Smaller Cameras Make Sense

I've used a lot of different cameras over the years and I've come to the conclusion that smaller cameras come with a host of benefits with very little sacrifices. Here's a few reasons why I think they rock!
If you like the way I edit my photos or color grade my videos check out my powergrades and presets on my website - www.oliverkeys.com/shop
Intro - 0:00
Image Quality - 0:54
Portability - 3:14
Street Photography - 4:46
Simplicity - 5:56
Conclusion - 6:36
Music provided by Audiio, get 70% of your first year with code 'OliverKeys'

[@streetskier]

Not only are your videos amazing, but your photography is stunning. Cheers!

[@tenettttt]

I had the absolute most fun using my Micro 4/3 cameras just because of the portability. My Lumix S5 today gets nowhere near as much use. I just wish Panasonic/Olympus would understand that there's still a market for new compact M4/3 cameras. Not only DSLR-style cameras. A Lumix GX9/GX85 successor would be an instant buy.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Absolutely!! A successor to the GX85 would be amazing

[@martingreenberg870]

@@oliverkeys3953 The GX9 is the successor to the GX85. I just purchased a GX8. Neither the GX85/9, both of which I own too, is the successor to the GX8. So far these GX bodies are my EDC. Small. Light. Powerful. Well priced. Feature set rich. Very easy to put in a jacket pocket. Buy extra batteries as they are small too. Watch out! These bodies are increasing in price. Not crazy like the Fuji X100V but that is the direction. Older and smaller bodies are a new trend. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@chakwong]

Pen F!

[@alphonsusjimos9758]

New Olympus EP with EVF and maintain it simplicity

[@18yearsoldnot]

Cm1!

[@AmericoNeves-ng6zl]

Totally agree and I am also back to basics, found most of my previous cameras from year 2000 and play around with them.

[@patternsinsand]

Great video. I just wish Panasonic and OM would wise up to the main benefit of M43 being portability and release a new small camera with EVF but the latest AF and sensor tech.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much, completely agree! Would love for the these smaller camera lines to continue, 🤞🏼

[@leonpeterantonio]

Beautiful video! And I can only agree! I love my GX9 as an EDC camera and it has never let me down. I use the slightly larger 25mm from Lumix. It's not even the more pricey Leica, but I'm so happy with the results.

[@SatanSupimpa]

End of last year I got a Canon G10 for dirt cheap, just to have a pocketable-ish camera. And I simply fell in love with that camera, in the 9 months it was functional, I only touched my "real" camera for professional work. I still miss it.

[@TandemAdventures]

Yes! Just got a M43 camera. I've been shooting with FF for the last 10 years, mostly birds. But decided to change things up a bit and I absolutely love having a camera with me all the time! It's taking a bit getting used to everything being in focus, as I'm shooting mostly landscapes. I will be selling my enormous Nikon D850 with all three of the so called "holy trinity" of lenses. But as they say, "the best camera you have is the one you have in your hand". Cheers!

[@DessieTots]

I think that going from a Nikon D850 to Micro 4/3rds is a step down, not a “change things up”. It’s a hell of a jump in formats along with everything that goes with that, depth of field effect, file sizes, smoothness of colour tones. I still love my LUMIX GF-1 but I won’t be selling my FF cameras. For me there is no perfect camera out there. It’s always a question of compromises. A Nikon D700 with a tilting screen and a 5:4 aspect ratio would be my choice but that doesn’t exist of course. And the danger with swapping, changing camera gear is the inevitable comparing dilemma with what you’ve just sold off.

[@TandemAdventures]

Thanks for your concern, but I also have a Nikon Z 7 ii and a D500 to fall back on...😂@@DessieTots

[@saul511]

謝謝你創作這麼美好的影片，每一幀都美，特別是影片的配樂跟轉場，我這幾天重複了十幾遍以上，感謝您的創作。

[@meisterjubjub7606]

Videos like this are what constantly reinvigorate my love for this medium. As a fellow GX80/85 user, love to see them on my recommended page. Small cameras ftw!!!

