Olympus E-M10 II vs Panasonic Lumix GM1: The Ultimate Micro Four Thirds Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right mirrorless camera from the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system can be daunting, especially with a lineup featuring capable but differing models like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. Both appeal to entry-level users but come from brands with distinct philosophies and feature sets.

Having put both cameras through my rigorous testing workflow over months - covering studio and field use across genres like portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video - this detailed comparison dives deep beyond specs. I’ll share practicalities, performance nuances, and real-world verdicts to enable you to pick the best fit for your style, budget, and ambitions.

Let’s unpack how these two MFT siblings stack up in critical areas, starting from the ground up with their size, design, and handling.

First Impressions and Physical Feel: Handling and Ergonomics

The Panasonic GM1 is a marvel of compactness, aimed at minimalists wanting an ultra-portable system without sacrificing the MFT image quality. In contrast, the Olympus E-M10 II offers a more traditional SLR-style body, balancing size with manual control and comfort.

Olympus E-M10 II Ergonomics

• Dimensions: 120 x 83 x 47 mm
• Weight: 390 g
• Design: SLR-style with pronounced grip and dial-driven controls
• Viewfinder: Built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k-dot resolution

The E-M10 II feels substantial but not bulky, fitting most hands comfortably. The grip is well-contoured, lending confidence even with heavier lenses. The presence of a bright, sharp EVF is a standout for composing in bright light or preferring eye-level shooting.

Panasonic GM1 Ergonomics

• Dimensions: 99 x 55 x 30 mm
• Weight: 204 g
• Design: Rangefinder style, ultra-compact, minimalistic control layout
• Viewfinder: None (reliant on rear LCD)

The GM1 is dramatically smaller and lighter, almost pocketable, ideal for street or travel photographers emphasizing discretion. However, the lack of an EVF means you’re tethered to the rear LCD, which may be challenging in harsh sunlight. Small body size sacrifices some grip comfort and button accessibility, so those with larger hands might feel cramped.

Summary: If you prioritize ergonomics, tactile controls, and an EVF, Olympus E-M10 II is the better choice. For ultimate portability and stealth, Panasonic GM1 excels.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Cameras

Both cameras use Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensors measuring 17.3x13 mm, with identical resolution near 16MP. But sensor technology, processor efficiencies, and noise handling create meaningful real-world distinctions.

Olympus E-M10 II Sensor & Processing

• Sensor: 16MP Four Thirds CMOS with anti-alias filter
• Processor: TruePic VII image processor
• Native ISO Range: 200-25600 (expandable down to 100)
• DxOMark Score: Overall 73
• Color Depth: 23.1 bits
• Dynamic Range: 12.5 EV
• Low-Light ISO Score: 842 (better noise control)

Olympus’s TruePic VII processor contributes to cleaner images at higher ISOs and richer color reproduction. Dynamic range extends well enough for recovering shadows and highlights, essential for landscape and portrait shots.

Panasonic GM1 Sensor & Processing

• Sensor: 16MP Four Thirds CMOS with anti-alias filter
• Processor: Unspecified, earlier generation
• Native ISO Range: 200-25600
• DxOMark Score: Overall 66
• Color Depth: 22.3 bits
• Dynamic Range: 11.7 EV
• Low-Light ISO Score: 660 (higher noise in low light)

The GM1’s sensor and ageing processing engine results in less dynamic range and color nuance, making it slightly less flexible under challenging lighting. High ISO performance is adequate but visibly grainier compared to the Olympus.

Real-World Impact: In my tests, portraits produced subtle skin tone gradations with the E-M10 II that appeared somewhat flatter on the GM1. Landscape exposures benefited from the Olympus camera’s superior dynamic range, retaining texture in skies and foliage.

Viewing and Interface: The User Interaction Experience

Considering the lack of a viewfinder on the GM1, how these cameras present images and allow control changes is vital.

Olympus E-M10 II Interface

• 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,040k-dot resolution
• 2,360k-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.62x magnification
• OLED dials and buttons for quick access to exposure, ISO, and modes
• Considerable customization including custom WB, exposure compensation, and bracketing

Panasonic GM1 Interface

• 3-inch fixed TFT LCD touchscreen, approximately 1,036k-dots
• No EVF
• Minimal button layout; touchscreen required for many functions
• Center-weighted metering and exposure controls available but less tactile

The Olympus’s EVF added flexibility in all lighting situations, a crucial advantage for serious and outdoor photographers who don’t want to rely solely on the LCD. Its tilting screen expands shooting angles.

The Panasonic’s reliance on the LCD limits compositional options and usability under bright sunlight. Interface simplicity fits minimalist users or casual shooters better but slows down pros wanting tactile control.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing Fleeting Moments

Autofocus performance defines how effectively a camera locks focus on subjects, especially critical for wildlife, sports, or street photography.

