M43 vs MEDIUM FORMAT - comparison of quality digital & print

I came across this video (a bit long for my taste) that revisits the eternal debate between Full Frame and cropped formats, and the alleged loss of quality for us "normal" enthusiasts. Here, the comparison is even more extreme because we are talking about an excellent but older M43 camera as the Panasonic G9, medium format digital cameras like the Fujifilm GFX 50S, and medium format film cameras.

The guy evaluates the image quality by looking at digital files and physical prints measuring 16x20 inches. Because the digital files were cropped to a square ratio to match the film camera, the magnification level of the prints equals a larger 26x20 inch format.

During the evaluation, the MF digital camera displays finer details and smoother rendering. On close inspection of the physical prints, the medium format images show more distinct lettering and sharper elements. When observing the prints from a normal viewing distance, the results from the M43 and the MF cameras appear identical. It is necessary to stand very close and examine the prints side by side to notice the variations. Without having two prints next to each other, it is difficult to identify which camera system captured the image.

The video also notes that using AI upscaling software on M43 images produces results that approach native medium format resolution. The software can sometimes introduce minor visual artifacts. The M43 system maintains an advantage in portability, as a full medium format kit would be larger and heavier. He observes that elements such as composition, focus placement, and aperture selection have a larger impact on the final image than the camera format.