Micro Four Thirds system
The Micro Four Thirds system (MFT) is a standard created by Olympus and Panasonic, and announced on August 5, 2008,[1] for the design and development of mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras, camcorders and lenses.[2] In 2014, JK Imaging Ltd., which holds the Kodak brand, released its first Micro Four Thirds camera, the Kodak Pixpro S-1;[3] several lenses and niche camera makers have products made for the standard. In 2015, DJI provided its drone with optional MFT cameras. Both cameras can capture 16MP stills and up to 4K/30fps video with an option of 4 interchangeable lenses ranging from 12mm to 17mm.[4]
MFT shares the original image sensor size and specification with the Four Thirds system, designed for DSLRs. Unlike Four Thirds, the MFT system design specification does not provide space for a mirror box and a pentaprism, which facilitates smaller body designs and a shorter flange focal distance, and hence smaller lenses. Virtually any lens can be used on MFT camera bodies, as long as an adapter exists. For instance, Four Third lenses can be used with auto focus using the adapters designed by Olympus and Panasonic.
Sensor size and aspect ratio
The image sensor of Four Thirds and MFT is commonly referred to as a 4/3" type or 4/3 type sensor (inch-based sizing system is derived from now obsolete video camera tubes). The sensor measures 18 mm × 13.5 mm (22.5 mm diagonal), with an imaging area of 17.3 mm × 13.0 mm (21.6 mm diagonal), comparable to the frame size of 110 film.[5] Its area, ca. 220 mm², is approximately 30% less than the quasi-APS-C sensors used in other manufacturers' DSLRs, yet is around 9 times larger than the 1/2.5" sensors typically used in compact digital cameras.
The Four Thirds system uses a 4:3 image aspect ratio, in common with other compact digital cameras but unlike quasi-APS-C or 24×36 mm DSLRs, which usually adhere to the 3:2 aspect ratio of the traditional 35 mm format. Thus the "Four Thirds" refers to both the size of the image and the aspect ratio of the sensor.[6] Note that actual size of the chip is considerably less than 4/3 of an inch, the length of the diagonal being only 22.5 mm. The 4/3 inch designation for this size of sensor dates back to the 1950s and vidicon tubes, when the external diameter of the camera tube was measured, not the active area.
The MFT design standard also calls for being able to record multiple formats, 4:3, 3:2 (traditional DSLR formats with origins with 35 mm film still cameras), 16:9 (the native HD video format specification), and 1:1 (a square format). With the exception of two MFT cameras, all MFT cameras record in a native 4:3 format image aspect ratio, and through cropping of the 4:3 image, can record in 16:9, 3:2 and 1:1 formats. This multiple recording format flexibility is a MFT system design standard, which also incorporates seamless integration of HD video recording in the same camera body.
The 2009 introduction of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 camera extends the 4:3 format image aspect ratio recording capabilities to native 16:9 and 3:2 image aspect ratio formats, rather than crops of a native 4:3 image. The GH1 uses a bigger sensor matrix that uses the full diagonal of the image circle in all three formats. This is called multi-aspect capability. To date, the multi-aspect sensor is common only to the Panasonic GH1[7] and its successor the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2.[8]
In addition, all current Micro Four Thirds cameras have sensor dust removal technologies, but this is not exclusive to the format.
Lens mount
The MFT system design specifies a new bayonet type lens mount with a flange focal distance of slightly under 20 mm – half as deep as the Four Thirds system design. By avoiding internal mirrors the MFT standard allows a much thinner camera body. Viewing is achieved on all models by live view electronic displays with LCD screens. In addition some models feature a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) while others may offer optional detachable electronic viewfinders, or even as an option an independent optical viewfinder typically matched to a particular non-zoom prime lens. The flange diameter is about 38 mm, 6 mm less than that of the Four Thirds system. Electrically, MFT uses an 11-contact connector between lens and camera, adding to the nine contacts in the Four Thirds system design specification. Olympus claims full backward compatibility for many of its existing Four Thirds lenses on MFT bodies, using a purpose built adapter with both mechanical and electrical interfaces (though when using FT lenses, the speed of the autofocus may be slower in certain conditions than when using dedicated Four Thirds body, because of differences in type of the AF system).
The shallow but wide MFT lens mount also allows the use of existing lenses including Leica M, Leica R, and Olympus OM system lenses, via Panasonic and Olympus adapters. One example is the Panasonic Lumix 14-45mm lens. Aftermarket adapters include Leica Screw Mount, Contax G, C mount, Arri PL mount, Canon, Nikon, and Pentax, among others.[9] In fact, almost any still camera, movie or video camera interchangeable lens that has a flange focal distance greater than or marginally less than 20 mm can often be used on MFT bodies via an adapter. While MFT cameras can only use many of these "legacy" lenses with manual focus and aperture control mode, hundreds of lenses are available, even those that survive for cameras no longer in production.
Autofocus design
The MFT system design specifies the use of contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF), which is a common autofocus system for compact or "point-and-shoot". By comparison, virtually all DSLRs use a different autofocus system known as phase-detection autofocus (PDAF). The use of separate PDAF sensors has long been favored in DSLR systems because of mirror box and pentaprism design, along with better performance for fast-moving subjects.
The (non-Micro) Four Thirds system design standard specifies a 40 mm flange focal length distance, which allowed for using a single lens reflex design, with mirror box and pentaprism. Four Thirds DSLR cameras designed by Olympus and Panasonic initially used exclusively PDAF focusing systems. Olympus then introduced the first live view DSLR camera, which incorporated both traditional DSLR phase focus and also optional contrast detection focus. As a result, newer Four Thirds system lenses were designed both for PDAF and contrast focus. Several of the latter Four Thirds lenses focus on Micro Four Thirds proficiently when an electrically compatible adapter is used on the Olympus and the later Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras, and they focus on Micro Four Thirds cameras much quicker than earlier generation Four Thirds lenses can.
At the announcement of the MFT system design standard it was suggested that the powerful focusing motors required for contrast-detection autofocus by compact cameras and MFT may not operate properly on at least some of the existing Four Thirds lenses designed for phase-detection autofocus.[10]
Many PDAF Four Thirds system lenses, when using adapters with proper electrical connections on Micro Four Thirds cameras, do focus much more slowly than "native" designed MFT lenses. Some Four Thirds bodies do not focus as quickly as others, or as accurately as does contrast focus. This is a downside of phase focus, which can shift focus to the front or behind the calculated focus position for each lens. Micro Four Thirds also focus Four Thirds lenses faster than a Four Thirds camera focuses using the Four Thirds "Live View" focus. Most Four Thirds lenses still work on Micro Four Thirds, and the relative speed depends on the camera model and lens. Overall, native Micro Four Thirds lenses focus much faster than the majority of Four Thirds lenses.
