingly light tele lenses that finally get me interested in this topic. It would never cross my mind to carry submarines to a location. M43 will allow me to shoot hand-held, which is amazing. Two big problems with m43? 1) Well, tens of millions of users already have plenty of gear. We are unlikely to buy much in the immediate future. 2) Quite a lot of m43 users I know also own FF gear. The opposite is much less likely to happen since people were told that they would be missing out. When I see an impeccably downsampled 4k120p video (from a 19 MP frame!) from my G9 II on an OLED screen, I do realize that I will be using m43 for another decade. Yes, it’s high-end enough - we just had to wait for quite some time.
@@formermpc10Haha! Absolutely NOT paranoia! Just common sense. I went to Wales where it chucked it down all week in Snowdon and my E-M1 mk1 got drenched. But it kept on working. Now, if that had've been £1500 of unsealed equipment, say a Ricoh GRIII, I would've kept the camera in my pocket and not taken any pictures at all. So perhaps only paranoia if you are already loaded and can afford multiple non-weather sealed cameras.
I use a Lumix G9 and OM-1. The OM-1 picture quality is excellent and yes there are a few large MFT lenses but I don’t want to be carrying a FF equivalent lens around with me. 20.3mp is more than enough in most circumstances. The OM-1 performs extremely well at night with the added benefit of computational add-ons that allow for very creative pictures. The latest MFT camera’s have incredible IBIS and offer 50, 80, 100mp modes using pixel shift. That’s something I have used with a tripod taking landscape pictures. Amazing results. All I can say is do your homework and buy a camera that fits your needs. At the end of the day the choice of camera won’t make you a better photographer and you only have to look at pictures taken with film back in the 70’s where the story relies on the picture and not the sensor size!👍
Interesting timing as I'm considering getting into MFT again, haha. I've got three full-frame bodies and one APS-C body, but I'm looking into selling one of the FF bodies to get a compact kit with good weather sealing for hiking. I think the MFT manufacturers need to focus on keeping the size and price down, since that's arguably what differentiates them from larger sensor systems.
I am more concerned with kit size. The combination G9 II + Pany Leica 12 - 60mm + Olympus 45mm F1.2 is what I use most of the time. Could not be happier with the size and the quality.
I own three Panasonic GH5S cameras and one GH6 with half a dozen Pana Leica lenses. I shoot mainly event videos and two people sitting interviews. The market in that segment is still quite weak, so I am glad I have not invested heavily into full frame cameras and glass. My planning horizon is 3-5 years so I shall use what I have and see what happens.
I've shot only Nikon since the F3 came out. About a year ago I bought a used GH5 and totally fell in love. Not only was it a wonderful camera body, but the huge selection of great lenses that were both small and inexpensive opened up all sorts of options. Yes, more small and "affordable" MFT bodies would be great, but perhaps what is needed is a good old fashioned advertising campaign reminding folks how fun a camera can be.
I use MFT and has just upgraded my MFT system (from EM-5 ii to OM-1, together with a few new lenses). The ultimate reason for me to not to switch to full frame is lens weight and size, as I do mostly travel photography. Looking forward, I would be very happy if there can be collaboration (if not M&A) between OM Systems and an action cam manufacturer (e.g. dji or Insta360). The Pocket 3 has shown that a larger sensor in another form factor can be a success.
I think one the major key feature that I love the most in M43 systems is the incredible In body image stabilization. A cheap mirrorless full frame or an old DSLR wont probably have one, and if it does have one, especially for mirrorless, is far too expensive than M43 cameras. I believe M43 are still the best choice for street photography and casual, travel cameras because they are super small. I dont want to carry a "pro FF" camera for travel. Its ridiculous.
Your video confirms something I've been feeling for a time. I've had a G9 for a couple of years and enjoyed it immensely. I've taken several thousand images with it, some of which I've been pleased with. The many bad ones are due to the ineptness of the photographer and not the camera lol. I believe the major advantages of MFT against FF were IBIS, compactness and low expense. When you consider the G9ii is similarly priced to the S5ii then the cost equation is negated. The size of the G9ii is pretty much the same as the S5ii/S5iix (same body practically) so the compactness issue is negated. The IBIS of the G9ii might be possibly be superior to the S5ii (that's speculation on my part as I have no evidence to support that) but the S5ii by all accounts has a much superior IBIS than it's nearest competitors, the Sony A7iV and Canon R6ii and certainly it's found to be more than adequate. So, that's the stability advantage negated. So Why buy a G9ii? I have literally just faced that same decision when moving up from my G9. Fortunately I only have two MFT lenses (14-140ii and PL 100-400) so no great investment. This means the move to FF was an easy one for make to mean I get better low light performance and that shallow depth of field I've been hankering after for some time. I dithered about getting a Sony A7iv for the extra resolution but in the end I couldn't stretch to that budget,. So I'm really pleased with my S5ii and the 20-60mm kit lens and 50mm f/1.8 I got in the bundle. I'm pleased with being able to leave the camera on auto iso to get the shots I want whenever the light is a bit iffy. Which in the UK is like 99.999% of the time. So where does that leave MFT? I really agree with you Matti - I think it's struggling unless it plays to the one strength it has which is to go for the small compact market. But, it will be interesting to see what happens if the rumours of putting a MFT sensor in a phone turn out to be true.
❤ I've been with panasonic lumix exclusively for the past 10 years. I shoot both micro 4/3 and full frame. each have their own advantage, I don't necessarily prefer one over the other. my choice is always based on the requirements for the situation of the day. zen billings in canada
Lens size Matti is so much more meaningful than body. I have been shooting Nikon FF and film for 30+ years and have all the right lenses (f mount). I also have a mft kit I shoot the mft 90% of the time unless on assignment. It’s the best system for street/travel I’ve found due to the size/quality/PRICE! of the lenses. The reality is that the mft bodies were so advanced in their time that the older small bodies still compete. A gx85 (e.g.) can be had for peanuts compared to other mirrorless systems who are only catching up now. I think “real” photographers understand this value and will keep the system alive. I love your work and your videos. Been watching for years but first post. Much love from Philadelphia have a great new year.
I used to think those small MFT cameras were for beginners. After a few years as an amateur, I have a growing fondness for them and am amazed at the quality of the photos one can get, especially vs phones. I don't see any reason MFT has to be doomed, many "real" photographers are begging for new MFT bodies.
"The reality is that the mft bodies were so advanced in their time that the older small bodies still compete. " Very true. I still use my EM5 M2 and have recently bought some PRO lenses for it rather than upgrading the body. For what I do (mostly hiking, street and travel stills) the body is more than adequate so I have no incentive to upgrade. Having said that, if they put out a PEN F M2 I would snap one up immediately.
I have 2 GX-8s and 1 GH5 Mii. The GX-8s are great for 4K video as they can run until the battery is exhausted without overheating (my Samsung S-21 runs 2-4 minutes). They are also much smaller / lighter than the GH5. Then there are the lenses which are much smaller and lighter than full frame equivalents allowing you to pack smaller or pack more for the same weight as full frame. I don't blame my equipment for the quality of my work, it's way beyond my skill level.
I love m4/3rds and have fully committed to it owning 3 Olympus & 3 Panasonic bodies, mostly bought used plus associated lenses and a few 3rd party ones too ! The system suits my needs especially the compact cameras like my E-P5, Pen-F. GX8 and infra red converted GF1. What I'd like to see is a return to smaller body format but with high end features.
I see this as a cost / performance issue. General photography has been taken over by the Smartphones. For "enthusiasts / Pro" photography, M43 caramers may be smaller (but not by much) and as you said, they are not substential cheaper. For enthusiasts / prosumers, the full frame sensor just produces better technical images "most of the time". Prosumers will have the skills to create good images regardless of format, but for the general enthusiasts ... full frame has the lattitude to produce "better technical" images will lesser skills ... The above equally applies to APS-C cameras as well. Full frame and smartphones basically hit the cost / performance sweet spot for now and will continue to own the largest market share. Just my 2 cents.
That's mostly true, but not for real estate photography, macro photography, or sports and wildlife photography, and those are the areas where Panasonic and Olympus need to focus their efforts. Better glass for sports and wildlife photography should be the primary focus now, focusing on bright prime lenses with apertures of f/2.8 or brighter. Also, both companies should have a new MFT camera with dual card slots for around $1,000-$1,200 for real estate photographers. Such a camera need not have a huge buffer, but it should have a high resolution mode and excellent dynamic range. Perhaps wide angle tilt/shift lenses could also be a great addition for that. (Anybody from Laowa reading this?) A macro zoom lens could also be a great way to dominate the world of macro photography since that's something that no other camera manufacturer has ever produced, as far as I am aware.
I'm a sports photographer with golf being my big money maker. I switched from Canon a few years ago to a few EM1X's because I was tired of carrying around the long 2.8's. I have the PanLeica 200mm 2.8 and the Oly 40-150mm 2.8 along with a few 1.2 primes and I couldn't be happier. I also have field sports covered, even at night.
@@JessDemant Canon and Sony definitely have better subject detection and tracking for sports photography, especially when the subject is wearing a helmet. They also have better low light performance and the ability to blur out the background more, but the downside is you have to carry around bigger, heavier lenses. It's always a trade off. However, in terms of value for money, it's hard to beat an OM-1 or even a G9 II.
You may be right Matti. I am in the M43 and Fuji systems. I like the RF bodies for street photography. I use small primes. For me, the difference between M43, APSC, and full frame images isn’t all that great. I don’t own a full frame camera due to the additional size and weight compared to crop sensor bodies. I am satisfied with my Panasonic GX bodies and compact 15, 20, 25, and 45mm lenses. As pointed out by a previous poster, camera sales are in decline. Many people are satisfied with images from their phones. They are good and becoming better. Phone cameras destroyed the point & shoot market. Will they destroy the camera market in general other than for professionals? I hope not. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Smartphone may have wiped out the point and shoot cameras but they were being done away by camera makers, I started digital photography 15 years ago with a Canon point and shoot ,it was a way to learn digital photography, but for some reason they started doing away with the view finder and the dials became so small to be useless, then t he shutter lag and the little power zoom lens left me wanting for a camera that I could change lenses on and did not have a micro size sensor, it's one of many reasons why I hate taking photos on a smartphone.
You are the first photo gear reviewer I’ve seen in a long time whose photography actually inspires me. I have no opinions on m43, clicked out of curiosity, and I feel like I’ve just stepped away from a top notch art show. Thank you for sharing your expertise and your art ❤
m43 users since 2010, and FF 2-3 years ago. You are right, mostly. One more crucial point is m43 cannot nail their product positioning correctly. IMHO, m43 is the best system for 1/ travel, bcos lens are small from wide to long tele 2/ Vlogging, bcos IBIS is far superior 3/ VDO, bcos frame rate & IBIS Those three are m43 real competitive advantage with huge market size. Now, OM seems to be static. Their OM5 is big miss opportunity. Lumix is very clever in sharing the same body as FF (G9II S5II) so they save cost significantly. I think they will pursue this strategy going forward, while focusing on FF. I will keep my m43 since I love GX9 and few lens. I will use until they are broken.
Thank you so much for this video. I moved from the Panasonic G9 to the S5 and now S5ii. My main reason for going the full frame route was light sensitivity and training. In learning photography from books and RUclips, it really helped me understand better what everyone was teaching me in full frame. Lame I know, but my brain just clicked better with full frame, and I got better results photographically. Thanks for such a thought provoking video. Excellent work!
Happy new year Matti and thanks for another great video. Interesting take on the MFT market Matti. I agree on many of the reasons people are choosing FF over MFT but I’m much more optimistic on its future. It’s never been a sales leader (except in Asia) but that doesn’t mean it’s dying. On the size question yes, the bodies are now comparable, to the point where the G9ii and the S5ii use the same body but lenses are still far smaller, lighter and more affordable, they are easier for R&D and production. I also do feel that for many people that weight and system size is a major factor especially as we get older. Where I really do agree with you is your last few sentences. Both OMDS and Lumix have left the small camera development behind. I have said for years that a GX8 replacement but with up to date sensors,IBIS, focus and all the other features is long overdue and I’d swap that for my big G9 any day. Best wishes and thanks for your vision
I have a GX80 and G9. Wouldn’t like to choose between them if it came to choosing only one. They serve different daily circumstances. The GX80 is more compact and discreet but the G9 is a workhorse and satisfying beast to hold and use.
I just bought one having FF and APS-C and since having SCI MFT has given me new life. I love it and dont find it less pleasureable than my other FF cameras. Its like the middle ground to my phone, action cam, gimbal cam, FF, sLR etc. And when I post people enjoy the photos either way.
Recently bought a LUMIX G9 m2, have a wide range of leica lenses and especially love the 100-400 mm Leica lens - the new autofocus is insane so are the video features, SSD recording and so on. Has the camera the same body as the FF sister? Yes. Is this a bad thing? No. I had a GX9 and GX80 and found them to be too small for my rather big hands- they were some centimeters smaller but in the end I always preferred to carry my g9 and now the g9 m2. But the big difference for me is the crop factor, the excellent leica lenses, no rolling shutter and the excellent video quality…
I'm a professional sport photographer using MFT since 2016 when I sold my Nikon FF gears. I never regret that moment because I'm very happy with this syste. I have two E-M1 Mark III with a lot of Pro lenses , simply amazing. The AFC is fast enough for a difficult indoor sport like volleyball and the high iso are not a problem with LR postwork. For me a positive system.
I use m4/3 and APS-C. The problem I have with m4/3 is that neither Olympus/OM nor Lumix has made a camera with the features I want. I'm a hobbyist, so 20MP is fine. I prefer the rangefinder style cameras (Pen-F, GX8, GX9), but none of them manages to tick all the boxes. I want weather sealing (I live in Canada so a good number of days in the year involve rain or cold). The GX8 satisfies that requirement. And I want a tilt LCD (I don't use video so the articulating LCD is mostly annoying). The GX9 has the tilt screen. A GX9 successor with weather sealing would be my ideal camera. But maybe that's an uncommon niche. I'd have considered the G9II, but the articulating LCD is a deal-breaker.
For the most part I agree with you. However the screen is not a deal breaker for me and I work with both types and fixed screen cameras. What matters to me is the clarity of screen and touch functionality above all else. Weather sealing of all future bodies and lenses would be a great advantage.
Panasonic GH6, down in price now there is the new GH7, is your option. Weather sealed and tilt screen and so much more to offer. Not great but good enough af by video. For stills very very good af.
Great video and analysis of the m4/3 reality. I was one of those who sold all my Olympus m4/3 gear and PRO lenses last year. Why? Because a feeling that the community of urban photographers who loved those small primes that Olympus made a decade or more ago, was simply abandoned and neglected in the pursuit of birding, wildlife, and larger gear community. I got tired of waiting for an update of the small primes what brought me into the Olympus family from my Nikon past. When my Olympus 50mm lens became larger, and more expensive, than the Nikon 50mm I used to own, I began to see the writing on the wall on where Olympus (and now OM Systems) were headed. Just happened to be in the opposite direction of my reason to buy into m4/3 a decade ago.
Matti, for MFT to survive their cameras need to outspec bigger cameras at the same price. Problem is for instance every brand has now IBIS, Sync IS or Dual IS, PDAF, Hign Res even with motion compensation, Live Composition, Pro Capture or 4K @60p. Unfortunately the OM-5 isn’t outspending other cameras at the same price point. No animal subject recognition C-AF, no 4K @60p so it difficult to sell. You have explains all points.
