Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic GH1: A Deep Dive into Classic Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Cameras

In this comparison, we’re taking a comprehensive look at two groundbreaking mirrorless cameras from the early 2010s - the Olympus PEN E-PM1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. Both utilize the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system but cater to slightly different users and priorities. Whether you’re an enthusiast interested in entry-level gear with advanced features or an advanced user attracted to a more professional body style and video capabilities, understanding the nuances between these classics will help you make a confident, informed decision.

We’ve personally spent hundreds of hours shooting, testing, and analyzing both cameras under varied conditions to provide you with honest, real-world insights. Let’s unpack their sensor technologies, autofocus performance, build quality, and suitability across photography genres from portraiture to video - all against the backdrop of their price-to-performance ratios.

Understanding Their DNA: Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

The Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic GH1 share the Micro Four Thirds sensor format, but one glance at their bodies reveals distinct design philosophies.

• Olympus E-PM1: A compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera aimed at newcomers and casual shooters valuing portability. Measuring just 110x64x34 mm and weighing a mere 265 g, it’s easy to carry and pocket-friendly. The control layout is simplified, reflecting its entry-level positioning.

• Panasonic GH1: A larger, SLR-style mirrorless camera with a substantial grip and more pronounced control dials. At 124x90x45 mm and 385 g, it demands more space in your gear bag but grants more robust handling, especially useful for longer shoots and heavier lenses.

Ergonomically, the GH1’s dedicated buttons and dials lend themselves well to manual tweaking on the fly, favored by advanced users. The E-PM1’s minimalist controls suit beginners seeking a straightforward experience.

Both feature durable plastic bodies without weather sealing or extreme ruggedness, so treat them delicately if shooting outdoors extensively.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: True Four Thirds vs. MFT Sensor

Image quality is often the heart of your camera choice, so let’s break down their sensor characteristics.

The Panasonic GH1’s sensor edges out the Olympus in size and effective light-gathering, translating into better dynamic range, color depth, and low-light sensitivity based on DXOMark scores. This advantage manifests in footage and images with richer tones, smoother gradients, and less noise at higher ISOs.

The Olympus’s smaller sensor and higher max native ISO (12800) might suggest flexibility in difficult lighting, but practical testing indicates more noticeable noise and clipping at high ISO levels compared to the GH1’s cleaner output at lower ISO ceilings.

Both cameras output sharp 12MP files, sufficient for prints up to A3 size and most digital uses. Olympus edges slightly in resolution with its maximum image size of 4032x3024 pixels, but real-world difference is minimal.

Autofocus Systems: Accuracy, Speed, and Reliability

Autofocus (AF) is critical across disciplines, from fast sports to delicate macro shooting.

The Olympus E-PM1’s contrast-detection AF system is augmented by intelligent face detection and tracking, making it faster and more precise for portraiture and casual shooting. We noticed notably better eye detection reliability for capturing human subjects in the E-PM1, a useful feature for portrait photographers aiming for tack-sharp eyes.

The Panasonic GH1 lacks face or eye detection but offers stable, dependable focus for manual or automatic modes, favoring users comfortable with manual override.

Neither camera supports phase-detection AF or hybrid systems introduced in later models, so AF speed and precision are modest compared to modern cameras. However, for their era, both perform competitively.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

The E-PM1 features a fixed 3-inch LCD with an anti-reflective coating, providing decent visibility in sunlight but limiting creative framing angles.

The GH1 shines here with a fully articulated screen, pivotal for videographers, macro shooters, and street photographers needing unique perspectives and discreet angles.

Crucially, the GH1 incorporates an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage, indispensable for bright ambient light and stabilized framing. The Olympus E-PM1 lacks a built-in EVF, although compatible external EVFs exist as accessories, adding bulk and cost.

The GH1’s EVF dramatically improves compositional precision and tracking in continuous shooting modes.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Making the Most of Micro Four Thirds

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, benefiting from the same wide range of lenses numbering over 100. Whether you prefer fast primes, versatile zooms, or specialty glass like macros and telephotos, you have abundant choices from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and third parties.

Key points to consider:

• The E-PM1 benefits from Olympus’s lightweight lenses tailored for portability, complementing the camera’s compact body.

• The GH1, with its more substantial grip, offers better balance with larger and longer zooms, favored for wildlife or sports shooting.

Note the slight difference in focal length multiplier: Olympus cites 2.1x, Panasonic lists 1.9x. This discrepancy arises from sensor measurements but does not affect lens compatibility or field of view in practice.

Choosing lenses for these bodies requires attention to optical stabilization (if the camera lacks in-body stabilization), aperture speed, and intended use (portrait, macro, telephoto).

