Where are the Affordable Micro Four Thirds Cameras?

In today’s article, I ask: Where are the new affordable Micro Four Thirds LUMIX Cameras? Since the release of the LUMIX GH7 and G9II, we need a budget option!

Welcome to my blog; my name’s Shane. In today’s video, I wanted to talk about the current Micro Four Thirds range of cameras, what I’d love to see introduced, and whether or not it’ll happen. Just know this is all speculation or conjecture, and I have zero information behind the scenes about what, if anything, is coming out. It’s simply looking at what’s available and why having a more affordable option in the M43 range might be a good idea.

Current Phase Detection LUMIX M43 Cameras

If you’re in the market for a Micro Four-Thirds camera with Phase detection autofocus, you only have two options from LUMIX—the G9II and the GH7—both are killer cameras. The OM-1 from OM System uses PDAF, but its video tools and recording modes are pretty limiting. While they are undoubtedly solid photographic cameras, it’s not something I would consider as a video shooter.

While there are currently some affordable cameras like the LUMIX G100, G85, and, to some extent, the GH5II, if you’re looking for Phase Detection Autofocus or the new in-body image stabilization system, you’re out of luck.

Currently, the G9II and GH7 are flagship cameras, which begs the question: Where are the more affordable micro Four Thirds cameras? The  G9II and GH7 are both fantastic hybrid cameras that share 95% of the same photo and video modes, but it got me thinking—maybe we need a new dedicated content creator Micro Four-Thirds camera.

How about a Panasonic LUMIX GH5III?

This question got me thinking it might be a great opportunity to upgrade the GH5II to a GH5III or even update a more affordable one using the same sensor from the G9II. When the GH5II came out, I got it for around $2295 in Australia—this made it a lot less expensive than the GH6, G9II, and GH7 at their launch price. 

Nothing in the current Lumix lineup with PDAF is more affordable. The  GH5III would be a great option for content creators or people working in a multi-camera situation filming bands or live events.

I would even be okay with a potential GH5III being a “content creator camera.” Get rid of all the Apple Pro Res video modes and make it a 4K60 10-bit 422 beast with an open gate. I say this because the original GH5 or GH5II has no active cooling, yet it never overheats. You’d also benefit from a full-size HDMI port and, hopefully, new USB-PD power delivery.

Most creators won’t use Apple ProRes to record anything, and having a new sensor, new IBIS, and better Autofocus at a lower price would be awesome. You could almost, but not quite, get two of these for every GH7. It would be great to set it up and forget it for multi-camera stuff like I do in the studio.

Live Streaming Functionality (Optional)

Knowing how many folks used the GH5II’s live-streaming function would be interesting. I only used it a handful of times, and I went back to my ATEM mini for live streaming because it’s more reliable. Let me know if you ever streamed directly from the camera if you have one.

People use an open gate, and having that in there, too, would be awesome. Even if it were capped at 30 minutes for thermal reasons, I would be fine with that. I would also be fine with having a less expensive camera that excels at 4k60p indefinite recording with all the new features. While the G9II can do all of this, it’s more expensive again, and you can make it overheat under certain scenarios. 

Again, most people wanting to get into content creation won’t need RAW or Apple ProRes codecs. It’s total overkill, and if you’re doing a gaming or podcast channel, 4k60 is plenty. One thing I would love to come to the GH5III if it ever happens, is USB-C webcam support. Mo   Sony cameras now have USB webcam connectivity – but the benefit of the Lumix one is it won’t overheat – Shots fired, haha.

A Cheaper Photo-Centric Micro Four-Thirds Camera?

Many people are also very interested in a smaller photo-centric micro four-thirds camera. There are a million videos about that online, and people want something similar to the GX85 or S9 but with an EVF. I wouldn’t put it past Panasonic to repurpose the S9 shell with a Micro Four Thirds sensor.

The G9II has almost an identical frame to the S5II and X – minus the fan. Let me know in the comments if you’re waiting for that. I would rather see a G85 or G100 update before that, but many people like the Rangefinder-style bodies.

I heard Sean on the Lumix livestream say a new dedicated photo camera with fewer video features would cost more than people might think, so it’d be interesting to see whether or not they use the S9 shell for a Micro Four-Thirds camera. If you’re unfamiliar with the body design of the S9, check out my video below. 

The benefit of using the S9 body for an M43 camera is that it would generate less heat thanks to the smaller sensor and potentially have fewer recording restrictions. The S9, for those who don’t know, has video recording restrictions in all modes with a max recording time of 20 minutes in HD, 15 mins at 4k, and only 10 mins at 6k open gate. The reason the G9II can record for so long without a fan is exactly what we just spoke about – better thermals, thanks to a smaller sensor.

Either way, there needs to be an affordable PDAF Micro Four-Thirds camera—there’s no other option than really great flagship cameras. If Panasonic could release something that is competitive with the Sony ZVE10 II and offers some advantages regarding thermals, recording modes, or IBIS, it would be a no-brainer for many people.

Final Thoughts

Let me know what you think and what you’d like to see. I put this video and post together, thinking about the stuff I shoot that clearly won’t represent everyone. If you’ve enjoyed the post, please consider subscribing to my Geeky Nerdy Techy YouTube channel. See you soon!