Why I Use Micro Four Thirds Cameras

[@kaushaltiwari9773]

Rest well David. I always enjoyed and learnt a lot from your videos. Your videos will surely continue to help a lot of people.

[@graywz]

David, thanks for all your very thoughtful videos.May they continue to be useful to many people many years into the future. You're sorely missed. RIP.

[@Check-it-out]

Hi David, thank you for your reply. I think you nailed it right there; "there is a price to pay in ultimate quality." I thought about this and it's exactly what i have picked up between your lines. It's not about 'ultimate quality' at all but about the process of making photographs and making lots of them. The more you try, the more keepers you are rewarded with ! What i often take back with me are thoughts of the lens i *wished* i had taken with me. Seeing you, raising your backpack with just one finger reminds me of the joy of going out, not the burden of my heavy backpack ! My pictures aren't about 'ultimate quality'. I don't want them to be, even if i could. (If even such a thing exists.) I want them to breathe joy and creativity. Every day, people are buried under an avalanche of media, pictures and video. If my pictures don't get the attention they deserve, i might at least focus on the joy it gives me making them. And that's *not* about constantly hurting my shoulders, dealing with tiny safes in the hotelroom, the attention a big DSLR attracts, fear of theft, etc, etc. Thx again. Cheers !

[@lucavascon1498]

OMG! Thank you for sharing that. I'm a professional photographer based in Venice, Italy. Duty is covered by Nikon and Canon fullframe digital cameras. No battery grip, and never bought those expensive doorkeepers like 1D or D4. I do not use long lenses, but fisheyes, ultrawide and normal ones. I bought very cheap an Olympus EPL1, maybe one of the most unfortunate micro 4/3 cameras in the bunch, 3 years ago, do substitute an hi-end compact camera. Since that moment it was my own everyday camera. I sold all APS-c stuff I had around, and made the same thought you do express so well in the video. Yes, even for me, the first time I get sentimental about a digital camera. Just 2 thoughts. Viewfinders: Superb pentaprism viewfinders of 35mm full frame cameras are something I'd not accept compromises on. All other viewfinders I've seen do not come even close. So, I'd happily trade them for size, lightness and price. And go for EPl5 or GM1 without remorse. The 16mp sensors in micro 4/3 are rivaling and outperforming apsc ones now! Of course the pro zooms of the line, despite their minimum size, they become hard to handle. No problem , I do like primes. Fisheye, 14, 20, and that 45mm 1.8 that is absolutely as fantastic as you paint it. So beautiful I use id even if it is out of my usual range. But I'd spend a word for the 20mm 1.7, I can't define in other words but outstanding. About GH3, it is absolutely one of the best cine-camera AND videocamera you can buy under 4000eur. Ops, it costs just over 1200?. Well... still is. And you can use it as a photocamera as well. So, different approach here, but same conclusions and same feelings. Of course I happen to make better pictures with the cameras I love more. So the small olympus kicked the D700. Uh, I never had dust problems, I cleaned the 4/3 sensors once a year or less ( always swapping lenses). I have to clean the Nikon big sensors once a month, Canon ones just a little less often. I do take the micro with me ALWAYS, and I shot as many picture as with my work camera.

[@grntchstrmdws]

It's nice to find a kindred spirit, David. My favorite M4/3 camera accessory is my bicycle.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for your nice words, Jason. From 17 when I started out as a photographer I loved it and It is something that has stayed with me all my life. I lost my love for bit after 40 years in the business but then digital came up and re-ignited my enthusiasm. It's a great career but harder to make your way in now, I think, but plenty of people do succeed and always will. Capturing the moment is the thing. You need to nail your technique right down to do it - hard to do but liberating when you have.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

***** I don't really follow that. I give a detailed run down of the reasons I use the camera system I do and you tell me the contents of your camera bag. If size were the only criterion I'd just use my S4 phone camera.

[@Bicyclechris]

David, I ran across your product reviews by chance while researching lenses for my Panasonic GH4. I really like the style of your videos, it is as if you craft a wonderful story for each topic you cover, and then read it aloud for the audience to enjoy. Your work is excellent, keep up the great work!

[@davidthorpe7732]

Chris H. I Thanks Chris - I put quite a bit of work into each video - which I love doing - and it;s nice to know it's appreciated.

[@DaveHaynie]

Nice review. I have a full frame Canon system that tops 10kg even when I leave gear home. I can put my OM-D E-M5 or Pen E-PM1 in a bag with two zooms and three or four primes for less weight than the just the 6D and a normal zoom.I still use the Canon, but it's pretty common for me to just grab the Olympus bag. Feels kind of like vindication, too, as I was an OM-system user before Olympus got out of the SLR biz and I switched over to Canon. One technical/production suggestion... it would improve your presentation if you fix your choppy audio. You're well recorded, but the chop-cuts are fatiguing (sorry... my Dad taught me photography, my Mom got me into audio production). It would be a much better video if you crossfaded your cuts. Easy to do even if you don't have recorded pauses. Just take a clip of room noise and cross fade that out of one vocal clip, then into the next vocal clip. Try it, it'll be much easier on the ears.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

***** I know, it's such a luxury to pick up a comprehensive and capable outfit and...it doesn't weigh a ton. It brought back a lot of the fun in photography for me. Re the audio, thanks for the tips. Audio is a b****y nightmare, yet another thing you could spend a lifetime learning! In later videos than this I've added ambient noise in silences but I'd appreciate your input on my latest one kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-wh2d-fZero68 and my best try so far. I've just put ambient room noise in the gaps but not cross-fade. I've also bought a proper (Sony) mic and taken advice on some tweaking. It's the best I can do so far. I'll never get it perfect but I'd like it to be as good as needed.

