Why Micro Four Thirds?

Kuppenbender said:

Well Canon G1 has been discontinued for a while now.

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I suspect that he was thinking of the recently announced Canon G1X.

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/canon_powershot_g1_x_compact_explained.do

The sensor in the Canon G1X should be better than the old sensor in current Olympus PENs. When tested, it will be interesing to see how it compares to current Panasonic mirrorless cameras.

(I wouldn't pre-order any camera, before it has been thoroughly reviewed.)

Here are my personal reasons:

Because M4/3's sensor is larger than Nikon's 1 and Pentax's.

M4/3 benefits from Panasonic's super sonic wave filter.

Because they have a physical shutter mechanism unlike some of the others.

Because the sensor size is the same as the normal 4/3 so you get DSLR performance in a mirrorless body.

Because there's a large variety of lenses that can be used as any M4/3 body will accept Oly's and Panasonic's range of M4/3 lenses. There are also adaptors which will allow the body to accept the full size Oly 4/3 lenses and the old Oly OM lenses.

Now there's an adaptor which allows Canon lenses to be mounted to M4/3 bodies.

4/3 isn't a proprietary format like Nikon's and Pentax's systems.

FishHawk said:

Ok , why is a Micro Four Thirds camera better then lets say a Canon G1 or one of the point and shoot cameras with a large focal length lens?

Some of the higher end point and shoot cameras have larger sensors than the Micro Four Thirds cameras.

I'm just looking for information as to why I should got this route for a walk around camera rather than a high end point and shoot camera.
Thanks FishHawk

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With even a premium compact with a large sensor when you need more reach than the long end of its zoom range provides or need more width/depth in an image than the wide end can accomodate, or need a faster aperture than a particular focal length allows, then you are out of luck.

With an interchangeable lens camera such as an m43, you can swap the lens you have fitted for a longer, wider or faster lens when you need to. Thats the one fundamental thing that seperates the two categories.

Micro four thirds is the only small mirrorless camera that has anything like a mature system of lenses. All other mirrorless systems have very limited lens choices among native lenses.

Regards
John

PeterLeyssens said:

• Performance. Most all-in-one systems are decent, just like low to mid range bodies from an interchangeable lens system. But high end bodies beat both hands down.

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Not quite sure I agree with this statement, completely. Even low end DSLRs and better m43 cameras have significantly less shutter lag and higher frame rates than all but a few compact P&S cameras, and in general faster AF, as well.

Otherwise, a good, unbiased summary.
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Bokeh is the aesthetic quality of the blur in out-of-focus areas of an image, or the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light. Bokeh is not the same as depth of field (DOF).

Kuppenbender said:

FishHawk said:

I'm just looking for information as to why I should got this route for a walk around camera rather than a high end point and shoot camera.
Thanks FishHawk

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You've been struggling with this decision for a while.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1041&message=39794877

I don't mean to be rude, but two months and with all the resources of the internet at your disposal and this is still a question that troubles you?

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I wouldnt bother mate. They seem to not only feed the trolls on here they muck them out too....

FishHawk said:

Ok , why is a Micro Four Thirds camera better then lets say a Canon G1 or one of the point and shoot cameras with a large focal length lens?

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It's not better.

FishHawk said:

Some of the higher end point and shoot cameras have larger sensors than the Micro Four Thirds cameras.

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That is an interesting observation. I suppose how one defines "point and shoot" could effect the observation.

FishHawk said:

I'm just looking for information as to why I should got this route for a walk around camera rather than a high end point and shoot camera.

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You probably want something more like the Panasonic FZ-35 for a walk-around camera with a large focal length. Check out these two articles:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q210grouptravelzoom/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q110superzoomgroup/

If you really want to go the "interchangeable lens system camera" route, then Micro 4/3 would be a reasonable system to consider, e.g. Pany GH2 with the 100-300mm.

If you're looking for top quality images, I'd suggest a Canon 5d mark-ii with the Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 zoom. It might be a little larger, though. Here's a good review of the lens:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/sigma-300-800.shtml

Good luck
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Sent from my iPhone 5

FishHawk has posted a total of 191 messages, of which 107 have been new threads.

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john carson

For me it was a step up from Panasonic FZ50. M43 is a good bang for the buck. I use a 100-300mm lens most of the time and with a nikcon camera with a 600m lens it would cost 4 or 5 grand US. and i would have to carry that camera and lens all day. A full frame would make a better image but only ever so slightly.

Thank you for your responses. Yes, I 'm struggling with my choice.

As for this Troll business . If someone doesn't agree that your Micro 4/3 camera is the best out there then your a troll?

