When choosing the best Micro Four Thirds cameras under 1000 dollars, there are mainly two brands to consider: OM System and Panasonic. Even though Panasonic is also focusing on its full-frame L-mount, both companies are still committed to delivering the best Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras.
Micro Four Thirds cameras were designed to be a lighter option compared to big DSLR cameras. These cameras come with interchangeable lenses, are usually less expensive, have excellent video features, and come with an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
These cameras are built with your everyday lifestyle in mind, and they’re small enough to carry around in your bag. However, not all the Micro Four Thirds cameras are cheap, and some even have a price tag with which you can buy a full-frame instead. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best Micro Four Thirds cameras under $1000 available right now.
Best Micro Four Thirds Cameras under $1000: Top List
This buying guide includes a variety of cameras to suit different use cases and budgets. We made sure to include the best Micro Four Thirds cameras that are designed specifically for videographers and photographers. We also include cameras that are good at doing both things. Micro four thirds cameras are popular as they let you keep a low profile while you’re shooting outdoors. Besides, they also allow you to shoot with smaller and less expensive lenses.
Read More: Best Mirrorless Cameras under $1000
1. Panasonic LUMIX G9
The Panasonic Lumix G9 is a high-end Micro Four Thirds camera with impressive wildlife, adventure, and sports photography features. Equipped with the 20.3 MP digital Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine Image Processor, this camera lets you shoot 60 fps with the electronic shutter in the AFS mode.
For fast-moving objects, you can utilize the AF-S mode, which will let you shoot 20 fps. As for the image quality, it features a High-Res Pixel Shift mode in which the camera captures eight simultaneous pictures and combines them to create an 80-megapixel raw image with incredible details.
Additionally, you can record UHD 4K videos at up to 60 fps. It can also shoot internal 4K 30 fps at 4:2:2 10-bit giving your videos impressive color depth. There is also a 225-Area Advanced DFD AF technology, which is a version of the Contrast Detection AF. You won’t get sharp footage like the Phase Detection AF, but they’re still pretty usable for casual shooting.
The G9 also incorporates a Dual I.S. 2 system combining 5-axis image stabilization with optical stabilization to smooth out footage while shooting handheld. So the Panasonic Lumix G9 is a complete package that offers incredible image and video capturing features and comes just under $1000.
2. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a Micro Four Thirds camera under $1000 capable of shooting impressive handheld videos and features remarkable autofocus. It is suitable for wildlife and sports photography, traveling, and landscape photography.
The E-M5 Mark III is a compact, lightweight interchangeable lens camera with excellent image quality and dynamic range that outperforms larger sensor cameras. It’s an ideal choice for vlogging because of its excellent video quality, low light capability, and great in-body image stabilization.
The E-M5 Mark III comes with a 20.4-megapixel Live MOS micro four third sensor letting you shoot 10 fps with continuous autofocus. You can shoot 50-megapixel JPEG images with stunning details with the High-Res shot mode. This camera features 121 on-chip phase-detection points and 121 contrast-detection areas, which offers a quick and precise autofocus experience even when shooting fast-moving objects.
As for the video, the E-M5 Mark III can shoot DCI 4K videos at 24 fps. You can also record UHD 4K videos at 30 fps. It also has a microphone jack but no headphone jack. With the 3.0 inch 1.04 million dots fully articulating LCD monitor, vlogging has just got easier with this camera.
There is also 5-axis image stabilization to make your footage buttery smooth while shooting handheld. Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is one of the best affordable hybrid Micro Four Thirds cameras that offer high-res images and videos with excellent stabilization.
3. Panasonic LUMIX GX85
The Panasonic LUMIX GX85 is an excellent choice among Micro Four Thirds cameras under $1000. Boasting a 16-megapixel sensor without a low pass filter, it delivers a remarkable 10 percent boost in fine detail resolution compared to its counterparts. This feature ensures unparalleled image quality, capturing intricate details with impressive clarity.
The inclusion of two super compact lenses, 12-32mm F3.5-5.6, and 45-150mm F4.0-5.6, enhances the camera’s versatility, allowing users to shoot lighter and faster with the convenience of a mirrorless design that’s nearly half the bulk of traditional DSLRs.
What truly sets the GX85 apart is its class-leading dual image stabilization. The in-body 5-axis stabilization works seamlessly in both photo and 4K video recording, delivering clear and steady shots even in challenging low-light conditions.
The integration of a live viewfinder and a touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display further enhances the user experience, providing flexibility with an 80-degree up tilt and 45-degree down tilt for optimal viewing angles.
The camera’s 4K capabilities further enhance its performance. With 4K QFHD video recording at 3840 x 2160 resolution, coupled with Lumix’s exclusive 4K photo and post-focus features, users can capture moments at 30fps and adjust focus points after the shot is taken.
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an entry-level Micro Four Thirds camera with adequate features for videos and images with impressive Olympus stabilization. The camera is equipped with a 20.3 MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and can shoot about 5 fps with autofocus.
E-M10 Mark IV is compact and lightweight. It has a tilting screen that flips down to face you when held in a selfie position. You can also opt for about 9 fps if you lock the focus. You can shoot UHD 4K videos at up to 30 fps as far as videos are concerned. If you’re into slow-motion videos, you can choose to shoot HD videos at 120 fps.
The 5-axis image stabilization is an impressive inclusion considering its low price point. However, it includes 121-point contrast-detect autofocus that might be limiting you when shooting in low light situations or capturing fast-moving subjects.
Other than that, this camera has got everything a beginner would want in a camera at a very affordable price. It is ideal for vlogging, traveling, sports, and wildlife photography.
Read More: Best 4K Cinema Cameras under $5000
5. Panasonic Lumix G7
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is an entry-level Micro 4/3 camera that offers adequate video capabilities, no matter if you’re shooting casually or recording fast-moving objects. The Lumix G7 features a 16 MP Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, enabling you to capture eight continuous images/second with AF-S and 6 fps while shooting in AF-C mode.
Besides, you can also capture 8 MP 4K photos at a whopping 30 fps for about 30 minutes. Not only for images, but this is also an adequately good camera for videos offering you to capture UHD 4K videos at 30 fps.
Apart from the built-in stereo microphone, you can also utilize the 3.5 mm jack to attach an external recorder with it. However, there is no in-body image stabilization though you still can compensate for that shake by using a lens with stabilization.
The DFD contrast-detection autofocus will also give you a hard time shooting in low-light situations. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is a suitable entry-level camera for beginners that comes with UHD 4K shooting, High-Res image capturing ability, and a relatively fast burst shooting.
6. Panasonic LUMIX G85
The Panasonic G85 priced under $1000, is a lightweight Micro Four Thirds camera that features a 16 MP Live MOS sensor. This camera enables you to take 4K images with impressive details. You can shoot 6 fps with autofocus turned on. However, you can also choose to shoot 9 fps without autofocus for more high-speed performance.
As for videos, it’s capable of shooting 4K videos at 30 fps. With a 3.5 mm microphone jack and a 3.0 inch 1.04 million dots articulating touchscreen LCD, it offers you a pleasing vlogging experience.
The video quality is excellent, and the touchscreen allows you to select a point to focus on when recording. The built-in 5-axis image stabilization helps to improve video quality. As a result, handheld recorded videos are smooth, without any shakes or jerks.
The only downer of this camera is the contrast-detect autofocus which might bother you while shooting fast-moving objects. In short, the Panasonic G85 is the best compact MFT camera that lets you take high-quality images and videos without spending a fortune.
Read More: Best Cinema Cameras for Filmmaking