Olympus E-M10 Mark III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When stepping into the entry-level mirrorless arena, particularly within the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, two popular choices you’re likely to encounter are the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. Both cameras target budget-conscious photographers, yet they differ significantly in design philosophy, feature sets, and real-world usability.

Having extensively tested both cameras in my 15+ years as a reviewer and photographer - from portrait studios to the bustle of wildlife outings - I’m ready to unravel how these models stack up across various photography disciplines and practical shooting scenarios.

Let’s dive in for a detailed, balanced, and hands-on comparison, so you can decide which suits your style and creative ambitions best.

The Battle of Design and Ergonomics: Style Meets Substance

First impressions matter, and here the two cameras show their personality in stark contrast.

The Olympus E-M10 III sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body that feels substantial in the hand, weighing 410 grams with dimensions of 122x84x50mm. In comparison, the Panasonic GF8 is a lightweight 266 grams and much smaller at 107x65x33mm, with a rangefinder-style design emphasizing portability and casual use.

I found the E-M10 III’s heft plus textured grip intuitive for longer shoots and action handling. The Panasonic’s compact form factor is perfect for travel or street photography, slipping unobtrusively into bags or even a coat pocket. But that slimness comes at the cost of less pronounced grip security and fewer physical controls.

Zooming in on the control layout:

The Olympus wins here with a richer set of dials and buttons, including dual command dials for shutter speed and aperture control directly on the body - a huge benefit for fast adjustments in complex lighting or dynamic scenes. Panasonic’s GF8 takes a more minimalist, touchscreen-oriented approach with fewer dedicated control clubs for your thumbs.

Ergonomics takeaway: If you prefer a camera that feels like a photography tool with tactile feedback and customizable controls, Olympus fits best. If you prioritize pocket-friendly portability and simpler operation, Panasonic’s GF8 shines.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

Both cameras nestle a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter, typical of entry-level MFT cameras, but the nuances of sensor performance and image processors make a difference in practice.

Olympus’s E-M10 III packs the TruePic VIII image processor, a newer generation engine promising better noise reduction, color depth, and detail retention. Panasonic’s GF8 uses the older Venus Engine, so it’s reasonable to expect that Olympus has a technical edge.

Real-world shooting confirmed this: Olympus delivered cleaner images at higher ISOs (I tested from 200 to 6400 across several controlled scenarios), with a perceptibly better dynamic range - meaning it holds highlight detail without sacrificing shadow nuance. Panasonic suffices well for daylight and lower ISO use but shows more noise creeping in after ISO 1600.

The Olympus sensor also pairs with built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization - a massive bonus when shooting handheld, especially in challenging light or for video. Panasonic’s GF8 lacks in-body stabilization, relying instead on stabilized lenses (which are less common among budget options).

In terms of color rendering and JPEG processing, Olympus has a slightly warmer, more natural palette, great for skin tones, while Panasonic can appear a bit cooler and clinical unless adjusted manually.

LCD and Viewfinder: Navigating Your Frame

If I were rating usability, this is where the E-M10 III steps ahead decisively.

The Olympus features a 3-inch, 1040k-dot tilting touchscreen plus a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots and 100% coverage - punching well above the Panasonic’s offerings. The GF8 shares the same screen size and resolution but no EVF, relying strictly on the LCD.

For outdoor shooting, having an EVF is a tremendous advantage, because bright sunlight quickly renders LCD compositions difficult on the GF8. I found myself squinting and guessing exposure on the Panasonic, whereas the Olympus allowed precise framing and real-time exposure preview through the viewfinder.

Touchscreen responsiveness is near identical - both cameras allow tap-to-focus and menu navigation, but Olympus’s interface is richer and better thought-out, with more physical shortcut buttons reducing time spent in menus.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catch That Moment

Autofocus is a make-or-break feature for genres like wildlife and sports photography, so I tested both for speed, accuracy, and focus point coverage.

Olympus E-M10 III boasts a contrast-detection AF system with 121 focus points, leveraging sophisticated algorithms and face/eye detection for faster acquisition. Panasonic GF8 has a more modest 23-point contrast-detection AF, which feels sluggish in low light or on moving subjects.

Continuous shooting rates also highlight the Olympus’s superiority: 8.6 fps vs Panasonic’s 5.8 fps, a gap that's meaningful for capturing decisive moments in fast sport or wildlife scenes.

However, neither camera sports phase-detection AF, so fast, precise autofocus on erratically moving subjects isn't their strong suit compared to top-tier cameras. But between these two, Olympus clearly dominates.

Flashes and Low Light Performance: The Night Owl Test

Both cameras include built-in flashes with similar effective range (~5.6 to 5.8 meters) and identical flash modes. External flash ports? Olympus yes, Panasonic no.

In practical low-light shooting, Olympus’s sensor stabilization combined with faster burst and EVF help eke out usable shots handheld at night. Panasonic GF8 users will lean more on the flash or high ISO settings, which introduce noticeably more noise.

Video Capabilities: Ready for Vlogging or Casual Capture?

Here’s a crucial difference for content creators.

Olympus E-M10 III supports 4K UHD video at 30fps with 102 Mbps bitrate in MOV H.264 format, while Panasonic GF8 maxes out at 1080p Full HD with 60fps in AVCHD or MP4.

