Last update: 7th July 2026
Do you trust the FF commercial claims social media influencers make when reviewing Olympus and OM System cameras? Why the urgency to sell the idea that FF cameras capture more light? Why don't they add this source of light to the exposure formula? Shouldn't we reject random light theories if they're not included in the exposure formula, or did FF manufacturers discover a parallel source of light that magically improves FF image quality? Why would full-frame advocates reject the idea of using the exposure mix to manage the sensor's performance? Isn't the sensor's operating efficiency a function of the exposure mix, or did sensor size become a substitute for increasing the sensor's saturation? Let's take a look at what camera and lens combo I used while reviewing these crazy FF theories.
Why did Olympus sell an innovative and promising imaging business?
PS. Folks, ask why?...if you didn't know it's possible to manage your sensor's performance.
The lovely town, Meersburg am Bodensee. This is a handheld image with an aperture of f6.3 and no focus stacking.
The photos in this article show the benefits of the digital MFT sensor format and the TruePic imaging process. I converted and prepped these images in OM Workspace. Imagine using your camera's TruePic imaging processor to verify and adjust your camera settings with your PC and Workspace.
Which camera and lens did I use?
Hint:- Consider MFT lenses receiving negative feedback on social media. Why would some reject these great lenses? Start by listing those MFT lenses receiving the bulk of negative feedback...
PS. You will discover great M.Zuiko lenses as you learn to walk away from the noise on social media...
I used the 4/3rds aspect ratio for both the landscape and portrait versions...
Why did FF advocates continue to promote sensor size, or the more light theory, in 2026? One of the reasons marketers created the "bigger is better" theory was the physical size of full-frame DSLRs and lenses. They desperately needed a competitive counter for the commercial success Olympus had with the size/weight benefit of MFT cameras and the innovative E-M5 and E-M1 from 2012/13.
The capture-more-light theory is critical to FF advocates because it explains the claims of less noise and more dynamic range, which are theoretically linked to the designed saturation level of the image sensor. The exposure formula has 4 exposure variables (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and the average scene luminance). Three of these determine how much reflected light is exposing the sensor. More light (ETTR) means optimizing the sensor's efficiency. The more-light theory suggests that the size of the sensor captures light (not pixels), which explains FF sensor saturation, noise, and dynamic range. They refuse to acknowledge the fact that every saturated sensor has a higher SNR and an optimum dynamic range. That simply means, trust FF sensors because knowledge is irrelevant.
Typical FF sales lines include a shallower depth-of-field (DOF) and the promise of full-frame cameras offering less noise with more dynamic range. Depth of field is an optical characteristic linked to the sensor's image circle, whereas noise and dynamic range are 2 of many technical characteristics linked to the design criteria, manufacturing, and the materials used to manufacture sensors. Think of gold-plated connectors in high-end sound systems versus more cost-effective connectors.
Instead of focusing on more accurate information, marketers doubled down on "bigger is better" with questionable programs such as astroturfing and repetition. For example, they decided to promote portrait photography with a shallow DOF when they saw the benefits of a deeper DOF with MFT. The "capture more light" theory was created to sell lower noise and more dynamic range. It would have been so much better to simply explain ETTR with the photons-to-electrons graph.
There would have been no need for an article like this if it weren't for the constant "bigger is better" noise coming from photography forums and YouTubers discussing Olympus and OM System cameras. All photographers will benefit from more reliable information about digital cameras.
PS. Study the photons to electrons graph for more on sensor saturation (dynamic range) and SNR (noise).
I used different picture modes and iEnhance options for my Workspace raw conversions in this article...
I used exposure, iEnhanced options, and tonal controls to "develop" some of these photos...
How do I research marketing trends and the Olympus and OM System digital imaging process? I have an engineering and marketing background, which helps to follow marketing trends and technical points relevant to digital photography. I used to share my thoughts on photography forums. Today I use AI to research technical information and to follow marketing trends. I focus on basic engineering principles as I study and explain digital cameras and the Olympus imaging process. I believe every photographer will benefit from accurate information and more advanced digital photography principles.
See this article and this article for more on image noise and dynamic range.
PS. I used the OM System OM-5 with the tiny Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm f4-5.6 lens. It should be clear why they hate this lens!
