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

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Differences

Panasonic GF7 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    342g vs 473g
    Lighter weight
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.1 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Panasonic GF7

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    84 mm vs 64 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/50 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    6 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GF7

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality for its size; Fast AF for its class; 10fps burst mode with electronic shutter; Lightweight, yet well-built, compact design; Great value for the money.

  • Continuous AF is not reliable; Shallow buffer with RAW; Below average battery life; No EVF; Maximum mechanical shutter speed of only 1/500s.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL6

Panasonic GF7
Olympus E-PL6
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL6
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GF7
Panasonic GM5
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Hot shoe
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GM5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic GF7
Panasonic GX85
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX85
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Panasonic GF7
Olympus E-PL8
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compared to Panasonic GX850

Panasonic GF7
Panasonic GX850
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX850
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
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