Best Micro 4/3 Camera in 2026: 10 Top Micro Four Thirds Cameras

In today’s guide, we take a deep-dive into the best micro 4 3 camera on the market. So if you’re looking for a micro four-thirds camera, then this is the guide you need to read.

For a few years, DSLR cameras were all the rage. When they came out, DSLRs were the peak of digital photography. That is until mirrorless came and gave them a run for their money.

These two types of cameras are what you’ll have recommended to you as you transition to professional photography. There is, however, a third, less known option that could do wonders for the right person. Today we’re looking at Micro 4/3 cameras.

Today we’ll look at how they differ from other cameras and what areas they excel in which will help you decide if they are for you.

With that said, let’s look at some of the best 4/3 cameras on the market.

Best Micro Four Thirds Cameras

Let’s jump right in and start the list off with a legendary camera!

Micro 4/3 vs The Rest

Quick pick guide

Need the smallest interchangeable-lens kit?

Yes

Micro 4/3 is the right mount - stay on this list.

No

Look at full-frame or APS-C mirrorless instead

Run-and-gun video / IBIS

Hybrid bodiesGH5 / GH6 / G9

Sports / wildlife burst

Fast AF + gripOM-D E-M1X / E-M1 Mark III

Still-first, compact body

Travel-friendly lineGX9 / PEN-F

You trade some low-light headroom for size, lens cost, and reach. If those three matter more than a full-frame sensor, stay in this system.

The complete shortlist

1. OM System OM-1 Mark II

Olympus's camera business is now OM System, and both the E-M1 Mark III and its direct successor, the original OM-1, have since been discontinued. The current flagship is the OM-1 Mark II — something of a miracle machine. For people wanting to practice general photography, this is the perfect all-encompassing professional 4/3 camera.

It particularly excels in 4 areas. First, when filming fast-moving subjects such as in wildlife or sports photography. This is thanks to its subject-detection autofocus, which covers people, animals, birds, and vehicles.

Second, if you like to shoot in high def, you can activate the 50MP-plus handheld high-res shot mode which rivals many higher-resolution cameras.

Third, its 50fps-plus burst shooting mode is unrivaled by anything else in this format. Finally, up to 8.5 stops of image stabilization are among the best available in any system.

Some cameras specialize as sports cameras, others specialize in offering high resolution. The OM-1 Mark II, however, is a jack of all trades. It is capable of undertaking these tasks and many others which justifies us calling it an all-encompassing camera.

The OM-1 Mark II's best selling-point is perhaps its price relative to full-frame flagships. It's more affordable than a professional DSLR or full-frame body, and more importantly, its lenses are also very affordable. Add to this its small size and lightweight build and you have yourself a camera that sells itself.

For photographers who want to shoot sports events, ceremonies, landscapes, and wildlife, the OM System OM-1 Mark II is the gift that keeps on giving.

2. OM System OM-1 Mark II + HLD-10 Grip

OM System discontinued the E-M1X and never replaced it with another standalone, integrated-grip flagship. Instead, the dual-grip functionality lives on as an optional accessory: the HLD-10 Power Battery Holder, which attaches to the same OM-1 Mark II body listed above.

This approach actually accomplishes what the E-M1X set out to do, but with more flexibility: buy the standard OM-1 Mark II body for everyday use, then add the HLD-10 only when you need the extra grip and battery life for action and professional sports work.

The OM-1 Mark II is equipped with a 20.4MP stacked Four Thirds sensor which lends to reliable, high-quality images with minimal rolling shutter. It can also shoot in 4K and C4K video at up to 60fps.

Its autofocus system builds on the E-M1X's 121-point design with newer subject-detection AI. Pair this with the ability to shoot at up to 50fps and dual SD card slots (UHS-II on both) and you get a camera made for action shooting.

The benefit of adding the HLD-10 grip is that it's incredibly comfortable for vertical shooting, with control buttons duplicated at your fingertips, plus a second battery for a full shooting day — without forcing you to carry the bulk full-time the way the fixed-grip E-M1X did.

It's a camera geared towards fans of the format who want to shoot action. If you're sold on Micro Four Thirds and want the best available AF and burst performance, this is the setup to get.

