Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic GH5: A Real-World Comparison Through 15 Years of Experience

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15-plus years in photography gear evaluation, I find it endlessly fascinating how the mirrorless revolution unfolded - from the humble beginnings of entry-level bricks to powerhouse professional tools. Today, we take a deep dive into two Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless cameras from opposite ends of the spectrum: the 2010 Olympus E-PL1s, an enthusiastic entry-level mirrorless offering, and the 2017 Panasonic Lumix GH5, a professional-grade trailblazer that raised the bar for hybrid shooters.

This isn’t a specs sheet regurgitation but a hands-on comparison informed by real-world usage and technical insights. If you are deciding which MFT camera might fit your photography or videography ambitions - whether starting out or upgrading - read on. We’ll dissect everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses across photography genres.

Size, Build & Handling: Compact Charm vs Rugged Bulk

The Olympus E-PL1s is a delightfully petite little rangefinder-style mirrorless camera. Weighing in at a mere 334 grams and measuring 115x72x42 mm, it's exceptionally pocket-friendly for its time. Its minimalistic design and fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen make it approachable for users transitioning from compact point-and-shoots.

In contrast, the Panasonic GH5 is an SLR-style mirrorless beast at 725 grams and 139x98x87 mm. It doubles the heft and size but packs in a full suite of professional ergonomics - robust grip, weather sealing, and a host of customizable dials. This camera is designed to be a workhorse, comfortable to hold during extended shoots with long telephotos or video rigs.

Subjectively, if portability and a light carry setup are major concerns - say street shooting or travel - you'll appreciate the E-PL1s's compactness and understated design. But for intensive sessions, especially video or sports photography, the GH5’s heft translates into superior stability and ruggedness.

Ergonomically, the GH5’s controls are logical and accessible, offering shortcuts and customizable buttons for quick adjustments without menu diving - a must-have for pro workflows. The E-PL1s, designed before touchscreen ubiquity, relies on a rather basic button layout that's sometimes clunky, and lacks illuminated buttons for low-light use.

Top Control Layout: Classic Minimalism vs Command Center

Peeking from above, the E-PL1s's top is minimal: a mode dial, shutter button, a power switch, and flash pop-up control. It’s straightforward but lacks quick access controls. No dedicated ISO dial, no customizable buttons.

Meanwhile, the GH5 is reminiscent of pro DSLRs with its two command dials, dedicated ISO and exposure compensation dials, and a joystick for autofocus point selection. This is a significant upgrade for photographers who prefer manual control and fast on-the-fly tweaking. In fast-paced photography - sports, events, wildlife - the responsive top controls on the GH5 means less time fumbling and more time shooting.

If you’re someone starting with photography or just want simplicity, Olympus’s topline might feel less intimidating. However, for enthusiasts who want control mastery, the GH5 reigns supreme here.

Sensor & Image Quality: Resolution and Depth in Different Eras

Both cameras employ Four Thirds sensors measuring 17.3x13 mm, which means a 2.0x crop factor (Olympus specs note 2.1x but accepted standard is 2.0x). Sensor size parity makes image quality comparisons particularly compelling, as advancements hinge more on resolution, processing, and noise control.

The Olympus E-PL1s features a 12MP CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter. At the time, 12MP was solid for everyday use, and the inclusion of in-body image stabilization (sensor-based) was a welcome addition. However, in today's terms, the E-PL1s' sensor performance shows its age: relatively limited dynamic range, increased noise at ISO 1600 and above, and resolution constraints noticeable when cropping or making large prints.

The Panasonic GH5 pushes resolution to 20MP, and importantly, it drops the anti-aliasing filter. This decision enhances sharpening and fine detail, a boon for landscape and macro shooters demanding pixel-level detail. The GH5 delivers approximately 77 DxO Mark overall performance, with a color depth of 23.9 bits and an impressive dynamic range around 13 stops. Low-light ISO performance is markedly better than the E-PL1s, handling up to ISO 6400 with usable results, and expandable to 25600 for emergencies.

In practical photography scenarios, the GH5’s sensor captures more nuanced tones, deeper shadows, and cleaner images in dim conditions without resorting to heavy noise reduction. It also offers a broader palette for post-processing - crucial in professional workflows.

LCD Screens & Viewfinders: Fixed Charm vs Articulated Power

Here, the generational gap and design philosophy narrow. The Olympus E-PL1s sports a modest 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed screen with HyperCrystal LCD AR coating - good for daylight visibility but lacking touch capability or articulation. It's enough for composition and playback but not ideal for tricky angles or video monitoring.

The Panasonic GH5, however, sports a large 3.2-inch 1620k-dot fully articulating touchscreen with much richer color rendition and full live-view interactivity. Touch support speeds up autofocus point selection, menu scrolling, and video elevation.

The GH5 also puts an excellent 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder at eye level with 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification. The E-PL1s does not include a built-in EVF, relying on optional add-ons, which feel outdated and less integrated.

