Canon G1 X Mark III vs Olympus E-M5 II

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2017 and February 2015. The G1X Mark III is a fixed lens compact, while the E-M5 II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (G1X Mark III) and a Four Thirds (E-M5 II) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Canon G1 X Mark III		Olympus E-M5 II
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
24-72mm f/2.8-5.6		Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		15.9 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25600		ISO 200-25600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
9 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
200 shots per battery charge		310 shots per battery charge
115 x 78 x 51 mm, 399 g		124 x 85 x 45 mm, 469 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon G1 X Mark III and the Olympus E-M5 II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M5 II can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G1X Mark III is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M5 II is notably larger (18 percent) than the Canon G1 X Mark III. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G1X Mark III has a lens built in, whereas the E-M5 II is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the E-M5 II and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the G1X Mark III gets 200 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the E-M5 II can take 310 images on a single charge of its BLN-1 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G1 X Mark III»	4.5 in	3.1 in	2.0 in	14.1 oz	200	Y	Oct 2017	1,299		Canon G1 X Mark III
	Olympus E-M5 II«	4.9 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	16.5 oz	310	Y	Feb 2015	1,099		Olympus E-M5 II
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999		Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 80D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	25.8 oz	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199		Canon 80D
	Canon SX540« »	4.7 in	3.2 in	3.6 in	15.6 oz	205	n	Jan 2016	399		Canon SX540
	Fujifilm X100V« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.1 in	16.9 oz	420	Y	Feb 2020	1,399		Fujifilm X100V
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	2.3 in	19.0 oz	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499		Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299		Fujifilm X100F
	Nikon D7500« »	5.4 in	4.1 in	2.9 in	25.4 oz	950	Y	Apr 2017	1,299		Nikon D7500
	Olympus E-M5 III« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.0 in	14.6 oz	310	Y	Oct 2019	1,199		Olympus E-M5 III
	Olympus E-M10 II« »	4.7 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	13.8 oz	320	n	Aug 2015	649		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-M10« »	4.7 in	3.2 in	1.8 in	14.0 oz	320	n	Jan 2014	699		Olympus E-M10
	Olympus E-M1« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Sep 2013	1,399		Olympus E-M1
	Olympus E-M5« »	4.8 in	3.5 in	1.7 in	15.0 oz	360	Y	Feb 2012	1,299		Olympus E-M5
	Sony A6300« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	14.3 oz	400	Y	Feb 2016	999		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.1 in	16.0 oz	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399		Sony A6500
	Sony RX10 III« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	5.0 in	37.1 oz	420	Y	Mar 2016	1,499		Sony RX10 III
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G1 X Mark III features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-M5 II a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M5 II is 32 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the G1X Mark III has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M5 II offers a 4:3 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24MP, the G1X Mark III offers a higher resolution than the E-M5 II (15.9MP), but the G1X Mark III has marginally smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 3.76μm for the E-M5 II). However, the G1X Mark III is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 8 months) than the E-M5 II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G1 X Mark III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G1X Mark III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-M5 II are 23 x 17.3 inch or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inch or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inch or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The G1X Mark III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the G1X Mark III, the E-M5 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (40MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The G1X Mark III and the E-M5 II are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight. Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 2360k dots. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon G1 X Mark III and Olympus E-M5 II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G1X Mark III has one, while the E-M5 II does not. While the built-in flash of the G1X Mark III is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M5 II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon G1 X Mark III and the Olympus E-M5 II both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G1X Mark III and the E-M5 II write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M5 II supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the G1X Mark III can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the E-M5 II has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The G1X Mark III does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M5 II (unlike the G1X Mark III) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The G1X Mark III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the E-M5 II has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-M5 II was succeeded by the Olympus E-M5 III. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Olympus websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon G1 X Mark III and the Olympus E-M5 II? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 15.9MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the E-M5 II requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (115x78mm vs 124x85mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the E-M5 II).
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 8 months of technical progress since the E-M5 II launch.

Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II:

• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (310 versus 200) out of a single battery charge.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2015).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G1X Mark III is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G1 X Mark III and the Olympus E-M5 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G1X Mark III or the E-M5 II perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon G1 X Mark III	+	79/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Oct 2017	1,299		Canon G1 X Mark III
	Olympus E-M5 II	+ +	81/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Feb 2015	1,099		Olympus E-M5 II
	Canon 6D Mark II	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999		Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 80D	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199		Canon 80D
	Canon SX540	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2016	399		Canon SX540
	Fujifilm X100V	+ +	..	..	..	4.5/5	Feb 2020	1,399		Fujifilm X100V
	Fujifilm X-T3	+ +	88/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499		Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X100F	+	83/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299		Fujifilm X100F
	Nikon D7500	+ +	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2017	1,299		Nikon D7500
	Olympus E-M5 III	+	82/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Oct 2019	1,199		Olympus E-M5 III
	Olympus E-M10 II	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Aug 2015	649		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-M10	..	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2014	699		Olympus E-M10
	Olympus E-M1	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	1,399		Olympus E-M1
	Olympus E-M5	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2012	1,299		Olympus E-M5
	Sony A6300	+	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2016	999		Sony A6300
	Sony A6500	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399		Sony A6500
	Sony RX10 III	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2016	1,499		Sony RX10 III
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Canon G1 X Mark III vs Olympus E-M5 II

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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