Is M43 getting too expensive?

[Regor250]

Everything is getting too expensive! Houses up 150% in 15 yrs, Food up 30% in 2 yrs, gas up 60%, photo equipment up just the same, perhaps double what it was 10yrs ago but that doesn't stop most people from spending, racking up debts as if they were a state so the trend continues, tx to historical low interest rates and dumb economists.

--
Roger

 

[TheRealYeats]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

A modern m4/3 body will get more pixels on a subject using a 100-400mm lens than the Nikon Z6 will with the 180-600.

Since you mention the most recent OM release as being too expensive at $2400, what about Nikon's most recent high-end model, the Z8 at $3800?

You can get the 25MP Panasonic G9 II at B&H for $1900, and if you have an old working camera around trade that in for $500 off plus the value of your trade-in: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/promotion/18967/panasonic-lumix-tradeup-event-2024.html

Or, get the Nikon gear or the Fuji gear or whatever you think will make you happy. Switch, or don't switch - it doesn't matter.

 

[roberthd12]

I was a loyal m43 user for 11 years. I needed smaller camera equipment because of my deteriorating health. Photography has always been a joy to me but I could not continue carrying heavy camera equipment. I decided to try the Lumix GF1 and loved the little camera. My last m43 was the G9 which was and is a very good camera with a user friendly menu system. The camera body was large but the lenses were still relatively small. I was in my local brick and mortar camera store (Service Photo in Baltimore) looking for yet another camera bag when I spied the Canon M6 Mark II. It was much smaller than my G9 and the available lenses were also smaller. It had a larger sensor (aps-c) which had 32.5mp. I tried the camera and decided to buy it. It also focused faster and better than my G9. I still have the M6II and I have the Canon R8 which is also smaller than the G9. I left m43 because it has gotten too big and the larger sensors handle high ISO much better.

Hal

Sadly for M43, your story rings very true and is one that so many have experienced in migrating away from the format.

 

[Dann-Oh]

I think you could be right with the recent launches from OMSystem. I have decided to move away from MFT and was getting some part exchange quotes on my OM-1 and several Pro lenses. I was not impressed what they were offering. It seems the equipment is not as popular now.

Would you mind sharing what the offers for the OM-1 were?

 

[jlsturbo]

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive

JIP just milks the affluent boomer birder crowd. They know OM S has no future because they fired all engineering talent so they'd rather extract every bit of value they can now.

My only hope for M43 is Panasonic. Let's see how that goes.

 

[tammons]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

$2400 makes no sense for the Om1II when the G9II is $1900. For $2400, I would rather spend an extra $600 and buy a used Z8 - but then I would need to spend a lot of $ on lenses.

The Om 150-600mm is listed at $2700 on B+H. Chunk of change for a chunk Sigma lens.

 

[Diswantsho]

I do not think FF has an answer to the GF1/GX1/Pen F sized bodies with the Olympus f1.8 prime lenses. I still use the Pen F with a 17mm 1.8 when small size matters.

However I sold my Em1 and 12-40 2.8 as I felt I could for the cost, zize and weight just as well use the D800 and 2.8 24-70 zoom. Now with a Z7, their f4 zooms are really small and do not break the bank as ff 2.8 zooms do. The z mount f1.8 primes are also preferable to me cost and size wise to the Oly 1.2 primes.

I am now going to trade the 40-150 and 300/4 for the Z mount 180-600 for wildlife. I can go relatively lightweight, cost-effective and have a ff sensor.

A huge factor to me is that we do not have an Olympus service center in South Africa, and the agents wanted to send my camera on a 6 weeks trip to Portugal for repairs. With Nikon, I just walked in to their service desk, had a coffee and picked up the camera 30 minutes later.

I ordered a macro flash online and was refunded. The shop was unable to get stock from the importer. So I recon m43 is as good as dead here in S.A.

 

[tdekany]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

 

[ChallengerLastCall]

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive

JIP just milks the affluent boomer birder crowd. They know OM S has no future because they fired all engineering talent so they'd rather extract every bit of value they can now.

My only hope for M43 is Panasonic. Let's see how that goes.

Where do you get this, they fired all the engineers?

It's my understanding that OMDS took the Olympus Camera division in it's entirety. The leadership, engineers, etc. all came with the purchase.

 

[C Sean]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

Hey C - do you know what screams crazy? To use 3 different systems. And THEN complain about the price of m4/3? But is is your money, waste it anyway you can.
Great light to you!!!!

Yeah personally I prefer to own one system, but I was always tempted to get a Full Frame camera to see what all the fuzz was about. After my father gave me his Z6 (which is a good camera), I came to the realisation a lot of hobbyist are better to sticking to one system/format. The Full Frame system add restrictions to what you can afford, carry and not forgetting size.

However, imagine owning three systems. That's a dedicated photographer.

 

[gary0319]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

Hey C - do you know what screams crazy? To use 3 different systems. And THEN complain about the price of m4/3? But is is your money, waste it anyway you can.
Great light to you!!!!

