Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic Lumix GX85: A Deep Dive into Micro Four Thirds Titans Across a Decade

When Olympus launched the E-5 back in 2011, it symbolized the last flourish of Olympus’s DSLR ambition - a robust, weather-sealed, all-metal body with respectable imaging prowess. Fast forward to 2016, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 arrived as a compact, mirrorless marvel with modern enhancements like 4K video and 5-axis in-body stabilization, embodying the evolution of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) technology. Both cameras share the same sensor size and lens mount, yet they come from different generations with quite contrasting philosophies.

After putting both cameras through a thorough hands-on, side-by-side evaluation, here’s my detailed comparison to help you decide which might be your next Micro Four Thirds companion.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

One glance at the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic GX85 reveals their fundamental difference: DSLR heft vs. mirrorless compactness. The E-5 is noticeably thicker and heavier, sporting a classic SLR form factor and a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. The GX85, on the other hand, is designed for portability without sacrificing too much controlling power.

Note the substantial size advantage of the GX85, weighing just over half of the E-5.

In real-world use, the E-5’s larger grip and physical dials give it an authoritative feel ideal for extended shoots or harsh environments. The mechanical buttons and top LCD panel - which you can see in better detail here - allow fast adjustments without diving into menus.

Olympus E-5’s dedicated controls versus Panasonic GX85’s sleeker, simplified top deck.

Meanwhile, the GX85 favors an uncluttered approach with a top plate that’s minimalist but functional. It lacks a dedicated top LCD but makes up for it with a fully articulating tiltable touchscreen. For travel photographers and street shooters focused on discretion and quick framing, the smaller size and lighter weight of the GX85 are definite plusses.

Ergonomically, I personally prefer the E-5 for longer, more deliberate sessions, but the GX85 is a stellar grab-and-go tool.

Imaging Performance: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras use Four Thirds sensor technology with a size of 17.3 by 13mm, but their sensors and processors are different generations apart.

Identical sensor dimensions yet significant image quality evolution over five years.

The E-5 sports a 12MP CMOS sensor paired with Olympus’s TruePic V+ processor - good for its time, but by today’s standards, the dynamic range and high ISO performance show their age. According to DxOMark benchmarks, it scores an overall 56 with a color depth of 21.6 bits and a dynamic range of 10.5 EV stops.

Contrast that with the GX85, which has a 16MP CMOS sensor without the traditional optical low pass filter (OLPF), enabling sharper images and resolving more detail. Its Venus Engine processor elevates its DxOMark score to 71 overall, with stronger color depth (22.9 bits) and a superior dynamic range of 12.6 EV.

What does this mean in practice? The GX85 handles shadows and highlights more gracefully and produces cleaner images at higher ISO. The E-5, while capable at base ISO 100, struggles more visibly above ISO 1600.

What About the Viewfinders?

For many photographers, the viewfinder is sacred real estate.

The E-5 offers an optical pentaprism viewfinder providing 100% frame coverage and a 0.58x magnification - a classic DSLR experience offering natural, lag-free viewing.

E-5’s articulated HyperCrystal LCD versus GX85’s sharper, more modern tilting touchscreen.

In contrast, the GX85 features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.76 million dots and also covers 100% of the frame. While it introduces a brief lag (imperceptible to most) and electronic artifacts under specific lighting, the EVF excels in previewing exposure, white balance, and depth of field in real time - a helpful advantage for learning photographers.

Additionally, the GX85’s rear screen is a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1040k dots, more flexible and sharper than the E-5’s 3-inch HyperCrystal 920k LCD. The touchscreen support on the GX85 enhances navigating menus, selecting AF points, and focusing in live view.

Autofocus System Showdown

Autofocus technology has evolved dramatically between the E-5 and GX85.

The Olympus E-5 uses a hybrid AF system - phase detection integrated with contrast detection, across 11 focus points (all cross-type). It supports face detection but lacks advanced tracking and selective area AF modes.

