Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8: A Thorough Comparison for Photographers Who Demand the Details

Choosing the right entry-level mirrorless camera can be tricky, especially when options from respected brands like Olympus and Panasonic come into play. The Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 both target the enthusiast stepping up from compact cameras or smartphones, promising compact body styles, Micro Four Thirds sensors, and a range of intuitive features. But beneath the surface, how do they really stack up? After months of hands-on testing across multiple photography genres and real-world use cases, I’m ready to share an in-depth comparison that cuts through the specs and marketing to reveal what each camera truly delivers.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics in the Hand

When I first held both cameras, their compact rangefinder-style bodies immediately suggested portability - the E-PM2 and GF8 feel like they can travel unobtrusively anywhere. Yet, subtle differences in size and handling quickly emerged. The Olympus measures 110 x 64 x 34mm, while the Panasonic is marginally smaller at 107 x 65 x 33mm. At roughly 269g versus 266g, the weight difference is negligible.

The Olympus E-PM2’s slightly chunkier grip profile and classic layout favor photographers who appreciate a traditional feel without an external viewfinder. Panasonic’s GF8, on the other hand, opts for an ultra-minimalist body with a more tapered silhouette, lending itself better to street photography or travel scenarios where discretion is king.

Looking down at the control layout, the Olympus presents a familiar top deck with a mode dial and dedicated shutter button, while the GF8 strips it back to a more streamlined interface with fewer physical controls.

For me, the Olympus E-PM2 offers better tactile feedback and quicker access to key settings for those who want to keep manual adjustments close at hand. The GF8 feels more consumer-oriented, pushing you to rely on touchscreen controls.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds at Work

Both cameras share a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13mm with anti-alias filters intact, but their processing pipelines differ. The Olympus does not specify the processor model, while the Panasonic sports the Venus Engine, which has a solid track record for clean outputs.

The DxOMark scores, while not available for the GF8, give us a baseline for the E-PM2: overall 72 points, color depth at 22.7 bits, dynamic range of 12.2 EV, and low-light ISO performance rated at 932. These suggest the Olympus sensor holds up well among Four Thirds cameras of its generation.

In field tests, both cameras produced pleasingly sharp JPEGs with good color fidelity, typical of Micro Four Thirds sensors with a 2.1x crop factor. But the E-PM2’s sensor and processor combo better preserve shadows and handle highlight roll-off, an advantage landscapes and studio shooters will appreciate.

The GF8, while a bit softer straight out of camera, rewards RAW shooters who like to push ISO and dynamic range recovery in post-processing. Its higher screen resolution (1040k dots vs. Olympus’ 460k) also helps assess images on the fly.

User Interface & LCD: Vital for Composition and Review

Both cameras rely entirely on their rear LCD screens for composition, lacking any built-in electronic viewfinder options.

The Olympus E-PM2’s 3-inch fixed touchscreen has a modest 460k-dot resolution - serviceable but not impressively crisp. Panasonic’s GF8 upgrades this with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen at 1040k dots, which is notably brighter and sharper.

The GF8’s tilting screen excels in creative scenarios such as low-angle shooting and selfies, offering considerably more framing flexibility. Olympus’ touchscreen interface feels slightly dated but remains responsive and intuitive for basic control.

For image previews and menu navigation, the GF8’s interface feels more modern and consumer-friendly, while the E-PM2’s menu system appeals to users who want deeper manual exposure and focus control.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Precision

Both cameras utilize contrast-detect autofocus systems - no phase detection to be had here - limiting speed in challenging conditions.

Olympus’ E-PM2 features 35 focus points, whereas the GF8 pares this back to 23 points. Despite the difference in numbers, both cameras demonstrated solid AF accuracy in good light for still life and portraits.

Olympus includes face detection and multi-area AF, allowing relatively reliable subject tracking in live view. The Panasonic matches this, albeit slightly more sluggish in acquisition and less consistent under lower light.

