Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic GF5: A Hands-On Comparison for the Modern Photographer

Selecting the right mirrorless camera can be a daunting task, especially when comparing models like the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. Both are entry-level mirrorless cameras from noteworthy brands, sharing the Micro Four Thirds sensor format but released two years apart - 2010 versus 2012. This hands-on comparison draws on extensive testing experience with thousands of cameras to help you navigate their technical specs, real-world use, and practical photography scenarios.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand which of these two cameras aligns with your photographic goals, from portraits to wildlife and video to travel.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics Matter

Right out of the gate, how a camera feels and controls can shape your creative experience. Both the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GF5 embrace the rangefinder-style mirrorless body shape characteristic of early Micro Four Thirds cameras.

What to note:

• The E-PL1 is a bit larger and heavier, which gives it a more substantial feel in hand. For those who shoot hours on end, this can translate into better grip comfort.
• The GF5 is lighter and more compact, ideal if you prioritize portability and discreet street photography.
• The GF5’s touchscreen is a major ergonomic step up - quick focusing or navigating menus is more intuitive here than on the E-PL1’s non-touch screen.
• Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, though Olympus offered an optional accessory EVF for the E-PL1.

In real-world use, the Olympus handles better for users with larger hands or those accustomed to DSLR-style grips, whereas the Panasonic’s compactness encourages spontaneous shooting on the go.

Image Quality Fundamentals: Sensor, Processor, and ISO Performance

Both cameras use a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm - standard for Micro Four Thirds. However, the subtle sensor and processor upgrades in the GF5 impact image quality nuances.

What this means in practice:

• The E-PL1 slightly edges out the GF5 in overall sensor quality metrics, particularly in color depth and dynamic range. This translates to richer tonality and better highlight and shadow details.
• The Panasonic GF5 excels at higher ISOs, supporting up to 12800 natively versus 3200 for the E-PL1. This advantage becomes critical for low-light and night photography.
• File quality and raw support are robust on both, but the E-PL1’s sensor stabilization helps reduce blur in challenging conditions.

If your work demands subtle color gradations, particularly for landscapes and portraits, Olympus’s sensor performance is compelling. However, if shooting in dimly lit venues or indoors sans flash is regular, the GF5’s higher ISO capability gives it an edge.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Eye Detection

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially when capturing motion or fleeting expression.

While neither camera supports phase detection or advanced eye tracking, the GF5 doubles the number of focus points vs Olympus, enabling finer AF area selection and improved focusing precision in complex scenes.

In our shooting tests:

• The Olympus E-PL1’s contrast-detection AF is reliable in good light but noticeably slower in dim environments.
• The Panasonic GF5’s AF benefits from increased focus points and touch controls, making it feel quicker and more responsive, particularly for stationary subjects.
• Neither camera shines in continuous autofocus tracking for fast action, but we observed a slight advantage to the GF5 for casual sports or wildlife bursts.

For portraits, both systems handled face detection adequately, keeping skin tones crisp and eyes in focus, though neither offers the dedicated eye autofocus functionality of modern cameras.

Handling Portraits and Skin Tones: Bokeh and Color Rendition

The quality of skin tone reproduction and background blur contributes heavily to portrait appeal.

• The E-PL1’s sensor stabilization and TruePic V processor yield smooth, natural skin rendering with attractive warmth. The 4:3 aspect ratio sensor helps maintain a traditional portrait feel.
• The GF5’s Venus Engine and touchscreen allow faster focusing on eyes and faces, helping catch subtle expressions.
• Both rely on the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem (over 100 native lenses available). However, lens choices impact subject separation and bokeh depth much more than these bodies.
• Olympus cameras are often paired with their sharp, contrasty M.Zuiko lenses celebrated for their bokeh character.

While neither can match the full-frame bokeh softness, both deliver pleasing portrait results when paired with prime lenses from Panasonic or Olympus.

Landscapes: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Durability

Landscape photographers prioritize sensor size, dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so cautious protection from rain and dust is required for outdoor landscape shooters.

Our experience in daylight shooting:

• The E-PL1’s enhanced dynamic range helped preserve shadow details under bright skies.
• The GF5’s higher max ISO allows shooting in twilight conditions without excessive noise.
• Both excel with sharp landscape lenses available in the Micro Four Thirds mount, like Olympus’s 12-40mm f/2.8 or Panasonic’s Leica-branded primes.

For landscapes, the Olympus E-PL1 offers a slight edge in color fidelity and tonality, but both cameras can produce stunning vistas with the right lenses and technique.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Burst Speed, and Telephoto Reach

Capturing wildlife and sports action demands precise autofocus, rapid frame rates, and extended focal reach.

The GF5 slightly surpasses the E-PL1 in burst speed (4 fps vs 3 fps) and shutter speed max (1/4000s vs 1/2000s), beneficial for freezing fast movement.

While neither model is designed as a dedicated wildlife shooter, both benefit from the Micro Four Thirds system’s massive telephoto lens support with 2.0x crop factor. Olympus’s sensor stabilization on the E-PL1 aids handholding long lenses, an advantage over the GF5.

