Full Frame vs Micro 4:3 – Where It Matters Most
This really well-done video that showcases why MFT cameras can compete with full-frame cameras came out in 2018. I saw it back then but ran across it again recently and thought it would be interesting to others. I was also inspired to revisit this video now that I’ve been shooting the new Olympus 150-400mm zoom and getting such incredible results. As many of you know I’ve been a big fan of MFT for many years. That enthusiasm was tempered somewhat when it came to the telephoto lenses.
It wasn’t until Olympus gave us the 40-150mm F/2.8, 300mm F/4, and now the new 150-400mm zoom that I felt enthusiastic about the options for super-telephoto reach. With these three lenses, all of my concerns regarding image quality are now gone. I did have some issues with the Leica 100-400mm and I sometimes was left wondering if the smaller cameras could compete when it came to large prints. The 150-400mm has made all those concerns completely go away.
So with that, I wanted to share this video with my viewers so you too can see how MFT does against a very capable full-frame camera, the Canon EOS 5D. I think you’ll all see that the need to spend the extra money and carry the extra weight is firmly in the rearview mirror. Let me know what you think about this video and any thoughts you have on the subject in the comments below.
Robert NOn Feb. 26th, 2022
Mike Lane in the UK, a very experienced wildlife photographer, is trying to decide between Sony and Olympus. He has done a recent quality comparison between the Olympus OM1X and the Sony A1 and reached the conclusion that quality is not a factor in his decision making. Autofocus is.
Since his interest is primarily in capturing birds in flight, he bought a Sony A1 with the 200-600mm lens to supplement his Olympus system specifically because of the superior autofocus of the Sony. He is waiting to get his hands on the new OM1 to make a final evaluation. He wants to decide on a single system. His preference is to go with Olympus if the autofocus is good enough.
He has done two videos in this series so far as he goes through the testing and decision-making processes. I think you and your followers will find them very relevant and interesting.
Jerry HallOn Jan. 3rd, 2022
Daniel,
In spite of periodic doubts I see no reason to drop my m4.3 kit. Especially now that Lightroom/ACR has the remarkable one click Enhance feature which doubles the number of pixels on each side, or 4 times overall. Heavily cropped images are now very effectively printed in large sizes. Add to that Dxo’s Deep Prime for truly remarkable RAW development and detail recovery I have most of the supposed advantages of a full frame sensor for my favorite images. I do hope for new m4.3 cameras soon with better ISO and focus tracking. No real need for more pixels. The continuing advances in post processing software are amazing.
Best, Jerry
Daniel J. CoxOn Jan. 3rd, 2022
Your thoughts are exactly mine as well Jerry. Thanks for your input.
Denis RTOn Dec. 31st, 2021
The problem with Sony cameras (at least older models) is that they are gathering dust. Especially when recording video it is very annoying. When shooting wildlife i enjoy more my Lumix G9 although DFD drives me nuts sometimes. I still use my Canon 5d ii but not for wildlife btw.
Thomas J. CadwaladerOn Dec. 21st, 2021
I switched from a Canon 5D MK Ii to Olympus in 2013. I have had all of the OMD EM 1 cameras and most of the pro lenses. But the delays in getting the new gear to the regular consumers like me is really wearing on me. I have been waiting for my, 150-400 for over 54 weeks now.
I have a friend who shots Sony and I noticed his camera body I was actually the same size or even smaller than my OEM 1X. After seeing your comparisons to the Sony 200-600 zoom , I am starting to look at Sony.
If the new sensors they just announced scale up to anything larger than a cellphone sensor…..that could get interesting.
Daniel J. CoxOn Dec. 21st, 2021
Thomas, you are correct that the Sony bodies are nearly as small as the Olympus. But it’s not about the size of the cameras, rather it’s about the much smaller size of the lenses. The Sony 200-600mm is a much different lens from the Olympus 150-400mm. I feel your pain on the length of time it’s taking to get the new zoom lens out. However, I’ve heard about several people recently receiving their 150-400mm lenses. I’ve not regretted sticking with the Olympus system even though I too own the Sony.