Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Olympus · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Olympus PEN E-PL5
51
WINNER
|
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1
43
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Olympus PEN E-PL5 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 are Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras in compact bodies, and both accept any Micro 4/3 lens. Panasonic launched the GX1 in 2011, and Olympus followed with the E-PL5 in 2012. The E-PL5 measures 111 x 64 x 38 mm and weighs 325 g, while the GX1 is slightly larger at 116 x 68 x 39 mm and slightly lighter at 318 g. Neither body includes a built-in viewfinder, so both are framed on the rear screen. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2011 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
September 17, 2012 | November 7, 2011 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 111 x 64 x 38 mm | 116 x 68 x 39 mm |
| Camera weight | 325 g | 318 g |
| Optics | 55/100 | 42/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe E-PL5 is the stronger choice for handheld shooting in dim light, because it offers in-body stabilisation that the GX1 lacks. That stabilisation steadies any mounted lens for indoor or dusk work without a tripod. The E-PL5 also reaches a maximum ISO of 25600, against 12800 on the GX1, giving more headroom for dark scenes. The E-PL5 also shoots faster bursts at 8 fps versus 4.2 fps, and it provides 35 autofocus points against 23 on the GX1, useful for children, pets and sports. Resolution is effectively even at 16.1 megapixels versus 16, and both use a CMOS sensor in the Micro Four Thirds format. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.1 MP050 | 16 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4608 x 3456 | 4592 x 3448 |
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. |
13 x 17.3 | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
8 fps045 | 4.2 fps045 |
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. |
Micro 4/3 | 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. |
TruePic VI | Venus Engine FHD |
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. |
 4:3 | 4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 16030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min 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. |
20030200 | 16030200 |
Max 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. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 6044080 |
Max 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. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
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. |
350300 | 230300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
 Yes | No |
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 | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | 43/100 | 43/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoFamily clips and web video hit the same limits on either camera, as both record Full HD video and both support frame rates up to 30 fps. Neither offers a built-in time-lapse mode, so interval shooting needs an external trigger. File handling does differ. The E-PL5 records MOV and AVI files, while the GX1 records AVCHD and MP4, so your editing software may decide which workflow is smoother day to day. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘ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 | 1920 x 1080 |
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 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse 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. |
MOV, AVI | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Features | 49/100 | 49/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe E-PL5 gives you more framing flexibility, thanks to its flip-out screen, which the fixed-screen GX1 lacks. That tilting display makes waist-level street shots, low-angle landscapes and self-framed portraits easier to line up. Both share a 3-inch touchscreen with 460,000 dots and live view. The GX1 carries a built-in flash for quick indoor snapshots and fill light, while the E-PL5 depends on an external flash unit, which both support. Neither offers GPS, weather sealing, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
No |  Yes |
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. |
 Yes | Yes |
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 | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
 Yes | Yes |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
4600001150001500000 | 4600001150001500000 |
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. |
 Yes | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 21/100 | 21/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryBoth cameras store photos and video on a single SD, SDHC or SDXC card, with no dual-slot backup and no USB charging. Neither charges over USB, so each relies on its own battery, the BLS-5 for the E-PL5 and the DMW-BLD10 for the GX1. The E-PL5's battery is rated for 360 shots per charge, against 310 for the GX1, a 50-shot advantage in the rated figures. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | BLS-5 | DMW-BLD10 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
360 shots1505000 | 310 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
For most photographers, the Olympus PEN E-PL5 is the better pick. In-body stabilisation steadies every lens for handheld low-light work, the 8 fps burst and 35 autofocus points suit moving subjects like children and pets, and the flip-out screen opens up low-angle and portrait framing.
Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC GX1 if a built-in flash for casual fill light matters more than those advantages, or if its AVCHD and MP4 files suit your editing workflow. Otherwise the E-PL5's stabilisation, faster burst and tilting screen cover a wider range of everyday shooting.