Canon EOS M vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Comparison
Canon EOS M
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Brand | Canon | Panasonic | |
Model | EOS M | Lumix DMC-GH4 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 23, 2012 | February 07, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the winner with a score of 58/100, outperforming the Canon EOS M, which scored 44/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as being mirrorless and having similar announcement and release years (2012 for Canon and 2014 for Panasonic).
The Lumix GH4’s higher score is attributed to its better features and performance. However, the Canon EOS M has some advantages too, such as its smaller size (109 x 66 x 32mm) and lighter weight (298g), making it more portable.
On the other hand, the Panasonic GH4 comes with a heftier launch price of $1700, compared to the Canon EOS M’s $799. This may be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers, making the Canon EOS M a more affordable option.
Taking all these points into consideration, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the better camera in terms of performance and features, while the Canon EOS M offers a more compact and budget-friendly alternative.
Canon EOS M vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Overview and Optics
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Canon EOS M in optics, scoring 52/100 compared to the Canon’s 42/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, the absence of image stabilization, and similar lens mounts (Canon EF-M for the EOS M and Micro 4/3 for the GH4).
The Lumix GH4 has a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 74, compared to the EOS M’s 65, indicating better overall image quality. Additionally, the GH4 offers a faster shooting speed of 12, while the EOS M only reaches 4.3. This increased speed allows for capturing fast-moving subjects with greater ease. The GH4 also uses the Venus Engine IX processor, which contributes to its higher overall performance.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS M has a higher megapixel count of 18, compared to the GH4’s 16. This can result in higher resolution images, offering more detail for cropping or printing large photos. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the other benefits provided by the GH4.
The aspect ratio differs between the two cameras, with the EOS M having a 3:2 ratio and the GH4 offering a 4:3 ratio. This difference comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the images.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 proves to be the better choice in terms of optics, with a higher overall score, better sensor performance, and faster shooting speed. The Canon EOS M’s higher megapixel count and different aspect ratio may be appealing to some users, but the GH4’s advantages make it the more compelling option for most photographers.
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Optics
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Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 18 MP | 16 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3456 px | 4608 x 3456 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 14.9 x 22.3 mm | 13 x 17.3 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |  Micro Four Thirds | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 4.3 fps | 12 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF-M | Micro 4/3 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 5 | Venus Engine IX | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |  4:3 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 200 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 12,800 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 25600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 60 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 31 | 49 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | None | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 2,359,000 dots |
Canon EOS M vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Video Performance
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 wins the video capabilities comparison with a score of 70/100, while the Canon EOS M scores 43/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, the Panasonic GH4 surpasses the Canon EOS M in several aspects, making it the superior choice for video recording.
One significant advantage the Panasonic GH4 has over the Canon EOS M is its 4K video resolution, with maximum video dimensions of 4096 x 2160. This allows for higher quality video recording and greater detail in captured footage. In contrast, the Canon EOS M can only record at Full HD resolution with maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080.
Another notable feature of the Panasonic GH4 is its built-in time-lapse functionality, which enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. The Canon EOS M lacks this feature, limiting its creative potential for video enthusiasts.
Despite its lower score, the Canon EOS M does have a slightly higher maximum video frame rate of 30fps, compared to the Panasonic GH4’s 24fps. This may be advantageous for users who prioritize smoother motion in their videos.
Considering these factors, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. Its 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile and powerful option for videographers. While the Canon EOS M does offer a marginally higher video frame rate, it falls short in other crucial areas, making the Panasonic GH4 the superior choice for those focused on video recording.
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Video
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Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |  4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 4096 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p | 24 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 | MOV, MP4, AVCHD |
Canon EOS M vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Features and Benefits
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 takes the lead in the features department with a score of 70/100, compared to the Canon EOS M’s score of 57/100. This 13-point difference highlights the superiority of the GH4 in terms of features.
Both cameras share some common specifications. They both have a 3-inch touchscreen and similar screen resolution, with the Canon EOS M featuring 1,040,000 dots and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 having 1,036,000 dots. Neither camera has GPS or Bluetooth capabilities.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 excels in its additional features. The camera boasts a flip screen, which allows for more versatile shooting angles and is particularly useful for vlogging or self-portraits. The GH4 also has built-in Wi-Fi, enabling users to transfer images and control the camera remotely via a smartphone or tablet.
The Canon EOS M falls short in comparison to the GH4, as it lacks both a flip screen and Wi-Fi capability. However, it is worth noting that the EOS M has a slightly higher screen resolution, offering a marginal advantage in image clarity when reviewing photos on the camera itself.
Considering the specifications mentioned, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the better camera in terms of features. The flip screen and Wi-Fi connectivity give it a significant edge over the Canon EOS M. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS M’s only advantage is its marginally higher screen resolution, which may not be enough to sway potential buyers. Ultimately, the GH4’s superior feature set makes it the more appealing choice for photographers seeking a camera with greater functionality.
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Features
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Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,036,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS M vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Storage and Battery
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the winner in the storage and battery comparison with a score of 60/100, significantly outperforming the Canon EOS M which scores 13/100. Both cameras share similarities in accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards and lacking USB charging capabilities.
The GH4’s superiority stems from its dual memory card slots, allowing for more storage and flexibility, compared to the EOS M’s single slot. Additionally, the GH4 boasts an impressive 500-shot battery life using the DMW-BLF19 battery, more than doubling the EOS M’s 230-shot capacity with its LP-E12 battery.
The EOS M, however, does not showcase any advantages over the GH4 in this category. Its lower score reflects its limitations in storage and battery capacity compared to its competitor.
Considering these factors, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 proves to be the better option for those prioritizing storage and battery life, while the Canon EOS M falls short in this aspect.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E12 | DMW-BLF19 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 230 shots | 500 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.1 bits | 22.1 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.2 EVs | 11.7 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 827 | 721 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Canon EOS M vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS M or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS M
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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B&H photo video |
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