Come on now , I'm just trying to get some info and make a good decision of what is the best walk around camera for my needs.
In no way was my post meant to demean the Micro 4/3 format.
FishHawk

.. writing lengthy explanations while it is so obvious that this guy is just trolling around !?

Check his forum history: he's been using nikon dslrs and wants to do bird shooting.. He's already created numerous threads indicating that he was interested in the gx1, ep3 etc.. but then never responds to any question in a thread..

true trolling isnt being contentious and arguing. its starting a thread that will either cause and argument or have a subject matter that may develop into one organically. the troll just sits back and watches.

first sign is a multiple thread starter that never follows up in that thread.

FishHawk said:

Ok , why is a Micro Four Thirds camera better then lets say a Canon G1 or one of the point and shoot cameras with a large focal length lens?

Some of the higher end point and shoot cameras have larger sensors than the Micro Four Thirds cameras.

I'm just looking for information as to why I should got this route for a walk around camera rather than a high end point and shoot camera.
Thanks FishHawk

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the only camera ps with a larger sensor than the m43 will be the g1x at 799 with no ability to change lenses. the p/s with large f/l lenses are probably bridge cameras for the most part which are very versatile. but for size versatility price and value nothing beats m43 cause they were the first and has the most lenses of all systems and other additions and the sony 18-55 lens is overkill on those bodies with bad flaring. the g1x will be too expensive imho. lisa

1. In the long run its far cheaper. u4/3 is a system, not a dedicated camera. I'll be able to use my u4/3 lenses for at least ten years. I'll probably replace bodies a couple times - and I won't have to stick with Olympus. You'll have long ago thrown your P&S/Compacts into the trash (or futily try to ebay it) while I'm still shooting on a newer better body with the same glass, same flash, same accessories... Ever notice how low body-only prices are?

2. Can your P&S/Compact shoot 5.5 FPS? My E-PM1 can. Some compacts might but they're much bigger and bulkier.

3. Far more versatile. Can you put a flat pancake lens or an extreme telephoto on a P&S/Compact?

4. Far better quality. Faster lenses with fewer weaknesses. Steel instead of plastic.

Judging from a previous thread in which you state you use a Nikon + 500mm ( http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1051&message=40081954 ), it looks like you want a smaller system while retaining the same focal length capability (and it doesn't appear bird in flight is a priority).

Micro Four Thirds (MFT) will definitely fit the bill. I don't believe any other compact system cameras have lenses that will cover this focal length. With any one of the MFT bodies (Panasonic GFx/GX1/GHx or Olympus PENs) + the 100-300mm, you will have close to the same focal length with a toal weight of approximately 2 lbs (vs the Nikon system at > 7-8 lbs). This will cost (new) anywhere from USD300-700 (body) + USD600 (100-300mm).

Your second choice is to go with a superzoom point and shoot; some can go up to > 700mm (35mm effective focal length). This has the potential of being even more compact and lightweight a setup. Price is also a big advantage here since they are typically in the USD300-400 range.

Bottom line: The MFT camera will come much closer to getting the same IQ as your Nikon with the 500mm. For the ultimate in weight and size reduction, a superzoom will give you the focal length and with less money. You will have to decide if the hit in IQ/noise is worth it.

FishHawk said:

Thank you for your responses. Yes, I 'm struggling with my choice.

As for this Troll business . If someone doesn't agree that your Micro 4/3 camera is the best out there then your a troll?

Come on now , I'm just trying to get some info and make a good decision of what is the best walk around camera for my needs.
In no way was my post meant to demean the Micro 4/3 format.
FishHawk

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'Walk Around' camera? Look at the Fuji X10.... for birding: DSLR with quality Telephoto. I have the Nikon D700 plus lenses. I was also looking for a good, smaller 'walking around' camera and looked at the micro 4 3rds, but didn't want to get into a new 'system' with interchangeable lenses yet. (I find I don't have enough will power to resist buying new lenses what stops me is my very light wallet). I didn't necessarily want a 'bridge' camera with super zoom, so the Fuji X10 is perfect for my immediate needs.

I will get a Nikon V1 which will allow me to use my old Nikon glass. Thanks for your help . FishHawk

Our good old friend BobT is back disguised as FishHawk. I was wondering why I hadn't seen any posts from him in a while.

it's always been a bad sensor size name

Note chart



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John Mason - Lafayette, IN

http://www.fototime.com/inv/407B931C53A9D9D

referring to the G1
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John Mason - Lafayette, IN

http://www.fototime.com/inv/407B931C53A9D9D