Despite no mic or headphone jacks on either camera (a disappointing omission), Olympus gives an edge for sharp, detailed video and more future-proof resolution. The E-M10 III’s stabilized sensor also lends smoother footage without needing expensive gimbals for casual shooting.

If video is a priority, Olympus is the clear winner.

Lens Selection and Compatibility

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, opening access to a massive ecosystem of over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others.

This shared mount means investment in quality lenses pays dividends regardless of choice. But Olympus lenses tend to emphasize optical stabilization and higher-end optics geared for enthusiasts, while Panasonic caters more to budget and compact primes.

Which system suits you also depends on your style; Olympus leans toward traditional photography, Panasonic toward casual and travel.

Battery Life and Storage: Power Where You Need It

Olympus E-M10 III uses the BLS-50 battery, rated around 330 shots per charge - respectable for an entry-level model with EVF.

By contrast, Panasonic GF8’s battery is rated for 230 shots, relatively limited but somewhat offset by the lack of an EVF consuming power. For day trips without spare batteries, Olympus’s endurance proved more comfortable in my field tests.

Both cameras use a single SD slot supporting UHS-I cards, standard fare.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Should You Go Rough?

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protections. The Olympus’s metal body is more robust-feeling, lending confidence for casual outdoor shooting. The Panasonic’s all-plastic, lightweight design is more delicate.

If you shoot landscapes in unpredictable weather or outdoor adventure, consider protective gear regardless of choice.

Real-World Discipline Breakdown: Which Excels Where?

To help you find your perfect match, here’s a rundown of strengths and weaknesses for key photography types:

Olympus E M10 MIII front Olympus E M10 MIII screen back Panasonic GF8 front Panasonic GF8 screen back

Putting It All Together: Performance and Value

No surprise that Olympus generally outperforms Panasonic across almost every category, particularly in autofocus, stabilization, and video capability. That said, the GF8’s reductions are intentional - to hit a lower price point and suit users who prize minimalism and size.

Olympus’s superior sensor processor and build quality justify its price premium (about $650 vs $550 for GF8). If budget is tight or you want a camera for casual shooting, Panasonic is still a legitimate choice.

For photography enthusiasts wanting to develop skills with a more flexible, higher-performance system - especially portrait and travel photographers - the E-M10 Mark III clearly offers better long-term value.

Special Notes on User Interface and Connectivity

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi, enabling tethered shooting and remote control from smartphones, although Olympus features a more polished app and workflow integration.

However, neither model has Bluetooth - for fast image transfers, you’ll rely on Wi-Fi or physical card readers.

The touchscreen on both helps simplify menu navigation, but Olympus’s UI is more intuitive, aiding beginners while satisfying more advanced users with customizable buttons and dials.

Summing up Strengths and Weaknesses

Olympus E-M10 III

Pros

• 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• High-resolution electronic viewfinder
• Fast continuous shooting (8.6 fps)
• 4K UHD video recording
• Dual command dials for manual control
• Extensive lens compatibility within Micro Four Thirds
• Robust build quality

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier than Panasonic GF8
• No microphone/headphone audio ports
• Body lacks weather sealing

Panasonic GF8

Pros

• Super lightweight and pocketable
• Easy touchscreen interface
• Good image quality in daylight
• Affordable price point
• Variou aspect ratios useful for social media framing

Cons

• No electronic viewfinder
• No in-body image stabilization
• Slower autofocus and burst shooting
• Limited video resolution (1080p max)
• Smaller, less ergonomic grip and controls

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III if…

• You need a versatile camera capable of serious photography and video.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or fast-moving subjects that benefit from stabilization and faster AF.
• You want a camera with an EVF for better outdoor framing.
• You value tactile controls and a more robust build.
• You’re ready to invest in an evolving Micro Four Thirds system.

Pick the Panasonic Lumix GF8 if…

• Your priority is affordability and ultra-portability for everyday casual shooting.
• You mostly photograph static subjects in good light.
• You want an easy-to-use camera for social media and travel without fussing over settings.
• You don’t mind operating exclusively via the LCD touchscreen with no viewfinder.
• You’re stepping up from a smartphone and want better image quality with a lightweight body.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict for Photographers and Cheapskates Alike

Both cameras offer gateways into the Micro Four Thirds world with solid image quality and enough features for beginners or casual enthusiasts. But from my hands-on testing and years photographing similar models globally, I encourage more serious hobbyists or semi-pro users to lean toward the Olympus E-M10 Mark III.

It strikes a far better balance between performance, ergonomic comfort, and future-proof features - though at a small premium. The Panasonic GF8 is charming in its own right, ideal for those who place portability and simplicity above all else.

As ever, consider your shooting style, budget, and long-term goals. Also, don’t forget lens investment significantly impacts photographic growth and enjoyment - both cameras shine here given the MFT lens ecosystem's breadth.

This chart summarizes how each camera scores across photography genres, reflecting strengths in your favorite shooting niche.

If you’re still on the fence or want to experience these cameras firsthand, visit a local camera store or rent them for a weekend shoot. Nothing beats holding a camera in your hands to see if it clicks with your instincts.

Thanks for reading this detailed hands-on comparison. Shoot sharp and enjoy the creative journey ahead!