Olympus EM1 or Panasonic G7

After returning GM5, I am seeking for a MFT camera with better AFC capability. At first I don't want to go any larger than GX85. But lately I am thinking maybe investing on a good sling strap would allow me to use even larger bodies. That's why I am now considering the EM1 and G7. Part of the reason I got interested in these two are: 1. they both sell with kit lens that I am interested in (the 12-40 for EM1 and the 14 140 for G7); 2. since both will be replaced by new models, I am hoping I could get some good bang for the buck during this holiday season.

So I'd like to get some opinion on which one would work better for me and represent better value (including resale value too).

First of all, I like small and light cameras. EM1 was used to be considered as too big. But after checking on camerasize.com, its size seems similar to that of G7 and I've personally hand held G7 in store. I still am not sure if this G7 size is something that would prevent me from taking it with me all the time. But it does not turn me off like a high end APSC or FF DSLR and I think I can give it a try. Would you say, EM1 would feel much bulkier or heavier than G7? Or would you say if I am willing to handle G7, then I will be willing to handle EM1?

The second criterion would be AF, especially AFC. In good light, which camera focuses on moving subject better (faster and more accurate)? How about in dim light, which camera AF better (for dim light, I mean ex. at home at night with fluorescent light, or for cases when you need to AF on a face that is strongly backlit)? How about face detection, eye AF? Which camera would nail focus for portrait (with moving subject) better and easier (like continuous face/eye tracking)?

Third, ergonomics. I think they both have enough custom buttons for me. How about the touch screen implementation. Is there any major difference between the two?

Last, durability. I know EM1 is weather sealed. But I don't necessary need a weather sealed camera. I do live in a cold area though and in the winter outside temp could be below frozen. Would that cause a challenge on G7? If I frequently get in and out between cold and hot area with the camera, would I need to worry about condensation issue?

I know there are other differences in IBIS, video, EVF, shutter shock etc., but I don't care too much about them. Maybe a little bit on shutter shock but I guess I could live with automatic e shutter.

Thanks in advance if you could provide some experience,  especially if you use both.

I'm a G7 fanboy but I've always had a hankering for an EM1.  Originally the EM1 was way above what I was prepared to pay but it is now a pretty good price.  Still 50% dearer than a G7 however.  Both excellent value now.  If you can afford an EM1 you can afford a G80 which looks to be a good step up from the G7 so that could be a consideration.  With the arrival of the G80 any lingering dreams for an EM! have disappeared for me.

curiosifly wrote:

Thank you. I am considering G80 too. But for one, my most important criterion other than size is AF and there is no upgrade in AF from G7 to G80 so I don't know if G80 is a necessary upgrade for me. The debate between EM1 and G7 would largely depend on which one is better at AF. And the G80 comes with the 12-60 instead of the 14-140. I don't have much interest in that 12-60 lens. Actually, my interest in G7 might be attributed more to the lens than the body.

I have the 14-140 with my G7 and with that combination, I don't think that in normal light conditions there is much room for any improvement in AF it is very very quick in every situation I use it for.  It may struggle a bit more in low light and  indeed the G80 has new lowlight AF functionality.  I don't know how that will be but it is supposedly a step up.

curiosifly wrote:

Trevor Carpenter wrote:

curiosifly wrote:

Thank you. I am considering G80 too. But for one, my most important criterion other than size is AF and there is no upgrade in AF from G7 to G80 so I don't know if G80 is a necessary upgrade for me. The debate between EM1 and G7 would largely depend on which one is better at AF. And the G80 comes with the 12-60 instead of the 14-140. I don't have much interest in that 12-60 lens. Actually, my interest in G7 might be attributed more to the lens than the body.

I have the 14-140 with my G7 and with that combination, I don't think that in normal light conditions there is much room for any improvement in AF it is very very quick in every situation I use it for.

Thanks. You mean you don't think PDAF would do any better than DFD? Or is it that 14 140 itself is a very fast focus lens?

The latter, It is hard to improve on something that is near perfect.

It may struggle a bit more in low light and indeed the G80 has new lowlight AF functionality. I don't know how that will be but it is supposedly a step up.

I'm not aware of that. Thanks for pointing it out.