Micro 4/3 is a relatively new camera system that has been developed to be a lighter, more versatile alternative to the DSLR.

Micro 4/3 cameras are also cheaper than the DSLR which makes it an attractive option for many users.

They’re often favored by travelers because they don’t take up much space in your camera bag and the lenses are lightweight as well.

3. Panasonic Lumix GH7

Panasonic has discontinued the GH5 (and its follow-ups, the GH5 II and GH6), so the current flagship in this lineage is the Panasonic Lumix GH7, a versatile camera with plenty to offer for everyone. It's really great for shooting video thanks to its 5.7K open-gate capabilities.

If you're into vlogging, this will do nicely especially due to its relatively slim build. We know the burden of carrying a heavy camera and god forbid lenses too.

5.7K isn't the only thing the GH7 can do. It also has a robust Full HD 1080p mode, in addition to anamorphic recording. Additionally, there are some neat effects like slow-motion at up to 120fps in 4K and 240fps in Full HD, a feature that even newer DSLRs can't match.

For photographers, Panasonic equipped the GH7 with a 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and phase-detection autofocus, a first for the GH line. The image quality is high and the level of detail is frankly impressive. Although the sensor is smaller than a cropped sensor the quality is unaffected.

In order to get the most of this camera, you'll need to add lenses that are thankfully affordable, small, and light. This makes using and carrying around the camera and gear an easy endeavor.

The image stabilization of the Lumix GH7 also benefits from the 4/3 format. Since the sensor is smaller the camera is able to stabilize the image far more effectively, with up to 7.5 stops of correction.

You get more stabilization if you mount Panasonic lenses which also have their own stabilization features. Therefore, you can realistically shoot handheld without a gimbal and get similar results.

Panasonic's GH7 is an outstanding camera. It's a great stills shooter for photographers but even more so for vloggers and videographers who need to move around and would like to carry lighter, smaller equipment.

4. Panasonic Lumix G9 II

Panasonic has discontinued the original G9 and replaced it with the Panasonic Lumix G9 II, which brings the stills-focused flagship up to date with genuine video chops too.

The G9 II has some really intriguing features that photographers will hunger for. First of all, it packs speed and can shoot at up to 60 fps with continuous autofocus using the electronic shutter.

Additionally, phase-detection autofocus (a first for a Panasonic MFT body) makes tracking moving subjects far more reliable than the contrast-detect system in the original G9.

Panasonic equipped the G9 II with a 25.2MP MOS sensor and added in-body image stabilization rated up to 8 stops. In addition, there's a high-res mode.

Once activated, it can shoot images at up to 100MP. This is a feature that still photographers will adore since it allows more freedom when you need to take a picture that'll look bigger than what a 4/3 sensor can offer.

The G9 II stands out from the mirrorless competition with a bright, high-resolution EVF. Moreover, you'll also get dual card slots and Wi-Fi connectivity which makes storing and transferring images and video a thoughtless task.

Unlike the original, stills-only G9, the G9 II can record video in open-gate 5.8K, borrowing heavily from the GH-series' video toolset.

The G9 II accomplishes Panasonic's goal of a true hybrid flagship with flying colors. It is an impressive stills photography camera with its own unique features and, unlike its predecessor, it's also a genuinely capable video camera with impressive stabilization.

• Professional looking video without the heavy, expensive equipment.

• Solidly built cameras with modular components for easy DIY upgrades.

• Flexible lens system that can be adapted to any creative style.

• Unparalleled mobility and portability for on-the-go shooting.

• With Micro 4/3, get a DSLR look and feel without the hefty price tag.

5. OM System OM-5 Mark II

Panasonic has discontinued the GX9 and stepped back from small, rangefinder-style Micro Four Thirds bodies generally, so for a sleek, compact MFT camera we're pointing you to OM System's current equivalent: the OM-5 Mark II, offering impressive stabilization and video capabilities in a small, weather-sealed package.

Its 20.4MP sensor provides high-quality stills and video with excellent detail and color rendition. The OM-5 Mark II features 4K video recording and computational shooting modes like Live ND and handheld high-res shot for enhanced flexibility.

