Micro 4/3 is good enough for big prints

[@carlod803]

There are photographers who pixel peep, and there are photographers who print. Lovely video.

[@apislapis]

Like it Carlo. Is that a photographic alternative to 'they can't see the wood for the trees'?

[@jstrawb760]

Jìì

[@JoeMaranophotography]

I printed a large canvas from a 16mp image from my G80 and my wife kept wiping the canvas because she thought it was dirty. Turns out it was dirt on the zebra that I photographed!!

[@SteveONions]

Blimey, that is sharp. I also love my G80 , especially that incredibly soft shutter action.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@SteveONions I came from the G7 which wasn't exactly loud but I still thought there was something wrong with the camera when I received it as its so soft and silent! No need for electronic shutter when the mechanical is so quiet! Yeah the photo was taken with the 100-400 which likely helped :)

[@SteveONions]

I only use the electronic shutter for time lapses to save on wear and tear. I always wanted the GX8 but it had the dreaded shutter shock issue and I had similar problems with the first generation Sony A7. On my EM5 Mk1 I always use the short delay option on first shutter.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@SteveONions Thats funny as thats all I use it for! Although I did forget the other day and used the manual shutter and cursed loudly afterwards 🤣 I am also partial to the 4k burst function for fast birds in flight like garden birds :₩

[@johnsmith1474]

Canvas has texture that hides all manner of quality issues.

[@truthxbl]

Cheers. The photography community (well, the world really) needs more of this. We get so caught up in the hardware comparison cycle.... when we should just be out shooting and sharing our art. Thanks!

[@SteveONions]

Totally agree, I have all the image quality I ever need for stills. The video quality has come on in leaps and bounds in recent cameras and the weather sealing is also better but I can see camera phones taking even more of the market in future.

[@raygeary1698]

That's correct too much new gear syndrome m43 perfectly good enough

[@IskanderVFX]

@@SteveONions Let me tell you, you got a hell of a good future vision for 2019... just days ago I slipped a bunch of my phone's photos mixed with a rented Canon R5's, the thing just couldn't get in there to take some of the tight shots... and not a single complaint from the client, I know anything lesser than ideal conditions the quality falls apart, but it's crazy nevertheless. I think now it's better to stay on full-frame or otherwise go with a good 1-inch bridge or just the phone

[@TL-xw6fh]

This is exactly what I have been saying to my photography mad friends! I have a Nikon D750, Olympus E-M10 Mk ii and a Panasonic GX-80. I have high quality optics for the D750, and literally 'cheap' Pana/Oly/Sigma glasses for the MFT cameras. I cannot tell the difference between the D750 and the MFT cameras unless I magnify the images to 1 metre wide (which I don't). The D750 gives me better tonality and slightly better definition, but that is only for critical work. Indeed, I use my MFT gear 90% of the time now! I carry two bodies and 4 lenses, all in one shoulder bag that weights less than 2 kg.! No way can I do that with my D750. The reason we buy cameras is to go out and enjoy photography, not be smug about what brick you have on your neck!

[@flokikristinsson8095]

This video is a revelation! Thank you so much for taking the time to show us what a 4/3 camera is able to do. I love it!

[@DGriffGallery]

You’re wrong. Oh. No. Wait. You’re actually empirically quite right. Absolutely fascinating from start to finish 😊👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dave, and I love nothing more than empirical evidence.

[@vaunsphotography6820]

I really liked your comment about not believing everything you hear on the internet. That's good advice no matter what the subject!

[@TL-xw6fh]

Waaay too many trolls on the internet and rubbishing everything that is not their brand.

[@SirMo]

Brilliant demonstration. I am glad you also picked a dynamic range challenging scene. m43 is absolutely fantastic. The price of high quality cameras and lenses for m43 is unreal. High end Photography has never been this easy to get into. And to be able to do professional level work with it as well.

[@joshuafagans7534]

Fantastic video. So true that people should stop worrying about equipment and spend more time making photos!

[@farestabs]

This is fantastic! Just what I was looking for. Thank you for putting this test together Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@norman102745]

My G85 and I thank you for this solid presentation.

