Small sensor cameras, such as those using the Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds systems, remain popular among niche groups. The sensor may be small, but it offers truly exceptional image quality, making it ideal for anyone looking to switch from their phone. The cameras may be old, but they are quite good, considering the sensor they use. If you are looking for one, then here is a look at a few devices that can do it all for you.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a Four Thirds camera that features a retro design. The device has a 16MP sensor, TruePic VIII processor, and 121 AF points. There is also 5-axis image stabilization, an 8 fps burst rate, and multiple scene modes. The camera is ideal for anyone who likes to shoot in auto mode or wants to work with multiple art filters. The ergonomics are great, making you feel like you are holding on to a film camera. It is also easy to use, and can be used fully manually if you want to learn the medium. The autofocus is fast, and even in low light, we encountered no issues. The image quality is good, and you get nice colors to work with.
Panasonic G7
The Panasonic G7 features a 16MP LiveMOS sensor, can capture 4K videos at 30fps, and has ISO 25,600. There is also a focus down to -4 EV without AF lamp. The camera has a burst rate of 8fps, a 3-inch 1040K LCD, and a shutter speed up to 1/16,000. The camera feels great in your hands, and it features dials on top. There are also decent colors, thanks to Panasinc, but compared to other companies, they can be somewhat muted. The G7 is perfect for portraits, but if you want to look for landscapes, then look elsewhere. As we said in our review, “Most enthusiasts are bound to like the G7 considering that it has the GF7 sensor and the GH4 processor, but we’re not very sure how many folks will really dig the 4K photo mode.”
Olympus EPL9
The Olympus EPL9 is perfect for Four Thirds lovers, featuring 16 ‘Art Filters’, a 16MP resolution, and a TruePic VIII Processor. Users will enjoy 3-axis stabilization, sweep panorama mode, and the ability to record 4K video. The device is well-built, easy to navigate, and offers fast and accurate autofocus. The image quality is where the camera shines the best. The JPEGs are enhanced with Art Filters, allowing you to achieve the colors you like and offering a lot of versatility. “At ISO 6400, I still got incredibly clean images that I’d be more than happy to use online,” we said in the review. The EPL9 can help you bridge from phone to a camera with ease.