I will opine on such things less often than I used to, but in an age where people can claim the Earth is flat and convince 40% of their fellow humans to believe them, it’s important to (at least once in a while) sprinkle some actual facts onto the landscape in the hopes that someone who is capable of critical thinking (I know, it’s a lost art these days but I remain hopeful) will come upon said facts and spread them around to refute the nonsense.
For at least five years, I’ve been hearing that Micro Four Thirds is dead. A popular YouTube photographer makes a good living selling this and similar memes. I get it. We live in a world where “National Enquirer” is considered deep thinking. But the truth (which doesn’t sell as well) is that Micro Four Thirds is not dead. It’s not even dying. It’s doing just fine.
There are now 56 companies (that’s right – 56 – not just Olympus and Panasonic) participating in the M43 consortium. Four new M43 cameras conforming to the standard were introduced just last year. And many more lenses.
M43 products received a 21.7% share in the Japanese market last year, making Micro Four Thirds the top-selling lens mount in Japan, according to BCN ranking data.
Now you might say, “I don’t live in Japan so why should I care?” Here’s why. Five of the largest camera companies in the world are Japanese. What sells well in Japan will be extended world-wide.
I know that there are those who are obsessed with full-frame and larger sensors. Forget 4k. Forget 8k. They’re waiting for 16k! (All so that they can capture images which will primarily be shared as low-res jpegs on Instagram – but I digress.) It’s okay. If you want a big sensor go for it. But there are plenty of us who see no need for one.
When you hear someone say M43 is dead. Here’s my advice. Don’t try to argue with them because we appear to now live in a world where facts are the enemy. But DO recognize them as someone who spreads “fake news” and spend your time looking elsewhere.
If you have, or like, or use or want a M43 camera system, you are not alone. I’ve used M43 exclusively for more than four years now and I’ve never personally felt like I am missing anything. Instead, I feel like I’ve gained a whole big bunch.
That’s my two cents. Thanks for reading my rant.
8 Responses
Very well said, Scott. An appropriate “rant”. Especially in the U.S. of A where the mantra “bigger is better” is strong. “A bigger sensor MUST give you better pictures, right?” Doesn’t help that the 800lb gorilla in the market pushes that notion just as hard as said YouTuber.
Amen, Brother. thanks for the break from the fake news.
Thanks for the rant. I 1000% agree. Strange times indeed….
Great post Scott!
I am having a blast with my Olympus cameras and lenses – meaning of course that the picture quality is superb when I pay attention to my settings and technique. I have so many more positive things to say, but what’s the expression? Preaching to the choir.
Anyway, I’m really stoked about the Alaska trip in June, and learning as much as I can from you.
Best regards, Gary
Bravo! I’ve been using M43 cameras for about three years. Picked one up originally because of the smaller size. Since then I’ve never looked back at my Nikon gear.
The only reason I went from a M43 to a full frame Nikon is to shoot through fencing at a zoo. The full frame sensor helps me get a smaller DOF which allows the fence to melt away and make my shots much better. Seeing as how I achieved my goal of becoming well known as a “Zootographer” it was the right move for me.
For many other things the smaller sensor actually helps get everything in focus.
I never got rid of my Panasonic GH-3 and I still have nice lenses. So every now and then I end up using it.
I think if I decide to spend more time shooting actually wild wildlife, I might just get a newer M43 and use those lenses more often. So much lighter and easier to deal with.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III looks pretty exciting.
Thanks for being a sane voice in this world of insanity. Although I don’t shoot M43 myself I am sure it is just as good as the camera mark I use. How large do you want to print anyway?
I print nine feet wide and it works well enough that Olympus hung the prints above their booth at Photo Plus Expo in NYC for 25,000 people to see 🙂