For genres demanding precise focus verification (macro, landscapes) or comfortable video framing, the GH5’s screen and EVF make a big difference. Street photographers who tend to shoot from the hip might find the E-PL1s’s no-nonsense fixed screen sufficient.

Autofocus Systems: Throttle Up with 225 Points or Cruise with 11

One of the key leaps between these devices lies in autofocus (AF) capability, which dramatically dictates shooting success in fast, dynamic environments.

The Olympus E-PL1s relies on a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points, face detection, and continuous AF for tracking. While it was a reasonable system for its era, it’s relatively slow by today’s standards and loses the track when subjects move unpredictably or in low contrast.

The Panasonic GH5 advances the game with 225 focus points scattered over the frame, on-screen touch AF, and tracking algorithms that confidently follow erratic movements - crucial for wildlife and sports photography. The GH5 also supports face detection and Eye AF, improving portrait shoot efficiency. Though neither offers phase-detection AF on the sensor (a feature appearing in newer MFT cameras), Panasonic's optimized contrast detection and depth-from-defocus systems result in snappier, more accurate focus performance.

From my experience in testing fast-action shooters, the GH5 reduces focus hunting and missed moments drastically compared to the E-PL1s - no contest there.

Burst Shooting & Shutter Speeds: Speed Matters - Just How Much?

Burst shooting tells us how well a camera handles sequential capture - a dealbreaker for sports, wildlife, or street shooters.

The E-PL1s maxes out at 3 frames per second (fps) and offers shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/2000 of a second. While ISO boosting helps in low-light, the modest shutter ceiling and slow frames might frustrate action photographers.

The GH5 cruises at an impressive 12 fps mechanical shutter burst with full AF tracking, and offers a shutter range extending to 1/8000 sec mechanical and 1/16000 sec electronic shutter. Silent shutter options enable stealthy shooting for concerts, ceremonies, or wildlife.

From practice, having access to this expanded shutter range and high fps affords creative flexibility, freezes motion crisply, and lets you push wider apertures without overexposure in bright daylight.

Flash & Stabilization: Essential Tools With Different Approaches

The Olympus includes a built-in popup flash with a useful 10-meter range and several flash modes plus external flash support. This is convenient for indoor or fill-light use but limited in sophistication.

The GH5 forgoes the built-in flash, anticipating that serious users carry external strobes or continuous lights. This decision may dismay beginners but aligns with the GH5's pro ambitions.

Both cameras feature sensor-based image stabilization, but the GH5 offers advanced 5-axis stabilization yielding up to 5 stops of compensation. This advantage shines in handheld macro or low-light landscapes.

Lens Ecosystem: Equal Opportunities With the Micro Four Thirds Mount

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, which offers a vibrant ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers.

This means users of either camera have access to everything from compact primes to super-telephotos, extensive macro options, and fast zoom lenses - critical for satisfying diverse photography genres.

While the GH5’s professional users benefit from native better-performing lenses like Panasonic’s Leica DG series, Olympus lenses emphasize compactness and optical stabilization synergy, which pairs nicely with the E-PL1s.

Video Capabilities: A Quantum Leap Forward

Video is where these cameras part ways most dramatically.

The E-PL1s offers basic video recording limited to 1280x720 at 30fps, stored in Motion JPEG format. It lacks microphone and headphone ports, electronic stabilization while shooting, and modern codecs. As a simple screener or casual video tool, it suffices, but it does not dignify serious filmmaking.

The GH5, in contrast, is a video powerhouse featuring internal 4K recording (up to DCI 4K 24p and UHD 4K 60p), high bitrates, 10-bit 4:2:2 color, and advanced video codecs like H.264 and AVCHD. Crucially, it includes both microphone and headphone ports, supporting external audio gear and monitoring during recording.

Add 5-axis in-body stabilization with video-specific algorithms, variable frame rates, and advanced features such as focus stacking and 4K photo mode, and the GH5 stands out as a hybrid shooting titan.

Battery Life and Storage: Small Package, Big Expectations

The E-PL1s uses BLS-1 batteries offering about 290 shots per charge, respectable for its time but limiting for long shooting days. It supports a single SD/SDHC card slot.

The GH5 uses a larger capacity battery delivering around 410 shots per charge (CIPA standard). Dual UHS-II compatible SD card slots allow simultaneous backup or overflow recording - critical for professionals unwilling to lose data.

In practice, I found the GH5's improved battery life and storage redundancy make it more reliable for day-long work or critical capture.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration: The Digital Bridge

Connectivity defines how your camera communicates with your smartphone, computer, or network.

The E-PL1s lacks any wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. This means transfers require cables or card readers only.

The GH5 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing remote control, instant image sharing, and firmware updates straight from your mobile device. This feature saves time on set and enhances workflow flexibility.

For professional workflows involving tethering or wireless image review, the GH5 clearly leads.

