Introduction

Section 1 Text

To read our in-depth, hands-on review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5, click here.
To read our in-depth, hands-on review of the Panasonic GX1, click here.

Section 2 Title

Image Quality

Section 2 Text

The GX1 and E-M5 both use 16-megapixel Four Thirds-format sensors. They aren’t the same chip, though—Olympus has the superior piece of hardware.

Dynamic range performance is the biggest indicator: The E-M5 captures the widest dynamic range we’ve seen from any Four Thirds model—over 6 stops at the lowest ISO setting, a full stop better than the GX1 and in line with some larger APS-C sensors.

The E-M5 also has better noise performance, particularly at high ISO settings, and its kit lens (12-50mm f/3.5-6.3) is significantly sharper than the power zoom lens that comes with the GX1 (14-42mm f/3.5-5.6). The GX1 produces more color-accurate JPEGs by default, though color is subjective and very easy to adjust.

While both cameras produce good-looking shots, the E-M5 has the critical edge in challenging shooting situations.

Winner: Olympus O-MD E-M5

Section 3 Title

Design & User Experience

Section 3 Text

The E-M5 is the first weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera—that’s actually a pretty big deal, something that might make some semi-pros give it a hard look at least as a backup camera.

Olympus also equipped the E-M5 with sleeker hardware and more comfortable, customizable handling. It’s built with a 3-inch, tilting OLED screen, and has optional hand-grip and vertical-grip attachments. It has a built-in eye-level electronic viewfinder, too. The GX1 handles nicely and has a sturdy build, but the fixed screen and limited accessories hold it back a bit.

If portability is a consideration, the GX1 is a better option. It’s big enough to handle well, but small enough to fit into a coat pocket with the power zoom lens attached. Even with a pancake lens attached, the E-M5 is too bulky to fit in a pocket.

User interfaces never work for everyone across the board, so judging them is tricky. But the E-M5 has a bit more user control, but a clunkier menu system and as a result a steeper learning curve. The GX1 is still powerful, but a bit more approachable for first-time users.

Winner: Olympus OM-D E-M5

Section 4 Title

Conclusion

Section 4 Text

Weighing in at an extra $350, it’s no surprise that the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a better camera. But more importantly, it’s worth every penny. The image quality and design are both superior to the GX1, and it’s more customizable. The interface is a bit clunky, and it’s a bit too big to really be called a “compact” system camera. But it’s the most powerful Micro Four Thirds camera out there, and strong enough to compete with more traditional DSLRs in the same price range.

Overall Winner: Olympus OM-D E-M5

Section 5 Text