[@TheRobertsklenar]

Really a spot on explanation and discussion David. I've been at it myself for the better part of 35 years and finding tools that "work" and "fit" for the work one is doing has always been an ongoing theme for me. I've shot everything from 4x5 to a Rollei that shot square on 35mm film (maybe it was 1/2 frame?). Over the last couple of years M43 really fit the work I was doing and the size, weight and portability really re-invograted my photography. Often providing me options that either weren't there previously or were a hassle I didn't want to battle with. I have being able to shoot a small rangefinder style (like my old Leicas) that can be completely silent and a more DSLRish body with high speed and great focus for equestrian sports, again all with shared lenses. I too shoot a lot of music, from large concerts to tiny club venues. Having a big bag on your hip doesn't work in a crowded club, but having a 35-100 f/2.8, a 25mm f/1.4, a 20mm f/1.7 all in the pockets of your hoodie, with the 42.5mm f/1.2 on a small body is absolutely liberating and amazing. The main difference I think the people who buy my work notice today from my days in the club with my D700, 85mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.4 is there is more variety and I can do more creatively. Seldom does anyone mention the bokeh isn't quite as good as they were hoping for. :-) Thanks again for the thoughtful analysis.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Robert. You feel everything I feel about Micro Four Thirds. And I agree, I have never had anyone comment on the technical quality of my stuff. It's the picture that people look at and there is no practical difference with Micro Four Thirds unless you want to make 4' prints. Plus, you can restrict depth of field perfectly well with Micro Four Thirds but it's an effect and usually more depth is better. Ultra Shallow depth does seem to have become a bit of a fetish for some but it's just one aspect of a picture and if done for its own sake tends to spoil a picture rather than enhance it.

[@ejbernal2]

This is cool, like watching a BBC documentary from the 70s.

[@coversepeti6012]

haha

[@peterbuckley265]

AH YES LIKE MIKE PALIN, MIKE PORTILLO AND MIKE WOOD ON CAMERAS, PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO !!!.

[@subrotomitra]

Nostalgic , I listen to him sometimes for motivation.. Rest well, indeed ..

[@davidswan3018]

I'm an old 35mm guy and remember carrying around huge lenses with my old Nikon FE. Now with my M4/3 kit (Also GH3 with 7-14 12-35, 35 100) I can pack them all up in a small bag and I'm ready for almost all indoor or outdoor shots. Size does matter!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

My experience mirrors yours. Of course FF has its advantages but they make no material difference for most photographers whereas the size and weight does. Your stuff all goes in a small bag -ff would be real trial to hawk around with lenses to do an equivalent job. That's it, really!

[@colinmorris2604]

Mh&

[@jadestone032]

i dropped all my DSLR early this year for a Fuji x10 for most of the reasons you put up in your video! I'm still saving up for either a GH2 or a E-PL5 and a 17mm 1.8! Awesome and thought provoking video!

[@SKgeostrat]

Hello David, brilliant review, but I wish you would update it. There has been great improvements in the last year, particularly with the OMD EM1 and the GH4. I am a pro and I have just emigrated from a Nikon system to Olympus with the EM1, the 9-18, the 12-40 2.8 and the 75 1.8. The The tracking has improved greatly with the EM1 and the Four Thirds lenses work perfectly with the new AF system. I am hesitating between keeping the 75 and not buying the 40-150 2.8, but buying the 300 f4 with the converter that is coming early 2015.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Steinar Knai Yes, I've thought of updating it but then this one has to come down and start all over again with a new video. I have a GH4 and have been playing with an EM1 recently but I don't find either of them a step change from the GH3, more of an incremental improvement. IQ hasn't changed at all in practical terms - not that it needs to particularly. The lenses are getting interesting but some are getting quite big now!

[@SKgeostrat]

David Thorpe Yes, the 40-150 is almost too big for MFT I find. Therefore I am considering the 35-100 from panasonic , which seems perfectly good and more in line philosophically with MFT. However, the 300 f4 will be very tempting for wildlife, also with the converter to 720mm in 35mm terms.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Steinar Knai I have the 35-100 (I've reviewed it, too) and it's one of my favourite lenses. The 300mm F4, it probably will be big but it is a specialist lens and I don't mind the size in that context. Basically, I wouldn't expect to take a lens like that with me everywhere. I make it 840mm with the converter - not that it matters. Long is long!.

[@SKgeostrat]

David Thorpe of course 😊. What is your experience with tracking and the 35-100?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Steinar Knai It's up to the best that the MFT system bodies of either make can do. Having said that, the single point focus is so fast that you need a pretty quickly moving object moving at an acute angle to need to track it at all.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Epi. And what a lovely comment. I envy you in a way, the thrill of early days with a good camera and lenses, finding out what they can do and what you can do with them. Having said that, the excitement never goes away.

[@Philson]

Hmm... But what about Micro Four Thirds vs APS-C? The A6000 looks like pretty compact yet good IQ too. Better than M4/3?

[@davidthorpe7732]

***** The point about MFT is not so much the body dimensions but the size and availability of the lenses and the overall compromise between size and quality. If IQ is the most important thing, then FF is the way to go. If size is the most important, then a compact is the one. Between those are the rest of the cameras, my choice of which is MFT. I could argue as good a case for the Sony as I could for MFT but in the end a camera outfit with lenses from the FF equivalent 14mm to 420mm, fast lenses, with 2 bodies that can be carried comfortably on my back while I'm cycling around the city on my bike is pretty convincing. But I'm not a camera salesman and if someone prefers a Sony, then that's what to buy.

[@nb1223]

On paper... Sony is the way to go... Until you start shooting with M43... I soon realized that more and more I was picking up my M43 camera over my Sony... (Aps-c). M43 is more than just megapixels... It's the experience... It's the handling. You have a Ferrari in the garage... But it's not practical to drive everyday. It's so cool to own though... On the flip side you have an awesome pick up truck... Just as polished... This is your work horse... It gets the job done everyday, on any given day.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Well thank you. I love maiking these videos and comments like yours are one of the major reasons.