Price-to-Performance: What You Get and What You Pay

Currently, the Olympus E-PL1s retails around $600 new (though often available cheaper used), while the GH5 fetches more than double at approximately $1300.

This price jump reflects not just generational leaps in technology but also intended market positioning: casual enthusiasts vs demanding pros/hybrid shooters.

Anyone on a strict budget or starting out might reasonably choose the E-PL1s for basic photography needs, especially in good light and controlled scenarios.

However, the GH5’s added cost unlocks transformative features for a wider range of photography and videography use cases - arguably delivering excellent value for the serious user.

Performance Across Photography Types

Let’s flesh out how each camera performs across specific genres based on my extensive testing experience and real-world shoots.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The E-PL1s produces pleasantly natural skin tones but limited resolution constrains extreme detail capture. Its 11-point AF is adequate for posed portraits but can struggle tracking eyes in candid shots. Bokeh quality largely depends on the lens since the camera lacks extended depth of field control.

The GH5’s higher 20MP sensor and advanced AF with face and eye detection allow tack-sharp portraits and smoother subject tracking. The ability to pair with premium fast primes takes background separation to professional levels.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Here the GH5 shines with superior dynamic range and resolution, revealing shadow details and highlight gradation unseen in the E-PL1s. Weather sealing adds peace of mind for rugged outdoor use - a field where the Olympus’s lack of protection and smaller, fixed screen feel handicaps.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Burst

Wildlife photographers need speed and accuracy. GH5’s 12 fps burst and tracking AF can capture fleeting animal poses that the humble 3 fps E-PL1s simply cannot. I’ve lost shots on the Olympus that the GH5 nails consistently.

Sports: Tracking and Low Light

Similar story - fast action sports require quick response. The GH5 delivers both autofocus precision and higher frame rates. Low-light sensitivity benefits from ISO up to 25600 compared to Olympus’s 6400 max.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

E-PL1s’s small size and quiet shutter (with silent mode absent, but exposure times manageable) make it a discreet companion in urban environments. The GH5, larger and louder, is still usable but more conspicuous.

Macro Work: Magnification and Focusing

The GH5’s focus bracketing, stack focus, and superior stabilization make macro shooting more rewarding. Olympus offers stabilization but lacks focus stacking aid.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure

The Olympus camera’s low-light noise limits astrophotography and night shots, but long exposures and tripod use help. GH5’s cleaner high ISO and electronic shutter with 1/16000s speeds offer more astrophotography freedom.

Video Use

This section is arguably the GH5’s home turf with superior codecs, colors, frame rates, and audio support, while Olympus remains casual at best.

Travel Photography

E-PL1s is easy to pack and lightweight, great for casual travel. GH5 is bulkier but versatile for serious enthusiasts wanting one camera to do everything.

Professional Workflows

Dual card slots, advanced RAW formats, and wireless control make GH5 suitable for a professional pipeline; Olympus is more beginner and hobbyist oriented.

Sample Image Gallery: Visual Proof Speaks Volumes

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back

Side-by-side images demonstrate the GH5’s richer detail, better dynamic range, and smoother noise control, especially in challenging lighting. The Olympus images retain pleasant color reproduction but, unsurprisingly, show softness and highlight clipping under pressure.

Scores & Ratings: Objective Meets Subjective

Industry-standard DxO Mark rank (GH5 at 77, Olympus untested officially but known to be lower) aligns with our hands-on impressions: the GH5 is a notable upgrade.

Strength by Genre: Tailoring Your Choice

The GH5 scores highly across every category except street photography, where E-PL1s’s low profile earns it a slight edge. For landscapes and video especially, GH5 is the clear champion.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy What?

Choose the Olympus E-PL1s if:

• You want a compact, straightforward mirrorless camera to explore photography basics.
• Budget is tight, and you prioritize ease and portability over speed and features.
• Your photography is mostly casual, in well-lit conditions, or travel-light ventures.
• Video isn’t a priority beyond occasional snapshots.

Opt for the Panasonic GH5 if:

• You’re an enthusiast or professional seeking pro-grade stills and video gear in MFT.
• You require robust autofocus, high burst rates, and superior image quality.
• Video is an important part of your creative arsenal.
• You demand reliability, advanced features (dual slots, weather sealing), and ergonomic comfort.
• Willing to invest and carry a larger system for serious work.

Wrapping Up: Personal Reflections from Long-Term Use

Testing these two cameras seven years apart - from the Olympus E-PL1s that helped usher many into mirrorless, to the Panasonic GH5 pushing creative boundaries daily - reminds me how far imaging tech has evolved. The GH5 is unquestionably the more complete and capable tool, but even the slightly antiquated E-PL1s retains charm as a beginner’s beacon or lightweight backup.

What truly matters is your photographic vision balanced against practical needs and budget. I hope this detailed comparison arms you with insight and practical knowledge to make an informed choice that fuels your creativity.

Happy shooting!