10 reasons to switch back to micro four thirds system
The future. I mean…My future with cameras.
I was asked why I am interested again to work with micro four thirds cameras so I decided to share it on my blog. This system is now considered dead by many, although in truth it still has many admirers. As one of the first photographer to invest in a mirrorless camera (it was 2010 with my Olympus Pen E-P1) I think my thoughts can be considered by some of you reading this post. Here I go with my 10 reasons why I want to work again with micro four thirds cameras.
1 - 4:3 native aspect ratio
The aspect ratio affects completely the asthetics and the way we look to a photograph. The field of view of the human eye is practically equivalent to 4:3 like the old CRT television ratio and this is why it results more more pleasing to the eye (this is where we get into the realm of personal preference) than the more panoramic (narrower) aspect ratio of 3:2. By being a photographer focused on people, making a lot of portraits and Street Photography I prefer the 4:3 apsect ratio. Sure I could make it in post production, but it means to crop. And by cropping a file (something I don’t love to do) I am loosing definition of the image. Take in mind that I work exclusively JPG.
2 - Smaller and lighter lenses
I think that many lost sight of the real point with mirrorless which was the miniaturization of tools that puts less burden on the shoulders than carrying heavy gear and the beauty of small, lightweight lenses. Full Frame mirrorless don't make sense to me and APS-C can work only (in myu idea) with pancake lenses. When we think to zoom lenses even for APS-C means big and heavy lenses, which frankly make it unbalanced in a small camera body and when the camera body is as big as that of a normal reflex can you explain to me why and then give up a reflex that counts with the pleasure of an optical viewer? I know that many are slaves of marketing, but reasoning with our heads is better in order not to fall into certain traps. With micro four thirds cameras and lenses are exactly the reason mirrorless cameras were born. Offer a real alternative to riding with heavy and cumbersome equipment. Even a super telephoto lens is small in the micro four thirds range. On a trip you could bring two camera bodies and various lenses for every need and put them all in one bag, not that big. I think is a cool way to approach photography. The 2x crop factor means using a smaller lens for a longer focal length, guys.
3- Cheaper than APS-C cameras
This is a controversial topic. If we consider the entry prices, certainly not: an Olympus Pen F is certainly not cheap. But in the second-hand market there are bargains that you hardly find in APS-C and Full Frame. Forget the pursuit of the megapixel, that too many people are now used to measuring quality through this. With a 12mpx camera we can make fantastic prints. And this is the only important thing. Or no?
4 - Great IQ
Above all, Olympus was an innovator always bringing new things that other brands then had to adopt. The image quality of micro four thirds is granted for real. I exhibited my photos in art galleries alongside images made with Hasselblad and Leica and my prints have not disfigured at all, on the contrary...
5 - Funny to work with
Should I tell you about the double exposure feature? Or how there's no embarrassment to use a totally white camera? Whether you're talking Olympus or Panasonic both offer camera bodies that are really nice to hold, making the experience funny, relaxed and this will produce inevitably great photography. I know many photographers saying me how much they rediscovered the pleasure to photograph by making this with a micro four thirds camera.
6 - Great build quality
Bodies built in metal, not the plastic used in the most of the camera brands. This was crucial in my choice of the original Olympus Pen, fueled by the use of the Panasonic Lumix LX3. About the lenses: do you know that you can count with Leica lenses in micro four thirds system? This is thanks to the partnership between Panasonic and the german red dot brand.
7 - Sharper and greater depth of field
This is something that you can love or hate. Of course, the greater the sensor, the greater the gap between the background and the subject in focus. And this is exactly why some photographers (example street photographers) work better with small sensors. It is my case as a street photographer. This doesn’t mean of course that you can obttain wonderful bokeh, but believe me, on the street the micro mfour thirds is a winner.
8 - IBIS
In body image stabilization means to count with something that is a winner element in my opinion.
9 - Alternative to others
I have always been an alternative to the mass. When everyone didn't believe in mirrorless cameras, I was one of the first to use them professionally. Today the micro four thirds represents a niche. It doesn't scare me to use 10 year old cameras. It is an alternative choice. Just like I always love to do.
10 - Stylish
Micro four thirds is the perfect choice for a dandy like me. I love to dress a casual/formal when I am on the street. I love not having a bag with me and just going with a camera and lens. It makes for a much better experience, light in movement and wandering the streets like a dandy who lives life and occasionally photographs it. I drink a coffee or a negroni at the table where I place my Olympus Pen E-P1. Life is good and photography must not represent an encumbrance but rather be an extension of being. And only in this way is it truly a joy for me to experience photography.
