Why Nobody Buys These $200 Cameras Anymore

[@GeorgeHolden]

📝 NOTE: At 2:00 I compare three zoom lenses across MFT, E and FX mounts. The lenses shown are the lenses I have available to compare on camera - however, smaller zoom lenses are available for Sony E mount and Fuji X mount: e.g. Sony 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Full Frame 'pancake' and Fujifilm 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6. Neither is as small as the MFT 12-32, but the size difference is less significant. Additionally, the 12-32mm is variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6, whereas the two larger Sony and Fuji lenses shown are constant f/2.8 aperture lenses.

[@paperazzo]

Thanks for that clarification! I think it doesn't harm the overall message regarding the compact size of the system.

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@paperazzo thank you, I appreciate the feedback!

[@showdaKOs]

@@paperazzo I do think it's kind of misleading. The equivalent of the 12-32 exist in fuji form and it's their XC 15-45mm, wich yes is a bit bigger than the 12-32 but much less than the 16-55. And the 12-32 and 15-45 are the around the same prize brand new... There are a few differences between the 2 but they are lot more similar tha the 2 fuji compared.

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@showdaKOs I understand and have addressed the issue, apart from deleting my entire video all I can do is do better next time if making a similar point

[@TomdaBerlin]

​@@GeorgeHolden Great Video! Which one is the best camera (Foto/Video) in form of quality of the footage? Thanks! :)

[@mrwashur1991]

I’ve been regressing to old ccd cameras from the early 2000’s. It’s crazy how good some of them are and how well they hold up. It brings the challenge back to photography and helps me slow down. Now I’m addicted to buying lenses for them haha

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@OVERLORD2404]

ive heard that the ccd cameras from way back then are produce some pretty bold colors. Im still new to photography, but would love to try one out myself. Just wondering if there was a particular camera that you would actually buy with a ccd sensor?

[@dedclownsRfunny]

@@OVERLORD2404get yourself a Nikon D50 if you want a slightly bigger camera to hold, or for something smaller find a Olympus E-300. If you want a point and shoot camera find a Canon Powershot G10

[@Linked02]

Which ones?

[@andrewharrington7435]

@@OVERLORD2404 I bought a D40, which works great as a 6MP point and shoot. Then I got a 10MP D80, which is much better as it has 2 control dials. Both make lovely pictures if you get the exposure right. Nikon 18-70mm work well with them and is very cheap. Or the 35mm 1.8 lens if you want super-sharp pictures.

[@TomPollardPhotography]

I use a Lumix G9 and I’m sometimes tempted to switch to a crop system. But then I see the cost of lenses for other formats and I realise it’s a daft idea.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Very true! Make sure to watch to the end...

[@TomPollardPhotography]

@@GeorgeHolden Holy crap.

[@TomPollardPhotography]

@@GeorgeHolden I’ve never won anything before! And what are the chances I’d be the first to comment?! Thanks George!!

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@TomPollardPhotography when I saw your name I had to triple check there's not 2 Tom Pollards 😅 congrats! I'll be in touch via IG in the next couple of days to arrange shipping 🙏

[@TomPollardPhotography]

@@GeorgeHolden Well that’s made my day, thank you!

[@rosscrichton8584]

I changed to M43 a few years ago when I purchased the Lumix GX85, a great camera and excellent value for money. My only complaint was the view finder, which was to small. I traded it in for the OM-E Mk 5ii because of the compact format, lens compatability and the look and feel. Even though it's 8 years old, it doesn't stop being a solid camera. It goes just about everywhere with me. A few months ago I saw a Lumix GF1 on the web for 110,00€ and teamed this up with my Lumix 20mm lens, a perfect in the pocket combination. On holidays recently my wife, a phone picture taker, got curious about using a camera and loved it. A lot of rambling but yes, I agree with you, these cameras have a fun feel, and being a hobby, keep you interested and learning. Thanks for your video.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great and thanks for watching!

[@mudgie069]

Interesting video as always. As a person who has changed camera systems multiple times over the years I have always gravitated back to the M43 system for it's size and performance ratio. I can also say I'm never disappointed with any of my m43 images. I also have a couple of full frame cameras that I use for specific type of shots but my e-m10 mark III is definitely my fun camera to use.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear and thank you! Yeah I often feel my MFT images have been so much fun especially in the process of capturing some of them too.

[@Veedy]

I picked up an EM-10 mk1 and 14-42 used as a knock around camera... I am a Nikon guy for reference, and own all pro bodies and lenses. I was very surprised at the functionality of this little camera, and the quality overall ( for the price ) and, like you, I started looking into an OM1 ! Well, I may get one if I find one at a good price. It really opened my eyes to Olympus and the micro 4/3 genre. Great video, as always.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@danielalexandre4008]

Yep great combo. I have the same plus a few primes. I have a 36 Mpixel Nikon at work, but it's way to bulky and heavy. Now what I really hate about photography is stating in front of a computers for hours. I'm a darkroom addict

[@davebellamy4867]

Well, there are also a lot of models inbetween the EM10 Mk i and the OM1. EM1 Mks i, ii and iii for instance. Metal bodies, popular ergonomics. EM10 ii is tiny and very nice. Metal also. Not for video though. EM5 Mk ii is metal bodied and highly rated. The EM5 iii is polycarbonate body but highly functional and smaller than the EM1 Mk ii with similar functionality. All these are discontinued now I think but readily available secondhand.

[@woofowl2408]

I have the EM5 MkII and the EM1 MkII. The EM5 is great, so small and fits in a pocket with the right lens. While the EM1 is somewhat bigger, its autofocus and controls blow the EM5 away.

[@karllong]

Completely agree about the quality of Panasonic colour science, I've have the lx-3, lx-5, lx-100 and the GH4. It's also interesting to note that one of the most beloved Nikons', the D700 used a panasonic sensor :)

[@marcusharman]

I love my lumix cameras. I bought a G2 in 2015 and later a GH4 and G90. I now have lenses that cover full frame equivalent from 14mm to 800mm. Light, well built and small. Nice.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

I know it's not a an m43 camera but I've been dreaming of a Panasonic Lumix LX100 II for many years.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

I meant "not an m43 system camera", it has a fixed attached lens with an m43 sensor.

