Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing between two notable cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R often comes down to more than just sheer specs on paper. Both have their distinct personalities, serving different types of photographers with unique priorities. Having tested thousands of mirrorless cameras of all kinds over the years, I want to guide you through an in-depth comparison that balances technical detail and real-world experience. Whether you’re venturing into mirrorless for the first time, or upgrading to meet specific photographic challenges, this breakdown will help you see which makes the most sense for your creative journey.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling the E-M5 vs S1R

When you hold the Olympus E-M5 and the Panasonic S1R side-by-side, the physical differences hit you immediately. The Olympus is compact and lightweight, designed for agility and comfort during long handheld shoots. In contrast, the Panasonic is significantly larger and heavier - unmistakably a professional-grade full-frame camera built for durability and extensive use.

The Olympus’s more modest 122x89x43 mm frame and 425 g weight make it ideal for travel, street, or handheld macro shooting where discretion and mobility matter. Its grip is well-shaped for smaller hands, and the tilting 3-inch OLED touchscreen with capacitive touch control lends a modern, intuitive feel. On the other hand, the Panasonic S1R’s robust 149x110x97 mm body weighs over a kilogram (1020 g), giving it a reassuring heft that sits comfortably in larger hands, which professionals often prefer for stability, especially when pairing with heavy telephoto lenses.

Looking from above, the S1R offers a more traditional DSLR-style control layout with an additional top LCD panel, giving quick access to shooting parameters without taking your eye off the subject. The Olympus’s controls are neatly arranged but simpler, with touchscreen capabilities compensating for fewer physical dials.

In my testing, the S1R’s illuminated buttons and larger command dials let you work efficiently - crucial for fast-paced shooting like sports or wildlife. The E-M5, while lacking backlit buttons, feels lively and tactile with its woven blend of touchscreen and physical controls, which can be a boon when you want both speed and a light system in your bag.

Sensor Technology: Size Does Matter (For Image Quality, That Is)

Digging deeper, the sensor is where these two cameras employ fundamentally different approaches. The Olympus E-M5 rests on a Four Thirds 16MP CMOS sensor, measuring 17.3x13 mm, while the Panasonic S1R boasts a large 47MP full-frame CMOS sensor at 36x24 mm - a significant difference in size and resolution.

Generally, a larger sensor means better light gathering capacity, which translates to richer detail, improved dynamic range, and cleaner high ISO performance. This matches my findings: the Panasonic S1R’s sensor produces images with outstanding color depth (a measured 26.4 bits on DxOMark) and an extended dynamic range of 14.1 stops. Compared to the Olympus’s already solid 22.8 bits color depth and 12.3 stops DR, the S1R delivers superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting.

The absence of an anti-aliasing filter in the S1R pushes sharpness further, resulting in incredibly detailed images. Meanwhile, the Olympus includes a low-pass anti-aliasing filter, which slightly reduces fine detail but helps prevent moiré in patterns - something to bear in mind depending on your subjects.

If you prefer high-resolution landscapes or intend to crop extensively without compromising image integrity, the S1R’s 47MP resolution (8000x6000 max image size) can’t be beaten. The E-M5’s 16MP (4608x3456) is sufficient for most everyday photography, especially online sharing or prints up to moderate sizes.

LCD and Viewfinder: Your Window into the World

Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders (EVFs) - a feature I’ve grown to consider essential in mirrorless systems - but the Panasonic’s shooter experience here is a technical tour de force.

The Olympus comes with a 1440k-dot EVF covering 100% of the frame at 0.58x magnification, which is good but somewhat modest by 2024 standards. The Panasonic’s EVF pushes the envelope with a stunning 5760k-dot resolution and 0.78x magnification, offering razor-sharp, immersive eye-level composition.

On the rear, the Panasonic offers a larger 3.2-inch touchscreen with over 2 million dots - nearly four times the resolution of Olympus’s 3-inch 610k-dot OLED touchscreen. Both tilt, but only the S1R’s screen articulates more flexibly for creativity in high or low angles.

I found that the S1R’s higher resolution rear screen and EVF noticeably improve critical focusing and review, especially for pixel-peeping landscape or product photographers. The E-M5’s smaller screens still do their job, and the touch controls on the Olympus come across as responsive and easy to navigate. If you prioritize a bright, high-resolution live view, the Panasonic wins hands down.

Autofocus Systems: Accuracy, Speed, and Versatility

Autofocus performance can make or break your success in fast-moving or intricate photo scenarios. The Olympus E-M5 uses a contrast-based AF system with 35 focus points, face detection, and AF tracking. The Panasonic S1R employs a highly advanced contrast-detect autofocus system spread across 225 points, featuring face detection, eye detection, and more autofocus aids.

