I recently rented a Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8 G Vario lens from LensRentals.com so that I could show you the difference between a 70-200mm lens on a full-frame Nikon and a 35-100mm lens on a Micro Four Thirds Lumix, as well as the value of such comparisons. First of all, let’s define some things:
- Bokeh: The out of focuss-ness of the background in a photograph. Sometimes photographers use the word to describe the quality of the softness, and sometimes we use it to describe how deep the depth of field is. I’m sure this isn’t the precisely correct definition, but it’s the way the word is used around me.
- Depth of Field: This is how we talk about how much of the picture is in focus. There’s a certain slice of the world, a plane parallel to the camera’s sensor, that can be in focus. The slice has a thickness or depth, and anything within that thickness is in focus, and everything else is out of focus. Three things affect depth of field: aperture, focal length, and distance to subject. A shallow depth a field (a thin slice) comes from a wide aperture, a long lens (telephoto), and/or a close subject.
- Full-Frame: This means the sensor in the camera is the same size as negative of 35mm film. Often used to declare superiority, full-frame cameras cost more money, and so do the lenses; I guess feeling superior about my gear helps me justify the ridiculous costs (lenses cost more, too). Trouble is, buying expensive gear didn’t make my pictures any better.
- Cropped Sensor: Traditionally refers to sensors that are smaller than full frame, and usually specifically the APS-C sizes that are roughly two thirds the size of full frame. All major camera manufacturers offer many bodies in this class. They take full frame lenses, but also have product lines made specially for them.
- Mirrorless: An unfortunate name describing what a camera doesn’t have, rather than what it is. These cameras are smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts. They may or may not have a built in electronic viewfinder. These cameras are generally highly innovative, offering more features and new technology than most DSLRs.
- Micro Four Thirds, MFT, M4/3: A class of mirrorless camera that is advantageous because it’s an open format–any MFT lens fits and works on any MFT camera (DSLRs require proprietary lens mounts). The cropped sensor is about half the size of a full-frame sensor. The bodies and lenses are incredibly lightweight, and far less expensive for similar features than other professional cameras. Why’s it call micro four thirds? There are a bunch of complicated answers, but one simple thing is that the sensor dimensions have a 4 to 3 ratio (4/3). DSLR’s all have a 2 to 3 ratio (2/3). This means the MFT pictures are a little taller than the wide 2/3 pictures.
Since my Lumix sensor is MFT sized, it’s half the size of my full-frame sensor. That means that a lens that’s half as telephoto yields a similar view. That’s why I’m comparing the 70-200mm with the 35-100mm–they give similar views on the two different cameras. They both have big apertures, f/2.8, and they both have excellent stabilization, so they are very comparable lenses, and when you switch from a full frame DSLR to an MFT mirrorless camera, this is the big question: are my pictures the same?
Let’s take a look. For these images, I shot first with one camera, and then the other and tried to maintain similar framing. Keeping that framing is really tough, but I think we’ll get the point here. Since we’re examining bokeh, I zoomed to the maximum on both lenses for each photograph. (Sorry about some of the lighting changes; we were working with sunlight and clouds.)
Examining the background, you’ll see that the bricks behind the woman’s head are definitely less distinct in the top image, which is the full-frame shot. The top step is also a good comparison spot. The bricks in the far background are more distinct in the second MFT image, but I think the horizontal lines are equally visible in the full-frame image, but because of the light change they are less contrasty.
For these two, the light didn’t change, and since I stood in the same spot, they are a very good comparison. The top image’s bricks are softer, and the back of the bench is less distinct, as well. However, my model looks great in both, and one advantage to having less shallow depth of field is that more of my subject is in focus. If the camera focuses on the far eye, both eyes may still be in focus instead of the near one being soft (Hint: in portraits, focus on the eye nearest the camera).