[@Supermanohman]

So why not the Sony a6000? I got it because it's lightweight and travel friendly and it has an apsc sensor. Would the lenses for it be too large or something?

[@callumchisholm3054]

+Vic Vinegar I looked at it myself, I went for the oly omd-em10 because of the prices, looks, and I like the name Olympus more than sony lol.

[@Supermanohman]

Callum Chisholm ah yeah I guess some brands are better for certain people. I'm a Canon and Sony guy myself.

[@two203ify]

+Vic Vinegar difference between apsc and m43 is minimal. M43 has what 80-90 lenses to choose from, while sony e-mount has what 10?

[@two203ify]

+giants4 they have 9primes, but some where around 30 total lenses

[@stevestruthers6180]

I own a Sony a6000 and can confirm that this is absolutely true; the Sony lens ecosystem isn't very well developed. I like my a6000, but just ordered a Panasonic G7 with a Panasonic 14-140 lens mainly to shoot 4K video. I would have bought the Sony a6300 instead, which shoots 4K video. The problem with the Sony is that it overheats when shooting 4K video for any appreciable length of time, and the body costs several hundred dollars more than the G7 does with the 14-140 lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words. The strap is just a loop that I leave on the camera and fit a sling strap through when I go walkabout. I use one from Gordy's Camera Straps.

[@alextigoglu2408]

Gm5 for the win

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Luca, for some reason I can't reply directly to your comment - I don't understand why but there it is. Yes, I've always found that if I really like a camera I can always tell because I pick it up and use it without thinking about it. And then, going through pictures, you notice how many were from that camera. The GH3 is one of those for me. There does seem less dust on MFT sensors - someone told me it was because the lenses are more often used wide open so the shadow of the dust particles thrown from the AA filter onto the sensor is more diffuse. The f2.8 zooms _are_ a bit big for the smaller M43 bodies.They come into their own on the bigger ones, though. But if small is what you want, as you say, you have all those lovely primes.

[@blackjohnny0]

Your talking way is so agressive.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

blackjohnny0 Thank you or I'm sorry, depending on your point of view.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+HARDEY LEONE Thanks Hardey. I never thought of myself as sounding aggressive. Cool and sexy, I like that much better :-)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Sam Santana Hold on Sam - there I was suddenly thinking I sounded all alpha male and now you are saying I don't :-)

[@watcharac]

I like your reviews so much, I bought the GH3 system simplified, the best investment I ever had. Thanks again for your reviews, keep up the good work. I am now a Lumix shooter.

[@stubuck99]

Nice job David! As a former shooter of a Mamiya RB67, and then moving to a Panasonic GH2 in the digital world, I completely agree with your comments on the M4/3 system. I have really started to enjoy photography once again over the past couple of years. I love the way I can carry my GH2 with 20mm f1.7 pancake everywhere and not feel a weight burden, and I seldom leave the tiny Olympus 45mm f1.8 at home either.

[@TheEPROM9]

The Fuji XT-1 has a lovely electronic viewfinder. The advantage the electronic ones have is you pretty much know how your photo will turn out and can frame it correctly the first time. I can sling my camera in my work bag with an extra lens or too with a smaller bag to put it all in for lunch time walks. The smaller sensor sizes bring some nice size and weight advantages without compromising on image quality and can out preform the older and bottom range SLR's.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, exactly. I was out shooting a few night shots in France and a friend of mine, who used a DSLR couldn't see to shoot. He was astonished when he looked through my EVF. I think many photographers don't realize how far they have been developed in today's cameras.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Its the Olympus 45mm f1.8. I have a review of it on my channel. The Panasonic 45mm is a macro lens. Some dealers don't know much about MFT! Glad you like the videos.

[@5nanometers]

After I realized I wouldn't be shooting pro photography any more, I bought a Lumix GM5 with a Leica 15mm f1.7. I love my setup. It's even smaller than my film cameras!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, it's put the fun back in it for me. The 40mm (20mmm M34) VF was just a guy selling it used on eBay. Voightlander do them but expensive. I don't know who made it, it doesn't say but I expect they come up time to time. A 35mm finder would be near enough.

[@derekharbison3730]

David this is a very handy review of your reasoning. It is always good to hear a seasoned Pro discussing what goes into the bag and why. Gold...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Derek. I'm always trying to attain my perfect outfit. While lenses come and go and camera bodies get upgrades now and again, I do find that I'm completely settled on MFT.

[@Drmikekuna]

David, I so agree with you. I am an avid amateur who sometimes does "professional" work. I happily shoot with everything from inexpensive digicams to full frame DSLRs. With that said, if I could only have one camera type it would be a MFT as that format provides the best balance between size and image quality. Perfect to take on a holiday and good enough to do head shots for web pages and brochures.

[@humanfishh]

Interesting, thanks for taking the time. I'm new to both photography and M43. I now own a Panny GX1 with the 20mm, 14-42mm X zoom and the most recent addition, the 45-175mm. I'm hoping this set up will meet my creative needs and grow with my abilities in the years to come. Incidentally, how died the Olympus 45mm handle on a Panny body, minus stabilisation?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, that might work well. The glass would be expensive to be strong and optically neutral but that wouldn't present too great a problem. Possibly it could be replaceable, too in case of really sticky pollen or sand sctratches. It would definitely make the MFT lens changes less of a worry. I hate changing lenses out in the field.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I use a Sigma 105 f2.8 in Pentax fitting with an MFT adaptor and it works excellently. I understand that of the reasons movie makers like MFT is that they can adapt just about any lens to it, too.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's a Lowepro 102 Slingshot. They do them in several sizes. Mine is the smallest and as you saw, takes most of what you might need on a day out.

