I'm a M43 user myself the last 6 years and pretty happy. I was thinking about to switch the system but couldn't find anything near the specs I am used to by using the g9. I thought a lot about it for a week and came to the conclusion, that I have everything I need and that I can deal with all of it's limitations.
I wonder if a better question would be: "How much is your current main camera, and do you consider yourself a hobbyist, prosumer or professional - Now what do you consider to be a budget camera price?" Without knowing what level someone is working at, you cannot know how to interpret their definition of "budget."
I'm a canon user. Got the R6 and R5. Just bought an Olympus omd em5 mk2 body and two lenses. Main reason is the portability of the system. So far I'm impressed with this 7 year old cameras capabilities.
If anything, I've ditched everything else for MFT in 2024. I was one of those "Never MFT sensor cameras!" type of people. All without ever even trying one. I've had everything from Fuji to Pentax to Leica and I wanted to try adding something new to the collection. I saw the Lumix GX85 on sale with two lenses in a kit for a great price. I figured worst to worst I just return it back. My biggest regret with the camera is that I didn't try MFT sooner. What a truly fantastic experience and a lot of value for the price. Honestly, my Leica has just sat in its bag since I've purchased the Lumix. The camera is that enjoyable for me to use. I added the Lumix 20mm 1.7 ll since I mostly shoot primes. I turn on the L monochrome setting and the heavens open up and the angels start singing...incredible BW profile! I've heard from many people that the L monochrome profiles were helped created by Leica. It wouldn't surprise me since there's the PanaLeica alliance. I'll even say that the BW profile looks extremely similar to the ones in my Leica camera...for literally a fraction of the cost. I think at this point I really dont' have any interest in any other systems and will stick with MFT for quite some time. I'm one of those people that fully believe the hands and the eyes are infinitely more important than the camera that is in them...the camera itself is just hand candy that someone likes using. The price for MFT bodies and lenses is a huge advantage for sure. If there's anyone else out there on the fence about trying Micro Four Thirds, my advice to you is just go for it. You'll be pleasantly surprised! Thanks for your video and insight!
So, after years of wondering what to shoot, I looked to your channel (many years ago) and determined that the G6 was what I needed. It delivered 100%. Since then, my G85 and G9 have brought really great images and video. I see no reason to move to a different brand or platform. So thanks for the nudge back then. Keep informing people about the M43 system. They'll be happy you did. *Hello from Tokyo*
If using the G9 or the G85 for video & photo, what would you say are some things one must know before purchasing? I am looking for a camera that can handle both stills and video. Thank you!
@@naomialexander6416 In my mind, there are only a couple things that I would be aware of. 1st, nobody knows how long the M4/3 platform will continue to be produced, which is a serious issue. I keep wondering about this, mostly because I don't want to "upgrade" or move on to another platform. It seems Panasonic has faith in M/43, otherwise the new G9 wouldn't have been released. It's a GREAT camera. 2nd, If I was going to start on M4/3 again, today, I would buy the new G9 mkII. It will do everything you need to craft a great image and video. There are so many lenses to choose from. It's great! I'm sure there are other points to be aware of, but I'm not making million-dollare-budget films, nor am I shooting for Vogue, so the G9 mkII would suit you just fine, IMO.
I've been a Panasonic user for YEARS and I recently upgraded to the BMPCC4k for about 900 bucks. MFT has never been any kind of issue for me. I still have a gx85 as a secondary camera for when I'm hiking or traveling.
After the new year I looked back on my favorite photos/videos of 2023 and realized not once did I think "dang, if only I had bought a newer/better camera I could have gotten a better shot here" or "if only I had a higher res shot of this" . Sure there are a few memorable moments of the AF on my g85 failing miserably, but basically all my favorite shots were a product of being at the right place at the right time. After shooting a wedding a couple weekends ago I realized I needed to step up my audio game more than anything else!
I switched to m43 when the GH6 came out and it’s been incredible. The look of the small sensor is so great for short form content cause of its more natural look with minimal bokeh (where autofocus isn’t necessary) but it has the ability to do cinematic style shots too (where I’d use manual focus anyways). The more and more I create content for social media the less and less I go for shallow depth of focus. Having the prettiest image just isn’t always appealing.
I think another factor is frequency of usage. I have a GH6 that I keep set up for video and a G9 I keep set up for photography or a B-cam. I don't use either as often as I used to. I used them with a client this past week, but I'm not shooting photos or video every day or even weekly..so for me, I'm happy with both of those cameras, the gear I've invested in, and the frequency in which I use them. The new Panasonic S5 II does look interesting though 🙂
Thanks Nigel! I still consider GX85 with some MFT lenses to be one of the most comfortable, compact cameras I have used, and I am going to hold on to my lens set. However, with cameras like X-S10 and X-T4 (or X-T5) Fuji has brought in a setup that offers amazing image quality without breaking the bank, and that is definitely something to keep in mind. I think a lot of us MFT shooters who stay with the system for stills are making our way to Fuji, which is also a versatile mount, and now has a solid selection of third party lenses :)
I really liked this style of video. I am not a micro 4/3rd guy but I love watching your budget style videos. It is amazing how you are able to pull everything off with budget gear. Just proves it is not the gear it is the person with the gear!!
It is one thing to have shrinking bodies for large sensors but you will never be able to get away from having to use large heavy lenses on the body since physics dictates that you still need big glass to cover the sensor. It is the weight and size of the lenses that become a burden for everyday use or travel, not the size of the body. This is something everyone forgets. The stress on the wrist when holding a small camera with a heavy lens on the front is never comfortable. This is where M43 shines.
Will almost certainly depend on your use case. I use APS-C and would never go for full frame. Am constantly tempted by 4/3 so I don’t have to lug around massive lenses. Especially important for travel.
Yes I had a similar experience. Full Frame is technically superior (with photos) but M43 is much more satisfying to use (not to mention cheaper) and more often than not the video quality is better.
These are the videos I wish more people would make. Not another gear review, but an honest discussion about what’s out there and where value can be found today. As someone considering their first purchase of a hybrid camera for wildlife and video I found this informative and wondering if micro four thirds is right for me or if I wouldn’t be better off looking for an aps-c system…🤔
I bought into the M4/3 space a couple of years ago. An almost new GH3 for NZD300/USD195 and a couple of GF2's for NZD25/USD16.25 each. Modded the bios in the GF2's so they closely match the GH3. Got a speed booster and adaptors so I can use my late 70's early 80's OM lenses. Very happy for the bang for buck.
Great video, I use a gx80 with the 85 firmware on it, and for me this was what I classed as budget/best bang for buck. I do a lot of making and fixing videos so spending money on something which might get knock over, welder splatter, dust or oil on it I kind of thought I was money well spent. Plus also it gives me a good entry into learning. Having to shoot 4k then downscaled to 1080p as my pc is still using a FX CPU, gives me more money to save up for a better video editing station. 😁
I went with the Panasonic G95 for blogging. The 12-60mm kit lens hits the range I'm going to use most of the time. However, I'm considering the 9mm F1.7 lens to add to the system. Panasonic has put a lot of flexibility into the G95.
Got a g9 now, wandered from Full frame ,APSC and m43. I still have my m43 and a backup canon 6d for my full frame needs. M43 is great travel camera. Love the system.
I just bought a used GH5 last year as a replacement for my G7. I mostly use it with the Olympus 12-40mm 2.8 as well as the Sigma 16mm Contemporary. It works very nice for documentary filmmaking an is a joy to use. I sure will stay on the system for the time being.
I ditched the GH5 for the Sony RX3 just for the auto focus. I appreciate the colors on the Sony, the user interface, but I really miss the hand held stabilization of the Panasonic. If the GH6 adopts the new auto focus system, at the drop of a hat I will be back to using my micro 4/3 lenses, and the Sony will be my back up camera. Not that there’s anything wrong with the Sony, but being able to leave the gimbal at home just makes such a great experience.
Loved this vid, thanks for featuring some of my work! I started out on M4/3 cameras, the Panasonic AF101 and the GH3 & 4 and later on GH5. After moving to the S5 I don't think I could go back to M4/3 - it's such crazy value for money and the mk2 pushes that even further!
@@belalang90 you could go down the vintage route and adapt canon FD lenses or M42 lenses. You can pick them up for around £50-£100 each but you'd need to use an adapter. Otherwise the L mount LUMIX S lenses are a good choice but range between £300-£600 / lens.