[@oliverkeys3953]

Great to see so many people who also feel the same way, thanks so much for the comment!!

[@joshuachubbphotography]

I agree with smaller cameras. I use FF for my main work but I keep a Fuji camera as my edc, fits in a 1l Fanny pack and it’s all I need for fun!

[@marcelohm123]

Looks like the algorithm is having a good day today, because I has Brough me here. This is a really well crafted video! I've also recently switched from full frame to a Fuji X-Pro2 as my go to camera for everything non commercial and so far I love it.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much! I also picked up an Xpro2 fairly recently and I absolutely love it!!

[@luizcitton]

Thanks for this great video, Oliver. Your photos are delicates and impressively beautiful. ✨

[@Icon206]

Everything about this video is just beautiful. I own pen mini 2 and use it as my EDC and I’ve never been happier. So underrated.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@The58stupot]

Great vid. Fuji shooter most of the time ( XT2, XE-1, X10 ) but have a Panasonic Lumix GX7 with the 20/1.7 ii and the 45 1.8 Oly . The little GX7 with these lenses is so capable and produces stunning images.

[@deepanjaypaul3619]

Hey, since you are a Fuji shooter, I thought I could clear my doubts with you. I was checking reviews of the XT20, it's great for photography, but I didn't find many videos regarding its video capabilities compared to the XT30, which I want to buy but it goes out of my budget. Do you think the XT20 will be good enough for me because I want both photo and video capabilities? Or would you recommend something from the Panasonic side? By the way, I am completely new to photography and videography.

[@LazyManJoe]

I agree with you - "Less is more" - focus on taking the picture instead of going through 100s of menu settings to get the "perfect" option, when you should just focus on taking in the moment! I recently bought a Sony ZV-1F as a "street photography" camera - it's aimed at vlogging, but it is also an amazing compact camera with fixed focal length and only shoots in JPG - BUT I love it 🙂 I've taken more photos with this in a street environment than I would have using my Canon 7D, just because I don't feel like I'm standing out.

[@tchakhoian]

Love your thoughts, Oliver, thanks for sharing! And sharing in such a compelling artistic way...

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much for the comment, I really appreciate it!! 🙏

[@cedartreefilms9135]

Great video and thoughts behind it. My go to small cameras are the bmpcc OG with oly 17 f1.8 for video and a canon rebel g with 45mm zeiss tessar for film

[@lumenography6790]

your channel is a true breath of fresh air. thank you for doing what you do!

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it 🙏

[@prizepictures1]

Video is on point! Been stuck on M4/3 for some time now and don’t see a need to upgrade. I also find myself trying to create more opportunities for me to shoot and be creative and the M4/3 system is an asset as far as that goes. Keep up the great work!

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

I share your sentiments. I love m4/3. I picked up the tiny Sigma FP for when I need the full frame capabilities.

[@j.e.r.2675]

Your videos are so calming and a joy to watch, every time there is a new post from you I get very excited. Small cameras are a completely different story to photograph in this way. I feel the same way with my Pentax Q7 and the 40mm equivalent pancake lens.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much for the kind comment, I really appreciate it!

[@omarsahal5588]

Agree, I bought a Ricoh GR I in 2022, it became my most used camera. After it developed a fault I bought a new Ricoh GR IIIx, to date the camera I use the most & prefer to shoot with. All this from initially hearing & seeing the GR cameras & thinking, NO why would I ever buy that.

[@lukejbaker]

Great video and so glad to see the GX80 get the praise it deserves. The shots at 1:40 onwards, were these edited with your color film emulation preset pack?