[@epstar83]

Great one Steve! Totally agree with your view about making prints on M4/3! In fact in some ways I think 4/3 sensor has some advantages over larger sensors regarding depth of field. Larger sensors will record greater detail and cleaner images but those differences will only be noticeable when looking at large prints from up close. Secondly most people seldom print bigger than A3 in which case the quality differences are hardly worth discussing. For pro photographers I think the main advantage of high resolution is the ability to make large crops and still maintain enough resolution for the same large prints.

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely Michael, I doubt it would be possible to discern any real differences at A3. Cropping is one area where extra sensor size can help, I find the same with 4x5 shots. The depth of field advantage is rarely mentioned as a Micro 4/3 plus point but for landscape work it is a huge bonus.

[@thethirdman225]

@@SteveONions I think the cropping thing is more about pixel count. Two cameras with the same megapixel count and the same angle of view should print basically the same.

[@hullhistorynerd]

Really good to see someone talking some basic sense on image quality. Most of my best shots were taken on a 6MP Canon SLR from 2002, and they look great up to A3, and still make decent A2 prints. There's far too much gear gatekeeping in photography these days by people who are obsessed with the relatively tiny differences between formats and launch into hyperbole about them.

[@jrosedds42]

Nice to see a practical "proof is in the pudding" video on this topic. I liked that you showed the printmaking process all the way from concept to finished print. Well done!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Joel.

[@PhilipRice]

You’ve just cured my G.A.S. and saved me a lot of money - thanks! :)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Philip (but I don’t think the camera companies will agree).

[@ccrookston]

Thank you for this!! Your video was the final straw that convinced me to purchase the e-m1 mark ii.

[@vermontmike9800]

Thank you for not only showing the capabilities of a smaller sensor, but also the brilliance that kit lens can be.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Mike

[@polmacdhomhnaill3021]

Steve bostin video. I would now think about adding 4\3 to my collection of formats after watching your video. Thank you Pol.

[@teto55055]

the olympus have good size and strong IBS

[@rupertloadman291]

Spot on, I have an omd em1 and it's perfect for my needs, and the quality of the prints that come out of it are superb!

[@SteveONions]

Another excellent camera, I really wanted one when they came out.

[@BertrandVanderBerg]

I have the same. Quality is amazing and I have had many published images...

[@DavidLaCivita]

Thanks for this! M43 is really any amazing system and proof that there really aren't any bad cameras any more. Anyone who says your wrong is simply insecure about their own choices. Thanks again, from an EM5 mark 2 user.

[@SteveONions]

Love the EM5 David, truly a revolutionary camera which still works wonders today.

[@shaunbrowne3963]

Hi Steve! This video is excellent. A while back, you did a similar video, but instead of a micro 4/3re camera, you used a 35mm camera. Based on that video, I came across a 35mm Olympus Trip, from the Salvation Army Thrift Shop, camera circa 1970 or so, for $10 Canadian. I'm bringing it, and my Canon EOS M2 with me in a trip to Ireland this fall. The Olympus Trip will be loaded with black and white, the EOS M2 will be for colour and video. Based on your video this morning, I'm travelling with a full frame digital (well, after scanning the film,) and all the wonders of a somewhat modern digital as well. Both are amazingly small, and only the Canon requires batteries, as the Trip uses a lens mounted light meter that, magically, makes its own electricity, and (cheekily) is solar powered! Thanks again for all the videos you post, Steve. They are always both educational and inspiring.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Shaun. I will also be doing a trip this year where I use Nikon film and digital cameras that share the same lenses. The best of both worlds.

[@ab122459]

what a fantastic vlog sharing! fluent,professional and gorgeous picture.finally revealed a fact the micro 4/3 is adequate .i totally agree with you.thanks for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Joseph.

[@dhedc]

Very interesting and helpful. Your video makes me see how important it is to get out and explore the world with the time and resources you already have.

[@SteveONions]

Exactly David. We all have the tools we need and must spend our time using them rather than arguing pointlessly about minor technical differences.

[@keithspillett7312]

Fascinated to watch this. I've owned a wide range of 16mp M43 cameras over the years, and have used them professionally without any qualms. I even shot a few weddings using an EM5 mk1 and a Sony A7. At album size, the clients couldn't tell the difference!

