Why I Use Micro Four Thirds Cameras

[@kaushaltiwari9773]

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

[@graywz]

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

[@Check-it-out]

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

[@grntchstrmdws]

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

[@lucavascon1498]

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

[@Bicyclechris]

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

[@davidthorpe7732]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@TheRobertsklenar]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@ejbernal2]

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

[@coversepeti6012]

haha

[@peterbuckley265]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DaveHaynie]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@davidswan3018]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@colinmorris2604]

Mh&

[@subrotomitra]

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

[@derekharbison3730]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@SKgeostrat]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@SKgeostrat]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@SKgeostrat]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@Philson]

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

[@davidthorpe7732]

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

[@nb1223]

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

[@dengor45hd48]

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

[@davidthorpe7732]

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

[@alanwong402]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Alan Wong You're welcome, Alan.

[@alextigoglu2408]

Gm5 for the win

[@Vicvines]

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

[@callumchisholm3054]

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

[@Vicvines]

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

[@two203ify]

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

[@two203ify]

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

[@stevestruthers6180]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@jadestone032]

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

[@blackjohnny0]

Your talking way is so agressive.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@apih4448]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@algoa456]

David, still an entertaining video in the lockdown 2020. Even then you nailed why m43 is so good. Today I’ve an Olympus system with only two lenses. The whole thing packs into a bag hardly bigger than a shortened loaf of bread, but still gives great flexibility. Thanks enjoyed your 2013 video.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Good to hear that - yes, quality pictures from gear that is no hassle to carry around. It's the recipe for enjoyable photography, really.

[@TheEPROM9]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@gadda33]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@gadda33]

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

[@OptimaMrL]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@archygrey9093]

M43 has come a really long way since this video was uploaded too

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Sure has, Archy. I've updated this on another video Why I (Still) Use the ...

[@stevek7473]

Bravo to you sir.. Loved your input.. Thank you from the US..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You are welcome and I'm glad you found it useful.

[@stubuck99]

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

[@xenonozhid3383]

I just found your channel on KZbin, thank you for the clear, concise reviews, tips and tricks. Like you I have moved from full frame 5D MkII, to Olympus MFT OMD EM5 Mk2, with a combination of of the Olympus Pro range of glass. - thanks for the inspiration.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Great to hear that - I'm glad you like the reviews and thanks for telling me!

[@xenonozhid3383]

Thanks David. Have you ever tried the Panasonic 100-400mm lens? I'm leaning towards the 40-150 Olympus lens, its faster and smaller!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm just working on a review of the 100-400! They are very different lenses, the Olympus being a much more general purpose optic. The 100-400 is quite a specialist item - it almost starts where the Olympus lets off.

[@xenonozhid3383]

I'll very much look forward to your review. I had a trial shoot with the Panasonic, found it was it very good in bright light for bird photography, however I'm so impressed with my std 14-40mm f2.8 Oly Pro - that I'm leaning that way with the tele!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The 40-150 f/2.8 is one of the finest lenses in Micro Four Thirds. The Panasonic really is a specialist item.

[@Drmikekuna]

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

[@MrCharlesTuna]

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

[@5nanometers]

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

[@Panzerbeast]

Loved this. Thanks. I myself moved from a Canon 450D SLR to a Panasonic GX7 Four/thirds camera. Love it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad to hear that, Signum. I've never regretted making the move.

[@hungrydavo]

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

[@trentmason009]

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

[@brinip1]

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

[@davidthorpe7732]

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

[@brinip1]

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

[@davidthorpe7732]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@RADCOMJ1]

Excellent overview, you are very knowledgeable and present the logic behind your decisions very well David. Subscribed.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Nice of you to say so - thanks.

[@callaway86]

The GF1 change my "photographic life" and will always be my most favorite camera.

[@fredio54]

10 years later, just upgraded to GH5 from mine, and looking for a similar small M43 to go with it :-) GF1 in comparison to GH5 is like a modelt next to a tesla, but like you, it was a game changer, and not from another brand/size, but into having a real camera at all. Finally a model I could carry around that was worth carrying :-)

[@sunsaffron]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@sunsaffron]

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

[@Aldarux]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@PrinceWesterburg]

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

[@watcharac]

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

[@adrinathegreat3095]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@glee831]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@Gary_W]

Excellent video, very inspiring, well done sir! I travel a lot and M43 makes a lot of sense to me and your video proves it beautifully. Watched some of your other videos too, they are very inspiring. I just don't get why you still get dislikes. Anyway, thank you for taking your time to make the M43 videos!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

bajigurwedangronde thanks for that! I guess a few dislikes are inevitable- just as long as there aren't more of them than likes I'll be happy.

