So, a micro 43 user who is always looking for the next camera is suddenly spoilt for choice.

The condenders are;

Black Magic Cinema Pocket or Studio 4k. This one is the video only option and really only on the list because;

• It has RAW video.

• Is made and not surprisingly supported by Da Vinci (and comes with lifetime support).

• The Studio has a pro grade screen.

• The Studio interfaces with the schools Black magic multi command unit.

• It has a video specific sensor. Fewer pixels, equals better ISO performance.

• It has cinema grade colour and that special look.

• It is under $2000au.

but, it has no stabiliser or AF, nor is it a stills camera and it is huge, although I have other options.

The new OM Solutions OM-1 because;

• It is a slight improvement for stills performance across the board even compared to the EM1x. Noise and dynamic range looks to be even better, otherwise the same on paper.

• It has the best AF for stills and video, of the three.

• It has improvements for video to do what I need, getting rid of the pesky breaks in footage and (unconformed) improving 1080p.

• It has better lens compatibility for my kit (which is mostly Oly).

• I could buy it with one of several desirable lenses (12-100, 8-25, 12-40, 12-45 etc).

but, it is not the strongest video camera, but then again it is enough for my needs (good 1080 is the key).

The Panasonic GH6 because;

• It is fully featured as a video/stills hybrid especially for 1080p.

• It has a dual ISO sensor for better low light performance and dynamic range.

• It has the highest standard resolution for still capture and is the first to break the 20mp barrier.

• It is an improvement to the G9 and others without changing that Pana look.

but, although it is better for AF, it is still not perfect and it is overkill in video specs*. There is no way I would ever use the top end features (6k etc), so a lot of money for some better 1080p, without perfect performance otherwise.

Other options, for when I come back to earth are another G9 for $1000 with an Atomos Ninja V, which would upgrade the G9 to a continuous 4k 422 beast and the EM1x as well (one upgrade, several better cameras). This would come close to giving me a Cinema 4k in real terms, with AF, IS and better compatability with my existing kit.

A GH5, G95 or G7 for full time recording at 1080 or 4k, which is also fixed with the Atomos, so tough one.

An OM1 mk3 or EM1x on special.

Looking at my video capabilites I already have;

• 4k/30p 422 or 1080/180p 10 bit in several formats for short stints, with AF/IS, which is plenty for very high quality capture. The Ninja upgrades this to continuous capture.

• Even better AF and IS with the heavier EM1x with nice C4k 8 bit, that is sharp and exceeds my basic needs, which is to down res it to 1080p. The Ninja upgrades this to RAW.

• 4k/60p with true gimbal stab, versatile application and handling, including under water with the OSMO Pocket.

• There are also slo-mo, time lapse, on sensor shift and a few other bits to master.

Do I need a new camera?.

Better AF is tempting, but the EM1x with touch or for interviews is fine and the G9 is good enough also, but I usually use MF. My output os 1080p, nothing more.

*One reviewer, who shoots day long weddings, worked out he would need several thousand dollars worth of cards to run the camera at full res for a single day.