I have a MFT camera I use for arduous hiking situations. I shoot almost exclusively full frame. The MFT weaknesses (as I see them) are ISO limitations and resolution limits caused by the small sensor. The strengths are possible smaller size and weight, less glass and weight and money for long lenses (e.g. An f4 300mm lens is like a 600mm full frame lens and can be a quarter of the size and cost of that 600mm lens). The problem with MFT is that the vendors forgot what made them great, and they made bigger and bigger MFT cameras. I have an Olympus E-PL7 which is teeny tiny and very light. The lenses are also small and light. However, all the latest MFT cameras are much bigger and heavier, making them useless for me. If they weigh the same as a Sigma fp L or more, then I have no interest in them unless they take advantage of their physics edge and make some good, cheap telephoto lenses. The Olympus 300mm f/4 lens is too expensive for what you get. I'm not going to pay full frame prices for MFT. Tamron and Sigma don't seem interested in making one. Here is what needs to happen to keep me interested... Instead of making bigger and bigger MFT cameras, make them smaller and lighter. Think teeny-tiny. Make 200, 300, and 400mm f4 lenses. Maybe a 200 and 300mm f2.8. You won't get full frame bokeh and resolution, but you will get the light gathering and shutter speed. I'm never going to use an MFT camera for anything but situations where weight matters and where their crop factor is an advantage instead of a disadvantage. MFT should rule the world for the birder crowd, but they don't and they won't. The are too busy trying to be like the full frame cameras. That's stoooooooooopid.
@@urswuergler3969 The ISO handling of cameras clearly improves with how new the sensor is. An ancient full frame camera, the Canon EOS 1Ds from 2002, has a sports score of 954, which indicates very poor ISO handling. The 5D from 2005 has a sports score of 1368 which is a lot better but still not great by modern FF standards. The Canon EOS R3 has a sports score of 4086. DXOMARK has not yet rated your camera, but gives a score of 1312 to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, which is as good as the 5D. Since your camera is very new, I would not be surprised if it approached 2000. The medium format Pentax 645Z has a score of 4505 and it was launched in 2014.
I love the idea of MFT and I shot with Lumix and Olympus cameras for a long time. However, I live in the UK and the weather isn't always great, plus winters are rather dark. I would say, 30-40% of my shooting is in less than ideal light and while MFT cameras did a reasonable job under those conditions, the simple step up to a compact and light APS-C body gave me that little boost in low light capability without adding massively to the size or weight.
Did you find something as competitive as m43 for weather proofing? @stuartcarden1371. The low light performance is less of an issue to me than the northern rain. That is when I reach for my OM5 and 20mm f1.4 both very able in shrugging off a down pour.
@@petegleeson1 I haven't dared test it yet. I got a Fujifilm X-T4 which is weather-sealed but who knows compared to Olympus. I would have gone back to Pentax if it wasn't for the size and weight of going back to a DSLR - They can survive everything
Can't agree more! I love MFT. I own 4 oldies LX100, EM5 MkII, GX85, and EPL8, with a bunch of lenses. Love them but aware that the end is coming (I whish I'm wrong)
You bring up many excellent points why this camera system and larger are not doing well. In my circle of friends and family for example, only I and one other have a (real) camera in addition to a cellphone. I think folks in general are just drifting away from creating art to just snapping memories.
I don't think Lumix will walk away. But I think they will end up with a much smaller lineup and video focused (but they will still take great photo, so that's not the worst). Like, I can imagine them making not much more than the G100, G95, and G9 in the future.
end is coming means also discount as a oporunity to buy last m43 camera. the real indicator will be refresh of models - in european union is running a unification to usb-c for charging. pana has a refreshed g100d with usb c. but olympus om-5 from october 2022 has just usb 2, which may indicate an end of the road for om-5 line, or om as camera manufacturer.
@@miso56 yup you got it on USB c refresh :P I expect some of Lumix new-old stock won't get it, like the Gx85 I've had forever that's still sold new. (I guess they must sell a decent number..)
Hello Matti, thx for your interesting video! I sold some years ago my whole Nikon equipment because of not using it, reasons was too heavy, too big, too much attention … I love my small Lumix Bodies GX800/880 and I am completely satisfied with the results… but my critics would go in the direction of… Why all these big sized Camera bodies with big lenses… my wish would be getting more small lenses… with smaller bodies with up to date sensor technology and a fast autofocus … to get a pocket sized Camera with results you could never get with a smartphone, for example my GX880 with the 1,7/42,5mm is a wonderful combination , a dream would be a Camera with a much better shutter, bit more resolution, flexibel screen in all directions, magnesium body, better AF, some Pancake lenses maybe like a 8mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, 60mm, 100mm… ah sorry I am just daydreaming! However, I just hope MFT will not die the next time!
All valid points from my perspective, and thanks for this forthright presentation. I shoot M43 about 80% of the time (stills only shooter) using gear that is 8-10 years old (I also shoot Nikon APS-C DSLR, Nikon + Olympus 35mm film, and 1" point and shoot cameras). Fundamentally, the question for me, as you note early on, is whether or not I am happy. I am. IQ is quite satisfactory. I love shooting with all my cameras: the IQ, how they feel in the hand, the availability and placement of controls, the size and weight. If I don't love shooting a particular camera, or am not satisfied with images SOOC, it's gone. I'm not sure what my next camera might be. At the moment: none; my current gear is perfectly adequate for what I do as an amateur stills shooter who is not trying to please anyone other than myself (and my shooting buddy, a retired pro, who has taught me so much with a gentle critical and helpful touch). If I were starting over to build a system today, I would probably be giving Sony APS-C a very hard look (Nikon and Canon don't appear to be adequately serious to me about APS-C). While the future of M43 is uncertain, at the moment I am quite content, positions of RUclips or other pundits notwithstanding.
Shoot with whatever you like. I just bought a vintage Olympus Om1. I have M4/3, APSC and FF camera’s. And yes I think M4/3 will go the way of the dodo’s but that doesn’t matter. It will be good for people who buy used and are not obsessed with better image quality they cannot see.
The reason I sold most of my MFT gear and went full frame mirrorless was that I enjoy adapting vintage lenses, and I was tired of not being able to use these lenses at their intended fields of view. I still do have an EM10 Mark III and my mint condition original E-P1 (which I do very occasionally still use with a BCL15 attached).
I bought my first MFT camera 12 years ago, and my last MFT camera a year ago. I tried to make it work for my needs…and think it’s a great format for many photographers. I was reluctant to give up on MFT, but the first time I shot with a full frame (LUMIX) I instantly knew it was the camera I needed. I had heard for years that the differences between MFT and other formats was small…but in my experience, full frame had very noticeably better output. I love my camera and L Mount lenses…and haven’t looked back.
10 месяцев назад
I got boot and yes, the diferece makes your Word easyer
I have two full frame cameras, a Sony A7III and Leica Q2. Yes, there is a low light advantage for the Sony [in particular], but there are more important pros and cons in other areas that are more important for different people and scenes most of the time. These don’t always favour full frame. The FF ones I use cannot match either Panasonic or Olympus in-body stabilisation, especially not for video. The A7III has an inferior viewfinder and one redundant control dial for the way I use it [sorted on A7IV]. Fact is, every camera is different and so are shooters and it’s a matter of matching each other for the ideal combination. Whatever is ‘best’ today though, will inevitably be outclassed within two or three years at most.
Your thoughts are solid...no disagreement here. I have a Panasonic G85, and paired with the 14-140 it has been a great travel companion, amazing range and versatility for the easily packable compact size and weight. But I did finally switch from m43 to full frame, and what let it happen was unexpected. I thought full frame DSLRs and their lenses were too big and heavy. But when the big names went mirrorless full frame, many of the lower end models were surprisingly compact. I found that the combination of Sony A7c and Tamron 28-200 was compact and light enough for me, and I switched. So it was not only because new m43 bodies were too large, but some new full frame mirrorless bodies were unexpectedly small, and it was those opposite movements that closed the gap enough for me to jump. I’m happy with my Sony full frame, but I still can’t imagine giving up my G85. I keep it because its compact versatility is still an advantage for some types of photography. And there is also a force in the other direction: For those who want to continue with m43, the impressive new AI applications that more effectively reduce noise and upscale resolution can help m43 images close the quality gap with larger sensors.
Isn’t the whole digital camera market, not just MFT, “not doing well”? Last time this was brought to my attention, the story was that mobile phones were killing the consumer camera market. The hobby-enthusiast and professional markets for stand-alone digital cameras are pretty darn small.
Recreational photography (mostly retro film shooters due to cheap film and cameras) surged during COVID. Coming out of the lockdowns the cost of old film cameras (and especially good film) shot up due to the high demand and a lot of people went into digital cameras to get their fix. Just within the past 3ish years the industry has had a small boom (I've heard numbers from last year dipped slightly but this was after a big surge). While phone cams are now extremely sophisticated, they do still have downsides that even a simple point and shoot can remedy. Things like optical zoom (big one), manual exposure controls, physical dials; cameras with larger sensors unlock even more benefits like more dynamic range (better graduation between color changes), more control over DOF subject separation, vastly improved low light performance, EVF for tough shooting situations, weather proof bodies, etc. Even from a hobby-enthusiast perspective, having more control over the exposure with the presence of physical controls is more than enough reason to use these digital cameras rather than the phone that is so conveniently always in my pocket, and that's ignoring all the other benefits. I think a lot of people are waking up to the reality that having something that does 1 thing very well is better than something that conveniently does many jobs okay. It also has the added benefit that your phone is just a phone and having a ridiculous camera is no longer a selling point to you when choosing one to buy.
Global digital camera market size 2024 is $5.4 Billion dollars set to grow at 4.8% CAGR until 2029 when it will reach $6.8 Billion. The point and shoot cameras declined through phone camera improvements and take up but the enthusiast market is growing at a good rate.
@@angeloplayforonesony rised due to the knowledge from konica minolta. original sony cameras where weak. pana will cut all model lines without perspective and will share a lot between ff and m43 (see g9ii), so m43 can survive. but om has no chance ...
@@angeloplayforone Excuses for what? MFT market share? I am a Sony shooter, with 3 Sony digital cameras, including the RX-100, A7ii, and A7Rii. Is that 24% growth in market share out of a shrinking pie? What’s the net growth in sales & profits? That was my main question.
I agree, the OM1 has so many cool features, live nd, hand held hi res, pro capture etc., but in normal use I don’t use them. People argue you can use some of them to reduce the noise in the images, but a larger sensor also does that.
Hi Matti I got into MFT after comparing the cost of Flagship cameras, When I did my comparison, MFT Flagship cameras cost around about a fifth to a quarter of the cost of Full Frame Flagship cameras. I don't think that has changed all that much. Then, I looked at the cost of professional lenses as a comparison and saw that MFT lenses were so much cheaper than Full Frame lenses. I then did a wish list kit exercise, and the saving by going MFT was between £20,000 and £50,000 at that time. Then I looked at the secondhand market. Sad to say, the secondhand market for Full Frame mirrorles cameras is pretty dire. The secondhand market for Full Frame mirrorless lenses doesn’t exist, as most Full Frame manufacturers don't even have a full line up of new lenses for people who are investing in a new full Frame mirrorless system. I think the Canon decision to not let third parties make lenses for its Full Frame miirrorless system reflects how difficult it is for them to make money even when they're charging between 4 and 5 times what MFT manufacturers are charging for a Flagship camera. Will my photographs improve 4 or 5 folds if I switch to Full Frame, or will I take a real financial beating by paying the inflated prices for Full Frame in the longer term? That's a hypothetical question, I thankfully will not have to answer as I went MFT secondhand and now possess my wish list kit. It takes pictures I like, and no one can persuade me to pay 4 or 5 times more for kit to take those same pictures in the ridiculous hope that the pictures will be 4 or 5 times better.
Not exactly true. A Canon R6 Mark ii costs $2,300 at BH. An OM-1 costs..... $2,000 at BH. That's only a $300 difference where the R6 ii gets 4 extra megapixels, the best autofocus and will absolutely destroy the OM-1 in noise levels across the board... and then there's bokeh. Sure, the OM-1 has a few things going for it (HHHR, Live ND, the ergonomics and compact size). But... none of those really trump the R6ii when shooting photos normally. M43 needs to come down in price even more to make up for its shortcomings... OR, the sensors and ISO noise needs to improvement. Hard to swallow a $2,000 price tag when an R6ii is just a bit more.
@thomasanderson5929 I didn't realise the R6 Mark ii was Canon's Flagship camera? Why is the R3 £6,000 if it isn't the Canon Flagship? Are seriously suggesting I get into a Full Frame GAS burn out by spending my money on a none Flagship ie. Inferior camera in a manufacturers product range?
I would refer to myself as a "fan-man"...Thank you for your fair assessment and all the assistance you've offered over the past 5 years I've been watching your videos. Enjoying, always ...the back and forth of this discussion!
I have used MFT for a long time and I loved it. I simply wanted a better dynamic range and superior low light performance and when my dealer offered a Lumix S1 for a very good price and also gave me a very good price for my MFT system I switched to full frame. But I always missed the small and compact GX8 with a good Leica 12-60! I would love to buy an upgraded LX100 III with a completed concept (swiveling screen, great AF etc.) as the ideal 24/7 camera but I fear that Panasonic is not interested in this model anymore. So I wait until there is a final statement. If I cannot get a small MFT camera with a fixed lens I will maybe buy something like this with an APSC sensor.
Fuji has stopped producing compact X cameras. Olympus and Panasonic upsized the 4/3’s. we need a compact Leica like camera that can upload immediately to social media with wifi and Bluetooth. Rangefinder seems to be the domain of Sony and Ricoh right now.
I actually got myself OM-5 end of 2023 ... and I really like it. I got 2 FF, 1 S35 and 1 APS-C cameras already :D. OM-5 is almost all the time with my (with 9mm, 17mm and 45mm).
My very first changeable lens cameras were MFT - an E-M1 Mk 2 and a GX8. Since then I've owned a Sony a7c, a7r4, Canon R5 and Fuji x-H2. I returned to MFT with an OM-1 and, recently, a G9 Mk2. By chance, yesterday, I spent a lot of time rating photos I've taken over the years. Almost every one that I really liked in terms of IQ and 'capturing the moment' was taken with the OM-1. My main subject is wildlife and this is where MFT really shines. The long reach, lightweight lenses, coupled with the speed and technology of the OM-1 are unbeatable. Yes, some full frame cameras have some of that technology, but not all. And for wildlife the equivalent lenses are huge. Let's hope that sports, wildlife and, perhaps, reportage photographers can help maintain this wonderful system's viability.
In my opinion I think the video explains it well. The MFT camera system is generally really small (except generally for the camera body) which can be a deciding factor for someone that is totally ok. But the biggest issue is really the price, basically 2k for the flagship either on the panasonic or om-system its insanely expensive in my opinion for a MFT. Really for that price you can choose either an APS-C or even a full frame camera (Im not saying that bigger is better) so really a lot of costumers would really prefer the bigger sensor. Also Im only talking about camera body price, not the whole system, but also going 3rd party on either APS-C or FF the third party cheaper options like Sigma or Tamron makes a tougher decision because then the whole system becomes cheaper. For many people MFT would be the perfect choice tbh. They still have great cameras, great lenses and overall a great system that is trying to improve every day. For me personally I considered buying a panasonic G9 or either the G9 mkII but I backed out of it. The main reason for not going MFT for me was the lack of a high megapixel camera body. Im a pixel peeper and also I crop images to get more reach sometimes or just to try different compositions and see what works best, and for me, the 26mp on the G9 was not enough for me (For most people is plenty enough tho). Looking at the market I could get a Fujifilm XH2 used for around the same price or sometimes cheaper and that body has 40mp. Same story with the Sony A7rIII, or I could save a little bit more to get the 61mp of the A7rIV (Again overkill for most people but is just the way I shoot and how I compose my images). A downside that many people see in a small sensor is the lack of a tiny field of view due to the smaller sensor, but if you are not shooting portraits, I think you wouldnt even notice. I used to shoot with an APS-C camera and got really nice out-of-focus backgrounds even not using a professional lens. The only real downside that people, me included, is the fact of not the best low light capability but it is to be understandable due to sensor size. Again if you are not shooting in low light situations you could be really fine with any type of camera tbh. FF is not the best because bigger is better, you really have to find the camera body that suits your needs and really not be ashamed of not having a "professional FF camera" because what works for you might not work for others, even if you just like taking pictures with your phone then go for it. I have used FF, APS-C, 1 inch and my phone, and I can recommend literally every single system if that is what works for you. Do your research, go to camera stores, try things out and choose the better option for you. To summarize MFT is still a great option if you dont need low light performance, a high megapixel count or extremely out-of-focus backgrounds. I recommend checking out James Popsys that used MFT for a couple of years and he really captured amazing pictures in that time using the Panasonic G9. Chis Nichols from PetaPixel uses an Olympus OM1 as and EDC, his pal Jordan Drake sometime used MFT cameras to record videos so they really showcase the even professionals use the MFT system. A more expensive camera or a bigger sensor will not make your pictures better.
as an previous Nikon camera user that switched to OM with the OM-5 i bought it for the computational features that no other camera brand seems to offer, I wish they leaned into that kind of stuff even more, it does make the cameras rather unique in my view. Even though I knew that the lenses etc would be smaller it is still a surprise and joy to use them every time, not a fan over their newer lenses that are bigger, would prefer improving the smaller ones and updating them. I am refereeing to Live Compositing, Live-Time and Live-Bulb which takes the guess work out of long exposures at seascapes, cityscapes, star trails in particular. Also in camera stacking of macro shots to a degree.
