What is Micro Four Thirds?

The LUMIX G Micro System complies with the Micro Four Thirds System standard. The features that clearly set this standard apart from the Four Thirds System standard include a flange-back distance (mount-to-sensor distance) that is approx. 50% shorter, a lens mount with an outer diameter that is approx. 6mm smaller, and an increase from 9 to 11 electrical contacts in the mount*.

In addition, not only the camera body but also the Micro Four Thirds lenses are smaller, and this is particularly true for the wide-angle and high-power zoom lenses, while maintaining the superior image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor. The increased number of electrical contacts between the lens and the camera body also allow a variety of new features and system functions.

Mirrorless Structure

Using the Micro Four Thirds System standard made it possible to create an innovative mirrorless structure in an interchangeable lens system camera. A compact, lightweight body was achieved by eliminating a number of components that are found in a conventional interchangeable lens system camera, including the mirror for the optical viewfinder, the focusing glass, the penta mirror, the distance sensor for phase-differential AF system, and the light sensor for auto exposure.

The distance and light measurements that are conventionally performed by the mirror box are handled by sensors in real time, and highly accurate, high-speed auto focusing is achieved by the use of contrast AF.

New-generation digital interchangeable lens cameras easy enough for anyone to use

The key feature of an interchangeable lens camera is the ability to change the lens to match each shooting situation. The LUMIX G lenses and LEICA DG lens were developed in compliance with the Micro Four Thirds System standard for use with the LUMIX G Micro System.

The compact, lightweight LUMIX G lenses and LEICA DG lens support the Contrast AF function of LUMIX G-Series cameras and feature Panasonic's advanced optical technologies such as MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser). These high-performance lenses carefully preserve the image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor, while reducing the size of the camera body and particularly the size of wide-angle lenses.

The Lumix G Series Micro Four Thirds Range

 




*1 Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.