[@Gary_W]

David Thorpe I learned a whole lot from your videos now and I have been gathering Micro Four Third gears to an almost perfect outfit. So far I have a GX7 with Panasonic 14-140 f3.5-5.6, an Olympus 17 f1.8 and Panasonic 100-300mm. This is a very near excellent setup and it is now replacing my Canon setup. I will add a Panasonic 7-14mm soon as well as Olympus 45 f1.8 and maybe an extra MFT body like the E-PL5 so I can have zoom on my GX7 and prime on the other body. Thanks once again for your videos, David! Your videos effectively erased all my doubts about the MFT system and I am never been happier with my photography outfit as well as capabilities :) Cheers!

[@mumrarmatt]

Brilliant and informative video. I had done some commercial work, but only spare time stuff, using my Canon DSLR. But I got tired of the weight of lugging around that big bag, big lenses and big camera. I found many occasions where I missed photos because I didn't have it with me - and that's the rub. I could have a 128 MP camera with a 10-700mm f/1.2 lens, but if it is so big and cumbersome that I leave it at home, I won't have a photo. I've been able to easily carry across my Colin P series filters via a few adapter rings and have fallen in love with photography all over again. I have an E-PL5 like you, but unlike you it is my sole MFT camera, complete with EVF. It is light, quick and convenient - despite lacking full WiFi control they did well with the WiFi SD Card included and it means I can get shots off, processed and uploaded via smartphone in a minute after pressing the shutter. MFT is a magnificent system, and one which is criminally overlooked by many who buy first a compact, then enjoy it and graduate to bridge and then skip over MFT by believing that serious photography NEEDS a DSLR - in my expereince that couldn't be further from the truth.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words. What you say about people skipping over MFT because 'serious' photography needs a DSLR is very true and I hadn't thought of that. It seems to take a long time for any new development to get on the radar of even the photographic magazines, where a serious camera is still has to be a DSLR. It'll change, though, I think. Mainly because when someone like you sees MFT as the serious tool it is, they will talk about it and the ideas spread. There'll always be FF cameras but they'll eventually be sees as the specialist tool that they really are nowadays, for people who have to make extra large prints or work in _ultra_ low light situations.where you must drag an image out from very little light - surveillance, for example. Interesting comment, thanks.

[@FreddiMuliantono]

I jump into the m43 world because of your videos. Thank you sir.

[@eyemanpix]

Great video. I bought an OMD-EM1 a couple of mos ago. As I was updating my firmware the other day, I started to think about how my Canon gear has just been sitting there. I consider myself a serious amateur and used a Canon 7D along with a variety of lenses up until now. The weight, however, has really gotten to me. It was so hard traveling on our last Europe trip so I decided to go mirrorless. I suppose I am being somewhat sentimental as I hesitate selling my Canon gear but watching videos like yours helps me make the logical decision. Thanks for all the info.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

eyemanpix Hope it works for you - it did for me. Thanks for the kind words!

[@JornKnuttila]

I love this video, and show it to my friends who are thinking about freshening their dSLR. Looking forward to a 2016 re-do of this presentation. ;)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Jorn Knuttila That's a good idea Jorn. The sentiments will remain the same but the equipment has updated.

[@lifeslooker]

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

[@davebellamy4867]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much - glad you liked it.

[@alantuttphotography]

Recently found your channel, and I have to say I like how you present things. Most folks today don't know that 35mm film was the M4/3 of it's day. An inferior version of 6cm medium format, which itself was an inferior version of sheet film. Ansel Adams carried around an 8x10 view camera through very rough terrain to get his iconic images. As technology improves, we can do more with less.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you like the videos, Alan. Yes, it's funny for me to think that when photographers in Fleet street were going over to 35mm for its lens interchangeability the objection from the older guys was graininess and poor technical quality. Now we look to its equivalent for high technical quality! I'm pretty certain than in as far as they can be sensibly compared, my Micro Four Thirds quality is better than my 35mm used to be, unless I was using Kodachrome or a fine grain B/W like FP4.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@TheShanahg]

Really enjoy your reviews, I like people talk about gears and still take great photos! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@donnieyiu7139]

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

[@electricpictures100]

What an excellent presentation! Well done David

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Paul H Thanks, Paul.