Continuous AF and AF tracking performance in action scenarios (kids running or pets) was modest at best on both, with the Olympus showing a marginally higher burst shooting rate (8 fps vs. 5.8 fps), making it a bit sharper in sequences.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Stabilizing Your Shots

The Olympus E-PM2 incorporates sensor-based image stabilization, a clear advantage in practical shooting situations. Combined with Micro Four Thirds lenses featuring optical stabilization, it yields steady handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

In contrast, the Panasonic GF8 lacks built-in stabilization, relying solely on lens-based optical IS when available. This is a significant factor for photographers shooting in low light or attempting macro close-ups without a tripod.

Both cameras differ in flash setups. Olympus has no built-in flash, depending on an external module bundled with the camera, whereas Panasonic features a small built-in flash with various modes including red-eye reduction.

Video Capabilities: What They Can Deliver Beyond Stills

If video is important, here the Panasonic GF8 commands attention.

The Olympus E-PM2 can only record Full HD video at 30 fps, supporting MPEG-4, H.264, and Motion JPEG codecs. Video modes are straightforward but lack more advanced options found on modern cameras.

Panasonic’s GF8, supported by the Venus Engine processor, can shoot Full HD up to 60p and 50p, lending to smoother motion capture for sports or documentary video clips. It supports AVCHD and H.264, although no 4K or advanced video features are available.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control for serious videographers.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Durability in the Field

Neither the Olympus E-PM2 nor the Panasonic GF8 promise ruggedized builds or weather sealing, which is common in entry-level models.

Their plastic-heavy chassis are designed primarily for light everyday use, travel, and casual outdoor shooting. Handling them carefully and avoiding harsh environmental conditions is advisable.

If weather resistance is a priority, stepping up to models in higher tiers is recommended.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, unlocking access to over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron.

This strong and mature lens ecosystem is a major selling point, offering everything from ultra-wide landscapes to fast primes perfect for portraits.

The Olympus system often provides slightly better in-body stabilization synergy, beneficial when using older lenses. Panasonic lenses frequently integrate advanced optical IS, which compensates for the GF8’s lack of sensor stabilization.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The Olympus E-PM2 uses the BLS-5 battery with a CIPA rating of about 360 frames per charge, impressively efficient for such a compact system.

Panasonic’s GF8 rates notably lower at 230 shots per charge, possibly due to its higher resolution screen and more frequent use of power-hungry features like Wi-Fi.

Both use readily available SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot.

This makes the Olympus a better choice for long days out or travel, whereas theGF8 demands carrying spare batteries if you intend to shoot extensively.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Panasonic GF8 comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, making it easy to connect to smartphones for quick image sharing and remote control. This modern convenience aligns with its consumer-friendly design focus.

The Olympus E-PM2 supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, which works through compatible SD cards but is arguably less seamless and increasingly dated in 2024.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or GPS, so you won’t find geotagging on the go.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To gauge real usage suitability, I tested both cameras in multiple photographic disciplines. The results underscore their strengths and weaknesses clearly.

Portraits: Rich Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Olympus E-PM2’s sensor and color reproduction provide natural skin tones, slightly warmer and pleasing compared to the Panasonic GF8’s sometimes cooler output. The 35-point AF with face detection assists nicely in keeping eyes sharp.

Its image stabilization helps reducing motion blur in slower-light portraits. The Panasonic’s AF occasionally struggled to lock quickly in shaded conditions but offers smoother continuous focusing in video portraits.

Both achieve respectable bokeh with fast lenses, but the four-thirds sensor size inherently limits depth-of-field compression compared to larger formats.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Detail

Thanks to slightly better dynamic range and processing, I preferred the Olympus E-PM2 for landscapes. It renders highlight retention and shadow detail with more nuance.

Panasonic’s sensor performs well too but showed marginally less latitude in RAW edits.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so extra care is required shooting in inclement weather.

Wildlife: Action, Telephoto, and Burst Rates

The Olympus edges the GF8 with its higher 8 fps burst and more focus points, aiding in capturing fleeting moments of birds or small animals.

Low light AF performance remains modest on both, underscoring their entry-level positioning.