Contrast this with the GX85’s 49-point contrast-detection AF system enhanced with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology for considerably faster and more precise focus acquisition. It offers touch AF, continuous AF tracking, face detection, and importantly, focus bracketing and stacking.

In practice, the GX85 is noticeably snappier with subject acquisition and better at maintaining focus on moving subjects, especially in live view. The E-5 remains competent but more suited to static subjects or slower-paced work.

Burst Shooting and Shutter

The E-5 maxes out at 5 frames per second (fps) with a mechanical shutter that ranges between 60s and 1/8000s. No silent shutter option exists.

The GX85 offers 8 fps mechanical shutter with an electronic shutter option pushing speeds up to 1/16000s silently, ideal for candid or wildlife shooters requiring discretion.

With improved burst rate and silent shutter, the GX85 is more versatile in situations demanding speed and minimal disruption.

Versatility in Photography Genres

Now, let's explore how these technical differences manifest across photography genres:

Portrait Photography
The E-5’s 12MP output paired with Olympus’s color science produces pleasing skin tones. Its fully articulated screen is a boon for creative angles. However, autofocus lacks eye detection, now commonly expected, while the GX85 adds face and eye AF, improving sharpness on eyes - a critical element in portraits. The GX85’s lack of OLPF yields crisper images and more appealing bokeh with fast lenses.

Landscape Photography
Both cameras’ sensor sizes put them at an ISO and DOF disadvantage versus full-frame rivals, but the GX85’s improved dynamic range and higher resolution provide more detail in shadows and highlights. The E-5’s magnesium body and weather sealing are advantages for shooting outdoors in tough conditions, while the GX85 is more compact, trading sealing for portability. Also, the GX85 lacks weather sealing - so be cautious in wet environments.

Wildlife and Sports
The E-5’s 5 fps and 11 AF points lag behind the GX85’s 8 fps and 49 AF points with continuous AF tracking and silent shutter. The GX85 shines for capturing fast action, benefiting from the electronic shutter for ultra-fast exposure. Both support the same Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, offering excellent telephoto options, but the GX85’s faster AF responsiveness edges it ahead.

Street Photography
Size and discretion are paramount here. The GX85’s compact mirrorless body and quiet shutter deliver a huge advantage, making it less conspicuous on the street. The Olympus E-5 is bulky and noisier - less suited to candid shooting. The GX85’s improved high ISO performance and versatile tilting screen help too.

Macro Photography
Both cameras are compatible with excellent MFT macro lenses. The GX85’s focus bracketing and stacking features provide substantial benefits for macro enthusiasts pursuing depth of field precision. The E-5 does not support these functions natively. Sensor-based image stabilization on both helps handheld macro.

Night and Astro Photography
The GX85’s superior high ISO capabilities (up to 25600 native vs. E-5’s 6400) and higher dynamic range make it a better candidate for low-light and astrophotography. Its electronic shutter also helps minimize vibration during long exposures. However, the E-5’s mechanical shutter and weather sealing could appeal to those who work in colder conditions.

Video Capabilities
Here the differences are striking. The E-5 offers basic HD video at 720p max, in Motion JPEG format. The GX85 leaps ahead with 4K UHD video at 30p, multiple frame rates in 1080p, and advanced video codecs (MPEG-4 and AVCHD). Built-in 5-axis in-body stabilization on the GX85 significantly improves handheld movie shooting. While the E-5 has a microphone port, it lacks headphone monitoring; the GX85 lacks both but is more oriented toward consumer handheld video.

Travel Photography
For those who value a lightweight, unobtrusive package, the GX85 is compelling. Its 426g weight and compact dimensions make it easy to carry all day, while the E-5’s 800g weather-sealed body suits harsher conditions where size isn’t the primary concern. Battery life favors the E-5, rated at 870 shots per charge versus 290 for the GX85, an important factor for remote adventures without access to charging.

