{"id":4003,"date":"2022-01-19T11:39:19","date_gmt":"2022-01-19T11:39:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/?p=4003"},"modified":"2022-08-22T09:19:27","modified_gmt":"2022-08-22T09:19:27","slug":"micro-four-thirds-cameras","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new-blog.artlist.io\/blog\/micro-four-thirds-cameras\/","title":{"rendered":"The Micro Four Thirds Camera: A Buyer’s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than a decade after their release, Micro Four Thirds cameras are still a perfect tool for filmmakers and photographers who look for quality, portability and versatility in their kit. So let’s look at a system that has changed the market and the indie filmmaking world since it appeared.<\/p>\n

What is a Micro Four-Thirds camera?<\/h2>\n

Micro Four Thirds (MFT) is a camera standard launched in 2008 by Panasonic and Olympus.\u00a0The name refers to the sensor’s aspect ratio (4:3)<\/strong>. The size of the sensor is 17.3 mm x 13 mm, which makes it approximately 25% of a full-frame sensor. When Panasonic introduced the system, its philosophy was clear: good quality images in smaller cameras and lenses. They achieved that by eliminating the mirror of the DSLR camera and reducing the flange focal distance. This feature makes the MFT system compatible with an infinite number of lenses via an adapter.<\/p>\n

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Another aspect to consider is the field of view. Due to the sensor’s size, the camera has a crop factor of x2, meaning that when you put a 50mm full-frame lens in a Micro Four Thirds camera, it becomes a 100mm lens. So to get the same field of view of a 50mm lens, you need to mount a 25mm lens.<\/p>\n

The system was borne mainly with photographers in mind. Then, however, brands started incorporating video into their cameras (the Panasonic GH1 was the first). Over the years, the system developed thanks to the release of cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH5, a flagship for a generation of filmmakers in an era where filmmaking itself was changing (Youtube, social media content creators, vloggers, etc.)<\/p>\n

One of the merits of the MFT system is that its affordability and capabilities allowed many new filmmakers to start producing high-quality videos with these cameras.<\/p>\n

Pros and cons of the MFT system<\/h2>\n

Pros<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Size<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Micro Four-Thirds cameras are compact, lightweight and perfect for traveling and small setups. Lenses are also smaller than their full-frame and APS-C equivalents.<\/p>\n

Versatility<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of the aspects that make the MFT system excel is its functionality. You will find all the options you need to film and take pictures. For example, you can film with a small pancake native lens for a travel video or put an anamorphic cinema lens for narrative filmmaking. In addition, the development of active adapters such as the\u00a0Metabones Speedbooster<\/a>, which increased the camera’s field of view and the lens’s maximum aperture, opened many possibilities.<\/p>\n

Compatibility<\/h4>\n

MFT cameras share the same lens mount, no matter which model and brand. This does not happen in full-frame, where your brand choice affects the lenses you can use. So you can pair an infinite range of lenses with an MFT camera. You can also use a lot of lenses from other systems with an adapter.<\/p>\n

Price<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Micro Four-Thirds cameras are usually cheaper than Super 35 or full-frame cameras, so you can build your system at a fraction of the cost if you go for MFT.<\/p>\n

Cons<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Image quality<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The main downside compared to full-frame sensors is image quality. Micro Four-Thirds cameras are still a step behind. However, more often than not, this quality loss is not significant, and for most situations, they will get you more than you would expect.<\/p>\n

Low light performance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you need to\u00a0shoot in low-light situations<\/a>, using a full-frame sensor for a cleaner image is safer and will give you less noise and artifacts at high\u00a0camera ISOs<\/a>. But you can solve this with faster lenses.<\/p>\n

Depth of field<\/strong><\/p>\n

Due to the size of the sensor, you won’t have that\u00a0shallow depth of field<\/a>\u00a0you would with a full-frame camera. Luckily, the\u00a0”bokeh equals cinematic’<\/em>‘ trend ended years ago. Movies are not shot at f\/1.2, isolating the subject from everything else, and DoPs generally stop down the aperture to put the characters and locations in context and show the art direction and other elements in the scene. However, if you are also into photography (portraits, for example), a full-frame camera could give you that extra bokeh needed for certain shots.<\/p>\n

How it makes\u00a0you<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0look<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Unfortunately, there are still many people who consider that bigger is better. Even if the result is the same, there is a perception that it’s ”more professional” to show up with a big camera for a paid project. Some clients pay, and they want to see gear in action, not only the result.<\/p>\n

In the end, it’s your work, talent,\u00a0composition<\/a>, a good script, good acting, lighting, etc. These factors will determine your job’s quality. Steven Spielberg would film a better movie with an old camcorder if he had a good story and crew than he would with the last full-frame camera, a bad script and bad actors.<\/p>\n\t\t

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What types of creators would need an MFT camera?<\/h2>\n

Micro Four-Thirds cameras are perfect for many situations, especially these days, with companies hiring creators to produce video and photography on the same package.<\/p>\n

Travel filmmakers and vloggers<\/h3>\n

Due to their size and portability, MFT cameras are the perfect\u00a0gear for traveling<\/a>\u00a0or vlogging. And although full-frame and APS-C cameras have reduced their size recently, when you include the lenses and the whole setup, it adds up. When every gram counts, the MFT system shines, allowing you to carry all your equipment in a backpack.<\/p>\n

Content creators<\/h3>\n

A Micro Four-Thirds camera could be the perfect companion for creating online content. You are usually under a budget as a beginner, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on the latest full-frame camera. Versatility, a flippable screen, good autofocus and enough image quality for your creations are all you need.<\/p>\n

Hybrid shooters<\/h3>\n

MFT cameras, in general, give you photography and video in the same package. This is awesome for filmmakers who take pictures or photographers who shoot videos. Clients and companies are demanding this versatility more and more, sending one shooter to do all the job. Not having to carry 2 cameras is also an advantage!<\/p>\n

Small production companies<\/h3>\n

Filmmakers who need quick setups and long battery life in weddings,\u00a0corporate videos<\/a>, etc., will also take advantage of the Micro Four-Thirds system. Knowing your gear will get the same results and image quality as with bigger cameras.<\/p>\n

Stock footage filmmakers<\/h3>\n

Creators filming casual stock footage or traveling a lot will also benefit from these systems. Some of the best MFT cameras record high-quality clips in 12 bit and professional formats such as Pro-Res and RAW, with features like high FPS and log profiles to grade later. That’s excellent for stock footage.<\/p>\n