Like Matti explained, others have caught up. Nikon has implemented auto capture, pre capture, pixel shift, eye AF in manual focus mode, etc in their latest cameras.
@@victorlim5077those may be interesting but they are not the computational things I am referring too. It's the different long exposure as live time and live bulb where I can see 10min long exposure and hours long startrail exposure grow on the LCD instead of guess work.
@@victorlim5077 I am refereeing to Live Compositing, Live-Time and Live-Bulb which takes the guess work out of long exposures at seascapes, cityscapes, star trails in particular. Also in camera stacking of macro shots to a degree.
@@victorlim5077yeah probably, i mean these are niche things, they just happen to speak to me. And I do wish other cameras had similar features because taking long exposures without getting to see it develop in the LCD feels barbaric once u have experienced it. But from my understanding that tech is patented.
I think m4/3 still have its place. I am currently using GH4 for most of my RUclips videos as it is very robust video camera (long battery, 4k, 50mbs video format, wifi app, etc); great for quick RUclips videos without compromised. Other positive positive points are: native 2x crop compared to full frame- great for wildlife photography. In general m4/3 can also achieve faster frame rates and shutter speed. Think of GH6 for example, could film at 300fps @1080p. If they can achieve 1000fps @1080p and fast and natural autofocus like a human eye, I would buy it over a full frame camera in a heart beat for video function.
Yes they need to continue with the smaller bodies. I use the GX80 and Olympus pen cameras and it the size that attracts me to them. They should also work on a compact camera to rival the Ricoh GX and/or the Fuji X100, these are really popular and if they could do it at a better price I think it would be a hit.
I have all three formats and have dicovered that at 77 years of age,that good ergonomics come from bigger bodys not smaller ones.My Olympus MFT cameras have the same thing in common,they are small and fiddly to operate.My recent aquisition of a Canon APSC and a 19 years old full frame canon ,are much better in their operation.I like the feeling of having a brick in my hand as it helps stabilise my shots and also allows me to re-learn the art of photography.As for Olympus I would advise placing their MFT sensors in a larger body,with modern materials it won't have to be heavy but will give room for better ergonomics.............................
I've noticed the same and feel very sorry for that. For me as a former Canon FF-shooter the MFT systems light , compact and affordable lenses and guaranteed water resistance (Oly) and ruggedness of the system has been very welcome for nature and macro work. I still have my Canon for studio-type work or if low light capability is essential. Also human AF-tracing is better on my R6. Actually I don't see a point in selecting one system to do everything. Right tool for the right job! MFT for lightweight travel etc, FF or medium format for serious work were size and weight are less important. For MFT I really miss those GX- and pen type small rangefinder style bodies alongside bigger bodies for casual street and party photography. Not a single model is available!
I agree with most of your points. I've been contemplatng of trying MFT format as I only have Nikon APSC and full frame cameras. However, what was making me hesitant in venturing into MFT has been confirmed with what you mentioned in your video. It's a great video, we need videos like this!
I use consumer level M43 kit as a second system, a G80 and four lenses in a very small and lightweight bag. It is fun and less intimidating for subjects than my FF system. There are many like me buying used M43 kit, but only a few buying the latest G9 ii etc bodies and Pro lenses as new. So I guess Matti that you are right, however I will continue to enjoy being a secondary M43 shooter for a long time yet.
Very happy to see the g9 II, this shows the system won't really die. It's evident that Panasonic shares R&D costs effectively between their full frame and m43 product lines. The g9 II is basically a m43 sensor and improved software in an existing ff product's body. Also the ff product lines got a jump start from panys great m43 software and interface. Maybe it no longer makes sense for pany to design all-new m43 body designs, but that's ok if they just drop improved brains, software, and sensor generations into unchanged gm1 and gx9 bodies for Mark II models! Seems like minimal r&d 😊
Congratulations on being willing to adopt a provocative stance. My thoughts on M43 are as follows: (1) Smaller lens sizes are a big advantage for many wildlife shooters. I would dread carrying a full-frame 200-400mm lens, but M43? No problemo. Also M43 lenses generally cost less than full frame. So TOTAL system cost is a factor. (2) Panasonic just brought out the G9ii (which I bought, I own a G9 and love it). Usually tech flows from the flagship down to lesser models, so there may be new gear coming with that new tech. OM Systems is another matter and they may be on the ropes, I mean why did Olympus unload it? (3) I see APS-C in more danger. Except for Sony, it's another lens mount for camera makers to support. Even Sony makes APS-C-specific lenses, which costs in R&D. Why go halfway? Either choose ultimate image quality (full frame) or best portability with interchangeable lenses (M43). I think Canon and Nikon will ultimately drop their APS-C lines.
I think the basic issue here is cost of manufacture. For example, building a 25mm f/0.9 lens capable of resolving 24 MPix on a M43 sensor is a massively bigger engineering challenge than building an equivalent 50mm f/1.8 lens capable of resolving the same resolution on a FF sensor. Full frame systems are therefore already becoming the cheaper option, with M43 systems becoming the domain of professional videographers where sensor readout speed is paramount.
Quite an objective evaluation Matti...The main advantage of the Microfour thirds format is the compact nature of the telephoto lenses where no other format can match...if only there are some fundamental quantum leap in sensor technology (in terms of Dynamic range, low light performance and Megapixels) the format can still be attractive ...both OM systems and Panasonic do not have research and manufacturing department for sensors...this is the greatest drawback in their not progressing as much as the other big names like Sony Nikon and canon who have a wide range in pure sensor variations in their Full frame brands (from entry level to Top end).
I enjoy very much the image quality of my Panasonic G9. I will definitely enjoy the image quality of the new G9ii. Seeing all the reviews ,it has a lot to offer , very advanced features and capabilities.Definitely a mile stone in the m43 development, excelling many apsc and even full frame cameras. On top of it , you have the basic advantages of of MFT, price,small size and much lighter weight with the lens, and very big selection of quality lenses. For photographers looking for these advantages, this is a very good hybrid solution.
I had a Lumix LX00 M2. Then I jumped into the G9. After spending a couple of years with the G9 I wasn't happy with the results in low light. The ISO had to be very high and thus more noise. So, I sold the G9 and got a SONY A7IV. The image quality has improved quite a lot in low light conditions. However I must say the G9 has a better colour result than the Sony. The colour with the G9 was more lively and the colours did jump out with it. Im happy to have started with the M4/3 I have learnt and got me to move deeper into photography as an amateur photographer.
What appeals most on MFT to me is the compactness of the lenses and the much lower cost of those lenses. It's the main reason I switched from Sony FF to MFT. I do have to admit that I sometimes miss the colours of my Sony - especially my A7S, the A7III less so. Out of the G9, GH6 and EM-1X I do think that the Olympus colours are sometimes better than those of Panasonic. Not sure if there is still a market for mid range bodies? Looking at Olypmus they have the 1, 5 and 10 series, easy to understand but is there still room for the 10 range? Not sure they could remove it and lower the cost of the other two slightly. For Panasonic they have been focussing more on their high end lately with the G9-II and GH6 so next body should be a G85 replacement. Then again plenty of GH5 and G9's out there on the second hand market so the new mid range would need to be positioned at the same price level with some compelling new features. Both my G9 and EM-1X were second hand btw as is most of my glass.
In the last two years I saw many second hand MFT gear on the used market and recently that supply has dwindled. It seems that many people have sold their MFT kits and that now those who wanted out are out at least that is the case in France. I was lucky enough to benefit hugely from this and made myself a comprehensive kit that make me feel that the only limitation is my own creativity and not any technical issue. Macro, wildlife, extreme wide angle I can do all and get a level of image quality and automation that is good enough for my needs and my skills. Of course I could chase the silver bullet and upgrade at huge cost to something better but would it takes more meaningful images, would it improves my composition, would it makes me a better photographer ? What I like about MFT is that it is a system I can carry with me everywhere and that it allows me to explore many types of photography and have fun doing it. One other thing I like about MFT is the format, I always struggled with 2:3 aspect ratio and prior to MFT was very fond of 4x5, 6x7 or 6x6 film cameras. It may sound strange but to me that feature is very important since it has a huge influence on how I use the camera and how it feels to compose in the viewfinder. I think that last point is the most important, finding the tool that feels right, the one that does not get in the way and then concentrate on taking pictures and try not to second guess yourself constantly on your choice of gear. If MFT disappear I will keep using the gear I own till it breaks and then try to find a suitable replacement but I hope that will be a decade or two from now. By that time maybe we will have the camera wired to our eyes, weighting grams and sporting an f0.7 5mm to 2500mm zoom lens with more pixel count than there are atoms in my body :-) To paraphrase Ansel Adams we will be able to take cry sharp images of fuzzy concepts.
I recently bought an Olympus Pen E-P3 which has become my everyday carry. It beats my toy like Sony ZV-E10 for solid feel, ease of use and picture quality. Will probably pick up a P5 for newer features. OM Systems would have this segment to them selves with an updated model.
Thoughtful analysis. I particularly appreciate your insights on the psychological aspects of why people might choose other than micro four-thirds, especially regarding perceived quality versus actual quality.
Perhaps the best thing for OM is for it to be acquired by Sony. They already make the sensors, and it provides room for growth. I just don't have a lot of faith in OMDS.
I have 2 micro 4/3 cameras. Well, I'll have 3 when I get the OM1 MII. Currently I use the OM-1 as my main and the Olympus EM5 MII as my backup. My girlfriend uses Canon. 5D, 6D and R6 MII. We both Storm chase across the country in the summer months, so we both have the same lighting conditions which is typically low light windy and sometimes wet conditions.. My photos turn out as good or better than her's. I am always pushing the limits of the 4/3 systems in the worst weather conditions and I am extremely happy with the results. I love the lighter kit and the versatility the micro 4/3's systems offer. I agree with most of your reasons and maybe I'll add that the sales people are somewhat responsible for directing potential new customers to which ever brand name offers the best commissions, incentives and so on. I don't have all the answers, but I do know that I love my 4/3's system and I won't be changing that anytime soon. Cheers.
My experience with Full Frame and most APS-C cameras for video production was terrible. Either the imagery and/or stabilization wasn't up to scratch or the cameras overheated quickly. M4/3 has provided the best results for me personally.
I chose Sony APS-C over MFT for two reasons. The camera body's (A6000->A6700) are generally smaller than the MFT's I have found and looked at. The prices are also lower for both lenses and the body.
I stick with MFT as I love the lenses and the different physical properties of the sensor are actually an advantage for my photography. I switched from Nikon full frame 4 years ago and my photography has never been better. Today I would probably choose another system like Fuji. But as you say, the difference in performance would in real life be irrelevant. Funny how the main allure of MFT to me is the 3:4 form factor. I don't ever want to return to 3:2. And medium format is genuinely not an option. Although I have the OM-1 and the M5 MkIII many of my (favourite) pictures are taken with the 16 MP E-PL10... And the lens is much more decisive for the image quality than the resolution of the sensor. So, MFT is a love story for me and the gear I have will easily carry me through this decade
Hi Matti, I agree with you on many points BUT for me size is very important! My GX80 is simply a dream of a travel camera and the ideal compromise between size, flexibility and image quality. Especially with the new AI options for noise reduction in post-processing, the image quality is simply amazing. I also have an iPhone 15pro, which is nice because you always have it with you in everyday life, but I don't want to take my beautiful travel photos with it either. I have a direct comparison, it's nonsense to pretend that an MFT system can be replaced by an iPhone, the image quality of the GX80 is far, far superior to the iPhone. I also have a TZ101 Premium Compact with a 1-inch sensor, which is also great and I sometimes just have it with me, but even it can't fully replace the GX80 for the really "beautiful" photos. But the GX80 takes these really beautiful photos with everything you need, bokeh, sun stars, etc., simply everything you need. I wouldn't want to lug around comparable full-frame equipment with me on vacation or while traveling, definitely NOT. MFT should return to its original purpose of "micro". I have a GM1, which is simply CULT! Unfortunately I didn't buy a GM5 when it came out, since then I've been looking for a second-hand GM5 - almost impossible to get in Germany and if so then at fantasy prices far above the new price at the time. Greetings from Hamburg Germany!
Many MFT (Micro Four Thirds) users value the portability of the system. Manufacturers have overlooked this and stopped producing small, high-performance cameras. The latest MFT models are even larger than Full Frame. This has been a mistake, and it doesn't seem like they will address it in the short term.
I started digital photography with a Panasonic G1 and I've had (and still have) a few Panasonic bodies since then. I bought a full frame Sony 2 years ago and I love it, but I still very much enjoy going out with my GX8 for its excellent weight/size/image quality ratio. I'm really glad I didn't sell it when I bought the Sony. I also have a GM1 that I use with pancake lenses. It's such a tiny setup that it fits in the pocket of my jacket. And all the lenses are still compatible with the "bigger" GX8, which my wallet appreciates a lot.
What an overwhelming amount of comments! Thanks everyone for leaving your thoughts. I can't reply to each comment individually but I read each one carefully. Many thanks.
My impression why it is not doing well is because of peer pressure. If you have a micro 4/3 camera you know that sooner than better than later you will get comments from other photographers about why you bought such a bad camera. And, let's face it, for the same price you can get a good functioning full-frame camera at about the same size.
@@williamstatt8651 body yes - lenses definitely not.
I think part of the problem is that while they are good for beginners they require an experienced photographer to master them to get truly great results.
Thank you Matt, I totally agree with you. Size matters but the possibility to be increasingly creative while evolving with the experience too. Street photography in this regard represents the natural test bed for evolving creativity and skill. So why exceed the size of a compact and why let it cost as much or more than as src. The pen f could have possibly been the perfect camera if it had been priced less. But we all want speed. I have between the many an old Olympus c 770. It still today could be fine and I would use it if not for its annoying lack in speed and battery life. Switching on, pointing and shooting must be immediate to guarantee a satisfactory experience. This is why people buy a Ricoh GR. This is what phone cameras are pointing to.
Great straight forward video! Thanks for your thoughts and insights, Matti!
If you look at Jeremy Paige said a 85mm@f1.4 makes beautiful photo were the subject is sharp and the background mushy. This creates a contrasty scene which our brains like, easy to spot predators, so brain gives you a dopamine hit so stay in those safe areas. Jeremy said it's the equipment that's making those images and not the photographer and he shoots at 28mm and 35mm, where you're not going to get that mushy DOF and it down to the photographer to construct a compelling composition. Most of this FF is so professionals can produce mushy photos as by product of the equipment and not really have to work hard construct a photo....
I stopped using M43 when my daughter started stealing it to shoot live band performances. Her work is fantastic
I watched my first "MFT is dying / dead" video around 2014, it's nice to watch another one for the 10th anniversary. and I look forward to watching another one in 2034.
