Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic GM5
The Olympus PEN-F and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and September 2014. Both the PEN-F and the GM5 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.8 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
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Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 | |
---|---|---|
Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera | |
Micro Four Thirds lenses | Micro Four Thirds lenses | |
20.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor | 15.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor | |
1080/60p Video | 1080/60p Video | |
ISO 80-25600 | ISO 200-25600 | |
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) | Electronic viewfinder (1166k dots) | |
3.0" LCD, 1037k dots | 3.0" LCD, 921k dots | |
Swivel touchscreen | Fixed touchscreen | |
10 shutter flaps per second | 5.8 shutter flaps per second | |
In-body stabilization | Lens stabilization only | |
330 shots per battery charge | 220 shots per battery charge | |
125 x 72 x 37 mm, 427 g | 99 x 60 x 36 mm, 211 g |
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN-F and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5? 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
The physical size and weight of the Olympus PEN-F and the Panasonic GM5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).



If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GM5 is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Olympus PEN-F. Moreover, the GM5 is substantially lighter (51 percent) than the PEN-F. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the PEN-F nor the GM5 are weather-sealed.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.
Concerning battery life, the PEN-F gets 330 shots out of its BLN-1 battery, while the GM5 can take 220 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLH7 power pack.
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, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.
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) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus PEN-F» | 4.9 in | 2.8 in | 1.5 in | 15.1 oz | 330 | n | Jan 2016 | 1,199 | Olympus PEN-F | |||
Panasonic GM5« | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 1.4 in | 7.4 oz | 220 | n | Sep 2014 | 749 | - | Panasonic GM5 | ||
Olympus E-M10 III« » | 4.8 in | 3.3 in | 2.0 in | 14.5 oz | 330 | n | Aug 2017 | 649 | Olympus E-M10 III | |||
Olympus E-PL8« » | 4.5 in | 2.6 in | 1.5 in | 12.6 oz | 350 | n | Sep 2016 | 549 | - | Olympus E-PL8 | ||
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 | |||
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-PL7« » | 4.5 in | 2.6 in | 1.5 in | 12.6 oz | 350 | n | Aug 2014 | 599 | - | Olympus E-PL7 | ||
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-P5« » | 4.8 in | 2.7 in | 1.5 in | 14.8 oz | 330 | n | May 2013 | 999 | - | Olympus E-P5 | ||
Olympus E-M5« » | 4.8 in | 3.5 in | 1.7 in | 15.0 oz | 360 | Y | Feb 2012 | 1,299 | - | Olympus E-M5 | ||
Panasonic G7« » | 4.9 in | 3.4 in | 3.0 in | 14.5 oz | 350 | n | May 2015 | 649 | - | Panasonic G7 | ||
Panasonic GX8« » | 5.2 in | 3.1 in | 2.5 in | 17.2 oz | 330 | Y | Jul 2015 | 1,199 | - | Panasonic GX8 | ||
Panasonic G6« » | 4.8 in | 3.3 in | 2.8 in | 13.8 oz | 340 | n | Apr 2013 | 599 | - | Panasonic G6 | ||
Panasonic GM1« » | 3.9 in | 2.2 in | 1.2 in | 7.2 oz | 230 | n | Oct 2013 | 749 | - | Panasonic GM1 | ||
Panasonic GX7« » | 4.8 in | 2.8 in | 2.2 in | 14.2 oz | 350 | n | Aug 2013 | 999 | - | Panasonic GX7 | ||
Panasonic GX1« » | 4.6 in | 2.7 in | 1.5 in | 11.2 oz | 320 | n | Nov 2011 | 699 | - | Panasonic GX1 | ||
Panasonic GH2« » | 4.9 in | 3.5 in | 3.0 in | 15.6 oz | 330 | n | Sep 2010 | 899 | - | Panasonic GH2 | ||
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as 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 GM5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 38 percent) than the PEN-F, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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.
Both cameras under consideration feature a Four Thirds sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the PEN-F offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 15.8 MP of the GM5. This megapixels advantage translates into a 13 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the PEN-F has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 3.77μm for the GM5). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the PEN-F is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 4 months) than the GM5, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the PEN-F has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Olympus PEN-F implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the PEN-F for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inch or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inch or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inch or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GM5 are 23 x 17.2 inch or 58.3 x 43.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inch or 46.7 x 35 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 11.5 inch or 38.9 x 29.2 cm for excellent quality prints.