[@SteveONions]

I doubt many people would spot much difference at A2 either Keith unless they were looking so close they needed reading glasses. A minor improvement in composition is worth more to me than a lot more megapixels or bigger sensor.

[@huwalban]

You are not wrong. I moved to Olympus three years ago from Canon full frame and shoot landscapes myself. A perfectly capable system. I started with an E-M5 mark 1, but the mark 2 is definately a better camera as is the E-M1 mark 2. One other point worth noting is that the E-M5ii is actually produces cleaner long exposures than the E-M1ii - something to do with the 5 only using one type of autofocus technology. Great video Steve. Keep them coming. All the best.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Huw. I also read about the issues with the EM1 and long exposure (hot pixels I recall). I believe they use on chip focussing (phase detect?) which causes this problem but I rarely see an issue with my EM5.

[@huwalban]

@@SteveONions I think that was it yes. I currently use an E-M5ii (for video footage), and an E-M1ii and as long as I've got noise reduction enabled then I have no problems with noisy long exposure images.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I had the EM5 back in 2013 and found it to print amazing images. Now I have the Pen F and it is even better. My little travel and hiking wonder cameras.

[@SteveONions]

If someone had told me it was 24mpix I would have believed them judging by the image quality. I sold my 24mpix Sony after buying the Olympus.

[@waynesimon2963]

Thanks for the video Steve. It was certainly educational, informative and entertaining. Always enjoyable to view your work and walks. Cheers from Canada.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Wayne.

[@GarlandCoulson]

Thanks for making this video - nice to see M43 doing so well for big prints

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Garland.

[@CraigPrentisPhoto]

Hi Steve, good to see you going big with M4/3 prints. I'm now using a G9 and a GH5 for my paid work after selling most of my Canon gear which I had built up over many years. It gives me all I need for a digital workflow at the moment. I still have my Canon FD gear though and often use these lenses on the Panasonic cameras with a cheap dumb adapter. Works a treat.

[@SteveONions]

I think I'd use M/43 for my job if I were a Pro too, I am sure clients rarely ask what camera you are using. I also had a set of FD lenses I used on a Sony A7 as they were so much smaller and lighter than the huge zooms that seem to overbalance the body.

[@aytacyariktas2389]

I have the same Olympus OMD EM5 and am using it for all purpose. I think it is about what suits to our needs. Thank you for your honest opinion, glad that you have your channel putting an effort to deliver us right content.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@karlwagner932]

Very well done !!! CONGRATS !! YOU ARE EXACT ON POINT !!! thank you soo much for your time !!!

[@andrewheffel928]

Steve, really pleasant and informative video. I shoot full frame, I love it but it is a bit of a beast to carry around. I bought my son a Panasonic 16MP m4/3 kit, and he loves it. Great photos for most situations, and OK photos in low light. Ease of carrying means a lot!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it Andrew.

[@michaelweinstein3056]

Fast becoming a favorite photography channel of mine. Lucid, real-world and practical, advocate AGAINST paradigm of more = better. I enjoy the start-to-finish depiction and the insights along the way: start with describing the plan, cutaways to shots and tips during the shoot, return to studio for post work, and wrap up discussion. Tidy. And the thoughtful narration and editing make +15 min videos an easy watch. Extremely well-done videos here, thank you very much Steve. Of course it only all works as long as the end result of the work resonates with the audience. I, for one, am hugely impressed. Perhaps because I've grown up with photography, dad was a camera enthusiast before digital was an option, I've never found the ultra-clean, grain-free, "silky" sharp look of modern well-processed photography all that compelling: sorta like electronic music with no soul. But put a drum machine and a sampler in the hands of the right person? There's magic in everything- just takes an original mind to extract it.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael, I am glad you liked the format as it takes quite a lot of effort to put these multi-part videos together (especially when the printer plays up and wastes another 40” of paper) 🙂

[@trulsdirio]

I love how you show time and time again that gear is really over rated these days and that at the end of the day it is about how well one is able to utilise said gear. Getting that kind of result from a basic, small sensor is absolutely awesome! Same as with your 35mm landscape print video. Really motivates one to get out and push ones limits and horizons!

[@SteveONions]

I think the equipment has been ‘good enough’ for many years, it’s all down to us to use it properly.