[@MrGohunter]

I normally shoot with Fuji, but I picked up a s/h GX80 with 12-32mm lens for under £200, specifically for holidays. I also picked up the Oly 45mm 1.8 portrait lens and the Oly 40-150mm zoom, both of which were very cheap and are super light. When I am away on holiday, I now feel far more comfortable walking around in a strange environment with the GX80 kit than I would with my much more expensive Fuji set up. If I were to get mugged and lose it, it wouldn't be the end of the world! I find the 12-32mm lens to be an amazing lens for its size and weight and the 24-64mm equivalent zoom range is very useful. With the 40-150mm (80-300 equiv) zoom, you really can get in close with a very light setup. On one holiday, a birdwatcher in our hotel said that I was getting in way closer than he was with his Leica binoculars and he actually said that he was jealous! As for the IQ, I sometimes have to look at the metadata to remind me whether I was using the Panasonic, or the Fuji.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gregfeeler6910]

Several other budget cameras you can include in your reviews would include any of the Olympus PEN series, the later ones which are far more advanced than the GX-1. Also the original Olympus E-M1 is going for about $250.00 and is a professional grade body built like a tank and fully weather sealed. Keep up the good work.

[@GeorgeHolden]

All good ideas!

[@qdaniele97]

The E-M1 (even the Mk1 version) also has phase detection autofocus, which is amazing in a camera that you can get for less than 300$. With phase detection you can easily adapt lenses from other systems and not worry about slower autofocus because the camera doesn't need to hunt for it moving the optics back and forth but can calculate and get directly to the focus point.

[@stevieb7121]

Always good to find people on YT interested in "interesting" cameras! I've been a committed M43 user for many years and have never found the format wanting. I also have an unhealthy addiction / love hate relationship with Sigma cameras - but that's another story...... Subscribed on the basis of this vid! You did a really good job here of being honest about M43.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Love the weird and strange cameras!

[@andydean9479]

Another informative video George, thank you. I have followed a similar road in my photographic journey, having given up on chasing the newest and latest gear. It started with a box of half a dozen old compact cameras, bought from a house clearance outlet, among which were a lumix GF2 and a Lumix LX5. I started enjoying my photography more with these older cameras, having dismissed them for so long. My collection has doubled and then some, with a canon powershot G12 being a firm favourite.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks Andy, that's really interesting to hear and yes love a powershot! I recently picked up a much older powershot which I'm excited to try out soon

[@stickyfox]

I learned photography with 110, instant film, Kodak Disc, and a point-and-shoot 35mm with one on-off switch for the flash. It blows my mind how today a 8/16-megapixel camera can be considered unacceptable in terms of image quality.

[@event4216]

I still have original Pentax Ist*D - it has nice dedicated controls, decent sensor and runs on AA rechargeable cells. Display isn't great by today's standards but it has decent optical VF.

[@Diago767]

I Love my GX85, I upgraded from the old APSC canon I'd learned on at the beginning of the year and the portability of M43 made more sense to me as a system.

[@qdaniele97]

It's not just about super cheap old cameras: The Olympus/OM Systems OM-1 Mk2 might be the best wild-life photography camera ever realeased (not the best MFT camera, the best, full stop). And Panasonic probably has some the best cameras for video shooting you can get without going onto fully dedicated ones like the BlackMagic. The G9 Mk1 and Mk2 are amazing for that and you can get a used G9 Mk1 for very reasonable prices.

[@nickpain6827]

I just discovered your channel - my whole ethos is to enjoy photography on a budget and it has been fantastic watching content from someone who shares that ethos - thank you :-)

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thank you Nick, very kind of you and happy you enjoy the channel 😄

[@petefluffy7420]

No one buys them any more, because one is enough.

[@derekfaeberwick]

Some might say it's one too many.

[@MrTurnskin]

One is never enough

[@Nucl3arLiz4rd]

*coughs loudly, KZbinrs

[@g10col92]

Oh ha ha ha so funny - what did you have for breakfast a clown.

[@brownwallet942]

One is enough, for each brand. How about that? 😂

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

For people who like the 28-35mm range [full-frame equiv], the Panasonic 15mm f/1.7 ASPH is one of the best 'medium price' lens. Mount it on the OM-D E-M10 and get a pseudo-X100V for $600 USD!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Good shout! I made a video on that setup, but the Olympus 17mm 1.8 instead

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@GeorgeHolden Haha, yes, I had seen that video, I forgot that it was also yours. I agree, the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 is a very good lens. But I have trouble being fair to it because the Panasonic 15mm is a little better, but really because the Olympus 17mm f/1.2 is sooooooo good, one of the best M43 lenses for pure image quality. Obviously it gets out of the "budget" realm [$700-800 USD, used] and about 3x the size. But the image quality makes me like the 35mm focal length rage. 🙂 I say all that to support the, "Don't sleep on M43" message. Just got a used GH6 last month, purely because of open gate. To be able to do regular youtube videos *and* youtube shorts in a single take is sweet for educational videos.

[@HR-wd6cw]

Just bought a GF1 for about $75 a few months back. Great little everyday walkaround camera (for non-serious stuff i guess). Mainly got it so I can always have a camera with me that's not a large FF mirrorless camera (something i can fit in a coat pocket with the lens on). Grabbed the 12-32 used, and while the GF1 is only 12MP it's plenty for casual day to day shooting of random stuff. (Obviously my FF cameras will still be my primary cameras for regular stuff and the GF1 is more for playing around and so I keep shoot on a daily basis).

[@kevinchristopher1443]

I find the way you consider how people perceive cameras based on size to be interesting. I recently got a Nikon D810 and realized that even with my 24-120 lens on, they really don't care that i'm taking photos, even indoors at places. I even feel that they're more receptive the bigger my kit is.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's interesting, I suppose it also depends on who or what you're aiming your camera at - I can feel quite natural with a big camera at an event grabbing candids, but on the street I find smaller cameras are paid attention to less, meaning I can get closer candids in places where a big camera would be too obvious

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Where people expect photos to be taken, the bigger system can often be an 'all-access pass'.

[@justalexhimself]

MFT system is super underrated. If you learn how to use MFT properly you can get some killer results. Been using the system for the last 5 years and have no intentions of switching!

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@1424Matt]

Been using a GX85 since switching from Pentax cropped sensor many many years ago. I'm happy with my small bag setup of 5 lenses. Still absolutely perfect for most peoples photography.

[@RussellBaker]

Despite having fallen in love with Fuji, I've kept my GX1 bought cheap from Hong Kong when it first came out. It's got an amazing solid feel to it, and combined with the 14mm makes for a really small out on the street camera. Thanks for highlighting a hidden gem.

