Cameras You Didn't Know Existed (Micro Four Thirds Edition)

Went down a rabbit hole and came back up with a cool micro four thirds camera and a whole list of other lesser known cameras! I thought it would be fun to explore this open system and look at which other camera brands have joined m43 since it's conception. I'm betting you don't know about them all! Am I missing any?

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Tools I use for Video:

[snappiness]

Did I miss any lesser known M43 system cameras?

[qdaniele]

Fun fact, not all cameras with MFT lens mounts have a MFT sensor.
Most cameras dedicated to video for example use sensors closer to the 16:9 aspect ratio, such as the Super-16mm of the original BlackMagic Pocket Cinema or the Super-35mm of JVC's GY-LS300 (which is actually larger than most APS-C, the camera automagically adapts to the mounted lens, being it MFT, PL or whatever else. They choose MFT simply because it's the most "open" and adaptable lens mounting system).

[christians.]

Industrial cameras can be generally used on many platforms:
- fixed
- airplanes
- satellites
…
for multiple purposes:
- quality control of parts or Food (banana still green or already brown)
- earth observation
…
In common These kind of machine vision systems, where such an industrial camera is part of, is that they have a processing unit (built in camera or a computer) which does a specialised analysis.

[StephenStrangways]

Fun fact: the Kodak Pixpro 12-45mm and Yi 12-40mm are the exact same lens, made by Asia Optical, it's just that Yi chose to have the zoom range stop 5mm sooner than JK Imaging did.

JK Imaging also made GE-branded (General Electric) cameras, and there is a GE logo image tucked away in the Kodak S-1 firmware, because they just re-used and upgraded their existing firmware for it. The S-1 sensor and IBIS mechanism, and likely the shutter as well, is identical to what was used in Olympus E-PL cameras.

[compounddavid]

I have that camera and it is fun and simple to use. Pictures with all the available lenses are very good. The biggest issue is battery availability.

[bovrilla]

I found a Yi M1 recently for 50 GBP and had to try it out. It's a fun toy, it's not going to upset my G9/GX9 but that doesn't matter much. Plus it looks vaguely like a Leica T Typ 701.

If you had to choose between a Yi M1 and a Panny GF3 or something for the same price, dive on the GF3 despite its age.

[garonkiesel]

I have the Yi M1 I purchased for a European trip a few years ago. It's the only point-and-shoot digital that I haven't sold. I currently use it with the Artisans 18mm f6.3 pancake lens. If you set the camera to focus peaking it is surprisingly easy to manually focus.

[QuicknStraight]

I had the Yi camera for a while (I live out here in Asia). You'll find the features are pretty basic, once you try and dig a bit deeper. And the kit lens had no focus ring, so manual focus trying to use the wheel was a bit of a nightmare. Image quality was ok, nothing special.

[zackwack]

The “YI” badge on the camera actually stands for “ant “ in Chinese

[wxTVTWC]

The timing for this video is perfect, just got an E-PL6 yesterday and it’s a fabulous camera. Definitely have the S-1 on my wishlist. 🤠

[thomasmacdonough]

The Yi M1 was the first m4/3 camera I purchased and it introduced me into the ecosystem. Above all else it taught me that I can't stand shooting without a viewfinder, but other than that I use almost exclusively m4/3 now so it was definitely a good gateway.

[Durio_zibethinus]

I'm from Asia. Those cameras are commonly hated due to so many bugs appeared and the hardware isn't strong enough for practical use.
Around 2017 also a golden year from big companies.
lightweight class: canon M6, M100, 200D, EM10m3, XE3, etc.
Big bois: Lumix G9, GH5, Nikon D850, Sony A9, and many more.

The timing was too brutal for newcomer.

[flagger]

The Yi M1 shoots raw DNG which is what I use as the jpg processing is not refined. Output from the Sony 20mpix sensor > my 16mp u43 cameras. Its great for manual focus lens use as the O button brings up magnified view. Replacement batteries are BMX10. The original prime from 2 lens set is actually pretty good optically and light but not small. Its a fun camera, I use an ovf and manual focus lenses with it, good as a casual walkaround or for learning. Also 6 hour time lapse.

[kalinmir]

2:20 where I work we have a camera scanning a material for marks or damage so it can be discarded instead of processed (pressed into half bearings). The signal trigger is contrast and exposure based (marks are either made by grooves or black paint in previous operations). Not sure about the sensor but the lens has an actual aperture which is odd to see.

[FierceSleepingDog]

I have all the latest Pen and OM cameras, but I have been really enjoying the E-P5. Great camera.

[golden]

I actually have a Kodak S-1! Its such a cool collectors camera, I always get asked about it when I take it out

[klausyap]

Yi M1 is a very underrated camera. People who shoot only jpg and don't update their firmware to the latest one will say it's bad, and I can't fault them. But if you shoot in raw, update the firmware, it is a good camera, especially if you calibrate the color of raw file in Lightroom using spyder checkr or x-rite colorchecker. I own this M1 along with my GX85 and E-M10 III, and from raw picture quality standpoint, not camera features like IBIS etc, the IQ is on par with the aforementioned two cameras. If you don't mind postprocessing, nothing is better for the price, or even double/triple the price, used, of course.

[stevekupris]

I had 2 Yi Mft cameras, one silver and one black. You could definitely tell it was a first gen. camera, it took pictures but that's being charitable. Sold them both off but kept the 42.5mm macro lens, takes pretty decent shots in a pinch.

[Toad_Hugger]

Woo! National Camera Exchange! Very cool place to visit if you ever get the chance. Lots of goodies that aren't always listed on their site.

[funtaril]

I believe Yi is one of those Xiaomi's sub-brands they regularly create and then pretend that those have nothing to do with Xiaomi for some reason (probably patent infringements).