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

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Differences

Olympus E-M1 advantages over Panasonic GH4

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    63 mm vs 83 mm
    Thinner
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.74x vs 0.67x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    50 vs 21 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic GH4 advantages over Olympus E-M1

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1099
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 530 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.8 fps vs 9.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 50 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.8 fps vs 9.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

User reviews

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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 12-40mm Lens
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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

  • Excellent still image quality for its class; Fantastic, highly-detailed video quality; Superior video recording chops with 4K video (both Cinema 4K and Ultra HD); Responsive all-around performer with great AF performance and burst shooting; Rolling shutter is minimal with 60p and 30p video; Splash- and dust-proof magnesium alloy body; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

  • High ISO performance not as good as some APS-C models (IQ drops quickly past ISO 3200); Overall still image quality not significantly better than the GH3; Sluggish buffer clearing with RAW files; Rolling shutter noticeable on 4K video; Not as compact as most mirrorless cameras.

  • Read our Panasonic GH4 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 GH4
Olympus E-M5
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Olympus E-M5

Compared to Panasonic G5

Olympus E-M1
Panasonic G5
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Internal flash
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic G5

Panasonic GH4
Panasonic G5
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic G5

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 GH4
Panasonic GH3
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $798
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic GH3

Compared to Panasonic G7

Olympus E-M1
Panasonic G7
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic G7

Panasonic GH4
Panasonic G7
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic G7

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 GH4
Panasonic GX8
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic GX8

Compare Other Cameras?