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ciao

I would be looking at either the Olympus em5ii or the Panasonic G80. Both are weather sealed. The G7, good as it is, might not cope with temperature extremes.

Trevor Carpenter wrote:

curiosifly wrote:

Thank you. I am considering G80 too. But for one, my most important criterion other than size is AF and there is no upgrade in AF from G7 to G80 so I don't know if G80 is a necessary upgrade for me. The debate between EM1 and G7 would largely depend on which one is better at AF. And the G80 comes with the 12-60 instead of the 14-140. I don't have much interest in that 12-60 lens. Actually, my interest in G7 might be attributed more to the lens than the body.

I have the 14-140 with my G7 and with that combination, I don't think that in normal light conditions there is much room for any improvement in AF it is very very quick in every situation I use it for. It may struggle a bit more in low light and indeed the G80 has new lowlight AF functionality. I don't know how that will be but it is supposedly a step up.

If my understanding correct, the so highlighted Starlight AF, actually is the ability to AF at -4ev, that most latest generation of Pany cameras from GM1 (so GM5, GX7/85/8, G7, GH4 and even GF7) can do.

Paul Cascio wrote:

If you're interested in video I would go with Panasonic.

I chose the E-M1 for it's stabilized 1080p, handling, and ability to make my 15mm f1.7 look like it's on a gimbal.

My last hybrid camera was the A7S II, and I found that 4k itself was less important than a rock solid 1080p image.

You might consider the G80 instead, if you want stabilized 4k with good handling.  Regardless of which Olympus or Panasonic body that you chose, AF in video modes is not great.  I am just finding this out and feel obligated to share.

curiosifly wrote:

Thanks for sharing. I guess I know what you are talking about in video. I get some frequent focus jumping in my LX100's video too.

Yes, the LX100 is jumpy, hunty in CAF, yet faster in 4k mode than any other Panny I've used. None of the current lot of m43 MILC cameras are trustworthy with CAF video modes in my opinion. My boy's face, dead center of the screen for the current DFD and E-M1 CAF systems, face detection enabled, wide area or center area, flip a coin if he's in focus. It's not like an NX1 or A6300 that is lights out intuitive and quick. I'm hoping (maybe banking on it a little) that the E-M1 II fixes this. I won't buy the GH5 if it lacks IBIS, but may if they can just get to an A6300 or NX1 level of AF in video.  I suspect the additional processing camera in the next flagships will be able to.

Hi there,

I had the very same question and have just purchased the Oly EM1.

The main reason is that my hobby is macro. The G7 has a lot to offer in that respect but the deciding point was the Pana G7 - as well as the Pana G80 has no wireless flash option. In order to use wireless flash one has to purchase an expensive external flash - even so they both have build in flash!

Hi

I have to correct myself, I meant the new Pana G8 not the 7!

Comparing my results with the EM1 vs GH4 vs X-T1

• EM1 - better than 99% on both bodies that I own
• GH4 - less than 75%
• X-T1 - better than 90%, my son's X-T3 seems to be approaching my EM1

Also tried a Panasonic FZ2500 which uses DFD and yielded less than 50% so I sold the camera after a month.

This is all still shooting, no video. Slow shooter, not interested in AF speed, only accuracy.

I would REALLY like to switch to the G9 for 2 reasons:

1. properly implemented focus bracketing, Panasonic is the only brand that does it correctly
2. 4K at 60 FPS
3. handheld bracketing for focus & HDR due to the 60fps still shooting speed with the eShutter
4. an excellent overall package if only the AF could be trusted

VS EM1 (I have the MKI but will compare to the MKII as the MKI has many eShutter limitations that were corrected with the MKII)

1. focus bracketing starts at the focus point and goes further out. Focus on the center of a flower and the petals are not included in the focus steps. . Focus on the eyes of a buffalo and the fur around the face is not included in the focus steps.
2. 4K at 30fps. I don't understand the fascination with fuzzy video though it does save money on lenses as there is no need to buy sharp ones. 
3. supposedly resolved with the MKII, the MKI switches to the mechanical shutter, handheld bracketing is impossible. 
4. overall package superior to any Panasonic camera in the areas of ergonomics and the menu system though the latter does still need improvement.