Unlike the GM5, the PEN-F 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 Olympus PEN-F has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under review, the PEN-F has a notably higher overall DXO score than the GM5 (overall score 8 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 0.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus PEN-F» | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 1080/60p | 23.1 | 12.4 | 894 | 74 | Olympus PEN-F | |
Panasonic GM5« | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 22.1 | 11.7 | 721 | 66 | Panasonic GM5 | |
Olympus E-M10 III« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 4K/30p | - | - | - | - | Olympus E-M10 III | |
Olympus E-PL8« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | - | - | - | - | Olympus E-PL8 | |
Olympus E-M5 II« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 23.0 | 12.5 | 842 | 73 | Olympus E-M5 II | |
Olympus E-M10 II« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 23.1 | 12.5 | 842 | 73 | Olympus E-M10 II | |
Olympus E-PL7« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.7 | 12.4 | 873 | 72 | Olympus E-PL7 | |
Olympus E-M1« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 757 | 73 | Olympus E-M1 | |
Olympus E-P5« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.4 | 895 | 72 | Olympus E-P5 | |
Olympus E-M5« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60i | 22.8 | 12.3 | 826 | 71 | Olympus E-M5 | |
Panasonic G7« » | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 4K/30p | - | - | - | - | Panasonic G7 | |
Panasonic GX8« » | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/30p | 23.5 | 12.6 | 806 | 75 | Panasonic GX8 | |
Panasonic G6« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.5 | 639 | 61 | Panasonic G6 | |
Panasonic GM1« » | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 22.3 | 11.7 | 660 | 66 | Panasonic GM1 | |
Panasonic GX7« » | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 22.6 | 12.2 | 718 | 70 | Panasonic GX7 | |
Panasonic GX1« » | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 20.8 | 10.6 | 703 | 55 | Panasonic GX1 | |
Panasonic GH2« » | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60i | 21.2 | 11.3 | 655 | 60 | Panasonic GH2 |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, 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 two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the PEN-F offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the GM5 (2360k vs 1166k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic GM5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution ('000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus PEN-F» | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0 | n | Y | Olympus PEN-F | |
Panasonic GM5« | 1166 | n | 3.0 | 921 | fixed | Y | 1/500s | 5.8 | n | n | Panasonic GM5 | |
Olympus E-M10 III« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.6 | Y | Y | Olympus E-M10 III | |
Olympus E-PL8« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | n | Y | Olympus E-PL8 | |
Olympus E-M5 II« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0 | n | Y | Olympus E-M5 II | |
Olympus E-M10 II« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | Y | Y | Olympus E-M10 II | |
Olympus E-PL7« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | n | Y | Olympus E-PL7 | |
Olympus E-M1« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0 | n | Y | Olympus E-M1 | |
Olympus E-P5« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0 | Y | Y | Olympus E-P5 | |
Olympus E-M5« » | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 610 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 9.0 | n | Y | Olympus E-M5 | |
Panasonic G7« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 7.0 | Y | n | Panasonic G7 | |
Panasonic GX8« » | 2360 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0 | n | Y | Panasonic GX8 | |
Panasonic G6« » | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 7.0 | Y | n | Panasonic G6 | |
Panasonic GM1« » | - | n | 3.0 | 1036 | fixed | Y | 1/500s | 5.0 | Y | n | Panasonic GM1 | |
Panasonic GX7« » | 2760 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 5.0 | Y | Y | Panasonic GX7 | |
Panasonic GX1« » | - | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2 | Y | n | Panasonic GX1 | |
Panasonic GH2« » | 1534 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | Panasonic GH2 |
One feature that differentiates the PEN-F and the GM5 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The PEN-F reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the GM5 has to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.
The PEN-F 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 GM5 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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 PEN-F and the Panasonic GM5 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 PEN-F and the GM5 write their files to SDXC cards. The PEN-F supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the GM5 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 Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Type |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
Camera Model |
|
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Olympus PEN-F» | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus PEN-F | |
Panasonic GM5« | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Panasonic GM5 | |
Olympus E-M10 III« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-M10 III | |
Olympus E-PL8« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-PL8 | |
Olympus E-M5 II« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-M5 II | |
Olympus E-M10 II« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-M10 II | |
Olympus E-PL7« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-PL7 | |
Olympus E-M1« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-M1 | |
Olympus E-P5« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Olympus E-P5 | |
Olympus E-M5« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Olympus E-M5 | |
Panasonic G7« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Panasonic G7 | |
Panasonic GX8« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Panasonic GX8 | |
Panasonic G6« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Panasonic G6 | |
Panasonic GM1« » | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | Panasonic GM1 | |
Panasonic GX7« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | Panasonic GX7 | |
Panasonic GX1« » | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Panasonic GX1 | |
Panasonic GH2« » | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | Panasonic GH2 |
The PEN-F is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Olympus. In contrast, the GM5 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the GM5 from Panasonic. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Olympus and Panasonic websites.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus PEN-F or the Panasonic GM5 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN-F:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.2 vs 15.8MP) with a 13% higher linear resolution.
