Wildlife photographer Scott Keys set out to prove that full-frame systems outperform Micro Four Thirds in macro work — but the results surprised him. After testing the OM System OM-1 II with the M.Zuiko 90 mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO against the Nikon Z6 III with a 180 mm macro lens, he found the smaller OM System consistently delivered sharper detail and greater usable depth of field — even at f/22, where diffraction should have ruined sharpness.

Despite theoretical disadvantages from its smaller pixel pitch, the OM System somehow mitigated diffraction better than expected, producing crisp, contrasty macro images with deeper focus. The Nikon setup still offered richer files and better cropping flexibility, but in practical, real-world close-ups the Olympus/OM combo simply performed better.

Keys’s takeaway: for pure macro photography, OM System wins on portability, depth of field, and surprising image quality. For broader wildlife work and heavy cropping, full-frame still holds the edge — but for anyone focused mainly on macro subjects, the OM System may now be the smarter choice.

Kyle writes:

If you’ve been curious about the OM-System OM-3 or are looking to downsize your camera kit for travel and adventure photography, this episode of the “How It Feels” series is for you.

Over the past decade, I’ve carried cameras through places like Antarctica, the Alps, and New Zealand, but these mountains in my backyard are where it all started for me. They’re wild, raw, and endlessly inspiring. This time, I wanted to see what it feels like to film with a smaller, lighter setup – and how the OM-3 changes the experience of being out on the trail.

The OM-System OM-3 uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor, which was somewhat of a mystery to me before filming this vlog. There’s both upsides and downsides to a M43 camera. In this video, I talk about the tradeoffs of Micro Four Thirds for landscape and adventure filmmaking, the importance of weight when hiking with camera gear, and how simplifying your kit can change the way you create.

For Bokeh fanatics…here is your answer :)

In this new Fstoppers video, he compares the OM System 50-200mm f/2.8 lens on the OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds camera against a full-frame setup — the Sigma 300-600mm f/4 paired with the Sony A7 IV.

The video dives deep into whether Micro Four Thirds systems can truly compete with full-frame setups in sharpness, depth of field, and low-light performance. The new OM System 50-200mm f/2.8 offers an equivalent field of view of 100-400mm f/2.8, weighs just 2.4 lb, features IP53 weather sealing, in-lens stabilization, and an integrated Arca-Swiss tripod foot. When paired with the OM-1 body, users can achieve up to seven stops of image stabilization.

Comparing it to the Sony full-frame setup, the reviewer notes that while the full-frame camera still delivers slightly better image quality and creamier bokeh, the Micro Four Thirds system remains far more compact and enjoyable to use, especially for travel and handheld sports or wildlife photography. In field tests covering wildlife, golf, tennis, and even night pickleball, the OM-1 Mark II delivered excellent autofocus, light weight, and remarkable stabilization performance — all while costing about 40 percent less than the Sony and Sigma combination.

Ultimately, the video concludes that full-frame systems still produce marginally superior images, but Micro Four Thirds cameras like the OM-1 Mark II offer a more versatile and enjoyable shooting experience for most photographers, achieving 80–90 percent of the image quality at a fraction of the size, weight, and cost.

Gear Mentioned:
OM System OM-1 Mark II,
OM System 50-200mm f/2.8 Lens,
Sony A7 IV,
Sigma 300-600mm f/4 Lens.

MicroFourNerds’ Verdict on the Lumix GX7:

The Lumix GX7 may be old (released in 2013), but it still delivers a surprisingly enjoyable shooting experience — especially for budget-conscious photographers. It’s compact, well-designed, and packed with features like dual control dials, a tilting EVF, touchscreen, and even built-in Wi-Fi.

While its 2-axis IBIS is very limited (and doesn’t work in video), and the mechanical shutter is loud, the GX7 still shines in still photography with good image quality when handled properly. Low light performance isn’t its strength, but with the right technique, it’s absolutely usable — even impressive in some cases.

It lacks modern video capabilities (no 4K, no IBIS in video), but for under £300, it remains a fantastic, fun, vintage-style tool for photographers who appreciate great ergonomics, a retro rangefinder aesthetic, and don’t mind working within its limits.

In short: If you know its quirks and shoot accordingly, the GX7 is still a charming bargain gem.

Omar, usually a full-frame and medium format shooter, tries Micro Four Thirds (OM-3) for the first time. He’s impressed by the small size, retro design, and lens compactness. Build feels good but lacks front grip. He appreciates the OM-3’s travel-friendly setup, though it’s not ideal for one-handed use. He’s intrigued by the system’s potential and excited to explore it more.

Zach Mayfield focus of the review is the OM System OM-3 as a filmmaking tool.

The camera’s standout feature is its adjustable in-body stabilization (IBIS), which can be tuned for strength. The default IS-2 mode already delivers gimbal-like steadiness. It includes a digital teleconverter (usable in photo and video), zebra warnings, tally lights, a red recording frame, and a 1/48 shutter option for natural motion blur. Rolling-shutter performance is excellent, avoiding “jello” effects.

Essential Setup Tip
Switch the codec from H.264 (8-bit) to H.265 (10-bit C4K up to 60 fps). The H.265 footage looks dramatically better—richer color, less banding, and full-sensor readout in long-GOP mode.

Color and Log Performance
OM-Log 400 isn’t as flat as Sony S-Log3 but is easy to grade. In DaVinci Resolve there’s no direct CST, so use the official OM Log 400 → Rec.709 LUT or build a grade manually. The reviewer praises its natural skin tones, smooth highlight roll-off, and surprisingly clean image even in low light for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

Downsides
Despite being MFT, the body is larger than expected and not pocketable even with a small prime. It’s also relatively expensive—at a similar price point you could consider a capable full-frame hybrid. Still, the overall build and feature balance justify the cost for many creators.

Verdict
The OM System OM-3 is an impressive everyday hybrid: strong 10-bit video, excellent IBIS, great colors, and refined design in a compact form. Not the cheapest or smallest, but easily one of the most satisfying all-around “Everyday Cinema Carry” cameras available today.