[@jolivre]

David, that was a super, informative video. Very nicely put together and a pleasure to watch. Many thanks !

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks jolivre, much appreciated.

[@edsassler285]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@edsassler285]

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

[@joemartin5881]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@humanfishh]

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

[@avarmadillo]

Super, well organized review. I just ordered a gh3 and am really looking forward to getting into the mft world. I'm encouraged by reviews like yours and the video I see on line. I shoot only video, and use a Sony vg900--an excellent, versatile camera and, with its camcorder form, very light--awesome even--but expensive in most respects. But I recently bought an inexpensive Sony a6000---and the image quality knocked me out! I preferred it, in standard shooting mode, to the Canon 70d, and the only thing that probably beat it was the vg900 in full frame shooting mode a Zeiss 1.8 lens. I'm thinking with the advancement in sensors the gh3 will provide me with even more refinement in image video quality---I just HATE to sacrifice depth of field; the whole reason for getting into interchangeable lenses in the first place, and I, like you, hate exposing the sensor while switching. All that aside, a SUPER review. Thanks so much.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

William Ridenour Glad you liked the review - and I hope the camera meets up to your expectations. I reckon it will because you obviously know your stuff.

[@AlanGeer]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@chunkylover54]

I just picked up an omd em5 to throw in my backpack when I go on my bike rides. Its a game changer. I had a ricoh gr but the prime lens does limit my photos. and my DSLR is just too big and never went with me. I agree it really is a great system for someone on the go. I love my dslr and wont replace it but being able to take pictures where ever i go is a priceless.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Erik Fries It is a game changer, I agree. Full frame has its place and always will have but MFT hits that sweet spot for portability blended with quality. I cycle a lot, like you and MFT could have been designed with us in mind.

[@DJTony993]

Great video man! Always nice hearing someone share their passion! I'm envious of your multiple rigs. I just dipped my toes into the DSLR world, but considered MFT VERY carefully. After seeing your video, I kind of wish I'd gone the other way. On a side note, has anyone ever told you you sound almost exactly like Alan Ford in the movie Snatch? Great film if you've never seen it. Anyhoo, thanks again for sharing!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! No, no-one has said that about my voice (south London twang) but I'll listen to Alan Ford's voice for sure! DSLRs have certain advantages over MFT. it may be that a DSLR will suit you well but only using one will tell you. The major digital camera makers like Nikon, Pentax and Canon have been around a long time and produce fabulous products. If you started with MFT you'd always wonder whether you should have bought DSLR. Instead you've bought DSLR and wonder about MFT. The fun is in finding out. So is the pain in the pocket, unfortunately!

[@Catbat]

David Thorpe I agree the fun is in trying them out over the years and sticking to what you feel best with!!! When I was using a compact for some time, I missed the sound feel and speed of my dslr!! So I went back to using my K10D just added a prime and voila!!! Compared to the kit zoom, the images taken look like they were made with a different camera ;) nice review David!!!

[@cornwasher]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@IngemarKenyatta]

This video is very well done! I have been considering a shift to m43. I am so tired of carrying around Canon bodies and lenses. Having shot with m43, I find that the image quality is up to par for my uses.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Ingemar. Yes, the image quality of MFT is up to most people's needs nowadays and the camera sizes are lovely, from GM1 all the way to GH3 and E-M1.

[@onenarrowdoor]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@LookItsABigBlackGuy]

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

[@davidthorpe7732]

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

[@tafka92]

Four years later I love to share this video- would love to see an update to this with some of your musings about the developments of the system and thoughts on the future.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks - good thought - I'll keep it in mind.

[@practicalguy973]

Yes considering technogly advancements due to the growing popularity of micro 4/3 it would be good to see an update if you have anything that has changed for the better so many years later! I'm looking forward to getting a new OM-D at some point, the 5 axis stabilizer might be really great with telephoto pictures.

[@davidthorpe7732]

I keep planning an update and then new things come along...

