Hello, everyone. Leo here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably obsessed with everything photography-related. Today, I want to talk about the system that-irrespective of the recent hype with bigger sensors-continues to have a sweet spot in my heart: Micro Four Thirds, and more importantly, the Panasonic Lumix GH5. Before I dive in, let me preface that this is not a “deep dive” into literally every spec. Instead, I’m going to share my experiences, thoughts, and, yes, a little bit of my passion for this often-underrated system. Is it still relevant in 2025? Let’s find out.
The Allure of Compactness and Versatility: Why M43 Still Has Its Charm
One of the biggest draws of the Micro Four Thirds system is its compact size and lightweight design. It’s more than just a marketing term; it’s a game-changer for those who cherish portability. You can walk around with an entire full-frame camera system and a bunch of lenses. All day you could be walking while traveling or shooting, that is exhausting to say the least. With M43, though, you have an extremely powerful system that fits into a much smaller bag. You will barely feel weighted down so you can get the shot.
Another unique consequence of the smaller size of M43 cameras is a different type of lens design. The lenses are mostly much smaller, which opens possibilities for incredible portability without sacrificing image quality. That is why I often reach for my M43 kit, especially when I’m going on a hike or when discretion calls. It is an enormous advantage when shooting on a busy street or working an event where you do not want to intimidate the subjects.
But don’t get me wrong, compact does not mean compromise. M43 lenses have come along way. Take the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO; that is one of the workhorse lenses for many M43 shooters, and it is minuscule compared with something like a 24-70mm f/2.8 on full frame. And the range of lenses, from ultra-wide zooms to incredible telephotos and fast primes, is staggering. It’s an ecosystem that lets you experiment and grow without breaking your back-or your bank. The flexibility is unreal, and that’s something that keeps the system up to date.
Besides the question of size, there is a system’s versatility. The 2x crop factor might be a curse for some but was a blessing in disguise for others. That does, effectively, turn your 25mm lens into a 50mm equivalent while managing to give you a much more “standard” kind of field-of-view feel. For some who love to shoot wildlife and even sports, those telephoto lenses will catch so much closer compared to a full frame using that very same length of lens without adding a whole load of additional weight.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5: A Powerhouse for Video and More
Talking of cameras, one such that speaks to the pinnacle of what the system can offer for many M43 enthusiasts would have to be the Panasonic Lumix GH5. This camera, for sure, can rightly fit into the category of being a hybrid camera-feeling as at ease either capturing stills or video. Yes, it’s an older camera, but it is a classic for a reason.
And then there is the GH5 for videographers-a living legend. It offers internal 4K recording up to 60 fps, which itself was a groundbreaking performance when it had been launched. The 10-bit recording allows for excellent color grading, while the sheer amount of video-specific features is amazing to behold. Yet, it’s not just the specs; it is the reliability along with the usability that make this camera one in demand. You can practically throw it into any kind of scenario and it will deliver, day after day. It’s that kind of camera you don’t need to be worried about, but rather focus on creativity and framing the shots.
It’s pretty great in the stills world, too. The 20.3MP sensor produces beautifully rendered images with very good dynamic range, and the autofocus, though not quite state-of-the-art, is very reliable and fast. The GH5 also features robust weather sealing, making it suitable for a wide variety of shooting conditions. From freezing winter shoots to rainy days, it can take everything that comes its way-it’s a workhorse of a camera.
Now, let’s get real for a second here-the ergonomics of the camera are just perfect. It has very logical and intuitive placement and layout of buttons, and hence, it’s pretty easy to quickly change settings and work efficiently with it. Great articulation of the screen; when you’re moving, it is not difficult to see what you shoot or film. These features combined make the GH5 an excellent all-round camera that will see service from pros and beginners alike.
Addressing the Critiques: The “Small Sensor” Myth
Okay, let’s take on the elephant in the room: the “small sensor” argument. Yes, the M43 sensor is smaller than full frame, but does it really matter as much as some make it out to be? Well, that depends on what you are doing.
With bigger sensors, the main advantages lie with low-light performance and dynamic range. This is especially true during pixel peeping or heavy adjustment during post-processing. That being said, the technology behind sensors keeps getting better. For the most everyday photography and videography, this M43 sensor does an exceptional job. It is very capable of producing sharp images with good color and dynamic range. If you are shooting in well-lit conditions, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between an M43 and a full-frame image.
And then, of course, there’s the advantages brought about by the smaller sensor. We’ve already discussed how compact the system can be and also how the 2x crop factor aids in giving reach to telephoto lenses. Then again, there are lots of just brilliant fast prime lenses available for M43 that really help mitigate those low-light limitations, such as the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 or the Olympus 17mm f/1.8.
Eventually it all comes back to knowing its limitations and strong points, and using those to your advantage. The GH5 isn’t going to be perfect in absolutely every single circumstance, but it can adapt to nearly every situation while being small, light and un-intrusive.
My Personal Experience: Why I Keep Coming Back to M43
Now, one may well ask: “Why does someone who is as serious about photography, producing as much content as I do, use a M43 system?” And my answer, quite frankly, is rather uncomplicated: simply, it works for me. It is one of the most seasoned cameras in my collection and one of the most reliable.
I love how compact it is, and the flexibility this camera gave me: it lets me acquire high-quality content in any situation while keeping all my gear light and manageable. I love that it doesn’t bind me to anything with equipment restrictions, which means I can just think about creativity and the making of images.
In particular, the GH5 remains a very valuable tool for me. Be it shooting product photos for my brand, LensClear, or filming videos for my podcast, it never lets me down. It’s a camera that I know inside and out, and I trust it to deliver the quality I need.
The M43 community itself is a pleasure, with lots of talented photographers and videographers using this system. All their knowledge, help, and tip-sharing create this experience even more pleasant and fun. That again allows very easy access to different lenses and other gear, which helps to reduce cost and gives even more people an affordable way into decent equipment.
Final Thoughts: Where the Appeal will Remain with M43
So, in 2025, does the Micro Four Thirds system matter? Of course, it does. It may not have that full-frame “wow factor,” but in those ways that matter most to most still shooters and videographers, it is exceptional: light, versatile, quality. Take the Panasonic Lumix GH5 as an example: what the system is truly capable of is packed into that robust, feature-rich housing that continues to inspire creativity.
The M43 would work for any of you who are just getting into the series or if you’re on a budget, really. It gives you most of the functionalities and capabilities at a lower price point, creating high quality with a lesser bank breaking price.
Ultimately, the best camera is one that you have with you, and the camera that inspires you to shoot-which, for many, was this M43 system and cameras like the GH5. Continuing to be the perfect companion, it’s what I’ve been working with day in and day out. It has nothing to do with keeping up with the trends but finding the right tool for the job, and for many of us, M43 remains an amazing option.
Happy shooting, all!