Professional Use
Professionals might appreciate the E-5’s ruggedness, reliable mechanical controls, dual card slots (CF and SD), and robust flash system with higher guide number. The GX85 offers advanced features but only one SD card slot and lacks environmental sealing, making it more of a secondary or travel camera in a pro’s arsenal. Both support raw file capture, with the GX85 offering more modern formats.

Build Quality and Durability

Olympus built the E-5 to last - a weather-sealed, magnesium alloy body designed to survive rain, dust, and freezing temperatures. This is a big selling point if you shoot outdoors frequently in demanding conditions.

The GX85’s body is made from high-quality polycarbonate and metal, but it lacks official weather sealing. It feels solid in the hand but demands a little more care against moisture and dust.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, which is a massive plus. Panasonic’s LX85 benefits from a broader native lens lineup - over 100 lenses, while the E-5 came with around 45 lens options when last updated. However, since both can access the same lenses, your choice will ultimately hinge on the lens availability today.

Panasonic’s partnerships and ongoing lens releases have made the GX85 a better bet for newer lenses and innovation like stabilized optics, fast primes, and specialized glass (e.g., Leica-branded).

Battery and Storage

The E-5 offers an impressive 870 shots per charge courtesy of its BLM-5 battery, making it ideal for longer trips. Dual card slots provide backup options, supporting CF and SD cards.

The GX85’s smaller battery yields around 290 shots, reflecting compromises for size. It only supports a single SD card slot. If you’re shooting events or traveling, you’ll want extra batteries or portable chargers.

Connectivity Features

The E-5 has no built-in wireless or Bluetooth options, typical for its era.

The GX85 steps up with built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote camera control via Panasonic’s smartphone app - hugely helpful for instant sharing or self-portraits.

Price and Value Assessment

At launch, the Olympus E-5 retailed near $1700 body-only, roughly twice the GX85’s $800 price point.

Today, the E-5 is only available used or as a collector’s item, while the GX85 remains a competitive entry-point mirrorless camera still supported by software updates.

If budget is tight yet you want a modern feature set and best image quality, the GX85 is the winner. For weather-sealed robustness and tactile DSLR experience at a discount, the E-5 might have niche appeal - but it’s showing age in imaging performance and video.

Visual Evidence: Comparing Sample Images

To give you a real sense of image quality differences, here are some test shots from both cameras under varied conditions.

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Panasonic GX85 front Panasonic GX85 screen back

Summarizing the Scores

To crystalize the comparison:

Specialized Genre Scores for a Clearer Picture

Looking across photography specialties:

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus E-5 if:

• You need a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR body for harsh outdoor conditions.
• You prefer an optical viewfinder and traditional DSLR ergonomics.
• Battery life and dual card slots are priorities for long shoots.
• Video is secondary to still image reliability.
• You’re comfortable with lower-resolution images and can find the E-5 at a bargain.

Choose the Panasonic GX85 if:

• You want a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera suitable for travel, street, and everyday use.
• Superior image quality, autofocus, and Face/Eye AF are important to you.
• You intend to shoot 4K video or leverage 5-axis in-body stabilization.
• Wireless connectivity and touchscreen operation appeal to your workflow.
• You appreciate modern features like focus stacking and silent shutter modes.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Having tested thousands of cameras, I find the Panasonic GX85 solidly represents how far MFT has advanced in just five years - packing innovations that make photography more enjoyable and video more accessible without sacrificing quality. The Olympus E-5 still has its charm and durability, but it’s better suited to enthusiasts or professionals who appreciate DSLR mechanics and ruggedness over the latest tech.

The GX85 is my recommendation for most users seeking a versatile, capable Micro Four Thirds system camera today. It’s perfect for enthusiasts wanting outstanding value, while the E-5 remains a niche classic that sees stronger use in specialized conditions.

Happy shooting, whatever your choice! And if you want me to dive deeper into lenses or specific genres for these cameras, you know where to find me.

Thanks for reading this detailed head-to-head - hope it helps you make an informed decision! Reach me in the comments or social channels for follow-ups.