[@xuchenglin6256]

When you get that n+1 camera, your time on all your cameras has to be reduced by half if n=1, it will be less if n>=2 but in that case you already don't have much time on each camera, you got what I mean. The best experience/cost ratio is to only have 1 camera for everything. You get that $200 small camera as a side camera? You spend less time on both, which actually becomes the most expensive thing. You also have to mention the phones, they are capable today. So for everyday "street" photography, or the sheer convenience, why not just use phone? You don't because that's not a "professional photography experience". Even though the end result is the same if you put it in a KZbin video. Your examples in the video as an example, IF you don't mention the camera, people will just believe that's from a relatively recent iPhone. It may sounds harsh to you but it's also true. People now buy cameras for the "pro photographer experience". People want a "better" quality, in the same time want to know "what's it like being an professional photographer". The M43 is just not "better" enough in quality, nor "pro" enough for them too "feel" like they are a pro. Now APS-C makes perfect sense in that regard. The new 30+MP sensors in sony will be mind-blowing for anyone step from a phone. Even though the 20 something MP is already good. And the whole system experience wise is in-differentiable from a full-frame. IF you go 2nd hand, the a5100 or something I believe even provides more performance/cost ratio because if all you care is image quality, the sensor are basically the same, the lens are the same, you get the full experience for a fraction of the cost. The only thing IMO M43 is good is video... I always wonder why my A7r2 can only do 4K even if it has a 8K sensor. And why it has to "skip line" in the full frame mode when doing 4K. The answer is it's not the sensor, but the processing power. 4K is only 9MP or something. In this way the M43 makes huge sense. The IQ is so much better than a GoPro or DJI-osmo, while being not much bulkier. But again, for most people the best way is to only have 1 camera. So APS-C is the way... I now do the same thing but instead of talking people down from APS-C to M43, I talk down people from full-frame to APS-C... "You don't need a full frame". That's all I say, especially after knowing that even the Cinema cameras like Alexa is not full-frame... The whole pro TV/Cinematography is based on "crop sensor" similar to APS-C size is just refreshing. The price of FF is steep. Intentionally steep. 4X if you count body + lens. And the difference is minimum. What's wrong with something like ZV-E10? Form-factor wise it's almost the same as these cameras you mentioned, while bigger sensor is never a bad thing, only if the price is right. And the price here is right. So I guess that's what I'm thinking.

[@GeorgeHolden]

I really appreciate your input on cameras and photography - it's always interesting to hear different takes on the subject. You've got a point about simplifying with just one camera, especially for everyday photography where smartphones can do a great job. It's all about that "professional photography experience," even if the end result often looks the same in a KZbin video. I agree with you about APS-C sensors offering a good balance between quality and cost, and I find your advice about not needing a full-frame camera quite refreshing. It's true, they can get pretty expensive! Your suggestion of the Sony ZV-E10 also sounds promising, offering a good mix of features. It's clear you've thought this through. Photography is a personal thing, and there's no one right answer. I'm looking forward to more chats like this in the future.

[@xuchenglin6256]

@@GeorgeHolden Thanks for reading! I borrowed that n+1 from the bike community. "How many bikes should you have?" "N+1". "But what about the other bikes? Now you only got 1/(N+1) time riding each..." I guess that's really a thing. It's also a "thought process" when watching your content. Actually people's mind is constantly changing. I did overlook all this category of cameras. When I was watching your video I was thinking "nah... who need M43 if he can get an APS-C, I don't care that weight" but now I'm thinking "well if I can get something for $200 this small and light, especially that pancake lens, it will be so sweet..." There's nothing wrong with FF but the price, which is intentionally made expensive as a marketing strategy. In my practical experience, the only aspect that FF shines is the ultra-high resolution side. However that's an expensive treat. I'm very satisfied with my 42MP a7r2, I always joke it's incredible like a spy-ware... You shoot the sea from your 20F hotel room then later on when you zoom in on your computer... You can make out every man on the beach... If going to APS-C this will be the only thing I miss. Before I thought the ultra-wide side is the strength of FF, but it's not. You get the same FOV with smaller lenses with a smaller f number, with IDK why the much cheaper price... Again is the fact of cinema cameras, that's the last thing that convincing me that FF is not equal to IQ. Even with the low light, you probably should also prioritize a faster lens other than the sensor. Just see how the TV/Cinema guys work in the last decades. As you said, photography is a personal thing, so just enjoy what you are doing!

[@TCSB29]

Glad to see more recognition for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Highly recommend you check out some of the Panasonic Leica lenses. I have the 15mm f1.7 and the 25mm f1.4 and they are absolutely incredible. Blows my mind how inexpensive these incredible lenses are.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Yeah true!

[@KallusGarnet]

The 25mm is ok nothing special

[@Cubeforc3]

Those two lenses are my two favourites as well. I've played around with a bunch of other m4/3 lenses but those are the only two I've kept all the way through because of how sharp and fun to shoot they are. The PL25 (and the long since traded away Lumix G3) were my first "big" purchase after my first few pay cheques so I don't think I'll ever get rid of it.

[@kiwipics]

I use used M43 and APSC .... The used Lumix and Olympus M43 bodies and lenses are pure gold. I prefer M43 system (GF1, GX880, EP-1) for travelling light, but I still have my Canon EF and M for APSC. I also use the Lumix LX7 and TZ90 when wanting to travel really light.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@N1K_MKII]

I love your channel! I switched from Sony FF&APS-C to an Olympus Pen E-PL7 ... why did nobody tell me how awesome MFT is. In 80% of my cases my small Camera has more advantages than disadvantages to my a6000 and a7. Size, IBIS and the night-mode for 180$ in splendid condition is a blast to use. So my bigger obes are now for backup and the backup one is my primary 😂 Greetings from germany, where form follows function 🤓

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thank you! And love that form follows function!

[@koos48]

Hi George, Glad you mention the Nikon Coolpix 8400. Fabulous results when the light is right. Same goes for the 8800, its longer lens sibling. Sometimes I leave all the modern stuff at home and take only these Coolpixes for travelling.

