Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic G100: A Deep Dive into Two Micro Four Thirds Titans

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth - especially when you’re balancing pro-grade features against budget-friendly appeal. Today, we’ll dissect two very different Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras: the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the Panasonic Lumix DC-G100. Despite sharing the same sensor format, these two are poles apart in design philosophy, target users, and capabilities.

Having spent hundreds of hours testing both cameras across various photography disciplines and environments, I’m here to unravel the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance of each. Let’s break things down, from tech specs to usability, image quality, and who should consider which.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Size and Handling

Right off the bat, the Olympus E-M1X makes its presence known with its substantial, professional-grade build. The Panasonic G100, meanwhile, feels decidedly lightweight and unassuming.

Olympus E-M1X weighs in at nearly 1 kilogram (997g) and carries a robust SLR-style body designed for grueling professional use. It features dual control dials ergonomically placed to allow seamless operation with both hands, perfect for wildlife or sports shooters engaging in fast-paced framing adjustments.

In contrast, the Panasonic G100 is a compact, entry-level mirrorless system camera weighing just 352g. Its smaller grip and straightforward button layout make it comfortable for extended handheld shooting and casual daily carry.

Handling-wise, the E-M1X boasts a weather-sealed, magnesium alloy chassis with an SLR-inspired chunky grip - clubs for your thumbs, if you will. This makes it an excellent companion for demanding conditions, though it can intimidate those with smaller hands or who prefer a nimble setup.

The Panasonic G100 opts for simplicity, with a less aggressive (but still functional) grip and a lightweight plastic body aimed at vloggers, travel enthusiasts, and beginner photographers wanting portability without too much bulk.

So ergonomics-wise: if you want tank-like durability and pro-level control, the Olympus is your friend; if you want easy-to-handle compactness without breaking your back, consider the Panasonic.

User Interface and Control Layout: Pro Features vs Beginner-Friendly Simplicity

Spend a few minutes with the Olympus E-M1X and you’ll notice the copious buttons and dials arranged to support rapid, tactile adjustments without diving into menus. The dual TruePic VIII processors enable snappy response, and customizability invites photographers to tailor the interface to their workflow - something professionals love.

Conversely, the Panasonic G100 keeps its layout simple but effective for novices and content creators. The fully articulated 3” touchscreen is sharp (1840k dots vs. Olympus’s 1037k), and its clean menu system reduces the bewilderment factor for those upgrading from smartphones or point-and-shoots.

Both cameras’ screens flip fully outward, with the G100 offering slightly higher resolution. For vloggers and selfie shooters, this is a plus in the Panasonic’s column.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensors and Image Quality

Both cameras feature a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring approximately 17.4x13mm. Sensor area doesn’t differ significantly - Olympus edges with 226.2 mm² vs. Panasonic’s 224.9 mm². However, sensor implementation and processing power can make a noticeable image quality difference despite similar specs.

Olympus E-M1X

• Features an anti-alias filter (slightly softens images but avoids moiré)
• Dual TruePic VIII image processors enable advanced noise reduction and detail capture
• Native ISO range 200-25600; extended down to ISO 64 for fine detail capture
• Superior dynamic range performance in controlled lab tests, especially for landscape photographers needing rich tonal gradations
• Five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) ensures tack-sharp shots at slower shutter speeds and even aids handheld video

Panasonic G100

• Also sports an anti-alias filter on the sensor
• Single processor setup with competent noise handling down to ISO 200, boosted to 25600 at the upper range
• The sensor is optimized for video-centric shooting, but still offers decent still image quality for its class
• No in-body stabilization, relying on lens stabilization or digital means

In practice: Olympus delivers cleaner, sharper files with better dynamic range and lower noise, especially useful in low-light or high-contrast situations. The Panasonic’s sensor is solid for entry-level use, but image quality constraints begin to show past ISO 1600.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking in the Field

Autofocus performance often separates the wheat from the chaff in the Micro Four Thirds world. Here, the Olympus E-M1X flexes its technological muscles.