Hey Ed, Love your work man! I know the S5 is a camera that I still kick myself for selling, but with how cheap its getting i might have to pick one up again!
I sold one of my Canon full-frame bodies and got myself a mint Olympus OMD E-M1 II. I love shooting with and most importantly, I actually love bringing it along on short weekend trips when I only have carry-on luggage👀😬 Gonna pick up a second smaller M43 body to always have one in my bag. The tiny and great lenses are the real stars of the show IMO.
My personal choice for 23-24: 1) iPhone 14 Pro - in body stabilisation, multi-functionality, small pocket size, reasonable price. 2) GoPro Hero 11 + additional batteries and that’s it! Every other cams - are just unreasonable waste of money. U can buy BMPCC or Fuji Xt-3 and that body will become a money pit since then - because u have to buy tons of stuff to it like: Lenses, adapters, stabiliser, tripod, ND filter, batteries, flash card, at least 1 light, some bag to transport all these toys +++ and that’s not it, u have to buy editing Computer 😡 - at the end u will upload your video to Instagram or RUclips and nobody will notice that it was shot on simple iPhone or ProCam. Of course it can be reasonable, if u are really want to produce professional content. But, the fact that camera producers are so greedy, that they were putting tiny and dark APC-s sensors into their bodies all this years, like it’s so hard to produce a bit larger Full Frame Sensor - it’s just mirror at the end - Lens producers are good too - look to the price of one Full Frame lens … So, the main task is to squeeze money out of people - marketers aren’t stupid, don’t they… it’s business.
mean for me? I own an a7siii. Its great yes but i always keep going back to my Em1 mk iii. Yes the aouto focus is kinda so so.. but the size? The stabilization? I donno man the micro 4/3 sensor cameras has a special place to my heart. It made me learn in a hard way
I got the OM-1 less than a week ago. I find it kinda funny how m43 has been proclaimed "dead" every year, for like 10 years now. And even if it "dies", that just means a ton of cheap secondhand gear flooding the market :D
E-M1 Mark III bodies are less than or about $1000 now. I bought two of them. The AF, face & eye detection, AF tracking, all better than the E-M1 Mark II. Of course the OM-1 is better still, but that body A) is $2200, B) doesn't include a battery charger (a dual charger with battery is another $200), & C) the battery is different than the Mark III and Mark II bodies, and D) image quality isn't really any better than the Mark II / Mark III aside from pixel peeping. Full disclosure: I shoot stills, not so much video. 4K @ 24 is fine for my needs. YMMV of course.
I was so closed to get an micro 4/3 used cam last month, but I make a turn to EOS M, plus 2nd hand 15-45 kit lens and TTArtisan 25/f2, for less than $240. I might eventually get an micro 4/3, but EOS M is so much fun and the price is unbeatable.
I use a Panasonic GH4. For my needs, my biggest drawback is the lack of IBIS. If had a GH5, I'll have no problems with M4/3. I already shoot great videos with the GH4 despite the M43 lowlight and autofocus issues. Once you can work your way around whatever gear you have, you'll pull out very decent shots.
As much as I enjoy MFT shooting (compactness and IBIS especially), focus is frustrating. As you mentioned, when you're a one-man-band, it's difficult to focus pull when both you and your subject are in motion. I've lost so many "perfect takes" due to AF issues, and it's been so terrible that I had to completely re-think my original ideas and dumb them down to either a static camera, or a static subject, just to have more confidence that AF isn't letting me down. It's amazing how much time and effort and can be wasted with unreliable AF. In a perfect world, I'd be able to worry only about manual focus, because you can get pretty good at it with a manual prime lens, but let's face it; when both you and your subject are in motion, food AF isn't a luxury but a necessity. That's my only gripe, because otherwise MFT is just about perfect.
That is my problem as well. I like the cameras but they really need to work on the autofocus. It's the reason I'm actually looking at other systems at the moment.
While other mirrorless formats may outperform M43, I think for the non-pro or even the non-semi-pro, M43 is by far the best value proposition. Maybe not as much for video, but definitely for stills. My simple setup-EM5 Mk I, Lumix 12-32, Lumix 25, Oly 30 macro-can still be had for about $600. You can do the same with other older Oly and Lumix bodies
ive been using leica and lumix gear for years for street photography. recently i switched to olympus mft with lumix and olympus lenses. Amazing dof, great image quality and stabilization, half the weight. I had the s5 before and im amazed how small and light these cameras are. Want a ricoh griii? try an olympus pen ep7 with lumix 14. want a portrait setup? om1 or om5 with olympus 25 1.2. The plus side is I get similar colors to leica and my neck doesnt hurt.
I was shooting Canon DSLR until late last year but also last year I picked up a used Olympus em5mkii to be my more compact street camera with a 17mm 1.8. I think at first I was a little underwhelmed. Mainly because the size was small but not really small enough that I'd consider carrying it inconsequential. It's not exactly like a phone you can toss in your pocket and roll out the door. Yet at the same time it was so small the little dials and buttons were easy to accidentally press unlike my roomy 6d mkii. However, as I got to using it more, I found a new interest is never had before: video. This tiny little camera has IBIS and I started playing with it to grab clips for home videos. Then I was sad I got the em5ii which only has 1080p and wished I'd gotten a 4k model. It was enough that I started to look at upgrading my main camera, and through some fortuitous dealings I was able to sell my canon gear for nearly what I'd bought it for a few years later and was looking at upgrading to the s5 when the leaks started coming out for the s5ii and due to some logistical reasons of where I live abroad, I'd have to wait until March anyways to get my new camera. So I have a s5ii now in the US but I won't get it until next month. In the meantime, all I have is my olympus and one lens which I think has given me more appreciation for it. I have been forcing myself to take it out more and learn to work with it. And in this time, it's really grown on me. The colors look nice right out of camera, the sharpness is really good on this tiny lens, and it's pretty discrete. I got a cheap m42 adapter and have played with some vintage lenses and it's really fun. I don't miss the low light ability that much since I'm rarely out at night anymore with a toddler at home and the wide depth of field is actually kind of handy when shooting street from the hip and zone focusing. I think the life lesson is, there's always going to be better cameras - but the main thing keeping you from getting better photos and videos is you.
IMO it only makes sense to upgrade often if you're a professional. For hobby shooters like me, if your camera took great pictures yesterday, it doesn't magically lose its ability. He'll I'm looking at a 5D classic now to buy.
Great video. There's no auto focus issue with the Lumix G9 which I bought in summer 2022. I tested it using kit lens with someone running toward the camera using burst mode and got mostly sharp images particularly face and eyes. And with a Sigma 1.4 16 mm which I'm using for video and stills the auto focus is also top notch. Maybe all the firmware updates sorted out previous issues.
I have an Olympus, my brother uses a Nikon full frame, and we recommended a Sony to our mom when she wanted to get into photography. They each have their pros and cons and limitations and stand out features. Knowing the needs of the photographer is the only way to pick a camera, even flagship ones have downsides to get all the features they pack. I love my EMIII, it just does so well for its price and size for action photography and not needing to carry around a traditional tripod. But if I did studio work for big prints, I would get an entry full frame for that insane image quality or megapixel jump.
Just saw this YT tag, didn't even know that was a thing haha. Wow Nigel I'm honored for that lil shout out, I appreciate your vids and what you bring to the YT world!!
Have a g9 and the AF works fine at least for talking head stuff in decent light, just find it a bit too big to carry on long hikes or backpacking. For me FF totally out of consideration given size and more so volume/weight of lenses. Debating on the new OM5…small, light and good AF. Sony Zv e10, less expensive and almost perfect for studio work as another option, but not weather sealed and lenses a bit bigger as well. Just need the right gear for your needs- maybe a phone, M43, FF or Medium frame or…?Another enjoyable video!