Moving in closer, now. Obviously I ended up a little closer with the GH4…which is easy since it’ll focus as close as 2.8 feet, whereas the 70-200mm can’t get closer than 4 feet! Things look great in both images, though, of course, the full-frame image has a slightly softer bokeh.
These are the two lenses side by side. The 35-100mm is smaller than a can of Coke and weighs just 12.7 ounces. The 70-200mm is enormous and weighs 54.24 ounces, not to mention the difference in weights of the camera bodies, too. At the end of a shoot with the 35-100mm I feel fresh and ready to go shoot some more; with the 70-200mm I feel like I’ve been doing bicep curls for an hour.
Verdict
Softer bokeh doesn’t make you a better photographer. Yes, the depth of field is shallower on the full-frame camera when you make a similarly framed picture. And yes, the full-frame camera and lens do cost $2000 more than the MFT setup. I hope you don’t have the same assumptions that I did when I bought a full frame camera–that full-frame would make my pictures better, ’cause it’s just not accurate.
I have two suggestions for everyone reading this blog.
- Rent an MFT camera, like the GH4, or GX7, or EM-1 and give MFT a try
- Take the $2000 you’ll save on gear (or get for selling it) and do something that really will improve your photography, like coming to Photoshop World.
If you’re really stuck on shallow depth of field, then while your at LensRentals snatch up the Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 and watch all your wildest dreams come true.
Anybody wanna buy a bunch of Nikon gear…?
This isn’t a close comparison since the focal length of the lens is what determines the DOF and not the field that the camera has through that lens.
What’s difficult about smaller sensors is that if you have a lens with the same focal length you have to stand significantly further away from the subject to achieve the same field of view. Which means that you can’t always get the same photo due to limitations in your environment.
Alex, you’re right about focal length affecting DOF…which is exactly what I said above. This is a perfect comparison because the two lenses give me a very similar field of view. What I see in the viewfinder is what makes a picture. Pictures aren’t defined by what’s out of focus. We get the same photo with these two lenses, though they have different field of focus.
I’d love to see a comparison with the Sony FE 70-200 even though it is f4.
Great idea! The reason I haven’t gone for the Sony system myself is that it’s not really very much different from my Nikon. Since the sensors are large, the lenses also remain large and necessarily heavy and costly. On the Panasonic I get a similar kit at a fraction of the weight and COST.
I totally get that. I was looking to upgrade to full frame and was a relatively new photographer, so not heavily invested in a system of DSLR lenses. I went from the larger Sony a57 with alpha lenses to the smaller form factor of the a7 with a larger sensor for the landscape and HDR work I do. I will say that the lenses seem significantly smaller and lighter than the alpha mount lenses, but I definitely see the appeal of the super tiny lenses of the micro 4/3 systems. I’m renting the sony fe 70-200 from lens rentals for… Read more »
Oh, that sounds like fun! Have fun at the Con, and thanks for using LensRentals.
1. Photographers make images – NOT cameras.
2. You should have also looked at foreground bokeh…
3. I keep wondering why the inter-webs keep trying to sell me on MFT.
4. Finally, any entry level DSLR on average, still out-performs MFT by a long shot ( i.e. a D610 + 85mm f1.8 = affordable, pro quality images you can make a living with ).
1. That’s right. That’s why I’m sharing my journey of eliminating my worries about needing a big camera. This comparison is a significant part of that journey. 2. Foreground bokeh is rarely a part of my compositions, but it will be similarly related as the background bokeh. 3. I don’t know about the rest of the inter webs, but as for me, I’m trying to sell you on MFT for two reasons: First, I’ve made a big change and a big gamble, and misery loves company. I need some social proof for myself, and maybe I can lend some to… Read more »
In some European countries people can also rent an Olympus camera and/or lens for up to 3 days for free. They’re running a campaign here called “Test & WOW” since a couple of months. It’s a good chance to give it a try and in my opinion a nice way of marketing more companies should do.
https://wow.olympus.eu/GB_en/index.html (you can switch the language/country in the top right)
What a great idea! It’s that same kind of thinking that is making the cameras themselves so feature Rich and valuable.