[@baze3SC]

On m43 you'll get equivalent DOF by doubling the f-number, period (provided you have the lens). But you won't get the same background blur since the aperture is _physically_ smaller, which would be a reason to use FF if you go after that look. On the other hand, if you shoot sports action on FF you need smaller apertures for deeper field, therefore slower shutter speeds to gather enough light. Suddenly, m43 is in advantage as you can use faster shutter speeds with MUCH smaller telephoto lenses.

[@onenarrowdoor]

Thanks for the quick response. Yes, I knew about the IBIS but came across something online regarding auto-focus - though the statement in question was very poorly worded and the author could have been referring to lenses that require an adapter (he did not distinguish which he was referring to).

[@Aldarux]

One thing worth talking about that I think you missed are speed boosters, particularly the ones made by metabones. Getting that extra stop of light, widening some of your lenses and being able to adapt just about any lens to M4/3 is a huge reason as to why I will be buying myself a GH4 for Christmas.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Rob Young Good point, Rob. All my lenses are native MFT because I replaced my entire DSLR before the Metabones were around. Otherwise I'd certainly have kept a couple of them.

[@nexstar00]

I applaud you for your valor. I too, have both m43 and Pentax equipment. I dwell on this question on a daily basis: which one should go? I spent two weeks in Italy during May with my GH2/ 12-35 2.8 and got some good shots. Then, I embarked on a five week trip trough Colorado/Mexico with K01 and four Limited lenses. I do prefer the Pentax RAW files and colors, but it was inconvenient not to have a viewfinder, plus most of my limited lenses are riddled with CA and distortion, plus K01is slow.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Panasonic really have worked hard on their cameras' usability, control positions, menu layout etc. Those things come into the equation at least as much as IQ in my judgement. When a camera is fun to use, you take more, you learn more and you enjoy your photography more. That's what it is about, really..

[@sephirotic87]

I'm a happy amateur owner of a GH2. Nice to see a professional photographer positive view about the system. I love my Gh2 for video but i'm also very happy with it's photographic capabilities, i see no sufficient reason to own an APS-C, even with cheaper lens (in my country). How was the transition from GH2 to GH3? I got really bummed by the loss of multi-aspect ratio sensor. I explore this a lot in my gh2 and sometimes the extra wide view from the 16:9 aspect is just the extra bit i need

[@joemartin5881]

Great video. I've recently moved up from point and shoots to Micro Four Thirds with the Lumix GF3. I have the 14mm 2.5f pancake & 14-42 kit zoom which are good for mainly outdoors stuff. I use an adapter and an old Minolta 50mm 1.7f which is good for getting creamy backgrounds. I'm thinking of also getting a G or GH series Lumix so I can continue to use the lenses I have but have the added features of more manual controls and a view finder.

[@dengor45hd48]

Your videos are even better the second time round David. Much better than some tech head fumbling with equipment he's not familiar with, and telling us how much he does/doesn't like it. Great, honest reviews.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Glad you think so and I appreciate you leting me know - thanks!

[@alanwong402]

Thanks David! I originally was considering a Canon system, I am a beginner to ILCs, than I was considering a M4/3 system. Thanks to your video, I am now quite confident in purchasing this system!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Alan Wong You're welcome, Alan.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Good point, Juan. I'm sure the exposed sensor problem could be solved. A blind that came over when the lens was removed would do it. No sensor device will ever solve the problem like a new sensor for each shot (film), though.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Many people want a Pen/ GF style body with built in EVF so this looks like the answer. Also, a Panasonic body with sensor anti-shake. Panasonic say that the in lens is best so the camera will prioritize that and use the sensor mechanism when the lens has no inbuilt system. Very clever. The 2 direction anti-shake won't be as effective as the 5 way system on the top Olympuses but I have a 2 way system on my E-PL5 and can't fault it. Bottom line, I've ordered one! Review when I've got to know it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Something is wrong because most of the sales have been in the USA, not the UK and I have a couple of sales from Japan, so it is available internationally. (That sounds so grand!) What happens when you try to buy it? It's something to ask Amazon about really but I'll try to help.

[@gadda33]

Dear David, That was a pure privilege to listen to You - thank You ! I am from Nikon stable and after 30 years I noticed that technology changed so much that a Full Frame format is no more so important. A week ago I had an opportunity to use a Panasonic medium range camera (GX80) with a prime lens Olympus 75mm f/1.8 ED M.Zuiko Digital....and I was blown away :)) I have never seen such a high image quality in Nikon FF cameras and lenses ! That tiny lens is simply ming blowing ! I love Micro 4/3 system and maybe (most probable) I switch to M 4/3 system for the rest of my life.....FF is bulky. it is heavy, it is not so good as advertised. I love to have something heavy in my hands but......is it really necessary today ? I do not think so ! Micro 4/3 system is so amazing that I am ready to change Nikon for Panasonic or Olympus. Deepest Regards - Marek (Poland)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Marek - I've just been in Poland, Krakow. Had a lovely time in a lovely city. That Olympus 75mm is widely regarded as one of the sharpest lenses in the Micro Four Thirds system and justifiably so. I agree with everything you say here. The GX80 is such a good size and has excellent image quality -the Nikons are great cameras but given the way pictures are used today, it is hard to justify the size and weight of such a camera for normal use.