I think people do not realize something here. I do agree that "full frame" offers some advantages over M4/3. Yes you have more dynamic range better low light and bokeh. TBH Bokeh is overrated. Although bokeh is used for the "idea of separating your subject from the background" makes 0 sense. What makes M4/3 better than any camera is the fact that is has the best IBIS in the business, no other "Full Frame" can match it. IBIS does not really get recognized alot in shooting, it makes the difference between getting a sharp image or missing the shot. Also if all you do is travel and you dont need a tripod, the IBIS on the Olympus is far to none. Its outstanding, you can even slow the shutter more and nail each shot always 100%. Cannot say the same for "Full Frame" there is no competition. Also, lenses are smaller easier to carry. Heaver lenses are harder to hold because of the weight, and keeping the shots still. Another thing Olympus does better, you have tones of features. Like ND filters built on the camera no need to spend more money. And if you Canon glass, you can mount it with a Metabones and get native like feel. Sure will not be as fast and have some feature missing, but who cares. Also if macro photography is your thing, with the built in photo stacking feature built in, it can take numerous amount of images and stack all together in one shot so everything will be in focus. What makes a great image are the shots to be entirely in focus (Subject) and not have soft images. For me the most important are the shot to be sharp and entirely in focus (subject) and not have anything else on the (subject) out of focus. And of course the picture needs to tell a story, what that photographer is trying to represent a story behind the shot. Full Frame - Better Low Light - More Dynamic Range - Better Quality (because of the sensor size) Cons: -Worst IBIS - More Weight -Better Bokeh (to me its useless) M4/3 (Olympus) -Best IBIS -Better (more available options in lenses and adapters) -More Features ND Filters, and others -Best Photo Stacking in Camera Cons: -Worst in Very Low Light -Less Dynamic Range -Lower Quality (due to sensor size)
Just a few days ago, I dusted off my Olympus om-d em-5 (the original) and started to use it again since LR denoise does a good job in cleaning up high iso shots. My em-5 with a 14mm f2.5 and 45mm f1.4 for are great alternatives to my Sony and Nikon full frames.
Ive personally gotten a whole new lease of life from my 4/3s gear just by running the raw files through DXO PureRaw - really makes a huge difference and feels like a completely new system! Definitely recommended if you feel like there are some limits on the low light performance etc
I'm trying to decide between micro 4/3 and a larger sensor camera. This video was a deciding factor for me, I will go larger. I like your approach on balancing budget and performance.
Here's my take. I recently built myself a m43 rig with a 35mm anamorphic and 7.5mm rectilinear lens on a GH5. With the 35mm anamorphic from Sirui, i get insane ammounts of light, to the point that in most sunlight shots i would need another ND to go over mine as it gets blown out anyways. But with the 7.5mm wide from Laowa, i can barely get enough light to the sensor as the lens is so small. When i had just the Sirui lens i was sure that i would be staying in M43 for a long time, but the problem is that the 35mm translates to 70mm in full frame, so it's a really really tight lens, so I tend to use the wide angle lens for quick shots, but need to bump iso to let's say 3200 iso just to get enough light in the shot, with the fast shutter that I NEED to have as i do a lot of motion tracking. Put it all together and it's a real mess to get clean footage, to get clean motion tracks... I feel M43 can deliver an amazing product, under it's own terms, but loses headroom for more technical stuff. Now please someone tell me I'm wrong and how can i fix this so I don't need to go the expensive sony route!
As always it depends on what your goal is. I do agree that autofocus is horrible on MFT. I don't need blazing-fast autofocus. For the occasional shallow depth-of-field shots, I have a Canon 5D MkII and a massive collection of vintage lenses that are covered. I'm a hobby nature photographer with 40+ years of experience. Having a 2x crop factor is a blessing. This also comes into play with macro as my 1:1 lens is, thanks to the crop, a 2:1 lens. Light isn't an issue, as I use a ring light when necessary. Weight is also a consideration. Lighter camera, and a more lightweight tripod (except when using the 100-400 Leica Panasonic, that one needs a sturdier one) I love and enjoy my G9, use a BMPCC 4K for video and the Canond 5D MkII isn't that bad either :-)
My Z Cam E2 is a micro four thirds camera, and I'm still totally happy with it. I have the Metabones XL adapter which makes it almost full frame. Using a Canon 24-105mm f4 lens I get a range of roughly 31-135mm at f2.5. Although, accounting for the slight crop, the full frame equivalent would be around f3.2. So, that Metabones adapter definitely makes MFT worthwhile if you don't need autofocus.
Hey thanks Nigel for showing some of my content in your video! Honestly at the end of the day you can't get a bad Budget filmmaking camera now days! If I had the lenses for the S5ii I would seriously consider that camera at the next purchase. But if they release a GH6s or ii or 7 with better autofocus I already own a ton of micro 4/3 glass and no real reason to switch if I can get a f2.8 look on the sigma lenses I already own. Great video nigel!
thats kinda whatI'm thinking, if the come out with like a g9 II orG10 or something with PDAF for under 2k, that would be killer! thanks for watching Matthew!
Been using m4/3 for 10 years now. I don't need anything else. m4/3 was so ahead of its time that I still am perfectly happy with using my now ancient em-1. I do still photography though and for me it's all about lenses.
now I like to start from the level and budget I am at but with choices of cameras to choose from in 2023 I feel is a really hard choice to find the right camera for what I want to do as a one man production company. So, if you got some time to hear me out, I like to ask you now in mid 2023 what to upgrade to, I am on an old Gh3 with three lenses... .... but Talking about doing all things on your own.. One need a fully functional autofocus when in front of the camera as a one man production company... However, the autofocus is said to be horrible on all Panasonic gh cameras and most cinema pocket cameras... -how good is that on a cinema camera in 2023 where you cannot pull the focus yourself , like on either the Black Magic cinema packet 4k or the gh5s really for documentary work where you are the narrator in front of the camera, or vlogging, or acting on your own short films, monologues, or other types of broadcasting live where you cannot see what is going on due to filming yourself and being focused on your content in the moment of acting, interviewing etc? -is the GH5S in 2023 still worth it compared to the BM p4k that seem to not have any continues autofocus!? ,,, of course one set the focus ahead and try to stay in frame , but at the same time as an actor, spokesperson, reporter you also need some freedom to move around within a set blocking to improvise and extend your bodily mimic while creating facial expressions and leaning here and there to show what you are reacting to or who you are addressing outside of what we see in a scene... Then, having no focus-pull person assisting you but still wanting a cinema camera giving you the best cinema image to make it look as if it is film and not like a news reportage by your college tv station, what camera in 2023 can help you as a one man crew / talent team? - What would you suggest for film-making short-films on your own where you are both the cinematographer, director and the actor in front of the camera? Sigma FP? .. hmm, but is highly expensive format of shooting , and cannot see any reviews on it having an excellent autofocus in video mode, really not much about its' autofocus at all , but yes, it looks like an amazing quality in a small form factor, but so does Black Magic OG but it seems like a heck to deal with... -what great camera also have the great autofocus ? so what then in 2023 is worth looking into? Regarding rumours, do you believe that Black Magic really will release a L format pocket full frame cinema camera with autofocus and IBIS in 2023 that could solve all these things for the one-man-film-production company? should I sit and wait for this? What camera should I best choose? thanks for getting back!Thanks for the beautiful work you do.. and thanks for anyone with a thoughtful advice getting back to suggest me what to look into and spend my money on without being stupid but practical and make work happen... Cheers from Sweden!
I agree with your assessment of gear and how to evaluate it uses. I have a Fuji XPro3 with 3 different prime lenses. I have a Gx9 with the comparable prime lenses. Frankly, I can’t really tell the difference how they focus with the exception of some dark lighting. That merely requires a slight shift in me, not the equipment to allow for the few focus issue that arise. Winner - GX9 for size and quality of images. Throw in a few different options and I will take “good enough” any day. Self assessment probably makes ma a fairly accomplished enthusiast with no interest in professional use of equipment. Really good presentation. Regards….Wayne
Funny story, I'm here from @EricJKuhns channel when I saw the collab on the Mckinney Skatepark not realizing that I had already seen your video on lighting a while back. Didn't realize you were local. That's pretty cool.