Olympus E-M10 II Autofocus

• 81 contrast-detection points
• Face detection included but no animal eye AF
• Continuous AF, AF tracking, and touch AF available
• Max burst rate: 8 fps (quite respectable for its class)

Panasonic GM1 Autofocus

• 23 contrast-detection points
• Face detection only
• Continuous AF and AF tracking implemented but slower
• Max burst rate: 5 fps

In practice, the Olympus’s larger autofocus array and faster burst rates enabled better capture of action. In a wildlife test with a hopping squirrel and a running dog, E-M10 II locked focus faster and produced more keepers.

The smaller, slower Panasonic GM1 is better suited for paced shooting styles, such as travel scenes or portraits without rapid subject movement.

Lens Ecosystem: Unlocking Creative Possibilities

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, meaning some 107 lenses are available from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. However, system compatibility influences your lens choices.

• Olympus E-M10 II: Strong native support for Olympus’s own M.Zuiko lenses, including premium Pro series, renowned for sharpness and compactness. Image stabilization in-body combines well with stabilized lenses.
• Panasonic GM1: Compatible with the same lenses, but without in-body stabilization (IBIS), relying on lens stabilization alone which is less common in some primes.

If you plan macro or telephoto work requiring stabilized lenses, Olympus offers a more comprehensive and flexible system with 5-axis sensor stabilization - a definite advantage for handheld shots in low light.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera features environmental sealing or weather resistance, limiting rugged outdoor use in adverse conditions. However, the E-M10 II’s SLR-style body has a solid plastic and metal build, feeling robust and reliable in everyday handling.

The Panasonic GM1’s diminutive size leads to a lighter plastic construction, which feels a bit fragile in my experience. While great for travel and casual carry, I would hesitate to use it extensively in rugged environments without extra care.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

• Olympus E-M10 II: Rated for about 320 shots per charge using the rear LCD, which aligns well with my real-use testing. Uses BLS-50 battery model.
• Panasonic GM1: Rated for roughly 230 shots per charge, confirmed under moderate use. Smaller battery explains the shorter endurance.

For longer trips, the Olympus’s better battery life means carrying fewer spares. Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots, standard for cameras in this category.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Both record Full HD 1080p video, but with different codec and frame rate support.

• Olympus E-M10 II: Captures 1080p at up to 60p using H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. Includes basic image stabilization for video.
• Panasonic GM1: Offers 1080p at up to 60i (interlaced), or 24p progressive with MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs.

Neither offers 4K recording, audio input, or headphone jacks - limiting for serious videographers. The Olympus body stabilization proves more helpful in smoothing hand-held video footage.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Here’s how these cameras fare genre-by-genre, based on comprehensive testing:

Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back Panasonic GM1 front Panasonic GM1 screen back

Image Quality Scores and Overall Rankings

Ratings from DxOMark and my hands-on evaluations paint a clear picture:

Olympus E-M10 II ranks higher overall, driven by better image stabilization, sensor performance, and ergonomics. The Panasonic GM1 prioritizes portability with an acceptable middling score.

Detailed Genre-Specific Ratings

To give you granular insights, here is a score breakdown per photography style:

The Olympus leads in nearly all active shooting disciplines, while Panasonic shows strengths mainly in casual shooting and portability sectors.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Why You Might Like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

• More robust build and traditional handling with a friendly EVF and tilt screen
• Superior sensor and processing pipeline for better dynamic range and color fidelity
• Five-axis image stabilization crucial for handheld shooting across genres
• Faster and more sophisticated autofocus with higher burst rates
• Better suited for enthusiasts looking to grow skills or semi-pro shooting
• More expansive lens ecosystem support with stabilizer synergy

What the Panasonic Lumix GM1 Excels At

• Exceptionally compact and lightweight - the smallest MFT camera I’ve tested
• Easy carry and discreet street shooting without drawing attention
• Decent image quality for daylight and casual photography
• Touchscreen interface allows simplified operation when speed is not critical
• Perfect for travelers valuing image quality with minimal bulk and who shoot at a relaxed pace

Who Should Buy Which?

Conclusion: Hands-On Wisdom to Guide Your Purchase

With over 15 years vetting cameras of all niches, my advice is this: prioritize your shooting style and handling comfort. The Olympus E-M10 II shines as a full-featured, versatile mirrorless camera with advanced controls and image quality that can support aspiring pros. The Panasonic GM1 offers a compelling alternative for those who prize portability and discretion above all else.

Buying either camera means entering a mature, full Micro Four Thirds lens and accessory ecosystem, ensuring future upgrade paths. But consider the Olympus a camera to grow with and take seriously. The Panasonic is an elegant sidekick that won’t weigh you down.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting access to outstanding image quality, flexibility, and creative potential characteristic of the Micro Four Thirds system. I hope this detailed comparison helps you make the best choice for your photographic journey.

If you found this comparison useful, feel free to explore sample images, technical deep-dives, and tips from my extensive camera testing archive.