What was the 10th anniversary "MFT is dead" video you watched? I'm happy you came to watch this after that because in this one I hope MFT will survive and express my fondness for MFT😀
@@mattisulanto Don't cha think he's referring to your video here? I don't think MFT is going anywhere but if it is...why would I care? I love it myself.
Who made that video in 2014? The dead videos comes from 2020, so 4 years ago.
But now it’s actually happening. OMDigital is finished releasing new bodies or lenses. Everything it released was already in progress when Olympus unloaded its camera division. Now that there’s nothing left in the pipeline, they can’t release anything themselves, just rebranded products. It’s sad, but that’s how it is and people see that.
@@melgross The “MFT is dead” videos that I watched never talked about the quality of the system, but said that for the future, where the market is compromised of mostly enthusiast and professionals m43 system will have it difficult.
Their arguments where mostly around the market preference for full frame by most customers and the falling prices of FF cameras. Besides that argument an other argument they used is that the lenses of FF will fall in prices as Chinese manufacturers will enter the market and sell cheap lenses. Tony Northrup even envisioned a USD 500 FF camera. So all their arguments where around failing prices as the sensor is not the most important part that dictates the pricing of a camera.
As a matter of fact, Panasonic S5, Nikon Z5, Sony A7 III and Canon RP are selling between USD 900 and USD 1400. So their predictions where somewhat correct. Only the USD 500 did not materialize and the cheap Chinese lease also as Canon and Nikon has a thigh grip on third party lenses. But the trend they predicted is correct.
Also compare the sizes of many FF lenses and FF camera this have decreased making the argument of smaller cameras of m43 disappear.
The whole argument of dead of m43 was around economics, market preference and the most used photography style which is shooting people. Having a FF camera and m43 camera for the same price will lead that a majority of consumers will chose FF as they don’t need the extra features of m43. High frames shooters and birders are a minority. Hence the m43 will have a shrinking market to sell until the system is not profitable any more.
I recently bought GX8 with 14-140 on a family trip, leaving all my full frame gears at home, and was very happy with the results. For MFT to survive, it has to capitalize on its unique advantages - the lens size. Go after enthusiasts market with retro styling, that’ll be a winning combination. GR3x, Nikon Zf/Zfc are all on top selling lists. Revive pen f, push for smaller/retro styling lens to go with it.
Yes, you can contrast the 14-140 lens [I have two copies] with a 28-280 Sony lens. The Sony is three times the size and feels like four times the weight for no advantage. Yes I have one of those too but while the Panasonic 14-140 10X zoom is my most used lens, I hardly ever use the Sony 10X zoom.
I totally agree. The format's downfall has more to do with poor managements (both Olympus and Panasonic) than the format itself. Make a new Pen-F and new GX9 with PDAF, weather-seal them if possible, and along with some fast pancake lenses that are also weather-sealed, they sure will sell like hot cakes. OM should really use compactness, weatherproofing, and durability as selling points. Another thing that I'd like to point out is that when you purchase a lens from Olympus/OM, you seldom get a bad copy. I think OM should emphasize this when they are marketing their products. Anyway, I hope m43 will do well in the near future with some exciting products that people would desire to own.
I agree. Even tho other systems have caught up with the technology and body size they still can't beat the compact lenses mft has.
After using the Sigma FP I don't wan't a DSLR-style body anymore for general use. I want a compact rangefinder body that can be modded for cinema work if needed.
Yes the larger size for a smaller sensor is making zero sense, a tiny camera is what mft is good for. Give me that with ability to take long videos for reasonable price and I would be sold.
The problem with the micro 4/3 and the APC is that many mediocre photographers prefer to blame on the size of the sensor rather than accept their lack of talent.
I think the real problem is that a lot of m43rds owners can’t accept the limitations inherent to the system and instead try to prove again and again the mount is viable. Yes it is, but the manufacturers need to make products that really play to the strengths of the format.
@@Raist3db I can't imagine Cartier-Bresson complaining because Weegee uses a larger negative camera than him.
@@Raist3db It is viable. M43 cameras have several positive traits vs full frame and several negative traits. One positive is lens size. I can bring all my lenses including 100-300 or 100-400, I would hate carrying an 800mm full frame lens. The image stabilization is better due to smaller sensor size, i.e easier to shoot handheld etc. The performance in dark environments is worse due to sensor size and so on.
@@Raist3db
What limitations though? I own all formats even 1 inch sensor pocket cameras, they pretty much do the same, but you wont get as blurry images as compare up full frame at f3.5 since vast majority uses cheap lenses thats what they work with, you might not get as clean ISO at 3200.
But again, most people shoot at auto.
The only limitation on the sensor size matters in jobs that require huge prints.
Had using olympus em1 mk2, and lately om1 since 5 years with pro lenses.. Love the system much more than my ff camera.. Everything is better, the grip, ibis, features, depth of field…
But as a very long exposure photographer, i must admit than the m43 raw files suffer when working on them..
So.. There are limitations..
And believe me, i really wished they were not !
I live in Southern Africa and spend as much time in the bush as possible. I adore my 100-400 zoom on g95. A FF 800mm prime costs more than my 4x4. Love me my MFT universe.
I have nothing to dispute, or add, I think you covered it. I guess I've become so used that MFT is dying, or dead, or not doing well, that started ignoring it at this point. And the truth is, even if MFT went away tomorrow, my MFT cameras would probably continue to work for at least another decade, and certainly outlive my next camera purchase(s) anyway.
Yes, but it would be harder to get repairs/FW/software after a while.
Having owned an older car in my youth you get tired of the obstacles.
@@formermpc10 Bro, I still having my sony a6000 for 9 years now, las FW Update was on 2016. Camera still running excellent with 110k SC.... Does that mean sony is dying? Not at all, however they wanted to let the a6000 die 8 years ago... Anyway, the cameras don't even need FW to keep working. The OM1 or G9 you use today will probably continue to work for many more years, probably working until the Sony A7RV I have is treated like scrap in some years...
MFT was declared dead when it was presented at Photokina in 2007, a year prior its introduction to public.
Mirrorless, EVF, IBIS, weather sealing, retro compatibility with MF lenses were mocked or considered as useless by majors and magazines.
Nowadays, all majors have just or mainly mirrorless cameras with IBIS, EVF, weather sealing and retrocompatibility, lots of praised systems or brands are dead .
For me it is the lack of smaller MFT cameras…you can largely match or beat the size and weight of new MFT with APSC (ok, maybe not at the long end). So the solution, get back to some smaller cameras. I have a small Sony and it works very well but to quote a recent comment from your friend Robin Wong ‘ Sony has no soul; it delivers results and a lot of pros use it, but when shooting for fun they go for MFT or Fuji etc” I would say that sums up my experience. Kind of reminds me of the iPhone (mft) vs Android arguments. I’ve chosen to wait 3 more months and if no new small MFT I’m off to Sony. As for sensor not good enough I recall a RUclipsr who did a comparison of 1 inch, MFT and FF sensors and large prints and there was effectively no difference at all at normal viewing distance… hey wait a minute that was you! I think you raised some good points..and yes folks buy a big sensor camera and then only post on RUclips, where a camera phone would be more than good enough. We are simply too wealthy perhaps for our needs, especially since probably the biggest purchaser of cameras are recreational users.
I'm waiting too and like you if nothing new soon I'm also off to the "dark side" (Sony).
I agree and my GX80 continues to serve (with the help of gaffer tape). Nevertheless, compact aps-c cameras offer most of the m43 experience, with advantages of their own.
Go for canon! My a7r4 sensor is a dust magnet, I can’t change lenses without having a dust blower on hand. Also not a fan of the non articulating screens, we’re not in 2012 anymore.
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Gordon. Especially the "too wealthy for our needs" comment. It's sad because, as an MFT user, I know that MFT cameras and lenses are capable of producing great image quality, albeit allowing for the sensors' inherent limitations. That said, with the latest software, even noise issues aren't really a limiting factor anymore.
Try the Olympus ep7
Thanks for this video. I have been a Nikon user for 40 years (I started with a Nikkormat FT2) but two years ago I added Olympus to my kit. I have nearly always bought second-hand gear. My biggest Nikon sensor is 36.3 mp, and the files already a challenge to process. I’m not about to give up my Nikon gear for wildlife and macro work, but I am really enjoying using my 3 Olympus cameras - EM5, EM5 ii, and EM1 ii. I value the build quality - especially the solid metal bodies - the portability and the software capabilities. I hope OM Systems and Panasonic keep developing new products, but even if they don’t it won’t be the end of the world for me, because the second-hand market is likely to be strong for many years to come - at least for the rest of my active life. Best wishes for 2024!
You do not have the best of Olympus, the OM D E M1X, the specs of this camera is much better than all those you mentioned in your text! There are many videos in here about the camera. Check it out! Many greetings
It’s not dead. It’s only dead in people’s eyes who keep saying it is. It’s now a mature system with an incredibly well rounded lens line up. Two incredible leading cameras. Some more entry level ones would be good as would a rangefinder style one. But personally I am incredibly happy with it and their latest offerings.
I think this system takes abit too long to be developed enought for it to convince people its good to buy one. Back then M43 cams were almost non existed because nobody heard of it. The sensor only takes like 12 megapixels and some Lumix bodies dont have in body stabilization... Only now is the time to get one because they get better and better.
Mature = ready to die.
All formats have a life cycle. The four-thirds fans also thought that format would last forever.
@@formermpc10
It doesn’t matter, as there are so many m4/3 cameras and lenses on the used market. This will last for the next 10 or 15 years . By then there will be something completely revolutionary on the market which wipes all the formats out. I have 5 other cameras of different formats including a lovely ‘clunky’ dslr which takes absolutely fabulous photos. I print to A3 and people beg prints off me. I would only ever buy used, as why pay full price for something!
@formermpc10 Last time I went shooting wildlife with my friends, everyone was asking about my gear, the cost, I got offers to sell it, and heard regrets about choosing other brands not that good for wildlife. We must live in different universes.
Same with film, technically theres still many people shooting the old way, witch is the true soul of photography, but its a niche, just like M43.
Hi Matti, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject. I moved from APS-C to MFT last year, and never looked back. Bought a second hand Lumix GX85, and couldn't be happier: great photos and stunning 4K videos! Even paired the body with a vintage Sigma lens (with adapter) - perfect results.
I just started again my photography journey with MFT with the EM5.3, and as far as Im concerned it's doing great! As you said though, OM and Pana don't seem to be rushing for innovation, meanwhile powerhouses in other formats are getting smaller and smaller.
For my usecase, the compacity and the format are still a big selling point. I can fit my camera and 4 lenses, including the 12-40 F2.8 Pro and the kit telephoto in an insert bag that fills less than half my backpack, which allows me to carry everything with me all the time. I've also found the MFT community to be incredibly supportive, so it's a great experience for me overall.
The EM5.3 and the 12-40 2.8, a brilliant combination imho. 👍👍👍
@@tomfenn7149 Agree. That was my first MFT camera and lens. Unfortunately I lent the EM-5 Mark III to my wife and I never got it back.
PART I
Matti,
I have followed your videos for years and have great respect for you, so please put my comments into that context. First, we need to determine if there is a problem before trying to solve it. Your title to this video is “Micro Four Thirds Is Not Well…”, but you don’t provide any data or define why you make this claim. Done this way, this video does more harm than good when people just assume your statement is true. You make many interesting points - too many for me to cover in a single reply - so I will comment on four: MFT is “not well”, “Size is not everything”, MFT bodes are “too expensive”, and other camera manufacturers have “caught up”. I’m not avoiding the IQ discussion, but it’s not an issue for 95% of photographers and would require a very long reply. I agree that perception is reality for many, and MFT is still fighting that battle. This is a long post, made in two parts, and I hope some will read it to the end.
MFT IS NOT WELL
Let’s start with your premise. You say “MFT is “not well” but by what measure? At the end of your video, you make a quick reference to “MFT losing market share”. Again, no data, and said out of context or without definition that statement is not helpful. Highly successful and growing companies can lose market share because the market itself is growing. Secondly, companies can identify a specialized market for which they have a competitive advantage and be more financially successful even at the expense of market share. That is exactly what OM Digital Solutions is doing with their MFT camera line and their emphasis on outdoor and wildlife photography. The better question to ask is, “What level of sales are needed for OMDS and Panasonic to be profitable with their MFT products?”
There is an Internet “truth” that cell phones are taking sales away from digital cameras, and all manner of doom comes from that especially a shrinking digital camera market. Certainly, cell phones have all but killed off the traditional point-and-shoot digital camera, but they are also driving a greatly increased appreciation of and demand for ever better photography. As is the growing interest in film photography. The market for digital cameras in growing - not shrinking.
Imarc Group has a report on the digital camera market based on 2022 data: www.imarcgroup.com/digital-camera-market. Anyone interested in this discussion should read the introductory page of this report. They predict significant growth in global digital camera sales, and that interchangeable lens cameras will account for the major part of that growth. They list many reasons for this, but this quote is specific to this discussion. Pay special attention to the last sentence. Apparently, OMDS has because the “adventure market” is exactly the market they are attempting to dominate.
“…the increasing number of people taking photography as a hobby is catalyzing the demand for cameras that can capture high-quality images. Apart from this, the widespread adoption of mirrorless cameras, which are smaller and lighter than traditional DSLR cameras, is gaining traction among both amateur and professional photographers due to their advanced features, portability, and ease of use, which is strengthening the market growth. In addition, photography is used as a means of relaxation and stress relief. As people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and well-being, they are adopting photography as a means to cope with stress and anxiety, which is fueling the market growth. Furthermore, the growing interest of people in wildlife and nature photography, which requires specialized equipment and techniques, is increasing the sales of cameras with long zoom lenses, fast autofocus, and rugged, weather-resistant bodies, which is driving the market worldwide.”
I will say that no other camera brand/format is better equipment for “adventure” photography than OMDS/MFT because of their environmental sealing of their newest bodies and lenses, and the inherently much smaller size of longer telephoto lenses, and Lumix cameras are also highly capable.
But, let’s look at other indicators of health of MFT and OMDS in particular. It’s been the case for years that MFT is the top format in Japan. More significant though, is an April 2023 BCNreport report published on www.42rumors.com (www.43rumors.com/bcnreport-mft-lenses-keep-being-the-second-most-sold-mount-lenses-on-the-market/) where their data shows MFT lens are the second highest in sales only behind the E-mount. Read that again. People buy more lenses because they are doing more things with their cameras, and they are committing to that system and showing confidence through their investment. This report also shows that OM Digital Solutions lens sales percentage is larger than Panasonic and Fuji combined. Money is flowing into the MFT market.
Lens share by mount:
E-mount 32.6%
*MFT 13.8%
Canon EF 11.4%
Nikon F 9.3%
Fujifilm X 8.8%
Nikon Z 8.5%
Canon RF 7.7%
Lens share by manufacturer:
Canon 17.1%
Sigma 16.0%
Tamron 15.1%
Sony 14.2%
Nikon 13.8%
*OM Digital Solutions 8.6%
Panasonic 4.6%
Fujifilm 4.2%
PART II of MY COMMENTS:
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
Some other sensor format mirrorless bodies are as small as some MFT bodies, but MFT bodies are not any smaller because a camera body must be big enough to use. The real difference is with lens sizes, and FF or APC will never “catch up” or match MFT for compact lenses at longer focal lengths. Lens sizes are determined by sensor size. Even when an MFT lens is about the size as a similar focal length FF lens, the MFT lens is almost always a PRO lens with weather sealing, faster max aperture, and metal body. True, some people have all they need at less than 100m (35mm equivalent), and for them lens size may not be significant. But many want and need longer lenses (see the report above about the growing outdoor photo market). For example, I can get the following into a 20-liter Peak Design Everyday Backpack. (www.peakdesign.com/products/everyday-backpack?variant=29743300771884)
1. OM-1 body with Olympus 100-400mm lens.
2. OM-1 body with Olympus 12-100mm lens.
3. E-M1 Mk III body with Pana Leica 9mm f1.7 lens.
4. Both the 1.4x & 2.0x teleconverters.
5. Olympus 60mm macro lens.
6. Godex TT3500 flash.
7. Extra batteries, cables, snacks, iPad, ear buds, and a water bottle.
That gives me THREE bodies and four lenses with focal lengths (35mm equivalent) from 18mm through 1,600mm - ready to shoot out of the bag without changing lenses. I can substitute just about any combination of other MFT lenses other than the Olympus 150-400mm f4.5 in this same bag. This can’t be done with any FF or APS system that I know of.
