A great video, Brian, and all valuable and true points from my experience. I keep a good eye on other formants and brands outside of the MFT world and it still amazes me how slow the "big names" are in introducing features and technology the MFT world has had for many years. Fuji's much (over) hyped X100VI *JUST* got IBIS! After six versions - seriously? It's a fact in all areas of business that dominate companies are not innovators. They dole out improvements only when they must to shore up sagging sales or to meet competition. Would we all have automatic sensor cleaning, IBIS, mirrorless cameras, sensor shifting, truly effective weather sealing, compacts bodies and lenses (and I mead the current trend to shrink FF systems), and many other innovations but for the pioneering work of Olympus and Lumix? I don't think so. MFT cameras like the Olympus E-M1 Mk II are still great cameras today because they were so far ahead of the competition when introduced. Keep the faith - keep shooting!
You are getting very close to convincing me to try m43, and I'm going to look into the Lumix line. I've been using APS-C for years, but I find I use my Canon pocket cameras much more because of their small size (G7X and G5Xii). The m43 might be the ideal solution of versatility and size.
For my everyday carry, I currently use a Sony NEX-6 with a really nice Carl Zeiss lens, because it works, and I worry less about it taking damage, than the cameras that are more precious to me. But, every time I go photographing for other people, I get out those cameras, that are more precious to me, and they happen to be Micro 4/3 cameras and lenses.
Great video as always! I use an E-M1X which is a big and heavy body, but it's the nicest camera I have ever used and just feels wonderful in the hand. Outstanding build and materials too. Even though the body is big I get a lot of it back with the lenses. I do a lot of aviation photography so need long reach. Matching the reach of the Lumix 100-300 or Zuiko or Leica 100-400 would need a seriously bulky (and expensive) lens in FF. Most importantly, I just like it. The sensor exceeds what I am capable of and 20MP is entirely enough. I have no beef with any format and recognise it's horses for courses and different people have different needs. I don’t dream my needs are representative of others and was very happy with the Fujifilm APS X system but I love MFT. And of course there's the Zuiko 12-100 pro lens.
I think it's "horses for courses"! I recently bought the OM EM5 for sheer weight advantage (less to carry when flying). I now also use it as my "just-in-case..." camera because it is easy to carry around. However, I'm still very much attached to my Nikon Z8 (and Z50) if I am going on a planned expedition and have the facility to manage the extra bulk. I have big hands and the Z8 feels more comfortable when in use for a protracted period of time. In short, both systems sit quite happily side-by-side!
I started with the 4/3 Olympus e-1 - a pro-grade solid camera with WR sealing that even the best from C or N were hard pressed to equal. Since then continued with E-M5, e_m5 MkII, e-M1 and had my E-M1 MkII for about 7/8 years now with 12-40f2.8 pro and 40-150 f2.8 Pro - shooting hundreds of hours in rain, sand, mud, saltwater spray and fish slime - all still getting the shots and sharp images that get published on the net and in magazines- up to A3 enlargement (double A4 page spread) and never had one editor in 20 years ever question image quality. If you think you "have to use fool-frame" then that's your problem!
You're talking me into it. I use my APSC nikon for street work, mostly shadows, abstract etc., and have been thinking about a smaller camera I can easily slip into a pocket. My street lens is 28-75mm. Can you suggest a camera with that spec? Good video, mate.
Go for it!id suggest looking at the lumix gx9 if you are wanting a great camera for the pocket. It’s got the same sensor as the G9 mk1 and great image quality. For a walk around lens try the 12-32mm f3.5-5.6 pancake zoom. Looks too small but the quality is awesome, I have two of them. Only issue is there is no manual focus ring. Alternately all the primes tend to be very small if going for the f1.7 or f1.8 models
Just bought the OM5, to replace my ailing EM5iii with all its faults now present. Am loving it, especially with the ND filters. My EM1iii has them, but for some reason, it shakes and makes a noise when using them on M or S. So attach a normal filter. I contemplated getting the Lumix G9, but the OM5 was the size and weight I wanted.
I have several old aps-c Canon and Nikon bodies that I seldom use since going micro 4/3 in 2019. Newest ones are EM-1 mk ii and G9. Both have more features than older cameras and professional quality that I could never afford in any full frame. I appreciate the size and IBIS the most being older and retired and not as energetic as in the 80's when I first got into photography with a Canon A1.
Olympus never pioneered IBIS in cameras. Konica Minolta was the first to introduce IBIS in their 7d model, Sony and Pentax followed. Olympus first used IBIS in E-510 back in 2007, 3 years after Minolta.