An advantage to the newly introduced MFT system designed cameras is the already-existing family of very high quality, large aperture, automatic exposure, autofocusing, and sometimes even optical image stabilized Four Thirds lenses made by Olympus, Panasonic and Leica.
Olympus claims their Pen cameras (the E-P5, the smaller E-PL5, and its less expensive "mini" version E-PM2) are the fastest focusing removable lens cameras, including those that use phase technology (DSLR cameras). Comparative tests and the basis for all the speed improvements and whether the technology can track like a phase focus designed for sport applications are not yet known.
Comparison with other systems
For comparison of the original Four Thirds with competing DSLR system see Four Thirds system#Advantages, disadvantages and other considerations
Compared to most digital compact cameras and many bridge cameras, Micro Four Thirds cameras may have better larger sensors, and interchangeable lenses. Some lenses feature wider apertures than those available on many compacts, providing more control over depth-of-field and yielding greater creative possibilities. However, Micro Four Thirds cameras also tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than compact cameras.
Compared to most digital SLRs, Micro Four Thirds cameras are smaller and lighter. However, they also have smaller sensors (and therefore may have inferior image quality, especially in low light conditions), and often lack features such as viewfinders and built-in flash units. Micro Four Thirds cameras sometimes afford greater depth-of-field than SLRs depending on the lens used. They are not necessarily less expensive than SLRs.
The much shorter flange focal distance enabled by the removal of the mirror allows normal and wide angle lenses to be significantly smaller because they do not have to use strongly retrofocal designs.
The Four Thirds sensor format used in MFT cameras is equivalent to a 2.0 crop factor when compared to a 35 mm film camera. This means that the field of view of a MFT lens is the same as a Full Frame lens with twice the focal length. Practically speaking, this means that a 50 mm lens on a MFT body would have a field of view equivalent to a 100 mm lens on a full frame camera. Said another way, normal lenses on MFT cameras would be only 25 mm. For this reason, MFT lenses can be smaller and lighter because to achieve the equivalent 35 mm film camera field of view, the MFT focal length is much shorter. See the table of lenses below to understand the differences better. Typical DSLR sensors such as Canon's APS-C sensors, have a crop factor of 1.6, compared to full frame's (35 mm) 1.0, and Four Thirds 2.0.
Equivalents
Equivalent focal lengths are given, if the angle of view is identical.[11]
The depth of field is identical, if angle of view and absolute aperture size are identical. At the same image resolution also the relative diameters of the Airy disks are identical. Therefore, the equivalent f-numbers are varying.[12]
In this case, i.e. with the same luminous flux within the lens, the illuminance quadracially decreases and the luminous intensity quadratically increases with the image size. Therefore, all systems detect the same luminances and the same exposure values in the image plane, and as a consequence of this the equivalent exposure indexes are different in order to get the identical shutter speeds (i.e. exposure times).[13]
The following table exemplarily shows a few identical image parameters for some popular image sensor classes compared to Micro Four Thirds:[14]
Image sensor class | Equivalent focal length at wide angle (diagonal angle of view ≈ 75°) |
Equivalent focallength at normal angle (diagonal angle of view ≈ 47°) |
Equivalent focallength at tele angle (diagonal angle of view ≈ 29°) |
Equivalent f-number at identical depth of field and identical diffraction-limited resolution |
Equivalent exposure index (ISO speed) at identical exposure time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nikon 1 | 10 mm | 18 mm | 31 mm | 1,7 | 100 |
Micro Four Thirds | 14 mm | 25 mm | 42,5 mm | 2,4 | 200 |
APS-C | 18 mm | 33 mm | 57 mm | 3,2 | 360 |
Full-frame | 28 mm | 50 mm | 85 mm | 4.8 | 800 |
Advantages of Micro Four Thirds over DSLR cameras
Micro Four Thirds has several advantages over larger format cameras and lenses:
- Smaller and lighter
- The shorter flange focal distance means that most manual lenses can be adapted for use, though C-mount lenses have a slightly shorter flange focal distance and are trickier to adapt.
- The shorter flange focal distance may also allow for smaller, lighter and lower cost lenses. This is especially true for wide angle lenses: Compare the Olympus 4/3 7–14mm f/4 zoom (approximately $1800), with the lumix micro 4/3 7–14mm F/4 lens (approximately $800).
- Forward or back focus does not occur with contrast focus like it can when using DSLR phase focus, and likewise each lens does not have to be individually calibrated to each camera, which can be required for DSLRs to have accurate focus.
- The absence of a mirror eliminates the need for an additional precision assembly, along with its "mirror slap" noise and resultant camera vibration/movement.
- Viewfinders can be used when filming videos.
- In continuous mode (video takes or sequential shots) the smaller sensor can be cooled better to avoid the increase of image noise.
- The autofocus performance is the same for stills and videos, so the speed is much faster than conventional DSLRs in video mode.
- Because of the reduced sensor-flange distance, the sensor is easier to clean than with a DSLR, which also have delicate mirror mechanisms attached.
- The smaller sensor size may allow for smaller and lighter telephoto-lens equivalents.
- The smaller flange distance, which is 20 mm, allows for easier manufacturing of wide, fast, and telephoto lenses, as well as the option to adapt nearly any photographic and cine lens ever made.
- Smaller and lighter cameras and lenses allow discretion and portability.
- The smaller sensor size gives deeper depth-of-field for the same equivalent field of view and aperture. This can be desirable in some situations, such as landscape and macro shooting.
Advantages of the electronic viewfinder
Though many DSLRs also have "live view" functionality, these function relatively poorly compared to a Micro Four Thirds electronic viewfinder (EVF), which has the following advantages:
- Real-time preview of exposure, white balance, and tone.
- Can show a low-light scene brighter than it is.
- The viewfinder can zoom into one's preview, which a mirror-based viewfinder cannot do. This is why using manual focus through a zoomed EVF is more precise than manual focus through a mirror.
- The viewfinder displays how the sensor sees the potential picture, rather than an optical view, which may differ.
- The view can appear larger than some optical viewfinders, which often have a tunnel-like view.
