Micro Four Thirds (M43) camera systems have become increasingly popular among bird photographers due to their compact size and advanced features. These cameras offer a smaller form factor than traditional DSLRs, making them easier to carry and handle in the field. Additionally, M43 cameras are known for their fast autofocus systems and excellent image stabilization, which are essential for capturing birds in flight or other fast-moving wildlife.
One of the biggest advantages of M43 cameras for bird photography
is the ability to use a wide range of lenses. Many companies offer M43-compatible lenses that are specifically designed for bird and wildlife photography, such as the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens. This lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 200-800mm and is stabilized, making it a popular choice among bird photographers.
While M43 cameras may not offer the same image quality as full-frame DSLRs, they are still capable of producing high-quality images with excellent detail and sharpness. With the right technique and equipment, bird photographers can capture stunning images of their feathered subjects using M43 camera systems.
Overview of M43 Camera Systems
Micro Four Thirds (M43) camera systems are a popular choice for bird photography due to their lightweight and compact design. These camera systems use a sensor that is smaller than full-frame DSLRs, resulting in a crop factor of 2x. This means that a 300mm lens on an M43 camera will have the same field of view as a 600mm lens on a full-frame DSLR.
What are M43 Camera Systems?
M43 camera systems are mirrorless and have an interchangeable lens system. The defining feature of M43 cameras is that they have a “four-thirds type” camera sensor, with a size of 17.3 x 13mm. This has an aspect ratio of 4:3, hence the name. The smaller sensor size allows for smaller and lighter lenses, making them a popular choice for bird photographers who need to carry their gear for long periods.
Advantages of M43 Camera Systems
M43 camera systems have several advantages for bird photography. First and foremost, they are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around in the field. They also have a fast autofocus system, which is useful for inflight shots of birds and general wildlife photography. Additionally, M43 cameras have in-camera image stabilization, touch-screen LCDs, 4K video, and many other great new tools that are useful for bird photographers.
Disadvantages of M43 Camera Systems
While M43 camera systems have many advantages, they also have some disadvantages. The smaller sensor size results in a crop factor of 2x, which can be a disadvantage for bird photographers who need to capture distant subjects. Additionally, M43 cameras may not match the image quality of full-frame DSLRs in low-light conditions. However, with the right lenses and proper technique, M43 cameras can produce high-quality images that are comparable to full-frame DSLRs.
Choosing the Right M43 Camera System for Bird Photography
Factors to Consider
When choosing an M43 camera system for bird photography, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is focal length. Birds are often small and far away, so a telephoto lens with a long focal length is essential. Look for a camera system that offers a good selection of telephoto lenses, or that is compatible with third-party lenses.
Zoom is another important factor. A zoom lens can be useful for getting closer to birds that are further away, but it may sacrifice sharpness and image quality. Consider whether you need a zoom lens or whether a fixed focal length lens would be better for your needs.
Low light performance is also important. Birds are often most active during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is low. Look for a camera system that performs well in low light, with a high ISO range and good noise reduction.
Tracking autofocus is another key feature to look for. Birds move quickly and unpredictably, so a camera system with fast and accurate autofocus is essential. Look for a system with advanced tracking autofocus features, such as face and eye detection.
Electronic viewfinders can also be helpful for bird photography. They allow you to see the image you are capturing in real-time, which can help you adjust your settings and composition on the fly.
Battery life is another important consideration. Bird photography can be a time-consuming activity, so look for a camera system with long battery life or the option to use external battery packs.
Finally, the price tag is always a consideration. M43 camera systems can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the features and quality. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when choosing a camera system.
Best M43 Camera Systems for Bird Photography
Two of the best M43 camera systems for bird photography are the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Panasonic Lumix GH5. Both offer excellent image quality, advanced autofocus systems, and a wide selection of high-quality lenses.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has a 20.4-megapixel sensor, a fast autofocus system with 121 cross-type focus points, and 5-axis image stabilization. It also has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a weather-sealed body for outdoor shooting.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 has a 20.3-megapixel sensor, a fast autofocus system with 225 focus points, and 5-axis image stabilization. It also has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a durable, weather-sealed body.
Other M43 camera systems to consider include the Panasonic Lumix G9, the Olympus PEN-F, and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Each of these systems offers unique features and benefits for bird photography, so consider your specific needs and preferences when making a choice.
Lenses for M43 Camera Systems
Telephoto Lenses for M43 Camera Systems
When it comes to bird photography, telephoto lenses are a must-have. Fortunately, there are several excellent options available for M43 camera systems. One of the most popular choices is the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens. This lens, when paired with any M43 camera, provides a stabilized telephoto lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 200-800mm. Another great option is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO Lens, which has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 600mm and is also stabilized.
