Size isn’t everything. And Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras from Olympus and Panasonic prove that. MFT sensors might not be as big as their competitors, but they pack a punch. And some Micro Four Thirds cameras are brimming with fantastic features. Good things often come in small packages!
The OM System OM-1 Mark II is our pick as the best Micro Four Thirds camera. It has a revolutionary autofocus (AF) system. It has a full set of hybrid features. And it produces outstanding images. So the OM-1 Mark II sets a new standard in MFT cameras.
The Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
Olympus and Panasonic Lumix are the two main Micro Four Thirds camera specialists. Both manufacturers make high-performance hybrid cameras. And they pack each of their MFT cameras with advanced hybrid features. So these MFTs offer some of the best photography and video features of any camera type.
Here’s a quick look at the best Micro Four Thirds cameras. The section after this one will examine each MFT camera in more detail. And if you need more information on MFT cameras, skip to the final section.
1. OM System OM-1 Mark II
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.4 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
1053
|
| Fps |
Fps
120 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
60
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professionals and enthusiasts looking for high-performance in compact package
|
The OM System OM-1 Mark II marks a new dawn for Olympus cameras. They’re starting afresh under the name OM System. And the OM-1 Mark II is their flagship camera. Some might see it as a continuation of their previous Micro Four Thirds camera line. But the new advanced features show they’re setting a new standard for MFT cameras.
The MFT sensor has a 20 MP resolution. That’s not exactly groundbreaking. But you get vibrant images with the standard photography modes. The dynamic range is excellent for a sensor of this size.
If 20 MP isn’t enough, you have the High-Resolution Shot mode. This powerful feature captures several images at once and overlays them. This gives you one composite image with a 50 MP resolution. And the image stabilization means you don’t need a tripod.
The AF system is unlike anything we’ve seen on an MFT camera. It uses 1,053 cross-type focus points that give you full frame coverage. It’s high precision focusing with face detection and subject tracking, and the Mark II adds human detection and a doubled buffer for continuous shooting.
The 4K video quality is lovely. And the 60 fps frame rate gives you incredibly smooth footage. You also have slow-motion video modes in Full HD. And the AF and image stabilization both work with photo and video shooting.
We’ve seen fast burst modes in MFT cameras before. But the OM-1 Mark II takes it to another level. You can capture the action with a continuous shooting speed of 120 fps. That makes the missable… unmissable!
It’s a durable camera that’s built to last. It’s thoroughly weather-sealed, shockproof, and can work in icy temperatures. It has Wi-Fi connectivity built-in. And busy photographers will appreciate the dual memory card slots. This Micro Four Thirds camera is the total package.
2. Panasonic Lumix GH7
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
25.2 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
315
|
| Fps |
Fps
14 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
6K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
300
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Pro-level multimedia production with incredible photo and video features
|
Just when you think the Micro Four Thirds scene is quieting down, Panasonic turns up the volume once again. The new Panasonic Lumix GH7 is an MFT powerhouse with incredible features for photographers and videographers. It’s on the pricey side, but it’s a true pro-level hybrid camera.
A 25.2 MP resolution is excellent for a Micro Four Thirds sensor. The image quality is genuinely eye-catching, with sharp details and true-to-life colors. You can also expand the ISO to a low 50 setting to maximize the image quality.
The GH7 also has a trick up its sleeve if you need more power. A Sensor-Shift High-Resolution shot mode gives you jaw-dropping 100 MP images. By creating a composite of several exposures, this MFT camera produces images worthy of a medium format camera.
It’s able to do this thanks to the image 5-axis image stabilization system that’s built into the camera. This also allows you to use slower shutter speeds without camera shake, so you get sharper shots in low light.
5.7K video recording at 60 fps puts the GH7 above all other MFT cameras when it comes to video. That’s 10-bit 4:2:2 color, so the footage is vibrant and accurate.
There’s a 4K slow-motion mode with a 120 fps frame rate. And if you want to go even slower, there’s a 300 fps frame rate when you’re switched down to Full HD.
You can also use the camera for high-quality vlogging and live streaming. The rotating touchscreen makes it easy to record yourself, and the body has ports for external audio devices for pro-level sound recording.
USB charging means you can record for long periods without running out of battery. The GH7 also has an internal cooling system that prevents it from overheating when recording high-resolution video.
