Olympus E-P7 vs Panasonic GX85: Which Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing the right mirrorless camera can feel overwhelming given the wealth of options available. Today, I’m putting two popular Micro Four Thirds cameras head-to-head: the Olympus PEN E-P7, a 2021 entry-level mirrorless model, versus the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85, a slightly older but still very capable advanced mirrorless from 2016. Both boast compact designs, strong image stabilization, and 4K video capabilities, but they address slightly different user needs and shooting styles. Having tested hundreds of mirrorless cameras throughout my career, I’ll share hands-on insights and detailed analysis across all key photography disciplines to help you make an informed choice.

The Feel and Handling: Compactness vs Comfort

When I first held these cameras side by side, the Olympus E-P7 immediately impressed me with its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and ultra-compact size: it measures just 118x69x38mm and weighs a mere 337 grams. This smaller footprint is excellent for travel and street photographers prioritizing portability. The PEN series historically appeals to those who enjoy classic rangefinder styling combined with modern tech, and the E-P7 continues that tradition, offering a comfortable grip despite its streamlined body.

The Panasonic GX85, while still compact, tips the scales at 426 grams with slightly larger dimensions (122x71x44mm). The extra heft translates into a more substantial grip and button layout that feels reassuring in hand - ideal for advanced photographers who shoot for extended periods. The GX85’s control layout encourages quick adjustments, with tactile dials and customizable buttons that experienced users will appreciate.

Olympus has opted out of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the E-P7, favoring a tilting touchscreen for composing shots. This keeps the body slim but may deter photographers who prefer eye-level framing for stability and visibility in bright conditions. The GX85 includes a 2.76M-dot EVF with 100% coverage, dramatically enhancing usability outdoors or for action shooting where quick eye-level framing is essential.

Design and Controls - Which System Matches Your Workflow?

Control-wise, the GX85’s top plate features well-spaced dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a mode dial, making it easy to shoot manually without fumbling through menus. The E-P7 strips controls down a bit, leaning on a touchscreen interface and fewer physical dials. Both support manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, but I found the GX85 better suited to photographers who enjoy tactile control directly on the camera.

Touchscreen usability is excellent on both models, but the E-P7’s screen tilts upward, making it selfie-friendly, which is a welcome feature for vloggers or casual photographers. The GX85’s tilting screen is limited to vertical or downward tilt - not selfie-oriented but practical for low-angle shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Sharper Details or Higher Resolution?

Both cameras sport Four Thirds-sized sensors measuring roughly 17.3 x 13 mm, but there are meaningful differences beneath the surface. The Olympus E-P7 packs a 20MP Live MOS sensor without an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter, promising crisp, detailed images. The lack of this filter reduces softness but increases the risk of moiré patterns in fine repetitive subjects - a trade-off I found manageable during landscape and portrait shooting.

The Panasonic GX85 features a 16MP sensor, also without an anti-aliasing filter. Despite the lower resolution, Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor delivers excellent color rendering and dynamic range. DXOMark scores give GX85 a respectable 71 overall, highlighting its capability in color depth and dynamic range - surprisingly competitive for a camera released in 2016.

In practice, the Olympus sensor’s higher pixel count allows for greater cropping flexibility and larger prints without losing detail. Both cameras achieve beautiful skin tones and rich color reproduction, though I noticed the GX85 exhibits slightly smoother gradations, partly due to Panasonic’s image processing pipeline.

Autofocus Systems: Eye Detection and Tracking Performance

When it comes to autofocus (AF), I ran extensive real-world tests focusing on speed, accuracy, and tracking reliability across both cameras.

• Olympus E-P7 uses a sensor-based contrast-detection AF system with 121 focus points and incorporates face and eye detection. Its algorithm is notably improved over its predecessors, offering reliable subject acquisition indoors and in good light. However, I observed the E-P7 struggling slightly in low-contrast or dim environments, where AF tended to hunt before locking focus.

• Panasonic GX85 employs a contrast-detect AF with 49 focus points and similarly supports face and eye tracking. While the AF points are fewer, the contrast-detection system is snappy and effective for stationary subjects and moderately paced action. In my testing, it also struggled somewhat under low-light but performed consistently for day-to-day use.

Neither has phase-detection AF, which you’ll find on higher-end models, but both cameras compensate with their 5-axis in-body stabilization to maintain sharpness even when autofocus isn’t perfect.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, limiting their use for wildlife photographers who rely heavily on that feature nowadays.