- 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 markedly higher (8 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
- More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2360k vs 1166k dots).
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.62x vs 0.46x).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
- 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.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/500s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (330 versus 220) on a single battery charge.
- Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
- 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 4 months after the GM5).

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- More compact: Is smaller (99x60mm vs 125x72mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 216g or 51 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (38 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2014).
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the PEN-F is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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 Olympus PEN-F and the Panasonic GM5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the PEN-F or the GM5. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.
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 (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.
Camera Model |
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Camera Launch (announced) |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price (USD) |
Used Price (USD) |
Camera Model |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olympus PEN-F» | - | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 1,199 | Olympus PEN-F | |||
Panasonic GM5« | + | 77/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 749 | - | Panasonic GM5 | ||
Olympus E-M10 III« » | + | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2017 | 649 | Olympus E-M10 III | |||
Olympus E-PL8« » | - | - | 4.5/5 | - | 4/5 | Sep 2016 | 549 | - | Olympus E-PL8 | ||
Olympus E-M5 II« » | + + | 81/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2015 | 1,099 | Olympus E-M5 II | |||
Olympus E-M10 II« » | + + | 80/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2015 | 649 | - | Olympus E-M10 II | ||
Olympus E-PL7« » | + | - | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2014 | 599 | - | Olympus E-PL7 | ||
Olympus E-M1« » | + + | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 1,399 | - | Olympus E-M1 | ||
Olympus E-P5« » | + + | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2013 | 999 | - | Olympus E-P5 | ||
Olympus E-M5« » | + + | 80/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 1,299 | - | Olympus E-M5 | ||
Panasonic G7« » | + + | 80/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | May 2015 | 649 | - | Panasonic G7 | ||
Panasonic GX8« » | + | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2015 | 1,199 | - | Panasonic GX8 | ||
Panasonic G6« » | + + | - | 5/5 | - | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 599 | - | Panasonic G6 | ||
Panasonic GM1« » | + | 78/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 749 | - | Panasonic GM1 | ||
Panasonic GX7« » | + | 79/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2013 | 999 | - | Panasonic GX7 | ||
Panasonic GX1« » | + | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Nov 2011 | 699 | - | Panasonic GX1 | ||
Panasonic GH2« » | + + | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2010 | 899 | - | Panasonic GH2 | ||
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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.
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Specifications: Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic GM5
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 Model | Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | Micro Four Thirds lenses |
Launch Date | January 2016 | September 2014 |
Launch Price | USD 1199 | USD 749 |
Sensor Specs | Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | Four Thirds Sensor |
Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.9 mm2 | 224.9 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | 21.6 mm |
Crop Factor | 2.0x | 2.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 20.2 Megapixels | 15.8 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 5184 x 3888 pixels | 4592 x 3448 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 3.34 μm | 3.77 μm |
Pixel Density | 8.96 MP/cm2 | 7.04 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | 1080/60p Video |
ISO Setting | 80-25600 ISO | 200-25600 ISO |
ISO Boost | no Enhancement | 100-25600 ISO |
Image Processor | TruePic VII | Venus |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 74 | 66 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.1 | 22.1 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.4 | 11.7 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 894 | 721 |
Screen Specs | Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.62x | 0.46x |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2360k dots | 1166k dots |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0 inch | 3.0 inch |
LCD Resolution | 1037k dots | 921k dots |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | Fixed screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 |
Autofocus System | Contrast-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000/s | 1/500/s |
Continuous Shooting | 10 shutter flaps/s | 5.8 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | up to 1/16000s | up to 1/16000s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | Lens stabilization only |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Second Storage Option | Single card slot | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-II | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | micro HDMI |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | Wifi built-in |
Body Specs | Olympus PEN-F | Panasonic GM5 |
Battery Type | BLN-1 | DMW-BLH7 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots per charge | 220 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
125 x 72 x 37 mm (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 in) |
99 x 60 x 36 mm (3.9 x 2.4 x 1.4 in) |
Camera Weight | 427 g (15.1 oz) | 211 g (7.4 oz) |
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