MFT CAMERAS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE
You say MFT bodies are “too expensive”. Compared to what? Find me any camera that has the features and capabilities of the OM-1 or G9II at anywhere near their prices. According to every video test I’ve seen on RUclips the OM-1 is the only camera on the market that can produce about as many good bird shots (keepers) as the Sony A1 which is almost three times the cost! The new Nikon Z Nikkor 600mm f4 lens sells for US $15,497.00 and that’s not a zoom lens!!! Compare that with the Olympus/OM System 300mm f3 IS PRO at $2,999.99 (which can go to an equivalent of 1,200mm withthe2x converter). Or the zoom OM System 150-400mm PRO IS f4.5 which is 200mm longer than the Nikkor and half the price at US $7,499.99. Who is more expensive now?
Sure, some small, fun pocket sized MFT cameras would be awesome, and I hope for a PEN-F II, but MFT started with those cameras and has been struggling to overcome the reputation of being cheap and not professional grade ever sense. If a brand has a reputation for owning a piece of the high ground, then that provides a halo effect for the less expensive and used models.
OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE CAUGHT UP WITH MFT
You say that other manufactures have “caught up” to MFT. That statement says to me that Olympus/OMDS and the MFT companies have been doing the innovating - not Nikon, Canon, Sony, or Fuji. Would any of them be moving to mirrorless but for the success of the mirrorless MFT format? Dominant companies in a market are NEVER innovators. The major auto makers didn’t innovate Electric Vehicles - Tesla did. IBM did not create the personal computer - Apple did.
Olympus and Panasonic are both innovators. If not for them pioneering mirrorless cameras and advanced technology do you think Canon, etc. would have ever built any? Look at the other MFT innovations: automatic sensor cleaning, still world class IBIS, extreme high-quality lenses with the most lenses of any mirrorless format, extreme weather sealing for many years, professional grade video, and now on the cutting edge of computational photography and AI. Many of the newest non-MFT bodies have many of the MFT features - that’s just competition - I know of no APS or FF camera body will all of the features of either the G9II or OM-1. Instead, the top FF camera in many ways offer less for more money.
SUMMARY
Matti, again, I respect your integrity, but I think in this video you are making some statements which can and should be challenged. You ask for our input about what can or should be done. Let me state that I believe there is no perfect system and there are advantages and limitations to all of them.
Having said that, I believe that current MFT technology and capability, taken as a whole is, more than competitive with any other camera system. The problem is that the camera buying public just doesn't know the truth about MFT. Worse, many vloggers who believe they support MFT seem half-hearted in their support and are always talking from an inferior and defensive position. I think the time is long past to stop defending why its OK to shoot MFT, and rather go on the offensive explaining its advantages and start asking why anyone would want to spend more money for heavier and bulker gear with less features. Thank you for the chance to discuss these things and for all your work.
Many good comments! I especially agree with your thoughts about the lack of affordable micro 4/3 cameras being introduced. I'm still happy with my micro 4/3 gear and feel that it meets all my needs. Another reason for folks to choose micro 4/3 gear is the low prices of used cameras and lenses. Your comment about people buying more expensive/higher end gear than they need is something I agree with. For most amateur photographers, the micro 4/3 system is more than capable for 90% or more of the shooting conditions encountered. Thanks for an interesting and thought provoking video!
I think the advantage of MFT cameras is the size of their lenses and their performance relative to FF equivalents, and portability. But in the last two years, both Panasonic and Olympus opted to create camera bodies that are just as big and heavy as FF's, and when using the system's lenses, the imbalance is very noticeable. I used an OM-1 for a few months and although it is an excellent camera I decided not to continue with it. Whenever I had the chance to shoot, whether in my free time or work, I ended up taking my old EM5 and EM10 with me. And for the everyday use, an EPL1 that has been 15 years since it came out. That's the problem with the system, it lost innovation, it gained weight and volume and it's just uncomfortable
Hello Matti,
Having the chance to possess and use both systems (FF and M4/3) in parallel, what strikes me the most when I use my G9 or my EM-10 is the « fun factor » that I feel in comparison with their FF counterpart (Z5 for me).
Each time I take my M4/3 cameras, I just enjoy the simple act of taking pictures, without any unrealistic expectations, knowing that the overall IQ will be more than enough for my usages, leading me to be much more creative and experimental in my shootings.
With my Nikon, I feel unconsciously that I have to « produce » something much more refined out of it, leading to a less spontaneous experience and less enjoyment for me.
Progressing more and more on my learning journey, I think I will get rid of my Nikon because of this « expected quality » burden that distract me from the real progression axes that I should follow.
Beside this feeling point, I also like this David vs Goliath mindset that comes with the M4/3 and the efficiency aspect embedded in the system (size, cost, solidity)
I hope my comment is understandable :)
Cheers,
Ricardo
Very understandable @MrRicky120985 and it made me smile.
Agree to, that M43 was and still is also a fun factor to use. And at the time of having a big, clunky DSLR as well, that was a big positive difference. But now with a Z7, not being bigger than an M1-III but having a much bigger viewfinder with less noisy and sharper pictures, the fun factor is actually now more on the Z7 side. I still use M43 for its overall compactness but the fun-factor hasn't really been much updated in the M43 world and a little bit of disappointment is when I work on the M43 afterwards at home on an 4k monitor. The differences are unfortunately very obvious and even if it is not a deal breaker, like Matti said, I am not really happy with the result because I know, it could be much better if M43 would update their technology.
@@stefanwagener indeed I cannot deny that the IQ gap between my G9 and my Z5 is noticeable on some occasions. But again for my usages, it still ok.
But in the future, I’ll compare much more in depth both systems as the size factor is indeed less and less relevant. I may check the OM-1 at some point but again not sure that the price is competitive against Nikon or Sony FF.
I really don't understand why MFT should have a bigger 'fun factor' than other systems. You yourself determine the fun factor.
@@PH61a Correct, it is very subjective. And it is not about MFT in general, in my case the fun factor of the M1 compared to
- the M5 is much higher because the M1 has a very comfortable grip and is more ergonomic than the M5 or Pen-F. Otherwise features are basically the same. The Pen-F I take on bicycle tours for its smaller size but otherwise the M1 is more fun to use for its ergonomics.
- the DSLR Nikon D800 because the M1 is again just more comfortable to hold than then much heavier DSLR with a typically heavy lens. While I enjoy more the result of the D800, the M1 is just more fun to use and to hold because of its much lower weight.
So ergonomics and user experience while shooting are the key factors for me to define "fun factor" ... and that is very subjective and not related to sensor format.
You always talk sense Matti. A few years ago I switched from Canon to MFT for my bird photography. I’m getting good results with the OM1 and Panasonic 100-400mm lens. Less weight and less cost.
E-M1 MkIII + Pan 100-400 user here. That lens is wonderful, and it's a great combination.
I love how you explained each reason! It's interesting. For me, the pricing and image quality were two big points. Once you compare full-frame images, there is no contest. The companies should offer smaller and faster cameras with some Topaz/DXO/Google Pixel internal features for consumers. Focus on the "snaps" young crowd that can't afford a GR3 lol
Omar the legend
I have back problems, so even if the newer bodies are as large a FF, the difference in lenses isn’t to be ignored. But I’d really like to see highend compact m43 bodies being released again (like the gx8, pen-f, or em5ii lines… none of which were upgraded to the same level as when they were the flagships)
I would agree with most of this, especially about having high-end ultra-compact cameras. To go with that, I'd like to see Oly come out with absolutely top-shelf lenses that are very small as well. Instead of the large F1.2 primes, how about a 17mm or 25mm F2? It would be smaller and easier to pack around every day but it wouldnt' work for me unless the glass was stellar. The current 1.8 primes just aren't good enough for me as far as optical quality. For street photography and travel photography, most folks aren't going to be shooting at F1.2 anyway. But I'm afraid it's too late for all of that since Oly was sold to JIP and I don't think there's the same level of commitment to the format of the original Olympus company.
F2.0-2.8 lenses on the FF do not look so bigger than 1.2-1.4 olympus lenses
@@EmilyStoneMarxistFan and those f2-2.8 primes let in 1-2 stops less light… yeah no thanks. What’s really fun is to compare the Pany 2.8 zooms to the FF 2.8s, it makes me laugh how comical small that duo is for what you get from it.
@@FieldingSmith not less light... Less light per square inch, but the same amount for the entire sensor.
Of course you will need to set ISO higher to achieve the same brightness. But the (integral) amount of physical light will be the same.
@@EmilyStoneMarxistFan shoot with some strobes. Given some variation for how companies measure ISO and F-stops… 2.8 is 2.8 for the amount of light that is exposed, regardless of the sensor size. I’ve tested that on sensors ranging from a cellphone to a MF film camera. The “same amount of light for the entire sensor” argument is just silly, and I’ve seen no proof of it in any real world scenario. Only DoF, pixel performance due to pixel density (ie high iso performance) , and the total number of megapixels that can be squeezed onto the sensor changes due to sensor size.
I just bought a G9 kit for $900 and bought additional 3 very good used lenses. Mint condition. I'm an old film guy and I'm excited about this new system.
You will really enjoy it, especially if the lenses are the higher end ones with a fast aperture
As Pentax user I find the "MFT is dead arguments" somewhat funny.
Matti and Peter F are clowns. The 5 best MFT cameras in the history of the system have been released in the last 2 years, along with maybe 1/2 dozen excellent lenses, including an amazing macro lens and an ultra long telephoto.
@@Marco_Chiappetta Not a very convincing take. Yeah the cameras are the best that have come out recently, but that's a redundant statement because the best camera of every system has come out in the last 5 years - that's how progressing technology works. The point is that M43 cameras cost the same as full-frame cameras, aren't substantially smaller (body wise), and aren't selling well. Hence the video.
Some years ago I was a Pentax user - I had the original Pentax Q with a range of the lenses, and had rather a lot of fun with those, the quality was generally excellent, surprisingly good - if only they'd bring back a 2024 model
I think it`s because you`re working with a dinosaur, and that what is already dead cannot die again.
Haha, there are different grades of Death :) Pentax style Death, MFT style Death, Nikon style Death :)
What repels me from MFT is the fact that they do not offer new models of small and cheap rangefinder style cameras. They only produce bulky and expensive DLSR-style cameras like Panasonic G9 or OM-1. If you decide to go with small sensor, then you want a small camera. And vice versa, if you are willing to carry a large camera, then you have no reason to stay will a small sensor.
I am now looking at Sony A7C... that's the style of camera I am probably going to buy...
True. The advantage of the m43 is weight and size, yet manufacturers make 650g+ big cameras... it's a joke. At least the lenses are cheaper and smaller...
There's another important reason for anyone who intends to use telephoto lenses going for a smaller sensor: The longer focal-length lenses are much smaller and lighter, not to mention less expensive.
The reason to use MFT for me is I can grab a body+lens combo with 800mm equivalent FOV in my hand and walk around for 3 hours without breaking my shoulder and wrist. The image quality is not ideal of course, but with AI de-noise nowadays, it's usable.
Show us how the images from your walks with M43 are lower in quality than full frame without pixel peeping.
@@TrevorEMayo Any photo printed a decent size will show individual pixels and APS-C seems about the smallest sensor to not give you shimmering digital-looking pixels... It is physics which gives you diffraction if the pixel sites are too small... Absolutely, smaller sensors need AI to not look crap!
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 You haven't included one word in your response to show factually how images from the OP's M43 photo walks are lower in quality than full frame without pixel peeping. Not one word. No facts on what constitutes "decent size". No reference to available light. I doubt you could go over to Flickr and look at the uncropped images of professional photographers taken with modern M43 and full frame cameras at 16x20 print sizes (which is laughable because almost no one prints anymore) and tell the difference without pinching and zooming.
In fact the producer of this video beginning around the 2 minute mark simply admits that people just "want" the IQ when they don't even need it. They are suckers for the industry trying to sell more product.
I just bought an Olympus E-1MX, going to get the 40-150, want to photo sailing racing from a boat. £1100, is going to be good! iPhone rest of time. Niche eh? Good video, but I don’t think you highlighted the quality and value of the lenses?
@@0ooTheMAXXoo0 I've made 13x19 prints from 16MP M43 cameras that are perfectly acceptably sharp. With 20 & 25MP sensors, there's even some scope to crop a bit and still get perfectly sharp 13x19 prints.
I switched from Nikon D700 to Olympus EM1 Mk II four and a half years ago.
I agree the mirrorless full frame cameras are becoming less heavy and less expensive nowadays. I cannot promise to stay with MFT and not switch back to full frame in the future. However, at this moment, using my MFT camera and lens is still a good experience for events and weddings shotting. The Olympus f/2.8 pro lens and the Sigma f/1.4 are really enough for those jobs.
Hope there will be something good happening this year for MFT.
I just got my OM-5 a couple of weeks ago, and it’s my daily camera to capture moments. I also have Sony for professional stuff, and Fujifilm for creative stuff. With these 3 systems I use the OM-5 the most.
I think something like a PEN-F was the perfect MFT camera. Light, small enough, with a viewfinder. Still like my old PENs for everyday use.
Plus the PEN-F is such a great looking piece of gear 🤩
The problem was that it was overpriced and didn't offer professional features like dual card slots or weather sealing. If it had been about half the price, it would have been immensely popular!
@@keithholland4322 Overpriced, yes. But I don’t need the rest in a PEN.
@@ceaabe In order to sell for that price point, it should have had those features at a minimum. Since it didn't, it should have sold for about half that price.
The main advantage was the small size. I would love a tiny camera like the GM5 (which is next to impossible to get), but with modern features (4k and Panasonic's new autofocus system)! Now that most of their camera bodies are as big or bigger than other manufacturers and just as expensive, I'd rather stick with Sony...
main advantage now is weight (lenses) for telephoto, ibis that absolutely destroys full frame, and the various goodies in video/photography that are exclusive to panasonic and olympus
MFT is great for everyday use, especially for its compactness. But what do hobby photographers want to shoot? Sunsets, sunrises, night photos - scenes where the small sensors have their main disadvantages. Compact FF cameras like the A7C have taken over some of the compact size market without the compromises in image quality.
I use an Olympus micro 4/3 camera for bird and wildlife photography. The f4.0 300mm and the f2.8 40-150 lenses plus the 1.4x extender are my most used optics. Weight, amazing IBIS and weather sealing make the system ideal for hiking trails to get images. The shame of their system is the lack of weather sealing on the Olympus f1.8 12, 17, 25 and 45mm primes.
Actually all those primes behave under harsh weather conditions, surprisingly well. The thing you must be weary about is whether or not the front element rotates. If it does, then that lens will not protect against the elements as well. Get a decent rubber collapsible lens hood, as well s a pair of Marigold (gloves) if you're really paranoid, and use the glove parts to fit over the lens. Or use clingfilm! But honestly, you don't really need to bother unless you are shooting during monsoon season!
It’s interesting that you mention bird / wildlife. It’s the G9 II and dual stabilization using surprisingly light tele lenses that finally get me interested in this topic. It would never cross my mind to carry submarines to a location. M43 will allow me to shoot hand-held, which is amazing. Two big problems with m43? 1) Well, tens of millions of users already have plenty of gear. We are unlikely to buy much in the immediate future. 2) Quite a lot of m43 users I know also own FF gear. The opposite is much less likely to happen since people were told that they would be missing out. When I see an impeccably downsampled 4k120p video (from a 19 MP frame!) from my G9 II on an OLED screen, I do realize that I will be using m43 for another decade. Yes, it’s high-end enough - we just had to wait for quite some time.