Good points. But one thing with micropore search is that they have been neglected for several years now. Especially for Panasonic There is not been on you compact Panasonic for a while. So no phase detect Even the new Leica only has contrast focus. So they have repackaged the LX 100 in a more beautiful package But there isn’t much of anything new inside of that camera I have a feeling that there aren’t gonna be any more micro force cameras from Panasonic except maybe the GX eight when will come out? Which is a shame I like m43 But we can’t forget also that the full frame cameras are getting lighter many of them Take for example the Sony 7C2. or the 7CR Very light Phase detect auto focus. Seven stop ibis. Loaded with top new features And now there are many smaller and lighter lenses for full frame Sony I think Panasonic realizes this and has just given up For example I have the Panasonic LX 10. No new model so I had to get Sony RX 100 7 Brilliant auto focus. As far as OM well they have to continue with new models until they close shop. Sadly, I think Panasonic has already closed shop on microphone or compact cameras.
these reasons are all valid and I have 2 MFT cameras with a bunch of lenses. But whenever I see a Fuji or FF photo set, immediately I can tell the difference because the images dont have that "flat" feel which I cannot escape in MFT. Yes, video is great etc etc, but if you really want those magic looking Photos with amazing 3d pop or milky backgrounds, you just cannot beat a larger sensor. I wont ever sell my EM III (the last true Olympus) but I am going to go for at least APS-C in the future.
You must be using the wrong lens and or wrong technique this is easily achievable on M4/3. Try looking at flickr groups for the 75mm F1.8 / 45 F1.2 or 45mm F1.8 they show that all these are capable of your requirements. Focal length and distance from the subject are the biggest factors in blurring a background.
Thank you Brian for this video. There is no perfect camera. I am invested in M43 and APSC bodies. I have no desire or need for a full frame camera. In the last two weeks I’ve purchased backup GX85 & 9 bodies at very good prices. Both are excellent bodies for street photography. LUMIX will not produce bodies like this again. If they break I won’t be able to have them repaired. So I have spare bodies. These are size and lightweight bodies & lenses. I love the L monochrome & L monochrome D B&W jpegs. Who needs to post process their images? I am very happy with my M43 gear. The gear provides the results I want. What more can you say? I have voted with my wallet. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I agree that M43 still markets some fantastic systems...but...Both so far refuse to give any indication of continuation of pro "rangefinder style" bodies such as the GX9 and the esteemed Pen F...I got into M43 when the EP1 and shortly EPL1 were first on sale in Hawaii...But I refuse to continue on with a system that dos not listen to its long time users. In the meantime the Sony A7c to the rescue...Time will tell ... Rock on Brian
Love my MFT stuff beside L-Mount - love my GH5, G880, GX9 and just bought a G9II. Got a ton of lenses including anamorphic. Hope Panasonic quickly releases sth. like a GX9II or GX10 - PD AF is really a game changer - you could need a cam with it as your video is out of focus most of the time :)
@@salat yes, I noticed afterwards that I’d set the camera to MF so I’m moving in and out of focus. I was unusually using my GX8 for video and forgot to alter the settings. My fault not the camera on this occasion.
I have had three Olympus Em1 mkii's. It's the perfect camera, in my opinion. Really don't see its match. I own a Sony A7riii, and it gathers dust as I use my Olympus.
I have an EM5 Mk ii but stopped using it because I hated the menu and, worse, the horrible dials on the camera. Have they got any better? Is it worth me buying a latest version?
@@paulcheesemore8176 yes, I bought one a year or two back for almost nothing. Apart from the surface being sticky it’s a great little camera. Enjoy using yours.
Hoping someone can help me out regarding stabilization.. I look at the icons (G95 menu) and see a black hand and a white hand. No explanation, so means nothing to me?? I watched 20 different videos and learned nothing. Comments appreciated!
There are several different modes for the Image Stabilisation (indicated by the hands) depending upon which lens and even which version of lens is fitted.. it shows between no IS, IBIS, Dual IS 1 & Dual IS2. These being down to how the lens IS (if it has a lens IS) and the IBIS work together. Too much to explain here but it’s all on page 40 of the G95 basic manual available free from the support pages of the Panasonic.com website.
Photo people online are just weird: The same ones that tell you how unnecessary Full Frame is, because they love their Fujifilm APS-Cs for example, tell you how inferior MFT is lol
@@lelandfitz1762 yes, I’ve noticed that too. In truth there really are no bad digital camera systems. The technology is so good these days. It’s mainly features, ergonomics and brand/format loyalty which is the main driving force with the main emphasis on the latter.