Image Stabilization and Burst Performance: Catching Fast Action

Both Olympus and Panasonic include 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization systems that provide about 4-5 stops of correction. The E-P7’s system impressed me with steady stabilization during handheld video and long-exposure handheld shots for landscapes and night photography. Likewise, the GX85’s stabilization is excellent for walking shots and close-up macro photography.

In continuous shooting, the E-P7 shoots at a slightly faster 8.7 frames per second (fps), versus 8 fps on the GX85. However, buffer depths and data handling nuances mean this difference is minimal in practical shooting.

Neither camera offers very large buffers for RAW burst capture, so extended high-speed sequences are limited. Sports and wildlife photographers relying on high burst rates for critical moments may outgrow these options.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Touch, Tilt, and Usability

Both cameras feature 3-inch, 1040k-dot tilting touchscreens. The E-P7’s screen covers upwards tilt to around 180 degrees, ideal for vlogging and selfies, a trend Olympus clearly acknowledges in this model. The inclusion of enhanced touch gestures improves navigation through menus and focus point selection, helpful for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

The GX85’s touchscreen tilts downward, making it better for low-angle or macro photography but less suited for front-facing selfies or vlogging. Its menu system is a bit more complex but highly customizable, favoring advanced users who invest time in personalizing controls.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem: What’s Your Glass Game Plan?

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, giving you access to an extensive and mature lens ecosystem with over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron.

• Olympus E-P7 benefits from Olympus’s steady push for compact, high-quality primes and zooms. I tested it with the excellent Olympus M.Zuiko lenses (e.g., 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO), and performance was stellar - sharp, fast-focusing, and well-matched.

• Panasonic GX85 also pairs well with Panasonic’s renowned Leica DG lenses focusing on video and stills versatility. Panasonic’s lens lineup slightly favors video features like dual IS compatibility, which benefits some Leica and Panasonic zooms.

Both cameras will work well with budget and enthusiast lenses, but if you have a specific preference for Olympus’s compact primes or Panasonic’s video-optimized optics, that may tip your choice.

Video Capabilities: 4K Video and Beyond

The Olympus E-P7 records 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 30p, with good bitrate (102 Mbps) and uses the H.264 codec. I found the color rendition pleasant and overall mode-limited but sufficient for casual to enthusiast videographers. Unfortunately, Olympus has omitted microphone and headphone jacks, which may deter serious video creators. No in-body 4K photo modes or higher frame rates indicate video is a secondary focus on the E-P7.

The Panasonic GX85 shoots 4K video at 30p and 24p, using both MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, plus good Full HD frame rate options (up to 60p). Crucially, it supports 4K Photo modes (allowing extraction of high-res stills from video frames), which I found invaluable for wildlife and action shoots. Although it lacks microphone/headphone ports too, the GX85’s video tools and legacy position it as a preferred choice for hybrid shooters on a budget.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Shoot?

The Olympus E-P7 uses the BLS-50 battery, rated for approximately 360 shots per charge under CIPA testing. Practically, I achieved slightly fewer shots per charge when using Wi-Fi and extensive live view. The single SD card slot supports UHS-II speeds, expediting write times for burst shooting.

The Panasonic GX85’s battery life is rated at roughly 290 shots. While lower on paper, the extra battery weight sometimes translates to longer shooting sessions in hand without fatigue. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I), which are slightly slower than UHS-II.

For heavy users, carrying spares is a smart move with either camera, but Olympus’s slightly higher battery efficiency may be helpful for casual day trips or travel.

Olympus E P7 front Olympus E P7 screen back Panasonic GX85 front Panasonic GX85 screen back

Real-World Image and Video Samples: What Do They Look Like?

In portrait photography, the E-P7’s higher resolution sensor paired with excellent color science renders pleasing skin tones with natural warmth. The camera’s face and eye detection provide solid focus lock during headshots indoors and outdoors. Bokeh quality is more lens-dependent, but the Four Thirds sensor does impose some depth-of-field limitations compared to APS-C or full-frame rivals.

The GX85 produces portraits with slightly softer detail due to lower resolution but compensates with pleasing colors and smooth tonal transitions. Eye detection performs reliably but not as aggressively as newer systems.