Video Capabilities: Early Leadership in Mirrorless Video

Both the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic GH1 provide Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps, an exceptional feature in their release periods.

Key comparisons:

The GH1 was a forerunner for enthusiast filmmakers with its fully articulated screen and microphone input jack, allowing higher quality audio capture and versatile framing, ideal for vlogging or documentary work.

Conversely, the E-PM1’s sensor-shift image stabilization benefits video smoothness and still image sharpness but lacks microphone input - limiting audio quality options out of the box.

Neither supports newer codecs or 4K recording, so if modern UHD video is your priority, consider newer models.

Performance by Photography Genre: Who Shines Where?

Below is an expert rating on performance by photography type, scored out of 10 based on our hands-on experience and technical evaluation.

Portrait Photography

Olympus’s face and eye detection combined with effective image stabilization make it superior for portraits emphasizing detailed skin tones and smooth bokeh with fast Micro Four Thirds primes.

Landscape

The Panasonic GH1’s sensor size advantage and articulated screen make composing and capturing rich landscapes easier.

Wildlife and Sports

Both cameras offer modest burst rates (6fps for E-PM1 vs 3fps for GH1) and contrast-detection autofocus, which limit their suitability for fast subjects, but GH1’s better grip and handling improve usability.

Street Photography

Compactness and discretion favor the E-PM1 slightly, but GH1’s articulating screen helps with unconventional angles.

Macro

GH1’s screen and slightly better sensor performance assist macro shooters needing precise focus and composition.

Night and Astro

Superior ISO noise management and dynamic range favor the GH1 for low-light enthusiasts.

Video

Panasonic's GH1 clearly leads due to its advanced video features and ergonomic design.

Travel

E-PM1’s portability, battery life (330 vs 320 shots), and stabilization offer real advantages on the road.

Professional Workflow

GH1’s file quality, metadata options, and handling give it a professional edge despite both cameras being technically dated by today’s standards.

Usability, Battery, and Storage: Everyday Handling

Battery life is comparable for casual use but may require spares for professional shoots. Both rely on legacy USB 2.0 and lack wireless networking - a product of their release dates.

The E-PM1 supports SDXC cards (larger capacity) compared to the GH1’s SD / SDHC support. Neither supports dual card slots.

Olympus omits a built-in flash, while Panasonic built one into the GH1, valuable for fill-flash scenarios. Both support external hot shoe flashes.

Real-World Results: Sample Images from Both Cameras

To fully appreciate these cameras’ strengths and weaknesses, here are sample photos captured under varying conditions - portraits, landscapes, and street scenes.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Panasonic GH1 front Panasonic GH1 screen back

• Notice the GH1’s smoother gradients and richer dynamic range in shadow details.
• Olympus’s images demonstrate punchier colors and effective stabilization, reducing blur in handheld shots.
• Both fare well in daylight but show noise artifact differences at high ISO in low light.

Value Analysis: What Does Your Investment Get You?

Though the GH1 commands a higher price, it delivers tangible benefits in sensor performance, ergonomics, and video capabilities. The Olympus E-PM1 offers outstanding value for beginners on a budget, especially for travel and casual portraits.

Which One Should You Choose? Tailored Recommendations for Your Needs

Pick the Olympus E-PM1 if:

• You’re an entry-level enthusiast wanting a lightweight, easy-to-use camera.
• Portability and travel-friendliness top your priority list.
• Facial recognition autofocus and sensor stabilization are important to you.
• You value slightly longer battery life and a sharper fixed LCD.
• Your budget is constrained and you want good image quality without overspend.
• Video is occasional and you are okay without microphone input.

Opt for the Panasonic GH1 if:

• You’re an advanced hobbyist or professional seeking a more substantial grip and precise control.
• Video production is a significant part of your creative work and enhanced audio capture matters.
• You want an integrated EVF and fully articulated screen for challenging shooting angles.
• You prioritize better dynamic range and low-light image quality.
• You prefer built-in flash availability for on-camera lighting.
• You don’t mind the additional weight and size due to superior handling.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Cameras with Enduring Appeal

While both cameras date from over a decade ago, their blend of classic mirrorless innovation and Micro Four Thirds versatility still serve many photographers' needs today. Each carves its niche - Olympus E-PM1 for approachable, versatile photography on the go; Panasonic GH1 for creative control and multimedia ambitions.

When selecting between them, weigh your shooting style and priorities against the features summarized here. We recommend visiting a local camera store or renting each for hands-on experience, as ergonomics and user interface comfort often tip the balance.

Remember, the best camera is the one inspiring you to create - these two steadfast models certainly still hold creative potential.

Ready to explore either of these Micro Four Thirds pioneers? Check out reputable used camera markets, pair them with quality lenses, and rediscover photography fundamentals with a classic, proven platform!