[@brucegraner5901]

I did find this very informative, educational, entertaining and even inspiring for photographer like myself on a small sensor budget. Thanks and nicely done!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bruce.

[@9647245626]

I am just absolutely staggered. Sir,we've been brainwashed that the FULL FRAMES are the best ones with better surface areas of the sensors,capturing more details,more data,more light...blah.....blah....blah. It's just so accurately done(the video) that anyone would be ashamed of talking about the superiority of gears. Anyways,I wish to learn photography and occasionally shoot while travelling & I intend to buy an old Olympus/Fuji. Though we don't have these in our local markets(In India...very pricey here) I'd like to shoot and learn more. Can you guide us what should a budget oriented guys must look in his priorities. Thanks in advance ❤️

[@richgubbin8134]

Couldn’t agree more with not needing loads of mega pixels. I used to shoot with an out the ark Olympus E-1 and printed A3 easily. I,ve recently purchased an E-M5 and this video has reassured me I made the right choice.

[@carlmorrow1]

One of your best videos yet Steve, more please 📷

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Carl.

[@davidrudman]

This should be shared further. Thank you Steve. The videos I have seen from you also seem to have improved over time. Well done, and looking forward to seeing more. 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David. 👍

[@bisibela]

Fantastic video Steve. I have been shooting mft for wildlife and travel and making large exhibition quality prints on OMD EM1 MII. there is no difference in IQ or anything for that matter at regular viewing distances. With high res mode in the newer cameras, this is taken up to the next level.

[@SteveONions]

Totally agree 👍

[@JJ-vp3bd]

does that make the g9 worth it

[@SteveONions]

Yes. It has dual card slots, a much better battery, better weather sealing, better viewfinder and better video by far.

[@bisibela]

you wont go wrong with either olympus em1 mii or lumix g9. both are very competitively priced and excellent all round cameras. if you shoot action with continuous autofocus, then i would recommend to stick with same branded lenses, most definitely with Lumix g9. Otherwise all mft lenses do well on both cameras.

[@guyroberts4181]

Excellent video, and thanks for debunking the myth that 4/3 sensors are not good enough for professional use.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Guy.

[@alanthompson3851]

Excellent video being a four thirds shooter myself I couldn’t agree more. Thankyou for highlighting a much maligned system of late that is still capable of excellent results. I changed from full frame a few years ago and have never regretted it. I can carry it all day long without really noticing it.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan.

[@sinjon]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you. Showed me that I really do not need a big expensive FF camera. I’m quite happy with my Lumix G7. The 12-35 Il lens is amazing

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@ste528]

Great video Steve, I love my Olympus Em1, will never now go back to the bulky full frame alternatives out there 👍

[@SteveONions]

I will actually be out with a full frame Nikon soon but I have a very good excuse, honest 🙂

[@Luigiz28]

Great video Steve! I've personally made multiple A3 prints from my Olympus Em10 Mark I and I have been more than satisfied with the image quality. Oh and I love the Panasonic 40-150mm! Such a fantastic lens for the price👍

[@SteveONions]

It’s almost a crime how good those lenses are for the price 👍

[@lmhjgseuk8213]

A crime I'm willing to commit, 😂 Oh, bought one already. Guilty as charged!

[@apislapis]

A great demo of M43, Steve. Thank you. Having mobility issues I need a camera that is small and light to carry. I own an M50 mkI but there are few EF-M lenses and if I use my Viltrox adaptors on EF lenses the set up becomes heavier. Canon would like us all to migrate to RF but they're too expensive for a keen casual user and damn large. I've been signposted to M43 so having watched a few of your M43 vlogs I can see me taking that road. This video reassures me regarding the format and so I've subscribed as your videos are hugely informative. Thanks again.

[@SteveONions]

I’m glad you found the videos useful. I’ve always thought that M43 was the best balance of quality and size, the lenses are the real advantage, so compact and high quality.

[@lucyphress7776]

I like your channel very much. Found it a couple of weeks ago when i stumbled over your video why m43 is perfect for landscapes. I always asked myself why I like the look of the results I get from m43 and feel no need to upgrade to a larger sensor. You said it in that video: m43 pictures have an organic look and therefore are more pleasing to the eye. I agree with you. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks for commenting. I always believe my own eyes and if something looks good it looks good regardless of what others might say.