Landscape shots showed the E-P7’s 20MP sensor capturing fine textures and subtle tonal shifts well, especially in good light. Dynamic range was respectable, though high-contrast scenes occasionally clipped highlights, requiring bracketing. The GX85 offers slightly less resolution but mitigates this with excellent tonal gradations and color depth, beneficial for fine shadow and highlight retention.

For wildlife and sports, both cameras face inherent limitations with their mirrorless contrast-detection AF and slower continuous shooting buffers. The E-P7’s higher fps helps with fast sequences, but autofocus lag is noticeable in critter-tracking. The GX85’s 4K Photo mode offers an alternative method to capture fleeting moments by extracting frames from video.

Street photographers will benefit from the E-P7’s discreet size and silent electronic shutter mode, making it less intrusive for candid shots. The GX85 is bulkier but compensates with an EVF allowing shots concealed behind the viewfinder.

Macro shooters will appreciate the GX85’s built-in focus stacking and bracketing functions - tools not offered on the E-P7. Both cameras excel when paired with appropriate macro lenses, thanks to their sensor-based stabilization.

Night and astrophotographers may lean toward the E-P7’s marginally higher resolution and screen versatility but should mind that neither camera excels in pushing high ISO beyond 25600 native ceilings.

Weather and Durability: Can These Cameras Brave the Elements?

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock/freezeproof certifications. For serious outdoor photographers working in inclement weather, investing in protective gear or larger bodies with better sealing may be necessary. Both cameras emphasize portability and style over ruggedness.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless Interfaces and File Handling

The Olympus E-P7 integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless image transfer and remote control via the Olympus app. I found the pairing process smooth and reliable in practice. USB charging allows for convenient power top-ups on the go.

The Panasonic GX85 includes Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth. Its USB 2.0 connection is slower than current standards but supports tethered shooting via compatible software. Both cameras support RAW file capture, essential for professional workflows and advanced editing.

How Do They Stack Up Overall?

Which Camera Excels at Which Photography Styles?

• Portrait: Slight edge to Olympus E-P7 for higher resolution and modern AF.
• Landscape: Tie, slight edge to E-P7 for resolution but balanced by GX85 color depth.
• Wildlife: Panasonic GX85 favored due to 4K Photo and EVF utility.
• Sports: Close call; E-P7’s faster burst wins, but both limited for pro sports.
• Street: Olympus E-P7 preferred for compact size and silent shutter.
• Macro: Panasonic GX85 for focus bracketing and stacking.
• Astro/Night: Slight advantage to E-P7 resolution and stabilization.
• Video: Panasonic GX85 for 4K Photo and video modes.
• Travel: Olympus E-P7 for portability and battery life.
• Professional: Neither targets pro users fully; Olympus edges with modern Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Olympus PEN E-P7 and Panasonic GX85 remain compelling Micro Four Thirds options, catering to slightly different priorities. Here’s when I’d recommend each based on my hands-on experience and testing rigor:

Choose the Olympus E-P7 if:

• You value compactness and lightweight design for travel or street photography.
• You want up-to-date autofocus with face and eye detection.
• You need selfie-friendly touchscreen articulation for vlogging or casual use.
• Superior resolution (20MP) and sensor image stabilization improve your image quality goals.
• Wireless connectivity and USB charging simplify your workflow.
• You enjoy Olympus’s lens ecosystem and styling.

Go with the Panasonic GX85 if:

• You want a built-in electronic viewfinder for bright conditions or action shooting.
• You prefer an advanced hybrid camera supporting 4K Photo modes and focus stacking.
• You appreciate a tactile control layout conducive to manual shooting.
• Enhanced video modes and codecs are important for your content creation.
• Focus bracketing or stacking is key for your macro work.
• You don’t mind slightly heavier gear for greater handling comfort.

In the end, neither camera is a one-size-fits-all solution, but both offer robust, image-stabilized systems that deliver excellent results for enthusiasts and hobbyists. If portability and the latest sensor tech are your priorities, Olympus brings a refreshing update. If you want versatile video, EVF convenience, and focus stacking tools, Panasonic’s older but still capable GX85 holds strong value - especially secondhand.

I encourage readers to handle both in person if possible, as ergonomy and design preference often become decisive. Whichever you choose, you'll be joining a broad Micro Four Thirds ecosystem with plentiful lenses and accessories.

If you found this detailed comparison helpful, stay tuned for future camera reviews where I’ll continue to apply firsthand knowledge to keep you informed and confident about your photography gear decisions. Happy shooting!