Great video Nigel! Really solid advice and tips for anyone who watches this for sure. I've been shooting with M43 since 2015 and I don't ever plan on ditching the system. I do own FF, APSC and DSLR cameras but there's just something about M43 that I love and will always enjoy. On a few occasions I was blessed by the camera gods and I'd say for video centric gear it was scoring a mint GH5 with a Olympus 12-40mm 2.8 pro and a Panny Leica 25mm 1.4 for $650 AUD. However if that weren't the case and I was just venturing into M43 for video then I'd probably pick up a used EM1 II as it's a solid choice even today. Looking forward to seeing more videos mate! Warm regards from Australia :)
Moved from m43 because I'm a midrange body owner - E-M10, GX85 / GX9, an eventual E-M5 MK II. And I think that it is a price point that OM Digital and Pansonic are abandoning, transforming m43 in a niche mount; high end video and vlogging for Panasonic (GH6 and probably a G100 sucessor), adventure / wildlife for OM Digital. A GX10 with pdaf, 10 bit video (even with 30 min time limit) and a little bit better EVF would be a perfect camera for me. But I don't see it on the horizon. Lenses indicates it too - OM Digital is only releasing Pro lenses (with size / price of APS-C ones), and Panasonic releasing expensive high end zooms or the occasional vlogger lens (the 9mm, which I would buy in a heartbeat if still on the system). Still love the format, but did not liked the direction it is taking. I could add to you list of the "other cameras" the one that I have now - Fuji X-S10; if you don't need 10-bit video or 4k60, for me is a better camera than the X-T3 (midrange guy here, remember). It have IBIS (not as good as OM or Panny ones for video, but good enough), good video AF, very good image and is under $1000.
I've actually found the autofocus on my GX85 with the kit lens to be really good with properly lit scenes. It only becomes an issue when it's pretty dark.
I have people already satisfied with my photos and work with an EM-1 MKII and G9. I wouldn't give MFT up because of the lenses they have to offer. I want a FF to go with them, but I'd never consider it an "upgrade" because it takes time to learn the advantages of each system plus there's enough glass and ppl with skill to use either format professionally as long as they know what they're shooting and doing projects for. The OM-1 is my dream camera for wildlife. And really, Panasonic's auto focus is good if you know how to use it.
I bought zve10 which its sensor equal to a6400. Its 4k only limited to 24fps and its 1080 for 60fps is horrible. Tried many settings always found my videos a lot darker and less sharp. If you want to have more sharper images you just have to buy higher end lenses which is into the full frame realm. Thus i decided to jump to GH5ii and i got 12-60mm panny lens. It is a good camera period and never regretted it as i could record in 4K 60fps in various formats. That slow mo in 4K is awesome. Now i am hunting for panny 7-14mm for ultra wide angle and a 42.5mm all second hand and they are cheap too in comparison to second hand sony lenses. Truth is i never regret to jump into mft world as a hobbyist. Really save your pocket money with good video outcome. Any thank you Nigel. Keep it up your good work.
Nigel great video! I've been using my GH5 and GH5s for a while and don't see changing systems anytime soon myself. Invested in EF lens with adaptors and Micro 4/3 lens. I almost purchased the S1, but decided to get another GH5 lol, it's all about what you said. Price & Performance!
Get a Lumix GX80/85 with a kit lense used for 300 bucks and enjoy decent photos and videos. The experience on Sony cameras is no where near as nice as Lumix cameras. I still prefer the feel and quality of my cheap GX80 to my newer and much more expensive Sony A7III. The picture quality from the Sony is a bit better ofc. It's not 4 times better though (which is the price difference).
Well I ditched...because size and weight of new S5II is pretty same as Olympus EM1 m2/3, OM-1, and lenses as well. Comparing prices I don't see benefits of m4/3 anymore.
For me the attraction of MFT is the amazing IBIS that you get from a smaller sensor. Of course we sacrifice somewhat the low light ability...and n the case of Panasonic cameras the AF is very frustrating...So what about a compromise and use ASPC ? Great IBIS - Great AF and a slightly larger sensor for better low light..?
Being in the military, I value good technology, ruggedness, portability, and value. Took the leap from ff canon to em1 mii and never regretted it. My whole kit is now 60% lighter.
Another benefit of M4/3 is that almost any lens will fit with an adapter. There’s a lot of cool c-mount and 16mm film lenses that are too small for a larger sensor.
You can get the A7S mark 1 for under $500 used now!! I think bad focus and reliable focus are 2 different thing. Older Sony cameras where not fantastic, but they where always reliable. BTW I hear you, Phase autofocus should have been on the GH6, even if it was gen I
I guess that is dependent on people's needs. Full Frame is mostly overkill for me, not to mention bulky and expensive. And I can't tell much difference in my Olympus M43 and my APS-C Canons in the photo department and the video of the Olympus is superior.
I've had APS C and FF but now own an Olympus OM-D E M1 MIII and OM-D E M5 MII camera, and won't be going back no matter what comes. Everything is and will be bigger, heavier and more expensive no matter how you look at it from these other brands. Olympus has many things in the camera that these other more expensive APS C and FF cameras neither can nor have such as LIveTime, LiveComp and Starry Sky AF. No, I'll take my Olympus anytime. When I pack for a photo trip of 3 days with Olympus, I have 1.1 kg of photo equipment with me, while when I pack the Sony A7 MII, I have 3 kg of equipment with me.
M43 images mostly looks more flat and dull comparing to FF. I'd compare them to advanced smartphone photos. That is expected, because of sensor/lens sizes and light physics. Should you ditch M43 - no. It's a compact and lightweight package, which can be carried out much more often and give you more opportunities. Getting OM-1 and some pro glass would be ideal.
I have a motley crew of old cameras that I love, but I have a client now that has paid me for some artsy projects, and I think I need to step up my game. I want something in aps-c or ff. ZV-e10 is attractive, but not sure if I can take the compromises, i.e.-no evf. Stabe would be a good thing!
First you prioritize the auto focus of the cameras, and then to "sell" the cost comparison of larger sensor cameras you say you can buy cheap vintage (manual focus) lenses to keep the costs down. This makes no sense. You can use those cheap vintage lenses and many other 3rd party lenses with MFT bodies, some of which will have auto focus. MFT has the price advantage for both cameras and lenses, and far superior image stabilization which is a great benefit for film making. And Olympus cameras have I.S. in the body, and will stabilize those old cheap vintage lenses.
I listed all my mft gear for sale, but now that a Panasonic will likely put out a mft with phase detect I just can’t get rid of my glass. I love my new Sony full frame, but it’s overkill and if I’m honest I think I’d go back to mft if they put out the right body with usable auto focus
Digital look? What do you mean by that? Its not something I've noticed. I can't tell the difference between m43 and full frame photos on DPR forums. Good light and good glass and it's much the same to my eyes.
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Way too much invested in glass and body’s for me. Just got a GH5II so im going to ride micro 4/3’s till the wheels fall off.
I'm a M43 user myself the last 6 years and pretty happy. I was thinking about to switch the system but couldn't find anything near the specs I am used to by using the g9.
I thought a lot about it for a week and came to the conclusion, that I have everything I need and that I can deal with all of it's limitations.
I wonder if a better question would be: "How much is your current main camera, and do you consider yourself a hobbyist, prosumer or professional - Now what do you consider to be a budget camera price?" Without knowing what level someone is working at, you cannot know how to interpret their definition of "budget."
I'm a canon user. Got the R6 and R5. Just bought an Olympus omd em5 mk2 body and two lenses. Main reason is the portability of the system. So far I'm impressed with this 7 year old cameras capabilities.
If anything, I've ditched everything else for MFT in 2024. I was one of those "Never MFT sensor cameras!" type of people. All without ever even trying one. I've had everything from Fuji to Pentax to Leica and I wanted to try adding something new to the collection. I saw the Lumix GX85 on sale with two lenses in a kit for a great price. I figured worst to worst I just return it back. My biggest regret with the camera is that I didn't try MFT sooner. What a truly fantastic experience and a lot of value for the price. Honestly, my Leica has just sat in its bag since I've purchased the Lumix. The camera is that enjoyable for me to use. I added the Lumix 20mm 1.7 ll since I mostly shoot primes. I turn on the L monochrome setting and the heavens open up and the angels start singing...incredible BW profile! I've heard from many people that the L monochrome profiles were helped created by Leica. It wouldn't surprise me since there's the PanaLeica alliance. I'll even say that the BW profile looks extremely similar to the ones in my Leica camera...for literally a fraction of the cost. I think at this point I really dont' have any interest in any other systems and will stick with MFT for quite some time. I'm one of those people that fully believe the hands and the eyes are infinitely more important than the camera that is in them...the camera itself is just hand candy that someone likes using. The price for MFT bodies and lenses is a huge advantage for sure. If there's anyone else out there on the fence about trying Micro Four Thirds, my advice to you is just go for it. You'll be pleasantly surprised! Thanks for your video and insight!
