GX9 or EM5III?

technotic wrote:

I've had a GX7 since it came out and 6 small lenses (4 Olympus 2 Panasonic). I was considering selling it all off and moving to a larger sensor camera. I recently visited a camera shop and tried out all the latest offerings and I realized the bigger and heavier gear is not for me.

The one thing I'd really like is IBIS so I can get some smoother video hand held and some cool long exposure shots with no tripod needed. So I'm considering the GX9 and EM5III. I know the GX9 is way cheaper at the moment but I'm looking for a camera that will last me a good number of years so just wondering if the EM5 is going to give me more options such as the live composite, phase detection AF, better IBIS(?). I've never had an Olympus body so not sure if there are things I'll miss from the GX7 (had the GF1 before that).

Anyone else faced this decision? Which way did you go and are you happy with the decision?

Disclaimer, I own a GX9 and have not seen/handled an EM5 MKIII but have had a MKI.

GX9 is better built and more compact. The EM5 has high res and other tricks lacking in the GX9 if they matter to you. The EM5 probably has a bit better VF overall. The EM5 will handle better natively but add the grip to the GX9 and it feels like a whole new camera and its only $69. With the grip it may be better suited for big lenses than the EM5 III. I'd give the EM5 the edge in control layout.

IBIS may be very slightly better in the EM5, but nothing I'd worry about. The GX9 does very well there and can do sync IS with a lot of Panny lenses vs. Oly with only 2 very expensive ones.

Of course there's RF vs DSLR styling and flip vs tilt. I'm really a tilt guy but more of a DSLR person since I'm left eye dominant. At least take a look at the EM10 III. If using moderate sized lenses it is one of my favorite m43 cameras. Old 16MP sensor but its not a huge difference. I'd at least consider it.

With the lowered pricing, the EM5 is now in a more sane price range, if still a tiny bit high priced. At the original price the GX9 was the easy win. A tougher decision now. If you really like your GX7 then it is hard to justify the extra $ on the EM5. Good luck with your decision.