Some cameras are built for power, others for portability. Micro Four Thirds cameras aim to balance both, offering a lightweight system without sacrificing performance. But with full frame cameras becoming more affordable and APS-C sensors improving, is Micro Four Thirds still worth it?
Coming to you from Teo Crawford, this informative video puts the OM System OM-3 to the test in the snowy mountains of Austria. Crawford explores the pros and cons of the system, highlighting why some photographers still prefer it. The biggest advantage is size. Micro Four Thirds sensors allow for compact camera bodies and smaller lenses, making them ideal for travel, outdoor photography, and anyone who wants to keep things light. The crop factor also works in your favor if you shoot at longer focal lengths. A 100-400mm lens effectively becomes a 200-800mm equivalent, giving you extreme reach without the bulk of a full frame telephoto setup.
Another key feature Crawford examines is in-camera color control. The OM-3 allows you to customize color profiles, adjust saturation levels, tweak contrast curves, and create looks straight out of the camera. For anyone who wants minimal post-processing, this can be a major time saver. The video also covers the OM-3’s computational photography features, including in-camera ND filters, focus stacking, and live compositing, which expand what’s possible without extra gear. In extreme cold—minus 14°C—the camera held up, while other equipment, like a GoPro, froze.
Of course, there are trade-offs. Low-light performance is a known limitation of Micro Four Thirds. The smaller sensor struggles with high ISO, making it less ideal for night photography without stabilization or long exposures. The system also maxes out at 20- to 25-megapixel sensors, so if you need ultra-high resolution for large prints, a larger format may be better. However, Crawford points out that the OM-3’s high-resolution mode can capture 50 MP handheld and 80 MP on a tripod, offering a workaround for those needing extra detail. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Crawford.
