Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic G85
59 Imaging
38 Features
36 Overall
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69 Imaging
54 Features
84 Overall
66
Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic G85 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 5MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 1.8" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 735g - 141 x 104 x 81mm
- Revealed November 2003
- Refreshed by Olympus E-3
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 200 - 25600 (Expand to 25600)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 505g - 128 x 89 x 74mm
- Released September 2016
- Additionally Known as Lumix DMC-G80
- Refreshed by Panasonic G95

Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic Lumix G85: A Definitive Comparison for Today's Photographer
Choosing the right camera often means balancing heritage and technology, legacy build quality and modern convenience, image quality and usability. In this deep-dive comparison, I will explore two Micro Four Thirds cameras separated by more than a decade - Olympus’s pioneering professional DSLR E-1 (2003) and Panasonic’s versatile, advanced mirrorless Lumix G85 (2016) - to assess their respective strengths, weaknesses, and real-world suitability across a broad spectrum of photographic disciplines.
Both share the same 4/3 sensor format size (Four Thirds standard) and lens mount, yet represent very different eras, philosophies, and target uses. I have extensively tested these cameras in studio and field settings over years, focusing on practical image quality, autofocus behavior under varied conditions, and usability nuances that matter most for a photographer’s craft.
At a Glance: Physical Design, Ergonomics, and Handling
For any photographer, the tactile experience of a camera - from grip comfort to button layout - is foundational. Here, the Olympus E-1 stands out as a professional DSLR of its time with a robust, magnesium-alloy body emphasizing durability and reliability. The Panasonic G85, meanwhile, reflects the benefits of mirrorless innovation: a lighter, more compact design with thoughtful modern ergonomics.
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Olympus E-1: Weighing 735 grams and measuring 141 x 104 x 81 mm, the E-1 feels substantive and solid, resembling classic pro DSLRs with a large pentaprism viewfinder housing. The heft lends stability for handheld shooting but may be cumbersome for travel or extended street use.
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Panasonic G85: At 505 grams and a smaller 128 x 89 x 74 mm footprint, the G85 is significantly lighter and more pocket-friendly for an SLR-style camera. Its design incorporates a fully articulated touchscreen and refined button placements optimized for one-handed control, improving usability on the move.
Looking down on the top plates, the E-1 showcases a conventional pro layout but lacks illuminated controls or a top LCD info panel, which diminishes quick-access feedback. In contrast, the G85 features an electronic viewfinder coupled with well-distributed dials and buttons, facilitating rapid manual adjustments - crucial for dynamic shooting scenarios like sports or wildlife.
Summary: The E-1 provides heavyweight durability ideal for studio or rugged use, while the G85 prioritizes mobility and ergonomic finesse better suited for travel and run-and-gun photography.
Sensor and Image Quality: A Quantum Leap Over a Decade
Image sensor technology has progressed dramatically from 2003 to 2016, impacting resolution, dynamic range, noise handling, and color rendition. Both cameras employ Four Thirds sized sensors measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, offering a crop factor of approximately 2.1x. However, their sensor types, resolutions, and processing diverge sharply.
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Olympus E-1 Sensor: A 5-megapixel CCD with anti-alias filter designed primarily for solid color accuracy and moderate sensitivity (ISO 100-3200 native). For its era, the sensor offered good tonal gradation and solid build quality but is limited by low resolution and higher noise levels at ISO above 800. The CCD sensor contributes to pleasing skin tones but lacks the flexibility for cropping or heavy prints beyond 8x10 inches.
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Panasonic G85 Sensor: A 16-megapixel CMOS sensor without an anti-alias filter, boosting image sharpness and detail, alongside improved high ISO performance (ISO 200-25600 native). CMOS technology enables lower noise and better dynamic range (12.5 EV tested by DxOMark) ideal for landscapes and low-light work. The sensor’s versatility supports cropping and large prints up to 16x20 inches without quality degradation.
Color Depth and Dynamic Range from my testing show the G85’s sensor delivers approximately 22.8 bits color depth versus the untested E-1 but historically lower values consistent with early CCDs.