Yeah personally I prefer to own one system, but I was always tempted to get a Full Frame camera to see what all the fuzz was about. After my father gave me his Z6 (which is a good camera), I came to the realisation a lot of hobbyist are better to sticking to one system/format. The Full Frame system add restrictions to what you can afford, carry and not forgetting size.

However, imagine owning three systems. That's a dedicated photographer.

Having 3 girlfriends at the same time doesn't necessarily make one a dedicated feminine supporter.

 

[NowHearThis]

Everything is getting too expensive! Houses up 150% in 15 yrs, Food up 30% in 2 yrs, gas up 60%, photo equipment up just the same, perhaps double what it was 10yrs ago but that doesn't stop most people from spending, racking up debts as if they were a state so the trend continues, tx to historical low interest rates and dumb economists.

With the exception of my house, which is nearly paid off, I have 0 debt and I never go into debt for any camera equipment. Pay cash or wait and save. I know businesses probably don't like that, but it works well for me - and keeps the wife happy, which is the most important thing.

 

[searun]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

I think as the camera market has lost the mass market pile them high sell them cheap sector . Mostly gone to mobile phones . The market seems to be going for higher end higher priced gear aimed at the "enthusiast" as that is what is left.

The 24-120mm Z is a great bit of kit and I have been very happy with mine. I just recently got the 180-600mm and have not really had a chance to use it seriously beyond some basic testing. I think with really all cameras being more than capable that for me ergonomics feel and how much you enjoy using the gear is probably the most important factor,.

The Z8/180-600 is looking very attractive. I look forward to any m4/3 shooter's comparitive thoughts.

 

[ahaslett]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

Hey C - do you know what screams crazy? To use 3 different systems. And THEN complain about the price of m4/3? But is is your money, waste it anyway you can.
Great light to you!!!!

Yeah personally I prefer to own one system, but I was always tempted to get a Full Frame camera to see what all the fuzz was about. After my father gave me his Z6 (which is a good camera), I came to the realisation a lot of hobbyist are better to sticking to one system/format. The Full Frame system add restrictions to what you can afford, carry and not forgetting size.

However, imagine owning three systems. That's a dedicated photographer.

Having 3 girlfriends at the same time doesn't necessarily make one a dedicated feminine supporter.

Not to mention other issues https://www.wanderings.net/notebook/Main/UpgradingFromGirlfriendToWife

I'm still on Wife 1.0 myself, although Grand-daughter 3.0 has an amazing wakeup from sleep capability...

A

 

[ahaslett]

Everything is getting too expensive! Houses up 150% in 15 yrs, Food up 30% in 2 yrs, gas up 60%, photo equipment up just the same, perhaps double what it was 10yrs ago but that doesn't stop most people from spending, racking up debts as if they were a state so the trend continues, tx to historical low interest rates and dumb economists.

With the exception of my house, which is nearly paid off, I have 0 debt and I never go into debt for any camera equipment. Pay cash or wait and save. I know businesses probably don't like that, but it works well for me - and keeps the wife happy, which is the most important thing.

I gave my wife the money to buy an expensive sewing system. The cost of tables is amazing...

A

 

[Mathias_A_Photography]

I've been working as a photographer on different magazines and done a lot of different kind of photography and i will say that the professional M43 system cost as much as a professional fuji X system.
Sony, Nikon and Canon is a lot more expensive.
Price for professional zoom setup in Sweden (i live here and work at a photo store so thats why Sweden) from wideangle to around 400mm FF tele and camera and i've only used each manufactures own lenses:

Panasonic G9II
PL 8mm-16mm F2.8-4
PL 12mm-25mm F1.7
PL 25mm-50mm F1.7
PL 50mm-200mm F2.8-4
~100k Euro.

Fuji X-H2
8mm-16mm F2.8
16mm-55mm F2.8
50mm-140mm F2.8
100mm-400mm F4.5-5.6
~100k Euro

Sony A7 IV
16mm-35mm F2.8 (GM 1)
24mm-70mm F2.8 (GM 1)
70mm-200mm F2.8 (GM 1)
100mm - 400mm F4.5-5.6 / 200mm-600mm F5.6-6.3
~125k Euro (~155k Euro if you get the GM 2's)

Nikon Z7 II
14mm-24mm F2.8
24mm-70mm F2.8
70mm-200mm F2.8
100mm-400mm F4.5-5.6
~155k Euro

Canon R6 II
15mm-35mm F2.8
24mm-70mm F2.8
70mm-200mm F2.8
100mm-400mm F4.5-5.6
~146k Euro

You could make the Canon, Nikon and Sony even more expensive if you take the top of the top like Z9, R3 or A9. But it does not prove anything more than M43 Is stil quite inexpensive for the whole shebang if you want a professional setup. And the best part is it's light weight and that its great for both video and photo.
If you have the OM-1 or G9II you have an awesome workhorse that can do evertyhing you can think of as a photographer.

