Micro Four Thirds Camera
Ranked #4,920 in Computers & Electronics, #90,426 overall
Is a Micro Four Thirds Camera Right for You?
A micro four thirds camera is a good step between a traditional DSLR camera and the typical point and shoot cameras. They are built a bit differently but offer some impressive photographic capabilities.
On this page you can get an overview of how these cameras are different and what they offer, both the advantages and the disadvantages. You'll also find many of the current models available.
Introduction Photo by the other Martin Taylor.
On this page you can get an overview of how these cameras are different and what they offer, both the advantages and the disadvantages. You'll also find many of the current models available.
Introduction Photo by the other Martin Taylor.
What is a Micro Four Thirds Camera?
A micro four thirds camera provides some of the advantages of a traditional DSLR with some of the benefits of a compact point and shoot. They are smaller and lighter than a DSLR but they allow users to make use of interchangeable lenses.
In simple terms, the mirror box used in a DSLR s not necessary with these models, so the body can be slimmed down significantly which makes them more portable, easier to take anywhere, anytime. However, their sensor is larger than that in a typical compact camera. In fact, their sensor can be eight to nine times larger than the sensor in the average compact.
You can learn more about the design of a micro four thirds camera, and what makes it unique here.
In simple terms, the mirror box used in a DSLR s not necessary with these models, so the body can be slimmed down significantly which makes them more portable, easier to take anywhere, anytime. However, their sensor is larger than that in a typical compact camera. In fact, their sensor can be eight to nine times larger than the sensor in the average compact.
You can learn more about the design of a micro four thirds camera, and what makes it unique here.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?
Whether you have a point and shoot digital and want to progress to a model that gives you more control and flexibility or you have a DSLR and want something more compact to take along more easily, a micro four thirds camera may be a good idea. They do provide some distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few:
Small and lightweight
As mentioned above, a micro four thirds camera will offer a more pocketable device than any DSLR. It will be a bit larger than most point and shoots, but without the mirror box and with using lighter weight lenses, these cameras are much more portable than any DSLR.
Flexible
If you are moving from a point and shoot to a micro four thirds camera, you will gain a great deal of flexibility. Especially in regards to lenses. Using an adapter, these devices can accept nearly any lens. Being able to use interchangeable lenses is only one thing that provides improved flexibility over point and shoot cameras though. Having hot shoes for flashes, microphones, and so forth is much more common on these devices as well.
Sensor Size
If you are accustomed to using a DSLR, the sensor in the micro four thirds camera will be smaller, nearly 40% smaller, however the 4/3" type sensor is still much larger than that found in a compact cameras. For point and shoot users, it should be remembered that sensor size will have greater influence on image quality than the increasingly large number of megapixels squeezed on to the sensor. Certainly, point and shoot users should see an improvement in the image quality of low light shots in particular.
Dust
For those who are accustomed to using interchangeable lenses, these devices will be familiar but for point and shoot users, a reminder may be needed that taking lenses on and off can expose the camera to dust and other infiltrates so care must be taken. Ideally the model you choose will have a dust reduction feature.
Other
There are a number of other differences such as the fact that a micro four thirds camera will eliminate problems with mirror vibration that DSLR cameras sometimes experience. In addition, unlike superzoom compacts they won't offer extreme zooming capabilities. On the other hand, they can offer video recording. For DSLR users, there is also no optical viewfinder but instead, like many cameras, these devices make use of a electronic viewfinder/LCD screen.
Price
The pricing of these models is significantly less in most instances, than a DSLR. The lenses and sensors used are also generally less expensive. For a point and shoot user, the pricing of most micro four thirds cameras is in the middle to upper end of their typical range.
As mentioned above, a micro four thirds camera will offer a more pocketable device than any DSLR. It will be a bit larger than most point and shoots, but without the mirror box and with using lighter weight lenses, these cameras are much more portable than any DSLR.