- Not reliant on a moving mirror and shutter, which otherwise adds noise, weight, design complexity, and cost.
- No weight or size penalty for better quality of materials and design. Optical viewfinder quality varies greatly across all DSLRs.[15]
Olympus and Panasonic approached the implementation of electronic viewfinders in two ways: the built-in EVF, and the optional hotshoe add-on EVF.
Until the introduction of the OM-D E-M5 in February, 2012, none of the Olympus designs included a built-in EVF. Olympus has four available add-on hotshoe viewfinders. The Olympus VF-1 is an optical viewfinder with an angle of view of 65 degrees, equivalent to the 17mm pancake lens field of view, and was designed primarily for the EP-1. Olympus has since introduced the high resolution VF-2 EVF,[16] and a newer, less expensive, slightly lower resolution VF-3[17] for use in all its MFT cameras after the Olympus EP-1. These EVF's not only slip into the accessory hotshoe, but also plug into a dedicated proprietary port for power and communication with Olympus cameras only. Both the VF-2 and VF-3 may also be used on high-end Olympus compact point and shoot cameras such as the Olympus XZ-1. Olympus announced the VF-4 in May 2013, along with the fourth generation PEN flagship, the E-P5.
As of mid-2011, Panasonic G and GH series cameras have built in EVF's, while two of the three GF models are able to use the add-on LVF1[18] hotshoe EVF. The LVF1 must also plug into a proprietary port built into the camera for power and communication. This proprietary port and the accessory is omitted in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 design. Similar to Olympus, the LVF1 is usable on high-end Panasonic compact point and shoot cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5.
Disadvantages of Micro Four Thirds compared to DSLRs
- The sensor is 40% smaller in area (2.0× crop factor) than the smaller-than-APS-C (1.5× crop factor, or 1.6x for Canon pseudo-APS-C) sized sensors common in other systems, and 75% smaller (i.e. a quarter of the area) than a full frame sensor (1.0× crop factor) (35 mm equivalent), which can mean lower image quality when all other variables are the same. This might include poorer color transitions and more noise at identical ISO settings, especially in low light, when compared with the larger sensors.[19]
- Contrast detect autofocus systems such as those used in Micro Four Thirds cameras were initially slower than the phase detect systems used in advanced DSLRs. This gap was eliminated with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 when shooting static subjects.[20] The tracking of subjects moving towards or away from the camera was also difficult with contrast detection, however this issue was eliminated in 2013 with the introduction of the Olympus OM-D E-M1's hybrid phase detection auto-focus system.
- Due to the absence of a mirror and prism mechanism, there is no ability to use a through-the-lens optical viewfinder. A through-the-lens electronic viewfinder, an attachable not-through-the-lens optical viewfinder (similar to a rangefinder or TLR), or the universally supplied LCD screen must be used instead.
- Theoretically, changing lenses can expose the sensor to more dust in a "mirrorless" camera design, compared to DSLRs that have both a mirror and a closed shutter protecting the sensor. Mirrorless cameras have dust-removal systems that try to minimize this problem, and in practice they experience fewer dust problems than a DSLR.[21] Many micro-four third users report never having found dust on the sensor at all.[22]
- A larger crop factor (2× multiplier versus quasi-APS-C's 1.5× ) means greater depth-of-field for the same equivalent field of view and f/stop when compared with quasi-APS-C and especially full frame cameras. This can be a disadvantage when a photographer wants to blur a background, such as when shooting portraits.[23]
- Micro Four Thirds cameras are smaller than DSLRs or quasi-APS-C cameras, and this can result in relatively poor ergonomics for bigger-handed users, while it benefits most others. This applies especially to handling, the depth of the right-hand grip, and the size and placement of buttons and dials.
- Micro Four Thirds lenses cannot be used on 35mm equivalent and APS-C cameras due to lens vignetting.
Advantages of Micro Four Thirds over compact digital cameras
- Greatly increased sensor size (5–9 times larger area) gives much better image quality, e.g. low light performance and greater dynamic range, with reduced noise.
- Interchangeable lenses allow more optical choices including niche, legacy, and future lenses.
- Shallower depth of field possible (e.g. for portraits, for bokeh...).
Disadvantages of Micro Four Thirds compared to compact digital cameras
- Increased physical size (camera and lenses are both larger due to increased sensor size);
- Extreme zoom lenses available on compacts (such as 10×-30× models) are more expensive or simply not available on large sensor cameras due to physical size, cost, and practicality considerations;
- Similarly, larger sensors and shallow depth-of-field make bundled macro capability and close focusing more difficult, often requiring separate, specialized lenses.
- Higher cost.
Popularity with adapted/legacy lenses
- Due to the short native flange distance, of the Micro Four Thirds System, the usage of adapted lenses from practically all formats has become widely popular.
- Because lenses can be used from old and abandoned camera systems, adapted lenses typically represent good value for the money.
- Adapters ranging from low-to high-quality are readily available for purchase online. Canon FD, Nikon F (G lenses require special adapters), MD/MC, Leica M, M42 Screw Mount, and C-mount Cine lenses to name a few are all easily adaptable to the Micro Four Thirds system with glassless adapters resulting in no induced loss of light or sharpness.
- Adapted lenses retain their native focal lengths but have a doubled field of view—i.e., an adapted 50mm lens is still a 50mm lens in terms of focal length but has a 100mm field of view due to the Micro Four Thirds System 2x crop factor.
- Due to the 2x crop factor of the Micro Four Thirds System however, most adapted glass from the 35mm film era and current DSLR lineups provide effective fields of view varying from normal to extreme telephoto. Wide angles are generally not practical for adapted use from both an image quality and value point of view.
- Using older adapted lenses on micro four thirds sometimes leads to a slight losses in image quality. This is the result of placing high resolution demands on the center crop of decade old 35mm lenses. Therefore, 100% crops from the lenses do not usually represent the same level of pixel-level sharpness as they would on their native formats.
- Another slight disadvantage of using adapted lenses can be size. By using a 35mm film lens, one would be using a lens that casts an image circle that is far larger than what is required by Micro Four Thirds Sensors.
- The main disadvantage of using adapted lenses however, is that focus is manual even with natively autofocus lenses. Full metering functionality is maintained however, as are some automated shooting modes (aperture priority).
- A further disadvantage shared with all systems that do not conform to the internal dimensions of the Leica mount specification is that some LM and LTM lenses with significant rear protrusions simply do not fit inside the camera body and risk damaging lens or body. An example is the Biogon type of lens.