What Nikon gear are you looking to sell?
Great question, Bruce. Today my 70-200mm sold, as did my 14-24mm. I’ve got the 105 listed, and a D7100 to let go too.
One thing that you didn’t mention is that the MFT will have more digital noise than the full-frame. Opening the images at 100% should make this even more obvious.
It will only have more noise if shooting in low light at high ISOs. A smaller sensor doesn’t automatically mean more noise.
John, this article is about Bokeh comparisons between similar lenses. There are a lot of things I didn’t mention that are different from DSLRs. The sensor, the camera’s processor, the way you shoot, and the way you finish an image all affect the visible noise. Like I’ve said above, I make my living using these cameras, and that includes shooting at ISO’s of 3200+. I wouldn’t recommend this to you if I didn’t know it could get the job done.
There are cameras that perform better at some things than others. The GH4 is an excellent camera for most situations.
Here are some tips for minimizing noise with whatever camera you use: http://bit.ly/101XRBd
I think you did a great job of starting conversation and/or possibly helping someone else who is on the fence or curious. This is the first review I’ve found for what I was looking for…bokeh comparison at the same distance from subject and same field of view. I’ll do some of my own comparisons BEFORE I sell my Canon gear, which I have loved, but this was a good start. Got more interested in MFT after purchasing an Oly em10 for my son this summer, and the fact that my Canon body and 70-200mm 2.8 (shoulda stuck with the f4)… Read more »
@John: funny thing about the m43 “noise”: it is only really apparent in under exposed portions of the frame: hence it’s really just another tool to separate my subject from the background as I tend to under expose my backgrounds to make my subjects POP. I am rather pleased with this quality from my gh-3 and turn up my iso on purpose to add noise(grain) to the background.And rarely do people view my images at 1,2 or 300% on screens or in printed hardcover books.
Good call, Moto! I’ve not considered noise as a separation tool before. You’ve given something to think about…
Lovely. Great composition!
Thanks, Robyn!
enjoyable read :) Great job Levi!
Thanks, Shanda!
Since I shoot architecture and sports, unfortunately MFT doesn’t provide any relief for me. I’d LOVE to be carrying smaller, lighter cameras and lenses up and down the field and around the buildings I shoot. But keys for me are fast auto focus, focus tracking and tilt/shift lenses. I’ll be waiting though ;)
The autofocus is actually as fast or faster….
The autofocus may be, but the subject tracking is nowhere near what my Canon 1DX can do for sports like football, basketball and tennis.
Have you tested or are you just assuming?
I’ve used both mft and 1dx and it’s no contest. When I’m shooting sports, I can’t afford to miss because of a tracking error.
Okay.. glad to see your open minded. I’m finding that the mirror less cameras keep excelling here. I’ve got to tell you though the speed in which they can shoot and the silent shooting modes (truly silent) make them winners for many of my shooting scenarios.
I’ve seen them used at a few PGA events for around the green. Autofocus isn’t a big deal for golf and I’m sure the caddies are happy not hearing the shutter clicks.
Regarding Tilt Shift, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Unfortunately, there are not yet any MFT tilt shift lenses. However, using an adapter with lens, like the Metabones Speedbooster, you can use your canon TS lens. It will be a cropped view on MFT but less cropped than on APS-C, and you’ll gain a stop of brightness. I do hope to see an MFT tilt shift. In the meantime, I’m rocking the 7-14mm.
You lose a bit of the image in crop if you do a significant shift with the tilt/shift lens. I wonder how much more you might lose with the adapter & crop sensor.
Sounds like a worthwhile test! I’ll have to talk to LensRentals about making that happen… Thanks, Scott!
You forgot about option #3 my platform.
APS-C or Super35.
The ideal compromise and ideal for film.
Thanks!
