For landscape photographers, the choice of camera is one that can have a significant impact on their workflow and the images they can create. The recent surge in the popularity of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems, once thought to be too small a sensor for the genre, now presents an intriguing option for landscape photography enthusiasts.
Coming to you from Jason Friend Photography, The video centers on a six-week experiment with micro four thirds. Valued for its portability and cost but often overlooked for its sensor size, micro four thirds has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Friend's experiences, ranging from initial disappointments in woodland shoots to later appreciations of the system's creative flexibility, provide a nuanced perspective. Particularly striking is his realization that the MFT system demands a different approach to post-processing and shooting technique. This insight is important for photographers accustomed to full-frame systems, as it underscores the importance of adapting to the camera's capabilities to achieve the desired results.
However, the journey is not without its challenges. Friend encounters limitations in dynamic range and struggles with certain shooting conditions. Yet, these hurdles do not deter him; instead, they lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the MFT system's strengths, especially its compact size and versatility. The ability to carry lighter equipment and experiment with various lenses and accessories like extension tubes for macro photography significantly enhances the creative process. This shift in focus from technical perfection to creative possibilities is a crucial takeaway for photographers considering a similar transition.
If you'd like to find out if micro four thirds is right for you, give the video above a watch for the full rundown from Friend.
Excellent video. I moved from a full-frame canon to the OM1 last year and have no regrets. The OM1 has the same high-resolution features you mentioned, inbuilt ND filters, and other computational features, such as in-camera focus stacking. It's a cracking camera, and I also find that the colours are stunning.
As a long-time Panasonic MFT user (currently Panasonic G9) I would echo pretty much everything you said about the system. I also have a full-frame Panasonic S5 which I got primarily for lowlight photography and landscape astrophotography where the greater dynamic range and lower noise levels are significantly better than the G9. For wildlife, nature and landscape photography that are my main interests, the G9 is perfect. As you said, for versatility and creativity I can carry my G9 and 5 or 6 lens from super wide angle to super telephoto without breaking my back. Unlike you, I prefer the handling of the larger Panasonic G9 body. It has hands down the best ergonomics of any Panasonic camera I've ever owned, which is a lot, including the S5. I wanted to upgrade to the G9II to get the new phase-detect autofocus, but Panasonic basically put the MFT sensor into an S5 body, so I'm in a quandary about doing that.