[@darrengray1816]

Fabulous

[@Whiskeyj456]

I've been the same way where I always thought bigger was better with photography. When I first started out I shot with APSC sensors and always yearned for a FF setup. When I finally switched to FF I picked up a Sony A7II where I quickly learned it had quite a few weaknesses that I felt were limiting me. I bought an A7IV and while it is an incredibly capable body that I doubt I will outgrow anytime soon, it's absolutely massive and not easy to take with me everywhere. In the last year I have relegated it to work and trips where I wanted to make sure I had a body that would not 'miss the shot.' For regular outings though, I missed having a small body so I decided to pick up a Fuji X-E1 recently. I fully agree with you, small bodies are awesome and I can't believe I underrated them so much throughout my photography journey. I bring the X-E1 with me everywhere and get to take some beautiful almost analog feeling photos with it thanks to the dials, film simulations, and the 'rangefinder' simple rectangular body shape. Slap a pancake lens on it and it's easily concealed or can sit in a jacket pocket for quick access. To all you photographers out there feeling jealous of folks with FF setups or wishing you had a bigger body, really evaluate why you want a bigger body and what problems it will solve for you.

[@ruff1draft]

I own the Nikon D5500 which is perfect for street photography and portraits

[@keirwatson3570]

Love it. Look forward to seeing more of your content.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much! 🙏🙏

[@lorenschwiderski]

Yes, Panasonic Lumix GX-9 and the old GX85 are both little gems. With the Leica 15mm you have a great looking lens, which is sharp and fast enough on the focus, which I highly recommend for a 30mm view. I would skip the Lumix 25m in favor of the Olympus 25mm, though both can take great shots. I find the focus reliable on the Olympus and the color rendering is good too. I also have a Lumix 30mm macro, which is sharp edge to edge, and that wonderful Olympus 45mm you spoke of -- a great value lens. Another slightly larger, but very capable street shooter is the Nikon Z5, which like the Lumix has a tilt only screen -- just perfect for street. I am liking this with the muffin lens -- the 40mm Nikkor lens on this full frame. It has dual slots for SD cards and the battery lasts longer. The dynamic range is a bit more, along with more room to crop. I have other MFT cameras -- sort of maxed out on MFT gear, with the GX-9 and Leica 15mm lens being the last buys for that mount. If someone wants a beautiful little camera on the cheap, then look not further than the Olympus PEN PL-8 which is all metal, and looks great! I have a Lumix 14mm f2.5 on that one and it is perfect for parties, or close in work anywhere on the street and a good backup to the other MFT cameras. No EVF on it, but then again not needed for its tasks. I would never be using it with longer lenses anyway. Have a great new year ahead, Loren

[@Cotictimmy]

Enjoyed hearing ‘Whispering Bob Harris’ on a KZbin camera podcast. 😜

[@oliverkeys3953]

😅

[@jamesloop]

A very level headed perspective. Love your style

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much James! Appreciate the comment

[@alanneilson6811]

I totally agree with you I used to shoot with Canon Full frame but now just use MU4/3 my main body is an EM1 mark 3 but I have recently just picked up an EM5 mk1 and prime lens as an every day carry although I also have a Lumix GX80 but that is an IR converted which is also great.

[@martingreenberg870]

I am a crop sensor photographer and shoot street. Small and light weight carries the day. I frequently use two bodies when walking the street. Each has a different focal length. Now for a new change. Bought the Panasonic GX9 with the kit 12-60mm lens. Have the PL version so I was going to sell the lens to lower my cost basis on the GX9. I’m surprised I like this lens so much. Relative small and lightweight. I lover the variety of focal lengths. Plus the GX9 has the dual image stabilization with this lens. No audio in jack. No weather sealing. Poor battery life. Batteries are cheap and easy to carry. The prices for the GX body line have been steadily increasing. I wonder if this is a spinoff of the Fuji X100V prices selling at a premium. Have a G9. Great body. Sometimes it is too large or heavy when I walk the streets for hours. It is good to have choice. The right tool for the right job. I’m also interested in older cameras. Looking for a well priced GX8. The granddaddy of the GX85 & 9. Sometimes smaller is just smaller. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@eltinjones4542]

Totally agree. I know prefer to use my Lumix mf3 cameras over my full frame or apsc ser up

[@mikefoster6018]

Nice photos and respect for shooting without a reliance on the lens doing a lot of the work (distortion, bokeh etc). I've shifted over to 50mm full frame equivalent on my X-T5, to force me to do a bit more of the work (because 50mm equivalent doesn't create striking pictures on its own unless composition is strong).