- Overall, the ability to use adapted lenses gives Micro Four Thirds a great advantage in overall versatility and the practice has gained a somewhat cult following. Image samples can be found readily online, and in particular on the MU-43 adapted lenses forum.
Micro Four Thirds system cameras
As of Jun 2012, Olympus, Panasonic, Cosina Voigtländer, Carl Zeiss AG, Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH, Komamura Corporation, Sigma Corporation, Tamron,[24] Astrodesign,[24] Yasuhara,[25] and Blackmagic Design[26] have a commitment to the Micro Four Thirds system.
The first Micro Four Thirds system camera was Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, which was launched in Japan in October 2008.[27] In April 2009, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 with HD video recording added to it.[28]
The first Olympus model, the Olympus PEN E-P1, was shipped in July 2009. In January 2014, JK Imaging Ltd. launched its Kodak-branded model S-1.
In August 2013 SVS Vistek GmbH in Seefeld, Germany introduced the first high-speed industrial MFT lens mount camera using 4/3" sensors from Truesense Imaging, Inc (formally Kodak sensors), now part of ON Semiconductor. Their Evo "Tracer" cameras range from 1 megapixels at 147 frames per second (fps) to 8 megapixels at 22 fps.
Blackmagic design has a range of cameras made for cinematography.
Item | Model | Sensor | Electronic View Finder (EVF) | Announced |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effective) | EVF; 1.4× magnification; 1.44M dots | [29] | October 2008
2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 | 4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 14.0 MP (12.1 MP effect) |
EVF; 1.4× mag; 1.44 M dots | [30] | April 2009
3 | Olympus PEN E-P1 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | N/A | [31] | July 2009
4 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effect) | opt. EVF LVF1; 1.04× mag; 202 K dots | [32] | September 2009
5 | Olympus PEN E-P2 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [33] | November 2009
6 | Olympus PEN E-PL1 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [34] | February 2010
7 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effect) | EVF; 1.04× magnification; 202 K dots | [35] | March 2010
8 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effect) | EVF; 1.4× mag; 1.44 M dots | [36] | March 2010
9 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 | 4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 18.3 MP (16.0 MP effect) | EVF; 1.42× mag; 1.53 M dots | [37] | September 2010
10 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effect) | opt. EVF; 1.04× mag; 202 K dots | [38] | November 2010
11 | Olympus PEN E-PL1s | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [39] | November 2010
12 | Olympus PEN E-PL2 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [40] | January 2011
13 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 | 4:3, 16.6 MP (15.8 MP effect) | EVF; 1.4× mag; 1.44 M dots | [41] | May 2011
14 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effect) | N/A | [42] | June 2011
15 | Olympus PEN E-P3 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [43] | June 2011
16 | Olympus PEN E-PL3 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [44] | June 2011
17 | Olympus PEN E-PM1 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.3 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [45] | June 2011
18 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 | 4:3, 16.6 MP (16 MP effect) | opt. EVF LVF2; 1.4× mag; 1.44 M dots | [46] | November 2011
19 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 | 4:3, 16.9 MP (16.1 MP effect)[47] | EVF; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | [48] | February 2012
20 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 | 4:3, 13.1 MP (12.1 MP effect) | N/A | [49] | April 2012
21 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 | 4:3, 18.3 MP (16.1 MP effect)[50] | EVF; 1.4× mag; 1.44 M dots | [51] | July 2012
22 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 | 4:3, 17.2 MP (16.05 MP effect) | EVF; 1.34× mag; 1.7 M dots | September 2012 |
23 | Olympus PEN E-PL5 | 4:3, 16.9 MP (16.1 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | September 2012 |
24 | Olympus PEN E-PM2 | 4:3, 16.9 MP (16.1 MP effect) | opt. EVF VF-2; 1.15× mag; 1.44 M dots | September 2012 |
25 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 | 4:3, 16.9 MP (16.1 MP effect) | N/A | April 2013 |
26 | Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera | 16:9, 12.48×7.02 mm (sensor size), 1920 × 1080 (effective resolution) | N/A | April 2013 |
27 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 | 4:3, 18.3 MP (16.1 MP effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44 M dots | April 2013 |
28 | Olympus PEN E-P5 | 4:3 / 16.05 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | EVF VF-4 | May 2013 |
29 | Olympus PEN E-PL6 | 4:3 / 16.05 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | EVF VF-4 | May 2013 |
30 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 | 4:3 / 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | EVF | August 2013 |
31 | Olympus OM-D E-M1 | 4:3 / 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | 2.36 million dots EVF | September 2013 |
32 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 | 4:3 / 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | N/A | October 2013 |
33 | Kodak Pixpro S-1 | 4:3 / 16 MP (4/3 CMOS sensor) | N/A | January 2014 |
34 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | 1.44 million dots EVF | January 2014 |
35 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | 2.36 million dots EVF | February 2014 |
36 | Olympus PEN E-PL7 | 4:3, 17.2 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor; 16.1 MP effect) | opt. 2.36 million dots EVF | [52] | August 2014
37 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | 1.16 million dots EVF | September 2014 |
38 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 | 4:3, 17 MP (4/3 CMOS sensor; 16 MP effect) | N/A | [53] | January 2015
39 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 II | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | 2.36 million dots EVF | February 2015[54] |
40 | Olympus Air | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | N/A | February 2015[55] |
41 | JVC GY-LS300 4KCAM Handheld S35 mm Camcorder | Super-35 mm / 13.5 MP (CMOS sensor) | 0.24” 1.56 MP
16:9 EVF |
February 2015 |
42 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 | 4:3, 16.8 MP[56] | EVF; 1.4× mag; 2.36 M dots | May 2015 |
43 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 | 4:3, 20 MP[57] | EVF; 1.54× mag; 2.36 M dots | July 2015 |
44 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | EVF; 1.23x mag; 2.36 M dots | August 2015 |
45 | DJI Zenmuse X5 | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | N/A | September 2015 |
46 | Olympus PEN-F | 4:3, 20 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | EVF; 1.08x to 1.23x mag; 2.36 M dots | February 2016 |
47 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80/DMC-GX85/GX7 Mark II | 4:3, 16 MP (4/3 Live MOS sensor) | 2.76 million dots EVF | April 2016 |
Micro Four Thirds lenses
A promise of the Micro Four Thirds standard is reduced lens size and weight. The reduced flange focal distance of Micro Four Thirds lets most lenses be made significantly smaller and cheaper than for a traditional DSLR, because the retrofocus optical schemes can be avoided or made less extreme. Of particular interest in illustrating this fact are the Panasonic 7–14 mm ultra-wide angle (equivalent to 14–28 mm in the 35 mm film format) and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9–18 mm ultra wide-angle lens (equivalent to an 18–36 mm zoom lens in the 35 mm film format). On the telephoto end, the Panasonic 100–300 mm and Olympus 75–300 mm zooms show how small and light extreme telephotos can be made. The 300 mm focal length in Micro Four Thirds is equivalent to 600 mm focal length in more traditional full frame cameras.
