Olympus E-M5 III vs Panasonic GF7: The Micro Four Thirds Showdown for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem is no small feat, especially with models ranging from entry-level to advanced mirrorless bodies. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two Olympus and Panasonic cameras that epitomize very different points on that spectrum: the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III - a feature-packed advanced mirrorless camera, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 - a budget-friendly entry-level mirrorless. Both share the Micro Four Thirds mount, but beyond that, their philosophies diverge.

Having drilled into both cameras extensively - putting them through real-world shooting tests and scrutinizing their specs - I want to guide you through a comprehensive comparison. Whether you’re a cheapskate just getting started, a seasoned enthusiast weighing an upgrade, or even a pro looking for a versatile backup, I promise you’ll leave this article with a crystal-clear idea of what each camera brings to your photography bag.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Design, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter - especially when that camera will spend hours in your hands. At 125 x 85 x 50 mm and weighing 414 grams with battery, the Olympus E-M5 III is compact but chunky enough to feel substantial and reassuringly built. Meanwhile, the Panasonic GF7 is a featherweight at 266 grams, with a slim profile of 107 x 65 x 33 mm - more of a pocket friend than a workhorse companion.

The Olympus embraces the classic SLR-style mirrorless design with a pronounced grip and well-defined control clusters. This gives your club-like thumbs plenty to latch onto, which is vital during extended shoots or burst sequences. The GF7, on the other hand, leans into a rangefinder-style squareness, and while it’s sleek and discreet, it offers less ergonomic finesse - especially if you have larger hands.

Takeaway: If comfort and sustained shooting are priorities, the E-M5 III’s body will feel more like a trusty tool. The GF7 wins on portability for street shooters or travelers wanting to minimize bulk.

Top-Plate Controls and User Interface: How Hands-On Are They?

Beyond size, control layout dictates how fast you can react to changing scenes. Olympus clearly designed the E-M5 III for photography buffs who prefer manual tweaks on the fly, evidenced by dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO.

Conversely, the GF7's minimalist top plate sports a power button and shutter but leaves most controls buried in menus or accessible via touchscreen. It’s approachable for beginners, but those of us who like to wrestle the camera manually will feel slightly constrained.

In my experience testing the E-M5 III, those mechanical dials and buttons translate to freedom. I don’t have to dive into menus between shots - big bonus when capturing fleeting wildlife moments or fast-paced sports. The GF7 sacrifices this tactile immediacy for simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Black-Box IQ: The Heart of Image Quality

Both cameras use Micro Four Thirds sensors but with crucial differences:

Feature	Olympus E-M5 III	Panasonic GF7
Sensor Type	20MP Four Thirds Live MOS	16MP Four Thirds CMOS
Sensor Dimensions	17.4 x 13 mm	17.3 x 13 mm
Pixel Pitch	~3.3 µm	Slightly larger per pixel due to lower resolution
Anti-Aliasing Filter	Yes	Yes
Max Native ISO	25600	25600

The E-M5 III’s 20MP Live MOS sensor coupled with the TruePic VIII processing engine delivers more resolution and better noise handling, especially in high ISO and dynamic range scenarios. The GF7’s 16MP sensor, powered by the older Venus Engine, works well in bright light but starts to show its limitations when shadows deepen or light fades.

During my low-light trials - often the acid test for sensor quality - the Olympus allowed me to push ISO up to 6400 with relatively clean files suitable for web use or small prints. The GF7 became noticeably noisier above ISO 1600, meaning you’ll want to keep your ISO low or invest in fast lenses.

Dynamic range tests pinned the E-M5 III ahead as well. It retained highlight and shadow detail with more latitude during post-processing, which is critical when shooting landscapes or contrasty scenes.

In practical terms: Olympus E-M5 III offers a noticeable IQ advantage suitable for those seeking image quality flexibility. The GF7 makes a decent entry-level option at the baseline but with recognized compromises.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Touchscreen LCDs and viewfinders determine how you compose and review images.

Both cameras come with a 3.0-inch 1040k-dot touchscreen, but the GF7’s tilting screen flips only upward - optimizing selfies but limiting versatility for awkward angles. The E-M5 III sports a fully articulating (flip-out and swivel) screen, a must-have for video vloggers, macro shooters, or creative compositions.

One glaring GF7 omission is the absence of any viewfinder. Outdoor shooting in bright light thus requires squinting or awkward angling of the screen. Conversely, Olympus provides a sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k dots, 0.68x magnification, and 100% coverage. This makes eye-level framing in sunlight infinitely easier and immersive.

If you’re shooting landscape, street, or wildlife outside regularly, I can personally attest that an EVF isn’t just a luxury - it’s a tool that saves time, improves accuracy, and reduces eye strain.

Autofocus Systems: Locking in Your Subject

Smooth, reliable autofocus (AF) is lifesaving in fast-paced or unpredictable environments. Here the gap widens sharply.