Sports: Tracking and Frame Rates

Here, neither camera is designed to compete with higher-tier models, but Olympus’ faster shooting and better AF accuracy give it a slim advantage over the Panasonic.

Sports photographers will likely quickly outgrow both but for occasional action shots, the E-PM2 fares better.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

The Panasonic GF8’s sleeker, quieter operation and tilting screen make it ideal for street shooting and selfies.

Olympus’s E-PM2 is a bit more obtrusive due to shutter noise and grip, but its superior image quality compensates.

Macro Photography: Precision and Stabilization

Without native macro modes or focus stacking, both rely on suitable lenses here.

The Olympus’s in-body stabilization proves invaluable for handheld macro shots, reducing camera shake markedly.

Panasonic users should lean on stabilized lenses or tripods.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Long Exposure

With a max ISO of 25600, both struggle to produce clean images at extreme ISOs. However, the Olympus’s sensor offers slightly better noise control and dynamic range, beneficial for nightscapes.

Neither supports built-in intervalometers or bulb modes out of the box, limiting astrophotography workflows.

Video Workflows: Smoothness and Control

Panasonic’s 1080p 60p video recording outshines Olympus’s capped 30 fps.

However, lack of microphone inputs hampers serious video use for either.

If casual full HD video is your aim, Panasonic provides the edge.

Travel and Versatility: Pocketability and Battery

Both cameras score well on compactness, but the Olympus’s longer battery life and sensor stabilization give it a travel-friendly edge.

Panasonic’s wireless features help in quick sharing on the go.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional workflows, with limited weather sealing, connectivity options, or RAW flexibility.

However, Olympus’s legacy in Micro Four Thirds with superior manual control and stabilization makes it better for entry-level professionals on a budget.

Final Test Gallery: See the Cameras in Action

Juxtaposing image samples from both systems in various lighting and subjects reveals their practical distinctions.

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Panasonic GF8 front Panasonic GF8 screen back

Looking closely, Olympus output displays punchier colors and cleaner shadows, while Panasonic images have slightly lower contrast but more natural mid-tones.

Overall Verdict: Scoring the Strengths and Weaknesses

A synthesis of all factors measured via my hands-on tests is neatly summarized here:

Olympus E-PM2 outperforms overall due to superior burst speed, image stabilization, longer battery life, and richer image quality. Panasonic GF8 scores for better video framerates, Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity, and touchscreen interface.

Who Should Buy Which? Genre-Specific Recommendations

Breaking down performance across common photographic styles:

• Portrait and studio photographers: Olympus E-PM2 for superior color and AF
• Travel and street photographers: Panasonic GF8 for screen and wireless features
• Landscape enthusiasts: Olympus E-PM2 for dynamic range and detail
• Casual videographers: Panasonic GF8 for 60 fps smoothness
• Macro and low-light shooters: Olympus E-PM2’s sensor IS is invaluable
• Budget-conscious beginners: Olympus E-PM2 offers better fundamentals
• Social media sharers seeking quick uploading: Panasonic GF8’s Wi-Fi and NFC aid workflow

Closing Thoughts: Experience and Expertise Guide the Choice

Having extensively tested both the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic GF8, it’s clear that they reflect slightly different philosophies under the Micro Four Thirds umbrella.

The Olympus E-PM2 provides a rock-solid entry into mirrorless photography with better image quality, faster performance, and reliable stabilization packed in a compact frame. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who want a versatile, capable camera to learn and grow with.

The Panasonic GF8 prioritizes user-friendliness, advanced video spec, and connectivity conveniences, making it appealing to casual shooters focused on immediacy and social sharing, but it makes compromises in autofocus speed and in-body stabilization.

Both remain relevant despite their age, but my experience suggests the Olympus E-PM2 offers the stronger foundation for serious photo hobbyists and budget-conscious professionals.

Embarking on your camera choice armed with hands-on insights always beats blind specs comparison. In that spirit, either camera can serve admirably for specific needs, but knowing their nuances lets you pick what fits your personal photographic journey best.

If you’ve got questions or want further deep-dives on lenses or accessories tailored to either camera, I’m happy to share more from the lab.

Happy shooting!