@@ThatMicro43Guy I'd like to add that post processing these days makes more difference than anything else. Assuming you've already mastered the craft of composition,
No offense but a lot of the reasons you mention are hardly real advantages for MFT anymore. This is because the smaller bodies are pretty much outdated compared to what else is going on, then you have to go big expensive bodies to get the latest. And things like hand held high res are more of a m43rds copout need as competitors have true high resolution without the many compromises the hand held high res requires. If only OM Systems kept the Pen line or if Panasonic did a proper GM5 or GX9 successor... As for features being introduced in MFT first - first of all it's irrelevant if a competitor has that *today* in an available to buy model. 2nd- competitors have also done their own innovations, but people focus a bit much on m43rds without realizing what's around.
I use a Sony FF a7CII with a voightlander 40 f1.2 nokton lens. Try to beat that with current way to big MFT cameras. Far superior quality in a smaller and lighter camera, you won`t find anything even close.
Just come back to MFT with EM10 mkii, so glad to be back to familiarity 😀👍
Great video and thoughts. I went from ff to mft in 2009. 15 years on and will never regret it!
proud user of Lumix MFT cameras since 2008! (G1) .Never looked back.
I really hope OM and Lumix keep MFT. Technology evolves ever more. And it should be easy to make sensors ever better whilst keeping the size.
A great video, Brian, and all valuable and true points from my experience. I keep a good eye on other formants and brands outside of the MFT world and it still amazes me how slow the "big names" are in introducing features and technology the MFT world has had for many years. Fuji's much (over) hyped X100VI *JUST* got IBIS! After six versions - seriously? It's a fact in all areas of business that dominate companies are not innovators. They dole out improvements only when they must to shore up sagging sales or to meet competition. Would we all have automatic sensor cleaning, IBIS, mirrorless cameras, sensor shifting, truly effective weather sealing, compacts bodies and lenses (and I mead the current trend to shrink FF systems), and many other innovations but for the pioneering work of Olympus and Lumix? I don't think so. MFT cameras like the Olympus E-M1 Mk II are still great cameras today because they were so far ahead of the competition when introduced. Keep the faith - keep shooting!
The design of the G100 is so nice. Panasonic should have really made a new version with IBIS and PDAF. That would be a perfect travel camera.
I own the an e-m1 mark i, mark ii, and the e-m10 mark ii and I'm very happy with them. I own full-frame and APSC, but my heart belongs to MFT.
You are getting very close to convincing me to try m43, and I'm going to look into the Lumix line. I've been using APS-C for years, but I find I use my Canon pocket cameras much more because of their small size (G7X and G5Xii). The m43 might be the ideal solution of versatility and size.
@@timothylatour4977 have a look at the GX9 from Lumix
Thank you very much for your video and the unforgettable ambulance moment and your face. Funny and great!
For my everyday carry, I currently use a Sony NEX-6 with a really nice Carl Zeiss lens, because it works, and I worry less about it taking damage, than the cameras that are more precious to me.
But, every time I go photographing for other people, I get out those cameras, that are more precious to me, and they happen to be Micro 4/3 cameras and lenses.
Great video as always!
I use an E-M1X which is a big and heavy body, but it's the nicest camera I have ever used and just feels wonderful in the hand. Outstanding build and materials too. Even though the body is big I get a lot of it back with the lenses. I do a lot of aviation photography so need long reach. Matching the reach of the Lumix 100-300 or Zuiko or Leica 100-400 would need a seriously bulky (and expensive) lens in FF.
Most importantly, I just like it. The sensor exceeds what I am capable of and 20MP is entirely enough.
I have no beef with any format and recognise it's horses for courses and different people have different needs. I don’t dream my needs are representative of others and was very happy with the Fujifilm APS X system but I love MFT.
And of course there's the Zuiko 12-100 pro lens.
I think it's "horses for courses"! I recently bought the OM EM5 for sheer weight advantage (less to carry when flying). I now also use it as my "just-in-case..." camera because it is easy to carry around. However, I'm still very much attached to my Nikon Z8 (and Z50) if I am going on a planned expedition and have the facility to manage the extra bulk. I have big hands and the Z8 feels more comfortable when in use for a protracted period of time. In short, both systems sit quite happily side-by-side!
I started with the 4/3 Olympus e-1 - a pro-grade solid camera with WR sealing that even the best from C or N were hard pressed to equal. Since then continued with E-M5, e_m5 MkII, e-M1 and had my E-M1 MkII for about 7/8 years now with 12-40f2.8 pro and 40-150 f2.8 Pro - shooting hundreds of hours in rain, sand, mud, saltwater spray and fish slime - all still getting the shots and sharp images that get published on the net and in magazines- up to A3 enlargement (double A4 page spread) and never had one editor in 20 years ever question image quality. If you think you "have to use fool-frame" then that's your problem!