[@gadda33]

Nice to hear such things :)) Kraków and Wrocław are pretty atractive and pleasant places to visit. I do a lot of night photography and was happy to make some amazing pictures of Wawel Castle (Krakow) Same regards Praha and Budapest. Regards - Marek

[@apih4448]

Good afternoon. Have just visited your July 2013 expository on why you use micro 4/3s. Another superb, focused, well presented bit of information, advice and elements of common sense and photographic wisdom. For me at least. What prompts this comment is pure and simple: appreciation for your talent and your generosity. I wish to add that I had viewed many months ago the video on the prime Olympus 45 1.8. Today, after gathering sufficient monetary resources, I ordered it. I made sure I let this brew and stew and it did for a sufficient amount of time. My choices for use are either a Lumix G5 or a GH3 in my current inventory. Recently finishing a career as an American CPA, I'm going back to my training as an anthropologist to use these tools for the stories and lives to be explored under my nose and beyond my ears from mundane to not so mundane perspectives (I hope.) Thanks again.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks so much for your generous comments. You'll like the 45mm I'm sure, it's the essence of MFT in its fitness for purpose and a great lens for the people photography you'll be doing. Sounds a fascinating enterprise you are undertaking - and takes some courage to make such a radical change.I wish you the best of luck!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You make a good point but often if I have the bag in the boot of the car and I'm going for a stroll I'll just take the camera and 12-35 with me. If I know I'm going to do that, I'll often just take the 14-140mm out and nothing else. I really like zooms, provided they have the quality of the 3 I carry. But you're right, often the 25mm would be just as good as the 12-35. Except, knowing me I'd end up with taking both.....

[@hungrydavo]

Thanks David. Great story. It's nice to hear about your personal views on M43. It is definitely a format with character.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks a lot Robert. I'm hoping to review a GX7 as soon as i can get hold of one and get to know it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I agree with you that full-frame will always be around for studio and set piece stuff. I used to sometimes photograph orchestras or the cast of West end plays where you have a large scale and highly detailed subject. I used to use my Hasselblad or Mamiyas for that and nowm would use an full-frame. But for travel and day to day editorial work, MFT is is well up to the task already and in many cases better, for the reasons you say. Also the MFT stuff is so much fun to use..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, but the angle of view is altered and the background is relatively larger so appears more difffused. I'm planning to a video on depth of field. It's much talked about in theory but the practice is simpler.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

If what you want is shallow depth of field, MFT will never be there compared to a FF format. On the other hand, just as many of my pix require wide DoF, so swings and roundabouts. Every format has its pros and cons, the pleasure is in weighing them up and choosing. There really is something for everyone now, long may it continue.

[@lifeslooker]

Totally enjoyed your "mini film". I liked your passion towards photography, and the joy it gives you. I'm in IT at the moment and I've done a few photography-esque projects for friends. Did my friends wedding 3 years ago with a Polaroid! It was interesting. Once the photos were taken, I had them stuck into a scrapbook for him and gave it to him as a wedding present. This was with all the well wishes from those that attended. Will watch more of your videos. You know what you're talking about

[@LookItsABigBlackGuy]

Gh series is one of the best I've used. Alot of professional photographers don't like it, because they're use to full frame, but I like it. I have the same lenses you have. The 35-100mm 2.8 is awesome, but very expensive. I take photos for products ( on ebay and other websites ). Majority of my sales come from how good and detailed the photos are. Plus these lenses are very sharp. Most people may be off by the price-put, but I rather shell out the price for a quality product than get the cheapest affordable price, that's my opinion. Great video, love it!

[@davidthorpe7732]

LookItsABigBlackGuy Glad you like the videos, thanks! You make a very good point about good photography selling things. The photograph is the thing that fixes a first impression in a buyer's mind and if it's not good, the object is perceived as no good too. A good camera used with care to take a professional looking picture gives a buyer confidence as well as being satisfying to do.

[@davebellamy4867]

That EPL5 would go well with a 17mm f/1.8 too I feel. What a cool finder!

[@donnieyiu7139]

Hi David, thanks for sharing your view points and I totally agree all. I take professional portrait photos using Oly em1, em5 with all the prime lenses. They are light and work great with excellent images. 45mm f1.8 is my most favourest lens.

[@kirli7961]

David, you could just buy consumer lenses for pentax instead of star ones and your photo equipment would be much lighter and with the same features in terms of depth of field (f/4 on aps-c = f/2.8 on m43). If you don't shoot video, of course. Some years ago I possessed K200 + 16-45, this lens was fantastic.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Trond. In principle there's no limit, it could go on for ever. Certainly, the camera would be long obsolete before the sensor gave out.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

True but with the GH3 or E-PL5 I can carry lenses equivalent to 24-200mm f2.8 and a camera body in one hand. Plus, I use the wifi control via iPad or phone a great deal. And I do video for various purposes. I didn't sell my K5 lightly but there's no question for me that M43 is better. Depth of field, I can get it as shallow as I ever need on M43 so that's not a problem.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Your thoughts neatly sum up the appeal of MFT. You describe your D70 as fabulous yet bought an MFT camera. The balance of quality and size and technical innovation make the latest MFTs an attractive proposition. There will always be people for whom the ultimate technical quality is the aim (I'm glad to say) but for people like you and me, MFT hits the right buttons.

[@MrCharlesTuna]

I've really been enjoying your Micro 4/3 reviews the past months. Keep 'em coming!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Ian. Some people do seem to have a problem with the smearing you describe. I just don't notice it, even though I wear glasses. Maybe I just centre my eyes in the VF by habit now, but whatever, it's not even on my radar now though I could see it at first. Might be worth waiting for the GX7 - or try an O-MD if you find you coudn't live with the GH3.

