Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic GH5S: The Ultimate Micro Four Thirds Showdown

When it comes to choosing a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera, the ocean of options can be both a blessing and a curse. Two stalwarts of this ecosystem - the Olympus PEN-F and the Panasonic Lumix GH5S - offer very different propositions despite sharing the same sensor size and lens mount. They cater to distinct creative ambitions and shooting styles, making a side-by-side comparison worthwhile. Having logged hundreds of shoots and countless hours with both, I’m here to unpack their nuances, performance quirks, and ideal use cases.

So, if you’re debating between these two cameras - or simply micro four thirds curiosities - you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: It’s All About Feel and Workflow

First impressions matter, and when you pull these two cameras out of your bag, their physical presence couldn’t be more different. The PEN-F is modeled in a sleek, retro-inspired rangefinder style, while the GH5S bears a more rugged, SLR-style silhouette built for "pro" usage.

At 125 x 72 x 37 mm and weighing around 427 g, the PEN-F is one of the most compact advanced mirrorless cameras available - a definite win if portability and stealth are priorities. In contrast, the GH5S is a bulky powerhouse at 139 x 98 x 87 mm and a hefty 660 g. That extra bulk translates to a more substantial grip and more tactile controls but at the expense of pocketability. If you shoot handheld for extended sessions or travel light, the PEN-F feels less fatiguing and easier to stash.

Looking down from above:

The PEN-F’s top plate channels understated elegance with a slender dial cluster - great if you prefer simple, fuss-free manual dials like shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation quickly at hand. Meanwhile, the GH5S’s top layout is undeniably more complex, offering a wealth of dedicated dials and buttons arranged for quick access to an arsenal of settings, a workflow boon for professionals juggling fast assignments and varied shooting modes.

In real-world use, the PEN-F’s compact body shines in street photography, where discreteness and quick adjustments without fuss can be creative game-changers. The GH5S, meanwhile, feels like a studio or field tool designed for serious video shoots or wildlife chases where control precision beats pocket-friendliness.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution vs. Low Light Sensitivity

Both cameras sport Micro Four Thirds sized sensors measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, but don’t let identical dimensions fool you. Their sensor architectures and image processing pipelines are where the story really diverges.

The Olympus PEN-F packs a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter, which results in crisp, detailed files with minimal moiré - ideal for shooters who want great resolution with minimal post-processing hassles. Olympus’s TruePic VII processor enhances dynamic range to an impressive 12.4 EV per DxOMark tests, alongside a respectable color depth of 23.1 bits. The PEN-F's ISO range starts at 200 and tops out at 25600, with low light performance rated around ISO 894 (measured at DxOMark's low-light score). In practice, this means you get pleasing image quality in daylight to moderate low-light scenarios, with noise creeping in more noticeably beyond ISO 3200.

Conversely, the Panasonic GH5S opts for a 10.2-megapixel sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, sacrificing resolution for enhanced low-light sensitivity and cleaner high-ISO performance. Its ISO tops out at a staggering 51200 native, extendable to 204800 in boosted mode - a photographer’s dream if you routinely shoot in dim environments. As the GH5S prioritizes sensitivity, that dynamic range and color depth trade-off is apparent compared to the PEN-F’s higher-resolution files.

I’d sum it up this way: For landscape and portrait photographers craving sharp images with high resolution for large prints, the PEN-F delivers detail-rich results. For wildlife, event, and video shooters who push low-light limits, the GH5S's sensor excels.

LCD and Electronic Viewfinder: Where the Eyes Meet the Camera

Shooting experience hinges on the quality and usability of your camera’s screen and viewfinder, and here, the GH5S takes a notable step up.

The PEN-F offers a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1,037k-dot resolution - adequate but not class-leading. Its vintage control philosophy leans more toward physical dials and manual input, so the touchscreen feels like an assist rather than a primary interface option.

In contrast, the GH5S boasts a larger, 3.2-inch fully articulated touchscreen with 1,620k dots, providing a much crisper vista for composing shots, reviewing images, and navigating menus swiftly. The touchscreen interface is highly responsive and supportive of gestures, ideal for video recording scenarios where framing and touch focus must be intuitive.

Turning to the electronic viewfinders (EVF), the PEN-F’s EVF has a 0.62x magnification with a resolution of 2,360k dots - bright and sharp for most uses. The GH5S pushes the envelope with a larger 0.76x magnification and a 3,680k-dot EVF, resulting in a near-optical clarity experience that game-changers the composition of fast-moving subjects.