When compared to a full frame camera lens providing a similar angle of view, rather than weighing a few kilograms (several pounds) and generally having an length of over 60 cm (2 ft) end to end, the optically stabilized Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100–300 mm lens weighs just 520 grams (18.3 oz), is only 126 mm (5.0 in) long, and uses a relatively petite 67 mm filter size.[58] As a point of comparison, the Nikon 600 mm f5.6 telephoto weighs 3600 grams (7.9 lb), is 516.5 mm (20.3 in) in length and uses a custom 122 mm filter.[59]
Further, both Panasonic and Olympus manufacture an adapter[60] to enable use of any Four Thirds lenses on Micro Four Thirds cameras. While many Four Thirds lenses accept firmware updates to enable contrast autofocusing, some are slow to autofocus, and some others are manual-focus-only.
Image stabilization approaches
Olympus and Panasonic approach image stabilization (IS) differently. Olympus uses sensor-shift image stabilization, which it calls IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization). IBIS stabilizes the image by shifting of the entire sensor. Panasonic uses lens-based stabilization, which it calls Mega OIS. Mega OIS stabilizes the image by shifting a small optical block within the lens. In August 2013 Panasonic also introduced a camera (Lumix DMC-GX7) featuring a built-in IBIS.
Panasonic claims that OIS is more accurate because the stabilization system can be designed for the particular optical characteristics of each lens. A disadvantage of this approach is that the OIS motor and shift mechanism must be built into each lens, making each lens physically larger, heavier and more expensive than a comparable non-OIS lens. As of mid-2011, of the available and announced Panasonic lenses, the 8 mm fisheye, 7–14 mm wide angle zoom, 14 mm prime, and 20 mm prime are not image stabilized.
Whilst none of the Olympus lenses have built-in IS, all Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras have in-camera IS, and therefore all Olympus M.Zuiko Digital lenses benefit from the camera's stabilization system. The advantage with Olympus' in-body IS is that Olympus lenses are smaller and lighter than comparable Panasonic lenses, and even vintage manual focus lenses can make use of the in-body stabilization when used with an appropriate mount adapter. This latter fact has added to interest in Micro Four Thirds cameras by many hobbyists, especially amongst users of traditional Leica or Voigtländer rangefinder cameras. Olympus introduced in 2012 a new leap forward IBIS technology: Olympus "5 Axis" IBIS system, initially only available on "OM-D" generation Olympus cameras.
Lens compactness and mount adaptability
Since most Micro-Four-Thirds lenses have neither a mechanical focussing ring nor an aperture ring, adapting these lenses for other camera mounts is impossible or compromised. A variety of companies manufacture adapters to use lenses from nearly any legacy lens mount[9] (such lenses, of course, support no automatic functions.) For the Four Third lenses that can be mounted on MFT bodies, see Four Thirds system lenses. For the Four Third lenses that support AF, see.[61] For those that support fast AF (Imager AF), see.[62]
As of November 2013, the following Micro Four Thirds system lenses, which can be used by all MFT camera bodies, except as noted, have been released or announced with availability within 3 months of announcement:
Zoom lenses
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO | 7-14mm | 14-28mm | f/2.8 | 535 | weather-sealed, 7.5 cm minimum focus distance (magnification 0.3x) |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 | 9-18mm | 18-36mm | f/4.0-5.6 | 155 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4 Asph. | 7-14mm | 14-28mm | f/4 | 300 |
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO | 12-40mm | 24-80mm | f/2.8 | 380 | weather-sealed, announced September 2013 |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ | 12-50mm | 24-100mm | f/3.5–6.3 | 210 | weather-sealed |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 150 | discontinued |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 L | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 133 | discontinued |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MSC | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 115 | discontinued |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 IIR MSC | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 115 | |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 95 | announced January 2014 |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5–5.6 Asph., Mega O.I.S.. | 12-32mm | 24-64mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 70 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 Asph., Power O.I.S. | 12-35mm | 24-70mm | f/2.8 | 305 | weather-sealed, announced 21 May 2012 |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5–5.6 Asph., Mega O.I.S. | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 165 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5–5.6 II Asph., Mega O.I.S. | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 110 | announced 29 January 2013 |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5–5.6 Asph., Power O.I.S. | 14-42mm | 28-84mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 95 | announced 26 August 2011 |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f/3.5–5.6 Asph., Mega O.I.S. | 14-45mm | 28-90mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 195 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5–5.6 Asph., Power O.I.S. | 12-60mm | 24-120mm | f/3.5–5.6 | 210 | weather-sealed, announced 24 February 2016[63] |
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO | 40-150mm | 80-300mm | f/2.8 | 880 | weather-sealed, announced September 2013 |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 | 40-150mm | 80-300mm | f/4-5.6 | 190 | discontinued, announced September 2010 |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R | 40-150mm | 80-300mm | f/4-5.6 | 190 | |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 | 75-300mm | 150-600mm | f/4.8-6.7 | 430 | discontinued |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II | 75-300mm | 150-600mm | f/4.8-6.7 | 430 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm f/2.8, Power O.I.S. | 35-100mm | 70-200mm | f/2.8 | 360 | weather-sealed, announced 17 September 2012 |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm f/4–5.6 Asph., Mega O.I.S. | 35-100mm | 70-200mm | f/4-5.6 | 135 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45–150mm f/4–5.6 Asph., Mega O.I.S. | 45-150mm | 90-300mm | f/4-5.6 | 200 | announced 18 July 2012 |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4–5.6 Asph., Power O.I.S. | 45-175mm | 90-350mm | f/4-5.6 | 210 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45–200mm f/4–5.6, Mega O.I.S. | 45-200mm | 90-400mm | f/4-5.6 | 380 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4–5.6, Mega O.I.S. | 100-300mm | 200-600mm | f/4-5.6 | 520 | |