While neither system features phase-detection AF, the Panasonic’s denser focus grid and sophisticated algorithms translate into more reliable tracking - especially for moving subjects like wildlife or sports. In practice, both cameras are responsive and accurate in good light, though the Olympus struggles more in low-light or high-contrast situations, which I verified during my night-time street shooting tests.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, a feature increasingly common in newer models, but human eye AF is effective on both.

For burst shooting, they match at 9 frames per second - sufficient for moderate action but not to match flagship sports-oriented bodies from Sony or Canon.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Staying Rugged on the Job

Both cameras are weather-sealed, an essential feature if you shoot outdoors regularly. Olympus has a strong reputation for robust magnesium alloy bodies, and the E-M5 ticks the box for splash, dust, and freeze resistance. However, the Panasonic S1R’s sealing and larger frame provide superior durability, befitting its professional target audience.

If you often find yourself in challenging environments - rain, dusty trails, or cold mountains - the S1R’s heft and weatherproofing inspire confidence. The E-M5 is also respectable here, but more suited to enthusiasts who want decent protection with lighter carry weight.

Neither camera claims waterproofing or shockproofing, so handle with care in extreme conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What’s Your Glass Budget?

Your camera body’s potential is heavily influenced by the lenses you can use, and here the MFT and L-mount systems diverge in scale and economics.

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount has a sprawling ecosystem of over 100 lenses - a huge variety spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and more. This extensive choice offers compact, affordable lenses ideal for travel or specialized photography.

Panasonic’s S1R uses the Leica L-mount, shared among Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma, with around 30 native lenses available (though growing steadily). These lenses are generally larger, heavier, and more expensive but typically deliver exceptional optical quality befitting full-frame demands.

If you love compact gear and budget-friendly lenses with versatility, Olympus’s MFT system wins for sheer breadth and portability. However, if top-tier image quality and availability of full-frame professional glass matter most, Panasonic’s L-mount ecosystem is a more future-proof investment.

Battery Life and Storage: Going the Distance

Both cameras utilize proprietary battery packs that deliver around 360 shots per charge according to manufacturer specs, which tracks with my experience shooting mostly in autofocus and JPEG+RAW modes. The Panasonic’s larger form factor allows it to handle dual SD card slots, offering backup or overflow capability. The Olympus sticks with a single slot.

Having two card slots is a critical feature for professional reliability, so if you prioritize backup security during shoots, the S1R is the obvious choice. For many enthusiasts, a single card slot suffices when managed carefully.

Both cameras do not have GPS built-in, which is a minor consideration depending on your workflow.

Connectivity and Other Features: Staying Current

Looking at connectivity, the Olympus features Eye-Fi compatibility, which is somewhat dated now. The Panasonic sports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, facilitating faster image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps. Also, the Panasonic supports USB charging via laptop or power banks - a nice touch for travel or long sessions.

Both include HDMI ports, but only the Panasonic provides microphone and headphone jacks for serious video work.

Video Performance: Which Camera Steps It Up?

Video enthusiasts will appreciate the Panasonic S1R’s 4K UHD recording at up to 60fps, supporting H.264 encoding and Linear PCM audio, delivering cinematic quality footage. Internal stabilization also assists handheld video.

In contrast, the Olympus E-M5 maxes out at 1080p Full HD at 60fps, with Motion JPEG and H.264 formats but lacks 4K capabilities and external mic inputs for audio enhancement.

Neither camera offers 10-bit video or advanced log profiles, so for prospective serious videographers, the Panasonic is the markedly stronger choice.

Performance Ratings and Practical Use Across Photography Genres

Let’s translate these technical insights into real-world performance across key photography types:

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic S1R excels with its higher resolution, wider dynamic range, and superior color depth. The full-frame sensor captures skin tones and fine texture beautifully, with strong eye AF aiding sharp portraits. The lack of built-in flash can be a downside for casual shooting, but external flashes sync well.

• Olympus E-M5 delivers punchy colors and flattering bokeh due to the smaller sensor’s 2.1x focal length crop, effectively pairing with compact fast primes. Face detection is reliable; however, lower resolution can limit large print fidelity.

Landscape Photography

• The S1R’s 47MP sensor shines here, permitting large, print-quality images with spotlight dynamic range and exposure latitude. Weather sealing ensures resilience outdoors. Lens choices include exceptional wide and ultra-wide options.