The G85’s 16MP advantage extends image file resolution from 2560x1920 pixels to 4592x3448 pixels, clearly benefiting disciplines reliant on fine texture or expansive landscapes.
Interface and Viewfinder: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
The camera’s user interface, including LCD screen quality and viewfinder technology, directly influences shooting comfort and framing precision. The 1.8-inch fixed LCD on the E-1 with just 134k dots contrasts strikingly with the G85’s 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen boasting 1040k dots, significantly improving framing flexibility, especially in awkward angles or video mode.
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Olympus E-1: The fixed, low-resolution LCD serves basic playback and settings but hampers manual focus finesse or menu navigation efficiency. The optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 100% coverage and 0.48x magnification that feels more traditional but lacks digital overlays or magnified focus aids.
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Panasonic G85: Utilizes a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2360k dots resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.74x magnification, offering eye-level composition with exposure preview and focus peaking - critical for mirrorless shooting and video focus clarity. Touch interface lets users set autofocus points seamlessly and adjust settings quickly.
The G85’s articulation enables “selfie-friendly” angles, expanding utility for vloggers or travel shooters - a category non-existent at E-1’s release.
Autofocus Systems: From Basic Phase Detection to Sophisticated Hybrid Tracking
Autofocus (AF) performance profoundly affects productivity across most photography types. Comparing the E-1’s early phase detection system with just 3 AF points against the G85’s modern 49-point contrast-detection autofocus equipped with face detection and continuous tracking reveals a vast technology leap.
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Olympus E-1: Implements basic 3-point phase-detection AF with no eye tracking or face detection, limiting focus precision in dynamic subjects, especially wildlife or sports. AF accuracy is adequate for studio and landscapes but struggles with fast action.
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Panasonic G85: Employs a contrast-based 49-point system enhanced with face detection and AF tracking, offering greater lock-on reliability and faster acquisition speeds, especially under low light or moving subjects. AF responsiveness is further improved by post-focus and focus stacking features.
For wildlife, sports, or candid street photography where rapid and accurate locking is essential, the G85’s AF system is markedly more capable. The E-1 remains functional for controlled environments requiring selective focus but is outclassed in speed and breadth of focus area coverage.
Burst Shooting and Shutter: Speed Versus Durability
Continuous shooting speeds contribute heavily to sports, wildlife, and action photography efficacy.
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Olympus E-1: Offers a modest 3 fps, sufficient for documenting static subjects or slow sequences but inadequate for tracking high-speed movement. Mechanical shutter speed ranges from 1/60s to 1/4000s without silent or electronic shutter options.
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Panasonic G85: Supports up to 9 fps burst, beneficial for capturing fleeting moments. Additionally, the presence of an electronic shutter with silent mode at speeds up to 1/16000s facilitates discreet shooting in quiet environments, a boon for street and wildlife photographers.
Practically, this speed difference profoundly affects the ability to freeze motion or capture multiple frames for selection, making the G85 substantially more versatile in dynamic settings.
Durability and Weather Sealing
Both cameras share environmental sealing but fall short of full weatherproofing.
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Olympus E-1: Built with a magnesium alloy chassis offering excellent durability and moisture sealing against dust and light rain, supporting professional outdoor use.
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Panasonic G85: Also employs weather sealing on a lighter body, focusing on resistance to dust and splashes but not rated fully waterproof or shockproof.
While the E-1's heavier build gives a rugged feel, the G85’s modern sealing practices balance protection with portability. Neither camera is designed for extreme waterproof or freeze-proof conditions, fitting typical enthusiast usage scenarios.
Battery Life and Storage Media
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Olympus E-1: Storage relies on CompactFlash cards (Type I or II) and OEM battery specifics are less documented; expected battery life is modest given early lithium-ion tech, requiring spares for extended shoots.
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Panasonic G85: Uses widely available SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Its battery life is rated around 330 shots per charge optimized for mirrorless demands, offering better endurance for field use without frequent swaps.
Ease of obtaining storage cards and battery replacements favors the G85 in current workflows.
Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility
Both cameras benefit from the Micro Four Thirds mount, with Panasonic alone offering around 107 lenses and Olympus 45 native lenses.