[@jonowee]

I got another RX100 used after breaking another lens when it powered on in a bag. This whole Micro 4/3s skipped past me shopping timeline since EDC shooting with phones, those pancake lenses are a really compelling buy to replace the RX100 or Powershot. I thought I had an DSLR on the horizon, but the RX100 revived takes great photos and I have to break the capability limits of the compact before researching DSLR/mirrorless. This video helped fill in some of the gap of understanding of the compactness and sneakiness of Micro 4/3s. I don't want to touch Sony menus in the future.

[@nizam_sensei]

It is because more and more people prefer smartphones to share their momentw with one touch, instead of bothering to transfer files through cables/nonfunctional wireless solutions, without cameras letting people download social media apps in them. So why? Why not? Why should we? Adapt to new tech or perish! This is what happened to old point and shoot cameras, and will happen to dslrs so soon, too.

[@GeorgeHolden]

sureeeeeeeeee

[@photomaker4502]

My everyday compact camera is the Panasonic Lumix LX5 coupled with the Panasonic DMW-LVF1 electronic viewfinder. It is such a joy taking photos with this setup.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That sounds great!

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

Love my LX5, I take it with me on my motorcycle rides to document places I've visited.

[@javierangulo9896]

I just switched to Panasonic last year and they are great models. Sure the difference are noticeable but not everyone is going to be not picking but I love my lumix cameras

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear

[@josecaringal]

I used to always drool over the latest and greatest cameras but now I'm really happy capturing memories with my Olympus Pen E-PL2 and several digicams. (I bought all of them for bargain prices which makes me and my wallet feel even more joyful hahahahaha.) With that said, I just want to say thank you to all the awesome photography/videography content creators (which includes you George🙌🏽) for shedding light on under appreciated cameras and always sharing wonderful insights to us viewers.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks Jose! So happy to hear you're enjoying your Pen and other digicams! I have 2 I need to get out to shoot with ASAP! And happy to hear you enjoy the videos as much as I enjoy making them 😄

[@jezriggs]

Congrats Tom! - great video George!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks so much!

[@torb-no]

I think people should stop holding sensor size as the most defining characteristic of a camara. Sure it affects things, but it's just one thing. It can affect things certainly. For instance, the Micro Four Thirds is a 4:3 ratio (much like digital medium format!). Maybe you like it, maybe you don't. Anyway, I don't think m43 is most interesting as a sensor size, the interesting part is the *system* of lenses. In that regard I think it's interesting because in m43 you can find really compact high quality zooms in ways you just don't find anywhere else to the same degree. My system of choice is Fujifilm. Is that because I think APS-C is the bestest sensor size? No, it's mainly because the user interface of their cameras (no worry about which PASM mode I'm in, I just set parts of the aperture triangle to something or leave it at auto). I think that pretty much every system have at least some unique positive attributes! Anyway, great video. Some years back I couldn't really spend money on cameras, so I used GM1 from my parents with that 20mm Panasonic lens. It was brilliant, and I *still* think it produces beautiful images!

[@SuperSuperka]

I bought *LX100* mostly for video (for my family) - but for video it appeared just bad: Dyn.Range is poor, autofocus is bad. But I just love it for photo and began shooting photos more with it. Beautiful controls, amazing zoom range, just lovely colors in raw. I bought Sony a7c expecting to fully subtitute my LX100. It does for video, but I just can't bare A7c for photo, always prefer LX100. Thank you for your video, I mostly agree with your statments! _2:14__ is not really fair as panasonic has small max aperture. Sony's has rather small 28-60 lens_

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xSoYeahThatHappenedx]

It would be great to list the contents of the video in the description, especially when talking about a certain product. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I go back to videos and it's a pain having to skim through for exactly what I'm looking for. Keep up the great work with the content.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks may add them!

[@lidelong5513]

Totally agree to your assessment. I do buy nowadays only older cameras

[@GeorgeHolden]

Great to hear! Love the older cameras

[@lidelong5513]

@@GeorgeHolden just restoring a Nikon Coolpix A. Highly recommend because it has an amazing APS-C sensor with great resolution until ISO 1250. Then it’s getting pretty grainy quickly

[@philmartin5689]

I fancied the Ricoh GR3x but couldn't justify the price but the I saw a Samsung NX300 20 meg APSc camera with a 30mm lens on ebay for a really cheap price, so I bought it. It's about the same size as my LX 100 and slightly heavier but the IQ is much higher plus it has an articulated touch screen. I love it and it's encouraging me to take some low shots which would be harder with my other cameras.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@Ddog666]

I used to be a keen hobbyist, but got tired of dragging my old bulky DSLR gear around. Particularly since smartphone cameras got better. Looking on mpb, a GX80 or GX9 seems like the best way to get back into cameras again, and a worthy trade for the old gear. I’ve watched a few of your videos this morning and the information you provided has been really helpful. Thank you!

[@BeX32210]

Every camera is an „extra thing“ whether it’s a compact, a micro4/3 or a full frame camera. It’s not even the point of „smaller and lighter“, even a Olympus PEN won’t fit in your pocket. But iPhone-Photography is boring, every photo looks the same, and that’s okay. Sometimes I throw in my x100V for business trips, but if you want to travel light, even that is sometimes too much.

[@Ddog666]

I ended up getting a GX80 and a 20mm f1.7 lens. I've had it a couple of days now and for me, it's the perfect size for general carrying. Even if it's a little heavier than I expected. Best of all, it reignited a passion that had been lost. I haven't had so much fun taking pictures in a long time.

[@danielcaudillmedia]

Great video! For the last few years I have been into the M43 system, both Panasonic and Olympus. I am currently using an Olympus EM10 Mark 3 and really enjoy it. It's a well-crafted camera, and looks great too. As for photo quality, no one has ever looked at any of my photos and said they would have been better using a full-frame camera. And I only shoot JPEGs.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thank you and that's great to hear!

[@WunjoxFlo]

When I went from my Lumix GO to my current A7III, I was shocked to see how the G9 was much better with it's menu system, handling and ergonomics. The A7III has advantages, but compact cameras are really capable!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Yes they really are!

[@intersonic]

I still own both panasonic and olympus camera and lenses from 14, 15mm, 45mm prime to 12-60, , 45-150, 100-300mm zoom M43 is a fun and afforable lightweight camera system :)

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I'm a D500/D850 enthusiast user with lots of nice lenses. Both were bought used in excellent condition. I just bought a used Olympus E-M1 iii with a 12-40 f2.8 lens. I'm REALLY EXCITED to get that camera in my hands!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Nice!

[@raevn11]

Thank you. Ray for something fun and compact. Best camera is the one you have with you.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Indeed it is!