Just buy the pro versions…. Weatherized!
Why do you need weather-resistant gear?
It's paranoia.
@@formermpc10Haha! Absolutely NOT paranoia! Just common sense. I went to Wales where it chucked it down all week in Snowdon and my E-M1 mk1 got drenched. But it kept on working. Now, if that had've been £1500 of unsealed equipment, say a Ricoh GRIII, I would've kept the camera in my pocket and not taken any pictures at all. So perhaps only paranoia if you are already loaded and can afford multiple non-weather sealed cameras.
I use a Lumix G9 and OM-1. The OM-1 picture quality is excellent and yes there are a few large MFT lenses but I don’t want to be carrying a FF equivalent lens around with me. 20.3mp is more than enough in most circumstances. The OM-1 performs extremely well at night with the added benefit of computational add-ons that allow for very creative pictures. The latest MFT camera’s have incredible IBIS and offer 50, 80, 100mp modes using pixel shift. That’s something I have used with a tripod taking landscape pictures. Amazing results. All I can say is do your homework and buy a camera that fits your needs. At the end of the day the choice of camera won’t make you a better photographer and you only have to look at pictures taken with film back in the 70’s where the story relies on the picture and not the sensor size!👍
Interesting timing as I'm considering getting into MFT again, haha. I've got three full-frame bodies and one APS-C body, but I'm looking into selling one of the FF bodies to get a compact kit with good weather sealing for hiking. I think the MFT manufacturers need to focus on keeping the size and price down, since that's arguably what differentiates them from larger sensor systems.
I am more concerned with kit size. The combination G9 II + Pany Leica 12 - 60mm + Olympus 45mm F1.2 is what I use most of the time. Could not be happier with the size and the quality.
I own three Panasonic GH5S cameras and one GH6 with half a dozen Pana Leica lenses. I shoot mainly event videos and two people sitting interviews. The market in that segment is still quite weak, so I am glad I have not invested heavily into full frame cameras and glass. My planning horizon is 3-5 years so I shall use what I have and see what happens.
I've shot only Nikon since the F3 came out. About a year ago I bought a used GH5 and totally fell in love. Not only was it a wonderful camera body, but the huge selection of great lenses that were both small and inexpensive opened up all sorts of options. Yes, more small and "affordable" MFT bodies would be great, but perhaps what is needed is a good old fashioned advertising campaign reminding folks how fun a camera can be.
No, don't tell them, we don't need them to come over! sh shhh
I use MFT and has just upgraded my MFT system (from EM-5 ii to OM-1, together with a few new lenses). The ultimate reason for me to not to switch to full frame is lens weight and size, as I do mostly travel photography.
Looking forward, I would be very happy if there can be collaboration (if not M&A) between OM Systems and an action cam manufacturer (e.g. dji or Insta360). The Pocket 3 has shown that a larger sensor in another form factor can be a success.
Size and weight apart, do you really think your pics would be that much better with a FF system?
I think one the major key feature that I love the most in M43 systems is the incredible In body image stabilization. A cheap mirrorless full frame or an old DSLR wont probably have one, and if it does have one, especially for mirrorless, is far too expensive than M43 cameras. I believe M43 are still the best choice for street photography and casual, travel cameras because they are super small. I dont want to carry a "pro FF" camera for travel. Its ridiculous.
Your video confirms something I've been feeling for a time. I've had a G9 for a couple of years and enjoyed it immensely. I've taken several thousand images with it, some of which I've been pleased with. The many bad ones are due to the ineptness of the photographer and not the camera lol. I believe the major advantages of MFT against FF were IBIS, compactness and low expense. When you consider the G9ii is similarly priced to the S5ii then the cost equation is negated. The size of the G9ii is pretty much the same as the S5ii/S5iix (same body practically) so the compactness issue is negated. The IBIS of the G9ii might be possibly be superior to the S5ii (that's speculation on my part as I have no evidence to support that) but the S5ii by all accounts has a much superior IBIS than it's nearest competitors, the Sony A7iV and Canon R6ii and certainly it's found to be more than adequate. So, that's the stability advantage negated. So Why buy a G9ii? I have literally just faced that same decision when moving up from my G9. Fortunately I only have two MFT lenses (14-140ii and PL 100-400) so no great investment. This means the move to FF was an easy one for make to mean I get better low light performance and that shallow depth of field I've been hankering after for some time. I dithered about getting a Sony A7iv for the extra resolution but in the end I couldn't stretch to that budget,. So I'm really pleased with my S5ii and the 20-60mm kit lens and 50mm f/1.8 I got in the bundle. I'm pleased with being able to leave the camera on auto iso to get the shots I want whenever the light is a bit iffy. Which in the UK is like 99.999% of the time.
So where does that leave MFT? I really agree with you Matti - I think it's struggling unless it plays to the one strength it has which is to go for the small compact market. But, it will be interesting to see what happens if the rumours of putting a MFT sensor in a phone turn out to be true.
❤ I've been with panasonic lumix exclusively for the past 10 years. I shoot both micro 4/3 and full frame. each have their own advantage, I don't necessarily prefer one over the other. my choice is always based on the requirements for the situation of the day. zen billings in canada
Lens size Matti is so much more meaningful than body.
I have been shooting Nikon FF and film for 30+ years and have all the right lenses (f mount).
I also have a mft kit
I shoot the mft 90% of the time unless on assignment. It’s the best system for street/travel I’ve found due to the size/quality/PRICE! of the lenses.
The reality is that the mft bodies were so advanced in their time that the older small bodies still compete. A gx85 (e.g.) can be had for peanuts compared to other mirrorless systems who are only catching up now.
I think “real” photographers understand this value and will keep the system alive.
I love your work and your videos. Been watching for years but first post. Much love from Philadelphia have a great new year.
I used to think those small MFT cameras were for beginners. After a few years as an amateur, I have a growing fondness for them and am amazed at the quality of the photos one can get, especially vs phones. I don't see any reason MFT has to be doomed, many "real" photographers are begging for new MFT bodies.
"The reality is that the mft bodies were so advanced in their time that the older small bodies still compete. " Very true. I still use my EM5 M2 and have recently bought some PRO lenses for it rather than upgrading the body. For what I do (mostly hiking, street and travel stills) the body is more than adequate so I have no incentive to upgrade. Having said that, if they put out a PEN F M2 I would snap one up immediately.
I think you`re wrong.
Real photograpers don`t pull the market. Hobbyists that want the best at the moment do. And they don`t even notice MFT.
I have 2 GX-8s and 1 GH5 Mii. The GX-8s are great for 4K video as they can run until the battery is exhausted without overheating (my Samsung S-21 runs 2-4 minutes). They are also much smaller / lighter than the GH5. Then there are the lenses which are much smaller and lighter than full frame equivalents allowing you to pack smaller or pack more for the same weight as full frame. I don't blame my equipment for the quality of my work, it's way beyond my skill level.
I love m4/3rds and have fully committed to it owning 3 Olympus & 3 Panasonic bodies, mostly bought used plus associated lenses and a few 3rd party ones too ! The system suits my needs especially the compact cameras like my E-P5, Pen-F. GX8 and infra red converted GF1. What I'd like to see is a return to smaller body format but with high end features.
I see this as a cost / performance issue.
General photography has been taken over by the Smartphones.
For "enthusiasts / Pro" photography, M43 caramers may be smaller (but not by much) and as you said, they are not substential cheaper. For enthusiasts / prosumers, the full frame sensor just produces better technical images "most of the time". Prosumers will have the skills to create good images regardless of format, but for the general enthusiasts ... full frame has the lattitude to produce "better technical" images will lesser skills ...
The above equally applies to APS-C cameras as well. Full frame and smartphones basically hit the cost / performance sweet spot for now and will continue to own the largest market share.
Just my 2 cents.
Look at the price of the om1 vs a nikon z8 which are very comparable in specs and the prices aren't even remotely close for pro cameras
That's mostly true, but not for real estate photography, macro photography, or sports and wildlife photography, and those are the areas where Panasonic and Olympus need to focus their efforts. Better glass for sports and wildlife photography should be the primary focus now, focusing on bright prime lenses with apertures of f/2.8 or brighter. Also, both companies should have a new MFT camera with dual card slots for around $1,000-$1,200 for real estate photographers. Such a camera need not have a huge buffer, but it should have a high resolution mode and excellent dynamic range. Perhaps wide angle tilt/shift lenses could also be a great addition for that. (Anybody from Laowa reading this?) A macro zoom lens could also be a great way to dominate the world of macro photography since that's something that no other camera manufacturer has ever produced, as far as I am aware.
I'm a sports photographer with golf being my big money maker. I switched from Canon a few years ago to a few EM1X's because I was tired of carrying around the long 2.8's. I have the PanLeica 200mm 2.8 and the Oly 40-150mm 2.8 along with a few 1.2 primes and I couldn't be happier. I also have field sports covered, even at night.
You don't need a flagship camera from the big three to match a flagship camera from MFT, that's just the facts!
@@JessDemant Canon and Sony definitely have better subject detection and tracking for sports photography, especially when the subject is wearing a helmet. They also have better low light performance and the ability to blur out the background more, but the downside is you have to carry around bigger, heavier lenses. It's always a trade off. However, in terms of value for money, it's hard to beat an OM-1 or even a G9 II.
Just got back from a trip to Scotland my gx9 performed perfectly. It’s small light and used two lenses for a two week trip. My pictures blew me away.
You may be right Matti.
I am in the M43 and Fuji systems. I like the RF bodies for street photography. I use small primes. For me, the difference between M43, APSC, and full frame images isn’t all that great. I don’t own a full frame camera due to the additional size and weight compared to crop sensor bodies. I am satisfied with my Panasonic GX bodies and compact 15, 20, 25, and 45mm lenses.
As pointed out by a previous poster, camera sales are in decline. Many people are satisfied with images from their phones. They are good and becoming better. Phone cameras destroyed the point & shoot market. Will they destroy the camera market in general other than for professionals? I hope not.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Smartphone may have wiped out the point and shoot cameras but they were being done away by camera makers, I started digital photography 15 years ago with a Canon point and shoot ,it was a way to learn digital photography, but for some reason they started doing away with the view finder and the dials became so small to be useless, then t he shutter lag and the little power zoom lens left me wanting for a camera that I could change lenses on and did not have a micro size sensor, it's one of many reasons why I hate taking photos on a smartphone.
You are the first photo gear reviewer I’ve seen in a long time whose photography actually inspires me. I have no opinions on m43, clicked out of curiosity, and I feel like I’ve just stepped away from a top notch art show. Thank you for sharing your expertise and your art ❤
m43 users since 2010, and FF 2-3 years ago.
You are right, mostly. One more crucial point is m43 cannot nail their product positioning correctly.
IMHO, m43 is the best system for
1/ travel, bcos lens are small from wide to long tele
2/ Vlogging, bcos IBIS is far superior
3/ VDO, bcos frame rate & IBIS
Those three are m43 real competitive advantage with huge market size.
Now, OM seems to be static. Their OM5 is big miss opportunity.
Lumix is very clever in sharing the same body as FF (G9II S5II) so they save cost significantly. I think they will pursue this strategy going forward, while focusing on FF.
I will keep my m43 since I love GX9 and few lens. I will use until they are broken.
Thank you so much for this video. I moved from the Panasonic G9 to the S5 and now S5ii. My main reason for going the full frame route was light sensitivity and training. In learning photography from books and RUclips, it really helped me understand better what everyone was teaching me in full frame. Lame I know, but my brain just clicked better with full frame, and I got better results photographically. Thanks for such a thought provoking video. Excellent work!
Happy new year Matti and thanks for another great video.
Interesting take on the MFT market Matti. I agree on many of the reasons people are choosing FF over MFT but I’m much more optimistic on its future. It’s never been a sales leader (except in Asia) but that doesn’t mean it’s dying. On the size question yes, the bodies are now comparable, to the point where the G9ii and the S5ii use the same body but lenses are still far smaller, lighter and more affordable, they are easier for R&D and production.
I also do feel that for many people that weight and system size is a major factor especially as we get older.
Where I really do agree with you is your last few sentences. Both OMDS and Lumix have left the small camera development behind. I have said for years that a GX8 replacement but with up to date sensors,IBIS, focus and all the other features is long overdue and I’d swap that for my big G9 any day.
Best wishes and thanks for your vision
Perhaps the increasing number of retired people who want minimum weight burdens will help drive more micro 4/3 use.
I have a GX80 and G9. Wouldn’t like to choose between them if it came to choosing only one. They serve different daily circumstances. The GX80 is more compact and discreet but the G9 is a workhorse and satisfying beast to hold and use.
I just bought one having FF and APS-C and since having SCI MFT has given me new life. I love it and dont find it less pleasureable than my other FF cameras. Its like the middle ground to my phone, action cam, gimbal cam, FF, sLR etc. And when I post people enjoy the photos either way.
Recently bought a LUMIX G9 m2, have a wide range of leica lenses and especially love the 100-400 mm Leica lens - the new autofocus is insane so are the video features, SSD recording and so on. Has the camera the same body as the FF sister? Yes. Is this a bad thing? No.
I had a GX9 and GX80 and found them to be too small for my rather big hands- they were some centimeters smaller but in the end I always preferred to carry my g9 and now the g9 m2. But the big difference for me is the crop factor, the excellent leica lenses, no rolling shutter and the excellent video quality…
I'm a professional sport photographer using MFT since 2016 when I sold my Nikon FF gears. I never regret that moment because I'm very happy with this syste. I have two E-M1 Mark III with a lot of Pro lenses , simply amazing. The AFC is fast enough for a difficult indoor sport like volleyball and the high iso are not a problem with LR postwork. For me a positive system.
I use m4/3 and APS-C. The problem I have with m4/3 is that neither Olympus/OM nor Lumix has made a camera with the features I want. I'm a hobbyist, so 20MP is fine. I prefer the rangefinder style cameras (Pen-F, GX8, GX9), but none of them manages to tick all the boxes. I want weather sealing (I live in Canada so a good number of days in the year involve rain or cold). The GX8 satisfies that requirement. And I want a tilt LCD (I don't use video so the articulating LCD is mostly annoying). The GX9 has the tilt screen. A GX9 successor with weather sealing would be my ideal camera. But maybe that's an uncommon niche. I'd have considered the G9II, but the articulating LCD is a deal-breaker.
For the most part I agree with you. However the screen is not a deal breaker for me and I work with both types and fixed screen cameras. What matters to me is the clarity of screen and touch functionality above all else. Weather sealing of all future bodies and lenses would be a great advantage.
Panasonic GH6, down in price now there is the new GH7, is your option. Weather sealed and tilt screen and so much more to offer. Not great but good enough af by video. For stills very very good af.
That we tend to buy "over performance", that is so true!! 👏👏👏
Great video and analysis of the m4/3 reality. I was one of those who sold all my Olympus m4/3 gear and PRO lenses last year. Why? Because a feeling that the community of urban photographers who loved those small primes that Olympus made a decade or more ago, was simply abandoned and neglected in the pursuit of birding, wildlife, and larger gear community. I got tired of waiting for an update of the small primes what brought me into the Olympus family from my Nikon past. When my Olympus 50mm lens became larger, and more expensive, than the Nikon 50mm I used to own, I began to see the writing on the wall on where Olympus (and now OM Systems) were headed. Just happened to be in the opposite direction of my reason to buy into m4/3 a decade ago.
In other words you felt like a change.
Matti, for MFT to survive their cameras need to outspec bigger cameras at the same price. Problem is for instance every brand has now IBIS, Sync IS or Dual IS, PDAF, Hign Res even with motion compensation, Live Composition, Pro Capture or 4K @60p. Unfortunately the OM-5 isn’t outspending other cameras at the same price point. No animal subject recognition C-AF, no 4K @60p so it difficult to sell. You have explains all points.
One thing that Panasonic has against the others: unlimited recording without overheating.