Panasonic | Panadonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 Asph., Power O.I.S. | 100-400mm | 200-800mm | f/4.0-6.3 | 985 | weather-sealed, announced 5 January 2016[64] |
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 | 14-150mm | 28-300mm | f/4-5.6 | 280 | discontinued |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II | 14-150mm | 28-300mm | f/4-5.6 | 280 | announced 5 February 2015[65] |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 Asph. Power O.I.S. | 14-140mm | 28-280mm | f/3.5-5.6 | 265 | announced 24 April 2013.[66] |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm f/4–5.8 Mega O.I.S. | 14-140mm | 28-280mm | f/4-5.8 | 460 | discontinued |
Tamron | Tamron 14-150mm Di III VC f/3.5-5.8 Di III VC (Model C001) | 14-150mm | 28-300mm | f/3.5-5.8 | 280 | announced 29 January 2013 |
Fixed focal length lenses
On Jan 9, 2012 Sigma announced its first two lenses for Micro Four Thirds, the "30mm F2.8 EX DN and the 19mm F2.8 EX DN lenses in Micro Four Thirds mounts".[67] In a press release posted on January 26, 2012, Olympus and Panasonic jointly announced that "ASTRODESIGN, Inc., Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. and Tamron Co., Ltd. join[ed] the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group".[68] On January 26, 2012, Tokina and Tamron have indicated they would be designing lenses for the Micro 4/3 system as well.[68]
Prime lenses with autofocus
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Max. aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 | 12mm | 24mm | f/2 | 130 | [69] |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 | 17mm | 34mm | f/1.8 | 120 | |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 | 17mm | 34mm | f/2.8 | 70 | |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 | 25mm | 50mm | f/1.8 | 140 | (announced 27 January 2014) |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 | 45mm | 90mm | f/1.8 | 115 | [70] |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 | 75mm | 150mm | f/1.8 | 305 | (announced 24 May 2012) |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 PRO | 300mm | 600mm | f/4.0 | 1270[table 1] | weather-sealed, (announced 6 January 2016)[71] |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 Asph. | 14mm | 28mm | f/2.5 | 55 | discontinued |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 II Asph. | 14mm | 28mm | f/2.5 | 55 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 Asph. | 15mm | 30mm | f/1.7 | 115 | (announced 17 October 2013) |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 Asph. | 20mm | 40mm | f/1.7 | 100 | discontinued |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 II Asph. | 20mm | 40mm | f/1.7 | 87 | (announced 27 June 2013) |
Panasonic | Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 Asph. | 25mm | 50mm | f/1.4 | 200 | (announced 13 June 2011) |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 Asph. | 25mm | 50mm | f/1.7 | 125 | (announced 2 September 2015) |
Panasonic | Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 | 42.5mm | 85mm | f/1.2 | 425 | (announced 1 August 2013) |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G 42.5mm f/1.7 Asph. Power O.I.S. | 42.5mm | 85mm | f/1.7 | 130 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Sigma | Sigma 19mm f2.8 DN Art | 19mm | 38mm | f/2.8 | 140 | (announced 29 January 2013) |
Sigma | Sigma 19mm f2.8 EX DN | 19mm | 38mm | f/2.8 | 140 | discontinued [73] |
Sigma | Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN | 30mm | 60mm | f/1.4 | 264 | (announced 23 February 2016) |
Sigma | Sigma 30mm f2.8 DN Art | 30mm | 60mm | f/2.8 | 130 | (announced 29 January 2013) |
Sigma | Sigma 30mm f2.8 EX DN | 30mm | 60mm | f/2.8 | 130 | discontinued [74] |
Sigma | Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN | 60mm | 120mm | f/2.8 | 190 | (announced 29 January 2013) |
DJI | DJI 15mm F/1.7 ASPH | 15mm | 30mm | f/1.7 | 115 | (announced 11 September 2015) |
Table notes
- ↑ Without tripod collar. With tripod collar: 1475gr
Prime lenses without autofocus
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Max. aperture | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus 15mm f/8 Body Cap | 15mm | 30mm | f/8 | Fixed aperture |
Cosina Voigtländer | Cosina Voigtländer Nokton 10.5mm f/0.95 | 10.5mm | 21mm | f/0.95 | [75] |
Cosina Voigtländer | Cosina Voigtländer Nokton 17.5mm f/0.95 | 17.5mm | 35mm | f/0.95 | [76] |
Cosina Voigtländer | Cosina Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95 | 25mm | 50mm | f/0.95 | [77] |
Cosina Voigtländer | Cosina Voigtländer Nokton 42.5mm f/0.95 | 42.5mm | 85mm | f/0.95 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic Toy Lens 11mm f/1.4 | 11mm | 22mm | f/1.4 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic Toy Lens 26mm f/1.4 | 26mm | 52mm | f/1.4 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic 10mm HyperPrime CINE T2.1 | 10mm | 20mm | f/2.1 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 12mm T1.6 | 12mm | 24mm | f/1.6 | 15 cm minimum focusing distance |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic CINE 17mm T1.6 | 17mm | 34mm | f/1.6 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE II 25mm T0.95 | 25mm | 50mm | f/0.95 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic 35mm CINE Mark II T1.4 | 35mm | 70mm | f/1.4 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic 35mm f/1.7 | 35mm | 70mm | f/1.7 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 35mm T0.95 | 35mm | 70mm | f/0.95 | APS-H Leica M mount lens with adapter |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic ANAMORPHOT-CINE 35mm T2.4 | 35mm | 70mm | f/2.4 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic ANAMORPHOT-CINE 50mm T2.8 | 50mm | 100mm | f/2.8 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic HyperPrime 50mm f/0.95 | 50mm | 100mm | f/0.95 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic APO-HyperPrime 50mm T2.1 | 50mm | 100mm | f/2.1 | |
SLR Magic | SLR Magic ANAMORPHOT-CINE 70mm T4 | 70mm | 140mm | f/4 | |
Handevision | Handevision Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 | 40mm | 80mm | f/0.85 | [78] |
Jackar | Jackar Snapshooter 34mm f/1.8 | 34mm | 68mm | f/1.8 | |
Meyer Görlitz | Nocturnus 35mm f/0.95 | 35mm | 70mm | f/0.95 | |