As I said on Facebook, too: Mahmoud, it’s true I didn’t address APS-C; my transition was from full frame to MFT, and in the stills world full frame 35mm is the standard everyone measures against. Full frame vs APS-C is well discussed elsewhere, so I focused on the extremes.
This is a great side by side comparison. I am so happy I switched from DX to an FX sensor now. This MFT vs FX just shows how drastic the difference is in a photo based on lens choice and sensor size. While a photo isn’t defined by what is out of focus, what is out of focus helps direct the viewer’s eye. Japanese art isn’t defined by the large empty space they tend to leave on the page either, but it does make a difference when an artist chooses to use negative space. Same thing applies to bokeh.
Right on, Chris. I used to be one who verged on making bokeh the subject, but over the years I’ve learned to compose more thoughtfully, and have found that I’m usually stopping down a couple of stops so that i have more in focus. For my evolving style, this smaller system works.
Also, Since writing this article, I’ve bought the Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 lens…so I can have my cake and eat it too :)
“Cameras don’t take pictures. People do.” Lev’is taken a gamble here and, of course, there are trade-offs, as with anything in life. One of the biggest ones is weight which any of us shooting full frame cameras can relate to. I have a place for my D800 and 85mm ƒ1.4 lens which is when people are paying me to use it. Other times, I have one of those ‘mirror-less’ cameras – a Nikon P7700 – on my hip and love its compact size and light weight. Another things to consider is what you’re doing with your images. If you are… Read more »
As always, Bob, you’re right on! Regarding resolution, though, my GH4 has a similar resolution to the D4, so I’m really not bad there; I’ve sold very fine 30×40’s off a 12mpxl sensor, as well. But, as you say, the want for lighter and cheaper gear has been my push. I think I have an answer for perceptions, though. When I show up on set with a small MFT camera, and they say, “Where’s the DSLR?” maybe I’ll say, “Oh, I used to those–they’re terrific–same style my uncle used in the Korean War. This is, however, is the latest technology…”… Read more »
Instead of vague generalizations about the difference in depth of field and bokeh, why not say what the difference actually is, so people can decide which is best for them. These two setups will give you the same picture if shot from the same place: MFT, 50mm lens, f2.8, ISO 100 FF, 100mm lens, f5.6, ISO 400 “Same picture” means same field of view (except for 4:3 vs 3:2), same depth of field and bokeh, same noise. Of course this assume both sensors are of the same current technology, and the pictures are viewed at the same size. So when… Read more »
Sherman, those are terrific numbers, and I appreciate you sharing them; but not everyone responds well to numbers. For this demonstration, I chose to the show the difference, instead. Also, I’m no longer considering depth of field for my “same picture” definition. For too long, bokeh has been a subject of my images, and I realize now that that was a mistake. With the images above, I hope to impress that we don’t need the biggest apertures to make a good photograph. Creating a good portrait starts and ends with the people, and the bokeh simply serves to help separate… Read more »
each focal length has a different magnification.
How is it that 200mm shows LESS magnification than 100mm ?
See the comparison shots.
you should measure distance
instead of relying on visual to maintain image crop.
Since you are on 2 different cameras, you could set them up one behind the other.
( assuming you have 2 tripods )
btw, try testing 24mm f1.8 full frame and MFT of the equivalent.
Thats where it all breaks down. There is NOTHING in the arsenal of MFT
that can compare to that.
Maximme, I didn’t rely on visual to get a similar crop; I stood in the same place with the two setups–basically what you suggested with two tripods. It’s not that the 200mm has less magnification; it’s that it’s projecting onto a bigger sensor, so filling that sensor with 200mm requires you to stand closer than with 100mm on the MFT. Considering the DOF of 24mm f/1.8, we’d be using a 12mm lens with an aperture wider than f/0.95, so you’re right, there’s nothing that compares for the depth of field. My question is…why do I need so little DOF on… Read more »
Explaining the pictures 5 and 6 you mentioned, that you might have been a little closer with the GH4 as it can focus closer …
The Nikon f 2,8 / 70-200mm VR II doesn’t keep it’s focal length the closer you focus. Being set to the 200 mm mark, the focal length shortens (internally) to around 135 mm at closest distance. Not being able to move any closer, you get less magnification with this lens. True 200 mm would give an even shallower DOF. – The Nikon f 4 / 70-200mm is a comfortable alternative to the pricey double weight.