You're talking me into it.
I use my APSC nikon for street work, mostly shadows, abstract etc., and have been thinking about a smaller camera I can easily slip into a pocket.
My street lens is 28-75mm. Can you suggest a camera with that spec?
Good video, mate.
Go for it!id suggest looking at the lumix gx9 if you are wanting a great camera for the pocket. It’s got the same sensor as the G9 mk1 and great image quality. For a walk around lens try the 12-32mm f3.5-5.6 pancake zoom. Looks too small but the quality is awesome, I have two of them. Only issue is there is no manual focus ring. Alternately all the primes tend to be very small if going for the f1.7 or f1.8 models
Just bought the OM5, to replace my ailing EM5iii with all its faults now present. Am loving it, especially with the ND filters. My EM1iii has them, but for some reason, it shakes and makes a noise when using them on M or S. So attach a normal filter. I contemplated getting the Lumix G9, but the OM5 was the size and weight I wanted.
Totally agree with you Brian.
I have several old aps-c Canon and Nikon bodies that I seldom use since going micro 4/3 in 2019. Newest ones are EM-1 mk ii and G9. Both have more features than older cameras and professional quality that I could never afford in any full frame. I appreciate the size and IBIS the most being older and retired and not as energetic as in the 80's when I first got into photography with a Canon A1.
The weight and size difference is not so much about the bodies - it's about the lenses and overall system!
I love my OMD EM1 MK3 for macro work i am looking at the 90mm macro too. I have just bought a Panasonic GX80 absolutely great little camera
Olympus never pioneered IBIS in cameras. Konica Minolta was the first to introduce IBIS in their 7d model, Sony and Pentax followed. Olympus first used IBIS in E-510 back in 2007, 3 years after Minolta.
I'd like to see m4/3 update the mid level compact GX and Pen cameras which were the essence of the system
Good points. But one thing with micropore search is that they have been neglected for several years now. Especially for Panasonic There is not been on you compact Panasonic for a while. So no phase detect
Even the new Leica only has contrast focus.
So they have repackaged the LX 100 in a more beautiful package But there isn’t much of anything new inside of that camera I have a feeling that there aren’t gonna be any more micro force cameras from Panasonic except maybe the GX eight when will come out? Which is a shame I like m43
But we can’t forget also that the full frame cameras are getting lighter many of them Take for example the Sony 7C2. or the 7CR Very light
Phase detect auto focus. Seven stop ibis.
Loaded with top new features And now there are many smaller and lighter lenses for full frame Sony I think Panasonic realizes this and has just given up For example I have the Panasonic LX 10. No new model so I had to get Sony RX 100 7
Brilliant auto focus. As far as OM well they have to continue with new models until they close shop. Sadly, I think Panasonic has already closed shop on microphone or compact cameras.
these reasons are all valid and I have 2 MFT cameras with a bunch of lenses. But whenever I see a Fuji or FF photo set, immediately I can tell the difference because the images dont have that "flat" feel which I cannot escape in MFT. Yes, video is great etc etc, but if you really want those magic looking Photos with amazing 3d pop or milky backgrounds, you just cannot beat a larger sensor. I wont ever sell my EM III (the last true Olympus) but I am going to go for at least APS-C in the future.
You must be using the wrong lens and or wrong technique this is easily achievable on M4/3. Try looking at flickr groups for the 75mm F1.8 / 45 F1.2 or 45mm F1.8 they show that all these are capable of your requirements. Focal length and distance from the subject are the biggest factors in blurring a background.
3 seconds in and I have to add Reason #9 -- Micro-Four-Thirds goes great with a huge, steaming mug of English-style tea!!!!! 😄😄😄😄
@@aengusmacnaughton1375 absolutely!…..even better with coffee lol.
You do keep me smiling Angus. Stay well….with a nice cup of tea by your side. 😀😀😀
@@ThatMicro43Guy -- Yup -- already had my huge mug to get my workday started!
Thank you Brian for this video.
There is no perfect camera. I am invested in M43 and APSC bodies. I have no desire or need for a full frame camera. In the last two weeks I’ve purchased backup GX85 & 9 bodies at very good prices. Both are excellent bodies for street photography. LUMIX will not produce bodies like this again. If they break I won’t be able to have them repaired. So I have spare bodies. These are size and lightweight bodies & lenses. I love the L monochrome & L monochrome D B&W jpegs. Who needs to post process their images?
