Reading mode: Light Dark

Panasonic or Oly for investing in 4/3 format ?

Go to last post
M

mjoshi

Senior Member
Messages
1,828
Reaction score
274
Location
US
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
 
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Given, the number of cameras you have, could you give us a bit more to work with than "small".



41211b36874440158c983f764fd32084.jpg



c2bf6640f8d94ef0ad3607465f54f1c4.jpg



6e7f02fc20df47829666822bfb53e0a6.jpg

Andrew

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
 
You can "mix and match" - use Panasonic lenses on Olympus bodies, or vice versa. My personal preference is for Olympus, but I'd be the first to admit that a preference is all it is - I just happen to like Olympus cameras. Both Olympus and Panasonic make excellent kit; you really can't go too far wrong with either.

Chris
 
LOL - that is classic, my bad. I already have Sony A7rii + A7iii to work for my full frame and professional need. I'm finding micro 4/3 intriguing based upon my experience with GX85 (that too probably for 15-20 minutes).

What I found interesting was how small it was and at the same time how well built it felt in hand. Based upon whatever I've read on m43 it looks like Panasonic goes with more minimalist but functional approach whereas Oly tends to be more in line of creating beautiful looking camera like Fuji does. I'm looking for something I can carry everyday with me for just documenting things as I see it, more like street or everyday life photography.

If you buy Panasonic, can you use Oly lenses on it and vice-versa ?

What is main difference between Panasonic and Olympus ? Anything one does better than other ? I'm not into video side, but looking more of ditial stills part, having video is great but not necessity.

ahaslett said:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Given, the number of cameras you have, could you give us a bit more to work with than "small".

41211b36874440158c983f764fd32084.jpg

c2bf6640f8d94ef0ad3607465f54f1c4.jpg

6e7f02fc20df47829666822bfb53e0a6.jpg

Andrew
Click to expand...


--
Thanks
M
 
… either Panasonic or Olympus, both are excellent. And since, with a few exceptions, all the lenses from either manufacturer will work seamlessly on the other's cameras, there is little downside too owning a mix. My first m4/3 camera was a Panasonic GX7 with 3 Panasonic lenses; I was hooked on m 4/3 since then. Now I'm pretty much into the Olympus camp, but still have a couple of Panny lenses that work just fine.

It's kind of like that potato chip add...…..can't own just one.
 
Last edited:
I too prefer Olympus.

I'd say you want a PenF with a couple of primes and the Panasonic 12-35/2.8.

Andrew
 
mjoshi said:
LOL - that is classic, my bad. I already have Sony A7rii + A7iii to work for my full frame and professional need. I'm finding micro 4/3 intriguing based upon my experience with GX85 (that too probably for 15-20 minutes).

What I found interesting was how small it was and at the same time how well built it felt in hand. Based upon whatever I've read on m43 it looks like Panasonic goes with more minimalist but functional approach whereas Oly tends to be more in line of creating beautiful looking camera like Fuji does. I'm looking for something I can carry everyday with me for just documenting things as I see it, more like street or everyday life photography.

If you buy Panasonic, can you use Oly lenses on it and vice-versa ?

What is main difference between Panasonic and Olympus ? Anything one does better than other ? I'm not into video side, but looking more of ditial stills part, having video is great but not necessity.
ahaslett said:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Given, the number of cameras you have, could you give us a bit more to work with than "small".


Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I think that's in the eye of the beholder, as I much prefer the Panasonic styles of the GX85 or G85 over anything from Oly.

Having said that, the GX85 is a stellar camera, except the EVF is a bit weak. The Oly OMD10 and EM5 are both well regarded cameras, but the Pen-F is little more "Fuji" like (as noted in a different post). As there are plenty of compact lenses to choose from that work with all the bodies, you gain everything from the lenses once you settle on your favorite body
 
ahaslett said:
I too prefer Olympus.

I'd say you want a PenF with a couple of primes and the Panasonic 12-35/2.8.

Andrew
Click to expand...
Pen F would be a great choice, it is my favorite for the street, festivals and museums, I prefer the extra reach of the Olympus 12-100 f/4 for street candids, etc. Also the sync image stabilization with the 12-100 gives me easily a 5-6 stop advantage. I also use the 14-150 f/4-5.6 at festivals.

Here's a few of my favorite Pen F examples.


Pen F / Olympus 14-150 f/4-5.6




Pen F / 12-100 Pro ISO 12,800




Pen F, 12-100 f/4 Pro
 
Two brands are cross compatible so you don't need to worry about the lenses.

