Why MFT will be a wonderful option in 2025
Let’s get this straight right away: MFT is still a wonderful reality and the best option, without selling a kidney, for street photography and documentary. And here I am to explain why Micro four Thirds will rock in 2025.
The photography world often gets swept up in debates about sensor size, megapixels, and technological innovations. Yet, the beauty of Micro Four Thirds lies in its perfect balance of affordability, practicality, and creative potential. While the full-frame hype continues, MFT remains the unsung hero, especially for those of us who embrace the streets and real-life stories as our canvas.
Portability Without Compromise
One of the most compelling reasons to stick with MFT is portability. Unlike full-frame or APS-C systems that tend to bulk up with oversized lenses, MFT cameras and lenses are purposefully designed to be compact. A setup like the Olympus Pen F paired with a versatile 17mm or 25mm lens can easily fit in a small ba, or even a jacket pocket.
This portability makes MFT the ultimate tool for street photographers who prioritize spontaneity and discreet shooting. No more drawing unwanted attention or missing moments while fumbling with gear.
Affordability That Doesn’t Sacrifice Quality
Let’s face it: photography can be an expensive passion or profession. MFT, however, proves that great quality doesn’t have to break the bank. The system offers a range of affordable cameras and lenses, many of which punch well above their price point. I reveal a thing: recently I thought to switch to Sony, but Sony is like Leica, it is not just the camera body and you have to consider how expensive can be the lenses you put on it. That was a big no way to me.
And talking about MFT, take, for example, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II. It’s an accessible option packed with features like in-body stabilization and impressive image quality. Combine it with an affordable prime lens, and you have a lightweight powerhouse that can deliver stellar results without a second mortgage.
Olympus: The True Vintage Design Champion
When it comes to vintage-inspired camera designs, Olympus undeniably stands out. Forget the hype around Fujifilm; Olympus has nailed the aesthetic with models like the Pen F and OM-D series. These cameras don’t just look stunning: they feel like a timeless piece of craftsmanship in your hands. I love my Olympus Pen EP5. And guys, have you seen how beautiful is the Olympus Pen F? OK, it is still more expensive, but hey, you have something that is a pleasure to have with you, a camera that you put on the table with pride when tasting your Negroni.
The Pen F, with its elegant retro styling and solid build, perfectly balances form and function. Every detail, from the tactile dials to the satisfying shutter click, speaks to Olympus’s commitment to marrying nostalgia with modern performance. For those who love the look and feel of vintage cameras but demand cutting-edge features, Olympus is the clear winner.
Why I say this and not considering the same for Fujifilm? Well, I did have the Fujifilm X100S, the XE2 and the XPro2. The sensation is not like with my Olympus cameras. Not even with the EPL2 that now I am selling. The super-hyped X100 line is because of some vbloggers/influencers, but in my opinion it feels plastic and falsely vintage. If I put a 7Artisans or TTArtisan lens to my Olympus Pen is another story completely, believe me.
Depth of Field: A Unique Strength
While MFT sensors are smaller than full-frame, this “limitation” actually becomes an advantage for street and documentary photographers. The deeper depth of field at equivalent apertures allows for sharper, more focused scenes, essential for capturing the complex layers of urban life.
Want to isolate your subject? Modern MFT lenses with wide apertures, such as the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 or the Olympus 45mm f/1.2, provide creamy bokeh while still offering practical depth of field control.
In any case what I am looking for most of the time is that imperfect aesthethics. The digital noise in MFT is grain, guys. Shooting at night gives me that fantastic aesthethics that appreciate in photography as I learned to love. I think also the speech about the AF is a no sense for a photographer like me. Despite Olympus cameras secure good performances in AF with many models, I love to experience them mostly in manual focus. That is where the experience gets close to film photography and where MFT wins, in my opinion.
By using the camera even in f4 I get anything in focus and assuring me the results that I want on the streets. *
* Hey, let me clear this point I say that f/4 on Micro Four Thirds gives a similar depth of field to f/8 on full-frame, but does not affect light-gathering or exposure.
f/22×2=f/44 on full-frame
Any camera system may introduce diffraction, which reduces image sharpness. This effect is more noticeable on smaller sensors like Micro Four Thirds, where diffraction can start affecting images even at apertures as wide as f/8 to f/11. For practical purposes, consider avoiding extremely small apertures unless you absolutely need maximum depth of field.
I am saying this because there is not a perfect system. And we have to know how to work with any system and any camera in order to take the best.
The Creative Edge of 2025
MFT manufacturers continue to innovate. As we step into 2025, expect new releases that push the limits of what these small systems can achieve. Advances in AI-driven autofocus, high-speed continuous shooting, and in-camera color profiles mean MFT systems will remain competitive, especially for photographers who value creativity over specs.
Moreover, the MFT ecosystem is thriving with lenses. Whether you prefer vintage manual glass for that classic feel or modern pro-grade optics, there’s something for every style and budget.
If you ask me about lenses, you know: I prefer prime lenses and pancake lenses more. It is a matter of psychogic approach that works positively on me and on the subject while i don’t like to point at someone with a long and big lens. I get close to my subjects in many cases. And I raise up the camera at the very last moment, so it can appear an aggressive approach, but pancake lenses make it easier to me.
Lenses that are fully manual are great for a micro four thirds camera body, in my opinion.
Why the Streets Love MFT
As someone who thrives on the raw, unscripted beauty of street and documentary photography, I can confidently say that MFT fits the bill. It’s light, fast, and unobtrusive, perfect for capturing fleeting moments without disrupting the scene.
In a world that’s increasingly obsessed with specs (the race of megapixels for example) and trends, MFT reminds us of what truly matters: storytelling, creativity, and freedom. Olympus, with its unmatched vintage design, leads the charge in showing us that a camera can be both a tool and an object of inspiration, so cool even to wear. And saying among us: I am a guy paying attention how I dress, and counting with a camera that looks nice is part of the good experience on the street.
So, here’s to another year of MFT proving that bigger isn’t always better, guys. I think at this point you know I am a strong supporter of MFT system.
What do you think? Will MFT continue to rock photography world in 2025? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.