Levi,
Do you know of any weather sealed mirrorless camera that have an available 105-200mm macro lens?
GH4 and EM1 are both weather sealed
Fortunately, Joel, any Micro 4/3 lens will work on any camera. So, if you find the length you want from whatever brand, it’ll work on whichever body you want. Check out the youtube videos of people bathing with their MFT cameras to show how well sealed they are!
Am I the only person that can seen the narrower tonal range of white, grey and black in the images from the MFT as compared to Nikon?
I don’t see a substantial difference
Joel, I haven’t noticed, either. I think it was DPreview that showed greater dynamic range than the Canon 5D MkIII. It depends, too, on which Nikon ;)
Hi , I am learning more about equivalence – In THEORY A picture shot with Full Frame using the following settings F2.8, 1/320 , 200mm, ISO 200 would need F2.8, 1/320, 100mm, ISO 800 in M43 to collect the same amount of total light I am not sure what were the lighting conditions where you took these photos – Did you notice the M43 pictures being darker and bumped it in Post processing? I own a GX7 and have been playing around comparing the settings to a light meter and this is what I am seeing. If shutter speed and… Read more »
Boosting the ISO is much easier to do these days on newer sensors.
Hi, I am just trying to decide which way to go m43 or Sony A7 and your article is very helpful here. But there one thing I would like to see here. You compare images taken with the same aperture but on m43 it is possible to use faster lens, what would be the result than? In first image from Nikon DoF is just perfect.
Kumar: I don’t know where you are seeing the discrepancy between a hand held light meter and the m43 exposure. I haven’t experienced it. There are no “format” settings on any hand held light meters I’ve ever used. If the whole “total light” thing (myth) was real; we would have seen it in the film days going from large or medium format to 35mm film cameras. . There’re no exposure compensations (adjustments) going from 35mm to 6x7or 4×5″ film! Hence the larger film ( sensor) area has no effect on proper exposure. There’s a compensation for “bellows extension factor” in… Read more »
so depth of field is shallower with the 70-200mm, but what about light performance? does each lens at same settings look equally bright?
…Mft lens at 100mm(everything else the same) vs FF lens at 200mm? both equally bright or do you have to up the ISO on the MFT to get it to match the brightness of the FF?
so depth of field is shallower with the 70-200mm, but what about light performance? does each lens at same settings look equally bright?
…Mft lens at 100mm(everything else the same) vs FF lens at 200mm? both equally bright or do you have to up the ISO on the MFT to get it to match the brightness of the FF?
Hi , I am learning more about equivalence – In THEORY A picture shot with Full Frame using the following settings F2.8, 1/320 , 200mm, ISO 200 would need F2.8, 1/320, 100mm, ISO 800 in M43 to collect the same amount of total light I am not sure what were the lighting conditions where you took these photos – Did you notice the M43 pictures being darker and bumped it in Post processing? I own a GX7 and have been playing around comparing the settings to a light meter and this is what I am seeing. If shutter speed and… Read more »
Boosting the ISO is much easier to do these days on newer sensors.
Kumar: I don’t know where you are seeing the discrepancy between a hand held light meter and the m43 exposure. I haven’t experienced it. There are no “format” settings on any hand held light meters I’ve ever used. If the whole “total light” thing (myth) was real; we would have seen it in the film days going from large or medium format to 35mm film cameras. . There’re no exposure compensations (adjustments) going from 35mm to 6x7or 4×5″ film! Hence the larger film ( sensor) area has no effect on proper exposure. There’s a compensation for “bellows extension factor” in… Read more »
I’d love to see a comparison with the Sony FE 70-200 even though it is f4.
