Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1
89 Imaging
52 Features
63 Overall
56


82 Imaging
46 Features
50 Overall
47
Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 269g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
- Introduced May 2013
- Replaced the Olympus E-PM1
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Boost to 3200)
- No Video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 360g - 124 x 84 x 45mm
- Introduced January 2009
- Newer Model is Panasonic G2

Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Overview
Here is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic G1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and G1 (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

The E-PM2 was introduced 4 years later than the G1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PM2 grades against the G1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic G1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PM2 over the Panasonic G1
E-PM2 | G1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | May 2013 | ![]() | January 2009 | Fresher by 53 months |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Panasonic G1 over the Olympus E-PM2
G1 | E-PM2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Common features in the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic G1
E-PM2 | G1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal display measurements |
Display resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Equal display resolution |
Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM2 comes with external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic G1 has specifications of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") along with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).
See the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic G1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PM2 vs the G1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and G1 is 89 and 82 respectively.

Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching technical specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and G1.
As you can tell, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus E-PM2 to provide you with greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.

Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic G1 Specifications
Olympus PEN E-PM2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Olympus | Panasonic |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-PM2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2013-05-21 | 2009-01-19 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 25600 | 1600 |
Highest enhanced ISO | - | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 35 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Total lenses | 107 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Display resolution | 460 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100% |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60 seconds | 60 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 8.0 frames/s | 3.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) | 10.50 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/250 seconds | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 269 gr (0.59 lbs) | 360 gr (0.79 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 110 x 64 x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") | 124 x 84 x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 72 | 53 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.7 | 21.1 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.2 | 10.3 |
DXO Low light rating | 932 | 463 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 360 photographs | 330 photographs |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BLS-5 | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/MMC/SDHC card |
Card slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $448 | $0 |