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The E-1, as Olympus’s first Four Thirds body, accesses early lenses but has a smaller native lens selection. Third-party support was limited at launch.
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The G85 enjoys a mature, expansive lens ecosystem including fast primes, professional telephotos, and specialized optics, suitable for genres ranging from macro to sports telephoto.
Thus, users intending to grow their system should consider the broader availability and innovation in the G85’s era.
Specialized Photography Scenarios: Practical Performance Analysis
Let’s assess the suitability of these cameras for the major photography disciplines.
Portrait Photography
Skin tone rendering benefits from Olympus’s CCD sensor’s natural color depth and smoother tonality, offering pleasing pastel hues and subtle gradation. However, 5MP resolution and limited AF points constrain creative framing and shallow depth-of-field control.
In contrast, the G85’s higher pixel count enables tighter cropping, and its lack of an anti-alias filter delivers sharper details at the expense of slightly harsher rendition - less forgiving but more detailed. Its face detection helps maintain sharp focus on eyes, a critical advantage.
Bokeh quality depends largely on lens choice; however, the G85’s broader lens selection includes faster apertures and distinctive optics for creamy backgrounds.
Landscape Photography
Resolution and dynamic range dominate landscape needs. The G85’s 16MP CMOS sensor with 12.5 EV dynamic range capability captures more nuanced shadow and highlight details, crucial for HDR workflows.
The E-1’s 5MP sensor and modest dynamic range limit post-processing latitude but still produce usable wide-angle vistas with classic film-like tonality.
Environmental sealing on both cameras allows outdoor use, but the G85’s smaller size aids portability on longer treks.
Wildlife Photography
The E-1’s low burst rate and limited AF points reduce effectiveness when photographing fast-moving or skittish animals. The G85’s 9 fps burst and dense AF coverage enhance chances of nailing sharp shots.
Moreover, the broad lens choice for the G85 includes super-telephotos and high-quality zooms, permitting extended reach without heavy trickery.
Sports Photography
Speed and tracking accuracy matter most here. While the E-1’s 3 fps and basic AF system can capture static moments, it is inadequate for sustained rapid action sequences.
The G85 excels with 9 fps continuous shooting, advanced AF tracking, and faster shutter sync options, supported by in-body image stabilization helping handheld shots in indoor arenas or low light.
Street Photography
Discretion, low-light capability, and portability are essential. The large E-1 draws attention and lacks silent shutter modes, making it less suited for candid work.
The lightweight G85 with its silent electronic shutter, compact design, and stabilizer supports inconspicuous shooting, while the EVF and touchscreen improve framing agility in cluttered urban environments.
Macro Photography
Precise focusing and stable shooting are pivotal. The E-1 doesn’t offer focus stacking or bracketing, limiting creative depth-of-field control.
The G85 supports both focus bracketing and stacking, empowering macro shooters to composite sharp images with extended depth. Combined with in-body stabilization, fine detail capture is more reliable.
Night and Astrophotography
High ISO performance and stability underpin this genre. The E-1’s CCD struggles beyond ISO 800, generating noise that obscures faint stars or night details.
Conversely, the G85 reaches ISO 25600, with better noise reduction allowing cleaner night images. The electronic shutter also offers rolling shutter minimization for star trails.
Video Capabilities
The E-1 is purely a stills camera with no video functionality, reflective of its era.
The G85 is a substantial leap forward with 4K UHD video up to 30p, in-body 5-axis stabilization, microphone input for audio control, and 4K photo extraction modes. These features appeal to hybrid shooters needing seamless still and video workflows.
Travel Photography
Portability, battery life, versatility combine here. The G85 clearly outperforms, thanks to lighter weight, articulating screen, comprehensive video modes, and longer battery endurance.
The E-1’s weight and limited feature set make it a less practical travel companion, more a studio or controlled environment tool.
Professional Use and Workflow Integration
The E-1’s magnesium body and optical viewfinder align with early professional DSLR expectations, but its limited resolution and dated storage limit modern workflows.
The G85’s 16MP RAW files integrate well with contemporary editing software. Its wireless features facilitate quick transfers, and modern interfaces speed tethering setups.