As for compact bodies, there are several contenders:

Panasonic GM5: Absolutely minuscule without sacrificing too much functionality. It's an absolute powerhouse with a tiny fast prime attached such as Panasonic 20mm f1.7 or PL 15mm f1.7, one of the best pocket battleship :). However to me, the tiny size does make the handling a bit fiddly.

Olympus E-M10 mark II: One of my absolute favorite in terms of money for value. It has the incredible 5-axis IBIS, touch screen LCD and the Oly signature Live Comp mode. The build quality is also top notch with comfortable and satisfying dials. Did I mention the beautiful look as well? Put the tiny 45mm f1.8 on it and you got a portable, yet high quality portrait setup for about the same price as a FE 85mm f1.8. Compare to the newer mark III, the only thing that mark II lacks is 4k video, yet it's so much cheaper :)

Panasonic GX-9: If you are a still/video hybrid shooter, you can't go wrong with GX-9. This is also the cheapest entry point for the newer 20mp sensor. Panasonic offers more video functions over the Olympus counterparts, and their touch screen enabled menus are also extremely convenient to use. If combined with Panasonic lenses, you pretty much got the fastest S-AF on earth. Very snappy camera for quick shots. It is more expensive being the newer model though, and the EVF really isn't the best compare to the OMD series.
 
WT21 said:
mjoshi said:
LOL - that is classic, my bad. I already have Sony A7rii + A7iii to work for my full frame and professional need. I'm finding micro 4/3 intriguing based upon my experience with GX85 (that too probably for 15-20 minutes).

What I found interesting was how small it was and at the same time how well built it felt in hand. Based upon whatever I've read on m43 it looks like Panasonic goes with more minimalist but functional approach whereas Oly tends to be more in line of creating beautiful looking camera like Fuji does. I'm looking for something I can carry everyday with me for just documenting things as I see it, more like street or everyday life photography.

If you buy Panasonic, can you use Oly lenses on it and vice-versa ?

What is main difference between Panasonic and Olympus ? Anything one does better than other ? I'm not into video side, but looking more of ditial stills part, having video is great but not necessity.
ahaslett said:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Given, the number of cameras you have, could you give us a bit more to work with than "small".

Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I think that's in the eye of the beholder, as I much prefer the Panasonic styles of the GX85 or G85 over anything from Oly.

Having said that, the GX85 is a stellar camera, except the EVF is a bit weak. The Oly OMD10 and EM5 are both well regarded cameras, but the Pen-F is little more "Fuji" like (as noted in a different post). As there are plenty of compact lenses to choose from that work with all the bodies, you gain everything from the lenses once you settle on your favorite body
Click to expand...
I definitely liked GX85 - felt very nice in hand.
 
mjoshi said:
WT21 said:
mjoshi said:
LOL - that is classic, my bad. I already have Sony A7rii + A7iii to work for my full frame and professional need. I'm finding micro 4/3 intriguing based upon my experience with GX85 (that too probably for 15-20 minutes).

What I found interesting was how small it was and at the same time how well built it felt in hand. Based upon whatever I've read on m43 it looks like Panasonic goes with more minimalist but functional approach whereas Oly tends to be more in line of creating beautiful looking camera like Fuji does. I'm looking for something I can carry everyday with me for just documenting things as I see it, more like street or everyday life photography.

If you buy Panasonic, can you use Oly lenses on it and vice-versa ?

What is main difference between Panasonic and Olympus ? Anything one does better than other ? I'm not into video side, but looking more of ditial stills part, having video is great but not necessity.
ahaslett said:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Given, the number of cameras you have, could you give us a bit more to work with than "small".

Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I think that's in the eye of the beholder, as I much prefer the Panasonic styles of the GX85 or G85 over anything from Oly.

Having said that, the GX85 is a stellar camera, except the EVF is a bit weak. The Oly OMD10 and EM5 are both well regarded cameras, but the Pen-F is little more "Fuji" like (as noted in a different post). As there are plenty of compact lenses to choose from that work with all the bodies, you gain everything from the lenses once you settle on your favorite body
Click to expand...
I definitely liked GX85 - felt very nice in hand.
Click to expand...
I moved from the GX85 to the G85, but this is my largest camera (and my only ILC). I do think about buying back a GX85 as a second body, but I may opt for the GX850

My complete list of things I didn't like about my GX85 (and it's a short list):

1) the EVF is not great. It's a useable EVF, but it's not a great EVF. OK for framing. Poor for critical focus. However, I am a glasses wearer. YMMV.

