Q and A: What’s the deal with the new Micro Four Thirds format?

Question

Can you explain the new Micro Four Thirds format? What is the point of a camera like this compared to one that fits into a shirt pocket like my Lumix FS25 with 29-145mm lens? I see that both Panasonic and Olympus are making Micro cameras now, but they’re not very small and they are very expensive. Why would anyone want one of those? J. N.

Answer

JN, yes, Panasonic was the first to introduce a Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Blue)($623, with 14-45mm zoom lens). Their more recent model, the brand new DMC-GH1 ($1500 with a 14-140mm lens that’s perfect for video capture), includes some upgrades and an HD Movie mode.

Olympus recently announced their new contender, the E-P1 Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens) ($800 with 14-42mm lens); this model also features an HD Movie mode.

The two brands’ designs differ substantially but sure, all of the Micro Four Thirds cameras are larger than a digicam. That’s because they employ a much larger sensor: 18×13.5mm (the Four Thirds format) versus the typical 7.18×5.76mm (or smaller) sensor in many compact cameras. The extra area of the chip allows for relatively huge pixels for greater light gathering ability and hence, superior image quality. I have tested the GH1 and am now using the EP-1, and can confirm that both produce much “cleaner” images — with better highlight/shadow detail — than a small sensor camera. The difference is particularly obvious at ISO 400 and above.


The 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds cameras produce better image quality than digicams with their much smaller sensors (and miniscule pixels); the difference is obvious by ISO 400. While I did not shoot this scene with both types of cameras, this photo (made with the E-P1) exhibits superb quality in all aspects and would be perfect for an over-sized print. (JPEG capture at ISO 400 with high in-camera Saturation.) (c) 2009 Peter K. Burian
The 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds cameras produce better image quality than digicams with their much smaller sensors and miniscule pixels the difference is obvious by ISO 400 While I did not shoot this scene with both types of cameras this photo made with the E P1 exhibits superb quality in all aspects and would be perfect for an over sized print JPEG capture at ISO 400 with high in camera Saturation c 2009 Peter K Burian

The term “Micro” does not refer to sensor size — as some people still assume — but to physical size. Granted, the cameras are not tiny but any size comparison is versus a DSLR and not a digicam. That makes sense, because the Micro Four Thirds cameras feature many similar functions (with faster autofocus in Live View) and also accept interchangeable lenses as DSLRs do. The ability to use a variety of lenses definitely provides greater versatility than you can get with most digicams with built-in lenses.

A Micro Four Thirds camera is smaller/lighter than a DLSR because it does not include a pentaprism or a reflex mirror. Eliminating the latter reduced the distance from the lens mount to the sensor, making the Micro Four Thirds cameras unusually slim. The lens mount size was also decreased. Hence the Micro Four Thirds lenses are also smaller, although the cameras do accept larger Four Thirds format lenses too, with an optional adapter. While some families still prefer a digicam with built-in lens — or a full-size DSLR system — the Micro Four Thirds concept should be successful because it offers the best of both worlds.

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1/G1H and the Olympus E-P1 are full-featured interchangeable-lens cameras with full-size Four Thirds sensors like the companies' DSLRs, but they're physically smaller, as are the Micro Four Thirds lenses. While the two brands differ in many aspects, they're identical in terms of the basic concept. Because the reflex mirror and pentaprism have been eliminated, the cameras are not equipped with an optical viewfinder. Instead, they're intended for use with Live View, although the Lumix models also offer an electronic viewfinder with exceptionally high resolution.
Panasonics Lumix DMC G1G1H and the Olympus E P1 are full featured interchangeable lens cameras with full size Four Thirds sensors like the companies DSLRs but theyre physically smaller as are the Micro Four Thirds lenses While the two brands differ in many aspects theyre identical in terms of the basic concept Because the reflex mirror and pentaprism have been eliminated the cameras are not equipped with an optical viewfinder Instead theyre intended for use with Live View although the Lumix models also offer an electronic viewfinder with exceptionally high resolution

 Oympus EP1
Oympus EP1

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Olympus updates Master and Studio software

    Olympus has released an update to its Master and Studio image-editing software. Version 2.2 of the Master and v2.3 of Studio enable users to apply Art Filter effects to RAW files, rather than having to choose them as you shoot.

    It also extends RAW support to the E-P1 and now includes a video editor to edit that camera’s HD videos.

    Updates can be downloaded via Studio and Master’s ‘UPDATE SOFTWARE’ option.

Leave a Reply

Close Menu