[@highloughsdrifter1629]

It's about the picture taking experience at least as much as image quality. I use a Lumix G1 with even older manual lenses (mostly Canon FD mount). To be honest my smartphone can make technically better images (and has a higher pixel count) but the experience just isn't the same.

[@smokinitro]

Excellent video as always. My EM5iii PanaLeica 15mm combo's RAW images reguarly outshine those captured with my much heavier and larger FF Q2! Absolutely no regrets selling off my Z6 and 3 primes for the Oly echo system. MFT = best kept photography secrest 😊 P.S I miss that creepy dude lurking in the hallway. Hope he makes a comeback.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing! And yeah I'm sure he will 😅 I was a bit unwell filming this so kept it simple

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Never the specs that made me take a camera out... It's that feeling of enjoying the process of walking, looking and taking images that does it for me...EM53..❤

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@marike1100]

Lots of people buy older m43s cameras, they are among the easiest to sell quickly on EBay. My GX85 and EM10 both recently sold in one day. Even the ancient GX1 still sells well. I think the premise of the video just reinforces a somewhat dodgy notion, that m43 is dead, when in fact it still has a huge following.

[@GeorgeHolden]

The used market is sold and re sold and so on, however Lumix and Olympus (OM-System) aren't developing much for the future due to lack of demand

[@marike1100]

@@GeorgeHolden Panasonic is set to release the G9II, Olympus just released the amazing OM-1 and OM-5 late last year but who knows. I loathe smartphones and I’ll never stop buying film and digital cameras of all formats.

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@marike1100 besides the G9ii there isn't much new tech coming in, for now it looks to be rehashing the old Olympus models under the new name - I do hope they continue to push as I'd love to try newer bodies

[@andybrice2711]

The Lumix G85, GH4, and GH5 are excellent for videography. They give you all sorts of professional video features which Canon only include in their high-end cinema cameras.

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

Purchased 2 GX85 and 1 GX9 at a 250$ price tag on sale and couldn’t be happier. This is the main reason I would never switch to 35mm mirrorless (I am happy with my Nikon F DSLRS with bigger sensors) M43 is so lightweight and great combine with 1.7-1.2 lenses

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@misteragb7558]

Got my GX1 for $30 including shipping, took the filters and now use it for black and white infrared photography with a 720 nm filter, awesome camera

[@phucnguyen-dp4pr]

i got the gx1 + kit for only about 150$. Best purchase ever! i sold the kit after that and bought a 20 1.7 v2. Now it becomes my EDC camera

[@sebastianop.3052]

I love the channel, "Old Cameras" are interesting and how you said even for 10 or more years it is hard to find a bad camera. Photography is for me at first enjoy taking pictures and having fun. It was a pleasure to enter the Megapicskills community and I will continue to # my picture in the future.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thank you! And yes completely agree, hope to continue seeing more of your images on the #megapicskills feed!

[@ChocolateKieran]

Weird question, but what dust blower are you using in the thumbnail?! 👀

[@GeorgeHolden]

Normal question! I actually have no idea, I think it came with a cheap LED light I bough years ago 😂 I think any rocket blower is good!

[@Bernatchly]

I've been using a m4/3 EM5 MK II for years, so def know what they can and can't do! The lenses have been so wonderfully small that my back thanked me for not lugging around a 5D MK III and all the lenses... That said, I'm soon moving to a Fuji. Had the 100 and 100S, and I miss them a ton. Selling my m4/3 kit to get an X-S20!

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, yeah sure for an all rounder the X-S20 is a solid choice 👍

[@medes5597]

Honestly, I've heard from youtubers and people online that micro four thirds is looked down upon by "proper photographers" but I've honestly never actually found that in person. They're usually very open to the fact that for street and some wildlife photography, a small camera and small kit is exactly what you want. When I worked for a music magazine, I knew press photographers we used who carried M43 kit for jobs (alongside others, obviously). I've never seen examples of micro four thirds snobbery outside of the online space. I do think it's a thing, but not as much as people think.

[@KelvinSchwartzGrunlicht]

I've noticed the same and tend to believe it's a character trait that appears generally. Some of the tech podcasters I listen to are using the same rhetoric, always prefacing sentences with 'people have been saying', 'there's been quite a stir' and so on. I don't think it's a contrary-to-popular-belief thing, it's more like a pattern and as such can be a bit unnerving when repeated.

[@tommanseau6277]

Fun factor really is a thing. I had a low resolution Olympus years ago which was fun and good color if poor resolution. The Fuji was a bit cool bordering on cyan, and pretty good to use. The couple of Canon cameras next were a joy to use if limited. But the Sony APS-C system on the other hand is serious work to use. I'd rather have a Pentax K1000 and use 400 speed Tmax. The menu system is byzantine. Then there's the color balance where you really have to dig through the menus to get somewhere. You won't use a camera if it isn't fun to use and that's why phone cameras have gained real marketshare.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Completely agree although I don't find phone cameras fun 😅

[@EricMustardman]

The reasons why phone cameras took off so much were mainly because they shoot good-enough pictures in most everyday situations, are capable of taking decent videos and are excellent at sharing both photos and videos with one click.

[@tommanseau6277]

@@EricMustardman what's the best camera? The one you have with you 😁

[@rumrill5020]

These cameras are great, but do some research before buying. I have an OM-D E-M5 mk I with shutter issues, which apparently may be common for the model. Also had an E-M10 mkII and enjoyed it. I’d recommend also considering newer models like the GX85 and OM-5, which can be relative bargains and are often on sale. My OM-5 is with me always.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Agreed always worth researching for any quirks, similar to the lens issue and LX100 issue I mentioned!

[@quandale_dingle7585]

Micro 4/3 are the most underrated for adapting lenses especially vintage lenses made for rangefinders. They also tend to have have tiny bodies perfect for street imop

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danielalexandre4008]

I bought a gf2 with a 14mm for 40 euros. I hold it in my palm in full auto mode, shooting with the thumb without even looking at the screen. Great fun, interesting pictures. And my grandchildren, who is 4, loves it and he is getting good at framing. I have the em1 mark one. Great with silent mode and wifi for spy like street photography. And the kit zoom is more than decent. Still i prefer film photography as i am lucky enough to have access to a darkroom at my university and having fun with TLRs and foldings.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@Kaufeetimevideo]

I enjoy the old cameras of the past videos. I have a new video topic for you. Cameras with built-in GPS. I think they are the best cameras for traveling. I once had a job where I traveled extensively. I was not keeping my pictures files up to date. I opened those pictures up with Google Maps, and it showed me exactly where I was located.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's an interesting feature to be interested in, I've had cameras that featured it but not often paid much attention - but I guess that really is a useful feature when you put it that way - thanks for sharing!