2) The battery life is a bit too short for me. I prefer the G85 (or better if I could get it, lol), but it was fine for casual use. I shut it off when not taking a picture. It comes on quick enough (quicker than my Sony's ever did)

3) My GX85 drained it's battery while on the shelf in the same way my Sony's did when I had the a7 and a6000. It's not huge, but a little irritating. My G85 does not do this, and others have said their GX85s don't do that, so it might have been my copy.

That is just about it. I take pictures of events and my kid's athletics, so having physical switches for single vs multi shot and AF-S vs AF-C was the main reason I moved to the G85. That and the better grip for longer lenses. Otherwise, the GX85 (or GX9 if you want to spend up a bit) is really a stellar camera.
 
I heard the menu system on Oly isn't that nice. You could youtube videos of the menu and see what you think there. Realistically though, once you set up a camera as you know, we barely ever need to delve into the menus as all our workflow is assigned to custom buttons. One advantage of Oly is live composite. I have never used it myself as I only have a GH5 but it looks interesting. On that note, Panasonic has built in stop motion features. I think Olympus is known more for stills and Panasonic is known more for video.
 
You can see my gear list in my profile. I use mostly Olympus lenses with the Panasonic G85 with no issues. However, there are some minor cross compatibility issues to be aware of:
  • dual IS is only supported by bodies & lenses from the same brand
  • the Olympus E-M1 Mark II "Pro Capture" feature only supports Oly lenses
  • some Panasonic lenses have aperture rings which Oly bodies don't support (although you can obviously change the aperture on body)
I started with the Oly E-M10 ("Mark 1") but upgraded to the G85 in large part because I prefer the G85's DSLR styling with the bigger grip. Note that the only current Oly body with a DSLR style grip is the pricey E-M1 Mark II whereas Panasonic has the G7, G85, G9 & GH5.

In terms of image/video quality, Panasonic generally has the following advantages:
  • more intuitive menus
  • 4K Photo (essentially it captures 8 MP JPEGs at 30 FPS, which is handy at birthday parties for getting the precise moment the candles are blown out!)
  • better quality video
And Olympus image advantages:
  • IBIS on all bodies
  • Super Control Panel
  • better JPEG engine
  • live composite
  • high res mode (Panasonic only has it on the G9)
Check out my website M43 Lenses for an overview of the available lenses.
 
Last edited:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Did you get the 2 lens kit with the 12-32 and 45-150? That is one heck of a value.

As for panasonic or olympus. Both are great MFT systems. Both deliver the same quality and performace. They are together in a class of their own.

If you like the GX85, check out the GX9 for more features and function dials and switches. It's the same size as the GX85, with all the GX85 features of DUAL IS, and all the other features for bracket, burst, pre-burst, time lapse, 4K, etc... But the GX9 has the 20mpx sensor for higher resolution. Both have good ISO and JPG performance that can do ISO 3200 usable with decent light. And if you seek a all around good lens check out the Panasonic Leica 15mm f/1.7. It makes the GX85 or GX9 a low light beast for photo and video. The close focus will get bokeh and the optic performance is as good as any high end lens out there.

Olympus makes amazing great cameras too. Check out the Pen-F or the Pen- PEL9, These also have IBIS and amazing performance. And the PEL-9 does 4K. And they use Panasonic and Olympus lenses too.

Good luck with your new holiday toy.
 
Last edited:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Except brand royalty, and upon the generally lenses compatibility of both brand, basically we can narrow down to a couple of considerations only.

Before all, beautiful looking camera will hold no value to me. I just need a tool fit for my use, not wear something to show off.

On AF speed, except the OSPDAF EM1-II, basically any Pany or Oly lens can AF faster on Pany body.

Pany bodies usually can AF at darker envirnonent. -4ev is a norm for all bodies, in real test on low contrast target can reach -5~6ev on f/2.8 lens. Not even pro dslr can reach the level and definitely not OSPDAF can do.

Pany has a simplier Menu and so a less steep learning curve. Of course less deep customization as a result (depending on these deeper customisation be of real useful).

Due to the more concentration on video sector, Pany makes use of its video knowledge to create features for still shooting, like 4K Photo etc that can get around the higher spec hardware requirement. it is also more keen on tech side so that better touch LCD etc. It first introduced Touch Pad AF, has the smallest focus point for more accurate AF long before Oly...

Finally video is the stronghold of Pany.