The Panasonic Lumix GH7 is a brilliant machine for professional content creators and movie makers. It is on the heavy side, but it’s also weather-sealed for outdoor use.
3. OM System OM-5 Mark II
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.4 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121
|
| Fps |
Fps
30 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
30
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Travelers and outdoor photographers wanting an ultracompact, weather-sealed camera with computational photography tools
|
The OM System OM-5 Mark II is a refined refresh of the original OM-5, built for photographers who want serious capability in an ultracompact, travel-friendly body. It keeps the same stylish retro design and weighs just 370g body-only, making it one of the lightest MFT cameras on this list.
The 20.4 MP sensor is unchanged from the original OM-5, so image quality stays familiar rather than groundbreaking. But the camera adds a dedicated Computational Photography (CP) button, giving you one-tap access to High-Res Shot, Live ND, Live Composite, and Focus Stacking. The High-Res Shot mode still gives you a 50 MP handheld image or an 80 MP image from a tripod.
The 5-axis in-body stabilization delivers up to 7.5 stops of compensation with Sync IS lenses (6.5 stops without). That’s enough to shoot handheld in low light or use the High-Res modes without a tripod in most situations.
A deeper handgrip and an updated menu system, both inherited from the OM-1 Mark II, make the camera noticeably easier to operate than the original OM-5. A Starry Sky AF mode still makes astrophotography easy, and the camera can still build an HDR composite in-camera from several exposures.
Video tops out at 4K 30p, so this isn’t the camera for videographers chasing 60p or 10-bit footage. But USB-C charging means you can top up the battery from a power bank on longer trips, and the AF system handles face and eye detection reliably for casual video work.
The autofocus itself is a step behind the flagship: it uses the same 121-point hybrid system as the original OM-5, with face and eye detection only, and no AI-based subject tracking for wildlife or motorsport. And the single SD card slot limits it for anyone who wants in-camera backup.
Even so, it’s a genuinely capable, weather-sealed (IP53) travel camera that’s easy to recommend for outdoor photographers who prioritize portability over ultimate performance.
Panasonic Lumix Micro Four Thirds cameras are famous for their hybrid qualities. And the Panasonic Lumix G95D is an excellent example. Not only does this model have great specs for photo and video, but it’s also one of the most affordable MFT cameras you can buy brand new.
The low cost makes it a top choice for beginner photographers. The 20.3 MP sensor delivers consistently excellent photos. And the built-in image stabilization system counteracts camera shake. You can also reduce your shutter speed by five stops with less risk of blurry photos, so your images are crisp and clear.
The video is 4K quality and shoots at 30 fps. Plus, you have the option to switch to 24 fps. You can also speed things up with high-speed video recording, with 60, 90, or 120 fps options. But there is a drop in quality at higher frame rates.
A rotating touchscreen helps you record yourself when vlogging or live streaming. It also has ports for external microphones and headphones, so you can record professional audio with your video.
The Panasonic Lumix G95D has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. And all the hardware is safely contained in a rugged weather-sealed body. You can use it for anything from wildlife to street photography or movie making to vlogging.
5. OM System OM-D E-M10 IV
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121
|
| Fps |
Fps
15 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
60
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
No
|
| Best For |
Best For
Beginners and enthusiasts wanting a feature-packed mirrorless camera
|
The OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a fantastic all-rounder. It could be considered the archetypal Micro Four Thirds camera. It’s compact, lightweight, and packed with features. It’s accessible to beginners and enthusiasts. And the price delivers good value for money.
The Micro Four Thirds sensor has a resolution of 20.3 MP, producing fantastic images. And the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV lets you get creative with your photography. There’s a dedicated selfie mode with a flip-down screen. And you get 28 scene modes and 16 artistic filters in the camera. They include film simulation filters for that retro look.
Filmmakers will appreciate the movie specs. The video quality is 4K. And you have a choice of frame rates at that resolution, with 24, 25, and 30 fps available. You can also shoot at 120 fps. But you must sacrifice some quality. So high-speed recording is only possible in HD (720p).
The filters and shooting modes appeal more to content creators. But the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV also delivers for dedicated photographers. The five-axis image stabilization keeps your images sharp. And it gives you more freedom with settings. Plus, it helps maintain high image standards so you can publish your work.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a hybrid that produces fabulous photos and videos. And it has features that benefit beginners, content creators, and enthusiast photographers. Its size makes it a good option for street photography. But it’s also capable of portraits, wildlife, and sports photography.