[@cornwasher]

An excellent personal and professional evaluation and will help since just acquiring a Pen E-P3 for hobby photography. While not the Panasonic, as you say, it will serve my purposes.... Thanks

[@glee831]

What an excellent video on your transition to micro 4/3's. It's too bad I didn't watch it before I bought a similar, but not so handy, camera backpack bag. I enjoyed how you tailored your choice of camera, lenses and gear to a full range of options while keeping an eye on weight so as not to put an undo burden on your cycling tours. If you're not making a living taking pictures, but still have a passion for photography, why carry around all the big, heavy equipment? That really is why many of us have chosen the micro four thirds system. For my own multi-day cycling tours, I'd want to travel even lighter. I'd love to see a follow-up video on that subject - if you have an interest. My compliments on a great editing job. Thank you for posting.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I put the camera in the shopping trolley and did the basic shot. Then, in Photoshop select all the parts of the picture including between the trolley's wire frame, make a new layer via 'Cut' and apply the 'Zoom Lens' effect then recombine the layers. I tried doing the pic in camera using a neutral density filter and a long exposure but the camera jolts and gets shaken during the exposure and it blurs the trolley contents.

[@iamneallyons4263]

Currently about to pull the trigger on my first real bit of kit, always been interested in photography and have always had some sort of point and shoot but after doing a lot of learning and research im ready to buy into a "proper camera" i was weighing up either a Nikon 7100 or Canon 750D then started looking into Sony A6000 mirrorless but have since come to look more into the MFT cameras and done my research over the last couple of weeks and it would appear that the difference between MFT and APS-C is not that great, the MFT are cheaper to buy - more lenses knocking about and if MFT is good enough for a retired pro like yourself David, then it is by far good enough for me!!! Currently trying to decide between the Panasonic G7 or the Olympus OM-D EM10 mark ii.

[@trentmason009]

Very measured review and the creator has articulated precisely why I enjoy my MFT camera. He has sentimentality for the system mearly based on admiration for how its form has reinvigorated his love of being out and shooting. Yet, he is very objective in describing the limitations of the MFT system. I enjoyed this video based on it having balance and great descriptive qualities. For example, Mr. Thorpe says MFT isn't intended to compete with full frame and he reiterates that such a comparison misses the point entirely. I, for one, shoot Aps-C and MFT and I keep finding my Panny GF5 as my workhorse. Mr. Thorpe remindes me of ***** and his enthusiastic reviews... they both remind me that what truly matters is the artist behind the lens, wielding the tool he enjoys to capture his muse. (I didn't intentionally rhyme that last sentence, but whatever.)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The Nexes are lovely cameras but no-one can overcome the laws of optics and bigger sensor = bigger lens. I imagine the focus speed problem could be overcome. but the quality of MFT has moved so far so fast that I wonder about the future for the APS-C sensor. Full Frame and MFT seem the best long term bets to me.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I got mine second hand one Bay. I wonder where they sell the ones you mention? I'm sure plenty of people would want to buy them at the right price. Thanks for the info.

[@farouklens]

Wonderful work as usual David, I enjoy my MFT system a lot but still can't let go of the DSLR, maybe one day....

[@archygrey9093]

M43 are used in DSLRs too, my olympus e-620 is a dslr with optical viewfinder and M43 sensor.

[@robbyboyo]

Excellent film and views. I too have a soft spot for micro 4/3 and have bought the 14-140 3.5 lens as the carry around lens (plus the 20m 1.7).

[@OptimaMrL]

I'm not a M43 user, but your presentation style and practical insight into photography equipment is a great listen. Thank you. PS: I may be looking into M43, thanks to you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Leo. Micro Four Thirds is a good system with a lot of advantages so well worth a look. So many og cameras nowadays but few outside of DSLRs have the ecosystem that Micro Four Thirds has.

[@jroynorris2963]

Hi David, I have found the Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW more comfortable than the sling type you use and I have all the same Lumix kit as you (on your recommendation {:)), which I carry on the bike. It fits into my back like a conventional rucksack and you can swing around and remove a lens without taking it off. I liked it so much I bought the 16L AW as well. Regards.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's a Manfrotto 709B Digi. It is incredibly useful and costs about £20 in the UK.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Good, isn't it? I use an adaptor to mount my old Sigma macro lens on my cameras. You can mount pretty much any lens on there one way and another and what is nice is that you are using the centre sweet spot of thye lenses.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much vegasrenie, I'm glad they help, You are obviously on the right track with the GH3 - it's the best blend of still and video capability at the moment. Doing the research is fun too, isn't it? You can get so close to the your ideal but there is always something you want that another one does better :-)

[@desofire8483]

Well, I have a DSLR, but throughout my experience with street photography, sometimes I don't see why a mirrorless camera is ideal because in my eye, no matter how much I tinker with the settings, I can't get the results I desire. With a DSLR however, my problem is that the subjects are disoriented with it, and I almost always end up not being able to shoot at all. I am planning to invest in an Olympus MFT after trying it out, but I want to check out other MFTs. Thank you for your insights.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, the balance between weight and quality hits just the right spot. As you say, it makes photography enjoyable all over again.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I like the GH3 for its extra siz, ease of handling and the wifi capability which I find useful for monitoring the video I do for my Youiube channel. If you don't find the GH2 too small I don't see any particular reason to upgrade. The stills quality is better than the GH2 but not to a degree that makes any practical difference to what I do. And video, personally I still use the same quality and settings as I did on my GH2. And I thought In wouldn't miss the multi-aspect sensor...but I do.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Lunä Lita Glad you like the reviews - I'm hoping to try the lens but getting hold of one may be difficult.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Hoai. Unfortunately I have to buy the cameras and lenses I test so I'm unlikely to get a Fuji. Looking at the cameras, the Fuji has a fixed lens so is really a quite different camera from the Olympus. Far less versatile. If you know for sure what you will be photographing and that a wide angle lens will do the trick, the Fuji looks good. But to me, it looks like a second camera rather than a main one. Quality wise, little in it in practice.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I've used them in the rain with no problems and on sandy beaches on the Mediterranean but I avoid ill-treating my equipment. If I were looking for real heavy duty weather sealing I'd be looking at pro-level Nikon and Canon stuff. Having said that, I have had Nikons which I've had arctic weather greased freeze up anyway so I guess nothing is perfect.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I take your point. I'm a stills man primarily and the zooms perform more than well enough for my requirement which is for general purpose out and about use. Under those circumstances the versatility of the zooms more than compensates for any drop in best possible performance. I'm no IQ fanatic, anyway. Some of the pictures that have made me the most money over the years have not been good quality at all. For sales, the subject is all!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

They are a great combination - especially if the upcoming updated version of the 20mm has the enhanced focusing I read it will.