[@paulgrosse7631]

I use the Leica equivalent of the LX100 and it is very good. The 4/3rd s sensor means that directly equivalent lenses weigh an eighth of the full frame version (0.5×0.5×0.5 =0.125). The camera is small and versatile and only camera needs an pros know what the red dot means on an otherwise plain-looking camera.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Nice!

[@DATApush3r]

One day I randomly came across some photos on Flickr and just had to know what they took them with cause they looked so unique! Turns out it was the LX100. I had to turn around and get one asap. Highly underrated for sure!

[@EntropicRemnants]

Over the last 2 decades I've gone from Nikon to Sony, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji and now back to Olympus. I'm shooting a pair of OM-5's (from the "new" Olympus, OMDS) now and absolutely adore them. The computational photography features are actually a blast to play with and have practical applications as well. I've owned a ton of older cameras just because I like them also but I've sold most of them now and just have the OM-5's. I'm a "seasoned citizen" and I doubt very much I'll have reason to change systems again in my lifetime but these cameras are so good I don't think that matters. I have two daughters and a grandson that are Micro Four Thirds people. The daughters shoot Panasonic and the grandson Olympus. Sometimes they borrow my lenses, lol. Great video.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@patrickmcfadden1689]

George, another cool video. I actually have 2x G7, EM10Mii and Miii, 2x GX85, a Y1M1, and EPL1, all but one of these was found used within the past 4 years along with a ton of lenses and almost all of the one's you mention in this video. I love the M43 system although I do have APSc and FF bodies mainly from Nikon. I also have a Canon G7Xmii I found very cheap used and very similar to an LX10 which I can't seem to find for an affordable price.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@masanthar]

They are excellent cameras for everyday carry and street photography, and lets be honest, image quility is good enough even at low light if ypu're not after a pulled HDR-y type of photo.

[@adidabax6809]

I'm a newbie. I see the progression of MFT as making total sense. I bought a Gh6 bc it plus lenses cost 1/2 or less of what a full frame would. I also really wanted to get one of these smaller MFT for every day shoots, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that they are bulky - compared to a top cell phone which is just fine for street photos. While I'd like one of these, I also wouldn't like carrying it plus a phone when a phone is good enough. The MFT fits best in the pro-consumer space IMHO.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@angelgrace1175]

"I do really be THAT guy". 🤣👌 I appreciate the humor along with your honest thoughts and reviews of these older cameras! Subscribed! 🥳

[@zizimai7568]

I find the m4/3 camera lacking in DOF compared to APSC or FF cameras. It takes more effort to create a good DOF photo with m4/3. For photography, i prefer APSC of FF. For videography i prefer m4/3 as 1) it doesnt heats up & can shoot for way longer time. 2) easier to have entire frame in sharp focus at shorter distances & thats what you want in video unless an intended close up shot of subject with bokeh background. 3) less details in videography as you dont want to see every single detail of a scene unlike in photography. With the FF camera videos, you can practically see the powder & makeup on the actors face, including every little detail of imperfection on the face. You could make out the artificial props on set. With m4/3 the props are less apparent & you cant see the makeup on face so much.

[@deepblue69uk]

Bought mine nearly 10 years ago. Love the Panasonic GX1. I went full in and bought a few second hand lenses. Maybe I will get a newer body one day but I do like Micro Four Thirds.

[@oleg2443]

I plan to buy GX1 camera, should I also buy Leica 12/32 lenses along with it?

[@joakimtarnstrom4498]

The M4/3-market is full of used equipment at a great price, but so is the case for full frame DSLR’s. Sold my G9 and lenses for a Canon 7d mkII and a 5d mkII, a 70-200, a Sigma 17-70 for about the same price. If you want to go shooting sports, you can’t get pro-level gear for cheaper than old Canon gear. And the AF beats the hell out of a G9. The OM1 might compare but then we’re talking about some really expensive gear. Apart from that, M4/3 is great for almost everything else and at a small form factor at that. It all depends on your needs and there should be a great number of people who’s needs are more than met by M4/3.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Yes!

[@julsdrummer]

Thank you for this video. It is very helpful. I just acquired a Lumix GX1 with a 14 mm F2.5 lens on it. So far so good. I was wondering if you could tell me where you purchased the neck lanyard with the attachments? Thank you!!!

[@Mraz75]

Great, this solidify my decision to jump into MFT a year ago from APSC and Full Frame. Really happy i made the decision to move to GH5ii.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear!

[@DrNIx123]

Some of my pictures I like the most are those I took with an Olympus E-PL9 and a Meike 35mm manual lens (MFT mount). I bought the camera used and the lens brandnew and the package had cost me way below 400 Euros. I own plenty of MFT lenses since I do video stuff and I have a bunch of MFT cameras that can do live streaming well (e.g., multiple Z Cam E2C units). It very much depends on what you want and need and what how much you can spend. Another "secret" is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F/2.8 Macro which is available used for below 400€ and makes a very nice portrait lens. Recently I even did decent snapshots from a live concert with it using the E-PL9. Both the 60mm Olympus as well as the Meike 35mm will allow for the shallow depth of field many photographers love and that smart phone cameras only can do/fake by image processing. When compared to professional full frame photography options, there's not many camera+lense combinations in the MFT domain that can compete. But not everybody can spend so much money.

[@wuzihuzi]

LX100 is the GOAT of compacts. I love mine so much. I bring it everywhere and take photos of my friends parties and they are usely blown away by the quality. I also do like my ep5, its great but I find the lenses aren't actually that affordable in Australia.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Couldn't agree more!

[@faizofview]

just recently got a lumix gf2, crazy good beginner camera

[@paulhancock7670]

I still use my Lumix G1 I've had since new yonks ago. Use converters and shoot all my old manual glass from Sigma/Canon/Pentax/Practika/Olympus. Amazing camera and still great images. I've other cameras but the G1 is still my fave.

