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Canon G5 X vs Olympus E-M1

The Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2015 and September 2013. The G5X is a fixed lens compact, while the E-M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an one-inch (G5X) and a Four Thirds (E-M1) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 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
Canon G5 X
versus
Olympus E-M1
Canon G5 X   Olympus E-M1
Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
20 MP – 1" sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
5.9 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
210 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
112 x 76 x 44 mm, 353 g 130 x 94 x 63 mm, 497 g
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Check G5X offers at
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Check E-M1 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Olympus OM-D E-M1? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon G5 X and the Olympus E-M1 are illustrated 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 measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G5X is only available in black.

Size Canon G5 X vs Olympus E-M1
Compare G5X versus E-M1 top
Comparison G5X or E-M1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M1 is considerably larger (44 percent) than the Canon G5 X. It is noteworthy in this context that the E-M1 is splash and dust-proof, while the G5X does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G5X has a lens built in, whereas the E-M1 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-M1 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the G5X gets 210 shots out of its Canon NB-13L battery, while the E-M1 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-1 power pack. The power pack in the G5X can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 111 mm 61 mm 46 mm 340 g 230 n Jul 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 106 mm 61 mm 42 mm 319 g 265 n Feb 2016 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 105 mm 61 mm 41 mm 304 g 235 n Jul 2019 749 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 529ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3 111 mm 65 mm 33 mm 381 g 310 n Mar 2014 799ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX10 106 mm 60 mm 42 mm 310 g 260 n Sep 2016 699 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic ZS100 111 mm 65 mm 44 mm 312 g 300 n Jan 2016 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 III 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 290 g 320 n May 2014 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 V 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 299 g 220 n Oct 2016 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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. The G5X was launched at a lower price than the E-M1, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 G5 X features an one-inch sensor and the Olympus E-M1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 is 94 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 2.0. The sensor in the G5X has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Canon G5 X and Olympus E-M1 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon G5 X offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 15.9 MP of the Olympus E-M1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 2.41μm versus 3.76μm for the E-M1). However, it should be noted that the G5X is much more recent (by 2 years and 1 month) than the E-M1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon G5 X implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G5X for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-M1 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The E-M1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon PowerShot G5 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the G5X is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the E-M1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

G5X versus E-M1 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the E-M1 offers substantially better image quality than the G5X (overall score 11 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.6 bits higher color depth, 0.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
4.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
5.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.811.926062
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.212.458365
7.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3 1-inch 18.2 5232 34881080/60p20.810.738452
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
12.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
14.
 
Panasonic LX10 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.558170
15.
 
Panasonic ZS100 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.555970
16.
 
Sony RX100 III 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.412.349567
17.
 
Sony RX100 V 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.458670
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the G5X provides a higher frame rate than the E-M1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The G5X and the E-M1 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G5 X, the Olympus E-M1, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 8.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark IIInone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 30/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 60.0/s Y n
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic LX10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Panasonic ZS1001166 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony RX100 III1440 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX100 V2359 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/2000s 24.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G5X has one, while the E-M1 does not. While the built-in flash of the G5X is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The G5X has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the E-M1 does not have a selfie-screen.

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-M1 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 G5 X and the Olympus E-M1 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 G5X and the E-M1 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 G5 X and Olympus OM-D E-M1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
2.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III-stereo / monoY-micro3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Nikon 1 V3-stereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Panasonic LX10-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic ZS100-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Sony RX100 III-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony RX100 V-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the E-M1 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The G5X does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M1 (unlike the G5X) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the G5X and the E-M1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-M1 was replaced by the Olympus E-M1 II, while the G5X was followed by the Canon G5 X Mark II. Further information on the features and operation of the G5X and E-M1 can be found, respectively, in the Canon G5 X Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon G5 X better than the Olympus E-M1 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G5 X:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 15.9MP) with a 14% higher linear resolution.
  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the E-M1 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (112x76mm vs 130x94mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the E-M1).
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 1 month of technical progress since the E-M1 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M1:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.6 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • 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.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • 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 (350 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2013).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M1 comes out slightly ahead of the G5X (14 : 13 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

G5X 13:14 E-M1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G5 X and the Olympus E-M1 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G5X or the E-M1 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G5 X Mark II4/5+4/582/100..4/5 Jul 2019 899ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G7 X Mark II4.5/5+ +..81/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G7 X Mark III..+ +4/581/1004/5.. Jul 2019 749 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 529ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon 1 V33/5....76/1004.5/54/5 Mar 2014 799ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX10..+ +4/581/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2016 699 amazon.com
15.
 
Panasonic ZS1004.5/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2016 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 III5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 799ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 V4.5/5+ +..83/1004/54.5/5 Oct 2016 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check E-M1 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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.

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    Specifications: Canon G5 X vs Olympus E-M1

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon G5 X Olympus E-M1
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date October 2015 September 2013
    Launch Price USD 799 USD 1,399
    Sensor Specs Canon G5 X Olympus E-M1
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1" Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 13.2 x 8.8 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 15.9 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.7x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.41 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 17.18 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 125 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC 6 TruePIC VII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 62 73
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.4 23.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.3 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 471 757
    Screen Specs Canon G5 X Olympus E-M1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon G5 X Olympus E-M1
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.9 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Canon G5 X Olympus E-M1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Canon G5 X Olympus E-M1
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Canon NB-13L Olympus BLN-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)210 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 112 x 76 x 44 mm
    (4.4 x 3.0 x 1.7 in)
    130 x 94 x 63 mm
    (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    Camera Weight 353 g (12.5 oz) 497 g (17.5 oz)
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