I am very happy with my M43 gear. The gear provides the results I want. What more can you say? I have voted with my wallet.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I agree that M43 still markets some fantastic systems...but...Both so far refuse to give any indication of continuation of pro "rangefinder style" bodies such as the GX9 and the esteemed Pen F...I got into M43 when the EP1 and shortly EPL1 were first on sale in Hawaii...But I refuse to continue on with a system that dos not listen to its long time users.
In the meantime the Sony A7c to the rescue...Time will tell ... Rock on Brian
❤ great video i love my om system
Thanks
@@trishf29 thanks once again for the generous channel support
Hello! What do you use for shooting this video?
@@glebbredikhin unfortunately it was my GX8 and I’d messed up the AF
Love my MFT stuff beside L-Mount - love my GH5, G880, GX9 and just bought a G9II. Got a ton of lenses including anamorphic. Hope Panasonic quickly releases sth. like a GX9II or GX10 - PD AF is really a game changer - you could need a cam with it as your video is out of focus most of the time :)
@@salat yes, I noticed afterwards that I’d set the camera to MF so I’m moving in and out of focus. I was unusually using my GX8 for video and forgot to alter the settings. My fault not the camera on this occasion.
One for Honesty . For we've All done it 😅 .( Some more than Once ).
I have had three Olympus Em1 mkii's. It's the perfect camera, in my opinion. Really don't see its match. I own a Sony A7riii, and it gathers dust as I use my Olympus.
Yes, my Sony a7ii and Nikon D7500 both stay on the shelf. I too have 3 working Oly’s and 1 troublesome one!
I have an EM5 Mk ii but stopped using it because I hated the menu and, worse, the horrible dials on the camera. Have they got any better? Is it worth me buying a latest version?
Just brought a G1+14-42mm for a bargain
@@paulcheesemore8176 yes, I bought one a year or two back for almost nothing. Apart from the surface being sticky it’s a great little camera. Enjoy using yours.
🤣 You need a 'Cone Of Silence' (Get Smart TV show)....
@@aengusmacnaughton1375 you’re showing your age…..and so am I that I know exactly what you’re talking about from its original showing
@@ThatMicro43Guy -- Aha -- we're just 'exceedingly mature'!!!!
What about on Jan 1, 2025?
@@jasontaylor1920 depends if the big boys release tiny lenses and bodies in the next few months
👍🏻🙏🏻☺️
Hoping someone can help me out regarding stabilization.. I look at the icons (G95 menu) and see a black hand and a white hand. No explanation, so means nothing to me?? I watched 20 different videos and learned nothing. Comments appreciated!
There are several different modes for the Image Stabilisation (indicated by the hands) depending upon which lens and even which version of lens is fitted.. it shows between no IS, IBIS, Dual IS 1 & Dual IS2. These being down to how the lens IS (if it has a lens IS) and the IBIS work together. Too much to explain here but it’s all on page 40 of the G95 basic manual available free from the support pages of the Panasonic.com website.
Thanks. Much appreciated
Brother needs to try Fujifilm and experience the convenience of probably the best SOOC results in the history of digital photography.
The best, maybe. But Olympus is (was) up there. The SOOC results from Fujifilm are more „like you feel it“, while Olympus is more „like you see it“.
Had an XT 2 and true the colours were great! But my copy was glitchy and since moving to G9 I haven't regretted my decision. It's a wee beast!
Photo people online are just weird: The same ones that tell you how unnecessary Full Frame is, because they love their Fujifilm APS-Cs for example, tell you how inferior MFT is lol
@@lelandfitz1762 yes, I’ve noticed that too. In truth there really are no bad digital camera systems. The technology is so good these days. It’s mainly features, ergonomics and brand/format loyalty which is the main driving force with the main emphasis on the latter.
@@ThatMicro43Guy I'd like to add that post processing these days makes more difference than anything else. Assuming you've already mastered the craft of composition,
No offense but a lot of the reasons you mention are hardly real advantages for MFT anymore. This is because the smaller bodies are pretty much outdated compared to what else is going on, then you have to go big expensive bodies to get the latest.
And things like hand held high res are more of a m43rds copout need as competitors have true high resolution without the many compromises the hand held high res requires.
If only OM Systems kept the Pen line or if Panasonic did a proper GM5 or GX9 successor...
As for features being introduced in MFT first - first of all it's irrelevant if a competitor has that *today* in an available to buy model. 2nd- competitors have also done their own innovations, but people focus a bit much on m43rds without realizing what's around.
I use a Sony FF a7CII with a voightlander 40 f1.2 nokton lens.
Try to beat that with current way to big MFT cameras.
Far superior quality in a smaller and lighter camera, you won`t find anything even close.