Its tiltable electronic viewfinder and touchscreen LCD add versatility in shooting angles, and in-body stabilization rated up to 7.5 stops goes well beyond what the GX9 offered.

The OM-5 Mark II is an excellent choice for videographers and content creators looking for a compact yet capable camera, especially those who shoot outdoors in unpredictable weather.

6. Panasonic Lumix G100D

Panasonic has discontinued the GH6 (superseded by the GH7, already covered at #3 above), so rather than repeat the same camera twice, we're using this slot for a different kind of current Micro Four Thirds pick: the budget-friendly, creator-focused Panasonic Lumix G100D.

It's built specifically for solo content creators, with a directional 3-mic array (OZO Audio by Nokia) that automatically prioritizes voice as you turn the camera toward yourself — a genuinely different use case from the pro-video GH7.

The G100D offers 4K video recording and 5-axis electronic stabilization for smooth handheld footage.

Its compact size, tiltable touchscreen, and built-in electronic viewfinder make it easy to carry and easy to frame shots from unusual angles.

The G100D is a favorite among vloggers and content creators who want a lightweight, affordable entry point into the Micro Four Thirds system without the bulk or cost of a pro-oriented body.

7. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2

Blackmagic has updated the original Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2, which remains a revolutionary camera in the Micro Four Thirds-mount segment, offering cinematic 6K video recording at an accessible price point.

Its Super 35 sensor and EF lens mount provide excellent image quality and depth of field control, and the G2 adds a brighter, higher dynamic range 5-inch tilting LCD that removes the need for an external monitor in most run-and-gun situations.

The camera features an intuitive interface with professional-grade video tools, including 13 stops of dynamic range, RAW recording, and color grading.

The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is ideal for filmmakers and content creators who need cinema-quality video in a compact, portable body.

8. OM System OM-3

The PEN-F dates to 2016 and has long been discontinued, with the whole PEN line on pause since 2021. The spiritual successor for retro-styled, rangefinder-inspired Micro Four Thirds shooting is now the OM System OM-3, a stylish and classic-looking camera known for its impressive imaging capabilities.

While it handles photography beautifully, it also offers strong video features, including 4K recording pulled from the same sensor and processor as the flagship OM-1 Mark II.

Its 20.4MP stacked sensor delivers vibrant and sharp footage, and the camera's in-body image stabilization, rated up to 7.5 stops, ensures smooth, steady shots.

The OM-3's compact size and retro design — right down to a front control dial styled after classic OM film cameras — make it a visually appealing and practical option for videographers and content creators looking for a camera with character and capability.

Brief History of Micro Four Thirds Cameras

4/3 cameras were mainly created and popularized by Olympus and Panasonic. They are distinguishable by their incredibly slim build. This is due to the absence of a mirror in their design.

Their lenses are small and light compared to DSLRs. That’s because the size of the image captured on the sensor is smaller. They are also very budget-friendly.

The reason they are called 4/3 cameras is due to the size of the sensor. The smallest sensors are commonly found in smartphones. They can’t allow much information to be captured due to the size.

On the other extreme, we have full-frame sensors which are commonly found on high-end cameras, they capture the most detail due to their size.

The 4/3 sensor is the in-between format. It’s big enough to capture more detail than a phone, especially under low light conditions, but it’s not big enough that it becomes cumbersome to carry around.

Moreover, the lenses you can mount are also light and small.

Their focal length is almost double that even on a smaller lens. Therefore, 4/3 cameras are perfect for capturing wildlife, vistas, and sports events.

So, in essence, a 4/3 is a mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera that is the size of a compact but with all the cutting-edge technology of a professional camera.

Further reading

Release years, credits, and list history should be checked against a catalogue, not copied from memory. Start here:

• DPReview
• Sony Imaging
• Canon

Best Micro 4/3 Camera – Wrapping Up

That’ll be all for our guide on 4/3 cameras. It’s an underrated format that deserves the attention of videographers and photographers out there.

What these cameras represent is the ability to get impressive videos and images by using light and small equipment as opposed to the bigger equals better approach photographers usually take.

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