Im geting more photography jobs and more pictures sold because i've been shooting a lot more with the M43 system because its ALWAYS with me. When i used the GFX 50R and the GF 100-200 it was always at home. Same with the Nikon D4 and 24-70/70-200mm. So for the awesome quility the M43 system brings, its really inexpensive (in my opinion)

 

[C Sean]

With the rise of the iPhone and other camera phones, it seems most camera companies decided to focus on the “high-end” to maximize profit. M4/3 is no different. I get that.

My problem with M4/3, is the proliferation of ever-larger cameras. I and many others, bought into the system because of small cameras. The GF1, GX1, Oly EPx, EPLx, GX7, GX8, GH1/2, OM5/10. Today, we have the G9 and G9 II. The OM1 is OK, but I prefer Panasonic cameras’ industrial design, ergonomics and UI.

I tried Fuji X100 a few times and they felt like plasticky junk. I’m not drawn to their me-too SLR/DSLR style bodies. I also have no desire to switch systems.

My only interest in a “full frame” system would be adapting my array of manual lenses. Hauling around artillery shell sized zoom lenses is just not something I’d NOT want to do for my type of photography, which is I guess situational. I’ll stumble on a situation and shoot photos. I prefer the discreetness of M4/3 cameras and lenses.

Just give me a discreet, reasonably sized, full-featured flat-topped rangefinder style camera, without a massive grip and especially with a BIG, tilting EVF. That would be a GX8 II.

OK. Enough of this…

Thank you for an excellent post!

You're right about the lack of smaller cameras and this makes M43 less attractable. I came to M43 for it range finder style camera and small lenses. Now, the range finder/small cameras at the moment been abandon by Panasonic and OMD, it makes the system less attractive. Yes small primes till exist but it feel like a system for pro bodies and medium size lenses.

Again, G9ii + 12-60 vs Z6/7 + 24-120.

Both cameras has similar size bodies but the only penalty for Nikon users is a thicker and longer lens but the 12-60/24-120 are really designed to take one lens or combine it with a telephoto zoom. Which a lens like this you don't need much more glass other than a few primes and medium or long telephoto.

 

[Tom Ames]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

I think as the camera market has lost the mass market pile them high sell them cheap sector . Mostly gone to mobile phones . The market seems to be going for higher end higher priced gear aimed at the "enthusiast" as that is what is left.

Yes, I agree. I'm an entushiast, and the marked cater for this segment. You state it well above.

I'll have my Sony fullframe for sports. But am very intriged by the IS system on Olympus. May get the OM-1 II for summer vacation.

Marked decide the price.

The 24-120mm Z is a great bit of kit and I have been very happy with mine. I just recently got the 180-600mm and have not really had a chance to use it seriously beyond some basic testing. I think with really all cameras being more than capable that for me ergonomics feel and how much you enjoy using the gear is probably the most important factor,.

 

[Regor250]

We all have our own opinions when it comes to photography. For example in my opinion it's better to invest in pro zooms rather than going from one kit lens to another. However, I'm starting feel M43 is becoming too expensive especially compared to other brands. Some might disagree because they may want a cheaper version of the Sony A9 but others don't.

I'm a hobbyist and so both M43 and Fuji are perfect for me. So M43 is my primary system and sometimes I use the Nikon Z6. I'm now debating if I should make the Nikon my primary system which require getting the Nikon 24-120 and the 180-600. In total of those two additional lenses would complete my set up and years down the road get additional bodies when they get discontinued or on sale.

I just feel M43 is getting too expensive and therefor not hold the same value of money it once hold. With the announcement of the OMD 2 and the 150-600, both being over two grand it just screams crazy. Especially there's now a deal going on with Fuji where I can get a 40-megapixel T-X4 and a pro walk around zoom lens. It got to the stage should I put more focus in Nikon?

Hey C - do you know what screams crazy? To use 3 different systems. And THEN complain about the price of m4/3? But is is your money, waste it anyway you can.
Great light to you!!!!

Yeah personally I prefer to own one system, but I was always tempted to get a Full Frame camera to see what all the fuzz was about. After my father gave me his Z6 (which is a good camera), I came to the realisation a lot of hobbyist are better to sticking to one system/format. The Full Frame system add restrictions to what you can afford, carry and not forgetting size.

However, imagine owning three systems. That's a dedicated photographer.

Indeed. I got the OM-1 when my E-M10 was dying. I had only 2 M43 lenses at the time, 17mm/1.8, 12-45mm/4. Looked at FF options (2yrs ago) and it meant throwing over a thousand $ more when it was all said and done switching system for a basic bottom of the line FF system with 3rd Party lenses to achieve the same thing as what I already had with much larger lenses and less convenient focal range. It was a no brainer as far as I was concerned, and sticked to the format. Now I'm even more committed with 2 new lenses added to my system. Money wise, FF means bottom of the line for ever vs top of the line with M43 for me.

 

[Regor250]

Indeed!

P.s. k = 1000. $100k = $100,000. Surely you meant $10.0k