[@sunsaffron]

I have to say I love M4/3. As you said, it provides a combination of inexpensive equipment along with great image quality. My favorite aspect of M4/3 is how I have adapted my old 35 mm lenses to the system, effectively saving money and giving me a wider array of optics to shoot with. Granted, there is no autofocus, but I work on landscapes and portraits, which depending on the situation do not require fast focusing.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I manually focused for most of my life - I still manually focus for portraits anyway I I like to use a tripod too). Landscapes also I like to manual focus - or focus lock sometimes - because it annoys me when the camera refocuses on every push of the button. Some of those old 35mm lenses must be great for M43 because not only were there some superb lenses but you are only using the central sweet portion..

[@sunsaffron]

My biggest draw to older glass is because the price for getting a decent prime with apertures as low as 1.4 are rock bottom compared to a similar modern prime. I think I watched your Sigma 30 mm DM review and even that lens only goes as low as 2.8. When I peruse yard sales and thrift shops, I'm no longer evaluating 35 mm SLRs based on the body, but how I could use the lens in the rest of my arsenal. I could go on and on about M4/3 benefits.

[@dougjarvis3824]

I am just in the process of selling all my pentax gear and moving to fly, got an old g3 and an omd em10 . Like you have said in the videos it's a trade off , in good light the difference in image quality is minimal , in bad light then that's where you see it but for me those times are few and far between ,.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+doug jarvis Much the same for me. Doug. Also, most of my stuff is for video or on the web at 1920px across - down-sampling to that eliminates most noise anyway. But even when my end need is more exacting, I don't find noise anything to consider until you get to 3200 or more. I did like my Pentax gear, excellent camera better i many ways than the Canon/ Nikon equivalents.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The EM1 looks to be quite specialized and probably not that light. For a walk around camera the upcoming GX7 looks to be good. The e-pl5 is excellent too and tiny. (see my video on it).

[@brinip1]

Great video review David. It is nice to hear a pro talking in such favour on MFT cameras. I can remember when they were first released that most pro's wouldn't give them a 2nd look. Whilst a quality image is the most important factor to all photographers, being able to get the shot has to be just as important. For me MFT's has given me the best of both worlds, small and light equipment with a superb quality that is improving all the time. Like you I have gone through a few Panasonic MFT cameras. GF1, G3 , G5 and GH3, I still own the GH3, it is my fav by miles, not as compact as the others but having more controls at hand a real bonus. I generally use it with the 14-140, which I can honestly say is an amazing little lens. It is generally sharp right through the range and is remarkably small and light. I also own the 14-45 and 45-200, to be honest they do not get much use these days as the 14-140 covers them both very well. I lose a bit of zoom on the 140 compared to the 200 lens but I don't find the 45-200 that sharp over 160mm anyway. I do a lot of landscape work and whilst the 14-140 works well can you suggest a better lens for this use? Many thanks and keep up the great work

[@davidthorpe7732]

Bri T Thanks! I like landscapes on quite long lenses so I can't really think of a better lens than the 14-140 stopped down to around f8. At that aperture, there's little difference between any lenses in terms of IQ and with landscape there's usually no reason to use wide apertures. Actually, the 14-140 is fine just used wide open anyway. The only lenses I can think of that would have better IQ for landscape would be a selection of primes which you could use at wider apertures. but you'd pay out a lot of money for a set of them that would cover the 14-140 range and I'm not sure such a move would reap much practical benefit unless you were making very big prints.

[@brinip1]

Thanks David. Yes like you say, you would need a good amount of primes to cover the 14-140 range. At a guess I think you would be hard pushed to see the difference at mid distance and mid aperture settings. To be honest I have been so impressed with the 14-140, even at max zoom with the aperture wide open, the images are still sharp. I was going to get the 25mm prime but wonder if I will really notice much difference as the 14-140 is also excellent at that range. The other consideration was the 12-35 , to give me that slight extra wide angle. Many thanks for your comments :)

[@davidthorpe7732]

Bri T You're welcome! The other one to consider in that case would be the 7-14 Panasonic zoom. It's an amazingly good lens and compact, too. Plus the price has come down lately.

[@AlanGeer]

Many thanks for this - I too have a big DSLR, lots of big, heavy expensive glass and frankly I am sick of it. I bought a Olympus E-M1 yesterday and wondering if my direction is really what I want. But your points, experience and priorities helped me clarify - they are identical to mine! Appreciate you taking the time to make the video and present your perspective so nicely.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm glad it was helpful Alan. Strats and cameras...heaven! Lovely tone and feel on your classical guitar. It wouldn't happen to be a Bellido, would it?

[@BrianFrenchinternet-marketing]

With the gh4 (4k) couldn't you zoom in another 75% at 1080p in post? Maybe you can see the type of wine your neighbors are drinking.

[@baze3SC]

Basically, the camera with larger pixels will have better high ISO and low light performance while the camera with more pixels per unit area can deliver images with finer detail in good light. If I were to choose a mirrorless camera based on conditions I typically shoot in, I'd probably favour higher res and use full-frame camera in really low light.

