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

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Differences

Panasonic GH5 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 1037k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.9 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.9 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    65 vs 14 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Panasonic GH5

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Longer video battery life
    80 vs 55 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 600 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Buy the Olympus E-PL9
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  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Brown)
  • Body Only (White)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Black)
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Review Excerpt

  • 20MP sensor; Better per-pixel sharpness; Very good, slightly improved dynamic range and high ISOs; Stellar 4K video up to 60p with no crop; 6K Photo; Dual UHS-II SD slots; Good battery life for its class.

  • Buffer is deep, but slow to clear; Expensive; Menus still confusing; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

  • Read our Panasonic GH5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic GH5
Panasonic GX85
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH5 vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX85
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Panasonic GH5
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer video battery life
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic GH5 vs Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus E-PL8

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic GH5
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compare Panasonic GH5 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Compared to Panasonic G9

Panasonic GH5
Panasonic G9
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display

Compare Panasonic GH5 vs Panasonic G9

Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic G9
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer video battery life
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic G9

Compared to Panasonic G95

Panasonic GH5
Panasonic G95
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GH5 vs Panasonic G95

Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic G95
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic G95

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