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Olympus E-M1 II vs Canon G3 X

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Canon PowerShot G3 X are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2016 and June 2015. The E-M1 II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the G3X is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-M1 II) and an one-inch (G3X) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 20 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-M1 II
versus
Canon G3 X
Olympus E-M1 II   Canon G3 X
Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 20 MP – 1" sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 3.2" LCD – 1620k dots
Swivel touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
18 shutter flaps per second 5.9 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
440 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
134 x 91 x 67 mm, 574 g 123 x 77 x 105 mm, 733 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Canon PowerShot G3 X? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-M1 II and the Canon G3 X. 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.

Size Olympus E-M1 II vs Canon G3 X
Compare E-M1 II versus G3X top
Comparison E-M1 II or G3X rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G3 X is notably smaller (22 percent) than the Olympus E-M1 II. 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 G3X has a lens built in, whereas the E-M1 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-M1 II and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the E-M1 II gets 440 shots out of its Olympus BLH-1 battery, while the G3X can take 300 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-10L power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G3 X 123 mm 77 mm 105 mm 733 g 300 Y Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 Y Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G7 X 103 mm 60 mm 40 mm 304 g 210 n Sep 2014 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G9 X 98 mm 58 mm 31 mm 209 g 220 n Oct 2015 US$ 529ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 Y Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
10.
 
OM System OM-1 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 520 Y Feb 2022 US$ 2 199ebay.com
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 500 Y Jan 2024 US$ 2 399 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 Y Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 Y Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G3X was launched at a lower price than the E-M1 II, despite having a lens built in. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-M1 II features a Four Thirds sensor and the Canon G3 X an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G3X is 48 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 2.7. The sensor in the E-M1 II has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the G3X offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-M1 II and Canon G3 X sensor measures

With 20.2MP, the E-M1 II offers a slightly higher resolution than the G3X (20MP), but the E-M1 II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 2.41μm for the G3X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the E-M1 II is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 3 months) than the G3X, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

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

Unlike the G3X, the E-M1 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (50MP) 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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 64-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G3 X are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the E-M1 II is build around a CMOS sensor, while the G3X uses a BSI-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.

E-M1 II versus G3X MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 review, the E-M1 II provides substantially higher image quality than the G3X, with an overall score that is 17 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.3 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.3 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.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
2.
 
Canon G3 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.352163
3.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
4.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
5.
 
Canon G7 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.012.755671
6.
 
Canon G9 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.512.349563
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
10.
 
OM System OM-1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.4155377
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.6174978
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
13.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
14.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
17.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
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 can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the E-M1 II provides a higher video resolution than the G3X. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M1 II has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G3X relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G3X can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Olympus E-M1 II and Canon G3 X in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
2.
 
Canon G3 Xoptional n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 80Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon G7 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/2000s 6.5/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon G9 Xnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 6.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
OM System OM-15760 n3.0 / 1640 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II5760 n3.0 / 1640 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Panasonic G93680 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic G852360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
17.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n 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 G3X has one, while the E-M1 II does not. While the built-in flash of the G3X is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

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 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 Olympus E-M1 II has 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 E-M1 II and the G3X write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M1 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G3X only has one slot. The E-M1 II supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the G3X can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Canon PowerShot G3 X 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.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
2.
 
Canon G3 XYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Canon 80DYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon G7 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Canon G9 X-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
OM System OM-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
11.
 
OM System OM-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Panasonic G9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic G85Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M1 II (unlike the G3X) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the E-M1 II and the G3X have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-M1 II was replaced by the Olympus E-M1 III, while the G3X does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the E-M1 II and G3X can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-M1 II Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G3 X Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-M1 II and the Canon G3 X? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (17 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.3 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.3 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (18 vs 5.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (440 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 3 months after the G3X).

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Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G3 X:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1037k dots).
  • Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the E-M1 II necessitates an extra lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (123x77mm vs 134x91mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • 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 heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2015).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the E-M1 II is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-M1 II 20:09 G3X

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-M1 II and the Canon G3 X place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Superzoom 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 E-M1 II or the G3X 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G3 X3.5/5+....4.5/54/5 Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G7 X4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon G9 X3.5/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 US$ 529ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
10.
 
OM System OM-15/5....87/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2022 US$ 2 199ebay.com
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II............ Jan 2024 US$ 2 399 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 899ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 US$ 1 699 amazon.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.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, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check G3X 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: Olympus E-M1 II vs Canon G3 X

    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 Olympus E-M1 II Canon G3 X
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6
    Launch Date September 2016 June 2015
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 999
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-M1 II Canon G3 X
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor 1" Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 116.16 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 15.9 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.7x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 5472 x 3648 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 2.41 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 17.18 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 125 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 64 - 25,600 ISO 125 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic VIII DIGIC 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 63
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 21.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.8 12.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1312 521
    Screen Specs Olympus E-M1 II Canon G3 X
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1620k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-M1 II Canon G3 X
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 18 shutter flaps/s 5.9 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Single UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-M1 II Canon G3 X
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Olympus E-M1 II Canon G3 X
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLH-1 Canon NB-10L
    Battery Life (CIPA)440 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 134 x 91 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 3.6 x 2.6 in)
    123 x 77 x 105 mm
    (4.8 x 3.0 x 4.1 in)
    Camera Weight 574 g (20.2 oz) 733 g (25.9 oz)
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