The State of Micro Four Thirds

The State of Micro Four Thirds

We've thought for years that compact cameras were for everyday users, and if we wanted to get a better camera to shoot better pictures, the answer would be to upgrade to a DSLR camera. But what if that was no longer true?

Micro Four Thirds (MFT) has grown in the last three years since its inception. When compared to their mirrorless interchangeable lens competitors; Sony's E-series and
Samsung's NX-series, MFT has the largest selection of native lenses, with third-party manufacturers like Voigtlander committing to the standard and producing stunning lenses like the 25mm f/0.95.

Besides the selection of lenses, there's the focus on increasing ease of use for the photographer. How many entry-level DSLR cameras today come with a touch-screen? Quick and accurate AF while in Live View mode? Follow focus while shooting video with the option to touch to change focus? Panasonic's current G series cameras have these features, but most DSLR cameras don't.


Would many of today's entry-level DSLR camera owners be better served by an MFT camera that's not only smaller, but also easier to use? In the past year, whenever I've had a friend ask me what they should get to upgrade from a compact camera, I've recommended an MFT camera over a DSLR. For someone who just wants to take photos of their family and doesn't have the time to start learning about aperture, shutter speed, ISO, image noise and AF points, I'd recommend them a camera that's good enough and easy to use, rather than one that's more than enough and needs time to figure out.
But even though MFT cameras make up 31% of all interchangeable lens cameras sold in Japan, the cameras may not be gaining as much traction overseas. The top cameras sold in Amazon stores outside of Amazon Japan are still traditional compact and DSLR cameras. There's also the chance that the young standard will face formidable challenges should either Canon or Nikon go into the mirrorless interchangeable lens segment (Nikon has already said that they have a "new concept" camera in the works, with no news yet on a launch date).

When is good enough, good enough? The Micro Four Thirds standard today doesn't just satisfy the image quality needs of everyday users, it's also lighter, smaller and - most importantly - easier to use than the traditional DSLR camera. But it's up to the users to vote with their dollars to see if we'll manage a break from tradition.


By : Alvin Soon