[@DesignerKollektiv]

Great video Steve! It’s educational and you combine technical knowledge with art. And I guess that’s what taking stills has always been about. I never like getting up early for a shot but you made me reconsider 😃 Keep up those great videos!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks, and remember that alarm clock!

[@bakermantube]

Very informative, interesting and entertaining. Thank you! Your video shows also the fact, that the photographer takes pictures and not the camera. By the way, a very nice result and a very nice scenery to take pictures.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andreas.

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Greetings from New York. Just discovered your channel and find the initial video excellent. I just added an Olympus EM-1M1 as a "back up" to my D810 FF kit after a recent knee injury. I did spend a bit more on the glass but not much more than you did for your camera in the video. I can attest to the quality of the images/prints. A2 is probably the largest I'd ever go so it really does the job. Plus it's saving my knee a bit on those long hikes. Happy to subscribe to your channel and view some of your other videos.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Miguel, it is surprising how saving a few pounds in weight makes all the difference on a long walk, especially if it is uphill. I often lug a big camera with me and by the end of the day I don't want to take any more photos which defeats the point of carrying it.

[@Buzz2646]

Really enjoy your videos, and this one in particular. It shows quite clearly that the quality of the photo is up to the photographer and not the gear. I have a crop sensor, 16 mp camera and some of my photos have been very satisfying. The ones that aren't so satisfying are, generally, my fault.

[@SteveONions]

Very true indeed.

[@toke7560]

13.19. Spot on, i don't need that. How refreshing to hear that after reading on DP review all the full frame lot and the pixel peepers. Noise !, whats that.

[@MichaelGerrard]

The GX9 is a smaller camera but with the same or similar 20 megapixel sensor. I have the GX80, also a great camera but compact. Great video, it shows the M43 cameras can produce some great photos and prints :-)

[@SteveONions]

Very true Michael. The only real area things are improving in is video which has come on in leaps and bounds. I suspect we are reaching the point with that where extra gains will be hard to spot soon.

[@jeffogden6060]

Enjoyed the video Steve. As a recent M43 convert, I am really enjoying the freedom that the lighter weight gives me on long hikes and general travel. My full frame gear still comes out from time to time, but my em-1 is the first thing I reach for these days. Haven't printed anything large yet, but look forward to it. Cheers, Jeff

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked the video Jeff. I also have a full frame camera as well as some bigger film equipment but if someone forced me pick one to use exclusively I’d have to go with M4/3.

[@JeanV1986]

You're dead right. I came to that conclusion a while ago, and that is why I switched to m43 system completely. Thanks for the great job.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jean, I believe what I can see with my own eyes and not what I’m told by experts.

[@philmtx3fr]

Hi Steve you are a very good advocate of m43. I Own an old Olympus em-d 5 mk2 and I did t think I could do Such large prints with it. Thx for this vidéo. Now I will try :)

[@SteveONions]

Glad you found it useful 👍

[@GerryBeltgens]

Excellent video. Informative and provided solid evidence that there are a lot of people talking through their hats. I love my E-M 5 Mk2 and E-M 10 Mk2. Several primes, Lumex 12-60, Oly basic 40-150. Great kit, the whole works fits in a relatively small bag.

[@SteveONions]

I also have the Basic 12-60 Gerry and find it an excellent lens. I am always surprised how good the run of the mill M4/3 lenses are, especially in the corners at large apertures.

[@GerryBeltgens]

@@SteveONions What area do you work/live in. I will be in the Northumberland area in June 2020. I still have a Mamiya RB67 Pro S, Mamiyaflex and couple of 4x5 cameras that I haven't used in years. It might be nice to meet up if you are close.

[@ekspresija101]

who would have thought that Mads Mikkelsen uses micro 4/3 sensor and print big files.

[@SteveONions]

It’s all been downhill since Casino Royale 😦

[@andrear9500]

Great subject and great editing. Got my attention from beginning to end. Very well done!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andrea.

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

That's the way to speak Steve. Amateurs have been preaching the oposite. Congratulation for speaking the the true.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Sammy.