[@purewoodwork2557]

David, its amazing how far M4/3 have come in the 3 years you put out this review! I own the Olympus Pen F and the OMD EM1 and basically have a very similar set up as your video here. Coincidentally, I also migrated from the Pentax K5 - which I used to think was a small system. I actually find myself using the Pen F the most because it is so small and convenient to carry around - I use a Cosyspeed Camslinger 105 in which I can fit one or two lenses. All of the new Olympus pro lenses are great albeit a little expensive, but I love the lightweight ease of the primes on the Pen F. I have question for you though; for all types of shooting I am very satisfied with my M4/3rds system, especially telephoto, portrait and 'street' shots. But I have this nagging belief that if I was to own the new Pentax full frame just for scenic wide shots that it would offer more grandeur and awe to the images... do you have an opinion? thanks, Tim

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Certainly under circumstances that could show it, huge prints for example, you might see a worthwhile difference. But on a 1920 px wide monitor, you won't see much if any difference. If you shoot in very low light/ high iSO the Pentax would be better, of course but then for a landscape you can just use a longer shutter speed. I think that often a bigger format like a plate camera changes landscape pictures not because of the technical quality but because it forces a slower way of working. You could do that with Micro Four Thirds or the Pentax, of course but slick digital cameras tend to be used to take hundreds of pictures, to choose from the best, rather than one thought out frame. I'd be inclined to try putting the Olympus on a good tripod with a 25mm prime at f/5.6 and shoot four frames, two laterally, two vertically. If done carefully, they would stitch easily into one big frame and force you to slow down and think about the pic. Aim to shoot just one frame per scene? That would give quality as good as the Pentax and slow things down a bit. There's always the Hi-Res facility, of course but that's less interesting, somehow. Just a thought - the Pentax is a lot of money with suitable lenses :-)

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

I had the same thought. But then I experimented, and concluded the magic of smaller system is in better overall lenses and superior image processing. I use Leica X, a crop camera, that has an output to blow your brains, thanks to its superb lens and image processing. Then I used Pen E-P5, and with a right lens on it, one can deliver A3+ or A2 quality print that is just as brilliant. It's not the sensor size - it's image processing and lens design that matter. I care not for the FF because to deliver such lenses and image processing excellence, an FF lens has to be exceptional, and would costs more and weigh about the same as Leica X + E-P5 + great m4/3 lens. But no FF manufacturer today delivers lenses the way Leica and Olympus do. FF land is populated by uppity noobs, and they have TOTALLY ruined the expectations of the FF imaging. FF lenses nowadays are sharp, but are horrible in delivering micro-contrast, tonal accuracy and colour saturation. Images are sharp, but are flat, bland, with a milky haze all over, and usually with some hue shift, because they are stacked up full of over-correcting glass that weighs a ton! Get away from that - FF world is not run by people who know optics, but by snobbery noobs and companies like Sony, Nikon, Canon, Sigma and Ricoh bow their heads to them, and deliver most atrocious glass in the history of optics!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Nice to read that, thanks Brian.

[@aytes04]

Fascinating, useful and wonderfully open. Thank you for your video. I'm waiting for my OMD e 5 to come in, and this video came up when I was looking for instructional videos. Thanks for the share.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Ron Heaslet Glad you found it useful, Ron. You'll love the camera!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks John, I'll do my best!

[@rayfilmsvienna]

Hi David, THX for the video. I'm more a filmmaker than a photographer, but I'm a real fan of m43. I own a GH2, a GH3 and have several of the fine lenses. The advantage of the GH3 for filming is the speed of handling, the weight, the flexibility (Video through the viewfinder, flip out monitor, and the 72 Mb HD Video Quality are outstanding. If you want to see something I was filming with the GH3, you find this clip on KZbin: China impressions shot with Panasonic Lumix GH3. Cheers, Rainer

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks John.Either camera with that lens would be nice, a great combo.

[@robbyboyo]

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

[@iamneallyons4263]

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

[@Mayurshiv]