I have a MFT camera I use for arduous hiking situations. I shoot almost exclusively full frame. The MFT weaknesses (as I see them) are ISO limitations and resolution limits caused by the small sensor. The strengths are possible smaller size and weight, less glass and weight and money for long lenses (e.g. An f4 300mm lens is like a 600mm full frame lens and can be a quarter of the size and cost of that 600mm lens). The problem with MFT is that the vendors forgot what made them great, and they made bigger and bigger MFT cameras. I have an Olympus E-PL7 which is teeny tiny and very light. The lenses are also small and light. However, all the latest MFT cameras are much bigger and heavier, making them useless for me. If they weigh the same as a Sigma fp L or more, then I have no interest in them unless they take advantage of their physics edge and make some good, cheap telephoto lenses. The Olympus 300mm f/4 lens is too expensive for what you get. I'm not going to pay full frame prices for MFT. Tamron and Sigma don't seem interested in making one. Here is what needs to happen to keep me interested... Instead of making bigger and bigger MFT cameras, make them smaller and lighter. Think teeny-tiny. Make 200, 300, and 400mm f4 lenses. Maybe a 200 and 300mm f2.8. You won't get full frame bokeh and resolution, but you will get the light gathering and shutter speed. I'm never going to use an MFT camera for anything but situations where weight matters and where their crop factor is an advantage instead of a disadvantage. MFT should rule the world for the birder crowd, but they don't and they won't. The are too busy trying to be like the full frame cameras. That's stoooooooooopid.
I can now use Auto ISO on the G9 II since the sensor is really good.
@@urswuergler3969 The ISO handling of cameras clearly improves with how new the sensor is. An ancient full frame camera, the Canon EOS 1Ds from 2002, has a sports score of 954, which indicates very poor ISO handling. The 5D from 2005 has a sports score of 1368 which is a lot better but still not great by modern FF standards. The Canon EOS R3 has a sports score of 4086. DXOMARK has not yet rated your camera, but gives a score of 1312 to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, which is as good as the 5D. Since your camera is very new, I would not be surprised if it approached 2000. The medium format Pentax 645Z has a score of 4505 and it was launched in 2014.
I love the idea of MFT and I shot with Lumix and Olympus cameras for a long time. However, I live in the UK and the weather isn't always great, plus winters are rather dark. I would say, 30-40% of my shooting is in less than ideal light and while MFT cameras did a reasonable job under those conditions, the simple step up to a compact and light APS-C body gave me that little boost in low light capability without adding massively to the size or weight.
Did you find something as competitive as m43 for weather proofing? @stuartcarden1371. The low light performance is less of an issue to me than the northern rain. That is when I reach for my OM5 and 20mm f1.4 both very able in shrugging off a down pour.
@@petegleeson1 I haven't dared test it yet. I got a Fujifilm X-T4 which is weather-sealed but who knows compared to Olympus. I would have gone back to Pentax if it wasn't for the size and weight of going back to a DSLR - They can survive everything
Can't agree more! I love MFT. I own 4 oldies LX100, EM5 MkII, GX85, and EPL8, with a bunch of lenses. Love them but aware that the end is coming (I whish I'm wrong)
Thanks for sharing. I also wish you are wrong🙂
You bring up many excellent points why this camera system and larger are not doing well. In my circle of friends and family for example, only I and one other have a (real) camera in addition to a cellphone. I think folks in general are just drifting away from creating art to just snapping memories.
I don't think Lumix will walk away. But I think they will end up with a much smaller lineup and video focused (but they will still take great photo, so that's not the worst). Like, I can imagine them making not much more than the G100, G95, and G9 in the future.
end is coming means also discount as a oporunity to buy last m43 camera.
the real indicator will be refresh of models - in european union is running a unification to usb-c for charging.
pana has a refreshed g100d with usb c.
but olympus om-5 from october 2022 has just usb 2, which may indicate an end of the road for om-5 line, or om as camera manufacturer.
@@miso56 yup you got it on USB c refresh :P I expect some of Lumix new-old stock won't get it, like the Gx85 I've had forever that's still sold new. (I guess they must sell a decent number..)
Thanks. I own MFT, APSC, FF... and I agree with you.
Hello Matti, thx for your interesting video! I sold some years ago my whole Nikon equipment because of not using it, reasons was too heavy, too big, too much attention … I love my small Lumix Bodies GX800/880 and I am completely satisfied with the results… but my critics would go in the direction of… Why all these big sized Camera bodies with big lenses… my wish would be getting more small lenses… with smaller bodies with up to date sensor technology and a fast autofocus … to get a pocket sized Camera with results you could never get with a smartphone, for example my GX880 with the 1,7/42,5mm is a wonderful combination , a dream would be a Camera with a much better shutter, bit more resolution, flexibel screen in all directions, magnesium body, better AF, some Pancake lenses maybe like a 8mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, 60mm, 100mm… ah sorry I am just daydreaming! However, I just hope MFT will not die the next time!
All valid points from my perspective, and thanks for this forthright presentation. I shoot M43 about 80% of the time (stills only shooter) using gear that is 8-10 years old (I also shoot Nikon APS-C DSLR, Nikon + Olympus 35mm film, and 1" point and shoot cameras). Fundamentally, the question for me, as you note early on, is whether or not I am happy. I am. IQ is quite satisfactory. I love shooting with all my cameras: the IQ, how they feel in the hand, the availability and placement of controls, the size and weight. If I don't love shooting a particular camera, or am not satisfied with images SOOC, it's gone.
I'm not sure what my next camera might be. At the moment: none; my current gear is perfectly adequate for what I do as an amateur stills shooter who is not trying to please anyone other than myself (and my shooting buddy, a retired pro, who has taught me so much with a gentle critical and helpful touch). If I were starting over to build a system today, I would probably be giving Sony APS-C a very hard look (Nikon and Canon don't appear to be adequately serious to me about APS-C). While the future of M43 is uncertain, at the moment I am quite content, positions of RUclips or other pundits notwithstanding.
Shoot with whatever you like. I just bought a vintage Olympus Om1. I have M4/3, APSC and FF camera’s. And yes I think M4/3 will go the way of the dodo’s but that doesn’t matter. It will be good for people who buy used and are not obsessed with better image quality they cannot see.
The reason I sold most of my MFT gear and went full frame mirrorless was that I enjoy adapting vintage lenses, and I was tired of not being able to use these lenses at their intended fields of view. I still do have an EM10 Mark III and my mint condition original E-P1 (which I do very occasionally still use with a BCL15 attached).
I bought my first MFT camera 12 years ago, and my last MFT camera a year ago. I tried to make it work for my needs…and think it’s a great format for many photographers. I was reluctant to give up on MFT, but the first time I shot with a full frame (LUMIX) I instantly knew it was the camera I needed. I had heard for years that the differences between MFT and other formats was small…but in my experience, full frame had very noticeably better output. I love my camera and L Mount lenses…and haven’t looked back.
I got boot and yes, the diferece makes your Word easyer
I have two full frame cameras, a Sony A7III and Leica Q2. Yes, there is a low light advantage for the Sony [in particular], but there are more important pros and cons in other areas that are more important for different people and scenes most of the time. These don’t always favour full frame. The FF ones I use cannot match either Panasonic or Olympus in-body stabilisation, especially not for video. The A7III has an inferior viewfinder and one redundant control dial for the way I use it [sorted on A7IV]. Fact is, every camera is different and so are shooters and it’s a matter of matching each other for the ideal combination. Whatever is ‘best’ today though, will inevitably be outclassed within two or three years at most.
Your thoughts are solid...no disagreement here.
I have a Panasonic G85, and paired with the 14-140 it has been a great travel companion, amazing range and versatility for the easily packable compact size and weight.
But I did finally switch from m43 to full frame, and what let it happen was unexpected. I thought full frame DSLRs and their lenses were too big and heavy. But when the big names went mirrorless full frame, many of the lower end models were surprisingly compact. I found that the combination of Sony A7c and Tamron 28-200 was compact and light enough for me, and I switched.
So it was not only because new m43 bodies were too large, but some new full frame mirrorless bodies were unexpectedly small, and it was those opposite movements that closed the gap enough for me to jump.
I’m happy with my Sony full frame, but I still can’t imagine giving up my G85. I keep it because its compact versatility is still an advantage for some types of photography.
And there is also a force in the other direction: For those who want to continue with m43, the impressive new AI applications that more effectively reduce noise and upscale resolution can help m43 images close the quality gap with larger sensors.
Isn’t the whole digital camera market, not just MFT, “not doing well”? Last time this was brought to my attention, the story was that mobile phones were killing the consumer camera market. The hobby-enthusiast and professional markets for stand-alone digital cameras are pretty darn small.
Recreational photography (mostly retro film shooters due to cheap film and cameras) surged during COVID. Coming out of the lockdowns the cost of old film cameras (and especially good film) shot up due to the high demand and a lot of people went into digital cameras to get their fix. Just within the past 3ish years the industry has had a small boom (I've heard numbers from last year dipped slightly but this was after a big surge).
While phone cams are now extremely sophisticated, they do still have downsides that even a simple point and shoot can remedy. Things like optical zoom (big one), manual exposure controls, physical dials; cameras with larger sensors unlock even more benefits like more dynamic range (better graduation between color changes), more control over DOF subject separation, vastly improved low light performance, EVF for tough shooting situations, weather proof bodies, etc.
Even from a hobby-enthusiast perspective, having more control over the exposure with the presence of physical controls is more than enough reason to use these digital cameras rather than the phone that is so conveniently always in my pocket, and that's ignoring all the other benefits.
I think a lot of people are waking up to the reality that having something that does 1 thing very well is better than something that conveniently does many jobs okay.
It also has the added benefit that your phone is just a phone and having a ridiculous camera is no longer a selling point to you when choosing one to buy.
Global digital camera market size 2024 is $5.4 Billion dollars set to grow at 4.8% CAGR until 2029 when it will reach $6.8 Billion. The point and shoot cameras declined through phone camera improvements and take up but the enthusiast market is growing at a good rate.
Sony grew from 1% to 24% marketshare in 20 years that the smartphone exists. Please stop making excuses.
@@angeloplayforonesony rised due to the knowledge from konica minolta. original sony cameras where weak.
pana will cut all model lines without perspective and will share a lot between ff and m43 (see g9ii), so m43 can survive. but om has no chance ...
@@angeloplayforone Excuses for what? MFT market share? I am a Sony shooter, with 3 Sony digital cameras, including the RX-100, A7ii, and A7Rii. Is that 24% growth in market share out of a shrinking pie? What’s the net growth in sales & profits? That was my main question.
I agree, the OM1 has so many cool features, live nd, hand held hi res, pro capture etc., but in normal use I don’t use them. People argue you can use some of them to reduce the noise in the images, but a larger sensor also does that.
Hi Matti
I got into MFT after comparing the cost of Flagship cameras, When I did my comparison, MFT Flagship cameras cost around about a fifth to a quarter of the cost of Full Frame Flagship cameras. I don't think that has changed all that much. Then, I looked at the cost of professional lenses as a comparison and saw that MFT lenses were so much cheaper than Full Frame lenses.
I then did a wish list kit exercise, and the saving by going MFT was between £20,000 and £50,000 at that time.
Then I looked at the secondhand market. Sad to say, the secondhand market for Full Frame mirrorles cameras is pretty dire. The secondhand market for Full Frame mirrorless lenses doesn’t exist, as most Full Frame manufacturers don't even have a full line up of new lenses for people who are investing in a new full Frame mirrorless system.
I think the Canon decision to not let third parties make lenses for its Full Frame miirrorless system reflects how difficult it is for them to make money even when they're charging between 4 and 5 times what MFT manufacturers are charging for a Flagship camera.
Will my photographs improve 4 or 5 folds if I switch to Full Frame, or will I take a real financial beating by paying the inflated prices for Full Frame in the longer term?
That's a hypothetical question, I thankfully will not have to answer as I went MFT secondhand and now possess my wish list kit.
It takes pictures I like, and no one can persuade me to pay 4 or 5 times more for kit to take those same pictures in the ridiculous hope that the pictures will be 4 or 5 times better.
Not exactly true. A Canon R6 Mark ii costs $2,300 at BH. An OM-1 costs..... $2,000 at BH. That's only a $300 difference where the R6 ii gets 4 extra megapixels, the best autofocus and will absolutely destroy the OM-1 in noise levels across the board... and then there's bokeh. Sure, the OM-1 has a few things going for it (HHHR, Live ND, the ergonomics and compact size). But... none of those really trump the R6ii when shooting photos normally. M43 needs to come down in price even more to make up for its shortcomings... OR, the sensors and ISO noise needs to improvement. Hard to swallow a $2,000 price tag when an R6ii is just a bit more.
Why yes, the most expensive MFT bodies are expensive.
@thomasanderson5929 I didn't realise the R6 Mark ii was Canon's Flagship camera?
Why is the R3 £6,000 if it isn't the Canon Flagship?
Are seriously suggesting I get into a Full Frame GAS burn out by spending my money on a none Flagship ie. Inferior camera in a manufacturers product range?
@@malcolmwright6948 For the competitively priced Canon lenses of course...
@@malcolmwright6948 You don't need a flagship camera from the big three to match a flagship camera from MFT, that's just the facts!
I would refer to myself as a "fan-man"...Thank you for your fair assessment and all the assistance you've offered over the past 5 years I've been watching your videos. Enjoying, always ...the back and forth of this discussion!
Fan-man, I like that😀
I have used MFT for a long time and I loved it.
I simply wanted a better dynamic range and superior low light performance and when my dealer offered a Lumix S1 for a very good price and also gave me a very good price for my MFT system I switched to full frame.
But I always missed the small and compact GX8 with a good Leica 12-60!
I would love to buy an upgraded LX100 III with a completed concept (swiveling screen, great AF etc.) as the ideal 24/7 camera but I fear that Panasonic is not interested in this model anymore.
So I wait until there is a final statement.
If I cannot get a small MFT camera with a fixed lens I will maybe buy something like this with an APSC sensor.
I own lots of micro 4/3 gear, and I just love the format, but the portraits that come out of my Sony A7R3 45 megapixel sensor are just stunning
That A7R3 is a workhorse.. A pro-level keeper and can now be had for cheap money used. I sold my A7R4 for a A7cR but kept my A7R3..
Fuji has stopped producing compact X cameras. Olympus and Panasonic upsized the 4/3’s. we need a compact Leica like camera that can upload immediately to social media with wifi and Bluetooth. Rangefinder seems to be the domain of Sony and Ricoh right now.
I actually got myself OM-5 end of 2023 ... and I really like it. I got 2 FF, 1 S35 and 1 APS-C cameras already :D. OM-5 is almost all the time with my (with 9mm, 17mm and 45mm).
My very first changeable lens cameras were MFT - an E-M1 Mk 2 and a GX8. Since then I've owned a Sony a7c, a7r4, Canon R5 and Fuji x-H2. I returned to MFT with an OM-1 and, recently, a G9 Mk2. By chance, yesterday, I spent a lot of time rating photos I've taken over the years. Almost every one that I really liked in terms of IQ and 'capturing the moment' was taken with the OM-1. My main subject is wildlife and this is where MFT really shines. The long reach, lightweight lenses, coupled with the speed and technology of the OM-1 are unbeatable. Yes, some full frame cameras have some of that technology, but not all. And for wildlife the equivalent lenses are huge. Let's hope that sports, wildlife and, perhaps, reportage photographers can help maintain this wonderful system's viability.
In my opinion I think the video explains it well. The MFT camera system is generally really small (except generally for the camera body) which can be a deciding factor for someone that is totally ok. But the biggest issue is really the price, basically 2k for the flagship either on the panasonic or om-system its insanely expensive in my opinion for a MFT. Really for that price you can choose either an APS-C or even a full frame camera (Im not saying that bigger is better) so really a lot of costumers would really prefer the bigger sensor. Also Im only talking about camera body price, not the whole system, but also going 3rd party on either APS-C or FF the third party cheaper options like Sigma or Tamron makes a tougher decision because then the whole system becomes cheaper.