6. Panasonic Lumix GH5 II
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.33 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
225
|
| Fps |
Fps
12 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
6K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
30
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Videographers and multimedia creators
|
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is another fantastic MFT camera for photos and videos. The specs lean toward the video side of media production. It still performs well as a stills camera. But videographers are likelier to view the GH5 II as the best Micro Four Thirds camera.
4K video quality isn’t groundbreaking by today’s standards. But few cameras can shoot 4K quality at 60 fps. That’s super-smooth footage at full resolution. You also have slow frame rates to choose from. And there’s no time limit when shooting video. So filmmakers have plenty to play with in this MFT camera.
The Lumix GH5 II also lets you live stream. You connect the camera to the Lumix Sync app using the camera’s Wi-Fi connectivity. And then you’re able to stream videos live online. This is an excellent feature for social media creators, journalists, and online teachers. You can also connect to a computer via USB for web conferencing.
A 20.3 MP resolution is solid for a Micro Four Thirds sensor. It’s not groundbreaking. But the GH5 II still produces stunning photos. The dynamic range and low-light performance are impressive. And the images hold up when enlarged or published in print media.
Filmmakers and photographers benefit from the image stabilization system. Its dual system combines sensor-shift and lens-optical stabilization for precision shooting. The result is 6.5 stops of photo and video correction. So camera shake is a thing of the past.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II has a durable body and efficient weather sealing. And you can shoot in colder climates as it can handle temperatures down to 14 F (-10 C). It’s a tough and reliable interchangeable lens camera that filmmakers love.
7. OM System OM-3
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.4 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
1053
|
| Fps |
Fps
120 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
60
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Enthusiasts wanting flagship-level image quality and AF in a smaller, retro-styled body
|
The OM System OM-3 takes the same 20.4 MP Stacked BSI sensor and TruePic X processor from the flagship OM-1 Mark II and wraps them in an all-metal retro body inspired by the classic Olympus OM-1 film SLR. It’s the camera to pick if you want flagship image quality without the size and weight of the OM-1 Mark II.
Because it shares the OM-1 Mark II’s sensor and processor, the OM-3 gets the same 1,053-point cross-type AF system with AI subject detection for humans, birds, animals, and motorsport, a real asset for wildlife photographers who want a smaller second body. It’s also capable of the same 120 fps burst rate in single-AF mode, or 50 fps with continuous AF, numbers well ahead of most retro-styled cameras.
The 5-axis image stabilization gives you up to 7.5 stops of compensation with Sync IS lenses. And a dedicated CP button puts High Res Shot (80 MP tripod mode, 50 MP handheld), Live ND, Live GND, and Focus Stacking one press away. A Creative Dial with five positions gives you quick access to film-simulation color and monochrome profiles, which suits the camera’s street-and-travel personality.
Video maxes out at a genuinely useful 4K 60p, with H.265 10-bit recording and OM-Log400 for anyone who wants to grade footage. The all-metal, IP53-rated body is dustproof, splashproof, and rated to -10°C, so it can handle real outdoor use despite weighing only 413g.
The trade-offs are real, though. There’s a single SD card slot, so no in-camera backup. And the flat front face has no handgrip, which can feel awkward with larger lenses, since you’re relying on a small thumb rest instead. The electronic viewfinder is also a step down from the OM-1 Mark II’s, at 2.36 million dots rather than the flagship’s higher-resolution finder.
For photographers who want professional-level OM-1 Mark II performance in a smaller, more characterful body, though, those are easy compromises to make.
8. Panasonic Lumix G100D
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
49
|
| Fps |
Fps
10 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
120
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
No
|
| Best For |
Best For
Content creators and vloggers
|
The Panasonic Lumix G100D is the best Micro Four Thirds camera for vlogging or live streaming. Social media is the marketplace for many professional content creators. And Panasonic designed the G100D to help you thrive in that online environment.
Most users are attracted to this camera for its video features. It gives you 4K and Full HD video. 4K can run at 24 or 30 fps. And Full HD runs at a smooth 60 fps. Plus, you can use the camera as a webcam using the Lumix Sync app.
The autofocus works well with faces. It detects eyes and maintains focus as the subject moves. That’s ideal for vlogs and live videos. Plus, there’s a selfie mode for self-portraits. And the vari-angle screen and monitor make a vlogger’s life much easier.