[@carmenfissenden2530]

I agree with you and put simply , it was why I gave up FF to adopt the EM10 Mkii . This is a great little camera . I carry it in a Billingham digital camera bag and can carry two primes and the kit zoom in that bag . I could also add two dude pockets and still add a few extras . The camera I bought new direct from Olympus in Germany with the IiR lens for just over £300 and acquired an additional extended warranty period . The bag was new and a birthday present and the two primes were a Christmas gift and the other lens a retirement gift . I can strongly recommend the Sigma f2.8 30 and 60 mm lenses . I shoot only travel , street and portraiture . For wide shots my 27 mm 1.8 on my phone is perfect . So, as you can see, you do not need to spend loads to get great results . Finally , I produce regular photo books and the family and others love the photography .

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear and love that you produce photo books on a regular basis!

[@karlgunterwunsch1950]

You are advocating buying into a dead end system. Panasonic does very well with their full frame camera but their Fourthirds ones are lagging behind in technology and Olympus abandoned their whole camera branch to fend for themselves (they were a constant burden on their profits because that division never really broke even because they made a bad choice very early on - they chose the too small sensor)... It's dead, Jim!

[@GeorgeHolden]

Hi Jim, that's the entire point of this video 😅 complete awareness of the problem hence the opportunity for those looking for a budget system!

[@karlgunterwunsch1950]

@@GeorgeHolden My point is that IMHO it's not long term viable and thus a waste of money...

[@HaraldEngels]

I am using both, full-frame and M43 cameras - and I am loving both formats. For casual shooting and street photography I prefer my Olympus and Panasonic M43 cameras. Otherwise my Sony full-frame cameras are great. The M43 format is small in size (at least with older cameras) and nowadays small in price. I bought the Panasonic G7 for its video capabilities but for photography I would prefer the GX7 due to its smaller size. Seen from the color perspectives my Olympus cameras are much nicer than the G7. My favorite is the Olympus E-P3. This camera has a fantastic rendering although it has only 12MB resolution. Highly recommended.

[@Hodenkat]

Here in the states, I've found NONE of these cameras for uder $500 US. The LX100 alone is between $450 and $700 on Ebay. The Olympus EM1 is about the best, but still $300+ US used.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Not even a Lumix GX7 or Olympus E-M10 Mk1?

[@Hodenkat]

@@GeorgeHolden The Olympus E-M10 is about the only one in the bunch that can be had for around $250 with lens, which is a pretty good deal 🙂

[@stevenj2380]

Nicest compact I ever had Nikon P7700 in 2012. Best body in hand I've had, flippy screen. Good zoom. Could be used full auto to full manual. Shot raw *but no NEF raw. I thought it would be an improvement of my older OLY 4/3 DSLR. But then I learned about sensor size, and this had 1/1.7" 12mp sensor. Fussy menu system. I put it aside, used less often though carrying it was a pleasure. Still have, but it's creaky to extend lens and slow start up and fuss to set way I like.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Cool!

[@adventureswithpaulandsally5516]

Dude, in body image stabilization was pioneered by Pentax in their DSLR's long before Micro four thirds was even a thing.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Can't remember the script, did I specify mirrorless?

[@adventureswithpaulandsally5516]

@@GeorgeHolden 0:26 - 0:36 by "The system" I don't think you mean the Pentax DSLR system. 😉

[@GeorgeHolden]

@@adventureswithpaulandsally5516 yeah I did say mirrorless, but fair point!

[@romank90]

I have a GX9 and "full range of lenses" and honestly - I am suffering under the sunk cost a bit. In terms of travel camera quality of fz1000-2 is almost identical with incredible focal length and I don't really see any advantage of 4/3 over 1". Neither in resolution nor in low light performance. My Gx9 is borderline unusable above ISO 1600 as magenta tint and noise become quite noticeable. Then again - considering the size of full frame I wouldn't be carrying it around. Sadly - crop sensors feel like not enough benefit over smartphone (except focal length)

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@petercollins7848]

I think it is ‘horses for courses’. It depends so much on the purpose for which you are carrying a camera around for. The ‘creative’ possibilities of m4/3 cameras, in my estimation far outweigh all other considerations, in that they are light, have the possibility to attach interchangeable lenses which are the focal length equivalent to heavy and massive crop and full frame types, yet are minute in comparison. You can be ‘creative’ with any camera type of course, but the interchangeability of lenses and the amount of control in m4/3 camera bodies I feel lends itself more that way. Having said that, I have a 20 year old Canon compact - 5MP, which takes superb photos which I have printed to A3 and family and friends have begged copies and have had professionally framed, so they can’t be that bad! On the issue of ISO, why would you want to go to ISO 1600 and above? In the old days of film, most were stuck with using stock that was ISO 100 or not much above. And it could be argued that many of the photos taken at that time are amongst the ‘classics’ of photography history! So much of the features that camera manufacturers offer today are just hyped to differentiate the models from one another or between brands, and it makes virtually no difference to the photos you can take if you know what you are doing. Smartphone cameras today are superb, but again it is up to the photographer to use them in an intelligent and creative way. Like many people’s photos, they can be just ‘snaps’ or thought through photographs, it is all down to the person behind the camera. I personally have many cameras - crop sensor, two m4/3 types, compacts with 1” sensors, one of which is a 20 MP type. But at the end of the day it is composition, an ‘eye’ for a photo, and the magic of light that makes all the difference, which camera you use is almost irrelevant. (I always recommend buying used these days, as new has become so expensive).

[@llagona]

I have many dslr and compact cameras from pentax, sony and canon. I accidentally bought a Panasonic G1 (bid on ebay for 29 euros and unexpectedly won the bid). So went all in and bought a 14-42 olympus Ez lens, very compact. I attached it to the pana and use it alongside my other dslr. Eventually I chose this one to take on a work trip and found it perfect for the job. Responsive, light, good quality. It became my travel camera whenever I had to go abroad on tight suitcase space and reliability was needed. i plan to upgrade it to something like olympus ep-l line or panasonic gx so I can shoot darker scenes while carrying a small body+lens. Yes, you can use sony a6000 or canon m3, or others, for example, but at double the price, both new or second hand.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Buying a G1 accidentally, you sound like me on a Friday night 😄 last minute eBay bids!

[@llagona]

@@GeorgeHolden actually i bid early just to follow it more clearly or visible in the ebay home page, confident that I would be overbiden eventually, which didn't happen

[@gregbrummett7762]

I use a GX-1 with three prime lenses. Perfect for street photography! It is easily concealed and a good backup to my Nikons.