Which Leica do you have?
So, after years of wondering what to shoot, I looked to your channel (many years ago) and determined that the G6 was what I needed. It delivered 100%. Since then, my G85 and G9 have brought really great images and video. I see no reason to move to a different brand or platform. So thanks for the nudge back then.
Keep informing people about the M43 system. They'll be happy you did. *Hello from Tokyo*
If using the G9 or the G85 for video & photo, what would you say are some things one must know before purchasing? I am looking for a camera that can handle both stills and video. Thank you!
@@naomialexander6416 In my mind, there are only a couple things that I would be aware of.
1st, nobody knows how long the M4/3 platform will continue to be produced, which is a serious issue. I keep wondering about this, mostly because I don't want to "upgrade" or move on to another platform. It seems Panasonic has faith in M/43, otherwise the new G9 wouldn't have been released. It's a GREAT camera.
2nd, If I was going to start on M4/3 again, today, I would buy the new G9 mkII. It will do everything you need to craft a great image and video. There are so many lenses to choose from. It's great!
I'm sure there are other points to be aware of, but I'm not making million-dollare-budget films, nor am I shooting for Vogue, so the G9 mkII would suit you just fine, IMO.
I've been a Panasonic user for YEARS and I recently upgraded to the BMPCC4k for about 900 bucks. MFT has never been any kind of issue for me. I still have a gx85 as a secondary camera for when I'm hiking or traveling.
After the new year I looked back on my favorite photos/videos of 2023 and realized not once did I think "dang, if only I had bought a newer/better camera I could have gotten a better shot here" or "if only I had a higher res shot of this" . Sure there are a few memorable moments of the AF on my g85 failing miserably, but basically all my favorite shots were a product of being at the right place at the right time. After shooting a wedding a couple weekends ago I realized I needed to step up my audio game more than anything else!
I switched to m43 when the GH6 came out and it’s been incredible. The look of the small sensor is so great for short form content cause of its more natural look with minimal bokeh (where autofocus isn’t necessary) but it has the ability to do cinematic style shots too (where I’d use manual focus anyways).
The more and more I create content for social media the less and less I go for shallow depth of focus. Having the prettiest image just isn’t always appealing.
I think another factor is frequency of usage. I have a GH6 that I keep set up for video and a G9 I keep set up for photography or a B-cam. I don't use either as often as I used to. I used them with a client this past week, but I'm not shooting photos or video every day or even weekly..so for me, I'm happy with both of those cameras, the gear I've invested in, and the frequency in which I use them. The new Panasonic S5 II does look interesting though 🙂
Thanks Nigel! I still consider GX85 with some MFT lenses to be one of the most comfortable, compact cameras I have used, and I am going to hold on to my lens set. However, with cameras like X-S10 and X-T4 (or X-T5) Fuji has brought in a setup that offers amazing image quality without breaking the bank, and that is definitely something to keep in mind.
I think a lot of us MFT shooters who stay with the system for stills are making our way to Fuji, which is also a versatile mount, and now has a solid selection of third party lenses :)
I really liked this style of video. I am not a micro 4/3rd guy but I love watching your budget style videos. It is amazing how you are able to pull everything off with budget gear. Just proves it is not the gear it is the person with the gear!!
thanks glad you enjoyed it!
It is one thing to have shrinking bodies for large sensors but you will never be able to get away from having to use large heavy lenses on the body since physics dictates that you still need big glass to cover the sensor. It is the weight and size of the lenses that become a burden for everyday use or travel, not the size of the body. This is something everyone forgets. The stress on the wrist when holding a small camera with a heavy lens on the front is never comfortable. This is where M43 shines.
Will almost certainly depend on your use case. I use APS-C and would never go for full frame. Am constantly tempted by 4/3 so I don’t have to lug around massive lenses. Especially important for travel.
I went from 4/3 to APS-C to Full Frame. But I missed the compactness and weight, price, ease of use, selection of lenses - so I'm back, baby!
Yes I had a similar experience. Full Frame is technically superior (with photos) but M43 is much more satisfying to use (not to mention cheaper) and more often than not the video quality is better.
These are the videos I wish more people would make. Not another gear review, but an honest discussion about what’s out there and where value can be found today. As someone considering their first purchase of a hybrid camera for wildlife and video I found this informative and wondering if micro four thirds is right for me or if I wouldn’t be better off looking for an aps-c system…🤔
I bought into the M4/3 space a couple of years ago. An almost new GH3 for NZD300/USD195 and a couple of GF2's for NZD25/USD16.25 each. Modded the bios in the GF2's so they closely match the GH3. Got a speed booster and adaptors so I can use my late 70's early 80's OM lenses. Very happy for the bang for buck.
Great video, I use a gx80 with the 85 firmware on it, and for me this was what I classed as budget/best bang for buck.
I do a lot of making and fixing videos so spending money on something which might get knock over, welder splatter, dust or oil on it I kind of thought I was money well spent. Plus also it gives me a good entry into learning.
Having to shoot 4k then downscaled to 1080p as my pc is still using a FX CPU, gives me more money to save up for a better video editing station. 😁
I went with the Panasonic G95 for blogging. The 12-60mm kit lens hits the range I'm going to use most of the time. However, I'm considering the 9mm F1.7 lens to add to the system. Panasonic has put a lot of flexibility into the G95.
Still shooting a GX8 bought used 3 years ago. A G9 used or new will be next.
😎
Got a g9 now, wandered from Full frame ,APSC and m43. I still have my m43 and a backup canon 6d for my full frame needs. M43 is great travel camera. Love the system.
I just bought a used GH5 last year as a replacement for my G7. I mostly use it with the Olympus 12-40mm 2.8 as well as the Sigma 16mm Contemporary. It works very nice for documentary filmmaking an is a joy to use. I sure will stay on the system for the time being.
Between G7 and GH4 which one will you recommend. ?
I ditched the GH5 for the Sony RX3 just for the auto focus. I appreciate the colors on the Sony, the user interface, but I really miss the hand held stabilization of the Panasonic. If the GH6 adopts the new auto focus system, at the drop of a hat I will be back to using my micro 4/3 lenses, and the Sony will be my back up camera. Not that there’s anything wrong with the Sony, but being able to leave the gimbal at home just makes such a great experience.
Loved this vid, thanks for featuring some of my work! I started out on M4/3 cameras, the Panasonic AF101 and the GH3 & 4 and later on GH5.
After moving to the S5 I don't think I could go back to M4/3 - it's such crazy value for money and the mk2 pushes that even further!
Hi. What would be your best affordable choice for S5 lenses? I would love t try FF camera someday and I really dig into what Panasonic lineups are.
@@belalang90 you could go down the vintage route and adapt canon FD lenses or M42 lenses. You can pick them up for around £50-£100 each but you'd need to use an adapter. Otherwise the L mount LUMIX S lenses are a good choice but range between £300-£600 / lens.
Hey Ed, Love your work man! I know the S5 is a camera that I still kick myself for selling, but with how cheap its getting i might have to pick one up again!
I sold one of my Canon full-frame bodies and got myself a mint Olympus OMD E-M1 II. I love shooting with and most importantly, I actually love bringing it along on short weekend trips when I only have carry-on luggage👀😬
Gonna pick up a second smaller M43 body to always have one in my bag. The tiny and great lenses are the real stars of the show IMO.
My personal choice for 23-24:
1) iPhone 14 Pro - in body stabilisation, multi-functionality, small pocket size, reasonable price.
2) GoPro Hero 11 + additional batteries and that’s it!
Every other cams - are just unreasonable waste of money. U can buy BMPCC or Fuji Xt-3 and that body will become a money pit since then - because u have to buy tons of stuff to it like: Lenses, adapters, stabiliser, tripod, ND filter, batteries, flash card, at least 1 light, some bag to transport all these toys +++ and that’s not it, u have to buy editing Computer 😡 - at the end u will upload your video to Instagram or RUclips and nobody will notice that it was shot on simple iPhone or ProCam.
Of course it can be reasonable, if u are really want to produce professional content.
But, the fact that camera producers are so greedy, that they were putting tiny and dark APC-s sensors into their bodies all this years, like it’s so hard to produce a bit larger Full Frame Sensor - it’s just mirror at the end - Lens producers are good too - look to the price of one Full Frame lens …
So, the main task is to squeeze money out of people - marketers aren’t stupid, don’t they… it’s business.
