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Photography with the M4/3 systems

Posted by (Seattle) on

Two years ago I traded in my heavy traditional SLR gear for what is called a Micro 4/3 system camera from Olympus. I have not regretted it one bit. The Micro refers to the smaller camera bodies and lenses. The image sensor is the standard 4/3 sensor found in the bigger cameras that use it.

I can put a camera body, extra extra battery, 24-80mm equiv. f/2.8 lens, 150 mm equiv f/1.7 lens, flash, and a polarizer filter in a package no bigger than a child's lunch box. Both the weight and size are at least 1/2 that of an equivalent systems using 'D' sensor camera like a Nikon 3100 or a Canon Rebel.

Image quality? I routinely make 16x20 prints that look great. Lots of detail.

Olympus and Panasonic make camera bodies and lenses, and they can both be used with each others equipment so I have a great choice in equipment. Of course, there are 3rd party companies that also make lenses for these cameras. Overall, it's very nice way to travel.

Posted by
1068 posts

Seems like a lot of stuff to me but I'm glad it works for you.

Posted by
1840 posts

This is an interesting thread but I'll still take my excellent point and shoot and point and shoot. Light weight travel precludes anything heavier than a small single unit photographic system.

Posted by
3940 posts

I used to take a point and shoot, then upgraded to a super zoom bridge type camera. Then, last year I got a mirrorless Canon EOS M which I love (with only a few minor quibbles). I have the kit 18-55, bought a nice little 22mm pancake lens and splurged on a 55-250 lens. So I'm one of those people who keeps amassing more gear instead of less. But I can still carry all of that stuff along with extra batteries and a little tripod in a bag smaller than most women carry day by day. I do take photos while travelling and have been selling them on my etsy site, so I wanted to have a better camera so I could do larger prints if I needed. I don't see myself going full SLR tho - that's getting to heavy and big. But if I wasn't selling the pictures, I would have stuck with a super zoom. But the mirrorless for me is a great compromise for me...

Posted by
399 posts

Taking photographs while I travel is one of the joys of travel to me, so I will happily substitute a bit more camera gear for other things. Because I enjoy taking photos under low light conditions, the ability to get fast lenses in a smaller package is particularly nice.

Posted by
1068 posts

I too enjoy photography but find there are easier ways to accomplish the goal. To me, the system you suggest seems relatively expensive with minimal capabilities. But that's just me. As I said, glad it works for you.

Posted by
48 posts

I've been thinking about switching to an Olympus OMD system similar to yours (although I'll probably go for a longer zoom rather than the fixed tele). I currently have a heavy Canon DSLR system and a Canon G series point and shoot. When I only take the small camera along I really miss the control available on the DSLR and the 4/3 gear seems like it would be a good compromise.

Posted by
1068 posts

Think about the new bridge cameras. They have the same sensors as 4/3 cameras but everything is built it. No switching lenses. Easy to carry, full manual or automatic controls, pretty much everything I could want. They aren't cheap, but I prefer the all in one solution.

Posted by
48 posts

Good suggestion Ray! I'll take a look next time I get to a camera store.

Posted by
693 posts

Count me in as another Olympus Micro 4/3 fan! It's more capable than my dSLR, and I can carry it around all day without killing my back and shoulders. My Olympus EM-10 has made two trips to Italy this year, and I couldn't be happier.

Posted by
2261 posts

The best camera is the one in your hand ;-). It sounds great and glad to hear of your enjoyment in taking great photos!

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