For many people MFT would be the perfect choice tbh. They still have great cameras, great lenses and overall a great system that is trying to improve every day. For me personally I considered buying a panasonic G9 or either the G9 mkII but I backed out of it. The main reason for not going MFT for me was the lack of a high megapixel camera body. Im a pixel peeper and also I crop images to get more reach sometimes or just to try different compositions and see what works best, and for me, the 26mp on the G9 was not enough for me (For most people is plenty enough tho). Looking at the market I could get a Fujifilm XH2 used for around the same price or sometimes cheaper and that body has 40mp. Same story with the Sony A7rIII, or I could save a little bit more to get the 61mp of the A7rIV (Again overkill for most people but is just the way I shoot and how I compose my images). A downside that many people see in a small sensor is the lack of a tiny field of view due to the smaller sensor, but if you are not shooting portraits, I think you wouldnt even notice. I used to shoot with an APS-C camera and got really nice out-of-focus backgrounds even not using a professional lens.
The only real downside that people, me included, is the fact of not the best low light capability but it is to be understandable due to sensor size. Again if you are not shooting in low light situations you could be really fine with any type of camera tbh.
FF is not the best because bigger is better, you really have to find the camera body that suits your needs and really not be ashamed of not having a "professional FF camera" because what works for you might not work for others, even if you just like taking pictures with your phone then go for it. I have used FF, APS-C, 1 inch and my phone, and I can recommend literally every single system if that is what works for you. Do your research, go to camera stores, try things out and choose the better option for you.
To summarize MFT is still a great option if you dont need low light performance, a high megapixel count or extremely out-of-focus backgrounds. I recommend checking out James Popsys that used MFT for a couple of years and he really captured amazing pictures in that time using the Panasonic G9. Chis Nichols from PetaPixel uses an Olympus OM1 as and EDC, his pal Jordan Drake sometime used MFT cameras to record videos so they really showcase the even professionals use the MFT system. A more expensive camera or a bigger sensor will not make your pictures better.
as an previous Nikon camera user that switched to OM with the OM-5 i bought it for the computational features that no other camera brand seems to offer, I wish they leaned into that kind of stuff even more, it does make the cameras rather unique in my view. Even though I knew that the lenses etc would be smaller it is still a surprise and joy to use them every time, not a fan over their newer lenses that are bigger, would prefer improving the smaller ones and updating them.
I am refereeing to Live Compositing, Live-Time and Live-Bulb which takes the guess work out of long exposures at seascapes, cityscapes, star trails in particular. Also in camera stacking of macro shots to a degree.
Like Matti explained, others have caught up. Nikon has implemented auto capture, pre capture, pixel shift, eye AF in manual focus mode, etc in their latest cameras.
@@victorlim5077those may be interesting but they are not the computational things I am referring too. It's the different long exposure as live time and live bulb where I can see 10min long exposure and hours long startrail exposure grow on the LCD instead of guess work.
@@victorlim5077 I am refereeing to Live Compositing, Live-Time and Live-Bulb which takes the guess work out of long exposures at seascapes, cityscapes, star trails in particular. Also in camera stacking of macro shots to a degree.
@@magnuslarsson2323 I guess each company has their own stuff like Sony with their grids, in camera focus breathing compensation, etc.
@@victorlim5077yeah probably, i mean these are niche things, they just happen to speak to me. And I do wish other cameras had similar features because taking long exposures without getting to see it develop in the LCD feels barbaric once u have experienced it. But from my understanding that tech is patented.
I think m4/3 still have its place. I am currently using GH4 for most of my RUclips videos as it is very robust video camera (long battery, 4k, 50mbs video format, wifi app, etc); great for quick RUclips videos without compromised. Other positive positive points are: native 2x crop compared to full frame- great for wildlife photography. In general m4/3 can also achieve faster frame rates and shutter speed. Think of GH6 for example, could film at 300fps @1080p. If they can achieve 1000fps @1080p and fast and natural autofocus like a human eye, I would buy it over a full frame camera in a heart beat for video function.
Yes they need to continue with the smaller bodies. I use the GX80 and Olympus pen cameras and it the size that attracts me to them.
They should also work on a compact camera to rival the Ricoh GX and/or the Fuji X100, these are really popular and if they could do it at a better price I think it would be a hit.
The GX9 with P20 or O17 is as small and light as the X100VI, and a fraction of the price.
I have all three formats and have dicovered that at 77 years of age,that good ergonomics come from bigger bodys not smaller ones.My Olympus MFT cameras have the same thing in common,they are small and fiddly to operate.My recent aquisition of a Canon APSC and a 19 years old full frame canon ,are much better in their operation.I like the feeling of having a brick in my hand as it helps stabilise my shots and also allows me to re-learn the art of photography.As for Olympus I would advise placing their MFT sensors in a larger body,with modern materials it won't have to be heavy but will give room for better ergonomics.............................
I've noticed the same and feel very sorry for that. For me as a former Canon FF-shooter the MFT systems light , compact and affordable lenses and guaranteed water resistance (Oly) and ruggedness of the system has been very welcome for nature and macro work. I still have my Canon for studio-type work or if low light capability is essential. Also human AF-tracing is better on my R6. Actually I don't see a point in selecting one system to do everything. Right tool for the right job! MFT for lightweight travel etc, FF or medium format for serious work were size and weight are less important. For MFT I really miss those GX- and pen type small rangefinder style bodies alongside bigger bodies for casual street and party photography. Not a single model is available!
I agree with most of your points. I've been contemplatng of trying MFT format as I only have Nikon APSC and full frame cameras. However, what was making me hesitant in venturing into MFT has been confirmed with what you mentioned in your video. It's a great video, we need videos like this!
I use consumer level M43 kit as a second system, a G80 and four lenses in a very small and lightweight bag. It is fun and less intimidating for subjects than my FF system. There are many like me buying used M43 kit, but only a few buying the latest G9 ii etc bodies and Pro lenses as new. So I guess Matti that you are right, however I will continue to enjoy being a secondary M43 shooter for a long time yet.
Very happy to see the g9 II, this shows the system won't really die.
It's evident that Panasonic shares R&D costs effectively between their full frame and m43 product lines.
The g9 II is basically a m43 sensor and improved software in an existing ff product's body. Also the ff product lines got a jump start from panys great m43 software and interface.
Maybe it no longer makes sense for pany to design all-new m43 body designs, but that's ok if they just drop improved brains, software, and sensor generations into unchanged gm1 and gx9 bodies for Mark II models! Seems like minimal r&d 😊
Congratulations on being willing to adopt a provocative stance. My thoughts on M43 are as follows: (1) Smaller lens sizes are a big advantage for many wildlife shooters. I would dread carrying a full-frame 200-400mm lens, but M43? No problemo. Also M43 lenses generally cost less than full frame. So TOTAL system cost is a factor. (2) Panasonic just brought out the G9ii (which I bought, I own a G9 and love it). Usually tech flows from the flagship down to lesser models, so there may be new gear coming with that new tech. OM Systems is another matter and they may be on the ropes, I mean why did Olympus unload it? (3) I see APS-C in more danger. Except for Sony, it's another lens mount for camera makers to support. Even Sony makes APS-C-specific lenses, which costs in R&D. Why go halfway? Either choose ultimate image quality (full frame) or best portability with interchangeable lenses (M43). I think Canon and Nikon will ultimately drop their APS-C lines.
Super happy with my Sony A6100 with some f1.4 Prime lenses! Perfect image quality to size ratio!
I think the basic issue here is cost of manufacture. For example, building a 25mm f/0.9 lens capable of resolving 24 MPix on a M43 sensor is a massively bigger engineering challenge than building an equivalent 50mm f/1.8 lens capable of resolving the same resolution on a FF sensor. Full frame systems are therefore already becoming the cheaper option, with M43 systems becoming the domain of professional videographers where sensor readout speed is paramount.
Thanks. That's another very good point. Design and build ultra fast aperture lenses is not easy.
Quite an objective evaluation Matti...The main advantage of the Microfour thirds format is the compact nature of the telephoto lenses where no other format can match...if only there are some fundamental quantum leap in sensor technology (in terms of Dynamic range, low light performance and Megapixels) the format can still be attractive ...both OM systems and Panasonic do not have research and manufacturing department for sensors...this is the greatest drawback in their not progressing as much as the other big names like Sony Nikon and canon who have a wide range in pure sensor variations in their Full frame brands (from entry level to Top end).
I enjoy very much the image quality of my Panasonic G9. I will definitely enjoy the image quality of the new G9ii. Seeing all the reviews ,it has a lot to offer , very advanced features and capabilities.Definitely a mile stone in the m43 development, excelling many apsc and even full frame cameras. On top of it , you have the basic advantages of of MFT, price,small size and much lighter weight with the lens, and very big selection of quality lenses.
For photographers looking for these advantages, this is a very good hybrid solution.
I'm a biologist working in the wild and I fully agree. I couldn't carry all those heavy lenses walking through a forest of jungle for 12kms or more.
I had a Lumix LX00 M2. Then I jumped into the G9. After spending a couple of years with the G9 I wasn't happy with the results in low light. The ISO had to be very high and thus more noise. So, I sold the G9 and got a SONY A7IV. The image quality has improved quite a lot in low light conditions. However I must say the G9 has a better colour result than the Sony. The colour with the G9 was more lively and the colours did jump out with it.
Im happy to have started with the M4/3 I have learnt and got me to move deeper into photography as an amateur photographer.
What appeals most on MFT to me is the compactness of the lenses and the much lower cost of those lenses. It's the main reason I switched from Sony FF to MFT. I do have to admit that I sometimes miss the colours of my Sony - especially my A7S, the A7III less so. Out of the G9, GH6 and EM-1X I do think that the Olympus colours are sometimes better than those of Panasonic. Not sure if there is still a market for mid range bodies? Looking at Olypmus they have the 1, 5 and 10 series, easy to understand but is there still room for the 10 range? Not sure they could remove it and lower the cost of the other two slightly. For Panasonic they have been focussing more on their high end lately with the G9-II and GH6 so next body should be a G85 replacement. Then again plenty of GH5 and G9's out there on the second hand market so the new mid range would need to be positioned at the same price level with some compelling new features. Both my G9 and EM-1X were second hand btw as is most of my glass.
In the last two years I saw many second hand MFT gear on the used market and recently that supply has dwindled. It seems that many people have sold their MFT kits and that now those who wanted out are out at least that is the case in France. I was lucky enough to benefit hugely from this and made myself a comprehensive kit that make me feel that the only limitation is my own creativity and not any technical issue. Macro, wildlife, extreme wide angle I can do all and get a level of image quality and automation that is good enough for my needs and my skills. Of course I could chase the silver bullet and upgrade at huge cost to something better but would it takes more meaningful images, would it improves my composition, would it makes me a better photographer ?
What I like about MFT is that it is a system I can carry with me everywhere and that it allows me to explore many types of photography and have fun doing it. One other thing I like about MFT is the format, I always struggled with 2:3 aspect ratio and prior to MFT was very fond of 4x5, 6x7 or 6x6 film cameras. It may sound strange but to me that feature is very important since it has a huge influence on how I use the camera and how it feels to compose in the viewfinder. I think that last point is the most important, finding the tool that feels right, the one that does not get in the way and then concentrate on taking pictures and try not to second guess yourself constantly on your choice of gear.
If MFT disappear I will keep using the gear I own till it breaks and then try to find a suitable replacement but I hope that will be a decade or two from now. By that time maybe we will have the camera wired to our eyes, weighting grams and sporting an f0.7 5mm to 2500mm zoom lens with more pixel count than there are atoms in my body :-)
To paraphrase Ansel Adams we will be able to take cry sharp images of fuzzy concepts.
I recently bought an Olympus Pen E-P3 which has become my everyday carry. It beats my toy like Sony ZV-E10 for solid feel, ease of use and picture quality. Will probably pick up a P5 for newer features. OM Systems would have this segment to them selves with an updated model.
Thoughtful analysis. I particularly appreciate your insights on the psychological aspects of why people might choose other than micro four-thirds, especially regarding perceived quality versus actual quality.
Perhaps the best thing for OM is for it to be acquired by Sony. They already make the sensors, and it provides room for growth. I just don't have a lot of faith in OMDS.
I have 2 micro 4/3 cameras. Well, I'll have 3 when I get the OM1 MII. Currently I use the OM-1 as my main and the Olympus EM5 MII as my backup. My girlfriend uses Canon. 5D, 6D and R6 MII. We both Storm chase across the country in the summer months, so we both have the same lighting conditions which is typically low light windy and sometimes wet conditions.. My photos turn out as good or better than her's. I am always pushing the limits of the 4/3 systems in the worst weather conditions and I am extremely happy with the results. I love the lighter kit and the versatility the micro 4/3's systems offer. I agree with most of your reasons and maybe I'll add that the sales people are somewhat responsible for directing potential new customers to which ever brand name offers the best commissions, incentives and so on. I don't have all the answers, but I do know that I love my 4/3's system and I won't be changing that anytime soon. Cheers.
My experience with Full Frame and most APS-C cameras for video production was terrible. Either the imagery and/or stabilization wasn't up to scratch or the cameras overheated quickly. M4/3 has provided the best results for me personally.
I chose Sony APS-C over MFT for two reasons. The camera body's (A6000->A6700) are generally smaller than the MFT's I have found and looked at. The prices are also lower for both lenses and the body.
I stick with MFT as I love the lenses and the different physical properties of the sensor are actually an advantage for my photography. I switched from Nikon full frame 4 years ago and my photography has never been better. Today I would probably choose another system like Fuji. But as you say, the difference in performance would in real life be irrelevant.
Funny how the main allure of MFT to me is the 3:4 form factor. I don't ever want to return to 3:2. And medium format is genuinely not an option.
Although I have the OM-1 and the M5 MkIII many of my (favourite) pictures are taken with the 16 MP E-PL10... And the lens is much more decisive for the image quality than the resolution of the sensor.
So, MFT is a love story for me and the gear I have will easily carry me through this decade
Hi Matti, I agree with you on many points BUT for me size is very important! My GX80 is simply a dream of a travel camera and the ideal compromise between size, flexibility and image quality. Especially with the new AI options for noise reduction in post-processing, the image quality is simply amazing. I also have an iPhone 15pro, which is nice because you always have it with you in everyday life, but I don't want to take my beautiful travel photos with it either. I have a direct comparison, it's nonsense to pretend that an MFT system can be replaced by an iPhone, the image quality of the GX80 is far, far superior to the iPhone. I also have a TZ101 Premium Compact with a 1-inch sensor, which is also great and I sometimes just have it with me, but even it can't fully replace the GX80 for the really "beautiful" photos. But the GX80 takes these really beautiful photos with everything you need, bokeh, sun stars, etc., simply everything you need. I wouldn't want to lug around comparable full-frame equipment with me on vacation or while traveling, definitely NOT.
MFT should return to its original purpose of "micro". I have a GM1, which is simply CULT! Unfortunately I didn't buy a GM5 when it came out, since then I've been looking for a second-hand GM5 - almost impossible to get in Germany and if so then at fantasy prices far above the new price at the time. Greetings from Hamburg Germany!
Many MFT (Micro Four Thirds) users value the portability of the system. Manufacturers have overlooked this and stopped producing small, high-performance cameras. The latest MFT models are even larger than Full Frame. This has been a mistake, and it doesn't seem like they will address it in the short term.
We love the size just the way it is. You don't speak for everyone
I started digital photography with a Panasonic G1 and I've had (and still have) a few Panasonic bodies since then. I bought a full frame Sony 2 years ago and I love it, but I still very much enjoy going out with my GX8 for its excellent weight/size/image quality ratio. I'm really glad I didn't sell it when I bought the Sony. I also have a GM1 that I use with pancake lenses. It's such a tiny setup that it fits in the pocket of my jacket. And all the lenses are still compatible with the "bigger" GX8, which my wallet appreciates a lot.