Agreed and upvoted, but can't ignore Apple is also specialized in squeezing money out of people...
mean for me? I own an a7siii. Its great yes but i always keep going back to my Em1 mk iii. Yes the aouto focus is kinda so so.. but the size? The stabilization? I donno man the micro 4/3 sensor cameras has a special place to my heart. It made me learn in a hard way
6:31 I own a S5 and first paired it with a trio set of Canon FD Lenses. I can vouch for that route now especially when S5 prices are more attractive
I got the OM-1 less than a week ago. I find it kinda funny how m43 has been proclaimed "dead" every year, for like 10 years now.
And even if it "dies", that just means a ton of cheap secondhand gear flooding the market :D
With no tech support or firmware updates ...
@@stevenbamford5245 yea, well maybe. But then again, my e-pl5 is still alive and going strong.
Totally satisfied with M43 and will not change.
I feel you on that, I don't plan on it either but as time goes on and cameras keep getting cheaper, having a FF camera could be pretty handy
The answer is definitely yes. Send them to myself for safe disposal
Im just back on MFT comming from the A7C. Colors, stabilisation and 4k 60p brought me back.
E-M1 Mark III bodies are less than or about $1000 now. I bought two of them. The AF, face & eye detection, AF tracking, all better than the E-M1 Mark II. Of course the OM-1 is better still, but that body A) is $2200, B) doesn't include a battery charger (a dual charger with battery is another $200), & C) the battery is different than the Mark III and Mark II bodies, and D) image quality isn't really any better than the Mark II / Mark III aside from pixel peeping. Full disclosure: I shoot stills, not so much video. 4K @ 24 is fine for my needs. YMMV of course.
I was so closed to get an micro 4/3 used cam last month, but I make a turn to EOS M, plus 2nd hand 15-45 kit lens and TTArtisan 25/f2, for less than $240. I might eventually get an micro 4/3, but EOS M is so much fun and the price is unbeatable.
I use a Panasonic GH4. For my needs, my biggest drawback is the lack of IBIS.
If had a GH5, I'll have no problems with M4/3. I already shoot great videos with the GH4 despite the M43 lowlight and autofocus issues.
Once you can work your way around whatever gear you have, you'll pull out very decent shots.
just buy a new lumix body and most will have ibis.
As much as I enjoy MFT shooting (compactness and IBIS especially), focus is frustrating. As you mentioned, when you're a one-man-band, it's difficult to focus pull when both you and your subject are in motion. I've lost so many "perfect takes" due to AF issues, and it's been so terrible that I had to completely re-think my original ideas and dumb them down to either a static camera, or a static subject, just to have more confidence that AF isn't letting me down. It's amazing how much time and effort and can be wasted with unreliable AF. In a perfect world, I'd be able to worry only about manual focus, because you can get pretty good at it with a manual prime lens, but let's face it; when both you and your subject are in motion, food AF isn't a luxury but a necessity. That's my only gripe, because otherwise MFT is just about perfect.
That is my problem as well. I like the cameras but they really need to work on the autofocus. It's the reason I'm actually looking at other systems at the moment.
While other mirrorless formats may outperform M43, I think for the non-pro or even the non-semi-pro, M43 is by far the best value proposition. Maybe not as much for video, but definitely for stills. My simple setup-EM5 Mk I, Lumix 12-32, Lumix 25, Oly 30 macro-can still be had for about $600. You can do the same with other older Oly and Lumix bodies
ive been using leica and lumix gear for years for street photography. recently i switched to olympus mft with lumix and olympus lenses. Amazing dof, great image quality and stabilization, half the weight. I had the s5 before and im amazed how small and light these cameras are. Want a ricoh griii? try an olympus pen ep7 with lumix 14. want a portrait setup? om1 or om5 with olympus 25 1.2. The plus side is I get similar colors to leica and my neck doesnt hurt.
I was shooting Canon DSLR until late last year but also last year I picked up a used Olympus em5mkii to be my more compact street camera with a 17mm 1.8. I think at first I was a little underwhelmed. Mainly because the size was small but not really small enough that I'd consider carrying it inconsequential. It's not exactly like a phone you can toss in your pocket and roll out the door. Yet at the same time it was so small the little dials and buttons were easy to accidentally press unlike my roomy 6d mkii.
However, as I got to using it more, I found a new interest is never had before: video. This tiny little camera has IBIS and I started playing with it to grab clips for home videos. Then I was sad I got the em5ii which only has 1080p and wished I'd gotten a 4k model.
It was enough that I started to look at upgrading my main camera, and through some fortuitous dealings I was able to sell my canon gear for nearly what I'd bought it for a few years later and was looking at upgrading to the s5 when the leaks started coming out for the s5ii and due to some logistical reasons of where I live abroad, I'd have to wait until March anyways to get my new camera. So I have a s5ii now in the US but I won't get it until next month.
In the meantime, all I have is my olympus and one lens which I think has given me more appreciation for it. I have been forcing myself to take it out more and learn to work with it. And in this time, it's really grown on me. The colors look nice right out of camera, the sharpness is really good on this tiny lens, and it's pretty discrete. I got a cheap m42 adapter and have played with some vintage lenses and it's really fun. I don't miss the low light ability that much since I'm rarely out at night anymore with a toddler at home and the wide depth of field is actually kind of handy when shooting street from the hip and zone focusing. I think the life lesson is, there's always going to be better cameras - but the main thing keeping you from getting better photos and videos is you.
IMO it only makes sense to upgrade often if you're a professional. For hobby shooters like me, if your camera took great pictures yesterday, it doesn't magically lose its ability. He'll I'm looking at a 5D classic now to buy.
Character of the imagery counts nowadays more than technical perfection.
Great video. There's no auto focus issue with the Lumix G9 which I bought in summer 2022. I tested it using kit lens with someone running toward the camera using burst mode and got mostly sharp images particularly face and eyes. And with a Sigma 1.4 16 mm which I'm using for video and stills the auto focus is also top notch. Maybe all the firmware updates sorted out previous issues.
I have an Olympus, my brother uses a Nikon full frame, and we recommended a Sony to our mom when she wanted to get into photography. They each have their pros and cons and limitations and stand out features. Knowing the needs of the photographer is the only way to pick a camera, even flagship ones have downsides to get all the features they pack.
I love my EMIII, it just does so well for its price and size for action photography and not needing to carry around a traditional tripod. But if I did studio work for big prints, I would get an entry full frame for that insane image quality or megapixel jump.
Just saw this YT tag, didn't even know that was a thing haha. Wow Nigel I'm honored for that lil shout out, I appreciate your vids and what you bring to the YT world!!
Big fan of your stuff John, you make me miss the northwest and want to get a Fujifilm camera!
@@NigelBarros incredibly encouraging man. I do love the PNW, headed there this week! & the fujifam always has open arms haha
Well said! I shoot Olympus, Nikon APSC, and Nikon 35mm Sensors. I reckon I am sensor agnostic too. Cheers!
Have a g9 and the AF works fine at least for talking head stuff in decent light, just find it a bit too big to carry on long hikes or backpacking. For me FF totally out of consideration given size and more so volume/weight of lenses. Debating on the new OM5…small, light and good AF. Sony Zv e10, less expensive and almost perfect for studio work as another option, but not weather sealed and lenses a bit bigger as well. Just need the right gear for your needs- maybe a phone, M43, FF or Medium frame or…?Another enjoyable video!
I think people do not realize something here. I do agree that "full frame" offers some advantages over M4/3. Yes you have more dynamic range better low light and bokeh.
TBH Bokeh is overrated. Although bokeh is used for the "idea of separating your subject from the background" makes 0 sense. What makes M4/3 better than any camera
is the fact that is has the best IBIS in the business, no other "Full Frame" can match it. IBIS does not really get recognized alot in shooting, it makes the difference between
getting a sharp image or missing the shot. Also if all you do is travel and you dont need a tripod, the IBIS on the Olympus is far to none. Its outstanding, you can even slow
the shutter more and nail each shot always 100%. Cannot say the same for "Full Frame" there is no competition. Also, lenses are smaller easier to carry. Heaver lenses are
harder to hold because of the weight, and keeping the shots still. Another thing Olympus does better, you have tones of features. Like ND filters built on the camera no need
to spend more money. And if you Canon glass, you can mount it with a Metabones and get native like feel. Sure will not be as fast and have some feature missing, but who
cares. Also if macro photography is your thing, with the built in photo stacking feature built in, it can take numerous amount of images and stack all together in one shot
so everything will be in focus. What makes a great image are the shots to be entirely in focus (Subject) and not have soft images. For me the most important are the shot
to be sharp and entirely in focus (subject) and not have anything else on the (subject) out of focus. And of course the picture needs to tell a story, what that photographer
is trying to represent a story behind the shot.