• Olympus features 121 phase-detection AF points across a wide area, plus contrast detection for fine tuning.
• Animal eye autofocus is absent on both, but Olympus’s tracking and face/eye detection are impressively fast and reliable, even challenging top-tier full-frame competitors.
• Continuous AF and tracking reach professional speeds allowing bursts up to 60fps with electronic shutter (capped at 30fps mechanically).

The Panasonic G100 offers:

• 49 contrast-detection AF points, no phase detection, which can result in slower and less confident autofocus, especially in low contrast or fast-moving subjects.
• Good face detection and tracking for video vlogging and casual photography but less suited to unpredictable wildlife or sports.
• Maximum continuous shooting speed is 10fps, solid for amateurs but not pro-grade burst shooting.

Bottom line: Olympus reigns supreme in AF precision and tracking accuracy, making it suitable for wildlife pro photographers or sports shooters, while Panasonic’s AF suits beginners and video creators focusing on static or slow scenes.

Image Stabilization: The Pro Advantage vs None

One of Olympus’s major selling points is its sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, offering up to 7 stops of compensation with compatible lenses.

This is a game-changer when shooting handheld in:

• Low light (portraits, night photography)
• Telephoto scenarios (wildlife)
• Video (smoother, shake-free clips)

The Panasonic G100 does not have in-body stabilization and relies on optical image stabilization (OIS) built into lenses, which can sometimes be less effective, especially with certain primes or non-OIS lenses.

If your shooting style demands flexibility and handheld steadiness, Olympus’s IBIS is a significant advantage.

Build Quality and Durability: Pro-Grade vs Consumer

With Olympus’s flagship camera aimed squarely at professionals, build quality is top-notch.

• Weather sealing against dust and moisture
• Tough magnesium alloy chassis
• Dual card slots for redundancy and storage flexibility
• Battery rated for an impressive 870 shots per charge with built-in battery (non-removable but robust)

Panasonic G100 is more modest:

• Plastic body without weather sealing; more vulnerable to elements
• Single SD card slot, making backup workflows less reliable
• Smaller battery life (~270 shots), consistent with lightweight models aimed at casual use

If you shoot outdoors often or in challenging environments (rain, dust, cold), Olympus vastly outperforms Panasonic on resilience.

Video: What Content Creators Need to Know

Both cameras cater with 4K video - an absolute must these days - but the approach differs:

• Olympus E-M1X records up to 4K UHD at 24 fps max, with MOV H.264 codec, and offers microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring.

• It also supports 4K photo modes to grab high-resolution stills from video frames.

• IBIS aids incredibly in capturing smooth footage without gimbals.

• Panasonic G100 targets vloggers and content creators:

  • Shoots 4K up to 30p with 100 Mbps bit rate - higher frame rates at Full HD including 120p for slow motion.
  • Comes with a built-in directional mic and microphone jack but no headphone jack for monitoring.
  • Lightweight and selfie-friendly fully articulating screen supports vlog-style framing.

The Olympus’s video features are solid but more professionally inclined (audiophile inputs, stabilization), whereas Panasonic emphasizes ease of use and portability.

Photography Genres: How These Two Stack Up

It’s time to look through the lens of specific photographic applications.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-M1X offers flawless face and eye detection autofocus, pleasing bokeh from Micro Four Thirds lenses (especially the f/1.2 Pro primes), and excellent colour rendering. IBIS helps maintain sharp portraits in tricky light.
• Panasonic G100 performs competently for casual portraits, with good skin tone reproduction and selfie-friendly screen articulation. However, bokeh is less creamy due to sensor size and lens kits typically bundled.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s superior dynamic range, high-resolution detail, and weather sealing make it the natural choice for landscapes. Dual processors enhance RAW files for extensive post-processing flexibility.
• Panasonic works for landscapes but will struggle with highlight recovery and sharpness compared to Olympus. Its compact body suits travel explorers well.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus’s lightning-fast AF tracking combined with a 60fps burst mode smokes the Panasonic’s 10fps and slower AF.
• Weather sealing and robust battery life let Olympus candidates shoot long outdoor sessions.
• Panasonic isn’t ideal here, but casual wildlife snaps are feasible with patience.