Great idea! The reason I haven’t gone for the Sony system myself is that it’s not really very much different from my Nikon. Since the sensors are large, the lenses also remain large and necessarily heavy and costly. On the Panasonic I get a similar kit at a fraction of the weight and COST.
I totally get that. I was looking to upgrade to full frame and was a relatively new photographer, so not heavily invested in a system of DSLR lenses. I went from the larger Sony a57 with alpha lenses to the smaller form factor of the a7 with a larger sensor for the landscape and HDR work I do. I will say that the lenses seem significantly smaller and lighter than the alpha mount lenses, but I definitely see the appeal of the super tiny lenses of the micro 4/3 systems. I’m renting the sony fe 70-200 from lens rentals for… Read more »
Oh, that sounds like fun! Have fun at the Con, and thanks for using LensRentals.
In some European countries people can also rent an Olympus camera and/or lens for up to 3 days for free. They’re running a campaign here called “Test & WOW” since a couple of months. It’s a good chance to give it a try and in my opinion a nice way of marketing more companies should do.
https://wow.olympus.eu/GB_en/index.html (you can switch the language/country in the top right)
What a great idea! It’s that same kind of thinking that is making the cameras themselves so feature Rich and valuable.
1. Photographers make images – NOT cameras.
2. You should have also looked at foreground bokeh…
3. I keep wondering why the inter-webs keep trying to sell me on MFT.
4. Finally, any entry level DSLR on average, still out-performs MFT by a long shot ( i.e. a D610 + 85mm f1.8 = affordable, pro quality images you can make a living with ).
1. That’s right. That’s why I’m sharing my journey of eliminating my worries about needing a big camera. This comparison is a significant part of that journey. 2. Foreground bokeh is rarely a part of my compositions, but it will be similarly related as the background bokeh. 3. I don’t know about the rest of the inter webs, but as for me, I’m trying to sell you on MFT for two reasons: First, I’ve made a big change and a big gamble, and misery loves company. I need some social proof for myself, and maybe I can lend some to… Read more »
This isn’t a close comparison since the focal length of the lens is what determines the DOF and not the field that the camera has through that lens.
What’s difficult about smaller sensors is that if you have a lens with the same focal length you have to stand significantly further away from the subject to achieve the same field of view. Which means that you can’t always get the same photo due to limitations in your environment.
Alex, you’re right about focal length affecting DOF…which is exactly what I said above. This is a perfect comparison because the two lenses give me a very similar field of view. What I see in the viewfinder is what makes a picture. Pictures aren’t defined by what’s out of focus. We get the same photo with these two lenses, though they have different field of focus.
What Nikon gear are you looking to sell?
One thing that you didn’t mention is that the MFT will have more digital noise than the full-frame. Opening the images at 100% should make this even more obvious.
It will only have more noise if shooting in low light at high ISOs. A smaller sensor doesn’t automatically mean more noise.
John, this article is about Bokeh comparisons between similar lenses. There are a lot of things I didn’t mention that are different from DSLRs. The sensor, the camera’s processor, the way you shoot, and the way you finish an image all affect the visible noise. Like I’ve said above, I make my living using these cameras, and that includes shooting at ISO’s of 3200+. I wouldn’t recommend this to you if I didn’t know it could get the job done.
There are cameras that perform better at some things than others. The GH4 is an excellent camera for most situations.