[@AaronWChen]

KZbin's algorithm recommended your channel to me and as someone who loves micro four thirds and looking to get a system for travel and backpacking, I want to say thanks to you and the algorithm! Very jealous that you have a printer capable of making such big prints too!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you. I do like the big printer until a cartridge runs out and I need to spend £45 😕

[@roywilkinson9879]

Definition fantastic on these shots! Nice to know you don’t need to spend a mortgage to get similar results. Thanks again Steve.

[@SteveONions]

You’re welcome Roy.

[@CallMeChato]

This was great. Why us M43 users need this confidence boost I don't know. I understand the onslaught of FF but when 35mm was the gold standard I would purposely shoot 400 ASA for the grain; big freaking golfball-sized grain. I would develop large prints in my bathtub. These were fantastic emotional posters. I hate HDR it's going to make all prints look the same. I love my G85 and G9. I don't feel I'm missing a thing. Well, except the weight.

[@SteveONions]

Agreed Peter and I still shoot 400 speed film (often pushed) to get the grain - that is what’s coming in next weeks video.

[@andrewfrost8866]

Excellent and interesting video Steve. Certainly not the results I would have expected.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andrew.

[@michaelofmelrose]

WOW!!! Steve that was interesting and great photo. Thanks for all the work.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael.

[@jbairdexp]

Well said Steve. I captured an image using a 12 year old D80 last year and the resulting A3+ print looked amazing. :-)

[@SteveONions]

I bet it would go bigger too Julian. Incidentally have you made any really big prints from the D850, I imagine they would be spectacular?

[@jbairdexp]

@@SteveONions Biggest I can go at home is A3+ and they look amazing. One day I might send out for an A2 or even an A1. Like you say, I don't think resolution or dynamic range will be an issue for the D850 and printing big!

[@lensman5762]

It wasn't that long ago that the usual aficionados were claiming that 12 mega pixels were all that was needed to make really high quality large prints. Now that same guys, who are mostly sponsored by camera manufacturers, are promoting 40 or 50 mega pixel super expensive cameras as must haves. I have an old Nikon D800 and TBH the resolution out of the 36 mega pixel sensor frightens the hell out of me. It is just too much. Absolutely well done for proving the point sir. Really enjoyed this presentation.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you :)

[@vesslazarov4479]

Thank you, Steve :) great job. The photograph looks exciting. And I'm surprised - you did it a simple lens gear. This small camera - Oly E-PL5 is a perfect universal tool.

[@SteveONions]

The M43 lenses I’ve used have all been good Vess, it is a lot easier to make small optics than larger ones.

[@ale.r26]

Nothing to argue, lots of real statements that's why costs and the lack of real needs let me stick with a normal Aps-c. I printed (not in panorama but only single shot) in 90x 60cm and really, any problem at all, my client was super satisfied. This saved me lots of money in lenses and lots of weight in my backpack when I go out shooting landscape bringing tent, stove, and so on so... really really great video that each beginners should watch

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alex. I also like to keep the weight as low as possible and find that every little helps. It is surprising how a few more pounds of weight make a difference at the end of a long walk.

[@ianjb7466]

Hi Steve, wonderful content..... your prints look amazing. well done Olympus Em5 Mk1 regards IanJB

[@teto55055]

very nice video , i got my em5 makr 2 this year , and saved a lot of money MFT have a lot of features and beats FF in many areas

[@eyesee55]

Thank you, the best camera is the one that you have with you! I always carry my GX8 with either the 15mm 1.7 or the 12-60 kit lens, I am amazed at the quality of images with the cheapo kit lens.

[@SteveONions]

I also like that 12-60 lens, so well built too.

[@arthurrmcphee4885]

Brilliant, entertaining and effective! you nailed it about the "need" aspect for printing. Well done, great video and a beautiful photo and print.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Arthur.

[@LarryAngier]

I've created and sold hundreds of 20x30 to 24x36 and even larger prints off 6-10-12 mp cameras through the years.Even 24x30 prints with an iPhone 4. With good craft, it's vary possible to go quite large with lower megapixel captures.

[@SteveONions]

Totally agree Larry.