[@PaalX]

Hello brother, Amazing video and I really enjoying your film powergrade. It is very powerful and easy to use. 🙏🏽

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much for the comment! So glad you’re enjoying using the powergrade!!

[@luzr6613]

Nice video and a well explicated point of view. I found it particularly interesting because i don't like small cameras - not even a little bit - so good to hear from someone who does and who also gets that it is all very much peculiar to the individual and what they appreciate and value. Could i navigate my way to an active enthusiasm for small cameras? Yes, my brain is neuro-plastic and available for a bit of re-wiring, but on the way i'd have to discount certain attributes that largish cameras have and that i would always feel were relevant and important. I value a robust build that can take the drops, knocks and any weather, and the mass that allows the camera to feel balanced and vibration-free with heavy glass - modern or vintage. Street is, however, just a casual and opportunistic thing for me that represents about 5% of my images, and i guess i am a little on the side of small there because my EDC - lives in my jacket pocket - is the smallest and oldest digital i own: the lovely 5MP Oly E-1 with the 25mm f/2.8 Pancake... about 900g. I can still, however, hang two kilos of lens off it and it still feels great. Anyway - good work and all the very best. Cheers.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Maybe I'm an oddball but I don't mind being big cameras around. Something like a 5D classic with a 40mm 2.8 feels compact to me and something I can toss around or get stuck in the rain with without it breaking. I don't care about using it in public, because it's mostly in your own head.

[@jetthepanda]

I sold my GX80 a few a year or two ago and bought a Sony a6300. I wanted better auto focus and low light capability. I have not gone out on a single photo outing since I got my Sony, I just don't like the feel of it in my hand. I used to love wandering around shooting with my GX80. I might get another one 🤔

[@shmuelaryehkoltov241]

I sold all my full frame gear to invest in the MFT system. I tried out the Olympus Em5 III with the 12-45mm f4, and when I saw how little difference there really is, I took the jump. I hate myself for being so caught up in my ignorance that I never gave it a chance before.

[@pastelchu]

a great video essay

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thank you!!!

[@alxpalumbo]

Any experience with the FP? Spiritual successor to the pocket OG in my opinion. Full frame, tiny body, beautiful image. I think you'd enjoy it.

[@oliverkeys3953]

I’ve not used it although I’ve been very interested in it for a while. I’m not sure I have enough hard drive space for those Cinema DNG files 😩

[@marc6652]

I fully agree. However, small camera doesn't necessarily means small sensor. I used to shoot with a G9. But currently I came back to a M camera for 95% of my pictures. Only 2 lenses : the tiny Elmarit 28 and the small summilux 50. M+lens is smaller than G9 + lens. However, I keep a GX8 for the fabulous 75 F/1.8 Olympus, and a XS-10 for other lenses my wife uses with her XT2.

[@paulsehstedt6275]

MFT cameras are up for the most jobs if you know, how to use it. I've a Leica D-LUX 7 as a back-up for my MP240 and I take it with me, when I don't need my EDC (photo) bag. Keep on rolling!

[@deepanjaypaul3619]

Hey, I really loved your photos! I'm completely new to the world of photography and videography but have a keen interest in them. I didn't have much time earlier, but now I'll be joining university in Germany and will be traveling too. So, I'm thinking of buying a camera. I'm on a tight budget (500 euros for a used camera) and am very confused about which camera to choose. I need a compact camera that can fulfill both video and photo needs. I'm interested in Fujifilm because, as a beginner, I can experiment with their film recipes, and with time, I can learn more about color grading or editing. The GX80 and XT20 were on my list, but with a lens, Fuji will go out of my budget, I guess. Can you give me some suggestions for an alternative camera to the GX80 that I can buy, or should I go with the GX80? Also, please mention the lens with the camera. I would really appreciate your help. Please reply

[@Master0ogway420]

I would also recommend some old nikon ccd sensor dslrs like d70, d80 or d200.

[@hugobeltranv]

I've been toying around with the idea of getting a Gx80 for some years now, love the compactness of 4/3, currently I'm using Fuji for my personal work but I'd love to try Lumix and your video might have convinced me. Did you use the Gx80 for the video shot at @5:44 ? It looks really good!