This difference may seem subtle on paper, but in practice, the GH5S’s superior EVF makes it immensely easier to track focus and monitor exposure in challenging light or while shooting video - an indispensable advantage for professionals.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Real-World Use

Autofocus (AF) technology is a critical battleground. Here, both cameras employ contrast-detection methods (no phase detection sensors), but the practical implementations diverge noticeably.

• The PEN-F has 81 AF points with face detection and touch AF capabilities. Its AF system is reliable in good light and accurate for still subjects, but understandably somewhat slow when hunting in low contrast or dim conditions. Continuous AF tracking is functional but not designed for super-aggressive fast sports or wildlife shooting.

• The GH5S steps up with a whopping 225 AF points, alongside face and eye detection, touch AF, and improved AF algorithms tuned for movie shooters and dynamic subjects. Although lacking phase detection, the sheer number of focus points combined with sophisticated contrast-detection achieves snappier lock-on speeds and better tracking at higher frame rates.

In my experience, the GH5S reigns supreme for fast-paced environments - sports, action, wildlife - where burst shooting at 12 fps with autofocus tracking makes a decisive difference. The PEN-F's respectable 10 fps is no slouch but better suited for more deliberate shooter types.

Neither camera boasts animal eye-detection, which might be a disappointment for wildlife photographers seeking out-of-the-box AI-driven focus lock on critters' eyes.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Can They Survive the Elements?

If you’re traveling or shooting outdoors, durability matters immensely.

• The Olympus PEN-F is not weather sealed. Its compact body with extruded aluminum and stainless steel exudes quality but expects to keep it away from rain or dust-heavy environments unless you add protective coverings.

• The Panasonic GH5S features weather sealing, with magnesium alloy chassis designed to resist dust and splashes - not waterproof but robust enough for heavy-duty shooting in tough conditions.

If your shooting routinely puts you at nature’s mercy - rain, dust storms, or sandy beaches - the GH5S’s structured build offers peace of mind. Olympus’s PEN-F invites more gentle, controlled environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Micro Four Thirds Playground

Good news here: both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, granting access to the same vast and mature lens library - over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, third parties like Sigma and Voigtländer, and more.

Whether you need fast primes for portraits, ultra-wide zooms for landscapes, or super-telephoto beasts for wildlife, the MFT ecosystem covers it.

Lens availability and versatility thus are not a decision factor between these two but an argument in favor of picking from this innovative system overall. Plus, the PEN-F and GH5S benefit equally from native optical image stabilization options in certain Olympus lenses (the PEN-F has sensor-body 5-axis IS; the GH5S lacks IBIS).

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered Through the Day

The simplicity of a single-battery camera often clashes with the professional’s demand for endurance:

• The PEN-F’s BLN-1 battery provides about 330 shots per charge per CIPA standards - not great but comparable with other compact mirrorless cameras. Single SD card slot limits redundancy - a potential risk for pros.

• The GH5S shines with longer battery life (~440 shots per charge) using its DMW-BLF19 battery, plus dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II cards - providing both faster write speeds and backup options essential for heavy shooters.

Long days trekking remote locations or covering events may favor the GH5S’s stamina and storage reliability.

Video Capabilities: GH5S as the Video King, PEN-F Holds Its Own

While the PEN-F shoots Full HD (1920x1080) up to 60fps with basic video codecs (MPEG-4, H.264), it’s fundamentally a stills-first camera with modest video ambitions.

Conversely, the GH5S is designed with video professionals in mind:

• It shoots Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 60p with high bitrates,
• Supports both H.264 and H.265 codecs,
• Comes with microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring,
• Offers 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording on compatible media,
• Features advanced video functions like V-Log L, 4K photo mode,
• HDMI output for monitoring,
• And USB 3.1 for faster tethering and transfers.

If your creative ambitions include serious video work - documentaries, narrative films, or even YouTube streaming - the GH5S is very much in a different league. The PEN-F can handle casual video but won’t satisfy pro videographers or hybrid shooters needing robust features.

Specialty Photography Modes: Macro, Night, and Beyond

Both cameras offer some clever focus bracketing and stacking options useful for macro photographers looking to extend depth of field. The PEN-F supports focus bracketing and stacking but lacks post-focus; the GH5S similarly supports focus bracketing and adds post-focus capability - a feature enabling you to refocus after capture, handy for precise macro/tiny-subject work.

For night and astrophotography, the GH5S’s cleaner high ISO and lack of AA filter help capture starry skies with better detail and lower noise - though both cameras rely heavily on manual exposure and tripod setups. The PEN-F manages decent results but reveals noise earlier.