Love all your videos David, they are very informational and superbly presented. I was into Oly point and shoot then Panasonic FZ18 bridge and was time to make a decision back in 2013 between APS-C and MFT and I was sure FF wasn’t for me due to size and weight. This video along with many other articles and videos helped me go for MFT and I can say your videos have also helped me create a perfect outfit like you say ☺. I am extremely happy with my choice. Started off with Pana G6 with 14-140 was such a brilliant package. Since, bought and sold few lenses and currently have 12-35, Oly 45mm, Pana Leica 15mm, Samyang 7.5mm… got a OM-D EM5 body used for very less on eBay…. and recently acquired Oly 40-150 Pro… all this in a little bag with countless possibilities. I have had FF shooter friends (enthusiasts though) drool over images produced by this set up. DOF - I am happy with what the Oly 45mm can produce and blown away by what Oly 40-150 pro is capable of. CAF - I don’t shoot too much sport .. so doesn’t bother me and it is enough for my taste again this aspect is constantly improving Low light - fast lenses/primes, excellent IBIS on OM-D and a good speed light can do most of what FF can Again, we are spoilt for choice nowadays especially with what Sony and Fuji are doing and time and again question myself if I am with the right system… that’s when I go back to my Gallery and reevaluate what my needs are …. The answer is always MFT for me for now. Your video and all the comments and discussion will definitely help anyone wanting to switch to MFT David… cannot thank you enough I just wanted to thank you but ended up with a long post … my apologies

[@davidthorpe7732]

Hi Mayir - no apology necessary, I can listen t praise all day :-) Seriously, new stuff comes out and I like to take a good look at it and question my choices. But what has not changed is the fundamental blend of IQ and size/ weight which makes the format so attractive. Add to that the formidable array of bodies from GH4/ E-M1 to GM5 and the Pens and a lens for practically anything you might want to do with choices of weight, size and price and once you've bought into MFT here is little reason to buy out. FF is great but it's hard to see a _practical_ advantage for most photographers to balance off the weight disadvantages.

[@Mayurshiv]

David Thorpe Totally agree David... totally bought into the system and most importantly enjoying photography. With my 1.5 year old boy darting around I cannot even imagine carrying around FF's in and out of home... this system is a joy. By the way still getting to terms with Oly 40-150 Pro's size and weight .. mainly not used to heavy lenses :) .. but yields stunning results though !!

[@davidthorpe7732]

Mayur Shiv The 40-150's size and weight are pushing the MFT envelope a bit but there are plenty of smaller alternatives, in the 35-100 range, at least. It's a unique lens with its speed and range and I think, as you obviously do, that it justifies itself on that basis. In the end, even a 150mm f/2.8 prime won't be small, so to have this in a zoom is remarkable - even more so considering the performance.

[@Mayurshiv]

David Thorpe yes it is a beautiful lens ... and I have seen a 300mm FF fast lens and the 40-150 feels tiny in front of it :) ... I chose it over pana 35-100 for the extra reach and the possibility of tele converter in the future .... now it stays mostly on my eM5 and 12-35 on G6 ... most times thats all i need :).. I have already started loving the lens and matter of time i will get to terms with its size :) ... I am trying out without the hood and bracket ... Olympus have definitely not thought about how the lens feels without the bracket with those rivets sticking out ... its intruding a bit and doesn't feel good ... but like the balance with the bracket .. :)

[@davidthorpe7732]

Mayur Shiv I like the lens with the bracket but nit does get in the way occasionally. Here's an idea, Mayur, take the bracket off and file down the rivets ;-)

[@hudsonshires6141]

Great video, David, very helpful to me as I'm looking to pick up a Lumix GH5 soon. I see that you're in Languedoc...let me know if you're ever around Pézenas and I'll buy you a beverage of choice as a thank-you for the helpful video!

[@MadIccy]

man, I love listening to your videos

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Nice of you to say so - thank you!

[@TheMetroPhotographer]

Wonderful video. Thank you for posting it. I'm a full time photographer and love my BIG DSLRs, but on my time off prefer smaller cameras. I will consider a MFT system in the future.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words. The beauty of MFT over other compact system cameras is that it is being developed as a true system which eventually will be able to do anything a DSLRs can do in the sense of having the lenses and accessories to do it. But for professionals and many enthusiasts the FF DSLR with its bigger sensor and optical finder cannot be replaced by a smaller format - bigger will always be better for some uses. If I were a working pro now, I'd be using FF for work and MFT for personal use, probably a GX7 for the best (so far) all round size/ capability compromise.

[@farouklens]

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

[@archygrey9093]

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

[@freddyrodriguez1968]

gorgeous image at 10:50 showing the young woman eating at some event. Just love the look of this 45mm (90mm equivalent?)...I've developed an eye to detect the "compression" from a long lens and this one is in a nice sweet spot where it's a lovely medium-wide shot, some compression, and very nice blurry background. Love it!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Freddy Rodriguez Thanks Freddy. I've always found the perspective of short tele lenses very pleasing, quite natural looking.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

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