[@who-gl9uq]

what a vibe!! you shot the intro on the Lumix S5, right?

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks very much! Yep shot on the S5

[@camilawijnmaalen4218]

Great video, again! I was the same starting out. Always wanting a bigger camera only to realize, once I got it, that there are very few occasions that I want to bring it to... What printer was that in the video? And can you recommend it?

[@oliverkeys3953]

Thanks so much! It’s the Canon Celphy CP 1300. A great little printer that I’d definitely recommend for small prints

[@camilawijnmaalen4218]

Thank! Happy holidays!

[@dorian4739]

Which lens did you use for the photos displayed in the intro please? I've been using my Lumix GX80 with the Panasonic 25mm 1.7 for a while and can't seem to get very sharp shots. I've tried so many things like toying with the settings but it's really depending on the quantity of light available... Do you have any particular settings?

[@TheRoadrunner11]

GX80 + 20mm pancake is also my combo of choice! I have a Sony A7III as well, but the camera I use must often ends up being the Lumix. Partly because it's so small, but also partly cause I like its images more. I only use the Sony when I'm doing dedicated photoshoots these days, otherwise it's the Lumix. And to anyone who thinks a smartphone can do the same job, the answer is no. Once you get used to proper camera image quality, the over processed, artificial looking images of even high end phones start bothering you. I might sell the Sony at some point, but I'm never selling the Lumix!

[@oliverkeys3953]

Such a great camera, lens combo! Never letting go of the Lumix

[@itspaavo]

Are you still shooting videos with the bmpcc og? I'm really struggling between the the OG and the 4K. The 4K is definitely a more user friendly camera but the OG has definitely a 'character' which the 4K doesn't have imo. But maybe I'm Wrong haha

[@oliverkeys3953]

Yep still love shooting with the OG, the size of the 4K really puts me off and I love the image from the original BMPCC. It has its quirks but it’s easy enough to use once you get the hang of it!

[@dorian4739]

Hello! What's OG please?

[@arneheeringa96]

I have a Lumix and shoot 5 or 6 Megapixels. More than enough.

[@suvajeetdatta1220]

It's not the size, but how you use it

[@user-wd1ni8dv7r]

Hello! please tell me, does stabilization work for you on e-p2?

[@oliverkeys3953]

Yep works for me! It is common for it to break on this model, if it has then it will show up as a red “IS” message on your camera screen

[@user-wd1ni8dv7r]

​@@oliverkeys3953buddy, thank you for your answer and for your wonderful videos, you are truly inspiring! I recently bought an e-p3 and stabilization does not work on it, do you think this will show up much in the picture?

[@bastian.michel]

Panasonic GX800, 20mm for Street, 25mm, 45mm for people.

[@jacqueshervieux5112]

Love your videos. I had to laugh as I've pretty much sold all my equipment to buy myself a Lumix lx100 for exactly all the reasons you mentioned.

[@mashudali8482]

Goooojus

[@alexmilesg3]

Personally, I particulary like being able to use a compact camera with a decent viewfinder. I want to be able to frame, and see the details in the scene I am framing. Unfortunately, both the GX80 and GX9 - which I have both owned at some point - were a huge disappointment. Even the smaller RX100 has a better EVF.

[@oliverkeys3953]

Yep the viewfinder on the gX80 isn’t the best, hopefully they’ll continue the line and make an improvement on it 🤞🏼

[@alexmilesg3]

@@oliverkeys3953 agreed. It's such a shame that they won't put a decent EVF in these cameras.

[@ioanandrei8814]

People just forget that photo is about moments, not gear

[@oliverkeys3953]

Absolutely!

[@ioanandrei8814]

@@oliverkeys3953 i use not popular canon m6m2… and it’s really good) with perfect 22 2.0

[@miker7808]

pssst, .... why are you whispering?

[@Readbetweenthelines1]

Shhh, I think it’s a thing.

[@paulstevenson200]

You need to drop the muzak which is dreadful. Have confidence in your content and your voice-over.