Real-World Shooting: Strengths and Limitations by Genre

Portrait Photography

The PEN-F’s higher resolution sensor, excellent color rendering, and in-body stabilization paired with today's fast MFT primes produce stunning skin tones and creamy bokeh (thanks to the sensor crop helping longer effective focal lengths). Its retro handling makes it a joy for deliberate, creative shoots.

The GH5S, with noiseless shadow handling, allows studio and environmental portraits under variable lighting but may require effective lens choices to compensate for lower megapixels.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is king here, and the PEN-F’s 12.4 EV and 20MP resolution give plenty of latitude for creative edits and large prints. Compact size invites easy tripod setup. Lack of weather sealing is a caveat.

The GH5S offers good dynamic range but less resolution; however, weather sealing adds safety in challenging conditions. High ISO capability can rescue low-light golden hour shots.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast burst speed, expansive AF coverage, and sensor sensitivity make the GH5S superior for action-shooting scenarios. Dual card slots and robust build offer peace of mind in the wild or stadium.

The PEN-F's autofocus and burst rate are less aggressive but adequate for occasional sports or wildlife photography favoring portability.

Street Photography

PEN-F’s compact form factor, quiet shutter, and retro discretion win hands down for candid everyday photography. The GH5S is too bulky and conspicuous for many street shooters.

Macro Photography

Both are equipped with focus bracketing and stacking. GH5S additionally supports post-focus. High resolution PEN-F photos provide excellent detail, but GH5S’s low noise at high ISO is helpful for handheld macro in poor light.

Nightscape and Astrophotography

GH5S excels with clean high ISO shots and longer exposure modes; PEN-F is capable but noisier at high ISO.

Video Roles

Unquestionable win for GH5S with professional codec support, 4K/60p, audio ports, and better video ergonomics. PEN-F is limited to HD, suitable for casual or enthusiast video creation.

Travel Photography

PEN-F’s lightweight, compact size, and adequate battery life lend itself to travel-centric shooting. GH5S’s versatility and build mean trade-offs in weight but gains in durability and video capabilities.

Professional Workflows

GH5S supports dual card redundancy, faster USB 3.1 tethering, professional-grade file formats, and greater manual control. PEN-F’s single card and slower USB 2.0 might constrain critical workflows.

Connectivity and Smart Features

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi for remote shooting and quick image transfer, but the GH5S adds Bluetooth for seamless pairing - a nice touch for modern workflows.

Neither have GPS or NFC, which are common omissions in MFT bodies.

Price and Value: Investing Wisely

The PEN-F launched at around $1000 and remains an attractive mid-range pick for enthusiasts craving style, portability, and image quality without breaking the bank.

The GH5S steps solidly into pro territory, priced at roughly $2498 - more than double the PEN-F. You pay for serious video features, robust build quality, superior ergonomics, and low light optimization.

Given its price, the GH5S asks: “Do you need pro-grade video and advanced low light? Or can you trade those for portability and resolution?”

How These Cameras Score In Different Photography Genres

• Portraits: PEN-F leads with resolution and color; GH5S notable for low light.
• Landscape: PEN-F wins for detail; GH5S for rugged conditions.
• Wildlife/Sports: GH5S dominates with AF and frame rate.
• Street: PEN-F due to size and quiet operation.
• Macro: Even, slight GH5S edge for focus options.
• Night/Astro: GH5S superior high ISO.
• Video: GH5S clear winner.
• Travel: PEN-F for compactness; GH5S for versatility.
• Professional work: GH5S for reliability and workflow.

Sample Images from Both Cameras

To put theory to practice, here are sample photos showing the PEN-F’s crisp detail and vibrant color, contrasted with the GH5S’s excellent dynamic range and noise handling in low light:

Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back Panasonic GH5S front Panasonic GH5S screen back

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic GH5S boils down to your creative priorities and budget.

• If you value compactness, striking design, high-resolution stills, and enjoyable handling for portraits, street, travel, and landscapes, the PEN-F is a classic choice that remains relevant and rewarding.

• If your work demands pro video capabilities, stronger low-light performance, rapid autofocus tracking for wildlife or sports, and rugged reliability, the GH5S justifies its steeper price with pro-grade features and performance margins.

Both share the immense Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, so you won’t lose options whichever way you lean.

Ultimately, this comparison echoes a broader truth in camera purchasing - no one camera is perfect for all tasks. It’s about matching the tool to your style, subject, and workflow.

If you have any questions about these cameras or want personalized advice based on your shooting preferences, feel free to ask. After all, having tested thousands of cameras over the years, helping photographers find "the one" is my favorite part of this job.

Happy shooting!