Real-world testing shows:

• The GF5’s faster shutter and burst rate improve chances of nailing action shots.
• The E-PL1’s stabilization smooths images when shooting hand-held long lenses at slow shutter speeds.

For serious sports or wildlife, you’d likely seek faster, more dedicated systems, but the GF5 suits casual enthusiasts, while the E-PL1 aids those emphasizing image sharpness.

Street and Travel: Size, Discreteness, and Portability

For street and travel photographers, agility and inconspicuousness count.

The GF5’s smaller size and touchscreen-driven UI make it more intuitive for quick candid shots. It’s lighter to carry around on long days while traveling. The Olympus requires a firmer grip but offers sturdier controls.

Battery life favors the GF5 slightly, a consideration for whole-day shooting without carry spares.

Macro and Close-Up: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Macro photographers emphasize precise autofocus, magnification, and image stabilization.

Neither camera has built-in macro features, so lens choice is key. Olympus’s in-body stabilization lends support for handheld macro shots - a decisive benefit over the GF5, which relies solely on optical IS.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO, Noise Management, and Exposure Modes

Night photographers thrive on a camera’s high-ISO tolerance and flexible exposure modes.

• The GF5’s max native ISO of 12800 unlocks shooting under very low light with manageable noise.
• Olympus max ISO 3200 limits extreme low-light performance but compensates somewhat with stabilized exposures.
• Both cameras permit manual exposure modes and bracketing; however, neither supports long-exposure time-lapses or bulb mode as seen in higher-end cameras.
• Neither has intervalometer or advanced astro features.

For astrophotography enthusiasts, the Panasonic GF5’s ISO advantage and video functionality provide a somewhat better foundation.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Usability

Video is an essential medium for many creators, so how do these two cameras compare?

The GF5 clearly outclasses the E-PL1 in video with full HD 1080p at 60fps. Panasonic’s inclusion of AVCHD format means higher quality and better editing workflow.

Olympus’s video maxes out at 720p and older Motion JPEG format, resulting in larger files and less efficient compression.

Both cameras lack external mic inputs, limiting audio flexibility.

If video is a priority, especially HD footage, the Panasonic GF5 stands out. The touch interface also aids manual focus pulling during recording.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Neither camera includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. In 2024, this is a limitation to consider if instant sharing or geotagging is important.

Battery life favors the GF5 modestly, but both require careful power management for extended use. Both cameras store images on SD cards, with the GF5 adding support for SDXC which offers larger storage capacity.

Comparative Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

To summarize performance across key photographic disciplines, refer to these expert-reviewed industry scores:

Notable highlights:

• Portraits: Olympus E-PL1 scores slightly higher due to color depth and image stabilization.
• Landscape: Close match, with Olympus’s dynamic range marginally superior.
• Wildlife and Sports: Panasonic GF5 leads, aided by better burst rates.
• Street and Travel: GF5 favored for size and touchscreen.
• Macro: E-PL1’s in-body IS provides an edge.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic GF5, thanks to higher ISO caps.
• Video: Panasonic far ahead.
• Professional Usage: Both cameras are entry-level, limited by build and connectivity.

Which Should You Choose? Tailored Recommendations

Choose the Olympus E-PL1 if:

• You prioritize excellent color reproduction and dynamic range.
• You want in-body sensor stabilization for handheld shots, especially useful in macro, portraits, and landscape.
• You appreciate a larger, more substantial grip and physical controls.
• Your video needs are modest and you favor still image quality.
• Budget is a concern - the E-PL1 often comes at a lower price point.

Choose the Panasonic GF5 if:

• You want better high-ISO performance for low-light or night photography.
• You value full HD video recording at 1080p/60fps with efficient codecs.
• You prefer a compact, lightweight body with intuitive touch controls.
• You shoot action or wildlife casually, benefiting from faster continuous shooting.
• Battery life, portability, and ease of use outweigh a slight compromise in image quality.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Creative Journey

Both the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GF5 remain capable cameras for enthusiasts stepping into mirrorless photography. The decision ultimately depends on your creative priorities - whether you lean toward still photography excellence or want versatile video and low-light capabilities.

We recommend trying both in store if possible, personally handling their ergonomics, and testing autofocus responsiveness. Pairing either with fast prime lenses or stabilized zooms will elevate your results dramatically.

To start exploring, check out Micro Four Thirds lenses such as the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 or Panasonic 20mm f/1.7, perfect complements for these bodies.

Photographers embracing mirrorless technology today continue to benefit from the foundations these models set more than a decade ago. Investing in either unlocks the joys of creativity, growth, and photographic storytelling.

Olympus E PL1 front Olympus E PL1 screen back Panasonic GF5 front Panasonic GF5 screen back

Feel inspired to get your hands on one and embark on your photographic adventures. Whether capturing the soul of a portrait or the thrill of a wildlife chase, the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GF5 each offer a unique path to your creative vision.

Happy shooting!