The Lumix GH3 in all of its Mirrorless Lens glory.
When I started out my cinema career, I didn’t know any better when it came to purchasing cameras. I looked at tons of cameras, but I really didn’t know the difference between any of them. I knew what a RED was because it was THE camera that was being talked by anyone and everyone in the film industry. I knew it was used on the first Transformers film, and to me, the movie had an aesthetic likeness that couldn’t be matched. It was 2k film at its finest.
I knew I couldn’t afford the RED, so I settled for Panasonic Lumix GH3, which was advertised as the greatest camera for Indie filmmakers. What I didn’t know was the camera had a Micro 4/3 sensor. Heck, I didn’t even know what a micro 4/3 sensor was. Experienced folks may scoff at the fact that I didn’t know what it was, but, AGAIN, I was clueless.
Her name is Scarlet, and she’s gorgeous.
Over the past year, my Lumix GH3 has given me lot of experience and has opened many doors for me. But it’s still a thorn in my side because of its micro 4/3 sensor. For those who don’t know what that is, a micro 4/3 sensor is one of the newer inventions that has made its way into the consumer market and was invented by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008.The sensor/system was created to allow better portability for the user; hence, smaller bodies and no giant mirrors in front of the sensors. The micro 4/3 lenses are all digital cameras, which have digital viewfinders, and they’re pretty cool.
The issue with the micro 4/3 sensor is the crop ratio. Because the sensor is a micro 4/3, it literally takes any normal lens and extends its length twofold. For example, a standard 35mm Nikon lens is now a 70mm Nikon lens. That extension makes a huge difference, and it’s the biggest pain in the butt ever. A 35mm lens is meant to give a human-eye’s view of an area. Now, because of the m4/3 sensor, the lens is up-close and personal. If you were planning to shoot an interior video of a house for real estate with a 35mm, you should forget about it if you have a m4/3. To get close to that 35mm view I wanted, for a reasonable price, I now need to purchase a 22mm pancake lens; it’s not going to be 35mm, but, again, it’s pretty close. Having a micro 4/3 sensor definitely makes things a little more expensive.
Can I get some syrup on that pancake lens? Yummy! What? It’s a 44mm because of the m4/3? NO!
Owning a micro 4/3 camera also means you will have to purchase adaptors for the lenses you would like to own because micro 4/3 cameras accept m4/3 lenses only, which makes sense. I, personally, am a huge fan of Nikon lenses. They are quality lenses that are durable. The same can be said about Canon lenses, which I love as well. But, I needed to purchase separate adapters, and neither of the adapters had digital connectors on them, which means I can’t tell which aperture I’m using when shooting. The only way I can tell is if there is a numbered aperture ring on the lens. Many of the lenses nowadays do not include one, so I am literally reaching for air sometimes, but I manage.
Awwwww. It’s a little adapter. So cute!
I have learned my lesson when it comes to micro 4/3 cameras. I probably will not be purchasing another one any time soon. The Lumix GH3 is a great camera, but it’s a pain in the butt because of its micro 4/3 sensor. Hopefully, you have learned something from reading this article. May you use this knowledge in the future on your next camera-shopping adventure.