Mitakon | Mitakon 24mm f/1.7 | 24mm | 48mm | f/1.7 | |
Mitakon | Mitakon Speedmaster 25mm f/0.95 | 25mm | 50mm | f/0.95 | |
Mitakon | Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 | 35mm | 70mm | f/0.95 | |
Mitakon | Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 | 42.5mm | 85mm | f/1.2 | |
Tokina | Tokina Reflex 300mm f/6.3 MF Macro | 300mm | 600mm | f/6.3 | |
Kowa | Kowa Prominar 8.5mm f/2.8 MFT | 8.5mm | 17mm | f/2.8 | |
Kowa | Kowa Prominar 12mm f/1.8 MFT | 12mm | 24mm | f/1.8 | |
Kowa | Kowa Prominar 25mm f/1.8 MFT | 25mm | 50mm | f/1.8 | |
Samyang | Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS | 10mm | 20mm | f/2.8 | Also sold under Rokinon brand name. |
Samyang | Samyang 12mm f/2.0 NCS CS | 12mm | 24mm | f/2.0 | Also sold under Rokinon brand name. |
Samyang | Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS | 16mm | 32mm | f/2.0 | |
Samyang | Rokinon 21mm f/1.4 | 21mm | 42mm | f/1.4 | CINE versions available. |
Samyang | Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS IF UMC | 24mm | 48mm | f/1.4 | Also sold under Rokinon brand name. |
Samyang | Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC | 35mm | 70mm | f/1.4 | Also sold under Rokinon brand name. |
Samyang | Rokinon 50mm f/1.2 | 50mm | 100mm | f/1.2 | CINE versions available. |
Samyang | Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC | 85mm | 170mm | f/1.4 | |
Samyang | Rokinon 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC | 135mm | 270mm | f/2.0 | |
Samyang | Rokinon Reflex 300mm f/6.3 ED UMC CS | 300mm | 600mm | f/6.3 | |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Prime 12mm T2.2 | 12mm | 24mm | f/2.2 | |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Prime 16mm T2.2 | 16mm | 32mm | f/2.2 | |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Prime 25mm T2.2 | 25mm | 50mm | f/2.2 | |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Prime 35mm T2.2 | 35mm | 70mm | f/2.2 | |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Prime 50mm T2.2 | 50mm | 100mm | f/2.2 | |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Prime 85mm T2.2 | 85mm | 170mm | f/2.2 | (announced 12 April 2015) |
Veydra | Veydra Mini Anamorphic 2X 25mm T2.2 | 25mm | 50mm | f/2.2 | (announced 12 April 2015) |
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Max. aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panasonic | Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 Asph. | 45mm | 90mm | f/2.8 | 225 | |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Macro 30mm f/2.8 MEGA O.I.S | 30mm | 60mm | f/2.8 | 180 | |
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro | 60mm | 120mm | f/2.8 | 185 | weather-sealed |
| | | | | |
Brand | Product Name | Focal Length | 35mm EFL | Max. aperture | Weight (gr) | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO | 8mm | 16mm | f/1.8 | 315 | weather-sealed, 2.5 cm minimum focus distance (announced 14 May 2015) |
Olympus | Olympus 9mm f/8 Fisheye Body Cap | 9mm | 18mm | f/8.0 | 30 | Fixed aperture, manual focus |
Panasonic | Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 | 8mm | 16mm | f/3.5 | 165 | [79] |
Samyang | Samyang 7.5mm f/3.5 UMC Fish-eye MFT | 7.5mm | 15mm | f/3.5 | 190 | Manual focus. Also sold under Wallimex, Bower, and Rokinon brand names[80] |
Samyang | Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fisheye CS II | 8mm | 16mm | f/3.5 | 450 | |
Samyang | Rokinon 9mm f/8.0 RMC | 9mm | 18mm | f/8.0 | 220 |
- Panasonic Lumix G 12.5mm 3D lens f/12 (35mm EFL = 65mm) when using 16:9 format on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. This lens is only compatible with newer Panasonic bodies and the Olympus OMD E-M5. Not compatible with Panasonic Lumix DMC G-1, GF-1 and GH-1. Not compatible with any Olympus PEN digital cameras.
Digiscoping lenses
- SLR Magic 12-36x50 ED spotting scope for micro four thirds f/8-25 (announced September 2011)(35mm EFL = 840-2520mm)[81]
- SLR Magic x Toy Lens Pinhole f/128 'lens' cap (announced March 2012)(35mm EFL = 12mm)[82]
- Wanderlust Pinwide f/96 - f/128 'lens' cap[83]
3D
On July 27, 2010 Panasonic has announced the development of a three-dimensional optic solution for the Micro Four Thirds system. A specially designed lens allows it to capture stereo images compatible with VIERA 3D-TV-sets and Blu-ray 3D Disc Players.[84]
See also
Notes
- ↑ "Olympus and Panasonic announce Micro Four Thirds". Digital Photography Review. 2008-08-05. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ↑ "Panasonic introduces AG-AF100" (press release). Panasonic. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Westlake, Andy. "Kodak Pixpro S-1 First Impressions Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ↑ Andrew Tarantola. "DJI unveils custom aerial Micro Four Thirds camera". Retrieved September 11, 2015.
- ↑ "No more compromises: The Four Thirds Standard". Olympus Europe. Retrieved 2007-11-09.
- ↑ Knaur (October 1, 2002). "Interview". A Digital Eye. Archived from the original on December 5, 2002.
- ↑ "Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Panasonic DMC-GH2 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- 1 2 "Adapters for Micro Four Thirds Cameras". Novoflex. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Etchells, Dave (August 5, 2008). "Micro Four Thirds system". The Imaging Resource.
- ↑ Äquivalente Brennweite, Wikibook Digitale bildgebende Verfahren, Kapitel Bildaufnahme, retrieved 17. Januar 2016
- ↑ Äquivalente Blendenzahl, Wikibook Digitale bildgebende Verfahren, Kapitel Bildaufnahme, retrieved 17. Januar 2016
- ↑ Äquivalente Lichtempfindlichkeit, Wikibook Digitale bildgebende Verfahren, Kapitel Bildaufnahme, retrieved 17. Januar 2016
- ↑ What is equivalence and why should I care?, dpreview.com, 7 July 2014, retrieved 17. January 2016
- ↑ "Optical Viewfinders (OVFs) vs. Electronic Viewfinders (EVFs)". Discover Digital Photography. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ↑ "Olympus Press Pass: Press Release". Olympus America. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Swing Into Action! Olympus Unleashes The Highly Anticipated PEN E-PL3 Camera Featuring Tilting LCD And The New VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder". Olympus America CCS Department. 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Pressroom". Panasonic USA. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Northrup, Tony (2013). Photography Buying Guide: How to Choose a Camera, Lens, Tripod, Flash & More. Waterford, CT: Mason Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-98826342-4. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
- ↑ "Olympus E-M5", Digital photography review.