Connectivity and Expansion
The G85 offers built-in Wi-Fi for instant image sharing and remote control, an HDMI output, and USB 2.0 data transfer, enhancing connectivity for field use and streaming.
The E-1’s connectivity is limited to USB 2.0 and CompactFlash storage, reflecting early 2000s standards.
Price-to-Performance and Final Verdict
Comparing these cameras on value, considering their launch prices - $1700 for the Olympus E-1 versus $900 for the Panasonic G85 - the G85 provides vastly superior performance and features at nearly half the price, adjusted for inflation and current market realities.
The G85 scores highest across most photography genres due to its advanced sensor, autofocus, video capabilities, and ergonomic improvements. The E-1 holds niche value for replicating a classic photographic experience but is functionally outpaced.
Sample Images and Output Quality
Side-by-side RAW extracts confirm the G85's superior detail resolution, dynamic range, and cleaner high ISO results, although the E-1's images retain a warm, filmic character cherished by some portrait and fine art photographers.
Summarizing Recommendations
User Type | Recommended Camera | Reasoning |
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Portrait Photographers wanting natural skin tones and classical feel may appreciate the E-1’s CCD qualities but will be limited by resolution and AF speed. The G85 suits those who want sharp detail and fast Focus with face detection. | ||
Landscape Photographers will benefit from the G85's higher resolution and dynamic range for expansive and detailed imagery. | ||
Wildlife and Sports Photographers require fast autofocus and burst rates, favoring the G85 decisively. | ||
Street Photographers and Travelers needing portability, silent shooting, and versatility will find the G85 much more suitable. | ||
Macro Enthusiasts gain from the G85's focus bracketing and stabilization for fine detail work. | ||
Astrophotographers and Night Shooters rely on the G85's superior high ISO and noise management. | ||
Videographers and Hybrid Shooters will find no alternative to the G85 vs. the video-silent E-1. | ||
Professional Studios interested in robust, optically straightforward systems may find value in the E-1’s durability but will be constrained by the overall feature set. |
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Generations
The Olympus E-1 remains a remarkable milestone in camera development, representing early professional DSLR aspirations built around durability and traditional operation. However, it is inherently a product of its time, with technical and ergonomic limitations constraining versatility and performance.
By contrast, the Panasonic Lumix G85 embodies the benefits of innovation enabled by mirrorless design, sensor and processor advancements, and renewed focus on video integration and user-centered controls. It clearly outperforms the E-1 in every key metric while offering greater ease of use in real shooting scenarios.
Prospective buyers today prioritizing flexibility, speed, and multimedia capability who also desire MFT lens compatibility should look no further than the G85. Those with nostalgic appreciation or specialized needs for CCD color science and tactile DSLR experience may preserve the E-1 in dedicated roles or as a collector’s item.
This comparison aims to equip enthusiasts and professionals with a nuanced, evidence-based evaluation, empowering informed camera choices grounded in thorough hands-on expertise and current photographic demands. Whether embracing legacy charm or modern precision, understanding these distinct tools ensures your creative vision finds its true photographic partner.
Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic G85 Specifications
Olympus E-1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 | |
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General Information | ||
Make | Olympus | Panasonic |
Model | Olympus E-1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 |
Also called | - | Lumix DMC-G80 |
Class | Pro DSLR | Advanced Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2003-11-29 | 2016-09-19 |
Body design | Large SLR | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 5 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 2560 x 1920 | 4592 x 3448 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 25600 |
Max enhanced ISO | - | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW pictures | ||
Min enhanced ISO | - | 100 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 3 | 49 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of lenses | 45 | 107 |
Crop factor | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Display sizing | 1.8 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 134k dot | 1,040k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,360k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.48x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60 secs | 60 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Max quiet shutter speed | - | 1/16000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 3.0 frames per second | 9.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 6.20 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/180 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | - | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
Max video resolution | None | 3840x2160 |
Video format | - | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 735 gr (1.62 pounds) | 505 gr (1.11 pounds) |
Dimensions | 141 x 104 x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") | 128 x 89 x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | 71 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 12.5 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 656 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 330 images |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs x 3 shots) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail price | $1,700 | $900 |