I think you did a great job of starting conversation and/or possibly helping someone else who is on the fence or curious. This is the first review I’ve found for what I was looking for…bokeh comparison at the same distance from subject and same field of view. I’ll do some of my own comparisons BEFORE I sell my Canon gear, which I have loved, but this was a good start. Got more interested in MFT after purchasing an Oly em10 for my son this summer, and the fact that my Canon body and 70-200mm 2.8 (shoulda stuck with the f4)… Read more »
Here are some tips for minimizing noise with whatever camera you use: http://bit.ly/101XRBd
@John: funny thing about the m43 “noise”: it is only really apparent in under exposed portions of the frame: hence it’s really just another tool to separate my subject from the background as I tend to under expose my backgrounds to make my subjects POP. I am rather pleased with this quality from my gh-3 and turn up my iso on purpose to add noise(grain) to the background.And rarely do people view my images at 1,2 or 300% on screens or in printed hardcover books.
Good call, Moto! I’ve not considered noise as a separation tool before. You’ve given something to think about…
Lovely. Great composition!
Thanks, Robyn!
enjoyable read :) Great job Levi!
Thanks, Shanda!
Since I shoot architecture and sports, unfortunately MFT doesn’t provide any relief for me. I’d LOVE to be carrying smaller, lighter cameras and lenses up and down the field and around the buildings I shoot. But keys for me are fast auto focus, focus tracking and tilt/shift lenses. I’ll be waiting though ;)
Regarding Tilt Shift, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Unfortunately, there are not yet any MFT tilt shift lenses. However, using an adapter with lens, like the Metabones Speedbooster, you can use your canon TS lens. It will be a cropped view on MFT but less cropped than on APS-C, and you’ll gain a stop of brightness. I do hope to see an MFT tilt shift. In the meantime, I’m rocking the 7-14mm.
You lose a bit of the image in crop if you do a significant shift with the tilt/shift lens. I wonder how much more you might lose with the adapter & crop sensor.
Sounds like a worthwhile test! I’ll have to talk to LensRentals about making that happen… Thanks, Scott!
The autofocus is actually as fast or faster….
The autofocus may be, but the subject tracking is nowhere near what my Canon 1DX can do for sports like football, basketball and tennis.
Have you tested or are you just assuming?
I’ve used both mft and 1dx and it’s no contest. When I’m shooting sports, I can’t afford to miss because of a tracking error.
Okay.. glad to see your open minded. I’m finding that the mirror less cameras keep excelling here. I’ve got to tell you though the speed in which they can shoot and the silent shooting modes (truly silent) make them winners for many of my shooting scenarios.
You forgot about option #3 my platform.
APS-C or Super35.
The ideal compromise and ideal for film.
Thanks!
As I said on Facebook, too: Mahmoud, it’s true I didn’t address APS-C; my transition was from full frame to MFT, and in the stills world full frame 35mm is the standard everyone measures against. Full frame vs APS-C is well discussed elsewhere, so I focused on the extremes.
This is a great side by side comparison. I am so happy I switched from DX to an FX sensor now. This MFT vs FX just shows how drastic the difference is in a photo based on lens choice and sensor size. While a photo isn’t defined by what is out of focus, what is out of focus helps direct the viewer’s eye. Japanese art isn’t defined by the large empty space they tend to leave on the page either, but it does make a difference when an artist chooses to use negative space. Same thing applies to bokeh.
Right on, Chris. I used to be one who verged on making bokeh the subject, but over the years I’ve learned to compose more thoughtfully, and have found that I’m usually stopping down a couple of stops so that i have more in focus. For my evolving style, this smaller system works.
Also, Since writing this article, I’ve bought the Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 lens…so I can have my cake and eat it too :)
“Cameras don’t take pictures. People do.” Lev’is taken a gamble here and, of course, there are trade-offs, as with anything in life. One of the biggest ones is weight which any of us shooting full frame cameras can relate to. I have a place for my D800 and 85mm ƒ1.4 lens which is when people are paying me to use it. Other times, I have one of those ‘mirror-less’ cameras – a Nikon P7700 – on my hip and love its compact size and light weight. Another things to consider is what you’re doing with your images. If you are… Read more »
As always, Bob, you’re right on! Regarding resolution, though, my GH4 has a similar resolution to the D4, so I’m really not bad there; I’ve sold very fine 30×40’s off a 12mpxl sensor, as well. But, as you say, the want for lighter and cheaper gear has been my push. I think I have an answer for perceptions, though. When I show up on set with a small MFT camera, and they say, “Where’s the DSLR?” maybe I’ll say, “Oh, I used to those–they’re terrific–same style my uncle used in the Korean War. This is, however, is the latest technology…”… Read more »
Great question, Bruce. Today my 70-200mm sold, as did my 14-24mm. I’ve got the 105 listed, and a D7100 to let go too.