- ↑ Mansurov, Nasim. "Mirrorless vs DSLR". Photography Life. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ↑ Hicks, Laura. "Migrating to Mirrorless: Death of the DSLR". Digital Camera Review. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ↑ M-Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8, Olympus.
- 1 2 Astrodesign, Olympus, 2012
- ↑ Yasuhara
- ↑ "JK Imaging, Blackmagic Design and others join Micro Four Thirds". Digital Photography Review. 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2015-06-24.
- ↑ "Panasonic Lumix G1 reviewed". Digital Photography Review.
- ↑ "Panasonic premieres DMC-GH1 with HD video recording". Digital Photography Review. 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2009-03-11.
- ↑ "Pressroom". US: Panasonic. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GH1". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Olympus E-P1 ‘digital Pen’ – in depth preview + samples". Digital Photography Review. 2009-06-16. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GF1". Lumix Digital Camera (Press Release). Panasonic Global. 2009-09-02. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Olympus launches E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera". Digital Photography Review. 2009-11-05. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Olympus unveils the affordable Pen". Digital Photography Review. 2010-02-03. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
- ↑ "DMC-G2 and DMC-G10 Released". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. 2010-03-07. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-G2 and DMC-G10 Released". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. 2010-03-07. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GH2". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GF2". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. 2010-11-04. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Pen Lite E-PL1s". Olympus. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Olympus E-PL2 announced and previewed". Digital Photography Review. 2011-06-22. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-G3". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GF3". Lumix Digital Camera (press pelease). Panasonic Global. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ ""Olympus Pen E-P3" New generation System Camera" (news release). Olympus. 2011-06-30. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "New Generation System Camera "Olympus Pen Lite E-PL3"" (News Release). Olympus. 2011-06-30. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "New Generation System Camera "Olympus Pen mini E-PM1"" (news release). Olympus. 2011-06-30. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GX1". Lumix Digital Camera. Panasonic Global. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Olympus announces OM-D E-M5 weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "The OLympus OM-D, a new generation system camera compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard" (News Release). Olympus. 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-GF5". Lumix Digital Camera (press release). Panasonic Global. 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "DMC-G5". Lumix Digital Camera. Panasonic Global. Retrieved 2013-04-24.
- ↑ "DMC-G5". Lumix Digital Camera (press pelease). Panasonic Global. 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2012-08-30.
- ↑ "Olympus Pen and the fine art of the serial selfie shoot". UK: Olympus. 2014-08-28. Retrieved 2015-01-23.
- ↑ "The Panasonic Lumix GF7: Compact, light and stylish interchangeable lens camera gives you creative freedom without cramping your style" (press release). Panasonic. 2015-01-20. Retrieved 2015-01-26.
- ↑ OM-D E-M5 II, Olympus, 2015.
- ↑ Air, Olympus, 2015.
- ↑ "DMC-G7", Lumix G compact system cameras, UK: Panasonic.
- ↑ "DMC-GX8", Lumix G compact system cameras, UK: Panasonic.
- ↑ "Digital Interchangeable Lenses". Lumix Digital Camera. Panasonic. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "600 mm f5.6 Nikkor-P Auto Telephoto Lens". MY: Mir. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "M adapter", MFT products, Four Thirds consortium.
- ↑ http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/FT-MFT_Lens_Adapter_Compatibility_EN.pdf
- ↑ http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/Imager_AF_Compatibility_Statement_EN.pdf
- ↑ "New LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. Lens (H-FS12060)". panasonic.com. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ↑ "Panasonic Launches LUMIX G 100-400mm Telephoto-Zoom, LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR Lens". panasonic.com. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
- ↑ http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2015a/nr150205zuikoede.jsp
- ↑ "Tests and reviews for the lens Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.". dxomark.com. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ↑ "Sigma announces 19mm F2.8 and 30mm F2.8 Digital Neo lenses for mirrorless systems: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- 1 2 "Tamron and Tokina join Micro Four Thirds: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Olympus America Inc. - CCS Department. "M. ED 12mm f2.0". Olympusamerica.com. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Olympus America Inc. - CCS Department. "M. ED 45mm f1.8". Olympusamerica.com. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Olympus Global. "High-performance, super-telephoto lens M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO". www.olympus-global.com. Retrieved 2016-02-26. line feed character in
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at position 39 (help) - 1 2 3 Schneider Kreuznach. "Restructuring effort at Schneider-Kreuznach bears fruit". www.pressebox.com. Retrieved 2016-02-26.
- ↑ "19mm F2.8 EX DN - Wide Angle Prime Lenses". SigmaPhoto.com. 2010-04-26. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
- ↑ "30mm F2.8 EX DN - Standard Prime Lenses". SigmaPhoto.com. 2010-04-26. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Voigtländer MFT 10,5 mm / F 0,95 Nokton". voigtlaender.com. Retrieved 2015-01-29.
- ↑ "Google Translate". Translate.google.com. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Voigtländer Nokton 0,95/25 mm MFT | photoscala". Photoscala.de. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Handevision Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 | photographyreview". Photographyreview.com. Retrieved 2015-04-30.
- ↑ "Digital Interchangeable Lenses | PRODUCTS | LUMIX | Digital Camera | Panasonic Global". Panasonic.net. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "7.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens (FE75MFT)". Rokinon.com. Retrieved 2013-09-08.
- ↑ "Blog | SLRmagic announces a new 12-36x50 ED Spotting Scope for m43". 43 Rumors. 2011-09-24. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "SLR Magic x Toy Lens Pinhole Lens AF100 GF1 GF2 GF3 G3 GH1 GH2 EPL2 EP1 EP2 EP3 | eBay". Cgi.ebay.com. 2012-04-29. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ "Pinwide". Wanderlust Cameras. Retrieved 2012-05-19.
- ↑ Panasonic announces development of world's first interchangeable 3D lens for Lumix G Micro system, Panasonic
References
- The Micro Four Thirds Standard official pages.
External links
Media related to Micro Four Thirds system cameras at Wikimedia Commons
- Complete Micro 4/3 Lens List.
- Panasonic Lumix G family of lenses
- Olympus PEN system lenses
- Cosina Voigtländer Nokton MFT mount product Page
- Noktor Hyperprime MFT mount product page
- Samyang Fisheye product page
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