Travel photography is taking off. Last year’s “Travel Photographer of the Year
” showcase had more than 20,000 submissions.
And travel photographers are quickly opening up to the advantages of micro four-thirds photography.
Why? We’ve outlined the advantages of micro 4/3 as a travel camera. Read on for a quick guide to M43 travel photography.
The Difference in Micro 4/3 Travel Photography
Micro four-thirds cameras and full-frame cameras differ in a lot of ways. One big difference is the size of the sensor. M43 cameras have 50 percent smaller sensors than full-frame cameras.
This size difference affects the crop size and focal length of shots. That means an entirely different approach and new advantages for these systems. And those advantages play into travel photography well.
What to Consider in Travel Photography
First, it’s good to think about what top travel photographers generally lookout for before grabbing images. When it comes to picking out great equipment for travel photography, these are the things most experts pay most attention to:
- Aperture – Letting in light and managing darkness in different settings is a top priority
- Focal length – It lets photographers gauge how close or far a subject needs to be for good focus
- Size – Travel photographers need equipment that is mobile
- Durability – Travel can be rough, and the camera should hold up during travel
With those priorities in mind, here are some things that make M43 cameras a good fit for travel photos:
Closer with Crop Factor
Since micro four-thirds cameras have smaller sensors, they have twice the crop factor of full-frame cameras. That means putting a typical 50 mm lens on an M43 camera means the actual focal length is 100 mm.
What’s the advantage? For travel photography, it means getting more out of less bulky equipment.
This compactness comes in handy when zooming in on wildlife or other figures from a distance.
Shutter Speed
Micro four-thirds cameras can be equipped with fast shutter speeds. For instance, some Olympus cameras can snap off at 1/8000th of a second in mechanical shutter and up to a blazing 1/32000 of a second in electronic shutter mode.
For travel photography, this is especially handy when grabbing fast-moving objects. It can mean capturing things like a bird’s beating wings or the drops of a cascading waterfall.
Stealthy
Much of a travel photographer’s experience consists of capturing images in their natural state. And that means avoiding disruptions.
This advantage is much easier with micro four-thirds cameras because they tend to be less bulky. That’s because their crop factor helps smaller lenses go further.
And this also usually means they are lighter. So, these m43 systems are easier to pack, carry, and move. There is also the very welcomed bonus of being cheaper.
High Resolution
Resolution is crucial in travel photography. And it’s vital for anyone who wants to crop a shot and keep the sharpness intact.
Nearly all M43 cameras are equipped with high-resolution sensors. That makes them great for photographers who want to print off and display their adventures without blurs or pixelation.
More Tips for M43 Photography
This quick guide to micro four-thirds travel photography should point photographers in the right direction. And we have more tips and tricks for anyone interested in capturing great travel images.
Want to see what M43 photographers can capture? Check out our snapshots section here to browse through M43 photography from throughout the world.