APS-C vs MFT: Which Camera System is Best for You?
- APS-C vs MFT - What Is APS-C?
- APS-C vs MFT - What Is MFT?
- DSLR vs Mirrorless - One Big Difference
- APS-C Camera Example - Nikon D7200
- MFT Camera Example - Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II
- APS-C vs MFT Final Thoughts
- 5 Reasons to Buy a Nikon D7200 in 2023
- Which Olympus Camera System Is Right for You?
- Digital Camera Features You Need to Know
Are you moving up from serious smartphone photography into the world of interchangeable lens cameras? Or did you use to shoot with film cameras and have decided to jump back into photography with digital cameras?
Either way, welcome! You will enjoy everything about serious photography with interchangeable lens digital cameras.
No, all you have to do is choose what type and camera format to use. Mirrorless vs DSLR and APS-C vs. MFT are two decisions we can help you decide. I’ll also show you how to save lots of money setting up your camera outfit by shopping on the pre-owned market at the online platform MPB.
MPB is my favorite store for buying, selling, and trading used photography equipment. They provide six-month warranties on the gear they sell, and the item descriptions are wonderfully accurate. It’s the best way to save money on cameras, lenses, and important photography accessories.
More on that in a moment. First, we’ll examine the differences between APS-C vs MFT camera systems and what it means to be a DSLR or mirrorless. I’ll also show you good examples of these great formats I found at MPB.
Table of Contents:
APS-C vs MFT - What Is APS-C?
Looking at the camera formats for serious digital photography can be a little confusing at first, but it’s really simple to understand once you see the formats explained. Describing APS-C vs MFT, let’s take APS-C first.
What is the APS-C format? APS-C was a film format that didn’t quite catch on before digital photography pretty much-eclipsed film. It was based on the 35mm film format standards, just smaller. It keeps the same aspect ratio of 3:2 and has become one of the leading digital photography formats for serious amateurs and pros.
Since the format is smaller than the Full Frame (35mm) format, cameras can be made smaller, lighter, and less expensive than Full Frame cameras. If you are coming to digital from a 35mm film photography background, a crop factor of 1.5X applies to how lens focal lengths compare to 35mm.
Of the three most used digital photography formats (APS-C vs MFT vs Full Frame), APS-C format cameras and lenses seem to be the least expensive route, especially with DSLR cameras.
APS-C vs MFT - What Is MFT?
MFT stands for Micro Four Thirds, also seen listed as Micro 4/3rds. It is an evolution of the original 4/3rds (Four Thirds) digital format created by Olympus and Kodak. It was designed as a smaller digital format that could still supply high-quality professional results.
The difference between 4/3rds and Micro 4/rds (MFT) is that 4/3rds cameras were DSLR designs, while all MFT cameras are mirrorless camera systems. This allows for even smaller cameras than the original 4/3rds systems. All MFT cameras have the same lens mount.
The format has an aspect ratio of 4:3 and a lens crop factor of 2.0X compared to the Full Frame format. The sensor size was loosely based on a pre-existing video camera format, which is why this aspect ratio differs from the Full Frame and APS-C formats.
Comparing APS-C vs MFT formats, we find many MFT cameras are designed a step or two above entry level, with more advanced and professionally capable cameras filling this niche. As such, many MFT cameras may cost more than APS-C format cameras.
We also find that many MFT cameras have extremely capable video modes when considering APS-C vs MFT systems. In fact, MFT is one of the primary formats for serious videography.
DSLR vs Mirrorless - One Big Difference
DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex, meaning cameras with this design have a mirror box and a pentaprism for viewing through the picture-taking lens. The mirror swings out of the way instantaneously to e exposures.
Mirrorless cameras have done away with the mirror and prism, using the sensor and advanced electronic visual displays for allowing through-the-lens (TTL) viewing. Cameras can be made smaller, lighter, and, in some cases, more durable by eliminating the mirror box.
Simon d’Entremont has a fantastic YouTube video on his channel that explains some of the differences in more detail; check it out here:
When shopping APS-C vs MFT, I find a good rule of thumb for pricing is that APS-C DSLR cameras can often be found for a lower price than MFT cameras, though the difference may be smaller the newer the cameras.
One large advantage to this rule of thumb is that you can often find higher-level cameras, advanced intermediate, prosumer, and even full-fledged pro-level cameras for remarkably low prices. In fact, for this discussion, I’m using more capable, prosumer-level cameras as examples to show you what you can find for upgrading or jumping into serious digital photography.
If you’re already serious about digital photography or cut your teeth on film photography, you’ll want the better quality and increased features these cameras provide.
APS-C Camera Example - Nikon D7200
When deciding between APS-C vs MFT cameras, I looked for cameras that more serious amateurs would want - higher quality, more features, and other qualities allowing the camera user to utilize their existing skill and creativity fully.
Nikon has a knack for creating amazingly rugged and full-featured cameras in this advanced intermediate or prosumer level of cameras, the Nikon D7200 being among the best cameras at this level.
The Nikon D7200 has a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and takes Nikon F-mount lenses. It is rugged enough and has advanced features that place it firmly in the prosumer category of cameras while still being fully usable by entry-level users. I found examples of this camera on the online platform MPB in Like New condition for the remarkably low price of $569.
You’ll want to choose an upgrade from the standard kit lens to take full advantage of the high level of this camera. I found the superb Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR normal range zoom lens in Excellent condition for $489, making this camera system right around the $1K mark.
MFT Camera Example - Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II
Olympus makes amazingly high-quality cameras, most of which are weather-sealed for added ruggedness and with full 4K video recording capability. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is what I chose to highlight for this APS-C vs MFT comparison.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a 20.4 MP, weather-sealed, rugged, pro-level MFT format camera with comfortable ergonomics and controls that allow for entry-level and advanced photography. I found examples of this camera for $619 in Like New condition at MPB.
Pair this camera with the remarkable Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO normal range, weather sealed, professional level zoom lens, which I found for $614 in Like New condition at MPB for a fully capable rig to shoot still images or high-end videography. That makes this kit come out in the just over $1200 range, quite the steal for a pro-level camera system.
APS-C vs MFT Final Thoughts
The bottom line for me in this APS-C vs MFT camera discussion is that it’s hard to go wrong with your camera choice when you stick to top-level cameras and lenses from the manufacturers you know and love.
Combine that thought with the fact that you can save money by purchasing used cameras and lenses with no worries by using the reputable online platform MPB with their six-month warranties and completely accurate condition reports, and you can move up into serious photography with reasonable prices and amazingly high-quality gear.
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