Full Frame
- Better Low Light
- More Dynamic Range
- Better Quality (because of the sensor size)
Cons:
-Worst IBIS
- More Weight
-Better Bokeh (to me its useless)
M4/3 (Olympus)
-Best IBIS
-Better (more available options in lenses and adapters)
-More Features ND Filters, and others
-Best Photo Stacking in Camera
Cons:
-Worst in Very Low Light
-Less Dynamic Range
-Lower Quality (due to sensor size)
Just a few days ago, I dusted off my Olympus om-d em-5 (the original) and started to use it again since LR denoise does a good job in cleaning up high iso shots. My em-5 with a 14mm f2.5 and 45mm f1.4 for are great alternatives to my Sony and Nikon full frames.
Ive personally gotten a whole new lease of life from my 4/3s gear just by running the raw files through DXO PureRaw - really makes a huge difference and feels like a completely new system! Definitely recommended if you feel like there are some limits on the low light performance etc
I'm trying to decide between micro 4/3 and a larger sensor camera. This video was a deciding factor for me, I will go larger. I like your approach on balancing budget and performance.
Here's my take. I recently built myself a m43 rig with a 35mm anamorphic and 7.5mm rectilinear lens on a GH5.
With the 35mm anamorphic from Sirui, i get insane ammounts of light, to the point that in most sunlight shots i would need another ND to go over mine as it gets blown out anyways.
But with the 7.5mm wide from Laowa, i can barely get enough light to the sensor as the lens is so small.
When i had just the Sirui lens i was sure that i would be staying in M43 for a long time, but the problem is that the 35mm translates to 70mm in full frame, so it's a really really tight lens, so I tend to use the wide angle lens for quick shots, but need to bump iso to let's say 3200 iso just to get enough light in the shot, with the fast shutter that I NEED to have as i do a lot of motion tracking. Put it all together and it's a real mess to get clean footage, to get clean motion tracks... I feel M43 can deliver an amazing product, under it's own terms, but loses headroom for more technical stuff. Now please someone tell me I'm wrong and how can i fix this so I don't need to go the expensive sony route!
I bought the Olympus e-m1 mark ii 9 months ago off your recommendation and it has been an excellent camera.
I sold all of my M4/3 gear about 2 years ago because I was naïve and led to believe it was outdated. Still regret it deeply to this day.
As always it depends on what your goal is. I do agree that autofocus is horrible on MFT. I don't need blazing-fast autofocus. For the occasional shallow depth-of-field shots, I have a Canon 5D MkII and a massive collection of vintage lenses that are covered.
I'm a hobby nature photographer with 40+ years of experience. Having a 2x crop factor is a blessing. This also comes into play with macro as my 1:1 lens is, thanks to the crop, a 2:1 lens. Light isn't an issue, as I use a ring light when necessary.
Weight is also a consideration. Lighter camera, and a more lightweight tripod (except when using the 100-400 Leica Panasonic, that one needs a sturdier one)
I love and enjoy my G9, use a BMPCC 4K for video and the Canond 5D MkII isn't that bad either :-)
MFT isn't the cause of bad autofocus. That has been proven with the new Panasonic cameras.
My Z Cam E2 is a micro four thirds camera, and I'm still totally happy with it. I have the Metabones XL adapter which makes it almost full frame. Using a Canon 24-105mm f4 lens I get a range of roughly 31-135mm at f2.5. Although, accounting for the slight crop, the full frame equivalent would be around f3.2. So, that Metabones adapter definitely makes MFT worthwhile if you don't need autofocus.
Hey thanks Nigel for showing some of my content in your video! Honestly at the end of the day you can't get a bad Budget filmmaking camera now days! If I had the lenses for the S5ii I would seriously consider that camera at the next purchase. But if they release a GH6s or ii or 7 with better autofocus I already own a ton of micro 4/3 glass and no real reason to switch if I can get a f2.8 look on the sigma lenses I already own. Great video nigel!
thats kinda whatI'm thinking, if the come out with like a g9 II orG10 or something with PDAF for under 2k, that would be killer! thanks for watching Matthew!
I just bought an S5ii, and a G100 to use as a pocket travel camera. G9 is for airshows.
The EM-1 II + Sigma 30mm and 16mm f1.4 lenses = 👌
love the new style! nice compositions and less “talk to camera” shots you talked about in your latest podcast episode :)
Been using m4/3 for 10 years now. I don't need anything else. m4/3 was so ahead of its time that I still am perfectly happy with using my now ancient em-1. I do still photography though and for me it's all about lenses.
I would like to hear his thoughts for the om 1 and om 5 system cameras
I’ll be sticking with micro 4/3 for a while - I have the bmpcc original and a Lumix G7, because I’ve invested in the lenses.
Such an incredibly well made video Nigel! The composition, audio, graphics 🔥
appreciate it Nate!
now I like to start from the level and budget I am at but with choices of cameras to choose from in 2023 I feel is a really hard choice to find the right camera for what I want to do as a one man production company.
So, if you got some time to hear me out, I like to ask you now in mid 2023 what to upgrade to, I am on an old Gh3 with three lenses...
.... but Talking about doing all things on your own..
One need a fully functional autofocus when in front of the camera as a one man production company...
However, the autofocus is said to be horrible on all Panasonic gh cameras and most cinema pocket cameras...
-how good is that on a cinema camera in 2023 where you cannot pull the focus yourself , like on either the Black Magic cinema packet 4k or the gh5s really for documentary work where you are the narrator in front of the camera, or vlogging, or acting on your own short films, monologues, or other types of broadcasting live where you cannot see what is going on due to filming yourself and being focused on your content in the moment of acting, interviewing etc?
-is the GH5S in 2023 still worth it compared to the BM p4k that seem to not have any continues autofocus!? ,,,
of course one set the focus ahead and try to stay in frame ,
but at the same time as an actor, spokesperson, reporter you also need some freedom to move around within a set blocking to improvise and extend your bodily mimic while creating facial expressions and leaning here and there to show what you are reacting to or who you are addressing outside of what we see in a scene...
Then, having no focus-pull person assisting you but still wanting a cinema camera giving you the best cinema image to make it look as if it is film and not like a news reportage by your college tv station, what camera in 2023 can help you as a one man crew / talent team?
- What would you suggest for film-making short-films on your own where you are both the cinematographer, director and the actor in front of the camera?
Sigma FP? .. hmm, but is highly expensive format of shooting , and cannot see any reviews on it having an excellent autofocus in video mode, really not much about its' autofocus at all , but yes, it looks like an amazing quality in a small form factor, but so does Black Magic OG but it seems like a heck to deal with...
-what great camera also have the great autofocus ?
so what then in 2023 is worth looking into?
Regarding rumours, do you believe that Black Magic really will release a L format pocket full frame cinema camera with autofocus and IBIS in 2023 that could solve all these things for the one-man-film-production company? should I sit and wait for this?
What camera should I best choose?
thanks for getting back!Thanks for the beautiful work you do..
and thanks for anyone with a thoughtful advice getting back to suggest me what to look into and spend my money on without being stupid but practical and make work happen...
Cheers from Sweden!
I agree with your assessment of gear and how to evaluate it uses. I have a Fuji XPro3 with 3 different prime lenses. I have a Gx9 with the comparable prime lenses. Frankly, I can’t really tell the difference how they focus with the exception of some dark lighting. That merely requires a slight shift in me, not the equipment to allow for the few focus issue that arise. Winner - GX9 for size and quality of images. Throw in a few different options and I will take “good enough” any day. Self assessment probably makes ma a fairly accomplished enthusiast with no interest in professional use of equipment. Really good presentation. Regards….Wayne
Funny story, I'm here from @EricJKuhns channel when I saw the collab on the Mckinney Skatepark not realizing that I had already seen your video on lighting a while back. Didn't realize you were local. That's pretty cool.
hey yeah I actually just moved to Dallas last April!