[@adrinathegreat3095]

This review is quite interesting in that it's a professional that is making up a very high quality camera and lens system that suits his own needs. It's very well thought out, for many who aren't pros not use to having the best quality lenses and equipment available because we don't or didn't rely on it to make a living, our choices may be entirely different. Today I just carry a lumix tx100 1inch sensor point and shoot, 25-400mm equivalent and 4k video, that just about suits my needs, I don't blow up and pixel peep my images because they're not being sent to clients for scrutiny " e.g. I'm not use to selling photo's" They are purely for my own needs, this guys life/ hobby is photography, for me it's just another of my many hobbies and interests

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I actually play guitar and cycle too but photography is/was my business so as you observe I approach everything from the point of view of it being a tool for the job in hand. I've always enjoyed both the form and function of a camera, though. They are lovely pieces of engineering apart from their ability to take pictures. My basic outlook on photography is that a photographer should use whatever camera it is that makes him want to take pictures. That may be a smart phone because it is always there and requires no technical knowledge. It may be a 10x8 stand camera for the discipline it imposes on the user. Whatever it is, all that is important is that if you want to take pictures, it doesn't hamper you. I never advise anyone to use any particular equipment, I simply try to give them the benefit of my years of acquired knowledge as an aid to making their own choices. Many wonderful guitar players do the same thing on KZbin with their technical know-how and playing advice and the same thing applies. Few of them proselytise a make or type of guitar and that's how I stand with Micro Four Thirds. If i could do what I do just as well with a phone camera, that's what I'd do. I can't, so i need something bigger - but not bigger than it has to be! Thanks for your observations, very thoughtful.

[@MrSonicAdvance]

If you haven't tried the 45-175 "X" lens, you really should. It's a lovely little lens, in a completely different league to the soft 100-300mm and the image stabilisation works with the G80's Dual IS. And absolute steal at the price. (Which seems to have gone up recently.)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'd like to try one of those. All the prices seem to be going up, sadly, although at £299 on Amazon at the time of writing it doesn't seem too bad.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Great video - nice to hear from a proper old pro and nice to know you said pretty much what I would have - I only go back to 1980 on cameras and got a Lumix GF5 earlier this year which, unlike any digital camera I've ever used, reignited my love of photography. I mainly use classic manual lenses but recently inherited a Minolta / Sony A100 backpack with about a dozen lenses. I couldn't pick it up with one arm yet alone one little finger!!! :D

[@edsassler285]

You know that old saying - "the secret of photography is f8 and be there". Well, f8 doesn't change with format, so it's all about equipment that helps you be there. I don't know if my bicycle is my camera transportation, or if my camera is a way of capturing what I see when I ride, but the M43 system makes it all possible. I can put a GH3 body with the Leica/Lumix 100-400 lens, and a carbon fiber tripod in my LowePro Flipside200 bag and ride right to my shooting spot at the wildlife refuge. That much lens with that much image quality on my back on a bike would have been impossible just a few years ago. David, I've watched most of your videos, what impressed me the most about M43 is the idea of the system, or putting together the perfect kit for a day out. The idea of picking the camera body as well as lenses based on what you're looking to do and how much room you have makes sense to me. Right now I'm starting a project that will produce an image based on history, so the image itself will be produced in April. Between now and then I'll take reference shots using a GF3 and a 14mm pancake lens that fits in back pocket of a cycling jacket. There will be many trips out there with a tripod and the G7 and a few zoom lenses to figure out how to take the image without any modern artifacts (monuments, signs, people on cell phones...). My collection of equipment and bags keeps growing, but the goal stays the same - always have the right equipment with me.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's that blend that you mention, image quality in a small but no too small package that is the essence of Micro Four Thirds for me. The image quality is typically better than you actually need yet even the biggest lens and camera combo is still perfectly practical to carry on a bicycle without spoiling the enjoyment of the ride. Like you, I like putting outfits together for what I intend to do. There's a pleasure in that in itself. That 100-400 is amazing, isn't it? I expected it to be sharp and wasn't disappointed but it was the focusing that really impressed, it simply snaps in on the subject like a 25mm - except that it's at 3 or 400mm. Gives you great confidence.

[@edsassler285]

The 100-400 is amazing in ways I never expected. Years ago I had a much larger 400mm on the tripod, pointed at a birds nest when a duckling jumped into my camera bag and made himself at home in one of the lens holders. Nothing I could do, all I had was the 400mm... A few days ago I was returning from another failed wildlife shoot when I nearly walked into this amazing spider web, complete with a spider that has more hair than I do (that's not really that much). I backed up a few feet, clicked the 100-400 into manual focus, found the spider with the lens zoomed out, then zoomed in to the point where I could see him looking back at me. This from a lens that's not much bigger or heavier than my old 70-210. The format is evolving and the better lenses coming out are changing what's possible. My first M43 lens was the kit 14-42, my second lens was the 45-200. I'm about to give those lenses to a friend who wants to get into photography because they've been replaced. For zooms I now use the 12-32 and 35-100, they're sharper, and both of them together are smaller than the 14-42 alone. They're so small that it was hard to find a lens case that they fit in without rattling around. If I need more reach than that, I'll use the 100-400. It's a beast to be sure, but the image quality is so much better than the 45-200. Now can they come up with a battery standard? My workhorses are GH3's with battery grips - we agree that it's the best handling camera and it's got the battery life to shoot all day. My back-up is a G7, which uses a much smaller battery. The lenses take up so little room, so I've been thinking about packing two cameras with lenses mounted - no more lens swaps in the field! it would be nice to be able to swap the battery from the GH3 battery grip to the G7. The external power supply for the two batteries is the same, so a shell could be made for the smaller battery to make it work in place of the bigger one, but I'm probably overthinking this...

[@kirli7961]

I see. And what about reliability of weather sealing? Did you shoot with your GH3 and pro zooms in the rain and dust condition?

[@chrisbrown6432]

I have just started following you and liked this post so much. I loved your reasoning and I getting closer to making the purchase of an Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 lens second hand from a reputable retailer.