However, Oly has better IBIS which is good for non stabilized lenses, using of Sony sensor usually has a step ahead better IQ than Pany's own sensor on same generation... Under DUAL IS and latest sensor development, the gap has been closed.

Other than the above, not sure any material difference between the 2 brand.

My 2 cents.

--
Albert
 
Last edited:
WT21 said:
mjoshi said:
WT21 said:
mjoshi said:
LOL - that is classic, my bad. I already have Sony A7rii + A7iii to work for my full frame and professional need. I'm finding micro 4/3 intriguing based upon my experience with GX85 (that too probably for 15-20 minutes).

What I found interesting was how small it was and at the same time how well built it felt in hand. Based upon whatever I've read on m43 it looks like Panasonic goes with more minimalist but functional approach whereas Oly tends to be more in line of creating beautiful looking camera like Fuji does. I'm looking for something I can carry everyday with me for just documenting things as I see it, more like street or everyday life photography.

If you buy Panasonic, can you use Oly lenses on it and vice-versa ?

What is main difference between Panasonic and Olympus ? Anything one does better than other ? I'm not into video side, but looking more of ditial stills part, having video is great but not necessity.
ahaslett said:
mjoshi said:
My current setup is all Sony but I'm looking for something fun to use with for more of personal use.

I recently got GX85 for my niece and was surprised with overall build quality and functionality of the camera, which intrigued me into taking look at micro 4/3 to see what else is out there, this will be more of personal useage - for professional work I've already got Sony FF to cover the bases.

I personally like smaller systems, smaller lenses & compact design - and that is what I found with GX85. But I want to start investing in micro 4/3 what should I look at ? What are pros and cons ?
Click to expand...
Given, the number of cameras you have, could you give us a bit more to work with than "small".

Andrew
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I think that's in the eye of the beholder, as I much prefer the Panasonic styles of the GX85 or G85 over anything from Oly.

Having said that, the GX85 is a stellar camera, except the EVF is a bit weak. The Oly OMD10 and EM5 are both well regarded cameras, but the Pen-F is little more "Fuji" like (as noted in a different post). As there are plenty of compact lenses to choose from that work with all the bodies, you gain everything from the lenses once you settle on your favorite body
Click to expand...
I definitely liked GX85 - felt very nice in hand.
Click to expand...
I moved from the GX85 to the G85, but this is my largest camera (and my only ILC). I do think about buying back a GX85 as a second body, but I may opt for the GX850

My complete list of things I didn't like about my GX85 (and it's a short list):

1) the EVF is not great. It's a useable EVF, but it's not a great EVF. OK for framing. Poor for critical focus. However, I am a glasses wearer. YMMV.
Click to expand...
I used GX7 and GX85 for years happily. Agreed their evfs are usable but have rooms to improve (like use OLED and 4:3 panel etc). I am a long spectacle wearer, very poor eyesight since young, and need a progressive focal length glasses in last 10+ years...
WT21 said:
2) The battery life is a bit too short for me. I prefer the G85 (or better if I could get it, lol), but it was fine for casual use. I shut it off when not taking a picture. It comes on quick enough (quicker than my Sony's ever did)

3) My GX85 drained it's battery while on the shelf in the same way my Sony's did when I had the a7 and a6000. It's not huge, but a little irritating. My G85 does not do this, and others have said their GX85s don't do that, so it might have been my copy.
Click to expand...
You might have a faulty copy.

No major shooting recently. As usual I keep a battery inside GX85 just for occasional test of its features (to answer question here on DPR). The battery still has 50% power after 1+ week..
WT21 said:
That is just about it. I take pictures of events and my kid's athletics, so having physical switches for single vs multi shot and AF-S vs AF-C was the main reason I moved to the G85. That and the better grip for longer lenses. Otherwise, the GX85 (or GX9 if you want to spend up a bit) is really a stellar camera.
Click to expand...
--
Albert
 
Last edited:
John Barham said:
  • the Olympus E-M1 Mark II "Pro Capture" feature only supports Oly lenses
Click to expand...
No longer true. All lenses work with ProCapHigh. Only Oly lenses work with ProCapLow.
 
yes I got two kit combo for $498 - I thought that was insane value. I was pleasently surprised with the kit lens 12-32 itself being so tiny and yet so solid.
 
mjoshi said:
yes I got two kit combo for $498 - I thought that was insane value. I was pleasently surprised with the kit lens 12-32 itself being so tiny and yet so solid.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top