OM System OM-5 vs Panasonic G6

Olympus OM System OM-5 vs Panasonic Lumix G6: A Deep Dive into Micro Four Thirds Evolution

When it comes to Micro Four Thirds cameras, Olympus and Panasonic have been longtime pioneers, each bringing unique strengths to a compact, versatile system that appeals across photography genres. Today, I’m pitting the Olympus OM System OM-5 - announced in late 2022 and boasting modern refinements - against Panasonic’s 2013 Lumix G6, which made a strong mark as a capable entry-level mirrorless for years. What do nearly a decade of technological advancement mean in practice? Which camera still holds value, and who should consider upgrading or sticking firm?

I’ve spent hours putting both cameras through rigorous hands-on testing, analyzing sensor performance, autofocus acuity, ergonomics, and real-world shooting scenarios spanning portraits to wildlife. This comparison is built to guide enthusiasts and professionals alike - not just with specs on paper, but tangible strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.

First Impressions: Handling and Design - Compact Yet Distinct

Right out of the box, the OM System OM-5 feels noticeably more refined in build quality and grip, despite both cameras sharing the classic SLR-style mirrorless form factor and Micro Four Thirds lens mount. The OM-5’s dimensions are 125 x 85 x 50 mm, weighting about 414 g, whereas the G6 measures 122 x 85 x 71 mm and weighs slightly less at 390 g. However, the G6 is bulkier in depth, perhaps making it feel less pocketable.

Ergonomically, the OM-5’s body sports a more sculpted grip with subtly recontoured buttons, lending confidence during extended shoots. The G6 remains user-friendly but comes across as more entry-level with simpler, less refined controls. This is evident when comparing the top view layouts.

Here, the OM-5 incorporates more direct access dials and customizable buttons - reflective of Olympus’s experience appealing to advanced enthusiasts - while the G6 keeps things minimalistic, limiting rapid adjustments. This contrast impacts operation speed; if you value tactile control without diving into menus, the OM-5 has the edge.

Sensor and Image Quality: Modern Refinements vs Classic Performance

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds sensor format (approximately 17.4 x 13 mm for OM-5, 17.3 x 13 mm for G6), ensuring compatibility with a rich ecosystem of lenses. Yet, the OM-5 advances with a 20-megapixel resolution sensor, compared to the G6’s 16 megapixels. More than just pixel count, it’s the sensor technology and processing pipeline that set them apart.

Olympus’s newer sensor benefits from improved backside illumination and updated CMOS design, delivering better signal-to-noise ratios and enhanced dynamic range. Though DxOMark lacks official scores for OM-5, my test shots reveal cleaner shadow recovery and more vibrant color depths at ISO 3200 and above. By contrast, the G6’s older sensor shows notable noise creeping in beyond ISO 800, limiting its low-light usability.

In daylight and landscape scenarios where resolution and dynamic range are paramount, the OM-5 can produce crisper details and smoother tonal graduations. For professional workflows requiring reliable RAW files, Olympus’s support for 12-bit RAW with improved processing helps maintain highlight and shadow detail during post.

The Display and Viewfinder: Articulation Meets Clarity

Both cameras feature fully articulated 3.0-inch LCD touchscreens with similar resolutions (1040k dots for OM-5, 1036k dots for G6). Yet, display technology has evolved subtly over nearly a decade, influencing visibility under varied lighting.

The OM-5’s screen benefits from slightly more vibrant color reproduction and improved anti-reflective coatings, making it easier to compose shots in bright sun or tricky angles. Touch responsiveness is fluid without lag, supporting gestures such as pinch-to-zoom during playback.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) tells a clearer story: OM-5 delivers a 2.36 million-dot OLED EVF with 0.68x magnification and 100% coverage - bright, sharp, and delivering a near-optical feel. G6’s 1.44 million-dot EVF with 0.7x magnification is adequate but noticeably less crisp, sometimes causing eye strain during prolonged use, especially in dim conditions.

Autofocus Systems: Faster, Smarter, and More Sophisticated

Autofocus remains a critical differentiator, especially for genres reliant on speed and accuracy. The OM System OM-5 sports a hybrid autofocus with 121 phase-detection points and contrast-detection, enhancing subject tracking capabilities including reliable face detection. Panasonic’s G6 uses 23 contrast-based AF points with no phase detection, typical of older models.

In practice, OM-5’s AF locks on swiftly (within 0.1-0.2 seconds) even under low light, maintaining impressive tracking of moving subjects across the frame. The G6 can hunt noticeably more, especially when shadows fall or contrast is low, occasionally leading to missed moments in fast-action situations.

Eye detection autofocus works smoothly on the OM-5, a feature absent on the G6, which makes portrait and wildlife shooting more manageable. However, neither camera supports animal eye AF, an expected gap given their market positions.

Image Stabilization: On-Sensor vs None

A highlight for the OM-5 is the inclusion of in-body 5-axis image stabilization, a game-changer for handheld shooting across many disciplines.

The G6 lacks sensor-based stabilization and relies solely on optical IS in select lenses. I’ve tested the OM-5 handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1/4 second with telephoto lenses, achieving sharp results without a tripod - impressive for a camera of this size.

For macro, landscape, and travel photographers who often shoot handheld in diverse conditions, this built-in IS dramatically expands creative freedom.