The G100D refines the original G100 with a sharper OLED electronic viewfinder and USB-C charging, so you can top up the battery from a power bank between shoots. It’s still the smallest camera on this list, and it still has a hybrid image stabilization system that reduces camera shake in stills and videos. Apart from video, it produces fabulous images from the 20.3 MP sensor.
9. Panasonic Lumix G97
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.3 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
49
|
| Fps |
Fps
9 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Video Frame Rate |
Max Video Frame Rate
30
|
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Budget-conscious photographers and content creators wanting solid image quality
|
The Panasonic LUMIX G97 is Panasonic’s affordable, compact mirrorless camera pick, an updated refresh of the 2019 Lumix G95 aimed at photographers and content creators on a budget. At around $700 with a 12-60mm kit lens, it’s one of the most accessible compact cameras on this list.
The 20.3 MP sensor delivers sharp, detailed images without an anti-aliasing filter, and reviewers consistently praise the resolving power of the bundled kit lens. A 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 system (combining in-body and in-lens stabilization) gives you up to 5 stops of compensation, so camera shake and motion blur aren’t a problem for handheld stills and casual video.
Burst shooting reaches 9 fps with the AF locked, or 6 fps with continuous AF, and the buffer holds over 27 RAW files or 600+ JPEGs before it slows down. Video recording is unlimited in length, with UHD 4K at 24p or 30p.
The DSLR-style body has a substantial grip that’s comfortable for extended handheld shooting, and USB-C charging keeps you powered on longer days. The 3-inch touchscreen and 2,360k-dot electronic viewfinder round out a well-equipped package for the price.
The main drawback is the autofocus system: it’s a Depth-from-Defocus contrast-detect design rather than hybrid or phase-detect, so it’s noticeably slower to lock focus and struggles more in low light than rivals with on-sensor phase detection. It’s also limited to a single SD card slot. But for anyone prioritizing image quality and value over the newest autofocus tech, the G97 is an easy camera to recommend.
Why Choose a Micro Four Thirds Camera?
Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras are a type of interchangeable lens camera. Unlike compact cameras, you can remove their lenses. And you can change them to other compatible lenses.
They have a smaller sensor than an APS-C or full frame camera. But they have photo and video options. And they have plenty of other features photographers and creators look for in a camera.
They were developed as a bridge between point-and-shoot and larger interchangeable lens cameras. And they offer the best of both worlds. They’re small and unobtrusive. And they still give you the full photography experience.
© Federico Di Dio (Unsplash.com)
Micro Four Thirds cameras still pack a punch despite their smaller sensor. The image quality is excellent, and the density of the pixels keeps digital noise to a minimum. And there are other benefits to the MFT system.
The first is the smaller size of the cameras. Having a smaller sensor means they need to carry less hardware. The camera bodies are more compact and lightweight. So they are more discreet and easier to carry.
Another benefit is the shorter focal length of Micro Four Thirds Cameras. This results in what is essentially a 2x crop factor for your images. But it also gives you more magnification than other cameras with larger sensors. So you get more telephoto reach from a zoom lens. This is helpful for sports and wildlife photography.
Filed of view comparison for different sensors
The smaller sensor size also helps you achieve a shallow depth of field. A Micro Four Thirds camera gives you a shallower depth of field using the same aperture on a crop sensor or full frame camera. This benefits portrait and macro photographers who like to use the bokeh effect.
MFT cameras have plenty of other features to get excited about. They have video features for multimedia creators. Some have a rapid continuous shooting speed, good for sports and wildlife photographers. And many have built-in stabilization systems. And their autofocus systems rival their counterparts with larger sensors.
Conclusion
Micro Four Thirds cameras can compete with APS-C and full frame mirrorless cameras. As we’ve seen, they have incredible features. They produce exceptional photos and videos. And everything is in a compact and lightweight package. So they’re credible alternatives to “the bigger boys.”
The OM System OM-1 Mark II is our top pick for the best Micro Four Thirds camera. It’s their flagship in the MFT division that produces high-resolution images. And it features an advanced AF system, a high 120 fps burst rate, and fantastic 4K video recording.
But all the Micro Four Thirds cameras on this list are worth your consideration. It doesn’t matter if you shoot photos or videos. Micro Four Thirds cameras are the full package for media production.