Specification	Olympus E-M5 III	Panasonic GF7
AF System Type	Hybrid Phase and Contrast Detect	Contrast Detect Only
AF Points	121	23
Eye & Face Detection	Yes	Yes
Continuous AF Tracking	Yes (high-performance)	Yes (basic)
Animal Eye AF	No	No

Equipped with a hybrid autofocus system including 121 focus points, the E-M5 III boasts rapid and accurate AF performance, with excellent subject tracking during continuous autofocus modes. Its eye-detection capabilities ensure tack-sharp portraits even with moving subjects.

The GF7, in contrast, uses an older contrast-detection AF with fewer points. While it manages decent AF locking for static subjects and decent face detection, speed and accuracy drop considerably on moving subjects or in low light.

In my sports and wildlife trials, the E-M5 III’s autofocus kept pace with runners and birds in flight, while the GF7 struggled to maintain consistent locking, resulting in missed shots.

In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) – The Olympus Advantage

One of the flagship features of the Olympus E-M5 III is its sensor-based 5-axis in-body image stabilization. This marvel lets you handhold shots at shutter speeds up to several stops slower than normally possible, stabilizes video, and synergizes well with lenses that have optical stabilization.

The Panasonic GF7 has no built-in stabilization and relies solely on optical stabilization from lenses, which limits its handheld shooting stability potential, especially with non-stabilized primes or telephoto lenses.

For me, IBIS on the E-M5 III removes a lot of shooting anxiety, especially in low light, macro close-ups, or when traveling light and skipping the tripod.

Burst Rates and Shutter Capabilities

Speed is another key battlefront. The Olympus E-M5 III can shoot continuous bursts up to 30 frames per second in silent electronic shutter mode - fantastic for capturing split-second wildlife or sports action.

The GF7 levels at a modest 5.8 fps burst, adequate for casual use but frustrating for chasing fast subjects.

Regarding shutter speeds, both cameras start at 60 seconds minimum (great for long exposures), but Olympus scales up to 1/8000s mechanical and an astonishing 1/32000s electronic speed, while the GF7 caps at 1/16000s mechanical shutter.

Video Specifications: Are There Big Differences?

Video shooters, heads up! The Olympus E-M5 III shoots 4K UHD video at 24p with a clean 237 Mbps bitrate in MOV format, plus a headphone jack for audio monitoring. It offers microphone input - allowing superior external mic setups - and stabilizes video via IBIS.

The GF7 maxes out at 1080p Full HD video at various frame rates, using older codec formats (MPEG-4, AVCHD). It has no mic or headphone ports, limiting audio control options.

Video stabilization is notably better on the Olympus due to sensor-shift IBIS. This makes it very appealing to vloggers or filmmakers wanting sharper handheld footage with less equipment.

Lenses and Accessories: The Micro Four Thirds Ecosystem

Both cameras share the legendary Micro Four Thirds mount, meaning they have access to over 100 native lenses across Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party brands - a massive advantage for flexibility.

Since the GF7 targets beginners, it usually ships in lightweight, affordable kits with simple lenses like the 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 starter zoom.

The E-M5 III pairs well with pro-grade optics including Olympus’s pro primes and zooms - which can demonstrate their worth thanks to the body’s advanced features like IBIS, high-res sensor, and weather sealing.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

I’ve shot with the E-M5 III in drizzles, dusty environments, and chilly mornings without worry. Its weather sealing protects against water splashes and dust ingress, a feature unheard of at the GF7’s price point.

The GF7 offers none of this sealing – no protection against harsh elements – so it’s better suited for fair weather and casual shooting.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery stamina matters, especially traveling light. The Olympus E-M5 III provides approximately 310 shots per charge, respectable but not extraordinary. It charges via Battery Pack BLN-1.

The Panasonic GF7 stretches about 230 shots, which is adequate for short outings but may force carrying spares during long days.

Both use a single SD card slot compatible with fast UHS-II cards (E-M5 III) or standard SDXC cards (GF7).

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, Timelapse, and More

Both bodies feature built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer. The Olympus also includes Bluetooth for quicker pairing and better energy efficiency.

The Olympus wins on advanced creative tools: focus bracketing and focus stacking help macro and landscape shooters nail critical sharpness.

Price Comparison and Value: What do You Get for Your Money?

The Olympus E-M5 III’s street price hovers around $1200 body-only, positioning it at the higher end of enthusiast gear. In return, you get an advanced, weather-sealed, highly capable body loaded with professional-grade features.

The Panasonic GF7 arrives at roughly $308 body-only or less when bundled, making it a no-brainer for beginners or those on a budget.

How These Cameras Perform Across Popular Photography Genres

With all those specs out of the way, let's translate into real-life shooting scenarios covering 10 popular genres:

Portrait Photography

Olympus E-M5 III shines here thanks to precise eye detection AF, creamy bokeh achievable with pro lenses, and excellent skin tone rendition - largely due to higher IQ sensor and flexible post-processing latitude.

Panasonic GF7 can capture pleasant portraits in good light but faced challenges with dynamic range and background separation. The lack of eye tracking means less reliable focus on eyes.

Landscape Photography

E-M5 III’s higher resolution, superb dynamic range, articulating screen, and weather sealing make it a landscape photographer’s prized tool.

GF7 suits casual landscapes but may struggle with sharpness at pixel level or challenging light.