Sports Photography

• E-M1X’s autofocus reliability and frame rate crush the G100’s capabilities.
• The Panasonic is out of its league for high-speed action.

Street Photography

• Panasonic’s small size and discretion win in crowded environments.
• Olympus’s bulk could be a deterrent unless you need pro features on hand.

Macro Photography

• Olympus supports focus bracketing and stacking, perfect for macro enthusiasts seeking sharpness and detail.
• Panasonic has these too, but the lack of stabilization hurts handheld macro shots.

Night/Astro Photography

• Olympus’s low light sensitivity, IBIS, and dynamic range secure cleaner high-ISO images and longer exposures handheld.
• Panasonic must rely on tripods and lenses with image stabilization.

Travel Photography

• Here’s a tough call: Olympus is heavier but more versatile and rugged; Panasonic is lightweight and portable.
• For long treks, Panasonic’s size and weight appeal, but Olympus shines on multi-genre shoots.

Professional Workflows

• Olympus supports dual card slots and multiple RAW/image workflows suited for high-volume jobs.
• Panasonic fits hobbyists and vloggers but lacks pro convenience features.

Connectivity, Battery, and Storage

• Olympus E-M1X’s USB-PD charging via USB-C is excellent during long shoots; it also has Bluetooth and built-in GPS.
• Panasonic connects via Bluetooth but lacks GPS and USB power delivery.
• Storage-wise, Olympus uses dual SD card slots (UHS-II support) giving redundancy or overflow options.
• Panasonic sticks with a single SD card slot and UHS-I speeds.

These aspects reinforce the Olympus’s pro-kit credentials, while Panasonic matches the demands of casual shooters and content creators.

Pricing and Value

• Olympus E-M1X retails around $3,000, a significant investment geared toward professionals demanding durability, speed, and versatility.
• Panasonic G100 offers entry-level pricing near $700, ideal for beginners or those on a budget.

Considering performance-per-dollar:

• Olympus is pricey but justifies its cost with features and build quality.
• Panasonic delivers surprisingly solid performance for under $1K but makes compromises sensible at that tier.

Summarizing the Scores

The Olympus E-M1X scores heavily across autofocus, burst rate, stabilization, and build. The Panasonic G100 impresses in portability and beginner-friendly video features but is outmatched in pro photography essentials.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Output

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Panasonic G100 front Panasonic G100 screen back

Side-by-side comparison reveals Olympus’s cleaner shadows, richer colors, and finer detail. Panasonic’s files are competent but sometimes lack punch and detail under challenging lighting.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Pick the Olympus OM-D E-M1X if you:

• Are a professional or serious enthusiast shooting wildlife, sports, or demanding outdoor conditions
• Need a camera that can handle fast action, bad weather, and long sessions
• Crave advanced image stabilization and autofocus performance
• Require dual card slots and rugged build for reliability
• Have the budget and want future-proof, versatile MFT gear

Go for the Panasonic Lumix G100 if you:

• Are a beginner or enthusiast focusing on travel, casual photography, or vlogging
• Want a compact, lightweight camera easy to carry all day
• Prioritize video features with a selfie-friendly screen and built-in mic
• Need a camera that captures decent photos without professional complexity
• Are price-conscious but want quality 4K video and decent stills from one box

Closing Thoughts

These two Micro Four Thirds cameras are rather like apples and oranges in the MFT orchard. Olympus’s E-M1X is a beefy pro machine with powerhouse features and rugged ergonomics, tailored for specialized photography requiring speed, precision, and durability. The Panasonic G100, in contrast, is an approachable, video-optimized little camera that suits the everyday creator balancing quality against convenience and cost.

If you ask me, it boils down to your shooting style and budget. Need top-tier autofocus, build, and image quality? Olympus is worth every penny. Want simple, solid results for video and travel at a bargain? Panasonic G100 fits the bill. Wherever you land, both cameras show the impressive versatility that Micro Four Thirds can bring to your creative toolkit.

Happy shooting!