• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Canon SL2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    279g vs 668g
    Lighter weight
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 29 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.3 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    7 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SL2 advantages over Panasonic GM1

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 0.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,041 vs 660 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.4 vs 11.7 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 64 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    7 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    22 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Review Excerpt

  • Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

  • Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL6

Panasonic GM1
Olympus E-PL6
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Canon SL2
Olympus E-PL6
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GM5
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon SL2
Panasonic GM5
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Panasonic GM1
Panasonic GF7
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon SL2
Panasonic GF7
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon D3400

Panasonic GM1
Nikon D3400
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon SL2
Nikon D3400
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Canon SL3

Panasonic GM1
Canon SL3
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
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