Zoom Lenses for M43 Camera Systems
Zoom lenses can be a versatile choice for bird photography as they allow you to quickly adjust your focal length without having to change lenses. One of the best zoom lenses for M43 camera systems is the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. Lens. This lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 200-600mm and is also stabilized. Another great option is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Lens, which provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 80-300mm and has a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range.
Prime Lenses for M43 Camera Systems
Prime lenses are a popular choice for bird photographers as they often provide sharper images and wider apertures than zoom lenses. One of the best prime lenses for M43 camera systems is the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens. This lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 85mm and has a wide f/1.2 aperture, making it great for low-light situations. Another great option is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO Lens, which we mentioned earlier in the telephoto lens section.
Overall, M43 camera systems offer a wide range of lens options for bird photographers. Whether you prefer telephoto, zoom, or prime lenses, there are several excellent choices available. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the effective focal length (EFL) of M43 lenses is 2x that of their 35mm equivalents, so be sure to take this into account when choosing a lens for bird photography.
Accessories for M43 Camera Systems
When it comes to bird photography, having the right accessories can make all the difference. Here are some essential accessories for M43 camera systems:
Tripods and Monopods
Using a tripod or monopod can help stabilize your camera and prevent blurry shots. Look for lightweight options that are easy to carry with you on long hikes. Some popular options for M43 cameras include:
- Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod
- MeFOTO RoadTrip Air Tripod
- Oben CT-2491 Carbon Fiber Tripod
- Feisol CT-3442 Rapid Tripod
- Benro Adventure MAD49A Aluminum Monopod
Camera Bags
Protecting your camera and lenses while out in the field is crucial. Look for camera bags that are durable, weather-resistant, and have enough space for all your gear. Some popular options for M43 cameras include:
- Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack
- Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro V2.0 Backpack
- Tamrac Anvil Slim 15 Backpack
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
- Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag
Filters
Filters can help enhance your bird photography by controlling light and reducing glare. Look for filters that are specifically designed for bird photography, such as:
- Polarizing filters
- Neutral density filters
- UV filters
- Color filters
- Infrared filters
Be sure to research which filters are best for your specific camera and lens combination.
Settings for Bird Photography with M43 Camera Systems
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed is an important setting for bird photography with M43 camera systems. A fast shutter speed is essential for capturing birds in flight and freezing their motion. A good starting point for shutter speed is 1/1000th of a second, but you may need to increase it to 1/2000th or higher depending on the speed of the bird and the lighting conditions.
ISO
ISO is another important setting for bird photography with M43 camera systems. A higher ISO allows you to shoot at faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions, but it also increases the amount of digital noise in your images. It’s best to keep the ISO as low as possible while still maintaining a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the motion of the bird. A good starting point for ISO is 400, but you may need to increase it to 800 or higher in low-light conditions.
Aperture
The aperture is also an important setting for bird photography with M43 camera systems. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light into the camera and creates a shallower depth of field, which can help blur the background and isolate the bird. However, a wider aperture also means a shallower depth of field, which can make it harder to keep the bird in focus. A good starting point for the aperture is f/5.6, but you may need to adjust it depending on the lighting conditions and the desired depth of field.
White Balance
White balance is an often-overlooked setting for bird photography with M43 camera systems. It’s important to set the white balance correctly to ensure accurate color reproduction in your images. A good starting point for white balance is to use the “daylight” setting, but you may need to adjust it depending on the lighting conditions and the colors in the scene.
Examples of Bird Photography with M43 Camera Systems
M43 camera systems have been gaining popularity among bird photographers due to their lightweight, compact size, and excellent image quality. Here are some examples of bird photography captured with M43 camera systems.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a popular choice among bird photographers. Its fast autofocus system and high-speed continuous shooting mode allow photographers to capture birds in flight with ease. The camera also has a weather-sealed body, making it ideal for outdoor photography. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens is a great choice for bird photography with this camera.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is another excellent M43 camera for bird photography. Its high-resolution sensor and advanced autofocus system allows photographers to capture stunning images of birds in motion. The camera also has a rugged, weather-sealed body, making it ideal for outdoor photography. The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II lens is a great choice for bird photography with this camera.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a more affordable option for bird photographers. Despite its lower price point, the camera still offers excellent image quality and fast autofocus performance. The camera also has a compact, lightweight body, making it easy to carry around while birding. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II lens is a great choice for bird photography with this camera.
The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is another affordable option for bird photographers. The camera’s compact size and lightweight body make it easy to carry around while birding. The camera also offers excellent image quality and fast autofocus performance. The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm f/4-5.6 lens is a great choice for bird photography with this camera.
In conclusion, M43 camera systems are excellent choices for bird photographers who want a lightweight, compact camera that still offers excellent image quality and fast autofocus performance. Whether you choose the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix DC-G9, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, or Panasonic Lumix GX85, you can be sure that you will be able to capture stunning images of birds in the wild.