[@GeorgeHolden]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@theothertonydutch]

MFT is amazing. I have this really cheap C-mount lens (ricespray 35) f1.6) with my E-PL9. It's a great little and fun lens. Heartily recommend it.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@villemononen5303]

Sadly i'm not seeing the abundance of m4/3 here in Finland as it used to be, some 6-7 years ago... Perhaps the supplies have dried out, or the vaccines are now affecting. What i definitely want to buy again is the orange GM1 with the 14mmm f2.5 + adapting other lenses. That camera brought me such joy, i'll get back to it. Most of my gear was stolen, so it's time to start again.

[@BritishRacingGreen]

I never put much thought into M43, but I will definitely consider getting one. Its not so much the gear, but how you use it. Looking at some people's work using older cameras. It proves the point. Nice video. Cheers.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks!

[@yasendrungov6915]

Did you get around to getting an MFT camera? I shoot with the EM-5 II which is an absolute tank of a camera

[@MartinMichiels]

A totally agree, I got a super deal on a Panasonic GM1 for 50€ (body only). Had to clean the sensor. It's a super little camera. No EVF but other than that it takes wonderful pictures paired with a 40mm 1.7 or an Olympus 45mm 1.8. I have also a big canon 6D that has become too bulky and heavy to take with me on an everyday basis with the kids. Couldn't be happier with the little GM1 kit. I'm aware of it's limitations though (flash sync speed of 1/50s , ouch ! Low light performance is not that great, but come on, the quality I could get for the price is insane !

[@GeorgeHolden]

Awesome!

[@michaelwerner5165]

I owned all 3. The GX1 is still my favourite to this day, a joy to use. The Oly however has a quite superior picture quality, especially in jpeg thanks to its much better jpeg engine. And with the optional handheld grip it becomes quite ergonomic. And even though I had the LX100, I never warmed to it. I bought it as a replacement for my LX7 (another great camera, alas marred by a tiny sensor) and found it too bulky for an everyday carry. Picture quality was not better compared to the GX1 despite „Leica“ lens, and I found it generally clunky and unrefined.

[@bernym4047]

I recently did a low light / high ISO test on my Lumix G9. The unedited raw file had very acceptable levels of noise at 6400 ISO. I use darktable raw file editor and after applying the default noise reduction I had to really pixel peep to see any noise. Maybe the dynamic range is reduced by a few stops at this high ISO but that applies also to full frame though perhaps to a lesser degree. With all the many price and versatility advantages of M43 together with performance that punches way above their weight, I'm not even slightly tempted to go full frame. An excellent review of the format. Thanks. I have subscribed.

[@garmit61]

Fun to use it the top thing when it comes to choosing a camera. Photography is art, spec sheets are irrelevant. If you can compose a shot, any camera will do the job from a low tech Lomo film camera to the most expensive Leica. I’ve used lots of micro 4/3 cameras from Panasonic and Olympus over the years. I really liked the GF1 and GF2 and the OM-D e10 paired with the Panasonic 20mm pancake. I now use a FujiX70 and recently bought an XT-2 but the bulk of the latter means I don’t use it as much. It’s a far superior camera and takes amazing pictures but doesn’t take as many shots due to its size and weight. Nice review and I agree thst spec sheets sell more gear to poor photographers than they should. Spending £1000+ on gear before you learn to take a photograph is madness when there’s so much cheap used gear around,

[@GeorgeHolden]

Exactly, completely agree!

[@KlipsenTube]

IBIS was introduced by Minolta on the small sensor Dimage A1 - and later on the APS-C sensor Dynax 7D and even the full frame Sony A900, which would have been a Minolta Dynax 9D, if the brand had survived as a camera manufacturer.

[@GeorgeHolden]

This is true, a friend pointed this out to me too!

[@sephirotic87]

I have been into more than a couple of graduation parties from friends where "Professional cameras" where prohibited And I always gladly strolled in with my GX85 and pancake 20mm 1.7 lens in those parties and had great low light pictures.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thanks for sharing!

[@apislapis]

I fell out of love with photography precisely because it was no longer fun. Part of that was due to worsening health and becoming disabled, had it not been for point and shoots like the Sony HX80, ZV-1 and Canon SX740 HS I think I would have packed in. Trying to handle a camera bag and swap out interchangeable lenses can be quite problematic while seated on a mobility scooter, especially without the arms of Shiva. I've managed to drop a few lenses in the process. Sometimes I'll preselect inter-changeable lenses and take several cameras. Pancake lenses are a liitle easier to carry in pockets and this way at least I can change lenses on either my OM EM-10 IIIS or Canon M50. Is it me or does the 'M' in M50 stand for micro four thirds influenced? These small cameras and lenses are therefore, right up my street (photography) George many thanks for highlighting them.

[@GeorgeHolden]

Thank you for sharing, sorry to hear about your health but glad to hear you've found smaller cameras that are more easily usable for you

[@apislapis]

@@GeorgeHolden Thanks George. Photography has been very beneficial to my mental health while my physical health has gone pear-shaped. Keep up the good work spreading the word and joy of MFT as I lam looking to expand my range of lenses.

[@michaelbell75]

I like M43 and have owned several of them over the years. However, you can get small mirrorless cameras around the same size but with APS-C sensors, like the great NEX series from Sony, for the same price or even cheaper then these M43 cameras. I just picked up an NEX 6 with 11k on the shutter for $185, which is only about $30 more than the cheapest GX1 and the NEX 6 is a better camera in every way. You also get a far better selection of lenses with the E mount. The excellent Sigma 30 f/1.4 is cheaper than the Olympus 25 f/1.8 with a nicer build quality and better optics, and I have owned and like the Olympus too but prefer the Sigma. You can also get something like an a5100 around the same price as an Olympus EM10. You also have Fuji cameras, like the X-A1 around the $200 mark. Another small and compact camera with a larger APS-C sensor and a nice selection of quality lenses. The XF 35 f/2 is another fantastic lens, same price as the Olympus 25. So I think this is a big reason why the older M43 cameras are not as popular. They would need to be priced lower than cameras like the NEX series, early aXXXX series or the older Fuji cameras for most to look more seriously at them, and they are not unfortunatley.

[@j.mahoney1178]

Has someone who enjoys photography, my question would be how many shots will you get when using these cameras? I have the Sony a6660 with a bigger battery than the Sony a6400, batteries are a problem with smaller mirrorless digital cameras.