• 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Panasonic GX850

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Higher effective ISO
    894 vs 586 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer video battery life
    80 vs 20 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 210 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.23 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 9.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 9.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    39 vs 17 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Panasonic GX850 advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    114 vs 43 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX850

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

  • Impressive image quality; Sleek design; 4K video recording; Good overall performance; Tilting touchscreen; Enjoyable user experience.

  • No EVF; No hot shoe, Short 4K clip limit; MicroSD card slot, Poor battery life.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GM5
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GM5
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GF7
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GF7
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GX85
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Panasonic GX850
Olympus E-PL8
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL9
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic GX850
Olympus E-PL9
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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