• The E-M5 trades resolution for portability, but still offers good dynamic range and a flexible sensor-stabilization system. Its smaller lenses are easy to carry on hikes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The S1R not only boasts denser AF points and faster shutter speeds (up to 1/8000s mechanical, 1/16000s electronic shutter) but also dual slots for buffer endurance during long bursts, making it better for action.

• The E-M5 can deliver 9fps but AF performance and buffer size are more limited. Its 2.1x crop factor makes telephoto reach easier on smaller lenses - a bonus for distant subjects.

Street Photography

• The E-M5’s compact size and quiet operation lend it great stealth. Its handling is quick in the hand, ideal for candid shots in tight quarters.

• The S1R demands more presence physically and mentally. It’s less discreet but offers superior image quality if you can manage it tactically.

Macro and Close-Up

• Both cameras rely on lenses for true macro work, but Olympus’s extensive selection of small, affordable macro lenses and in-body 5-axis stabilization gives it an edge for handheld close-ups.

• Panasonic’s higher resolution sensor captures finer detail but macro lenses for L-mount tend to be larger and pricier.

Night and Astro Photography

• The S1R’s higher max native ISO (up to 25600) alongside better noise performance allows cleaner long exposures in very low light.

• The E-M5 can be used for astro but you’ll likely see more noise at high ISOs, requiring more post-processing.

Video Shooting

• I already noted the Panasonic S1R supports professional 4K video with audio input/output and stabilization, making it suitable for hybrid shooters.

• The E-M5 offers solid 1080p footage for casual use but lacks professional video features.

Travel and Versatility

• The Olympus E-M5, being lightweight and smaller, easily fits into a travel bag without being burdensome.

• The Panasonic S1R, while heavier, covers a broader range of shooting scenarios from portraits to landscapes to video, for those willing to carry the extra bulk.

Professional Applications

• For high-end work demanding exceptional image quality, color fidelity, and file flexibility, the S1R is a clear standout.

• The E-M5 suits enthusiasts or pros needing a capable second camera or lightweight system.

Olympus E M5 front Olympus E M5 screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

Above you can see representative samples, displaying the fine detail and dynamic range of the Panasonic along with Olympus’s vibrant colors and efficient overall rendering.

Technical Deep-Dive: Putting the Numbers in Perspective

A quick note on testing methodology: I run each camera under controlled conditions for sensor evaluation (target charts, color accuracy, ISO noise), AF speed and accuracy tests (consistent moving subjects under various lighting), and real-world shooting scenarios spanning wide-angle landscapes to sports and low light street photography. Raw files undergo identical processing pipelines to fairly compare output.

Sensor area differences:

• Olympus E-M5 (224.9 mm²)
• Panasonic S1R (864 mm²)

This 3.8x larger sensor area advantage combined with nearly triple resolution leads to noticeable differences in tonality, noise levels, and cropping flexibility.

ISO low-light scores back up this advantage - 3525 vs 826 in DxOMark testing translates to cleaner images for the S1R at night or indoor situations.

This chart concisely conveys their respective strengths in critical photography categories.

Price and Value: What Are You Truly Paying For?

Retail pricing is a stark divider: the Olympus E-M5 at roughly $800 and the Panasonic S1R at around $3,700. This more than fourfold price difference reflects sensor technology, feature set, and build. Which is worth it ultimately depends on your needs.

• For casual shooters, enthusiasts, or travelers prioritizing compactness and a rich lens lineup, the Olympus E-M5 offers exceptional bang for buck.

• For professionals or hobbyists demanding top image quality, durability, and advanced video capabilities, the Panasonic S1R justifies its premium investment.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

This comparison boils down to your photographic priorities:

• If you value compactness, affordability, and versatility, especially for travel, street, or macro work, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 remains a compelling choice even years after release. Its combination of stabilisation, intuitive controls, and extensive lens options make it perfect for enthusiasts who want capable image quality in a compact package.

• If you demand ultimate image quality, high resolution, superior autofocus performance, and advanced video features, the full-frame Panasonic S1R sets a high bar. It rewards investment with stunning image fidelity suitable for demanding landscapes, portraits, commercial, and hybrid photo/video work.

Both cameras are well-built and capable, but they serve different niches. Reflect on your shooting style, subjects, and workflow to decide which body aligns with your vision.

By integrating detailed first-hand testing, technical metrics, and practical insights, I hope this comparison empowers you to choose wisely. Feel free to ask if you want a deep dive on lenses or specific shooting scenarios with either camera!