Best Micro Four Thirds Cameras with High Res Mode
High Res Shot mode combines several sensor-shifted frames into a single image with far more detail than the sensor’s native resolution. On Micro Four Thirds this turns a 20 or 25MP sensor into a 50, 80, or even 100MP file, with lower noise as a bonus. It is ideal for landscapes, architecture, product, and reproduction work where detail matters and the scene is static. Some bodies can do it handheld; others need a tripod. These current Micro Four Thirds cameras offer a High Res mode.
Panasonic Lumix G9 II
The highest-resolution High Res output in M43 at 100MP, from a 25MP base sensor. Offers both tripod and handheld High Res modes, making it the most flexible choice for detailed landscape and product work.
OM System OM-1 Mark II
Up to 80MP on a tripod and 50MP handheld, from the 20MP stacked sensor. Combined with the best weather sealing here, it is the strongest High Res body for landscape work in the field.
OM System OM-3
The same 80MP tripod and 50MP handheld High Res modes as the OM-1 line, in a lighter retro-styled body. A compact option for high-detail work on the move.
OM System OM-5 II
Brings 80MP tripod High Res to a small, fully weather-sealed body. The most affordable sealed route to high-resolution capture for travel and landscape.
OM System OM-5
The previous OM-5 also offers a tripod High Res mode in its compact sealed body. A good-value entry point if you find one at a lower price than the Mark II.
OM System OM-1
The first-generation OM-1 offers up to 50MP High Res from the same stacked sensor as the Mark II. A lower-cost way into stacked-sensor High Res shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is High Res Shot mode?
High Res Shot mode uses the in-body image stabilisation system to shift the sensor by tiny amounts between several exposures, then combines them into one high-resolution image. This captures more real detail and full colour information at every pixel, producing files of 50 to 100MP from a 20 to 25MP sensor, with lower noise than a single frame. It works best on static subjects.
Do I need a tripod for High Res mode?
It depends on the camera. The traditional tripod High Res mode needs the camera to be completely still and is best for static scenes on a tripod. Several OM System and Olympus bodies also offer a Handheld High Res mode that uses natural hand movement instead of a tripod, producing a 50MP file without any support. The highest-resolution outputs, such as 80 or 100MP, generally still require a tripod.