[@zrobben]

Nice informative video! I joined photography with a second-hand E-PL5 last year and I'm having so much fun with it by adapting old vintage lenses. ☺️

[@SteveONions]

A lovely camera Roberto, have fun shooting with it.

[@zrobben]

@@SteveONions Yeah, mine was second-hand, but it was almost like new and I got it for just 200€ with the kit 14-42 lens and all the accessories. A few days ago I found out that you can have a sort of focus peaking by using art filters, that's quite useful with manual lenses 😅

[@SteveONions]

I also remember that focus workaround Roberto, pretty creative way of using it. It is surprising just how capable those older cameras were (and still are).

[@liborkrupica5686]

You are absolutely correct. Thanks ...

[@TheMadRambler]

Great Vlog Steve, I can confirm what you have said, I recently had a 50" canvas done of an image from my Nikon DX format DSLR and it was great, no noise and could have probably got away with a slightly larger canvas if truth be told. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveONions]

Surely not Jeff, you should know by now that the DX format is for amateurs who only print to A3. I’ll be reporting you to the pixel peeping police 😉

[@TheMadRambler]

@@SteveONions It`s just between you and me Steve, no one else will know.

[@FourIntoOne]

Excellent! I have been shooing my 12mp full frame Canon 5d since I bought it new in 2007. My experience exactly mirrors yours - I do have other "better" cameras but 16mp is just fine folks. Its still my go to slr camera for digital.

[@clartypaths840]

you might want to alter the second reference to a 5D being 16Mp.

[@henrym78]

12mp is also just fine.

[@clartypaths840]

@@henrym78 yup, as are the 8Mp images that my Canon 20D delivers.

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

I own and use an Olympus OMD EM5 Mk1 and a Pen F with a selection of prime lenses and a 100 to 200 zoom. I am always more than happy with the images I get from these cameras. So I was really interested to see how big you were able to create a print from such a camera. This is the first video of yours I have seen so I have now subbed so I can watch more I thought this was very informative and I really liked that image you captured. Thanks for sharing :D Teddy

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Teddy and I hope you enjoy the other videos.

[@LarryManiccia]

Great test Steve. I agree if you start with a well exposed quality raw file and process it properly you can make nice prints from older, lower MP cameras. The other thing to keep in mind is viewing distance. Yes if you hold prints up to your nose, prints from FF cameras will look better at such close viewing distances, but it would probably be difficult to tell the difference at proper viewing distances.

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely Larry, without a good original capture it wouldn’t be possible hence my selection was based on a very clean and sharp original. I also find that most people cannot focus close enough to discern real differences in big prints unless they use reading glasses (which sort of defeats the point of making a big print for me).

[@DesertOryx]

I think showing what Micro 4/3 is capable of is only half the story here. You are really good in editing and processing which is the other part of the story of this video ;)

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. I used Olympus micro 4/3 digital cameras with the following lenses: Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 (46mm filter) Olympus 17mm f/2.8 (37mm filter) Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 (46mm filter) Olympus 45mm f/1.8 (35mm filter) Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5 - f/5.6 (40.5mm filter) Panasonic 45-200mm f/4 - f/5.6 (52mm filter) Loved the lenses! (especially the 20mm) Loved the 4:3 aspect ratio. Loved the images! Hated the bodies because they broke too many times.

[@stevedubbs3319]

well done Steve ! amazing video and content!

[@robertmccutchan5450]

My first digital camera MANY years ago was an Olympus E20-N 5 megapixel with a 1 2/3" sensor, which is much smaller than micro 4/3, and I had no problem printing 16x20" prints. Enough said.

[@as616]

My E-P5 is still my favorite travel camera.

[@pepetrueno8722]

I think this is a great video. I’ve been thinking of gifting a similar setup to my niece, who is going to college and will need a camera next year. She has small hands and I think the Olympus micro four thirds system would be great for her. I was, of course, struggling with all the naysayers comments, but this video has made it clear to me this system is enough

[@SteveONions]

I have a lot of cameras Pepe and the differences are far smaller than people would lead you to believe. I usually use my newer Panasonic but that is mainly down to the superior video capabilities, far less of a gap in terms of still image quality.