Wildlife Photography

The Olympus with its fast continuous AF, rapid burst shooting, and large buffer is well suited for birds and animals in motion.

The GF7’s slower AF and limited burst make it frustrating to track moving wildlife.

Sports Photography

Again, E-M5 III is the clear winner with 30 fps bursts and sophisticated tracking AF.

GF7’s slow 5.8 fps and contrast AF system limit its use for sports or fast action.

Street Photography

GF7’s slim body and lighter weight cater well to street photographers valuing discretion and ease of carry.

E-M5 III is noisier and bigger, but the EVF and faster operation may appeal to those prioritizing control over stealth.

Macro Photography

E-M5 III’s IBIS combined with focus bracketing capabilities provides superior macro shooting stability and clarity.

GF7 lacks these assistive features, making macro more challenging.

Night and Astrophotography

Higher native ISO performance and longer shutter speeds on Olympus give it a clear edge for night/astro photography.

GF7’s sensor noise at high ISO and limited shutter speeds are notable weaknesses here.

Video Capabilities

E-M5 III supports 4K, mic input, headphone output, and IBIS stabilization - a kit that pleases most vloggers and indie filmmakers.

GF7 records 1080p with no audio monitoring or stabilization - okay for casual clips but forget professional video.

Travel Photography

GF7’s tiny size and lightweight design shine for travel or street shots when size restrictions matter.

E-M5 III offers versatility that can justify its bulk if you want a do-everything travel camera.

Professional Work

Olympus’s advanced features, rugged build, and high-quality RAW support make it suitable for professional assignments.

GF7 is better seen as a learning or casual-use camera, rather than professional-quality gear.

Performance Overview – Scores at a Glance

As expected, the Olympus E-M5 III scores significantly higher across major performance criteria - sensor quality, autofocus, image stabilization, burst rate, and video capabilities. The GF7 holds its own within its entry-level niche but shows clear performance gaps.

Photography Genre-Specific Ratings and Recommendations

No camera is perfect for everyone, so I find genre-specific considerations indispensable:

Genre	Olympus E-M5 III	Panasonic GF7
Portrait	Excellent	Good (bright light only)
Landscape	Excellent	Fair
Wildlife	Very Good	Poor
Sports	Excellent	Poor
Street	Good	Very Good (portability wins)
Macro	Very Good	Fair
Night/Astro	Excellent	Fair
Video	Excellent	Basic
Travel	Good (heavier)	Excellent (lightweight)
Professional	Suitable for many pros	Entry-level hobbyists only

Summing Up: Pros and Cons of Each Camera

Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

Pros:

• Top-tier 20MP sensor with great dynamic range and ISO performance
• Fast, accurate hybrid AF with 121 focus points and eye detection
• 5-axis sensor-shift IBIS stabilizes photos and video
• Rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body with excellent ergonomics
• Fully articulating touchscreen and crisp EVF for versatile framing
• 4K video with microphone input and headphone jack
• Fast burst shooting up to 30 fps silent mode
• Access to pro Micro Four Thirds lenses and accessories

Cons:

• Higher price point (~$1200 body) may deter budget-conscious buyers
• Bulkier than entry-level models - not as pocketable
• Battery life decent but not outstanding for marathon shoots

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7

Pros:

• Affordable price (~$308 body), great for camera newcomers
• Light, compact design ideal for travel and street photography
• Intuitive touchscreen interface with basic focus and exposure controls
• Built-in flash for occasional fill-light needs
• Access to extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
• Decent image quality in good light

Cons:

• No electronic viewfinder, limiting outdoor composition ease
• Slower, less accurate contrast-detection AF with only 23 points
• No in-body image stabilization - dependent on lens IS
• 1080p video max, no mic or headphone ports
• No weather sealing - vulnerable in tough environments
• Lower burst rate and shutter speed range
• Limited advanced features like focus bracketing or pro-grade controls

Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re an entry-level shooter or someone prioritizing cost and portability, the Panasonic GF7 is a straightforward, user-friendly companion. It suits casual travel, family snapshots, and kids starting their photography journey.

However, if you want a camera to grow with your skills, require robust performance in varying conditions, and crave professional-quality results - the Olympus E-M5 III stands out. It’s especially compelling for wildlife, sports, landscape, macro, and video shooters who value control, speed, and image quality.

Final Word: An Expert’s Take

Having gouged on both of these cameras deeply, the Olympus E-M5 III emerges as the clear overall winner in most practical photographic disciplines - especially once your ambitions go beyond basic snapshots. Its rich feature set, superior autofocus, IBIS, EVF, and build quality make it a camera that doesn’t just capture images but enables more creativity, precision, and confidence.

The Panasonic GF7 is a capable entry-level stepping stone but shows its limits in challenging light, dynamic shooting, and professional work. It’s a fine tool for beginners or cheapskates who want mirrorless fun without the clubs for thumbs or heavy pockets.

If your budget allows, and you intend to explore photography seriously, I repeatedly find myself recommending Olympus’s E-M5 III as one of the best all-around Micro Four Thirds cameras - a camera that punches well above its weight and price class over time.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you pick the camera that fits your style, budget, and ambitions. Happy shooting!