If you are moving from a point and shoot to a micro four thirds camera, you will gain a great deal of flexibility. Especially in regards to lenses. Using an adapter, these devices can accept nearly any lens. Being able to use interchangeable lenses is only one thing that provides improved flexibility over point and shoot cameras though. Having hot shoes for flashes, microphones, and so forth is much more common on these devices as well.
If you are accustomed to using a DSLR, the sensor in the micro four thirds camera will be smaller, nearly 40% smaller, however the 4/3" type sensor is still much larger than that found in a compact cameras. For point and shoot users, it should be remembered that sensor size will have greater influence on image quality than the increasingly large number of megapixels squeezed on to the sensor. Certainly, point and shoot users should see an improvement in the image quality of low light shots in particular.
For those who are accustomed to using interchangeable lenses, these devices will be familiar but for point and shoot users, a reminder may be needed that taking lenses on and off can expose the camera to dust and other infiltrates so care must be taken. Ideally the model you choose will have a dust reduction feature.
There are a number of other differences such as the fact that a micro four thirds camera will eliminate problems with mirror vibration that DSLR cameras sometimes experience. In addition, unlike superzoom compacts they won't offer extreme zooming capabilities. On the other hand, they can offer video recording. For DSLR users, there is also no optical viewfinder but instead, like many cameras, these devices make use of a electronic viewfinder/LCD screen.
The pricing of these models is significantly less in most instances, than a DSLR. The lenses and sensors used are also generally less expensive. For a point and shoot user, the pricing of most micro four thirds cameras is in the middle to upper end of their typical range.
Buy a Micro Four Thirds Camera
Micro Four Thirds Cameras in the News
- Instead of a digital SLR camera, try this Olympus model
- I am confident the best camera for you is not even a digital SLR, but a new interchangeable lens Micro Four-Thirds camera from Olympus, the OM-D E-M5. It looks and performs like an SLR, but has a built-in electronic viewfinder.
- Review: Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 lens
- Just a few weeks ago, Panasonic announced its 12-35 f2.8 lens, arguably the first professional grade zoom optic for the Micro Four Thirds mount. With the announcement came an availability of August. However, the staff at SLR Gear, an offshoot of the ...
- Olympus O-MD E-M5 Review
- The OM-D E-M5 is an incredibly capable, fun camera that you won't easily tire of. The Olympus O-MD E-M5 breaks new ground for the company's Micro Four Thirds cameras with an electronic viewfinder, durable build and outstanding image quality.
- Panasonic Introduces New Micro Four Thirds Digital Interchangeable Lens
- The newest addition to the company's premium lens brand "X," which is compatible with the Panasonic LUMIX G Series and complies with the Micro Four Thirds(TM) system standard, this lens offers a versatile zoom range of 12-35mm (35mm camera ...
Let Us Know You Stopped By!
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TheWhistler
Aug 5, 2011 @ 10:29 am | delete
- squidoo's tech expert. Thanks for the lens.
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May 14, 2011 @ 11:25 pm | delete
- very good information
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Irenemaria
May 14, 2011 @ 12:23 pm | delete
- I really like the feature about the price: To low to display =D
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Amazon
by mulberry
Want the features of a DSLR, but not the weight and large size? A micro four thirds camera may be perfect. Learn about them here.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3CK Kit Black 12.1-megapixel Digital Camera with 14mm Pancake Lens
Amazon Price: $379.00 (as of 06/02/2012)
The GF3 micro four thirds camera has a 12.1 megapixel sensor, 3" free angle touchscreen, and 14mm F2.5 ASPH lens. This camera has a faster processor than previous models and faster auto focus as well. It has 16 scene modes, an Intelligent Auto Mode as well as Manual, Program, Shutter, and Aperture Priority modes. Users also get the ability to set up 3 customizable modes for their favorite settings. Selecting modes can easily be accomplished on the touchscreen or by using a mode thumbwheel.
This camera also features a built-in pop-up flash, a dust reduction system, and a built-in mono microphone and wind cut function. It offers ISO settings as high as 6400 for low light shooting and can also record 1080/60i video at 30fps in AVCHD format.
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