Great video Nigel! Really solid advice and tips for anyone who watches this for sure. I've been shooting with M43 since 2015 and I don't ever plan on ditching the system. I do own FF, APSC and DSLR cameras but there's just something about M43 that I love and will always enjoy. On a few occasions I was blessed by the camera gods and I'd say for video centric gear it was scoring a mint GH5 with a Olympus 12-40mm 2.8 pro and a Panny Leica 25mm 1.4 for $650 AUD. However if that weren't the case and I was just venturing into M43 for video then I'd probably pick up a used EM1 II as it's a solid choice even today.
Looking forward to seeing more videos mate! Warm regards from Australia :)
Moved from m43 because I'm a midrange body owner - E-M10, GX85 / GX9, an eventual E-M5 MK II. And I think that it is a price point that OM Digital and Pansonic are abandoning, transforming m43 in a niche mount; high end video and vlogging for Panasonic (GH6 and probably a G100 sucessor), adventure / wildlife for OM Digital.
A GX10 with pdaf, 10 bit video (even with 30 min time limit) and a little bit better EVF would be a perfect camera for me. But I don't see it on the horizon. Lenses indicates it too - OM Digital is only releasing Pro lenses (with size / price of APS-C ones), and Panasonic releasing expensive high end zooms or the occasional vlogger lens (the 9mm, which I would buy in a heartbeat if still on the system).
Still love the format, but did not liked the direction it is taking.
I could add to you list of the "other cameras" the one that I have now - Fuji X-S10; if you don't need 10-bit video or 4k60, for me is a better camera than the X-T3 (midrange guy here, remember). It have IBIS (not as good as OM or Panny ones for video, but good enough), good video AF, very good image and is under $1000.
I've actually found the autofocus on my GX85 with the kit lens to be really good with properly lit scenes. It only becomes an issue when it's pretty dark.
More i watch more i learn thank you Nigel
I'm still happy to shoot on a GH2 and G7.
I have people already satisfied with my photos and work with an EM-1 MKII and G9. I wouldn't give MFT up because of the lenses they have to offer. I want a FF to go with them, but I'd never consider it an "upgrade" because it takes time to learn the advantages of each system plus there's enough glass and ppl with skill to use either format professionally as long as they know what they're shooting and doing projects for. The OM-1 is my dream camera for wildlife. And really, Panasonic's auto focus is good if you know how to use it.
Recently, the endings of the videos have been hilarious :D
Cheers from Beaverton, Nigel \m/
I bought zve10 which its sensor equal to a6400. Its 4k only limited to 24fps and its 1080 for 60fps is horrible. Tried many settings always found my videos a lot darker and less sharp. If you want to have more sharper images you just have to buy higher end lenses which is into the full frame realm. Thus i decided to jump to GH5ii and i got 12-60mm panny lens. It is a good camera period and never regretted it as i could record in 4K 60fps in various formats. That slow mo in 4K is awesome. Now i am hunting for panny 7-14mm for ultra wide angle and a 42.5mm all second hand and they are cheap too in comparison to second hand sony lenses. Truth is i never regret to jump into mft world as a hobbyist. Really save your pocket money with good video outcome. Any thank you Nigel. Keep it up your good work.
I ditch my full frame when I need hiking 😛 Panasonic had mention that they will add pdaf on coming m43 camera on interview
Nigel great video! I've been using my GH5 and GH5s for a while and don't see changing systems anytime soon myself. Invested in EF lens with adaptors and Micro 4/3 lens. I almost purchased the S1, but decided to get another GH5 lol, it's all about what you said. Price & Performance!
Easy answer to your question…YES . I’ve done so long ago and don’t regret it. 🎉
Get a Lumix GX80/85 with a kit lense used for 300 bucks and enjoy decent photos and videos.
The experience on Sony cameras is no where near as nice as Lumix cameras. I still prefer the feel and quality of my cheap GX80 to my newer and much more expensive Sony A7III. The picture quality from the Sony is a bit better ofc. It's not 4 times better though (which is the price difference).
Well I ditched...because size and weight of new S5II is pretty same as Olympus EM1 m2/3, OM-1, and lenses as well. Comparing prices I don't see benefits of m4/3 anymore.
For me the attraction of MFT is the amazing IBIS that you get from a smaller sensor. Of course we sacrifice somewhat the low light ability...and n the case of Panasonic cameras the AF is very frustrating...So what about a compromise and use ASPC ? Great IBIS - Great AF and a slightly larger sensor for better low light..?
I love my Fuji xt3
Being in the military, I value good technology, ruggedness, portability, and value. Took the leap from ff canon to em1 mii and never regretted it. My whole kit is now 60% lighter.
Another benefit of M4/3 is that almost any lens will fit with an adapter. There’s a lot of cool c-mount and 16mm film lenses that are too small for a larger sensor.
only reason I never went m43 was the autofocus...that was it.
You can get the A7S mark 1 for under $500 used now!! I think bad focus and reliable focus are 2 different thing. Older Sony cameras where not fantastic, but they where always reliable. BTW I hear you, Phase autofocus should have been on the GH6, even if it was gen I
Lovely. Thanks Nigel
We do Nigel, we'll remember to go to -> hey wait a minute... 🤣 Great video! Cheers!
I guess that is dependent on people's needs. Full Frame is mostly overkill for me, not to mention bulky and expensive. And I can't tell much difference in my Olympus M43 and my APS-C Canons in the photo department and the video of the Olympus is superior.
I've had APS C and FF but now own an Olympus OM-D E M1 MIII and OM-D E M5 MII camera, and won't be going back no matter what comes. Everything is and will be bigger, heavier and more expensive no matter how you look at it from these other brands. Olympus has many things in the camera that these other more expensive APS C and FF cameras neither can nor have such as LIveTime, LiveComp and Starry Sky AF. No, I'll take my Olympus anytime. When I pack for a photo trip of 3 days with Olympus, I have 1.1 kg of photo equipment with me, while when I pack the Sony A7 MII, I have 3 kg of equipment with me.
Quick question. How is the af of the 15mm with your Olympus? Thanks!
M43 images mostly looks more flat and dull comparing to FF. I'd compare them to advanced smartphone photos. That is expected, because of sensor/lens sizes and light physics.
Should you ditch M43 - no. It's a compact and lightweight package, which can be carried out much more often and give you more opportunities. Getting OM-1 and some pro glass would be ideal.
I dumped my high dollar big co.mirrorless for the om1 glad i did....
The full frame Panasonic S5 with the kit lens for $1400 is unbeatable. Plus it’s not much bigger. If u care about zoom sure, got MFT. 😄
I have a motley crew of old cameras that I love, but I have a client now that has paid me for some artsy projects, and I think I need to step up my game. I want something in aps-c or ff. ZV-e10 is attractive, but not sure if I can take the compromises, i.e.-no evf. Stabe would be a good thing!
Note: I’ve bought and quickly sold 2 a6000s and a6600! Mojo problems😅. Maybe the s10 or an xh-1 is the ticket.
First you prioritize the auto focus of the cameras, and then to "sell" the cost comparison of larger sensor cameras you say you can buy cheap vintage (manual focus) lenses to keep the costs down. This makes no sense. You can use those cheap vintage lenses and many other 3rd party lenses with MFT bodies, some of which will have auto focus. MFT has the price advantage for both cameras and lenses, and far superior image stabilization which is a great benefit for film making. And Olympus cameras have I.S. in the body, and will stabilize those old cheap vintage lenses.
I’m like I should probably get a Sony a6400-6600 to start but then my bmpcc og just hits too different 😭🌱
I listed all my mft gear for sale, but now that a Panasonic will likely put out a mft with phase detect I just can’t get rid of my glass. I love my new Sony full frame, but it’s overkill and if I’m honest I think I’d go back to mft if they put out the right body with usable auto focus
You forgot to mention that Panasonic has mentioned that M43 will be getting phase detect autofocus.
Yes Nigel of course I enjoyed this video 😁
This video was a vibe 💯
I had G9 and really didn’t grew on me. I hated the overly digital look to it so I sold it and moved to full frame land never looked back.
Digital look? What do you mean by that? Its not something I've noticed.
I can't tell the difference between m43 and full frame photos on DPR forums.
Good light and good glass and it's much the same to my eyes.