• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-M1 advantages over Panasonic G85

  • Higher effective ISO
    757 vs 656 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/320 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots

Panasonic G85 advantages over Olympus E-M1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 50 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M1
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 12-40mm Lens
All E-M1 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G85
Kit with 12-60mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 12-60mm Lens (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
All G85 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Exceptional rugged, weather-proof, professional build; Lightning fast contrast-detect AF, and phase-detect AF that makes Four Thirds lenses far more responsive; Tons of useful physical controls with immense customizability; Arguably the best image quality of any Micro Four Thirds camera we've tested to date; Large, sharp, high-resolution electronic viewfinder; Advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, including remote control shooting in PASM exposure modes.

  • Bigger and heavier than many other compact system cameras; Most expensive Micro Four Thirds camera on the market to date; Menu system and customization options have a steep learning curve; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

  • Read our Olympus E-M1 Review

  • Very good image quality; Very good high ISO performance and dynamic range; Fast and accurate autofocus; Excellent 4K video recording quality and features.

  • OLPF-less sensor is prone to moiré; Electronic viewfinder struggles in low light; Continuous autofocus is limited to 6fps shooting; Below average battery life.

  • Read our Panasonic G85 Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-M5

Olympus E-M1
Olympus E-M5
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-M5

Panasonic G85
Olympus E-M5
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Olympus E-M5

Compared to Panasonic GH3

Olympus E-M1
Panasonic GH3
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $798
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic GH3

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GH3
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $798
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic GH3

Compared to Panasonic GH4

Olympus E-M1
Panasonic GH4
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic GH4

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GH4
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • NFC
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic GH4

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Olympus E-M1
Panasonic GX8
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic GX8

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GX8
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • NFC
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic GX8

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Olympus E-M1
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic G85
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Olympus E-M1 II

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