Instead of vague generalizations about the difference in depth of field and bokeh, why not say what the difference actually is, so people can decide which is best for them. These two setups will give you the same picture if shot from the same place: MFT, 50mm lens, f2.8, ISO 100 FF, 100mm lens, f5.6, ISO 400 “Same picture” means same field of view (except for 4:3 vs 3:2), same depth of field and bokeh, same noise. Of course this assume both sensors are of the same current technology, and the pictures are viewed at the same size. So when… Read more »
Sherman, those are terrific numbers, and I appreciate you sharing them; but not everyone responds well to numbers. For this demonstration, I chose to the show the difference, instead. Also, I’m no longer considering depth of field for my “same picture” definition. For too long, bokeh has been a subject of my images, and I realize now that that was a mistake. With the images above, I hope to impress that we don’t need the biggest apertures to make a good photograph. Creating a good portrait starts and ends with the people, and the bokeh simply serves to help separate… Read more »
each focal length has a different magnification.
How is it that 200mm shows LESS magnification than 100mm ?
See the comparison shots.
you should measure distance
instead of relying on visual to maintain image crop.
Since you are on 2 different cameras, you could set them up one behind the other.
( assuming you have 2 tripods )
btw, try testing 24mm f1.8 full frame and MFT of the equivalent.
Thats where it all breaks down. There is NOTHING in the arsenal of MFT
that can compare to that.
Maximme, I didn’t rely on visual to get a similar crop; I stood in the same place with the two setups–basically what you suggested with two tripods. It’s not that the 200mm has less magnification; it’s that it’s projecting onto a bigger sensor, so filling that sensor with 200mm requires you to stand closer than with 100mm on the MFT. Considering the DOF of 24mm f/1.8, we’d be using a 12mm lens with an aperture wider than f/0.95, so you’re right, there’s nothing that compares for the depth of field. My question is…why do I need so little DOF on… Read more »
Explaining the pictures 5 and 6 you mentioned, that you might have been a little closer with the GH4 as it can focus closer …
The Nikon f 2,8 / 70-200mm VR II doesn’t keep it’s focal length the closer you focus. Being set to the 200 mm mark, the focal length shortens (internally) to around 135 mm at closest distance. Not being able to move any closer, you get less magnification with this lens. True 200 mm would give an even shallower DOF. – The Nikon f 4 / 70-200mm is a comfortable alternative to the pricey double weight.
Hi, I am just trying to decide which way to go m43 or Sony A7 and your article is very helpful here. But there one thing I would like to see here. You compare images taken with the same aperture but on m43 it is possible to use faster lens, what would be the result than? In first image from Nikon DoF is just perfect.
Levi,
Do you know of any weather sealed mirrorless camera that have an available 105-200mm macro lens?
Fortunately, Joel, any Micro 4/3 lens will work on any camera. So, if you find the length you want from whatever brand, it’ll work on whichever body you want. Check out the youtube videos of people bathing with their MFT cameras to show how well sealed they are!
GH4 and EM1 are both weather sealed
Am I the only person that can seen the narrower tonal range of white, grey and black in the images from the MFT as compared to Nikon?
Joel, I haven’t noticed, either. I think it was DPreview that showed greater dynamic range than the Canon 5D MkIII. It depends, too, on which Nikon ;)
I don’t see a substantial difference