[@bartmaas437]

First let me compliment you on the wonderful video. I used to do quite a bit of photography when I was younger but that was on film. I have had some point and click digital camera's but wanted to have a bit more control back. So the wife said I should buy a new system. Now my shoulder and neck are not what they used to be when I was twenty so I searched for something portable. I fell in love with micro four thirds. And contrary to every KZbin commenter out there (so it seems) I am a full on amateur . I take pictures of the wife, kids and cat augmented with some travel shots. And the quality is amazing. People might whine and moan, but they forget not all film was great, not every roll was developed right and not everyone's kit was top of the line. The same is (I think) true of digital. But I just love taking pictures again. I hope you too continue to enjoy these nifty cameras.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you are liking the little camera Bart, like you I am just an amateur who shoots for pleasure but I cannot see any problem with these so called 'lesser cameras'.

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

A few years ago, using a 35mm film camera handheld, I had the film developed and scanned. I decided to upscale the 6MP scan to 36MP and had a 24 x 16 print done - was blown away by the quality. I believe you only need 4 to 6MP and as long as the original image is sharp you can make large prints without too much loss of quality. I now use Fujifilm xt-1 which is 16MP - no need for any more. Fantastic video Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Roksan.

[@willprice7475]

Very interesting. I use the Panasonic G9 and I was afraid of large prints because of what I had heard. Great work!

[@teto55055]

20 mega pixel is enough with MFt for very large prints , and focus on your self and your image , you can have a look on olympus and itis live composite feature

[@GUTOMOFFICIAL]

That sunrise is amazing!

[@foljs5858]

This "issue" has been sorted way back. Even a compact with a sub-1 inch sensor from 2005 at 8MP could print perfectly fine A3 prints. Magazines (even photo mags) print at around 200dpi or less. For ever larger distances (like when hang on a gallery wall, or billboard, lesser DPIs are totally fine). Heck, Apple prints billboards from iPhone pictures. Larger sensor benefits = better low light and more easy to get shallow DoP. They're not "needed" for large prints.

[@PhiggysDOTcom]

GR8 informative video and excellent advert for 4/3 😊👍🏻

[@derekwillson2538]

Thanks for all the work that you put into this video Steve. I shoot with an OM D em 10 (the first one) with the 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 pancake lens. So far I've been very happy with the results and this outfit cost about £225 second hand. I'm new to home printing and have a lot to learn yet but its good to know that if my results aren't quite there its probably my fault! I won't be printing above A3 at home so I'm sure all will be well. Thanks again and I will see you next time, Del.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Del, your EM10 is more than capable of big prints and the 14-42 is also a good lens - I often shoot with my 12-32 pancake and stopped down it is the equal of the f/2.8 pro lenses. At A3 your camera will look as good as any Full Frame model

[@derekwillson2538]

@@SteveONions thanks for taking time to reply, I appreciate your comments cheerio!

[@garypentecost833]

Another top honest vlog thanks Steve along with Craig at E6 the best by far 🙏

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gary 😀

[@vers1fier]

I guess I'm the kind of person that considers a little noise apart of the overall aesthetic of an image. It kind of adds this rustic-like effect to the composition. Fantastic analysis of MFT's capabilities with print!

[@ridwanarifiandi6867]

you motivated me to keep my EM5

[@JDubyafoto]

You're definitely correct! Thanks for showing just what smaller sensors are capable of producing. I've got a Canon 5D Mk III, but my main camera for everyday shooting and printing is my FujiFilm XT-2. For street, I use a FujiFilm XPro-2. With film, I'll shoot anything from 35mm up to & including 4x5, but I mainly print 11x14 with film so 35mm is adequate for most of that work.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John. Like you I shoot all the film formats too (next video is 35mm). I was always happy making big prints from the smaller format, even when I had a darkroom.

[@Jbzy3000]

I concur with all you said. Went from apsc to mft to full frame, and now back to apsc. Key is get a sharp capture print and love what you print.

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely 👍

[@Routerer]

Very Impressed that anyone would get to Llandudno before sunrise

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@emilnilsson7991]

I've actually grown quite fond of the noise / grain in the images that my 8 year old Panasonic GX7 produces. With some slight noise color reduction of the raw files the photographs feels very much filmlike. And I love that.

[@SteveONions]

I’m the same Emil, the noise in M43 isn’t too off putting.