magazine
2024.09.17

What is a Micro Four Thirds Camera? | Knowledge #110

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Cover photo by me..

Micro Four Thirds cameras are known for their portability and high image quality, adopted by popular models such as the "Panasonic LUMIX DC-G9" and "OM SYSTEM PEN E-P7", and are favored by many photography enthusiasts.

Despite their compact size, they offer high sensor size and lens interchangeability, making them suitable for a wide range of users from professionals to beginners. This time, we will introduce the features of Micro Four Thirds cameras and the reasons why they are recommended.

What is Micro Four Thirds?

Micro Four Thirds is a standard for interchangeable lens cameras jointly developed by Panasonic and Olympus in 2008. It uses a 4/3-type image sensor and is designed as a digital-only camera system.

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Photo by 蒼*

This "4/3 (Four Thirds)" refers to the aspect ratio of the image sensor, which is about half the size of a 35mm camera, but it maintains sufficient image quality while keeping the overall camera size smaller compared to APS-C or full-frame cameras. This allows for a camera that balances mobility and high image quality.

Expanding Lens Interchangeability

Micro Four Thirds is an open standard, allowing for the free combination of lenses from different manufacturers. A variety of lenses are available from manufacturers including Panasonic and Olympus, enabling optimal lens selection for different shooting scenes.

Additionally, by using adapters, existing lens assets can be utilized, offering excellent cost performance.

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Photo by Yuzurigima

A Strong System for Video Shooting

Despite its compact body, Micro Four Thirds supports professional video shooting. It is easy to shoot videos handheld, making it particularly suitable for content creation such as Vlogs and YouTube.

It is also gaining attention for aerial photography with drones, thriving in scenes that require both lightness and high image quality.