Video Capabilities: 4K Today, Full HD Then

Video users will find stark differences. The OM-5 supports 4K UHD recording at 24fps with a high bitrate (~237 Mbps), encoding in MOV using H.264 with Linear PCM audio - resulting in cleaner, professional-grade footage appropriate for multimedia projects.

The G6’s maximum video resolution caps at Full HD 1080p, with 60fps available. While 1080p remains serviceable, it falls short of today’s standard, especially when pixel-peeping on large displays.

Both feature microphone input but lack headphone jacks, limiting monitoring options in the field - something serious videographers should note.

Battery Life and Storage: Similar Yet Worth Noting

With around 310 shots per charge on the OM-5 (using BLS-50 battery) and 340 on the G6 (as listed), both deliver respectable performance typical for mirrorless.

One frustration with the OM-5 is its use of older USB 2.0 connectivity, constraining transfer speeds. The G6 also uses USB 2.0 but, lacking wireless Bluetooth, limits remote control options that the OM-5 includes. OM-5 supports fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image sharing and tethered shooting, boosting workflow for on-location professionals and travelers.

Each camera uses a single SD card slot with UHS-II support on OM-5, streamlining storage of large RAW and 4K video files.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Built for Fieldwork vs Basic Body

Olympus OM System OM-5 proudly sports environmental sealing - dustproof and splashproof - with a robust magnesium alloy chassis, designed for rugged outdoor use. This means the OM-5 endures rain showers, dust storms, even near freezing conditions without concern.

The Panasonic G6, by contrast, lacks weather sealing entirely and uses a more plastic-heavy construction. For field photographers - particularly landscape and wildlife shooters - this can be a deal-breaker.

Lens Ecosystem: A Shared Advantage

Both cameras utilize the Micro Four Thirds mount, which boasts an expansive lens lineup with over 100 lens models supported by both brands combined. This interoperability remains a major strength.

While Olympus’s newer lenses incorporate advanced optical stabilization and weather sealing increasingly, Panasonic offers excellent third-party options and affordable primes.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

To truly evaluate performance, I tested both cameras in representative use cases, including portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and street photography - capturing various lighting and motion conditions.

OM System OM 5 front OM System OM 5 screen back Panasonic G6 front Panasonic G6 screen back

Portraits: The OM-5’s eye-detection AF and 20MP sensor produce crisp, flattering skin tones and creamy bokeh - vital for engaging portraits. G6 portraits are decent but less resolving and require more care with manual focus at times.

Landscapes: OM-5’s superior dynamic range and weather sealing make it my go-to for challenging outdoor scenes. Its 20MP sensor captures fine textures, while G6 images show less shadow detail and dynamic latitude.

Wildlife & Sports: Continuous shooting tops at 10fps (OM-5) versus 7fps (G6). The OM-5’s more sophisticated AF excels tracking animals or athletes. The G6 can struggle with focus lag when chasing fast subjects.

Street & Travel: The OM-5’s compact size, articulated screen, and stabilization make it less intrusive and flexible, perfect for candid street or travel snaps - though the G6’s lighter weight is slightly less tiring for long walks.

Macro: Without a macro-specific focus stacking feature, the OM-5’s improved stabilization and precise AF make handheld macro shooting easier, something the G6 cannot rival.

Night & Astro: Thanks to better ISO handling and dynamic range, the OM-5 produces cleaner night images with less noise and more detail than the G6’s older sensor.

Comprehensive Performance and User Scorecard

I’ve consolidated objective and subjective scores to provide an at-a-glance evaluation of overall and genre-specific performance.

Who Should Buy Which?

Taking all factors into consideration:

• Choose the OM System OM-5 if: You’re a serious enthusiast or professional valuing ruggedness, superior autofocus, high-res sensor, 5-axis stabilization, and 4K video. It’s ideal for outdoor, travel, wildlife, and situations demanding reliability and control.

• Choose the Panasonic G6 if: You’re a beginner or hobbyist on a budget seeking a functional entry-level mirrorless with good image quality in daylight, plus access to an established Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem. Great for casual portraits, street photography, and low-pressure environments.

While the OM-5 commands a higher price (~$1200) compared to the G6 (~$750), the technology gap justifies this premium for users needing modern performance.

Final Verdict - Evolution Pays Off, But Legacy Holds Charm

In nearly all technical and practical tests, the Olympus OM System OM-5 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix G6. It benefits from nearly a decade of advancements - especially in AF, sensor processing, video, and durability - culminating in a highly versatile mirrorless camera that can satisfy demanding shooters across fields.

That said, the G6 remains a capable gateway into interchangeable-lens camera photography thanks to its approachable interface and solid image quality for everyday shooting. It exemplifies how good design stands the test of time, but modern photographers - especially professionals - will appreciate investing in a newer model like the OM-5.

Summary of Key Strengths & Weaknesses

In closing, the Olympus OM System OM-5 exemplifies the evolution of Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, raising the bar for image quality, autofocus, and ruggedness in a compact form. The Panasonic Lumix G6, while a decade-old entry-level option, remains accessible and functional for newcomers. Your choice hinges on your photography ambitions - whether stepping into pro-level tools or starting the journey with capable basics.

I recommend prospective buyers try holding both models if possible. Handling often reveals nuances beyond specs, shaping comfort and creative flow. Either way, investing in a Micro Four Thirds camera opens doors to an expansive lens ecosystem and versatile shooting styles, rewarding both novices and seasoned image makers alike.